He shall be surety, Phocion, for your loyalty.
[Phocion, holding his sword, rushes on Alexander to aid Lysander, and above all to rescue the scroll. The Citizens stand their ground and are about to interfere, when Lydia rushes in and throws herself on Phocion, checking his violent attack. At the same moment Alexander stamps on the marble floor. Soldiers enter. Phocion and Alexander stand facing one another in silence for a moment.
I hold you the bravest man in Athens, Phocion, and such men as you I need. (Holds out the scroll, as yet unread.) But lesser men than you I do not—need!
Lydia
Phocion! Great Alexander!… Statira promised me.… Oh, he is too brave to die…!
Alexander
(To Soldiers.) Three of you take the boy away. The rest withdraw. No, let these greybeards go.
[A few Citizens creep out, following Lysander and Soldiers.
Lysander
(Calling back to Phocion.) The Gods will not desert us…!