Then let me burn it.
First Citizen
(Rising.) Phocion, in the names you read, and in the names of all assembled here, we offer you the leadership—the military leadership. We ask you to lead our beloved city back to liberty again. (Muffled applause.)
[While Phocion has been reading, a woman’s figure is seen creeping from pillar to pillar where the shadows are deepest. She is followed closely by a second figure—a man swathed in a head-dress such as that worn by the Persian warrior in the Elgin Marbles. Unnoticed in the dimness they reach the colonnades where they can hear all that passes.
Phocion
(Slowly.) Citizens, in the name of Athens, and with the approval of the deathless Gods of Athens—I accept the leadership.
[He hands the scroll to Lysander, who has stepped forward eagerly to seize it. Lysander turns towards the fire.
First Citizen
Then we are half-way to success already. (Applause.) The sooner we disband, the better. Three of us may stay with Phocion to decide the final——
[At this moment the cloaked figure steps out into the centre of the courtyard. He is plainly visible in the moonlight. Consternation reigns. Phocion reaches for his sword. Lysander fumbles over the brazier, thrusting the scroll into the flames. The Citizens stand firm, not trying to hide, but visibly startled.