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EURIPIDES.
Polyneikes.
I will face thee there to slay thee.
Eteokles.
Ha! I long to have it so!
Jocasta.
Woe is me! what will ye do, my sons?
Polyneikes.
The issue's self shall show.
Jocasta.
Flee, O flee your father's curses!
Eteokles.
All our house let ruin seize!
Polyneikes.
Soon my sword, blood-reddened, shall abide no more in deedless ease.625
But I call to witness earth that nursed me, witness Gods in heaven,
How with shame and piteous usage from the homeland I am driven,
Like a bondman, not a son of very Oedipus that came.
City, whatsoe'er befall thee, blame not me: yon tyrant blame.
Willingly I came not, from the land am cast unwillingly.630
Farewell, Phœbus, Highway-king, O palace-bowers, farewell ye!
