There remained in the prisons none but the faithful friend of Lausus. “Let him be exposed,” said Mezentius; “let him fall a prey to devouring lions: the traitor deserves a more cruel death, but this best suits his crime, and my vengeance, and his punishment is a feast worthy of injured love!”
Lausus having in vain expected the answer of his friend, impatiently gave way to affright. “Should we be discovered,” said he, “should I have lost my friend by my fatal imprudence! Lydia herself! Ah, I tremble! No, I cannot live any longer in this dreadful uncertainty.”
He set out; he disguised himself carefully. He arrived, and heard the reports spread among the people; learned that his friend was in chains, and that the next day was to unite Lydia with Mezentius. He learned that they were preparing the feast which was to precede the festival; they were to see the unhappy Phanor a prey to wild beasts.
He shrunk at this recital; a deadly chillness spread through all his veins; he came again to himself, but lost in distraction he fell upon his knees and cried out, “Great gods, restrain my hand, my despair terrifies me! Let me die honorably!” Resolved to deliver his dear Phanor, though he should perish in his stead, he flew to the gates of the prison; but how was he to enter? He addressed himself to the slave whose office it was to carry food to the prisoners. “Open your eyes,” said he, “and know me; I am Lausus, I am the son of the King.
Vengeance of my father
I except an important service from you. Phanor is confined here: I will see him, I will. I have but one way to come at him: give me your clothes, and fly! There are the pledges of my acknowledgment. Withdraw yourself from the vengeance of my father. If you betray me, you rush on your ruin; if you assist me in my undertaking, my favor shall find you in the very heart of the deserts.”
The weak and timorous slave yielded to his promises and threats. He assisted the prince in disguising himself, and disappeared, after having told him the hour at which he was to present himself, and the conduct he was to observe in order to deceive the vigilance of the guards. Night approached and the moment arrived. Lausus presented himself, assuming the name of the slave.
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