Tush, boy! You do not understand. I would not tempt him. Fate does not tempt, it commands. The high Gods bid us to accept fate bravely. The weak resist it; the strong accept and make it glorious. And a glorious career now lies at Phocion’s feet. _Lysander_ You speak with knowledge, Lydia? If so, how come you by such knowledge? _Lydia_ Hush, not so loud. Lysander, you faithful brother, I tell you it is common knowledge. The Military Governorship of Alexandria--once offered to Phocion already and refused by him--is open to him still. Alexander knows his worth---- _Lysander_ His incorruptibility too. But how know _you_ this, Lydia? _Lydia_ I only know that Alexander is generous and will raise him to even greater honour. He places Phocion above all men in Athens---- _Lysander_ (_Coldly._) Has Alexander’s queen informed you thus. (_Louder._) It seems strange to me, Lydia, that the wife of--an Athenian patriot---- _Phocion_ How loud your voices grow. Lydia, Little Child, you had best leave us now, for Lysander and I have grave business to transact together--and we expect others too. [_There is a low knocking at the door._ _Lydia_ Lysander chides me that I accept kindness from the queen of Athens’ conqueror. _Phocion_ I see no harm in that, and possibly much good. Your love will ever guide you. Farewell, now, for a little while. And happiness go with you! _Lydia_ I leave you. It is your friends who come to you at twilight now so often. The Fates protect you, my Phocion! (_Whispers to LYSANDER as she goes._) Oh, save him, Lysander! Save him from himself--for me, his wife! [_Exit slowly, looking back fondly at PHOCION as she goes. LYSANDER watches her with an expression that betrays doubt, anxiety and disapproval. He shakes his head. The knocking is repeated. It is a definite knock that has been pre-arranged._ _Phocion_ Open, Lysander. It is the Citizens. [_A dozen CITIZENS enter quietly. Their leader holds a scroll in his hand. In turn they greet PHOCION with obvious respect, each giving the password, while PHOCION replies with the countersign_: _Citizen_ The Gods deliver Athens! _Phocion_ They will deliver her! [_When all are in, they group themselves. An elderly CITIZEN, holding the scroll, acts as spokesman._ It is safest our meeting should be brief, and no words wasted. _First Citizen_ We stand for action. _Second Citizen_ Immediate action. _Third Citizen_ Each day that passes consolidates the barbarian power that would ruin Athens. _Lysander_ Citizens, we need two conditions for success--to strike hard, and to surprise. _Phocion_ We must move warily. The Macedonian’s spies hide everywhere, and money has been flowing. _Lysander_ There are ten thousand hearts in Athens above gold----! _Phocion_ (_Gravely._) Our preparations must be sure. You bring to-night the list of patriots? _First Citizen_