Palm. You wrong me: 'Tis not, though it ought to be;
You are my care, heaven knows, as well as he.
Leon. If now the execution I delay,
My honour, and my subjects, I betray.
All is prepared for the just enterprise;
And the whole city will to-morrow rise.
The leaders of the party are within,
And Eubulus has sworn that he will bring,
To head their arms, the person of their king.
Palm. In telling this, you may be guilty too;
I therefore must discover 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?