_Bac._ (_to Midas._) To you I owe great thanks & will reward
Your hospitality. Tell me your name
And what this country is.

_Midas._ My name is Midas--

_The Reeds_ (_nodding their heads_).
Midas, the king, has the ears of an ass. [49]

_Midas._ (_turning round & seizing Zopyrion_).
Villain, you lie! he dies who shall repeat
Those traitrous words. Seize on Zopyrion!

_The Reeds._ Midas, the king, has the ears of an ass.

_Mid._ Search through the crowd; it is a woman's voice
That dares belie her king, & makes her life
A forfeit to his fury.

_Asph._ There is no woman here.

_Bac._ Calm yourself, Midas; none believe the tale,
Some impious man or gamesome faun dares feign
In vile contempt of your most royal ears.
Off with your crown, & shew the world the lie!

_Mid._ (_holding his crown tight_)
Never! What[!] shall a vile calumnious slave
Dictate the actions of a crowned king?
Zopyrion, this lie springs from you--you perish!