Amph. Yet they who mean To gratify these passions must conceal them. Such brief conclusion have I ever loved.- With artful words, to sooth the mind of Agis, Enter AGIS and AGESISTRATA. Ages. Alas! my son ! that bold bad man I dread! Agis. He seems to wait us.-At this hour, Amphares, I think that thou of all men shouldst have shunn'd me. Amph. My motive in attending here your pre sence Merits a less injurious salutation. Agis. I know thy merits, and I will reward them. Art thou not author of the woes of Sparta, Prime mover and inflamer of sedition ? Hast thou not bent the power of thy high office To the subversion of the state thou servest? At thee this day my indignation burns I am dishonour'd Amph. What has dishonour'd thee? Agis. Thou and thy practices: They have compell'd me To leave the noblest station of a prince. In time of war where should a king be found Then had I fought this battle for my country, But I imagined not that such suspicions Found entertainment in your royal breast. Agis. Hast thou not join'd the enemies of Agis? Thou who wast once his friend, inconstant man! Amph. I have opposed the counsel of a foe, Whose arts deprived me of my prince's favour. Agis. Thou hast opposed Lycurgus and the laws, Which raised the name of Sparta to the skies. The Delphic God inspired the deep design: For more than human was that power of thought Which join'd the public to the private good, With such perfection, that each selfish passion Flow'd in the channel of the common welfare, And, like one family of sons and sires, And dearest brothers, a great people lived: In peace they lived, without or strife or scorn; In war they fought to conquer, or to die. Equal and free, our happy fathers knew No interest but the interest of the state; No gain but Sparta's glory; proud they bore That palm aloft, and shared the high respect, The admiration, which consenting Greece Paid to th' imperial virtue of their country. Amph. Revolving time that system overthrew, And changed the manners and the laws of Sparta. Agis. The laws have been neglected, not annull'd, And corrupt rulers have corrupted manners. Authority will soon revive the laws, And great example yet restore the manners, In spite of those who have oppress'd their country, Deprived the people of their ancient rights, Amph. Moved by the present perils of the state, Agis. If I should judge the future by the past, Thou must forgive me, though I doubt thy faith. Ages. Yet hear him, Agis: in an hour like this, He who assistance offers is a friend. Agis. This hour may yet deceive their country's foes. I know the base foundation of that hope The best and bravest of Laconia's sons; Amph. The boldness of their hopes their deeds will prove In the assembly, if Achaia conquer. Ages. Amphares, say, what is their utmost aim? With hostile armies to enslave his country: Have warn'd the king, and would have served him too : But since resentment and distrust prevent me, Add that to the offences I forgive. It is the sacred maxim of my reign, Now let your actions prove your words sincere. |