Rakhaz monologue (Act 1) — The House of Rimmon: A Drama in Four Acts

[_Pompously_] O King, I am a reasonable man; And there be some who call me very wise And prudent; but of this I will not speak, For I am also modest. Let me plead, Persuade, and reason you to choose for peace. This golden yoke may be a bitter draught, But better far to fold it in our arms, Than risk our cargoes in the savage horn Of war. Shall we imperil all our wealth, Our valuable lives? Nobles are few, Rich men are rare, and wise men rarer still; The precious jewels on the tree of life, Wherein the common people are but brides And clay and rubble. Let the city go, But save the corner-stones that float the ship! Have I not spoken well?