 | Agis |  |
SCENE THE THIRD.
Leonidas.Le.
At last I've caught him. Many obstacles,
'Tis true, and mighty dangers, I confront:
Yet will I, yes, though even at the risk
Of my own detriment, yet will I slay
This haughty importuning demagogue.
But by his death I shall accomplish nothing,
If first I do not rob him of his fame:
This can alone perpetuate my sway.—
Alas! I feel it e'en to agony!—
Nor can I give it utterance; when he speaks,
A permeating ray of genuine truth
159
Ah no! it tears and maddens my vex'd heart,
That insupportable and stern parade
Of hated virtue! Let him die; yes, perish ...
E'en if t'extinguish him my life I forfeit.
| Agis | |