Know that Gods live, and feel my load of ill
Lighter, since these have paid the penalty.
Adrastus.
Zeus, wherefore do they say that wretched man
Is wise? For lo, we hang upon thy skirts, 735
And that we do, it is but as thou wilt.
We deemed before our Argos none might stand,
Ourselves, a countless host of lusty arms;
And, when Eteokles proferred[errata 1] terms of peace,
Fair was his offer, yet we would not hear; 740
So were undone. Now, prospering in their turn,
Like beggar-wight with sudden-gotten wealth,
Wanton they waxed, and perished in their pride
Kadmus' mad-hearted sons. O foolish men,
Who, straining with the bow beyond the mark, 745
And suffering many ills at justice' hand,
To friends at last yield not, but circumstance!
Ye states, which might by parley end your feuds,
By bloodshed, not by words, decide your wrongs.
Yet wherefore this?—Fain would I know of thee 750
How thou didst 'scape; then will I ask the rest.
Messenger.
When tumult's battle-earthquake shook the town,
Through that gate slipt I where the host poured in.
Adrastus.
And the dead bring ye, cause of all the strife?
Messenger.
Even all which captained those seven bands renowned. 755
