THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES
121
Chorus.
The builded city groans,—as if a voice
Spake from the ground! Oh, we are compassed in
On every side!
Eteocles.
Is't not enough that I
With all resources wisdom can command
Confront these perils?
Chorus.
Loud and louder yet!—
The knocking at the gate!
Eteocles.
Stifle thy cries!
Must the whole city hear thee?
Chorus.
O ye Gods,
Keep troth! Betray not to the enemy
The City ye have promised to defend!
Eteocles.
Curse thee! Wilt hold thy peace—possess thy soul
In patience?
Chorus.
O divine co-denizens,
Free while ourselves are free, save me from bondage!
Eteocles.
Ye do enslave yourselves; country and king,
Ye make both thrall!
Chorus.
O Zeus Omnipotent!
Strike the foe dead—dead—with thy bolt!
