Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 edition. Excerpt: ... military qualifications at the same ignoble rate as Lycus did those of Alcmena's son. He with no merit held The fame of daring courage; His left hand never knew to raise the shield, Never advanced his right the spear, but held The bow, a coward's weapon; and to flight Was always prompt: no proof of manhood, none Of daring courage, is the bow. Be this as it may, he rejected his application, and the disappointed archer took an early opportunity of rejoining the besieged. One day, whilst stationed on the walls, he espied Philip within bowshot. Hastily inscribing on an arrow, "To Philip's right eye, Aster sends the king a deadly messenger," he drew, and the shot took effect. Then Philip retaliated by ordering an arrow to be discharged among the besieged, labelled thus: As right as line his heart I've hit. Nay! thou shalt see, Prexaspes, stranger news yet, Ho, knight! with speed his heart cut out, and give it unto me. Knight. It shall be done, O mighty king, with all celerity. Lord. My Lord Prexaspes, this had not been, but your tongue must be walking: To the king of correction you must needs be talking. Knight. Here is the heart, according to your grace's behest. Kino. Behold, Prexaspes, thy son's own heart: Oh I how well the same was hit: After this wine to do this deed, I thought it very fit. Esteem thou may'st right well thereby, no drunkard is the king, That, in the midst of all his cups, could do this valiant thing. My lord and knight, on me attend, to palace we will go, And leave him here to take his son, when we are gone him fro. "When Philip takes the city he will hang up Aster." And he was enabled to execute his threat. Here, gentle archers, reluctantly bidding ye adieu, I abandon my pen, which, although no longer, as of old, a...
