DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. AGIS, King of Sparta. LYSANDER, } Spartans. AMPHARES, RHESUS, Euxus, } Thracians. AGESISTRATA, Mother of AGIS. SANDANE, Queen to LEONIDAS, the exiled King. EUANTHE, an Athenian Lady. Senators, Ephori, Messengers. VOL. 1. Z AGIS. ACT I. SCENE,-A Court and Hall, common to the Palaces of the Kings of Sparta. Enter SANDANE, attended. San. Hasten, Orontes, to the Senate-house, And learn if rumour's voice has spoke the truth. [Exit Attendant. The adverse fortune of an exiled king Pursues my lord. Achaia's generous aid Sustains his cause in vain. Why risk a battle, When the continuance of defensive war Enter AMPHARES. Welcome, Amphares! Have the armies met? Amph. They have. This morning, at the break of day, The Spartan army charged Achaia's host; What if the arms of Agis should prevail? Amph. Although he should, the toils of fate surround him. Dauntless and firm our brave associates stand, Amph. Agis shall be the surety of our cause, And hostage for our safety, till we wrest The sword from proud Lysander, if he conquers; Starts up a soldier, and a statesman too; San. May Mars direct him so to guide the war, As Agis rules the state: And mutiny Prove there as fatal as sedition here! Amph. This factious state must change its fee- Waver no more beneath a double reign San. So reign the mighty monarchs of the East; I did endeavour to extend its sway, |