Nevita.
They cannot. The Persians have elephants in their front rank. The very smell strikes terror to the horses. Thrust—thrust! Upwards, men,—under their breastplates?
Kytron.
[In night-clothes, laden with books and rolls of paper, enters from the right.] Oh that I should be in the midst of such horrors!
Nevita.
Have you seen the Emperor, friend?
Kytron.
Yes, but he heeds me not. Oh, I humbly beg for a detachment of soldiers to protect me!
Nevita.
[To his followers.] They are giving ground! The shield-bearers forward!
Kytron.
You do not listen to me, sir! My safety is of the utmost importance; my book, "On Equanimity in Affliction," is not finished
Nevita.
[As before.] The Persians have been reinforced on the right. They are pressing forward again!
Kytron.
Pressing forward again? Oh this bloodthirsty ferocity! An arrow! It almost struck me! How recklessly they shoot; no care for life or limb!
[He takes to flight by the foreground on the left.
