When Sparta's glory was the price of peril. He fell; and conscious virtue crown'd his fall. Lysan. Sandane dead! Euxus. And dreadful was her death. She fled, for refuge from the people's rage, To the same turret where Amphares' troops Guarded the queen, whose mantle on the ground She spied, and wrapt it round her wretched head; When suddenly a stern assassin came And stabb'd her, as that queen whose robe she wore. Arriving then, I heard her shriek for help, Ages. O guilt! thou'rt worst of all; he knew thee not For whom I mourn. Untimely was his fate; Yet full of high and pleasing thoughts he fell. Lysan. The son of Agis lives, his infant years Ages. Conduct me, Spartans, to his dear re mains. Lysan. Forbear a while yon dismal vault.— Enter Messenger. Mess. My lord, The people, headed by the priests of Jove From that base dungeon to the sculptured tomb, Enter the Procession with the body of AGIS. Lysan. O Destiny supreme ! Euan. O sad remains of youth and majesty! Ages. My son, my son! Nature is thwarted here; thou should'st have borne Thy aged parent to the silent tomb. Chorus. Mourn, ye sons of Sparta, mourn, Priest of JUPITER. He fell not as the warrior falls, Whose breast defends his native walls. To treason Agis bow'd his head, And by his guilty subjects bled: Betray'd by those his mercy spared ; Ingratitude was his reward. Chorus. Shame is mix'd with Sparta's woe, Blood of kings the city stains, Ever let our sorrows flow, Shame indelible remains. Priests of JUPITER. Yet Agis triumph'd in his fall; He only grieved for Sparta's state. Fearless they fall, immortal rise, And claim the freedom of the skies. Chorus. Agis triumph'd in his fall, Virtue triumphs over all! Such a king shall ne'er return: Our country and ourselves we mourn. Priests of HERCULES. Agis fell, by fraud o'ercome; Chorus of all. Now in peace our hero lies. Ceased his toil, his race is run; |