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。