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THESEUS
Ay, with all wanton villains; virtue I punish not.
THEBAN HERALD
To meddle is aye thy wont and thy city's too.
THESEUS
Hence her enterprise on many a field hath won her many blessings.
THEBAN HERALD
Come then, that the warriors of the dragon-crop may catch thee in our
city.
THESEUS
What furious warrior-host could spring from dragon's seed?
THEBAN HERALD
Thou shalt learn that to thy cost. As yet thou art young and rash.
THESEUS
Thy boastful speech stirs not my heart at all to rage. Yet get thee gone
from my land, taking with thee the idle words thou broughtest; for we are
making no advance. (The THEBAN HERALD withdraws.) 'Tis time for all
to start, each stout footman, and whoso mounts the car; 'tis time the bit,
dripping with foam, should urge the charger on toward the land of Cadmus.
For I will march in person to the seven gates thereof with the sharp
sword in my hand, and be myself my herald. But thee, Adrastus, I bid
stay, nor blend with mine thy fortunes, for I will take my own good star
to lead my host, a chieftain famed in famous deeds of arms. One thing
alone I need, the favour of all gods that reverence right, for the presence
of these things insures victory. For their valour availeth men naught,
unless they have the god's goodwill.
(THESEUS and his retinue depart. The following lines between the SEMI-
CHORUSES are chanted responsively.)
FIRST SEMI-CHORUS
Unhappy mothers of those hapless chiefs! How wildly in my heart
pale fear stirs up alarm!
SECOND SEMI-CHORUS
What is this new cry thou utter est?
FIRST SEMI-CHORUS
I fear the issue of the strife, whereto the hosts of Pallas march.
SECOND SEMI-CHORUS
Dost speak of issues of the sword, or interchange of words?