Ares and Xena in “Path of Vengeance”

Ares

(voice only) Xena, tell me, have you heard the story of the scorpion and the swan?

Xena

You haven't even got the guts to face me.

Ares

See, the scorpion needs to get across the river, and he asks the swan for a ride. And the swan figures it's not much of a risk. The scorpion wouldn't sting the creature who's carrying him over the raging river.

Xena

My daughter's about to die because of you, and you're feeding me fairy tales?

Ares

(appears behind Xena) Bear with me, it's worth the wait. So, about halfway across, the scorpion stings the swan, and as they're both being swept to their death, the swan asks the scorpion, "I was helping you. Why did you sting me?" And the scorpion answers...

Xena

"It's what I do."

Ares

Yeah, it's what I do.