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.

Pala. Or die with you:  No subject e’er can meet
A nobler fate, than at his sovereign’s feet. [Exeunt.
                             [Clashing of swords within, and shouts.

Enter LEONIDAS, RHODOPHIL, PALAMEDE, EUBULUS, HERMOGENES, and
their Party, victorious; POLYDAMAS and ARGALEON, disarmed.

Leon. That I survive the dangers of this day,
Next to the gods, brave friends, be yours the honour;
And, let heaven witness for me, that my joy
Is not more great for this my right restored,
Than ’tis, that I have power to recompense
Your loyalty and valour.  Let mean princes,
Of abject souls, fear to reward great actions;
I mean to shew,
That whatsoe’er subjects, like you, dare merit,
A king, like me, dares give.