Plutarch, Agis
Bernadotte Perrin, Ed.

20. Agis, then, on his way to the halter, saw one of the officers shedding tears of sympathy for him. ‘My man,’ said he, ‘cease weeping; for even though I am put to death in this lawless and unjust manner, I have the better of my murderers.’ And saying these words, he offered his neck to the noose without hesitation. [2] But Amphares went to the door of the prison, where Agesistrata fell at his feet in an appeal to his friendship and intimacy. Amphares lifted her up and assured her that Agis was not to suffer violence or death; and he bade her, if she wished, go in to her son. And when Agesistrata begged that her mother might go in with her, Amphares said there was nothing to prevent. [3] So he admitted both the women, and after ordering the door of the prison to be locked again, delivered Archidamia first to the executioners. She was now a very aged woman, and had lived all her days in very high repute among her countrywomen. After she had been put to death, Amphares ordered Agesistrata to enter the chamber of execution. [4] So she went in, and when she saw her son lying dead upon the ground, and her mother's dead body still hanging in the noose, with her own hands she helped the officers to take her down, laid her body out by the side of Agis, and composed and covered it. Then, embracing her son and kissing his face, she said: ‘My son, it was thy too great regard for others, and thy gentleness and humanity, which has brought thee to ruin, and us as well.’ [5] Then Amphares, who stood at the door and saw and heard what she did and said, came in and said angrily to her: "If, then, thou hast been of the same mind as thy son, thou shalt also suffer the same fate." And Agesistrata, as she rose to present her neck to the noose, said: ‘My only prayer is that this may bring good to Sparta.’