THESUPPLIANTS
　　byEuripidestranslatedbyE。P。ColeridgeCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
　　AETHRA，motherofTHESEUS
　　CHORUSOFARGIVEMOTHERS
　　THESEUS，KingofAthensADRASTUS，KingofArgosHERALD，ofCreon，KingofThebesMESSENGER
　　EVADNE，wifeofCapaneusIPHIS，fatherofEVADNE
　　CHILDRENoftheslainchieftainsATHENA
　　Guards，attendants，soldiersSUPPLIANTS
　　THESUPPLIANTS
　　（SCENE：—BeforethetempleofDemeteratEleusis。OnthestepsofthegreataltarisseatedAETHRA。Aroundher，inthegarbofsuppliants，istheCHORUSOFARGIVEMOTHERS。ADRASTUSliesonthegroundbeforethealtar，crushedinabjectgrief。TheCHILDRENoftheslainchieftainsstandnearby。Aroundthealtararetheattendantsofthegoddess。）
　　AETHRA
　　ODEMETER，guardianofthisEleusinianland，andyeservantsofthegoddesswhoattendherfane，granthappinesstomeandmysonTheseus，tothecityofAthensandthecountryofPittheus，whereinmyfatherrearedme，Aethra，inahappyhome，andgavemeinmarriagetoAegeus，Pandion’sson，accordingtotheoracleofLoxias。ThisprayerImake，whenIbeholdtheseageddames，who，leavingtheirhomesinArgos，nowthrowthemselveswithsuppliantbranchesatmykneesintheirawfultrouble；foraroundthegatesofCadmushavetheylosttheirsevennoblesons，whomonadayAdrastus，kingofArgos，ledthither，eagertosecureforexiledPolyneices，hisson—in—law，ashareintheheritageofOedipus；sonowtheirmotherswouldburyinthegravethedead，whomthespearhathslain，butthevictorspreventthemandwillnotallowthemtotakeupthecorpses，spurningHeaven’slaws。HereliesAdrastusonthegroundwithstreamingeye，sharingwiththemtheburdenoftheirprayertome，andbemoaningthehavocoftheswordandthesorryfateofthewarriorswhomheledfromtheirhomes。Andhedothurgemeuseentreaty，topersuademysontotakeupthedeadandhelptoburythem，eitherbywinningwordsorforceofarms，layingonmysonandonAthensthistaskalone。Nowitchanced，thatIhadleftmyhouseandcometooffersacrificeonbehalfoftheearth’scropatthisshrine，wherefirstthefruitfulcornshoweditsbristlingshocksabovethesoil。Andhereattheholyaltarsofthetwaingoddesses，Demeterandherdaughter，I
　　wait，holdingthesespraysoffoliage，abondthatbindethnot，incompassionforthesechildlessmothers，hoarywithage，andfromreverenceforthesacredfillets。TocallTheseushitherismyheraldtothecitygone，thathemayridthelandofthatwhichgrieveththem，orloosethesemysuppliantbonds，withpiousobservanceofthegods’will；forsuchasarediscreetamongstwomenshouldinallcasesinvoketheaidofmen。
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　strophe1
　　AtthykneesIfall，ageddame，andmyoldlipsbeseechthee；
　　arise，rescuefromtheslainmychildren’sbodies，whoselimbs，bydeathrelaxed，areleftapreytosavagemountainbeasts，antistrophe1
　　Beholdingthebittertearswhichspringtomyeyesandmyoldwrinkledskintornbymyhands；forwhatcanIdoelse？whoneverlaidoutmychildrendeadwithinmyhalls，nornowbeholdtheirtombsheapedupwithearth。
　　strophe2
　　Thoutoo，honouredlady，onceasondidstbear，crowningthylord’smarriagewithfondjoy；thenshare，Osharewithmethymother’sfeelings，insuchmeasureasmysadheartgrievesformyowndeadsons；andpersuadethyson，whoseaidweimplore，togountotheriverIsmenus，theretoplacewithinmyhaplessarmsthebodiesofmychildren，slainintheirprimeandleftwithoutatomb。
　　antistrophe2
　　Thoughnotaspietyenjoins，yetfromsheernecessityIhavecometothefire—crownedaltarsofthegods，fallingonmykneeswithinstantsupplication，formycauseisjust，and’tisinthypower，blestasthouartinthychildren，toremovefrommemywoe；soinmysoredistressIdobeseechtheeofmymiseryplaceinmyhandsmyson’sdeadbody，thatImaythrowmyarmsabouthishaplesslimbs。
　　（Theattendantsofthegoddesstakeupthelament。）
　　strophe3
　　Beholdarivalryinsorrow！woetakesupthetaleofwoe；hark！
　　thyservantsbeattheirbreasts。Comeyewhojointhemourners’
　　wail，come，Osympatheticband，tojointhedance，whichHadeshonours；letthepearlynailbestainedred，asitrendsyourcheeks，letyourskinbestreakedwithgore；forhonoursrenderedtothedeadarecredittotheliving。
　　antistrophe3
　　Sorrow’scharmdothdrivemewild，insatiate，painful，endless，evenasthetricklingstreamthatgushesfromsomesteeprock’sface；for’tiswoman’swaytofalla—weepingo’erthecruelcalamityofchildrendead。Ahme！wouldIcoulddieandforgetmyanguish（THESEUSandhisretinueenter。）
　　THESEUS
　　WhatisthislamentationthatIhear，thisbeatingofthebreast，thesedirgesforthedead，withcriesthatechofromthisshrine？Howflutteringfeardisquietsme，lesthaplymymotherhavegottedsomemischance，inquestofwhomIcome，forshehathbeenlongabsentfromhome。Ha！whatnow？Astrangesightchallengesmyspeech；Iseemyagedmothersittingatthealtarandstrangerdamesarewithher，whoinvariousnoteproclaimtheirwoe；fromagedeyesthepiteoustearisstartingtotheground，theirhairisshorn，theirrobesarenottherobesofjoy。Whatmeansit，mother？’Tisthinetomakeitplaintome，minetolisten；yea，forIexpectsometidingsstrange。
　　AETHRA
　　Myson，thesearethemothersofthosechieftainsseven，whofellaroundthegatesofCadmus’town。Withsuppliantboughstheykeepmeprisoner，asthouseest，intheirmidst。
　　THESEUS
　　Andwhoisyonderman，thatmoanethpiteouslyinthegateway？
　　AETHRA
　　Adrastus，theyinformme，kingofArgos。
　　THESEUS
　　Arethosehischildren，thoseboyswhostandroundhim？
　　AETHRA
　　Nothis，butthesonsofthefallenslain。
　　THESEUS
　　Whyaretheycometous，withsupplianthandoutstretched？
　　AETHRA
　　Iknow；but’tisforthemtotelltheirstory，myson。
　　THESEUS
　　Tothee，inthymantlemuffled，Iaddressmyinquiries；thyhead，letlamentationbe，andspeak；fornaughtcanbeachievedsavethroughtheutteranceofthytongue。
　　ADRASTUS（rising）
　　VictoriousprinceoftheAthenianrealm，Theseus，totheeandtothycityI，asuppliant，come。
　　THESEUS
　　Whatseekestthou？Whatneedisthine？
　　ADRASTUS
　　DostknowhowIdidleadanexpeditiontoitsruin？
　　THESEUS
　　Assuredly；thoudidstnotpassthroughHellas，allinsilence。
　　ADRASTUS
　　ThereIlostthepickofArgos’sons。
　　THESEUS
　　Thesearetheresultsofthatunhappywar。
　　ADRASTUS
　　IwentandcravedtheirbodiesfromThebes。
　　THESEUS
　　Didstthourelyonheralds，Hermes’servants，inordertoburythem？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Idid；andeventhentheirslayerssaidmenay。
　　THESEUS
　　Why，whatsaytheytothyjustrequest？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Say！Successmakesthemforgethowtobeartheirfortune。
　　THESEUS
　　Artcometomethenforcounsel？orwherefore？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Withthewishthatthou，OTheseus，shouldstrecoverthesonsoftheArgives。
　　THESEUS
　　WhereisyourArgosnow？wereitsvauntingsallinvain？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Defeatandruinareourlot。Totheeforaidwecome。
　　THESEUS
　　Isthisthyownprivateresolve，orthewishofallthecity？
　　ADRASTUS
　　ThesonsofDanaus，oneandall，imploretheetoburythedead。
　　THESEUS
　　WhydidstleadthysevenarmiesagainstThebes？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Toconferthatfavouronthehusbandsofmydaughterstwain。
　　THESEUS
　　TowhichoftheArgivesdidstthougivethydaughtersinmarriage？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Imadenomatchforthemwithkinsmenofmyfamily。
　　THESEUS
　　What！didstgiveArgivemaidstoforeignlords？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Yea，toTydeus，andtoPolyneices，whowasTheban—bornTHESEUS
　　Whatinducedtheetoselectthisalliance？
　　ADRASTUS
　　DarkriddlesofPhoebusstoleawaymyjudgment。
　　THESEUS
　　WhatsaidApollotodeterminethemaidens’marriage？
　　ADRASTUS
　　ThatIshouldgivemydaughterstwaintoawildboarandalion。
　　THESEUS
　　Howdostthouexplainthemessageofthegod？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Onenightcametomydoortwoexiles。
　　THESEUS
　　Thenameofeachdeclare：thouartspeakingofbothtogether。
　　ADRASTUS
　　Theyfoughttogether，TydeuswithPolyneices。
　　THESEUS
　　Didstthougivethydaughterstothemastowildbeasts？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Yea，for，astheyfought，Ilikenedthemtothosemonsterstwain。
　　THESEUS
　　Whyhadtheyleftthebordersoftheirnativelandandcometothee？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Tydeuswasexiledforthemurderofakinsman。
　　THESEUS
　　WhereforehadthesonofOedipusleftThebes？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Byreasonofhisfather’scurse，nottospillhisbrother’sblood。
　　THESEUS
　　Wisenodoubtthatvoluntaryexile。
　　ADRASTUS
　　Butthosewhostayedathomewereforinjuringtheabsent。
　　THESEUS
　　What！didbrotherrobbrotherofhisinheritance？
　　ADRASTUS
　　ToavengethisIsetout；hencemyruin。
　　THESEUS
　　Didstconsultseers，andgazeintotheflameofburnt—offerings？
　　ADRASTUS
　　Ahme！thoupressestontheverypointwhereinImostdidfail。
　　THESEUS
　　Itseemsthygoingwasnotfavouredbyheaven。
　　ADRASTUS
　　Worse；IwentinspiteevenofAmphiaraus。
　　THESEUS
　　Andsoheavenlightlyturneditsfacefromthee。
　　ADRASTUS
　　Iwascarriedawaybytheclamourofyoungermen。
　　THESEUS
　　Thoudidstfavourcourageinsteadofdiscretion。
　　ADRASTUS
　　True；andmanyageneralowesdefeattothat。OkingofAthens，bravestofthesonsofHellas，Iblushtothrowmyselfuponthegroundandclaspthyknees，Iagrey—hairedking，blestindaysgoneby；
　　yetneedsmustyieldtomymisfortunes。Ipraytheesavethedead；
　　havepityonmysorrowsandonthese，themothersoftheslain，whomhoaryeldfindsreftoftheirsons；yettheyenduredtojourneyhitherandtreadaforeignsoilwithagedtotteringsteps，bearingnoembassytoDemeter’smysteries；onlyseekingburialfortheirdead，whichlotshouldhavebeentheirs，e’enburialbythehandsofsonsstillintheirprime。And’tiswiseintherichtoseethepoorman’spoverty，andinthepoormantoturnambitiouseyestowardtherich，thatsohemayhimselfindulgealongingforpossessions；andthey，whomfortunefrownsnoton，shouldgazeonmisery’spresentment；
　　likewise，whomakethsongsshouldtakeapleasureintheirmaking；forifitbenotsowithhim，hewillinnowiseavailtogladdenothers，ifhimselfhavesorrowinhishome；nay，’tisnotevenrighttoexpectit。Mayhapthou’ltsay，"WhypassthelandofPelopso’er，andlaythistoilonAthens？"ThisamIboundtodeclare。Spartaiscruel，hercustomsvariable；theotherstatesaresmallandweak。
　　Thycityalonewouldbeabletoundertakethislabour；foritturnsaneyeonsuffering，andhathintheeayoungandgallantking，forwantwhereoftoleadtheirhostsstateserenowhaveoftenperished。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Itoo，Theseus，urgethesamepleatothee；havepityonmyhardfate。
　　THESEUS
　　FullofthaveIarguedoutthissubjectwithothers。Fortherearewhosay，thereismorebadthangoodinhumannature，tothewhichI
　　holdcontraryview，thatgoodo’erbadpredominatesinman，forifitwerenotso，weshouldnotexist。Hehathmypraise，whoe’erofgodsbroughtustolivebyrulefromchaosandfrombrutishness，firstbyimplantingreason，andnextbygivingusatonguetodeclareourthoughts，soastoknowthemeaningofwhatissaid，bestowingfruitfulcrops，anddropsofrainfromheaventomakethemgrow，wherewithtonourishearth’sfruitsandtowaterherlap；andmorethanthis，protectionfromthewintrystorm，andmeanstowardfromusthesun—god’sscorchingheat；theartofsailingo’erthesea，sothatwemightexchangewithoneanotherwhatsoourcountrieslack。Andwheresightfailsusandourknowledgeisnotsure，theseerforetellsbygazingontheflame，byreadingsignsinfoldsofentrails，orbydivinationfromtheflightofbirds。Arewenotthentoproud，whenheavenhathmadesuchpreparationforourlife，nottobecontenttherewith？Butourpresumptionseekstolorditoverheaven，andintheprideofourheartswethinkwearewiserthanthegods。
　　Methinksthouartevenofthisnumber，asonoffolly，seeingthatthou，thoughobedienttoApollo’soracleingivingthydaughterstostrangers，asifgodsreallyexisted，yethasthurtthyhousebyminglingthestreamofitspurelinewithmuddywaters；no！nevershouldthewisemanhavejoinedthestockofjustandunjustinone，butshouldhavegottenprosperousfriendsforhisfamily。Forthedeity，confusingtheirdestinies，dothoftdestroybythesinner’sfatehimwhoneversinnednorcommittedinjustice。ThoudidstleadallArgosforthtobattle，thoughseersproclaimedthewillofheaven，andtheninscornofthemandinviolentdisregardofthegodshastruinedthycity，ledawaybyyoungermen，suchascourtdistinction，andaddwartowarunrighteously，destroyingtheirfellow—citizens；oneaspirestoleadanarmy；anotherfainwouldseizethereinsofpowerandworkhiswantonwill；athirdisbentongain，carelessofanyillthepeopletherebysuffer。Fortherearethreeranksofcitizens；
　　therich，auselessset，thatevercraveformore；thepooranddestitute，fearfulfolk，thatcherishenvymorethanisright，andshootoutgrievousstingsagainstthemenwhohaveaught，beguiledastheyarebytheeloquenceofviciousleaders；whiletheclassthatismidmostofthethreepreservethcities，observingsuchorderasthestateordains。ShallIthenbecomethyally？WhatfairpretextshouldIurgebeforemycountrymen？Departinpeace！Forwhyshouldstthou，havingbeenill—advisedthyself，seektodragourfortunedown？
　　LEADER
　　Heerred；butwiththeyoungmenreststhiserror，whilehemaywellbepardoned。
　　ADRASTUS
　　Ididnotchoosethee，king，tojudgemyaffliction，butcametotheetocureit；no！norifinaughtmyfortunesprovemewrong，cameItothetopunishorcorrectthem，buttoseekthyhelp。Butifthouwiltnot，mustbecontentwiththydecision；forhowcanI
　　helpit？Come，ageddames，away！Yetleavebehindyouherethewovenleavesofpalegreenfoliage，callingtowitnessheavenandearth，Demeter，thatfire—bearinggoddess，andthesun—god’slight，thatourprayerstoheavenavailedusnaught。
　　CHORUS（singing）……whowasPelops’son，andweareofthelandofPelopsandsharewiththeethebloodofancestors。Whatartthoudoing？wiltthoubetraythesesuppliantsymbols，andbanishfromthylandtheseagedwomenwithouttheboontheyshouldobtain？Donotso；e’enthewildbeastfindsarefugeintherock，theslaveinthealtarsofthegods，andastatewhentempest—tossedcowerstoitsneighbour’sshelter；fornaughtinthislifeofmanisblestuntoitsend。
　　Rise，haplessone，fromthesacredfloorofPersephone；rise，clasphimbythekneesandimplorehim，"Orecoverthebodiesofourdeadsons，thechildrenthatIlost—ah，woeisme！—beneaththewallsofCadmus’town。"Ahme！ahme！Takemebythehand，pooragedsuffererthatIam，supportandguideandraisemeup。Bythybeard，kindfriend，gloryofHellas，Idobeseechthee，asIclaspthykneesandhandsinmymisery；OpitymeasIentreatformysonswithmytaleofwretchedwoe，likesomebeggar；norletmysonsliethereunburiedinthelandofCadmus，gladpreyforbeasts，whilstthouartinthyprime，Iimplorethee。Seetheteardroptrembleinmyeye，asthusIthrowmeatthykneestowinmychildrenburial。
　　THESEUS
　　Mothermine，whyweepestthou，drawingo’erthineeyesthyveil？
　　Isitbecausethoudidstheartheirpiteouslamentations？Tomyownheartitgoes。Raisethysilveredhead，weepnotwherethousittestattheholyaltarofDemeter。
　　AETHRA
　　Ahwoe！
　　THESEUS
　　’Tisnotfortheetheirsorrowstolament。
　　AETHRA
　　Yehaplessdames！
　　THESEUS
　　Thouartnotoftheircompany。
　　AETHRA
　　MayIaschemedeclare，myson，thatshalladdtothygloryandthestate’s？
　　THESEUS
　　Yea，foroftevenfromwomen’slipsissuewisecounsels。
　　AETHRA
　　Yettheword，thatlurkswithinmyheart，makesmehesitate。
　　THESEUS
　　Shame！tohidefromfriendsgoodcounsel。
　　AETHRA
　　Naythen，Iwillnotholdmypeacetoblamemyselfhereafterforhavingnowkeptsilencetomyshame，norwillIforegomyhonourableproposal，fromthecommonfearthatitisuselessforwomentogivegoodadvice。First，myson，Iexhorttheegivegoodheedtoheaven’swill，lestfromslightingitthousuffershipwreck；forinthisonesinglepointthoufailest，thoughwell—advisedinallelse。Further，I
　　wouldhavepatientlyendured，haditnotbeenmydutytoventuresomewhatforinjuredfolk；andthis，myson，itisthatbringstheenowthyhonour，andcausesmenofeartourgethatthoushouldstusethypowertomakemenofviolence，whopreventthedeadfromreceivingtheirmeedofburialandfuneralrites，performthisboundenduty，andcheckthosewhowouldconfoundthecustomsofallHellas；forthisitisthatholdsmen’sstatestogether，—strictobservanceofthelaws。
　　Andsome，nodoubt，willsay，’twascowardicemadetheestandaloofinterror，whenthoumightesthavewonforthycityacrownofglory，and，thoughthoudidstencounterasavageswine，labouringforasorrytask，yetwhenthetimecamefortheetofacethehelmetandpointedspear，anddothybest，thouwertfoundtobecoward。Nay！donotsoifthoubesonofmine。Dostseehowfiercelythycountrylooksonitsrevilerswhentheymockherforwantofcounsel？Yea，forinhertoilsshegrowethgreater。Butstates，whosepolicyisdarkandcautious，havetheirsightdarkenedbytheircarefulness。Myson，wiltthounotgosuccourthedeadandthesepoorwomenintheirneed？havenofearsforthee，startingasthoudostwithrightuponthyside；andalthoughIseetheprosperityofCadmus’folk，stillamIconfidenttheywillthrowadifferentdie；forthedeityreversesallthingsagain。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Ah！bestoffriends，rightwellhastthoupleadedformeandforAdrastus，andhencemyjoyisdoubled。
　　THESEUS
　　Mother，thewordsthatIhavespokenarehisfairdeserts，andI
　　havedeclaredmyopinionofthecounselsthatruinedhim；yetdoI
　　perceivethetruthofthywarningtome，thatitillsuitsmycharactertoshundangers。ForbyalongandgloriouscareerhaveI
　　displayedthismyhabitamongHellenes，ofeverpunishingthewicked。WhereforeIcannotrefusetoil。Forwhatwillspitefultonguessayofme，whenthou，mymother，whomorethanallothersfearestformysafety，bidstmeundertakethisenterprise？Yea，Iwillgoaboutthisbusinessandrescuethedeadbywordspersuasive；or，failingthat，thespearforthwithshalldecidethisissue，norwillheavengrudgemethis。ButIrequirethewholecity’ssanctionalso，whichmymerewishwillensure；stillbycommunicatingtheproposaltothemIshallfindthepeoplebetterdisposed。ForthemImadesupreme，whenIsetthiscityfree，bygivingallanequalvote。SoIwilltakeAdrastusasatextforwhatIhavetosayandgototheirassembly，andwhenhavewonthemtotheseviews，Iwillreturnhither，aftercollectingapickedbandofyoungAthenians；andthenremainingunderarmsIwillsendamessagetoCreon，beggingthebodiesofthedead。Butdoye，agedladies，removefrommymotheryourholywreaths，thatImaytakeherbythehandandconducthertothehouseofAegeus；forawretchedsonishewhorewardsnothisparentsbyservice；for，whenhehathconferredonthemthebesthehath，heinhisturnfromhisownsonsreceivesallsuchserviceashegavetothem。
　　（AETHRAleavesthealtaranddeparts。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　stropheOArgos，homeofsteeds，mynativeland！yehaveheardwithyourearsthesewords，theking’spiouswilltowardthegodsinthesightofgreatPelasgiaandthroughoutArgos。
　　antistrophe1
　　Mayhereachthegoal！yea，andtriumpho’ermysorrows，rescuingthegorycorpse，themother’sidolandmakingthelandofInachushisfriendbyhelpingher。
　　strophe2
　　Forpioustoilisafairornamenttocities，andcarrieswithitgracethatneverwastesaway。Whatwillthecitydecide，Iwonder？
　　Willitconcludeafriendlytrucewithme，andshallweobtainburialforoursons？
　　antistrophe2
　　Help，Ohelp，cityofPallas，themother’scause，thatsotheymaynotpollutethelawsofallmankind。Thou，Iknow，dostreverenceright，andtoinjusticedealestoutdefeat，aprotectionatalltimestotheafflicted。
　　（THESEUSaddressesoneofhisownheralds。
　　Ashespeaks，theHERALDfromKingCreonofThebesenters。）
　　THESEUS
　　Forasmuchaswiththisthyartthouhasteverservedthestateandmebycarryingmyproclamationsfarandwide，sonowcrossAsopusandthewatersofIsmenus，anddeclarethismessagetothehaughtykingoftheCadmeans："Theseus，thyneighbour，onewhowellmaywintheboonhecraves，begsasafavourthypermissiontoburythedead，winningtothyselftherebytheloveofalltheErechtheidae。"
　　Andiftheywillacquiesce，comebackagain，butiftheyhearkennot，thysecondmessagerunneththus，theymayexpectmywarriorhost；
　　foratthesacredfountofCallichorusmyarmycampsinreadinessandisbeingreviewed。Moreover，thecitygladlyofitsownaccordundertookthisenterprise，whenitperceivedmywish。Ha！whocomeshithertointerruptmyspeech？AThebanherald，soitseems，thoughIamnotsurethereof。Stay；haplyhemaysavethethytrouble。Forbyhiscominghemeetsmypurposehalf—way。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Whoisthedespotofthisland？TowhommustIannouncethemessageofCreon，whoruleso’erthelandofCadmus，sinceEteocleswasslainbythehandofhisbrotherPolyneices，atthesevenfoldgatesofThebes？
　　THESEUS
　　Sirstranger，thouhastmadeafalsebeginningtothyspeech，inseekinghereadespot。Forthiscityisnotruledbyoneman，butisfree。Thepeopleruleinsuccessionyearbyyear，allowingnopreferencetowealth，butthepoormansharesequallywiththerich。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Thougivestmehereanadvantage，asitmightbeinagameofdraughts；forthecity，whenceIcome，isruledbyonemanonly，notbythemob；nonetherepuffsupthecitizenswithspeciouswords，andforhisownadvantagetwiststhemthiswayorthat，—onemomentdeartothemandlavishofhisfavours，thenextabanetoall；andyetbyfreshcalumniesofothershehideshisformerfailuresandescapespunishment。Besides，howshallthepeople，ifitcannotformtruejudgments，beablerightlytodirectthestate？Nay，’tistime，nothaste，thataffordsabetterunderstanding。Apoorhind，grantedbehenotallunschooled，wouldstillbeunablefromhistoiltogivehismindtopolitics。Verilythebettersortcountitnohealthysignwhentheworthlessmanobtainsareputationbybeguilingwithwordsthepopulace，thoughaforetimehewasnaught。
　　THESEUS
　　Thisheraldisacleverfellow，adabblerintheartoftalk。
　　Butsincethouhastthusenteredthelistswithme，listenawhile，for’twasthoudidstchallengeadiscussion。Naughtismorehostiletoacitythanadespot；whereheis，therearefirstnolawscommontoall，butonemanistyrant，inwhosekeepingandinhisalonethelawresides，andinthatcaseequalityisatanend。Butwhenthelawsarewrittendown，richandpooralikehaveequaljustice，anditisopentotheweakertousethesamelanguagetotheprosperouswhenheisreviledbyhim，andtheweakerprevailsoverthestrongerifhehavejusticeonhisside。Freedom’smarkisalsoseeninthis："Whohathwholesomecounseltodeclareuntothestate？"Andhewhochoosestodosogainsrenown，whilehe，whohathnowish，remainssilent。Whatgreaterequalitycantherebeinacity？Again，wherethepeopleareabsoluterulersoftheland，theyrejoiceinhavingreserveofyouthfulcitizens，whileakingcountsthisahostileelement，andstrivestoslaytheleadingmen，allsuchashedeemsdiscreet，forhefearethforhispower。Howthencanacityremainstable，whereonecutsshortallenterpriseandmowsdowntheyounglikemeadow—flowersinspring—time？Whatbootsittoacquirewealthandlivelihoodforchildren，merelytoaddtothetyrant’ssubstancebyone’stoil？Whytrainupvirgindaughtersvirtuouslyinourhomestogratifyatyrant’swhim，whensohewill，andcausetearstothosewhorearthem？Maymylifeendifevermychildrenaretobeweddedbyviolence！ThisboltIlaunchinanswertothywords。Nowsay，whyartthoucome？whatneedestthouofthisland？Hadnotthycitysentthee，tothycosthadstthoucomewiththyoutrageousutterances；
　　foritistheherald’sdutytotellthemessageheisbiddenandhiehimbackinhaste。HenceforthletCreonsendtomycitysomeothermessengerlesstalkativethanthee。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Lookyou！howinsolentthevillainsare，whenFortuneiskindtothem，justasifitwouldbewellwiththemforever。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　NowwillIspeak。Onthesedisputedpointsholdthouthisview，butthecontrary。SoIandallthepeopleofCadmusforbidtheetoadmitAdrastustothisland，butifheishere，drivehimforthindisregardoftheholysuppliantboughhebears，eresinksyonblazingsun，andattemptnotviolentlytotakeupthedead，seeingthouhastnaughttodowiththecityofArgos。Andifthouwilthearkentome，thoushaltbringthybarqueofstateintoportunharmedbythebillows；butifnot，fierceshallthesurgeofbattlebe，thatweandouralliesshallraise。Takegoodthought，nor，angeredatmywords，becauseforsooththourulestthycitywithfreedom，returnavauntinganswerfromthyfeeblermeans。Hopeisman’scurse；manyastatehathitinvolvedinstrife，byleadingthemintoexcessiverage。
　　Forwhensothecityhastovoteonthequestionofwar，nomanevertakeshisowndeathintoaccount，butshiftsthismisfortuneontohisneighbour；butifdeathhadbeenbeforetheireyeswhentheyweregivingtheirvotes，Hellaswouldne’erhaverushedtoherdoominmaddesireforbattle。Andyeteachmanamongstusknowswhichofthetwotoprefer，thegoodorill，andhowmuchbetterpeaceisformankindthanwar，—peace，theMuses’chiefestfriend，thefoeofsorrow，whosejoyisingladthrongsofchildren，anditsdelightinprosperity。Thesearetheblessingswecastawayandwickedlyembarkonwar，manenslavinghisweakerbrother，andcitiesfollowingsuit。
　　Nowthouarthelpingourfoesevenafterdeath，tryingtorescueandburythosewhomtheirownactsofinsolencehaveruined。VerilythenitwouldseemCapaneuswasunjustlyblastedbythethunderboltandcharredupontheladderhehadraisedagainstourgates，swearinghewouldsackourtown，whetherthegodwouldorno；norshouldtheyawningearthhavesnatchedawaytheseer，openingwidehermouthtotakehischariotanditshorsesin，norshouldtheotherchieftainsbestretchedatourgates，theirskeletonstoatomscrushed’neathboulders。EitherboastthywittranscendeththatofZeus，orelseallowthatgodsarerighttoslaytheungodly。Thewiseshouldlovetheirchildrenfirst，nexttheirparentsandcountry，whosefortunesitbehovesthemtoincreaseratherthanbreakdown。Rashnessinaleader，asinapilot，causethshipwreck；whoknowethwhentobequietisawiseman。Yeaandthistooisbravery，evenforethought。
　　LEADER
　　ThepunishmentZeushathinflictedwassurelyenough；therewasnoneedtoheapthiswantoninsultonus。
　　ADRASTUS
　　Abandonedwretch！
　　THESEUS
　　Peace，Adrastus！saynomore；setnotthywordsbeforemine，for’tisnottotheethisfellowiscomewithhismessage，buttome，andImustanswerhim。ThyfirstassertionwillIanswerfirst：IamnotawarethatCreonismylordandmaster，orthathispoweroutweighethmine，thatsoheshouldcompelAthenstoactonthiswise；
　　nay！forthenwouldthetideoftimehavetoflowbackward，ifwearetobeordered，ashethinks。’TisnotIwhochoosethiswar，seeingthatIdidnotevenjointhesewarriorstogountothelandofCadmus；butstillIclaimtoburythefallendead，notinjuringanystatenoryetintroducingmurderousstrife，butpreservingthelawofallHellas。Whatisnotwellinthis？IfyesufferedaughtfromtheArgives—lo！theyaredead；yetookasplendidvengeanceonyourfoesandcoveredthemwithshame，andnowyourrightisatanend。Letthedeadnowbeburiedintheearth，andeachelementreturntotheplacefromwhenceitcametothebody，thebreathtotheair，thebodytotheground；forinnowisedidwegetitforourown，buttoliveourlifein，andafterthatitsmotherearthmusttakeitbackagain。Dostthink’tisArgosthouartinjuringinrefusingburialtothedead？Nay！allHellassharesherein，ifamanrobthedeadoftheirdueandkeepthemfromthetomb；for，ifthislawbeenacted，itwillstrikedismayintothestoutesthearts。Andartthoucometocastdirethreatsatmewhilethyownfolkareafraidofgivingburialtothedead？Whatisyourfear？Thinkyoutheywillundermineyourlandintheirgraves，orthattheywillbegetchildreninthewombofearth，fromwhomshallriseanavenger？Asillywasteofwords，intruthitwas，toshowyourfearofpaltrygroundlessterrors。Go，triflers，learnthelessonofhumanmisery；ourlifeismadeupofstruggles；somementherebethatfindtheirfortunesoon，othershavetowait，whilesomeatonceareblest。Fortunelivesadaintylife；toherthewretchedpayshiscourtandhomagetowinhersmile；herlikewisedoththeprosperousmanextol，forfearthefavouringgalemayleavehim。Theselessonsshouldwetaketoheart，tobearwithmoderation，freefromwrath，ourwrongs，anddonaughttohurtawholecity。Whatthen？Letus，whowillthepiousdeedperform，burythecorpsesoftheslain。Elseistheissueclear；Iwillgoandburythembyforce。FornevershallitbeproclaimedthroughHellasthatheaven’sancientlawwassetatnaught，whenitdevolvedonmeandthecityofPandion。
　　LEADER
　　Beofgoodcheer；forifthoupreservethelightofjustice，thoushaltescapemanyachargethatmenmighturge。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　WiltthouthatIsumupinbriefallthouwouldstsay？
　　THESEUS
　　Saywhatthouwilt；forthouartnotsilentasitis。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　ThoushaltnevertakethesonsofArgosfromourland。
　　THESEUS
　　Hear，then，myanswertootothat，ifsothouwilt。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Iwillhearthee；notthatIwishit，butImustgivetheethyturn。
　　THESEUS
　　Iwillburythedead，whenfromAsopus’landIhaveremovedthem。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Firstmustthouadventuresomewhatinthefrontofwar。
　　THESEUS
　　ManyanenterpriseandofadifferentkindhaveIerethisendured。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Wertthouthenbegottenofthysiretocopewitheveryfoe？
　　THESEUS
　　Ay，withallwantonvillains；virtueIpunishnot。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Tomeddleisayethywontandthycity’stoo。
　　THESEUS
　　Henceherenterpriseonmanyafieldhathwonhermanyblessings。
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Comethen，thatthewarriorsofthedragon—cropmaycatchtheeinourcity。
　　THESEUS
　　Whatfuriouswarrior—hostcouldspringfromdragon’sseed？
　　THEBANHERALD
　　Thoushaltlearnthattothycost。Asyetthouartyoungandrash。
　　THESEUS
　　Thyboastfulspeechstirsnotmyheartatalltorage。Yetgettheegonefrommyland，takingwiththeetheidlewordsthoubroughtest；forwearemakingnoadvance。（TheTHEBANHERALD
　　withdraws。）’Tistimeforalltostart，eachstoutfootman，andwhosomountsthecar；’tistimethebit，drippingwithfoam，shouldurgethechargerontowardthelandofCadmus。ForIwillmarchinpersontothesevengatesthereofwiththesharpswordinmyhand，andbemyselfmyherald。Butthee，Adrastus，Ibidstay，norblendwithminethyfortunes，forIwilltakemyowngoodstartoleadmyhost，achieftainfamedinfamousdeedsofarms。OnethingaloneIneed，thefavourofallgodsthatreverenceright，forthepresenceofthesethingsinsuresvictory。Fortheirvalouravailethmennaught，unlesstheyhavethegod’sgoodwill。
　　（THESEUSandhisretinuedepart。ThefollowinglinesbetweentheSEMI—CHORUSESarechantedresponsively。）
　　FIRSTSEMI—CHORUS
　　Unhappymothersofthosehaplesschiefs！Howwildlyinmyheartpalefearstirsupalarm！
　　SECONDSEMI—CHORUS
　　Whatisthisnewcrythouutterest？
　　FIRSTSEMI—CHORUS
　　Ifeartheissueofthestrife，wheretothehostsofPallasmarch。
　　SECONDSEMI—CHORUS
　　Dostspeakofissuesofthesword，orinterchangeofwords？
　　FIRSTSEMI—CHORUS
　　Thatlastweregainindeed；butifthecarnageofbattle，fighting，andthenoiseofbeatenbreastsagainbeheardintheland，what，alas！willbesaidofme，whoamthecausethereof？
　　SECONDSEMI—CHORUS
　　Yetmayfateagainbringlowthebrilliantvictor；’tisthisbravethoughtthattwinesaboutmyheart。