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.

_Rho._ You make us blush, we have deserved so little.

_Pala._ And yet instruct us how to merit more.

_Leon._ And as I would be just in my rewards,
So should I in my punishments; these two,
This, the usurper of my crown, the other,
Of my Palmyra's love, deserve that death,
Which both designed for me.

_Poly._ And we expect it.

_Arga._ I have too long been happy, to live wretched.

_Poly._ And I too long have governed, to desire
A life without an empire.

_Leon._ You are Palmyra's father; and as such,
Though not a king, shall have obedience paid
From him who is one. Father, in that name
All injuries forgot, and duty owned. [_Embraces him._

_Poly._ O, had I known you