Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1913-04-04

laws and discipline" This maxim
governed his whole life, and with this
view he associated with men of in
terest and capacity, who were equally
willing to bring ABOUT the great de-
sign he had formed Of thoroughly re-
forming the state, now sunk into
luxury and debauch. For this purpose
attempts were made; and so tar sue
ceeded, that Leonidas, thought 1t ad-
visslble to abdicate the throne. But
Agesilaus, from interested views, act
ea so precipitately, that, while Agts
was leading body Of Spartan troops
10 the assistance Of the Achaeans, q
conspiracy was formed for restoring
Leonidas, whose ambition, pride and
luxury had greatly contributed to
effeminate the minds of the peo-
pie. Leonidas being now resettled on
the throne tried every method
er; and which he at last effected
Nv tine treachery Of Amphares and
Demochares. Being dragged away to
the common prison, the Ephori con-
stituted by Leonidas sat ready to
Judge him. AS soon as he came In,
they asked him, How he burst at
tempt to alter the government" At
which he smiled, without affording an
answer; which provoked one Of the
Ephori to tell him, THAT he ought
rather to weep; for they would make
him sensible of his presumption.
Another asked him, Whether he was
not constrained to do what he did by
Agesilaus and Lysander?" To which
the king, with a composed colnten-
ance, answered, II was constrained by
no man; the design was mine; and my
intent was to have restored the laws
of Lycurgus, and to have governed
them" But do you not know" said
one Of the judges, repent of your
rashness?" NO" replied the king,
"I can never repent Of so just and
honorable an intention" The Ephori
then ordered him to be taken away,
and strangled. The officers Of Justice
refused to obey, and even the mer-
cenary soldiers declined so unworthy
an action. Whereupon Demochares,
reviling them for cowards,. forced the
king into the room wher the execu-'
ton was to be performed. sAgis about
to die, perceiving one Of his sergeants
Weep not, friend, for me-" said he,
who die innocently: but grieve for
those who are guilty of this horrible
act. My condition Is much better than
theirs" Then, stretching out, his
neck, he submitted with a constancy
worthy both of the royal dignity, and
his own great character. Immediate
ly after Agis was dead, Amphares
went out Of the prison gate, where be
found Agesistrata; who kneeling at his
feet he gently raised her up, pretend
ing still the same friendship as for
merly. He assured her she need not
fear any further violence should be
offered against her son; and that IL she
IL ,I, tohf In, nd
She begged her mother might have
also the favor Of being admitted: to
which he replied, Nobody should
hinder her" When they were enter
ed, he commanded the gate should
again be locked, and the grandmoth-
er to be the firiyt introduced. She had
now grown very old, and had lived all
her days in great reputation for wis
dom and virtue. AS soon as Ampha-
res thought she was despatched, he
told Agesistratus she might go In. II
she pleased. She entered; where, be-
holding her sons body stretched on
the ground, and her mother hanging
by the neck, she stood at first as
tonished at so horrid a spectacle; but
after q while, collecting her spirits,
the first thing she did was to assist
the soldiers in taking down the body;
then covering 1t decently, she laid II
by her sons; where, embracing and
kissing his cheeks, 20 my son." said
she, at is thy. too great mercy and
goodness which hath brought thee and
us to this untimely end!" Amphares,
who stood watching behind the door,
rushed in hastily, and, with furious
tone and countenance, said to her,
"Since you approve so well of your
sons actions, 1t is f1t you should par
take in his reward She, rising to-
meet her destiny, only uttered these
few words: II pray the gods that all
this may rebound to the good Of
Sparta" After which she submitted
to death with composure and firm
ness that drew tears from the ex-'
ecutioner.-Plut. in Agid. III q