Run, Melos!

Schiller's version revolves around an ancient Greek legend recorded by the Roman author Gaius Julius Hyginus.

Although Melos defiantly owns up to his plan to kill the King, he pleads with the cynical tyrant to postpone his execution for three days so that he can return home to arrange his younger sister's marriage.

Back in his hometown, Melos tells his eager sister and her hesitant fiancé that there is an urgent need for them to be married, but does not reveal his true motivations.

Since his fatigue makes him indifferent to the fate of his friend and the impact that his death will have on his own reputation, Melos slows down and nearly gives up while taking a break.

After contemplating the consequences while drinking fresh water from a spring, he rushes off for the sake of his friend's life and to prevent the King from justifying his cynical views.

In the evening, Melos arrives in the city just in time to save his friend Selinuntius from his public execution.

The King, forced to reexamine his position due to the crowd's reaction, decides to let Melos go with impunity.