Eteocles.
Ay, but 'tis said,
That from a captured town the gods depart.
Chorus. Strophe II.
Ne'er may this conclave of the gods take flight
While I behold the day;
And never may this city meet my sight 210
Foe-trampled, and to hostile fire a prey.
Eteocles.
The gods invoking, be not ill-advised;
Obedience mother is of good success,
Sure pledge of safety;—so the saying runs.[1]
Chorus. Antristrophe II.
True, but the strength of god is mightier still,
And oft, in direst strait,
It lifteth from the lowest depths of ill
Him who, with cloud-veiled eyes, was desperate.
Eteocles.
Men's part it is to offer sacrifice
And victims to the gods, when foes assail; 220
Thine to be silent and to bide within.
Chorus. Strophe III.
'Tis through the gods we dwell
In city unsubdued;
Through them our towers repel
The hostile multitude.
What anger can this move?
- ↑ The text of this line is uncertain.
