CHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
　　JOCASTA，wifeofOEDIPUS
　　OLDSERVANT，anattendantofANTIGONE
　　ANTIGONE，daughterOfOEDIPUS
　　CHORUSOFPHOENICIANMAIDENS
　　POLYNEICES，exiledsonofOEDIPUS
　　ETEOCLES，nowKingofThebes；sonofOEDIPUS
　　CREON，brotherofJOCASTA
　　TEIRESIAS，ablindprophetMENOECEUS，sonofCREON
　　FIRSTMESSENGER
　　SECONDMESSENGER
　　OEDIPUS，formerlyKingofThebesDaughterofTEIRESIAS，guards，attendantsPHOENISSAE
　　THEPHOENISSAE
　　（SCENE：-BeforetheroyalpalaceofThebes。JOCASTAentersfromthepalacealone。）
　　JOCASTA
　　OSUN-GOD，whocleavestthywayalongthestarrysky，mountedongolden-studdedcar，rollingonthypathofflamebehindfleetcoursers，howcurstthebeamthoudidstshedonThebes，thedaythatCadmusleftPhoenicia’srealmbesidetheseaandreachedthisland！HeitwasthatindayslonggoneweddedHarmonia，thedaughterofCypris，andbegatPolydorusfromwhomtheysaysprungLabdacus，andLaiusfromhim。IamknownasthedaughterofMenoeceus，andCreonismybrotherbythesamemother。MencalledmeJocasta，forsomyfathernamedme，andIammarriedtoLaius。Nowwhenhewasstillchildlessafterbeingweddedtomealongtime，hewentandquestionedPhoebus，cravingmoreoverthatourlovemightbecrownedwithsonsborntohishouse。Butthegodsaid，"KingofThebesforhorsesfamed！
　　seeknottobegetchildrenagainstthewillofheaven；forifthoubegetason，thatchildshallslaythee，andallthyhouseshallwadethroughblood。"Buthe，yieldingtohislustinadrunkenfit，begatasonofme，andwhenhisbabewasborn，consciousofhissinandofthegod’swarning，hegavethechildtoshepherdstoexposeinHera’smeadowonmountCithaeron，afterpiercinghisankleswithironspikes；whenceitwasthatHellasnamedhimOedipus。ButthekeepersofthehorsesofPolybusfindinghimtookhimhomeandlaidhiminthearmsoftheirmistress。SoshesuckledthechildthatIhadborneandpersuadedherhusbandshewasitsmother。Soonasmysonwasgrowntoman’sestate，thetawnybearduponhischeek，eitherbecausehehadguessedthefraudorlearntitfromanother，hesetoutfortheshrineofPhoebus，eagertoknowforcertainwhohisparentswere；andlikewiseLaius，myhusband，wasonhiswaythither，anxioustofindoutifthechildhehadexposedwasdead。AndtheytwainmetwherethebranchingroadstoPhocisunite；andthecharioteerofLaiuscalledtohim，"Outoftheway，stranger，roomformylord！"Buthe，withneveraword，strodeoninhispride；andthehorseswiththeirhoofsdrewbloodfromthetendonsofhisfeet。
　　Then-butwhyneedItellaughtbeyondthesadissue？-sonslewfather，andtakinghischariotgaveittoPolybushisfoster-father。
　　NowwhentheSphinxwasgrievouslyharryingourcityaftermyhusband’sdeath，mybrotherCreonproclaimedthathewouldwedmetoanywhoshouldguesstheriddleofthatcraftymaiden。Bysomestrangechance，myownson，Oedipus，guessedtheSphinx’sriddle，andsohebecamekingofthislandandreceiveditssceptreashisprize，andmarriedhismother，allunwitting，lucklesswretch！nordidIhismotherknowthatIwasweddedtomyson；andIborehimtwosons，EteoclesandtheheroPolyneices，andtwodaughtersaswell；theoneherfathercalledIsmene，theother，whichwastheelder，InamedAntigone。NowwhenOedipus，thatawfulsufferer，learntthatIhisweddedwifewashismothertoo，heinflictedaghastlyoutrageuponhiseyes，tearingthebleedingorbswithagoldenbrooch。Butsincemysonshavegrowntobeardedmen，theyhaveconfinedtheirfatherclosely，thathismisfortune，needingasitdidfullmanyashifttohideit，mightbeforgotten。Heisstilllivinginthepalace，buthismisfortuneshavesounhingedhimthatheimprecatesthemostunholycursesonhissons，prayingthattheymayhavetodrawtheswordbeforetheysharethishousebetweenthem。Sothey，fearfulthatheavenmayaccomplishhisprayeriftheydwelltogether，havemadeanagreement，arrangingthatPolyneices，theyounger，shouldfirstleavethelandinvoluntaryexile，whileEteoclesshouldstayandholdthesceptreforayearandthenchangeplaces。ButassoonasEteocleswasseatedhighinpower，herefusedtogiveupthethrone，anddrovePolyneicesintoexilefromthekingdom；soPolyneiceswenttoArgosandmarriedintothefamilyofAdrastus，andhavingcollectedanumerousforceofArgivesisleadingthemhither；andheiscomeupagainstourseven-gatedwalls，demandingthesceptreofhisfatherandhisshareinthekingdom。WhereforeI，toendtheirstrife，haveprevailedononesontomeettheotherundertruce，beforeappealingtoarms；andthemessengerIsenttellsmethathewillcome。OZeus，whosehomeisheaven’sradiantvault，saveus，andgrantthatmysonsmaybereconciled！Forthou，ifthouartreallywise，mustnotsufferthesamepoormortaltobeforeverwretched。
　　（JOCASTAre-entersthepalace，astheOLDSERVANTappearsontheroof。）
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Antigone，choiceblossominafather’shouse，althoughthymotherallowedtheeatthyearnesttreatytoleavethymaidenchamberforthetopmoststoryofthehouse，thencetobeholdtheArgivehost，yetastaymomentthatImayfirstreconnoitrethepath，whethertherebeanyofthecitizensvisibleontheroad，lestreproach，littleasitmatterstoaslavelikeme，fastenonthee，myroyalmistress；andwhenIamquitesurewilltelltheeeverythingthatIsawandheardfromtheArgives，whencarriedthetermsofthetrucetoandfrobetweenthiscityandPolyneices。（Afteraslightpause）No，thereisnocitizenapproachingthepalace；somounttheancientcedarsteps，andviewtheplainsthatskirtIsmenusandthefountofDircetoseethemightyhostoffoemen。
　　（ANTIGONEappearsbesidehim。Shechantsherrepliestohim。）
　　ANTIGONE
　　Stretchoutthyhandtomefromthestairs，thehandofagetoyouth，helpingmetomount。
　　OLDSERVANT
　　There！claspit，myyoungmistress；thouartcomeataluckymoment；forPelasgia’shostisjustuponthemove，andtheirseveralcontingentsareseparating。
　　ANTIGONE
　　OHecate，dreadchildofLatona！theplainisoneblazeofbronze。
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Ah！thisisnoordinaryhome-comingofPolyneices；withmanyaknightandclashofcountlessarmshecomes。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Arethegatesfastbarred，andthebrazenboltsshothomeintoAmphion’swallsofstone？
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Neverfear！allissafewithinthetown。Butmarkhimwhocomethfirst，ifthouwouldstlearnhisname。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whoisthatwiththewhitecrest，whomarchesinthevan，lightlybearingonhisarmabucklerallofbronze？
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Achieftain，lady-
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whoishe？whoseson？hisname？tellme，oldman。
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Mycenaeclaimshimforherson；inLerna’sglenshedwells，theprinceHippomedon。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Ah！howproudandterriblehismien！liketoanearth-borngianthemoves，withstarsengraveduponhistarge，resemblingnotachildofearth。
　　OLDSERVANT
　　DostseeyonchieftaincrossingDirce’sstream？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Hisharnessisquitedifferent。Whoisthat？
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Tydeus，thesonofOeneus；trueAetolianspiritfireshisbreast。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Isthishe，oldman，whoweddedasisterofthewifeofPolyneices？Whataforeignlookhisarmourhas！ahalf-barbarianhe！
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Yes，mychild；allAetolianscarryshields，andaremostunerringmarksmenwiththeirdarts。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Howartthousosureofthesedescriptions，oldman？
　　OLDSERVANT
　　IcarefullynotedtheblazonsontheirshieldsbeforewhenI
　　wentwiththetermsofthetrucetothybrother；sowhenIseethemnowIknowwhocarrythem。
　　ANTIGONE
　　WhoisthatyouthpassingclosetothetombofZethus，withlongflowinghair，butalookoffuryinhiseye？isheacaptain？forcrowdsofwarriorsfollowathisheels。
　　OLDSERVANT
　　ThatisParthenopaeus，Atalanta’sson。
　　ANTIGONE
　　MayArtemis，whohieso’erthehillswithhismother，layhimlowwithanarrow，forcomingagainstmycitytosackit！
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Mayitbeso，mydaughter；butwithjusticearetheycomehither，andmyfearisthatthegodswilltaketherightfulview，ANTIGONE
　　WhereishewhowasbornofthesamemotherasIwasbyacrueldestiny？Oh！tellme，oldfriend，wherePolyneicesis。
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Heisyonder，rangednexttoAdrastusnearthetombofNiobe’ssevenunweddaughters。Dostseehim？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Iseehim，yes！butnotdistinctly；’tisbuttheoutlineofhisformthesemblanceofhisstalwartlimbsIsee。WouldIcouldspeedthroughthesky，swiftasacloudbeforethewind，towardsmyowndearbrother，andthrowmyarmsaboutmydarling’sneck，solong，poorboy！
　　anexile。Howbrighthisgoldenweaponsflashlikethesun-god’smorningrays！
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Hewillsoonbehere，tofillthyheartwithjoy，accordingtothetruce。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whoisthat，oldman，onyondercardrivingsnow-whitesteeds？
　　OLDSERVANT
　　That，lady，istheprophetAmphiaraus；withhimarethevictims，whosestreamingbloodthethirstyearthwilldrink。
　　ANTIGONE
　　DaughterofLatonawiththedazzlingzone，Omoon，thouorbofgoldenlight！howquietly，withwhatrestrainthedrives，goadingfirstonehorse，thentheother！ButwhereisCapaneuswhouttersthosedreadfulthreatsagainstthiscity？
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Yonderheis，calculatinghowhemayscalethetowers，takingthemeasureofourwallsfrombasetosummit。
　　ANTIGONE
　　ONemesis，withboomingthunder-pealsofZeusandblazinglevin-light，thineitistosilencesuchpresumptuousboasting。Isthistheman，whosayshewillgivethemaidsofThebesascaptivesofhisspeartoMycenae’sdames，toLerna’sTrident，andthewatersofAmymone，deartoPoseidon，whenhehasthrownthetoilsofslaveryroundthem？Never，never，Artemis，myqueenrevered，childofZeuswithlocksofgold，mayIenduretheyokeofslavery！
　　OLDSERVANT
　　Mydaughter，gowithin，andabidebeneaththeshelterofthymaidenchamber，nowthatthouhasthadthywishandseenallthatthyheartdesired；forIseeacrowdofwomenmovingtowardtheroyalpalace，confusionreigninginthecity。Nowtheraceofwomenbynaturelovestofindfault；andiftheygetsomeslighthandlefortheirtalktheyexaggerateit，fortheyseemtotakeapleasureinsayingeverythingbadofoneanother。
　　（ANTIGONEandtheOLDSERVANTdescendintothepalace，astheCHORUSofPHOENICIANMAIDENSenters。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　FromtheTyrianmainIcome，anofferingchoiceforLoxiasfromPhoenicianisle，toministertoPhoebusinhishalls，wherehisfaneliesnestling’neaththesnow-sweptpeaksofParnassus；overtheIonianseaIrowedmycourse，forabovetheplainsunharvested，thatfringethecoastofSicily，theboisterouswest-windcoursed，pipingsweetestmusicinthesky。
　　antistrophe1
　　Chosenfrommycityasbeauty’sgiftforLoxias，tothelandofCadmusIcame，sentthithertothetowersofLaius，thehomeofmykin，thefamoussonsofAgenor；andthereIbecamethehandmaidofPhoebus，dedicatedlikehisofferingsofwroughtgold。ButasyetthewaterofCastalyiswaitingformetobedewthemaidengloryofmytressesfortheserviceofPhoebus。
　　epodeHail！thourockthatkindlestbrightfireabovethetwin-peakedheightsofDionysus。Hail！thouvine，that，daybyday，makestthelushbunchesofthygrapestodrip。Hail！awfulcavernoftheserpent，andthegod’soutlookonthehills，andsacredmountbysnow-stormslashed！wouldIwerenowcirclinginthedanceofthedeathlessgod，freefromwildalarms，havingleftDirceerethisforthevalesofPhoebusatthecentreoftheworld！
　　strophe2
　　ButnowIfindtheimpetuousgodofwariscometobattlebeforethesewalls，andhathkindledmurder’storchinthiscity。Godgranthefail！forafriend’ssorrowsarealsomine；andifthislandwithitsseventowerssufferanymischance，Phoenicia’srealmmustshareit。Ahme！ourstockisone；allchildrenweofIo，thathornedmaid，whosesorrowsIpartake。
　　antistrophe2
　　Aroundthecityadensearrayofserriedshieldsisrousingthespectreofbloodystrife，whoseissueAresshallsoonlearntohiscost，ifhebringsuponthesonsofOedipusthehorrorsofthecurse。OArgos，cityofPelasgia！IdreadthyprowessandthevengeanceHeavensends；forhewhocomethagainstourhomeinfullpanoplyisenteringthelistswithjusticeonhisside。
　　（POLYNEICESentersalone。）
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thosewhokeptwatchandwardatthegateadmittedmesoreadilywithinthewallsthatmyonlyfearis，thatnowtheyhavecaughtmeintheirtoils，theywillnotletmeoutunscathed；soImustturnmyeyeineverydirection，hitherandthither，toguardagainstalltreachery。Armedwiththissword，Ishallinspiremyselfwiththetrustthatisbornofboldness。（Starting）Whatho！whogoesthere？orisitanidlesoundIfear？Everythingseemsadangertoventurousspirits，whentheirfeetbegintotreadanenemy’scountry。StillI
　　trustmymother，andatthesametimemistrustherforpersuadingmetocomehitherundertruce。Well，thereishelpathand，forthealtar’shearthiscloseandtherearepeopleinthepalace。Come，letmesheathmyswordinitsdarkscabbardandaskthesemaidensstandingnearthehouse，whotheyare。
　　Ladiesofanotherland，tellmefromwhatcountryyecometothehallsofHellas。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　PhoeniciaismynativelandwhereIwasbornandbred；andAgenor’schildren’schildrensentmehitherasafirst-fruitsofthespoilsofwarfoyPhoebus；butwhenthenoblesonofOedipuswasabouttoescortmetothehallowedoracleandthealtarsofLoxias，cameArgivesmeantimeagainsthiscity。NowtellmeinreturnwhothouartthatcomestothisfortressoftheThebanrealmwithitssevengates。
　　POLYNEICES
　　MyfatherwasOedipus，thesonofLaius；mymotherJocasta，daughterofMenoeceus；andIamcalledPolyneicesbythefolkofThebes。
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　OkinsmanofAgenor’srace，myroyalmasterswhosentmehitheratthyfeet，prince，Ithrowmyself，accordingtothecustomofmyhome。Atlastartthoucometothynativeland；atlast！Hailtothee！
　　allhail！Comeforth，myhonouredmistress，openwidethedoors。
　　Dosthear，Omotherofthischief？Whyartthoudelayingtoleavetheshelteringrooftofoldthysoninthyembrace？
　　（JOCASTAentersfromthepalace。）
　　JOCASTA（chanting）
　　Maidens，IhearyoucallinyourPhoeniciantongue，andmyoldfeetdragtheirtotteringstepstomeetmyson。Omyson，myson，atlastaftermanyalongdayIseetheefacetoface；throwthyarmsaboutthymother’sbosom；reachhitherthycheektomeandthydarklocksofclusteringhair，o’ershadowingmynecktherewith。Hailtothee！allhail！scarcenowrestoredtothymother’sarms，whenhopeandexpectationbothweredead。WhatcanIsaytothee？howrecallineveryway，byword，bydeed，theblissofdayslongpast，expressingmyjoyinthemazymeasuresofthedance？Ah！myson，thoudidstleavethyfather’shallsdesolate，whenthybrother’sdespitedrovetheethenceinexile。TrulythouwertmissedalikebythyfriendsandThebes。ThiswaswhyIcutoffmysilveredlocksandletthemfallforgriefwithmanyatear，notcladinrobesofwhite，myson，butinsteadthereoftakingformywearthesesorrysabletatters；whilewithinthepalacethatagedonewithsightlessorbs，evernursingthesorrowofadoubleregretforthepairofbrethrenestrangedfromtheirhome，rushedtolayhandsuponhimselfwiththeswordorbythenoosesuspendedo’erhischamber-roof，moaninghiscursesonhissons；andnowheburieshimselfindarkness，weepingeverandlamenting。Andthou，mychild，-Ihearthouhasttakenanalientowifeandartbegettingchildrentothyjoyinthyhome；
　　theytellmethouartcourtingaforeignalliance，aceaselesswoetomethymotherandtoLaiusthyancestor，tohavethiswoefulmarriagefoistedonus。’Twasnohandofminethatlitfortheethemarriage-torch，ascustomordainsandasahappymotherought；noparthadIsmenusatthyweddinginsupplyingtheluxuriousbath；andtherewassilencethroughthestreetsofThebes，whattimethyyoungbrideenteredherhome。Cursesonthem！whetheritbetheswordorstrifeorthysirethatistoblame，orheaven’svisitationthathathburstsoriotouslyuponthehouseofOedipus；foronmeiscomealltheanguishofthesetroubles。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Wondrousdeartowomanisthechildofhertravail，andallherracehathsomeaffectionforitsbabes。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Mother，Ihavecomeamongstenemieswiselyorfoolishly；butallmenneedsmustlovetheirnativeland；whososaithotherwiseispleasedtosaysobuthisthoughtsareturnedelsewhere。SofearfulwasIandinsuchterror，lestmybrothermightslaymebytreacherythatImademywaythroughthecityswordinhand，castingmyeyesallroundme。Myonlyhopeisthetruceandthyplightedwordwhichinducedmetoentermypaternalwalls；andmanyatearIshedbytheway，seeingafterawearywhilemyhomeandthealtarsofthegods，thetrainingground，sceneofmychildhood，andDirce’sfountsfromwhichIwasunjustlydriventosojourninastrangecity，withtearsevergushingfrommineeyes。Yea，andtoaddtomygriefIseetheewithhaircutshortandcladinsablerobe；woeismeformysorrows！
　　Howterrible，dearmother，ishatred’twixtthoseoncenearanddear；howharditmakesallreconciliation！Whatdothmyagedsirewithinthehouse，hislightalldarknessnow？whatofmysisterstwain？Ah！they，Iknow，bewailmybitterexile。
　　JOCASTA
　　SomegodwithfellintentisplaguingtheraceofOedipus。Thusitallbegan；IbrokeGod’slawandboreason，andinanevilhourmarriedthyfatherandthouwertborn。Butwhyrepeatthesehorrors？
　　whatHeavensendswehavetobear。IamafraidtoasktheewhatIfainwould，forfearofwoundingthyfeelings；yetIlongto。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Nay，questionme，leavenaughtunsaid；forthywill，mother，ismypleasuretoo。
　　JOCASTA
　　Wellthen，firstIasktheewhatIlongtohaveanswered。Whatmeansexilefromone’scountry？isitagreatevil？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thegreatest；hardertobearthantell。
　　JOCASTA
　　Whatisitlike？whatisitgallstheexile？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Onethingmostofall；hecannotspeakhismind。
　　JOCASTA
　　Thisisaslave’slotthoudescribest，torefrainfromutteringwhatonethinks。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thefolliesofhisrulersmustbebear。
　　JOCASTA
　　Thattooisbitter，tojoininthefollyoffools。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Yettogainourendswemustsubmitagainstournature。
　　JOCASTA
　　Hope，theysay，istheexile’sfood。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Aye，hopethatlookssofair；butsheiseverinthefuture。
　　JOCASTA
　　Butdothnottimeexposeherfutility？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Shehathacertainwinsomecharminmisfortune。
　　JOCASTA
　　Whencehadstthoumeanstolive，erethymarriagefounditforthee？
　　POLYNEICES
　　OnewhileIhadenoughfortheday，andthenmaybeIhaditnot。
　　JOCASTA
　　Didnotthyfather’sfriendsandwhilomguestsassistthee？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Seektobeprosperous；onceletfortunelour，andtheaidsuppliedbyfriendsisnaught。
　　JOCASTA
　　Didnotthynoblebreedingexaltthyhornforthee？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Povertyisacurse；breedingwouldnotfindmefood。
　　JOCASTA
　　Man’sdearesttreasurethen，itseems，ishiscountry。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Nowordsofthinecouldtellhowdear。
　　JOCASTA
　　HowwasitthoudidstgotoArgos？whatwasthyscheme？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Iknownot；thedeitysummonedmethitherinaccordancewithmydestiny。
　　JOCASTA
　　Hedoubtlesshadsomewisedesign；buthowdidstthouwinthywife？
　　POLYNEICES
　　LoxiashadgivenAdrastusanoracle。
　　JOCASTA
　　Whatwasit？whatmeanestthou？Icannotguess。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thatheshouldwedhisdaughterstoaboarandalion。
　　JOCASTA
　　Whathadstthou，myson，todowiththenameofbeasts？
　　POLYNEICES
　　ItwasnightwhenIreachedtheporchofAdrastus。
　　JOCASTA
　　Insearchofaresting-place，orwanderingthitherinthyexile？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Yes，Iwanderedthither；andsodidanotherlikeme。
　　JOCASTA
　　Whowashe？hetooitseemswasinevilplight。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Tydeus，sonofOeneus，washisname。
　　JOCASTA
　　ButwhydidAdrastuslikenyoutowildbeasts？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Becausewecametoblowsaboutourbed。
　　JOCASTA
　　WasitthenthatthesonofTalausunderstoodtheoracle？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Yes，andhegavetoushisdaughterstwain。
　　JOCASTA
　　Artthoublestorcurstinthymarriage？
　　POLYNEICES
　　AsyetIhavenofaulttofindwithit。
　　JOCASTA
　　Howdidstthoupersuadeanarmytofollowtheehither？
　　POLYNEICES
　　TomeandtoTydeuswhoismykinsmanbymarriage，Adrastusswareanoath，eventothehusbandsofhisdaughterstwain，thathewouldrestoreusbothtoourcountry，butmethefirst。SomanyachieffromArgosandMycenaehasjoinedme，doingmeabitterthoughneedfulservice，for’tisagainstmyowncityIammarching。NowI
　　callheaventowitness，thatitisnotwillinglyIhaveraisedmyarmagainstparentswhomIlovefullwell。Buttothee，mother，itbelongstodissolvethisunhappyfeud，and，byreconcilingbrothersinlove，toendmytroublesandthineandthiswholecity’s。’Tisanold-worldmaxim，butIwillciteitforallthat："Mensetmoststorebywealth，andofallthingsinthisworldithaththegreatestpower。"ThisamIcometosecureattheheadofmycountlesshost；forgoodbirthisnaughtifpovertygowithit。
　　LEADER
　　Lo！Eteoclescomeshithertodiscussthetruce。Thinethetask，motherJocasta，tospeaksuchwordsasmayreconcilethysons。
　　（ETEOCLESandhisretinueenter。）
　　ETEOCLES
　　Mother，Iamhere；butitwasonlytopleasuretheeIcame。Whatamtodo？Letsomeonebegintheconference；forIstoppedmarshallingthecitizensindoublelinesaroundthewalls，thatImighthearthyarbitration。betweenus；foritisunderthistrucethatthouhastpersuadedmetoadmitthisfellowwithinthewalls。
　　JOCASTA
　　Stayamoment；hastenevercarriesjusticewithit；butslowdeliberationoftattainsawiseresult。Restrainthefiercenessofthylook，thatpantingrage；forthisisnottheGorgon’sseveredheadbutthyownbrotherwhomthouseesthere。Thoutoo，Polyneices，turnandfacethybrother；forifthouandhestandfacetoface，thouwiltadoptakindliertoneandlendareadiereartohim。Ifainwouldgiveyoubothonepieceofwholesomecounsel；whenamanthatisangeredwithhisfriendconfrontshimfacetoface，heoughtonlytokeepinviewtheobjectofhiscoming，forgettingallpreviousquarrels。
　　Polyneicesmyson，speakfirst，forthouartcomeattheheadofaDanaidhost，allegingwrongfultreatment；andmaysomegodjudgebetwixtusandreconcilethetrouble。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thewordsoftrutharesimple，andjusticeneedsnosubtleinterpretations，forithathafitnessinitself；butthewordsofinjustice，beingrotteninthemselves，requireclevertreatment。I
　　providedforhisinterestsandmineinourfather’spalace，beinganxioustoavoidthecursewhichOedipusonceutteredagainstus；ofmyownfree-willIlefttheland，allowinghimtoruleourcountryforonefullyear，onconditionthatIshouldthentakethesceptreinturn，insteadofplungingintodeadlyenmityandtherebydoingothershurtorsufferingitmyself，asisnowthecase。Buthe，afterconsentingtothisandcallingthegodstowitnesshisoath，hasperformednoneofhispromises，butisstillkeepingthesovereigntyinhisownhandstogetherwithmyshareofourheritage。EvennowamI
　　readytotakemyownanddismissmyarmyfromthisland，receivingmyhouseinturntodwelltherein，andoncemorerestoreittohimforalikeperiodinsteadofravagingourcountryandplantingscaling-laddersagainstthetowers，asIshallattempttodoifIdonotgetmyrights。WhereforeIcallthegodstowitnessthatspiteofmyjustdealingineverythingIambeingunjustlyrobbedofmycountrybymostgodlessfraud。Here，mother，haveIstatedtheseveralpointsontheirownmerits，withoutcollectingwordstofencethemin，buturgingafaircase，Ithink，alikeinthejudgmentofskilledorsimplefolk。
　　LEADER
　　Tomeatleast，albeitIwasnotbornandbredinHellas，thywordsseemfullofsense。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Ifallwereatoneintheirideasofhonourandwisdom，therewouldhavebeennostrifetomakemendisagree；but，asitis，fairnessandequalityhavenoexistenceinthisworldbeyondthename；
　　thereisreallynosuchthing。Forinstance，mother，Iwilltelltheethiswithoutanyconcealment；Iwouldascendtotherisingofthestarsandthesunordivebeneaththeearth，wereIablesotodo，towinamonarch’spower，thechiefofthingsdivine。Therefore，mother，Iwillneveryieldthisblessingtoanother，butkeepitformyself；foritwereacoward’sacttolosethegreaterandtowintheless。Besides，Iblushtothinkthatheshouldgainhisobjectbycomingwitharmsinhishandandravagingtheland；forthiswerefouldisgracetogloriousThebes，ifIshouldyieldmysceptreuptohimforfearofArgivemight。Heoughtnot，mother，tohaveattemptedreconcilementbyarmedforce，forwordscompasseverythingthateventheswordofanenemymighteffect。Still，ifonanyothertermshecarestodwellhere，hemay；butthesceptrewillIneverwillinglyletgo。ShallIbecomehisslave，whenIcanbehismaster？Never！Whereforecomefire，comesword！harnessyoursteeds，filltheplainswithchariots，forIwillnotforegomythroneforhim。Forifwemustdowrong，todosoforakingdomwerethefairestcause，butinallelsevirtueshouldbeouraim。
　　LEADER
　　Fairwordsareonlycalledforwhenthedeedstheycrownarefair；
　　otherwisetheylosetheircharmandoffendjustice。
　　JOCASTA
　　Eteocles，mychild，itisnotallevilthatattendsoldage；
　　sometimesitsexperiencecanoffersagercounselthancanyouth。Ohwhy，myson，artthousosetuponAmbition，thatworstofdeities？
　　Forbear；thatgoddessknowsnotjustice；manyarethehomesandcitiesonceprosperousthatshehathenteredandleftaftertheruinofhervotaries；sheitisthoumadlyfollowest。Betterfar，myson，prizeEqualitythateverlinkethfriendtofriend，citytocity，andalliestoeachother；forEqualityisman’snaturallaw；butthelessisalwaysinoppositiontothegreater，usheringinthedayspringofdislike。ForitisEqualitythathathsetupformanmeasuresanddivisionsofweightsandhathdistinguishednumbers；night’ssightlessorb，andradiantsunproceedupontheiryearlycourseonequalterms，andneitherofthemisenviouswhenithastoyield。Thoughsunandgloomthenbothareservantsinman’sinterests，wiltnotthoubecontentwiththyfairshareofthyheritageandgivethesametohim？ifnot，whywhereisjustice？Whyprizebeyonditsworththemonarch’spower，injusticeinprosperity？whythinksomuchoftheadmiringglancesturnedonrank？Nay，’tisvanity。Orwouldstthoubyheapingrichesinthyhalls，heapuptoiltherewith？whatadvantageisit？’tisbutaname；forthewisefindthatenoughwhichsufficesfortheirwants。Manindeedhathnopossessionsofhisown；wedobutholdastewardshipofthegods’property；andwhentheywill，theytakeitbackagain。Richesmakenosettledhome，butareastransientastheday。Come，supposeIputbeforetheetwoalternatives，whetherthouwiltruleorsavethycity？Wiltthousay"Rule"？
　　Again，ifPolyneiceswinthedayandhisArgivewarriorsrouttheranksofThebes，thouwiltseethiscityconqueredandmanyacaptivemaidbrutallydishonouredbythefoe；sowillthatwealththouartsobentongettingbecomeagrievousbanetoThebes；butstillambitionfillsthee。ThisIsaytothee；andthistothee，Polyneices；
　　Adrastushathconferredafoolishfavouronthee；andthoutoohastshownlittlesenseincomingtolaythycitywaste。Supposethouconquerthisland（whichHeavenforefend！）tellme，Iconjurethee，howwiltthourearatrophytoZeus？howwiltthoubeginthesacrificeafterthycountry’sconquestorinscribethespoilsatthestreamsofInachuswith"PolyneicesgaveThebestotheflamesanddedicatedtheseshieldstothegods"？Oh！never，myson，beitthinetowinsuchfamefromHellas！If，ontheotherhand，thouartworstedandthybrother’scauseprevail，howshaltthoureturntoArgos，leavingcountlessdeadbehind？Someonewillbesuretosay，"Outonthee！
　　Adrastus，fortheevilbridegroomthouhastbroughtuntothyhouse；
　　thankstoonemaid’smarriage，ruiniscomeonus。"
　　Towardstwoevils，myson，artthouhasting，-lossofinfluencethereandruininthemidstofthyeffortshere。Oh！mychildren，layasideyourviolence；twomen’sfollies，oncetheymeet，resultinverydeadlyevil。
　　LEADER
　　Oheaven，avertthesetroublesandreconcilethesonsofOedipusinsomeway！
　　ETEOCLES
　　Mother，theseasonforparleyispast；thetimewestilldelayisidlewaste；thygoodwishesareofnoavail，forweshallneverbereconciledexceptuponthetermsalreadynamed，namely，thatI
　　shouldkeepthesceptreandbekingofthisland：whereforeceasethesetediouswarningsandletmebe。（TurningtoPOLYNEICES）Andasforthee，outsidethewalls，ordie！
　　POLYNEICES
　　Whowillslayme？whoissoinvulnerableastoplungehisswordinmybodywithoutreapingtheself-samefate？
　　ETEOCLES
　　Thouartnearhim，aye，verynear；dostseemyarm？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Iseeit；butwealthiscowardly，acraventoofondoflife。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Wasitthentomeetadastardthoucamestwithallthathosttowar？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Inageneralcautionisbetterthanfoolhardiness。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Relyingonthetruce，whichsavesthylife，thouturnestboaster。
　　POLYNEICES
　　OncemoreIasktheetorestoremysceptreandshareinthekingdom。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Ihavenaughttorestore；’tismyownhouse，andIwilldwelltherein。
　　POLYNEICES
　　What！andkeepmorethanthyshare？
　　ETEOCLES
　　Yes，Iwill。Begone！
　　POLYNEICES
　　Oaltarsofmyfathers’gods！-
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whichthouartheretoraze。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Hearme。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whowouldheartheeafterthouhastmarchedagainstthyfatherland？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Otemplesofthosegodsthatrideonsnow-whitesteeds！
　　ETEOCLES
　　Theyhatethee。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Iambeingdrivenfrommycountry。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Becausethoucamesttodriveothersthence。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Unjustly，Oyegods！
　　ETEOCLES
　　CallonthegodsatMycenae，nothere。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thouhastoutragedright-
　　ETEOCLES
　　ButIhavenotliketheebecomemycountry’sfoe。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Bydrivingmeforthwithoutmyportion。
　　ETEOCLES
　　AndfurtherIwillslaythee。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Ofather，dostthouhearwhatIamsuffering？
　　ETEOCLES
　　Yea，andhehearswhatthouartdoing。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thoutoo，mothermine？
　　ETEOCLES
　　Thouhastnorighttomentionthymother。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Omycity！
　　ETEOCLES
　　GettheetoArgos，andinvokethewatersofLerna。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Iwill；troublenotthyself；allthankstotheethough，mothermine-
　　ETEOCLES
　　Forthfromtheland！
　　POLYNEICES
　　Igo，yetgrantmetobeholdmyfather。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Thoushaltnothavethywish。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Atleastthenmytendersisters。
　　ETEOCLES
　　No！themtoothoushaltneversee。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Ah，sistersmine！
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whydostthou，theirbitterestfoe，callonthem？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Motherdear，totheeatleastfarewell！
　　JOCASTA
　　Ajoyousfaringmineinsooth，myson！
　　POLYNEICES
　　Thysonnomore！
　　JOCASTA
　　Borntosorrow，endlesssorrow，I！
　　POLYNEICES
　　’Tisbecausemybrothertreatsmedespitefully。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Iamtreatedjustthesame。
　　POLYNEICES
　　Wherewiltthoubestationedbeforethetowers？
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whyaskmethis？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Iwillarraymyselfagainsttheeforthydeath。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Itoohavethesamedesire。
　　JOCASTA
　　Woeisme！whatwillyedo，mysons？
　　POLYNEICES
　　Theeventwillshow。
　　JOCASTA
　　Oh，flyyourfather’scurse！
　　（JOCASTAentersthepalace。）
　　ETEOCLES
　　Destructionseizeourwholehouse！
　　POLYNEICES
　　Soonshallmyswordbebusy，plungedingore。ButIcallmynativelandandheaventootowitness，withwhatcontumelyandbittertreatmentIambeingdrivenforth，asthoughIwereaslave，notasonofOedipusasmuchashe。Ifaughthappentothee，mycity，blamehim，notme；forIcamenotwillingly，andallunwillinglyamIdrivenhence。Farewell，kingPhoebus，lordofhighways；farewellpalaceandcomrades；farewellyestatuesofthegods，atwhichmenoffersheep；
　　forIknownotifshalleveragainaddressyou，thoughhopeisstillawake，whichmakesmeconfidentthatwithheaven’shelpIshallslaythisfellowandrulemynativeThebes。
　　（POLYNEICESdeparts。）
　　ETEOCLES
　　Forthfromtheland！’twasatruenameourfathergavethee，when，promptedbysomegod，hecalledtheePolyneices，anamedenotingstrife。
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　stropheTothislandcameCadmusofTyre，atwhosefeetanunyokedheiferthrewitselfdown，givingeffecttoanoracleonthespotwherethegod’sresponsebadehimtakeuphisabodeinAonia’srichcornlands，wheregushingDirce’sfairriversofwaterpouro’erverdantfruitfulfields；herewasborntheBromiangodbyherwhomZeusmadeamother，roundwhomtheivytwineditswreathswhilehewasyetababe，swathinghimamidthecovertofitsgreenfoliageaschildofhappydestiny，tobeathemeforBacchicrevelryamongthemaidsandwivesinspiredinThebes。
　　antistropheTherelayAres’murderousdragon，asavagewarder，watchingwithrovingeyethewateredglensandquickeningstreams；himdidCadmusslaywithajaggedstone，whenhecamethithertodrawhimlustralwater，smitingthatfellheadwithablowofhisdeath-dealingarm；
　　butbythecounselofPallas，motherlessgoddess，hecasttheteethupontheearthintodeepfurrows，whencesprangtosightmail-cladhostabovethesurfaceofthesoil；butgrimslaughteronceagainunitedthemtotheearththeyloved，bedewingwithbloodthegroundthathaddisclosedthemtothesunlitbreathofheaven。
　　epodeTheetoo，Epaphus，childofZeus，sprungfromIoourancestress，calloninmyforeigntongue；allhailtothee！hearmyprayerutteredinaccentsstrange，andvisitthisland；’twasinthyhonourthydescendantssettledhere，andthosegoddessesoftwofoldname，PersephoneandkindlyDemeterorEarththequeenofall，thatfeedetheverymouth，wonitforthemselves；sendtothehelpofthislandthosetorch-bearingqueens；fortogodsallthingsareeasy。
　　ETEOCLES（toanattendant）
　　Go，fetchCreonsonofMenoeceus，thebrotherofjocastamymother；tellhimIfainwouldconferwithhimonmattersaffectingourpublicandprivateweal，beforewesetouttobattleandthearrayingofourhost。Butlo！hecomesandsavestheethetroubleofgoing；Iseehimonhiswaytomypalace。
　　（CREONenters。）
　　CREON
　　ToandfrohaveIbeen，kingEteocles，inmydesiretoseethee，andhavegoneallroundthegatesandsentinelsofThebesinquestofthee。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Why，andIwasanxioustoseethee，Creon；forIfoundthetermsofpeacefarfromsatisfactory，whenIcametoconferwithPolyneices。
　　CREON
　　IhearthathehaswideraimsthanThebes，relyingonhisalliancewiththedaughterofAdrastusandhisarmy。Well，wemustleavethisdependentonthegods；meantimeIamcometotelltheeourchiefobstacle。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whatisthat？Idonotunderstandwhatthousayest。
　　CREON
　　ThereiscomeonethatwascapturedbytheArgives。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whatnewsdoeshebringfromtheircamp？
　　CREON
　　HesaystheArgivearmyintendatoncetodrawaringoftroopsroundthecityofThebes，aboutitstowers。
　　ETEOCLES
　　InthatcasethecityofCadmusmustleadoutitstroops。
　　CREON
　　Whither？artthousoyoungthatthineeyesseenotwhattheyshould？
　　ETEOCLES
　　Acrossyontrenchesforimmediateaction。
　　CREON
　　OurThebanforcesaresmall，whiletheirsarenumberless。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Iwellknowtheyarereputedbrave。
　　CREON
　　NomeanreputehavethoseArgivesamongHellenes。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Neverfear！Iwillsoonfilltheplainwiththeirdead。
　　CREON
　　Icouldwishitso；butIseegreatdifficultiesinthis。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Trustme，Iwillnotkeepmyhostwithinthewalls。
　　CREON
　　Stillvictoryisentirelyamatterofgoodcounsel。
　　ETEOCLES
　　ArtanxiousthenthatIshouldhaverecoursetoanyotherscheme？
　　CREON
　　Ayetoeveryscheme，beforerunningtheriskonceforall。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Supposewefallonthembynightfromambuscade？
　　CREON
　　Good！providedintheeventofdefeatthoucanstsecurethyreturnhither。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Nightequalizesrisks，thoughitratherfavoursdaring。
　　CREON
　　Thedarknessofnightisaterribletimetosufferdisaster。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Well，shallIfalluponthemastheysitatmeat？
　　CREON
　　Thatmightcausethemfright，butvictoryiswhatwewant。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Dirce’sfordisdeepenoughtopreventtheirretreat。
　　CREON
　　Noplansogoodastokeepwellguarded。
　　ETEOCLES
　　WhatifourcavalrymakeasortieagainstthehostofArgos？
　　CREON
　　Theirtroopstooarefencedallroundwithchariots。
　　ETEOCLES
　　WhatthencanIdo？amItosurrenderthecitytothefoe？
　　CREON
　　Nay，nay！butofthywisdomformsomeplan。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Pray，whatschemeiswiserthanmine？
　　CREON
　　Theyhavesevenchiefs，Ihear。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whatistheirappointedtask？theirmightcanbebutfeeble。
　　CREON
　　Toleadtheseveralcompaniesandstormoursevengates。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Whatarewetodo？Iwillnotwaittilleverychanceisgone。
　　CREON
　　Choosesevenchiefsthyselftosetagainstthematthegates。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Toleadourcompanies，ortofightsingle-handed？
　　CREON
　　Chooseourverybravestmentoleadthetroops。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Iunderstand；torepelattemptsatscalingourwalls。
　　CREON
　　Withotherstosharethecommand，foronemanseesnoteverything。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Selectingthemforcourageorthoughtfulprudence？
　　CREON
　　Forboth；foroneisnaughtwithouttheother。
　　ETEOCLES
　　Itshallbedone；Iwillawaytoourseventowersandpostcaptainsatthegates，asthouadvisest，pittingthemmanformanagainstthefoe。Totelltheeeachone’snameweregrievouswasteoftime，whenthefoeiscampedbeneathourverywalls。ButIwillgo，thatmyhandsmaynolongerhangidle。MayImeetmybrotherfacetoface，andencounterhimhandtohand，e’entothedeath，forcomingtowastemycountry！ButifIsufferanymischance，thoumustseetothemarriage’twixtAntigonemysisterandHaemon，thyson；andnow，asIgoforthtobattle，Iratifytheirpreviousespousal。Thouartmymother’sbrother，sowhyneedIsaymore？takecareofher，asshedeserves，bothforthyownsakeandmine。Asformysirehehathbeenguiltyoffollyagainsthimselfinputtingouthiseyes；smallpraisehaveIforhim；byhiscursesmaybehewillslayustoo。Onethingonlyhavewestilltodo，toaskTeiresias，theseer，ifhehasaughttotellofheaven’swill。ThysonMenoeceus，whobearsthyfather’sname，willIsendtofetchTeiresiashither，Creon；forwiththehewillreadilyconverse，thoughIhaveerenowsoscornedhisartprophetictohisface，thathehasreasonstoreproachme。
　　Thiscommandment，Creon，Ilayuponthecityandthee；shouldmycauseprevail，nevergivePolyneices’corpseagraveinThebansoil，andifsobesomefriendshouldburyhim，letdeathrewardtheman。Thusfartothee；andtomyservantsthus，bringforthmyarmsandcoatofmail，thatImaystartatoncefortheappointedcombat，withrighttoleadtovictory。TosaveourcitywewillpraytoCaution，thebestgoddesstoserveourend。
　　（ETEOCLESandhisretinuegoout。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　stropheOAres，godoftoilandtrouble！why，whyartthoupossessedbyloveofbloodanddeath，outofharmonywiththefestivalsofBromius？
　　’Tisfornocrownsofdancersfairthatthoudosttossthyyouthfulcurlstothebreeze，singingthewhiletothelute’ssoftbreathastraintocharmthedancers’feet；butwithwarriorscladinmailthoudostleadthysombrerevelry，breathingintoArgivebreastslustforThebanblood；withnowildwavingofthethyrsus，cladinfawnskinthoudancest，butwithchariotsandbittedsteedswheelestthychargerstrongofhoof。O’erthewatersofIsmenusinwildcareerthouarturgingthyhorses，inspiringArgivebreastswithhateoftheearth-bornrace，arrayinginbrazenharnessagainstthesestone-builtwallsahostofwarriorsarmedwithshields。TrulyStrifeisagoddesstofear，whodevisedthesetroublesfortheprincesofthisland，forthemuch-enduringsonsofLabdacus。
　　antistropheOCithaeron，appleoftheeyeofArtemis，holyvaleofleaves，amidwhosesnowsfullmanyabeastliescouched，wouldthouhadstneverrearedthechildexposedtodie，OedipusthefruitofJocasta’swomb，whenasababehewascastforthfromhishome，markedwithgoldenbrooch；andwouldtheSphinx，thatwingedmaid，fellmonsterfromthehills，hadnevercometocurseourlandwithinharmoniousstrains；shethaterstdrewnighourwallsandsnatchedthesonsofCadmusawayinhertalonedfeettothepathlessfieldsoflight，afiendsentbyHadesfromhelltoplaguethemenofThebes；
　　oncemoreunhappystrifeisburstingoutbetweenthesonsofOedipusincityandhome。Fornevercanwrongberight，norchildrenofunnaturalparentagecomeasaglorytothemotherthatbearsthem，butasastainonthemarriageofhimwhoisfatherandbrotheratonce。
　　epodeOearth，thouoncedidstbear，-solongagoIheardthestorytoldbyforeignersinmyownhome，-aracewhichsprangoftheteethofasnakewithblood-redcrest，thatfedonbeasts，tobethegloryandreproachofThebes。IndaysgonebythesonsofheavencametotheweddingofHarmonia，andthewallsofThebesarosetothesoundofthelyreandhertowersstoodupasAmphionplayed，inthemidstbetweenthedoublestreamsofDirce，thatwatereththegreenmeadowsfrontingtheIsmenus；andIo，ourhornedancestresswasmotherofthekingsofThebes；thusourcitythroughanendlesssuccessionofdiversblessingshassetherselfuponthehighestpinnacleofmartialglory。
　　（TEIRESIASenters，ledbyhisdaughter。TheyareaccompaniedbyMENOECEUS。）
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Leadon，mydaughter；forthouartasaneyetomyblindfeet，ascertainasastartomariners；leadmystepsontolevelground；
　　thengobefore，thatwestumblenot，forthyfatherhasnostrength；
　　keepsafeformeinthymaidenhandtheauguriesItookinthedaysIobservedtheflightandcriesofbirdsseatedinmyholyprophet’schair。Tellme，youngMenoeceus，sonofCreon，howmuchfurthertowardthecityisiterereachthyfather？formykneesgrowweary，andI
　　canscarcekeepupthishurriedpace。
　　CREON
　　Takeheart，Teiresias，forthouhastreachedthymooringsandartnearthyfriends；takehimbythehand，mychild；forjustaseverycarriagehastowaitforoutsidehelptosteadyit，sotoohaththestepofage。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Enough；Ihavearrived；why，Creon，dostthousummonmesourgently？
　　CREON
　　Ihavenotforgottenthat；butfirstcollectthyselfandregainbreath，shakingoffthefatigueofthyjourney。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Iamindeedwornout，havingarrivedhereonlyyesterdayfromthecourtoftheErechtheidae；fortheytoowereatwar，fightingwithEumolpus，inwhichcontestIinsuredthevictoryofCecrops’sons；andIreceivedthegoldencrown，whichthouseestmewearing，asfirst-fruitsoftheenemy’sspoil。
　　CREON
　　Itakethycrownofvictoryasanomen。We，asthouknowest，areexposedtothebillowsofanArgivewar，andgreatisthestruggleforThebes。Eteocles，ourking，isalreadygoneinfullharnesstomeetMycenae’schampions，andhathbiddenmeinquireoftheeourbestcoursetosavethecity。