Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.4, 1865).djvu/471

AGIS. 463 a while he was prevailed with to accompany them to the baths, which were not far distant, they constantly return- ing to see him safe again in the temple. They were all three his familiars ; and Amphares had borrowed a great deal of plate and rich household stuff from Agesistrata, and hoped if he could destroy her and the whole family, he might peaceably enjoy those goods. And he, it is said, was the readiest of all to serve the purposes of Leonidas, and being one of the ephors, did all he could to incense the rest of his colleagues against Agis. These men, there- fore, finding that Agis would not quit his sanctuary, but on occasion would venture from it to go to the bath, re- solved to seize him on the opportunity thus given them. And one day as he was returning, they met and saluted him as formerly, conversing pleasantly by the way, and jesting, as youthful friends might, till coming to the turn- ing of a street which led to the prison, Amphares, by vir- tue of his office, laid his hand on Agis, and told him, " You must go with me, Agis, before the other ephors, to answer for your misdemeanors." At the same time, Da- mochares, who was a tall, strong man, drew his cloak tight round his neck, and dragged him after by it, whilst the others went behind to thrust him on. So that none of Agis's friends being near to assist him, nor any one by, they easily got him into the prison, where Leonidas was already arrived, with a company of soldiers, who strongly guarded all the avenues ; the ephors also came in, with as many of the Elders as they knew to be true to their party, being desirous to proceed with some resemblance of justice. And thus they bade him give an account of his actions. To which Agis, smiling at their dissimulation, answered not a word. Amphares told him, it was more seasonable to weep, for now the time was come in which he should be punished for his presumption. Another of the ephors, as though he would be more favorable, and