IOL.  And I will go with you; for we think the same things, being present to aid our friends as much as we can.

SERV.  It is not your part to say a foolish word.

IOL.  And not to share the sturdy battle with my friends!

SERV.  One can not see a wound from an inactive hand.

IOL.  But what, can not I too strike through a shield?

SERV.  You might strike, but you yourself would fall first.

IOL.  No one of the enemy will dare to behold me.

SERV.  You have not, my good friend, the strength which once you had.

IOL.  But I will fight with them who will not be the fewer in numbers.

SERV.  You add but a slight weight to your friends.

IOL.  Do not detain me who am prepared to act.

SERV.  You are not able to do any thing, but you may perhaps be to advise.

IOL.  You may say the rest, as I not staying to hear.

SERV.  How then will you appear to the soldiers without arms?

IOL.  There are within this palace arms taken in war, which I will use and restore if alive; but the God will not demand them back of me, if I fall; but go in, and taking them down from the pegs, bring me as quickly as possible the panoply of a warrior; for this is a disgraceful house-keeping, for some to fight, and some to remain behind through fear.

CHOR.  Time does not depress your spirit, but it grows young again, but your body is weak:  why dost thou toil in vain? which will harm you indeed, but profit our city but little; you should consider your age, and leave alone impossibilities, it can not be that you again should acquire youth.

ALC.  Why are you, not being in your senses, about to leave me alone with my children?

IOL.  For valor is the part of men; but it is your duty to take care of them.

ALC.  But what if you die? how shall I be saved?

IOL.  Your sons who are left will take care of your son.

ALC.  But if they, which Heaven forbid, should meet with fate!

IOL.  These strangers will not betray you, do not fear.

ALC.  Such confidence indeed I have, nothing else.

IOL.  And Jove, I well know, cares for your toils.

ALC.  Alas!  Jupiter shall never be reproached by me, but he himself knows whether he is just toward me.

SERV.  You see now this panoply of arms; but you can not make too much haste[22] in arraying your body in them, as the contest is at hand, and, above all things, Mars hates those who delay; but if you fear the weight of arms, now then go forth unarmed,[23] and in the ranks be clad with this equipment, and I will carry it so far.

IOL.  Thou hast said well; but bring the arms, having them close at hand, and put a spear in my hand, and support my left arm guiding my foot.

SERV.  Is it right to lead a warrior like a child?

IOL.  One must go safely for the sake of the omen.