Third Senator. So we might
But for the heavier charges that engage
The sighs of mercy 'gainst you ere they blow
This deed a pardon. What of Decalea?
Bia. That was a ruse the Spartans taught me, sir,
When at Eleusis they ensnared my troops
Within the gates, and naught passed out again
Save rivers of their blood. If I must die
For Decalea, die you with me, men,
For red Eleusis.
Fourth Senator. This is justice too.
I saw Eleusis. He is clear on that.
Ste. I warn you, senators! The fleetest wit
That pauses on his guile is honey-mired
And ne'er gets farther.
First Ephor. We'll not keep his road
An inch past justice, but we'll go so far.
Ste. So you resolve, but Hecate at his smile
Would plod beside him like a market lass,
Forgetting vengeance.
Bia. Honored Stesilaus:——
Ste. Honored? Ay, Biades! With gibe and jeer
That shook the walls of Athens! By my staff,
I'll——
Bia. Noble fathers, hear me for yourselves,
Who, loved of Pallas, in this council sit
Her earthly heirs and nature's demigods!
This rage of Stesilaus is itself
Sanction and seal for my adoption here,
A son of Sparta.
Ste. Ha! Now he would drive
The mares of Diomed!