Without delay--my orders are. _Lydia_ Have you no more to say? No further message? Do you bring only the token that you come from her? _Messenger_ She bid me say that you should feel perfect confidence. _Lydia_ The word of Alexander----? _Messenger_ Has been given, and cannot change. _Lydia_ Though it concern the life of one who was his enemy? _Messenger_ The Queen bid me assure you. He has given her his promise. It will not alter. _Lydia_ (_Whispers._) Then take this message back to her who sent you: To one who comes hither to-night when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow I will reveal what I have promised to reveal. In return I claim the boon the conqueror has sworn--through her--to give me. _Messenger_ Her word and his are both securely given. I take back yours. _Lydia_ Go swiftly, silently. I shall await fulfilment here--when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow on the marble causeway. Behind that pillar I shall wait. Go swiftly! [_Exit MESSENGER. LYDIA, looking anxiously at the sky, withdraws into the shadow of the pillars. PHOCION enters, his arm upon the shoulder of LYSANDER, his youthful brother. LYDIA overhears their talk._ _Lysander_ (_With enthusiasm._) Our last meeting now, and then to action. Oh, Phocion, I feel the Gods are with us. Your daring shall save Athens, and Hellas will live--even if we die. _Phocion_ We all stand or fall together. They are picked men, and heroes; no one among them thinks of self. The risk, of course, is great, but it is nothing when the stake is considered. _Lysander_ Everything favours us. The best troops of Alexander’s army are still in Egypt. The entire city is behind us. All Athens will rise when it sees you are our leader. (_Vehemently._) We shall drive the proud Macedonian out. Oh, I’m glad the talk is over soon! I burn for action. _Phocion_ I, too, want action. I am not made for stealth and for conspiracy. Plotting and hesitation weary me. (_Sighs._) _Lysander_ Phocion, you feel no doubt, though--? I heard you sigh. Are you less sure of--of anything? _Phocion_ For myself, boy, I have no doubt. For Athens I am sure and strong. Did I sigh perhaps? If so--if so, it was for others whose lives I hold in trust. For others--the truest, best, and bravest men in all Athens. _Lysander_ The Gods will bear that burden for you, Phocion. _Phocion_ Yes, yes; the Gods will bear it--partly. _Lysander_ No one can lead but you. We are of one accord. _Phocion_ I _will_ lead, Lysander. Have no fear. Of myself I do not think. (_Looks out._) The moon is up. I see the evening star o’er Salamis. They will be here very shortly. _Lysander_ We are quite safe here. I took the password round myself at noon. _Phocion_ We cannot be too cautious. Alexander’s spies are more numerous than the bees upon Hymettus. They can sting as sharply too. _Lysander_