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men to observe their army, and I am confident that their
going is not in vain. Once I have heard their report, I will not be taken by
any trickery.
    [ Enter a Scout. ]
    SCOUT
[39] Eteocles,
mighty prince of the Cadmeans,  I have returned with a sure report of the
army outside the walls; I myself am an eyewitness of their actions. Seven
warriors, fierce regiment-commanders, slaughtered a bull over a black shield,
and then touching the bull’s gore with their hands they swore an oath by Ares,
by Enyo, and by Rout who delights in blood, that either they will level the
city and sack the Cadmeans’ town by force, or will in death smear this soil
with their blood. And on Adrastus’ chariot they were placing remembrances of
themselves for their parents at home, and were shedding tears while so doing,
but no piteous wailing escaped their lips. For their iron- hearted spirit
heaved, blazing with courage, as of lions with war in their eyes. Your
knowledge of these things was not delayed by fearfulness;  for I left them
casting lots to decide how each commander, his post assigned by chance, would
lead his regiment against the gates. Therefore, choose the bravest men of the
city and station them quickly at the outlets of the gates. For nearby already
the Argive army in full armor  is advancing in a flurry of dust, and
glistening foam splatters the plain in drops from the horses’ pantings. So you,
like the careful helmsman of a ship, secure the city before Ares’ blasts storm
down upon it; for the wave of their army now crashes over the dry land. Seize
the first opportune moment for doing this. For all else, I, on my part, will
keep a reliable eye on the lookout, and you, by learning from my certain report
what happens beyond the gates, shall remain unharmed.
[ Exit. ]
    ETEOCLES
[69] O Zeus and
Earth, and gods that guard our city, and Curse, potent agent of my father’s
vengeance, do not destroy my city, ripping it up from its foundations, captive
of the enemy, a city that speaks in Greece’s tongue, and do not destroy our
hearths and homes. May they never hold the free land and city of Cadmus beneath the yoke
of slavery! Be our protection! I am certain that what I ask is in our common
interest; for a State that prospers pays honors to its gods.
    [ Exit Eteocles,
with citizens. The Chorus enters in fearful agitation. ]
    CHORUS
[78] In terror I
wail loud cries of sorrow. Their army is let loose! Leaving camp, — look! — the
mounted throng floods swiftly ahead. The dust whirling in the air tells me this
is so — its message is speechless, yet clear and true. And now the plains of my
native land under the blows of hooves send a roar to my ears; the sound flies
and rumbles like a resistless torrent crashing down a mountainside.
    [87] Ah, ah, you gods
and goddesses, raise your war cry over our walls to drive away the onrushing
evil! The army of the white shield, ready for battle, rushes at full speed
against the city. Who then will rescue us, which of the gods or goddesses will
help? Or shall I fall in supplication at the feet of our ancestral gods’
statues?
    [96] Ah, blessed gods,
firmly enthroned, the time has come to hold fast to your statues. Why do we
delay, who are much to be lamented? Do you hear the clash of shields, or does
it escape you? When, if not now, shall we place sacred robes and wreaths on the
statues to accompany our prayers?
    [103] I see the clash
— it is not the clatter of a single spear. What will you do? Will you betray
your own land, Ares, where you have dwelt since long ago? God of the golden
helmet, look, look upon the city that you once cherished!
    [109] Oh come all you
gods who guard our city and its land! See this suppliant band of maidens
praying to be saved from slavery. A torrent of men, their helmet plumes
tossing, crashes around the city, sped on by the blasts of Ares. No!
Father Zeus, all-accomplishing, fend from us altogether capture at the hands of
the enemy.
    [120]  The Argives
encircle