Eteoc. Ye citizens of Cadmos, it behoves

      That one who standeth at the stern of State

      Guiding the helm, with eyes unclosed in sleep,

      Should speak the things that meet occasion's need.

      For should we prosper, God gets all the praise:

      But if (which God forbid!) disaster falls,

      Eteocles, much blame on one head falling,

      Would find his name the by-word of the State,73

      Sung in the slanderous ballads of the town;

      Yes, and with groanings, which may Zeus the Averter,

      True to his name, from us Cadmeians turn!

      But now 'tis meet for all, both him who fails

      Of full-grown age, and him advanced in years,

      Yet boasting still a stalwart strength of frame,

      And each in life's full prime, as it is fit,

      The State to succour and the altars here

      Of these our country's Gods, that never more

      Their votive honours cease, – to help our sons,

      And Earth, our dearest mother and kind nurse;

      For she, when young ye crept her kindly plain,

      Bearing the whole charge of your nourishment,

      Reared you as denizens that bear the shield,

      That ye should trusty prove in this her need.

      And now thus far God turns the scale for us;

      For unto us, beleaguered these long days,

      War doth in most things with God's help speed well,

      But now, as saith the seer, the augur skilled,74

      Watching with ear and mind, apart from fire,

      The birds oracular with mind unerring,

      He, lord and master of these prophet-arts,

      Says that the great attack of the Achæans

      This very night is talked of, and their plots

      Devised against the town. But ye, haste all

      Unto the walls and gateways of the forts;

      Rush ye full-armed, and fill the outer space,

      And stand upon the platforms of the towers,

      And at the entrance of the gates abiding

      Be of good cheer, nor fear ye overmuch

      The host of aliens. Well will God work all.

      And I have sent my scouts and watchers forth,

      And trust their errand is no fruitless one.

      I shall not, hearing them, be caught with guile.

      Mess. King of Cadmeians, great Eteocles,

      I from the army come with tidings clear,

      And am myself eye-witness of its acts;

      For seven brave warriors, leading armèd bands,

      Cutting a bull's throat o'er a black-rimmed shield,

      And dipping in the bull's blood with their hands,

      Swore before Ares, Enyo,75 murderous Fear,

      That they would bring destruction on our town,

      And trample under foot the tower of Cadmos,

      Or dying, with their own blood stain our soil;

      And they memorials for their sires at home

      Placed with their hands upon Adrastos' car,76

      Weeping, but no wail uttering with their lips,

      For courage iron-hearted breathed out fire

      In manliness unconquered, as when lions

      Flash battle from their eyeballs. And report

      Of these things does not linger on the way.

      I left them casting lots, that each might take,

      As the lot fell, his station at the gate.

      Wherefore do thou our city's chosen ones

      Array with speed at entrance of the gates;

      For near already is the Argive host,

      Marching through clouds of dust, and whitening foam

      Spots all the plain with drops from horses' mouths.

      And thou, as prudent helmsman of the ship,

      Guard thou our fortress ere the blasts of Ares

      Swoop on it wildly; for there comes the roar

      Of the land-wave of armies. And do thou

      Seize for these things the swiftest tide and time;

      And I, in all that comes, will keep my eye

      As faithful sentry; so through speech full clear,

      Thou, knowing all things yonder, shalt be safe.

      Eteoc. O Zeus and Earth, and all ye guardian Gods!

      Thou Curse and strong Erinnys of my sire!

      Destroy ye not my city root and branch,

      With sore destruction smitten, one whose voice

      Is that of Hellas, nor our hearths and homes;77

      Grant that they never hold in yoke of bondage

      Our country free, and town of Cadmos named;

      But be ye our defence. I deem I speak

      Of what concerns us both; for still 'tis