id you
Omit his son, the prince Leonidas?

_Poly._ That imposture
I had forgot; their tortures shall be doubled.

_Herm._ You please me; I shall die the sooner.

_Eub._ No; could I live an age, and still be racked,
I still would keep the secret. [_As they are going off,_

_Enter_ LEONIDAS, _guarded._

_Leon._ Oh, whither do you hurry innocence!
If you have any justice, spare their lives;
Or, if I cannot make you just, at least
I'll teach you to more purpose to be cruel.

_Palm._ Alas, what does he seek!

_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