_Mont_. That hope is past: Him I have oft assailed;
But neither threats nor kindness have prevailed;
Hiding our wants, I offered to release
His chains, and equally conclude a peace:
He fiercely answered, I had now no way
But to submit, and without terms obey:
I told him, he in chains demanded more
Than he imposed in victory before:
He sullenly replied, he could not make
These offers now; honour must give, not take.
_Odm_. Twice have I sallied, and was twice beat back:
What desp'rate course remains for us to take!
_Mont_. If either death or bondage I must chuse,
I'll keep my freedom, though my life I lose.
_Guy_. I'll not upbraid you, that you once refused
Those means, you might have then with honour used;
I'll lead your men, perhaps bring victory:
They know to conquer best, who know to die.
[_Exeunt_ MONTEZUMA _and_ ODMAR.
_Alib_. Ah me, what have I heard! stay, Guyomar,
What hope you from this sally you prepare?
_Guy_. A death, with honour, for my country's good:
A death, to which yourself designed my blood.
_Alib_. You heard, and I well know the town's distress,
Which sword and famine both at once oppress:
Famine so fierce, that what's denied man's use,
Even deadly plants, and herbs of poisonous juice,
Wild hunger seeks; and, to prolong our breath,
We greedily devour our certain death:
The soldier in th' assault of famine falls:
And ghosts, not men, are watching on the walls.
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