er what I know:
What honour bids you do, nature bids me prevent;
But kill me first, and then pursue your black intent.

_Leon._ Palmyra, no; you shall not heed to die;
Yet I'll not trust so strict a piety.
Within there!

_Enter_ EUBULUS.

Eubulus, a guard prepare;
Here, I commit this prisoner to your care.
[_Kisses_ PALMYRA'S _hand, then gives it to_ EUBULUS.

_Palm._ Leonidas, I never thought these bands
Could e'er be given me by a lover's hands.

_Leon._ Palmyra, thus your judge himself arraigns; [_Kneeling._
He, who imposed these bands, still wears your chains:
When you to love or duty false must be,
Or to your father guilty, or to me,
These chains, alone, remain to set you free.
[_Noise of swords clashing._

_Poly._ [_within._]
Secure these, first: then search the inner room.

_Leon._ From whence do these tumultuous clamours come?

_Enter_ HERMOGENES, _hastily._

_Herm._ We are betrayed; and there remains alone
This comfort, that your person is not known.

_Enter the King,_ ARGALEON, RHODOPHIL, PALAMEDE, _Guards; some like
citizens, as prisoners._

_Poly._ What mean these midnight consultations here,
Where I like an unsummoned guest appear?

_Leon._ Sir--

_Arga._ There needs no excuse; 'tis understood;
You were all watching for your prince's good.

_Poly._ My reverend city friends, you are well met!
On what great work were your grave wisdoms set?
Which of my actions were you scanning here?
What French invasion have you found to fear?

_Leon._ They are my friends; and come, sir, with intent,
To take their leaves, before my banishment.

_Poly._ Your exile in both sexes friends can find:
I see the ladies, like the men, are kind. [_Seeing_ PALMYRA.

_Palm._ Alas, I came but-- [_Kneeling._

_Poly._ Add not to your crime
A lie: I'll hear you speak some other time.
How? Eubulus! nor time, nor thy disguise,
Can keep thee undiscovered from my eyes.
A guard there! seize them all.

_Rho._ Yield, sir; what use of valour can be shewn?

_Pala._ One, and unarmed, against a multitude!

_Leon._ Oh for a sword! [_He reaches at one of the Guards' halberds,
and is seized behind._
I wonnot lose my breath
In fruitless prayers; but beg a speedy death.

_Palm._ O spare Leonidas, and punish me!

_Poly._ Mean girl, thou want'st an advocate for thee.
Now the mys