And for myself--scarce worth His thinking of--
I'll see what I can do to save myself
Behind this rock, until the storm blows over.

(Skirmishes, shouts, firing, etc. After some time enter King
Basilio,
Astolfo, and Clotaldo)

KING.
The day is lost!

AST.
Do not despair--the rebels--

KING.
Alas! the vanquish'd only are the rebels.

CLOTALDO.
Ev'n if this battle lost us, 'tis but one
Gain'd on their side, if you not lost in it;
Another moment and too late: at once
Take horse, and to the capital, my liege,
Where in some safe and holy sanctuary
Save Poland in your person.

AST.
Be persuaded:
You know your son: have tasted of his temper;
At his first onset threatening unprovoked
The crime predicted for his last and worst.