_Leon._ Make me the object of your hate and vengeance: Are these decrepid bodies, worn to ruin, Just ready of themselves to fall asunder. And to let drop the soul,-- Are these fit subjects for a rack and tortures? Where would you fasten any hold upon them? Place pains on me,--united fix them here,-- I have both youth, and strength, and soul to bear them; And, if they merit death, then I much more, Since 'tis for me they suffer. _Herm._ Heaven forbid We should redeem our pains, or worthless lives, By our exposing yours. _Eub._ Away with us. Farewell, sir: I only suffer in my fears for you. _Arga._ So much concerned for him! Then my [_Aside._ Suspicion's true. [_Whispers the King._ _Palm._ Hear yet my last request for poor Leonidas, Or take my life with his. _Arga._ Rest satisfied, Leonidas is he. [_To the King._ _Poly._ I am amazed: What must be done? _Arga._ Command his execution instantly: Give him not leisure to discover it; He may corrupt the soldiers. _Poly._ Hence with that traitor, bear him to his death: Haste there, and see my will performed. _Leon._ Nay, then, I'll die like him the gods have made me. Hold, gentlemen, I am-- [ARGALEON _stops his mouth._ _Arga._ Thou art a traitor; 'tis not fit to hear thee. _Leon._ I say, I am the-- [_Getting loose a little._ _Arga._ So; gag him, and lead him off. [_Again stopping his mouth._ [LEONIDAS, HERMOGENES, EUBULUS, _led off;_ POLYDAMAS _and_ ARGALEON _follow._ _Palm._ Duty and love, by turns, possess my soul And struggle for a fatal victory. I will discover he's the king:--Ah, no! That will perhaps save him; But then I'm guilty of a father's ruin. What shall I do, or not do? Either way I must destroy a parent, or a lover. Break heart; for that's the least of ills to me, And death the only cure. [_Swoons._ _Arte._ Help, help the princess. _Rho._ Bear her gently hence, where she may Have more succour. [_She is borne off;_ ARTE. _follows her._ [_Shouts within, and clashing of swords._ _Pala._ What noise is that? _Enter_ AMALTHEA, _running._ _Amal._ Oh, gentlemen, if you have loyalty, Or courage, show it now! Leonidas, Broke on the sudden from his guards, and snatching A sword from one, his back against the scaffold, Bravely defends himself, and owns aloud He is our long-lost king; found for this moment, But, if your valour helps not, lost for ever. Two of his guards, moved by the sense of virtue, Are turned for him, and there they stand at bay Against an host of foes. _Rho._ Madam, no more; We lose time; my command, or my example, May move the soldiers to the better cause. You'll second me? [_To_ PALA.