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They cannot. The Persians have elephants in their front rank. The very smell strikes terror to the horses. Thrust—thrust! Upwards, men,—under their breastplates?

[''In night-clothes, laden with books and rolls of paper, enters from the right.''] Oh that I should be in the midst of such horrors!

Have you seen the Emperor, friend?

Yes, but he heeds me not. Oh, I humbly beg for a detachment of soldiers to protect me!

[To his followers.] They are giving ground! The shield-bearers forward!

You do not listen to me, sir! My safety is of the utmost importance; my book, "On Equanimity in Affliction," is not finished

[As before.] The Persians have been reinforced on the right. They are pressing forward again!

Pressing forward again? Oh this bloodthirsty ferocity! An arrow! It almost struck me! How recklessly they shoot; no care for life or limb!

[He takes to flight by the foreground on the left.