The general, at length opening his eyes to the fault which he had committed, deputes the principal officers of his army to the incensed hero, with commission to make compensation for the injury, and to tender magnificent presents.

The hero, according to the proud obstinacy of his character, persists in his animosity; the army is again defeated, and is on the verge of entire destruction.

This inexorable man has a friend; this friend weeps before him, and asks for the hero's arms, and for permission to go to the war in his stead.

The eloquence of friendship prevails more than the intercession of the ambassadors or the gifts of the general.

He lends his armour to his friend, but commands him not to engage with the chief of the enemy's army, because he reserves to himself the honour of that combat, and because he also fears for his friend's life.