Sac. Why, so I said.
Agis. [Advancing to Stesilaus] My lord, we come——
Ste. What haste, good Agis? Goes the world so fast?
Agis. As fast as Fate can drive it, and you, my lord,
Are under foot.
Pel. [Who has been listening to Menas]
You hear it, Stesilaus!
Athens is ashes! We're betrayed, betrayed!
[Biades, Pyrrha, Phania, Alcanor, and their companions swarm in, lower right]
Ste. Silence, and let us hear! Now, Agis, speak.
Agis. And grieve that 'tis my part. The Spartans know
Your treachery——
Ste. Who dares to give such a name
To deed of mine?
Agis. Denial comes too far
Behind the proof, my lord.