PHY. Thus then in short:-- These noble kingdoms, Thessaly and Sparta, Have, from the time two kings commanded all, Under both titles still been emulous, And jealous of th' advantages which each Suspected might be in the adverse party. This caused a lasting war; but the fierce storm Threaten'd not till the reign of these two kings, Both crowned young, both of an equal age; Both having all the passions of their subjects, Their fears excepted. The ambassadors That should congratulate the new-made kings, As if one spirit had inspired both, Came with this message, little varied-- "That each were joy'd in such an enemy; No more the fearful wisdom of old men Should rust their swords, that fate had given to one Command of all." In short, their forces met, And in ten bloody days none could decide Which had the better cause: The virtues of each prince so prevalent, Fortune was but spectator. To conclude, Urgent affairs at home compell'd each king To leave their armies. Ours committed his To Strimon, father of Prince Lysicles; The Duke of Argos did command the Spartan, Who, swoll'n with the great name of general, Before his king had hardly left the fight Of this great army, draws his forces out, And fac'd us in our trenches. 'Tis not yet Unquestion'd whether fear or policy Made Strimon keep in his: but certainly this, That virtue, sharpen'd by necessity, Procur'd our triumph. Here Lysicles Anticipated years unto his fame, And on the wounds of his brave enemy Did write his story, which our virgins sing. But from this conquest did begin the cause Of all his misery. AGEN. How from this? unless the king should judge it Too dangerous an honour to be given to one. PHY. He's lord of so much virtue, He cannot fear it in a subject. AGEN. And as the common voice reach'd him in Athos, There's none he looks on with [a] greater Demonstration of his love. PHY. I know not that; but this I am perfect in: His judgment is directed by the king so powerfully, He cannot think his virtues injured, Though many should be nearer in his graces, 'Twould afflict him strangely if any should Be thought to love his prince better than he. AGEN. Pardon my interruption: pray proceed.