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。