Then thus the king: “Like suiters do you stand For that assistance which you may command? Athenians, all our listed forces use (They’re such as no bold service will refuse); And when ye’ve drawn them off, the gods be praised, Fresh legions can within our isle be raised; So stock’d with people, that we can prepare Both for domestic and for distant war, Ours or our friends’ insulters to chastise.”

“Long may he flourish thus,” the prince replies. “Strange transport seized me as I pass’d along, To meet so many troops and all so young, As if your army did of twins consist; Yet among them my late acquaintance miss’d; Ev’n all that to your palace did resort, When first you entertain’d me at your court; And cannot guess the cause from whence could spring So vast a change.” Then thus the sighing king: