Amph. The boldness of their hopes their deeds will prove In the assembly, if Achaia conquer. Ages. Amphares, say, what is their utmost aim? Amph. The old dependants of the exiled king, And all the venal members of the state, Won by Sandane's arts and foreign gold, 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. Amph. No other terms I ask, and sure I am Ne'er shall Amphares need again forgiveness. [Exit AMPHARES. Manent AGIS and AGESISTRATA. Agis. Well has he judged the season of submis sion. He will assist us if Lysander conquers. Ages, May Jove avert the evils which I fear! I dread the ruin of the Spartan state, And fear the downfal of our ancient house. Ages. Think not I mean to blame your high Age has not changed the tenor of my mind, Sprung, like thy father, from Alcides' blood, I feel the spirit of the Spartan line. And walk with caution through surrounding perils. Agis. Divine Alcides will protect his race. [Exit AGESISTRATA. AGIS alone. Agis. Without, the enemy; within, the faction. What should I think? I have a thousand thoughts, That rise and fall like waves upon the shore. I need thee now, Lysander! O my friend! I lean on thee, and thou perhaps art fall'n.Ye ever-living gods, who know my heart, I trust in you, for righteous are my thoughts, All bent on raising up long-prostrate Sparta. Enter EUANTHE. Euan. No tidings from the camp? Agis. None, fair Euanthe. If we had lost the field, the flying rout Ere this had reach'd our gates. Euan. Oh! many a dame, Matron and virgin, tremble at this hour; But who has cause like mine? The most forlorn And desolate of women is Euanthe! If Agis. Small the chance of what Euanthe fears; In the long wars of still-contending Greece Leaders of armies have but rarely fallen. Euan One thing I know, and with prophetic tongue I speak it, Prince! if Sparta triumph not, Agis. When he returns victorious from the field, Then shall he hear who best has spoke his praise. But I must leave you now: The senate waits me. Hereafter we shall speak of this, and smile; Like mariners who on the peaceful shore Sit, and with pleasure talk of tempests past. EUANTHE alone. [Exit AGIS. This stedfast ease is all assumed, I see; He staggers at the imminent event. How dreadful is this interval to me, Who am bereft and destitute of all Those aids that stay affliction; and must bear |