_Warrior._ Shame, shame! O, Syracusans, shame! If ye be men, Let battle take the garb of order, and death Array itself in decency! I've brought A band of noble Leontines to strike With who shall prove no coward! Lift your swords Till Victory sees them shining through the night And knows which way to bend her doubtful wings! On, on, my men! On, Syracusans, on! [_All go off left, cheering. Enter Gylippus, right, rear, wounded_] _Gylippus._ I'll drop me here till flame or steel o'er-take me. [_Falls down_] _Menodes._ [_Entering_] Gylippus? Wounded? _Gy._ Deep enough. No matter. Wounds are Bellona's favors. Do you bleed? _Men._ I lose an arm. 'Twas a warm kiss that took it. _Gy._ Hast seen the stranger and his Leontines? He goes through fire as 'twere a pastime loved, Shaking the burning timbers from his back As they were flies. _Men._ Thrice has he formed The citizens for charge, though night and flame War on confusion's side. _Gy._ Ocrastes comes With ships that treble all sent out from Carthage. _Men._ Then Dion to the rescue speedily, Or Syracuse is ashes! [_Shouts without_] _Gy._ Dion! He's here! Now Mercy cloister close, and stern Revenge, Long patient, take the sword! _Men._ Ho, who are these? [_Enter the warrior in combat with Phillistus, left, rear_] _Gy._ The stranger with Phillistus! Here's my blow! [_Attempts to rise_] _Men._ No need! He falls! _Phil._ [_Down_] Your mercy! _Warrior._ Take it--death! Thou single confine of all men's corruption, Die--die--and poison ghosts in hell! [_Flames issue from Phillistus' house. Servants rush out, shrieking_] _Phil._ [_Half rising and looking at the flames_] My house In flames! Thanks, gods, for this! Proud mistress, burn Behind your bars, and to your black remains Be your Ocrastes welcome! _Warrior._ Aid me, Heaven! [_Rushes into house_] _Phil._ That voice--O traitor! He will save her! Ay He'll tread through hell nor burn his feet! I die now as they kiss! Ocrastes--O! The rest I'll tell to gaunt and gibbering shades. [_Dies_] [_Curtain falls and rises upon the same scene in ruins, several hours later. Wrecks smoulder in foreground, In rear the flames from Achridina throw light on the untouched castle and island. Noise of battle comes from left. Enter from bridge road Dion, Panthus, Calippus, Aristocles, Speusippus, and others_] _Dion._ Thanks for my life. 'Twas bravely rescued, friends. _Cal._ My lord, you do us wrong so to expose the arm That props our hope.