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; 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, Unprincely Agis, marr'd the brave design. Amph. And now their fury on himself recoils. Like the unruly elephant, they turn, And trample down the ranks in which they fought. San. That is their liberty. Amph. Let us employ, And then suppress, such formidable licence. Nor roam through Grecian states a banish'd man. A fiery track shall mark my setting sun. But Agis comes. San. And Agesistrata. Farewell! Success attend thee, brave Amphares! I will not stay. My soul disdains to hide Its hatred or its scorn. [Exit SANDANE. 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? 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 In cities, palaces, and courts of justice, alone: More hideous sure than in the ranks of war. Amph. I know my actions have incensed the king; 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, |