Amphiaraus, the king thinks, will not engage at all; yet the veteran hero Lasthenes is sent out to face him.
And now comes the terrible part of the messenger's announcement:—
"The seventh bold chief—forgive me that I name
Thy brother, and relate the horrible vows,
The imprecations which his rage pours forth
Against the city; on fire to mount the walls,
And from their turrets to this land proclaim,
Rending its echoes with the song of war,
Captivity: to meet thee sword to sword,
Kill thee, then die upon thee."
His shield bears a golden figure of Justice, and the scroll—
"Yet once more to his country, and once more
To his paternal throne I will restore him."
Eteocles recognises the fulfilment of the imprecations uttered by Œdipus himself against his sons, but he determines unflinchingly to face the issue. Never was Justice, virgin child of Zeus, a teacher or friend of Polynices, and so his arrogant motto will not restore him.
"In this confiding I will meet his arms
In armèd opposition: who more fit?
Chief shall engage with chief, brother with brother,
And foe with foe. Haste, arm me for the fight;
Bring forth my greaves, my hauberk, my strong spear!"
The Theban maidens beg their king not to incur the inexpiable guilt of fratricide. Let Theban fight with Theban; that blood can be washed away,—
