 | Agis |  |
SCENE THE FOURTH.
Leonidas, Anpharus, People, Ephori, Senators.People.
He speaks not as a culprit: he excites
Involuntary wonder and compassion.
Le.
'Tis true, oh Spartans: by Agesilaus
He was seduced; his crime appears to be
Worthy of pardon. I myself from you
Entreat it for my son-in-law; for him
That rescued me from death ...
An.
Leonidas,
Before the senate and the ephori
Thou standest now; and these thou should'st address.
Thy private arguments from public guilt
Wrest not the penalty; nor pardon ever
177
Le.
I will never hear,
Much less myself pronounce, his punishment.
I will not, no, although he merit it,
Ever participate in Agis' death.
From his retreat to drag him, to convict him,
Before the magistrates, to this alone
Duty persuaded me, and this I've done:
No more remains, inimical towards him,
For me to do.—Ah! if the people's voice,
And royal prayers avail to influence
The senate and the ephori, in them
We of their clemency shall soon behold
A noble and a memorable proof.
| Agis | |