Adrastus discovered.—Crythes introducing Ion.
Cry. The king!
Ad. Stranger, I bid thee welcome: We are about to tread the same dark passage, Thou almost on the instant.—Is the sword [To Crythes. Of justice sharpened, and the headsman ready?
Cry. Thou mayst behold them plainly in the court; Even now the solemn soldiers line the ground, The steel gleams on the altar, and the slave Disrobes himself for duty.
Ad. (to Ion) Dost thou see them?
Ion. I do.
Ad. By Heaven! he does not change. If, even now, thou wilt depart, and leave Thy traitorous thoughts unspoken, thou art free.
Ion. I thank thee for thy offer; but I stand Before thee for the lives of thousands, rich In all that makes life precious to the brave; Who perish not alone, but in their fall Break the far-spreading tendrils that they feed, And leave them nurtureless. If thou wilt hear me For them, I am content to speak no more.
Ad. Thou hast thy wish, then.—Crythes! till yon dial Casts its thin shadow on the approaching hour, I hear this gallant traitor. On the instant, Come without word, and lead him to his doom. Now leave us.
Cry. What, alone?