DIONYSIUS. Eubulus, my spirits are suddenly appalled, my limbs wax weak: This strange friendship amazeth me so, that I can scarce speak.
PITHIAS. O mighty king, let some pity your noble heart meve; You require but one man’s death, take Pithias, let Damon live.
DAMON. Not so, he hath not offended, there is no cause why My constant friend Pithias for Damon’s sake should die. Alas, he is but young, he may do good to many. Thou coward minister, why dost thou not let me die?
GRONNO. My hand with sudden fear quivereth.
PITHIAS. O noble king, show mercy upon Damon, let Pithias die.
DIONYSIUS. Stay, Gronno, my flesh trembleth. Eubulus, what shall I do? Were there ever such friends on earth as were these two? What heart is so cruel that would divide them asunder? O noble friendship, I must yield; at thy force I wonder. My heart this rare friendship hath pierc’d to the root, And quenched all my fury: this sight hath brought this about, Which thy grave counsel, Eubulus, and learned persuasion could never do. [_To_ DAMON _and_ PITHIAS] O noble gentlemen, the immortal gods above Hath made you play this tragedy, I think, for my behoof: Before this day I never knew what perfect friendship meant. My cruel mind to bloody deeds was full and wholly bent: My fearful life I thought with terror to defend, But now I see there is no guard unto a faithful friend, Which will not spare his life at time of present need: O happy kings, who in[144] your courts have two such friends indeed! I honour friendship now, which that you may plainly see, Damon, have thou thy life, from death I pardon thee; For which good turn, I crave, this honour do me lend, O friendly heart, let me link with you, to you[145] make me the third friend. My court is yours; dwell here with me, by my commission large, Myself, my realm, my wealth, my health, I commit to your charge: Make me a third friend, more shall I joy in that thing, Than to be called, as I am, Dionysius the mighty king.
DAMON. O mighty king, first for my life most humble thanks I give, And next, I praise the immortal gods that did your heart so meve, That you would have respect to friendship’s heavenly lore, Foreseeing well he need not fear which hath true friends in store. For my part, most noble king, as a third friend, welcome to our friendly society; But you must forget you are a king, for friendship stands in true equality.