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Polyneices
The doorkeeper’s bolts admitted me readily within the walls, and so I fear that now they have caught me in their nets, they will not let me out unscathed;
so I must turn my eye in every direction, here and there, to guard against treachery. Armed with this sword, I shall inspire myself with the confidence that is born of boldness.
Starting. Oh! Who is that? Or is it a sound I fear?
265
Everything seems a danger to the daring, when their feet begin to tread an enemy’s country. Still I trust my mother, and at the same time mistrust her, the one who persuaded me to come here under truce. Well, there is help at hand, for the altar’s hearth
270
is close and the house is not deserted. Come, let me sheath my sword in its dark scabbard and ask these women standing near the house, who they are.
275
Ladies of another land, tell me from what country do you come to the halls of
Hellas
?
The doorkeeper’s bolts admitted me readily within the walls, and so I fear that now they have caught me in their nets, they will not let me out unscathed;
so I must turn my eye in every direction, here and there, to guard against treachery. Armed with this sword, I shall inspire myself with the confidence that is born of boldness.
Starting. Oh! Who is that? Or is it a sound I fear?
265
Everything seems a danger to the daring, when their feet begin to tread an enemy’s country. Still I trust my mother, and at the same time mistrust her, the one who persuaded me to come here under truce. Well, there is help at hand, for the altar’s hearth
270
is close and the house is not deserted. Come, let me sheath my sword in its dark scabbard and ask these women standing near the house, who they are.
275
Ladies of another land, tell me from what country do you come to the halls of
Hellas
?
Chorus Leader
Phoenicia
is my native land where I was born and bred; and the grandsons of Agenor sent me here as first-fruits of the spoil of war for Phoebus. But when the noble son of Oedipus was about to send me to the hallowed oracle and the altars of Loxias,
280
the
Argive
army came against his city. Now tell me in return who you are, who have come to this fortress of the Theban land with its seven gates.
285
Phoenicia
is my native land where I was born and bred; and the grandsons of Agenor sent me here as first-fruits of the spoil of war for Phoebus. But when the noble son of Oedipus was about to send me to the hallowed oracle and the altars of Loxias,
280
the
Argive
army came against his city. Now tell me in return who you are, who have come to this fortress of the Theban land with its seven gates.
285
Polyneices
My father was Oedipus, the son of Laius; my mother Jocasta, daughter of Menoeceus;
and I am called Polyneices by the people of
Thebes
.
290
My father was Oedipus, the son of Laius; my mother Jocasta, daughter of Menoeceus;
and I am called Polyneices by the people of
Thebes
.
290
Chorus
O kinsman of Agenor’s race, my royal masters who sent me here!
293
I fall to my knees before you, lord, honoring the custom of my home.
At last you have come to your native land. Hail to you! all hail! Lady, come from the house, open wide the gates! Do you hear, you who gave birth to this man? Why do you delay to leave the sheltered hall
295
and hold your son in your embrace?
300
O kinsman of Agenor’s race, my royal masters who sent me here!
I fall to my knees before you, lord, honoring the custom of my home.
At last you have come to your native land. Hail to you! all hail! Lady, come from the house, open wide the gates! Do you hear, you who gave birth to this man? Why do you delay to leave the sheltered hall
295
and hold your son in your embrace?
300
Jocasta
Maidens, I hear your Phoenician voice, and my old feet drag their tottering steps. O my son,
at last after countless days I see your face; throw your arms about your mother’s breast, stretch out to me your cheeks and the dark, curly locks of your hair, overshadowing my neck.
305
Hail to you! all hail! scarcely here in your mother’s arms, beyond hope and expectation. What can I say to you? How in every way, by hands, by words, in the mazy delight
310
of the dance, shall I find the pleasure of my former joy? Ah! my son, you left your father’s house desolate, when your brother’s outrage drove you away in exile.
315
Truly you were missed alike by your friends and
Thebes
. And so I cut my white hair and let it fall for grief, in tears, not clad in robes of white, my son,
320
but taking instead these dark rags.
325
327
While in the house the old blind man, always possessed by his tearful longing for the pair of brothers estranged from the home,
rushed to kill himself with the sword or by the noose suspended over his chamber-roof, moaning his curses on his sons;
330
and now he hides himself in darkness, always weeping and lamenting. And you, my child, I hear you have married and are begetting children to your joy in a foreign home,
335
and are courting a foreign alliance, a ceaseless regret to me your mother and to Laius your ancestor, ruin brought by your marriage. I was not the one who lit for you the marriage-torch,
340
the custom in marriage for a happy mother; Ismenus had no part at your wedding in supplying the luxurious bath, and there was silence through the streets of
Thebes
, at the entrance of your bride.
345
Curses on them! whether the sword or strife or your father that is to blame, or heaven’s visitation that has burst riotously upon the house of Oedipus; for on me has come all the anguish of these evils.
350
355
Maidens, I hear your Phoenician voice, and my old feet drag their tottering steps. O my son,
at last after countless days I see your face; throw your arms about your mother’s breast, stretch out to me your cheeks and the dark, curly locks of your hair, overshadowing my neck.
305
Hail to you! all hail! scarcely here in your mother’s arms, beyond hope and expectation. What can I say to you? How in every way, by hands, by words, in the mazy delight
310
of the dance, shall I find the pleasure of my former joy? Ah! my son, you left your father’s house desolate, when your brother’s outrage drove you away in exile.
315
Truly you were missed alike by your friends and
Thebes
. And so I cut my white hair and let it fall for grief, in tears, not clad in robes of white, my son,
320
but taking instead these dark rags.
325
While in the house the old blind man, always possessed by his tearful longing for the pair of brothers estranged from the home,
rushed to kill himself with the sword or by the noose suspended over his chamber-roof, moaning his curses on his sons;
330
and now he hides himself in darkness, always weeping and lamenting. And you, my child, I hear you have married and are begetting children to your joy in a foreign home,
335
and are courting a foreign alliance, a ceaseless regret to me your mother and to Laius your ancestor, ruin brought by your marriage. I was not the one who lit for you the marriage-torch,
340
the custom in marriage for a happy mother; Ismenus had no part at your wedding in supplying the luxurious bath, and there was silence through the streets of
Thebes
, at the entrance of your bride.
345
Curses on them! whether the sword or strife or your father that is to blame, or heaven’s visitation that has burst riotously upon the house of Oedipus; for on me has come all the anguish of these evils.
350
Chorus Leader
Their offspring are a wonderful thing to women; all of them have some love for their children.
355
Their offspring are a wonderful thing to women; all of them have some love for their children.
355
Polyneices
Mother, I have come among enemies wisely or foolishly; but all men must love their native land; whoever says otherwise
is pleased to say so, but his thoughts are turned elsewhere. I was so fearful and in such terror, lest my brother should kill me by treachery, that I came through the city sword in hand, looking all round. I had one advantage,
360
the truce and your word, which brought me to to the paternal walls; and I arrived here weeping, to see after a long time my home and the altars of the gods, the training ground, scene of my childhood, and the water of Dirce, from which I was unjustly driven to live in a foreign city,
365
a stream of tears flowing from my eyes. Now, grief upon grief, I see you
with hair cut short and in black robes, alas for my sorrows!
370
What a terrible thing, mother, is hatred between dear friends.
and how hard it makes reconciliation
375
What is my old father doing within the house, looking on darkness? What of my two sisters? Surely the unhappy ones lament my exile?
Mother, I have come among enemies wisely or foolishly; but all men must love their native land; whoever says otherwise
is pleased to say so, but his thoughts are turned elsewhere. I was so fearful and in such terror, lest my brother should kill me by treachery, that I came through the city sword in hand, looking all round. I had one advantage,
360
the truce and your word, which brought me to to the paternal walls; and I arrived here weeping, to see after a long time my home and the altars of the gods, the training ground, scene of my childhood, and the water of Dirce, from which I was unjustly driven to live in a foreign city,
365
a stream of tears flowing from my eyes. Now, grief upon grief, I see you
with hair cut short and in black robes, alas for my sorrows!
370
What a terrible thing, mother, is hatred between dear friends.
and how hard it makes reconciliation
375
What is my old father doing within the house, looking on darkness? What of my two sisters? Surely the unhappy ones lament my exile?
Jocasta
Some god with evil intent is destroying the race of Oedipus.
So it began, my childbearing was unholy, and in an evil hour I married your father and you were born. But why repeat these horrors? What the gods send we have to bear. I am afraid to ask you what I would, for fear of stinging your heart; yet I long to.
380
Some god with evil intent is destroying the race of Oedipus.
So it began, my childbearing was unholy, and in an evil hour I married your father and you were born. But why repeat these horrors? What the gods send we have to bear. I am afraid to ask you what I would, for fear of stinging your heart; yet I long to.
380
Polyneices
No, question me, leave out nothing; for your will, mother, is my pleasure too.
385
387
No, question me, leave out nothing; for your will, mother, is my pleasure too.
385
Jocasta
Well then, first I ask you what I long to have answered. What is it, to be deprived of one’s country? Is it a great evil?
Well then, first I ask you what I long to have answered. What is it, to be deprived of one’s country? Is it a great evil?
Polyneices
The greatest; harder to bear than tell.
The greatest; harder to bear than tell.
Jocasta
What is it like? What annoys the exile?
390
What is it like? What annoys the exile?
390
Polyneices
One thing most of all; he cannot speak his mind.
One thing most of all; he cannot speak his mind.
Jocasta
This is a slave’s lot you speak of, not to say what one thinks.
This is a slave’s lot you speak of, not to say what one thinks.
Polyneices
The follies of the rulers must be borne.
The follies of the rulers must be borne.
Jocasta
That too is painful, to join in the folly of fools.
That too is painful, to join in the folly of fools.
Polyneices
Yet to gain our ends we must serve against our nature.
395
Yet to gain our ends we must serve against our nature.
395
Jocasta
Hope, they say, is the exile’s food.
Hope, they say, is the exile’s food.
Polyneices
Yes, hope that looks so fair; but always in the future.
Yes, hope that looks so fair; but always in the future.
Jocasta
But doesn’t time expose its emptiness?
But doesn’t time expose its emptiness?
Polyneices
It has a certain winsome charm in misfortune.
It has a certain winsome charm in misfortune.
Jocasta
Where did you get your living, before your marriage found it for you?
400
Where did you get your living, before your marriage found it for you?
400
Polyneices
Sometimes I would have enough for the day, and sometimes not.
Sometimes I would have enough for the day, and sometimes not.
Jocasta
Didn’t your father’s friends and guests assist you?
Didn’t your father’s friends and guests assist you?
Polyneices
Seek to be prosperous; friends are nothing in misfortune.
Seek to be prosperous; friends are nothing in misfortune.
Jocasta
Didn’t your noble breeding lead you to the heights?
Didn’t your noble breeding lead you to the heights?
Polyneices
Poverty is a curse; breeding did not find me food.
405
Poverty is a curse; breeding did not find me food.
405
Jocasta
Man’s dearest treasure, it seems, is his country.
Man’s dearest treasure, it seems, is his country.
Polyneices
You could not name how dear it is!
You could not name how dear it is!
Jocasta
How did you come to
Argos
? What was your scheme?
How did you come to
Argos
? What was your scheme?
Polyneices
Loxias gave Adrastus an oracle.
Loxias gave Adrastus an oracle.
Jocasta
What was it? What are you saying? I cannot guess.
410
What was it? What are you saying? I cannot guess.
410
Polyneices
That he should marry his daughters to a boar and a lion.
That he should marry his daughters to a boar and a lion.
Jocasta
What did you, my son, have to do with the name of beasts?
What did you, my son, have to do with the name of beasts?
Polyneices
I don’t know; the deity summoned me there to my destiny.
I don’t know; the deity summoned me there to my destiny.
Jocasta
Yes, for the god is wise; but how did you win your wife?
Yes, for the god is wise; but how did you win your wife?
Polyneices
It was night when I reached the porch of Adrastus.
415
It was night when I reached the porch of Adrastus.
415
Jocasta
In search of a resting-place, because you were in exile?
In search of a resting-place, because you were in exile?
Polyneices
Yes; and then another exile came there.
Yes; and then another exile came there.
Jocasta
Who was he? He too was in trouble, surely.
Who was he? He too was in trouble, surely.
Polyneices
Tydeus; they say that Oineus is his father.
Tydeus; they say that Oineus is his father.
Jocasta
But why did Adrastus compare you to wild beasts?
420
But why did Adrastus compare you to wild beasts?
420
Polyneices
Because we came to blows about our bed.
Because we came to blows about our bed.
Jocasta
Was it then that the son of Talaus understood the oracle?
Was it then that the son of Talaus understood the oracle?
Polyneices
Yes, and he gave the two of us his two daughters.
Yes, and he gave the two of us his two daughters.
Jocasta
Are you blessed or cursed in your marriage?
Are you blessed or cursed in your marriage?
Polyneices
As yet I have no fault to find with it.
425
426
As yet I have no fault to find with it.
425
Jocasta
How did you persuade an army to follow you here?
How did you persuade an army to follow you here?
Polyneices
Adrastus swore an oath to his two sons-in-law,
Tydeus and myself; for he is my relative by marriage that he would restore us both to our country, me first.
So many Danaan and Mycenaean chiefs have joined me, doing me a bitter though needful service, for it is against my own city I am marching. Now I call the gods to witness, that it is not willingly I have raised the spear against my willing friends.
430
But it belongs to you, mother, to dissolve this unhappy feud, and, by reconciling loving brothers, to end the trouble for me and you and the whole city. It has been said for a long time, but I will say it anyway: wealth is most valued by men,
435
and of all things in the world it has the greatest power. This I have come to secure at the head of my great army; for a man well-born but poor is worth nothing.
440
Adrastus swore an oath to his two sons-in-law,
Tydeus and myself; for he is my relative by marriage that he would restore us both to our country, me first.
So many Danaan and Mycenaean chiefs have joined me, doing me a bitter though needful service, for it is against my own city I am marching. Now I call the gods to witness, that it is not willingly I have raised the spear against my willing friends.
430
But it belongs to you, mother, to dissolve this unhappy feud, and, by reconciling loving brothers, to end the trouble for me and you and the whole city. It has been said for a long time, but I will say it anyway: wealth is most valued by men,
435
and of all things in the world it has the greatest power. This I have come to secure at the head of my great army; for a man well-born but poor is worth nothing.
440
Chorus Leader
And see, Eteocles comes here to discuss the truce. It is your task, mother Jocasta, to speak
such words as may reconcile your sons.
445
And see, Eteocles comes here to discuss the truce. It is your task, mother Jocasta, to speak
such words as may reconcile your sons.
445
Eteocles
Mother, I am here; I have come to do you a favor. What am I to do? Let some one begin the conference; for I stopped marshalling the citizens in pairs of companies around the walls, so that I might hear your
arbitration between us, by which you persuaded me to admit this man under truce within the walls.
450
Mother, I am here; I have come to do you a favor. What am I to do? Let some one begin the conference; for I stopped marshalling the citizens in pairs of companies around the walls, so that I might hear your
arbitration between us, by which you persuaded me to admit this man under truce within the walls.
450
Jocasta
Wait; haste does not carry justice with it; but slow deliberation often attains a wise result. Restrain the fierceness of your look and panting rage;
for this is not the Gorgon’s severed head but your own brother whom you see has come. You too, Polyneices, turn and face your brother; for if you look at him, you will speak and listen to him the better.
455
I want to give you both one piece of good counsel; when a man that is angry with his friend confronts him face to face, he ought only to keep in view the object of his coming, forgetting all previous quarrels.
460
My son Polyneices, speak first, for you have come at the head of a Danaid army, alleging wrongful treatment; may some god be the judge and reconciler of the troubles.
465
469
Wait; haste does not carry justice with it; but slow deliberation often attains a wise result. Restrain the fierceness of your look and panting rage;
for this is not the Gorgon’s severed head but your own brother whom you see has come. You too, Polyneices, turn and face your brother; for if you look at him, you will speak and listen to him the better.
455
I want to give you both one piece of good counsel; when a man that is angry with his friend confronts him face to face, he ought only to keep in view the object of his coming, forgetting all previous quarrels.
460
My son Polyneices, speak first, for you have come at the head of a Danaid army, alleging wrongful treatment; may some god be the judge and reconciler of the troubles.
465
Polyneices
The words of truth are naturally simple,
and justice needs no subtle interpretations, for it has a fitness in itself; but the words of injustice, being sick in themselves, require clever treatment. I provided for his interests and mine in our father’s house, being anxious to escape the curse
470
which Oedipus once uttered against us; of my own free-will I left this land, allowing him to rule the country for one full year, on condition that I should then take up the rule in turn, instead of plunging into deadly enmity with this man,
475
doing others harm and suffering it myself, as is now the case. But he, after consenting to this and calling the gods to witness his oath, has performed none of his promises, but is still keeping the sovereignty in his own hands together with my share of our heritage.
480
And now I am ready to take my own
and dismiss the army from this land, receiving my house in turn to dwell in, and once more restore it to him for an equal period, instead of ravaging our country and bringing scaling-ladders against the towers,
485
as I shall attempt to do if I do not get my rights. I call the gods to witness that spite of my just dealing in everything I am being unjustly robbed of my country, a most unholy act. I have made my points, mother, without stringing together
490
words to entangle you, but urging a fair case, I think, in the judgment of the wise and the simple.
495
The words of truth are naturally simple,
and justice needs no subtle interpretations, for it has a fitness in itself; but the words of injustice, being sick in themselves, require clever treatment. I provided for his interests and mine in our father’s house, being anxious to escape the curse
470
which Oedipus once uttered against us; of my own free-will I left this land, allowing him to rule the country for one full year, on condition that I should then take up the rule in turn, instead of plunging into deadly enmity with this man,
475
doing others harm and suffering it myself, as is now the case. But he, after consenting to this and calling the gods to witness his oath, has performed none of his promises, but is still keeping the sovereignty in his own hands together with my share of our heritage.
480
And now I am ready to take my own
and dismiss the army from this land, receiving my house in turn to dwell in, and once more restore it to him for an equal period, instead of ravaging our country and bringing scaling-ladders against the towers,
485
as I shall attempt to do if I do not get my rights. I call the gods to witness that spite of my just dealing in everything I am being unjustly robbed of my country, a most unholy act. I have made my points, mother, without stringing together
490
words to entangle you, but urging a fair case, I think, in the judgment of the wise and the simple.
495
Chorus Leader
To me, although I was not born and bred in
Hellas
, your words seem full of sense.
499
To me, although I was not born and bred in
Hellas
, your words seem full of sense.
Eteocles
If all were unanimous in their ideas of honor and wisdom,
there would be no strife to make men disagree; but, as it is, fairness and equality have no existence in this world beyond the name; there is really no such thing. I will tell you this, mother, without any concealment: I would go to the rising of the stars and the sun,
500
or beneath the earth, if I were able so to do, to win Tyranny, the greatest of the gods. Therefore, mother, I will not yield this blessing to another rather than keep it for myself; for it is cowardly to lose the greater
505
and to win the less. Besides, I am ashamed to think that he should gain his object by coming with arms and ravaging the land; for this would be a disgrace to
Thebes
, if I should yield my scepter up to him for fear of Mycenaean might.
510
He ought not to have attempted reconcilement by armed force, mother, for words accomplish everything that even the sword of an enemy might effect. Still, if on any other terms he cares to dwell here, he may; but that I shall never willingly let go.
515
Shall I become his slave, when I can rule? Therefore come fire, come sword! Harness your horses, fill the plains with chariots, for I will not give up my tyranny to him. For if we must do wrong, to do so for tyranny
520
is the fairest cause, but in all else piety should be our aim.
525
If all were unanimous in their ideas of honor and wisdom,
there would be no strife to make men disagree; but, as it is, fairness and equality have no existence in this world beyond the name; there is really no such thing. I will tell you this, mother, without any concealment: I would go to the rising of the stars and the sun,
500
or beneath the earth, if I were able so to do, to win Tyranny, the greatest of the gods. Therefore, mother, I will not yield this blessing to another rather than keep it for myself; for it is cowardly to lose the greater
505
and to win the less. Besides, I am ashamed to think that he should gain his object by coming with arms and ravaging the land; for this would be a disgrace to
Thebes
, if I should yield my scepter up to him for fear of Mycenaean might.
510
He ought not to have attempted reconcilement by armed force, mother, for words accomplish everything that even the sword of an enemy might effect. Still, if on any other terms he cares to dwell here, he may; but that I shall never willingly let go.
515
Shall I become his slave, when I can rule? Therefore come fire, come sword! Harness your horses, fill the plains with chariots, for I will not give up my tyranny to him. For if we must do wrong, to do so for tyranny
520
is the fairest cause, but in all else piety should be our aim.
525
Chorus Leader
One should not speak well on deeds that are not good; for that is not good, but bitter to justice.
One should not speak well on deeds that are not good; for that is not good, but bitter to justice.
Jocasta
Eteocles, my child, it is not all evil that attends old age; but experience
has something to say wiser than youth. Why, my son, do you so long for Ambition, that worst of deities? Oh, do not; the goddess is unjust; many are the homes and cities once prosperous that she has entered and left, to the ruin of her worshippers;
530
and she is the one you are mad for. It is better, my son, to honor Equality, who always joins friend to friend, city to city, allies to allies; for Equality is naturally lasting among men; but the less is always in opposition to the greater,
535
and begins the dawn of hatred. For it is Equality that has set up for man measures and divisions of weights, and has determined numbers; night’s sightless eye, and radiant sun proceed upon their yearly course on equal terms,
540
and neither of them is envious when it has to yield. Though both sun and night are servants for mortals, you will not be content with your fair share of your heritage and give the same to him? Then where is justice?
545
549
Why do you honor to excess tyranny, a prosperous injustice,
why do you think so much of it? Admiring glances are to be prized? No, that is an empty pleasure. Or do you want to have many troubles from the many riches in your house? What advantage is it? The name only; for the wise find what suffices to be enough.
550
Mortals indeed have no possessions of their own; we hold the management of the gods’ property; and when they will, they take it back again.
Prosperity is not secure, but as transient as the day.
555
Come, suppose I put before you two alternatives, and ask you
whether you wish to rule or save your city? Will you say you wish to rule?
560
brutally dishonored by men of the enemy. Then that wealth you seek to have will become grievous to
Thebes
; but still ambition fills you.
565
That I say to you; and this to you, Polyneices; Adrastus has conferred a foolish favor on you;
and you too have shown little sense in coming to lay your city waste. Suppose you conquer this land—may it not happen!—tell me, by the gods, how will you set up a trophy to Zeus? How will you begin the sacrifice after your country’s conquest or inscribe the spoils at the streams of Inachus:
570
Polyneices after giving
Thebes
to the flames dedicated these shields to the gods? O my son, may you never win such fame from
Hellas
! If, on the other hand, you are beaten and your brother’s cause prevails, how will you return to
Argos
, leaving countless dead behind?
575
Some one will be sure to say:
Adrastus, you made an evil betrothal; we are ruined by the marriage of one bride.
580
You are eager for two evils, my son, the loss of those there and ruin in the midst of your efforts here.
Lay aside your violence, my sons, lay it aside; two men’s follies,
once they meet, result in very deadly mischief.
585
Eteocles, my child, it is not all evil that attends old age; but experience
has something to say wiser than youth. Why, my son, do you so long for Ambition, that worst of deities? Oh, do not; the goddess is unjust; many are the homes and cities once prosperous that she has entered and left, to the ruin of her worshippers;
530
and she is the one you are mad for. It is better, my son, to honor Equality, who always joins friend to friend, city to city, allies to allies; for Equality is naturally lasting among men; but the less is always in opposition to the greater,
535
and begins the dawn of hatred. For it is Equality that has set up for man measures and divisions of weights, and has determined numbers; night’s sightless eye, and radiant sun proceed upon their yearly course on equal terms,
540
and neither of them is envious when it has to yield. Though both sun and night are servants for mortals, you will not be content with your fair share of your heritage and give the same to him? Then where is justice?
545
Why do you honor to excess tyranny, a prosperous injustice,
why do you think so much of it? Admiring glances are to be prized? No, that is an empty pleasure. Or do you want to have many troubles from the many riches in your house? What advantage is it? The name only; for the wise find what suffices to be enough.
550
Mortals indeed have no possessions of their own; we hold the management of the gods’ property; and when they will, they take it back again.
Prosperity is not secure, but as transient as the day.
555
Come, suppose I put before you two alternatives, and ask you
whether you wish to rule or save your city? Will you say you wish to rule?
560
brutally dishonored by men of the enemy. Then that wealth you seek to have will become grievous to
Thebes
; but still ambition fills you.
565
That I say to you; and this to you, Polyneices; Adrastus has conferred a foolish favor on you;
and you too have shown little sense in coming to lay your city waste. Suppose you conquer this land—may it not happen!—tell me, by the gods, how will you set up a trophy to Zeus? How will you begin the sacrifice after your country’s conquest or inscribe the spoils at the streams of Inachus:
570
Polyneices after giving
Thebes
to the flames dedicated these shields to the gods? O my son, may you never win such fame from
Hellas
! If, on the other hand, you are beaten and your brother’s cause prevails, how will you return to
Argos
, leaving countless dead behind?
575
Some one will be sure to say:
Adrastus, you made an evil betrothal; we are ruined by the marriage of one bride.
580
You are eager for two evils, my son, the loss of those there and ruin in the midst of your efforts here.
Lay aside your violence, my sons, lay it aside; two men’s follies,
once they meet, result in very deadly mischief.
585
Chorus Leader
O gods, avert these troubles and reconcile the sons of Oedipus!
O gods, avert these troubles and reconcile the sons of Oedipus!
Eteocles
Mother, it is no longer a contest of words; the time we still delay is idle waste; your good wishes accomplish nothing;
for we can never be reconciled except upon the terms already named, that I should keep the scepter and be king of this land. Cease these tedious warnings and let me be.
Turning to Polyneices And as for you, get outside the walls, or die!
590
Mother, it is no longer a contest of words; the time we still delay is idle waste; your good wishes accomplish nothing;
for we can never be reconciled except upon the terms already named, that I should keep the scepter and be king of this land. Cease these tedious warnings and let me be.
Turning to Polyneices And as for you, get outside the walls, or die!
590
Polyneices
Who will kill me? Who is so invulnerable as to plunge a murderous sword
in my body without getting for himself the same fate?
595
Who will kill me? Who is so invulnerable as to plunge a murderous sword
in my body without getting for himself the same fate?
595
Eteocles
He is near, not far away. Do you see my hands?
He is near, not far away. Do you see my hands?
Polyneices
I see them; but wealth is cowardly, a craven too fond of life.
I see them; but wealth is cowardly, a craven too fond of life.
Eteocles
Then did you come to battle with so many against a man worth nothing?
Then did you come to battle with so many against a man worth nothing?
Polyneices
Yes, for a steadfast general is better than a bold one.
Yes, for a steadfast general is better than a bold one.
Eteocles
Relying on the truce, which saves your life, you turn boaster.
600
Relying on the truce, which saves your life, you turn boaster.
600
Polyneices
And so do you; once more I demand back my scepter and share of the land.
And so do you; once more I demand back my scepter and share of the land.
Eteocles
I admit no demand; I will live in my own house.
I admit no demand; I will live in my own house.
Polyneices
And keep more than your share?
And keep more than your share?
Eteocles
Yes. Leave the country!
Yes. Leave the country!
Polyneices
O altars of my fathers’ gods—
O altars of my fathers’ gods—
Eteocles
Which you are here to destroy.
Which you are here to destroy.
Polyneices
Hear me—
605
Hear me—
605
Eteocles
Who would hear you after you have marched against your fatherland?
Who would hear you after you have marched against your fatherland?
Polyneices
And temples of the gods who ride on white horses—
And temples of the gods who ride on white horses—
Eteocles
And who hate you.
And who hate you.
Polyneices
I am being driven from my country—
I am being driven from my country—
Eteocles
Yes, for you came to destroy it.
Yes, for you came to destroy it.
Polyneices
Unjustly, O gods!
Unjustly, O gods!
Eteocles
Call on the gods at
Mycenae
, not here.
Call on the gods at
Mycenae
, not here.
Polyneices
You have become unholy—
You have become unholy—
Eteocles
But I have not, like you, become my country’s enemy.
But I have not, like you, become my country’s enemy.
Polyneices
By driving me out without my portion.
610
By driving me out without my portion.
610
Eteocles
I will kill you in addition.
I will kill you in addition.
Polyneices
O father, do you you hear what I am suffering?
O father, do you you hear what I am suffering?
Eteocles
Yes, and he hears what you are doing.
Yes, and he hears what you are doing.
Polyneices
And you, mother?
And you, mother?
Eteocles
It is not lawful for you to mention your mother.
It is not lawful for you to mention your mother.
Polyneices
O my city!
O my city!
Eteocles
614
Polyneices
I will; do not be troubled; but I thank you, mother.
I will; do not be troubled; but I thank you, mother.
Eteocles
Go forth from the land!
Go forth from the land!
Polyneices
I will go; but let me see my father.
615
I will go; but let me see my father.
615
Eteocles
You will not have your wish.
You will not have your wish.
Polyneices
At least then my maiden sisters.
At least then my maiden sisters.
Eteocles
You will not ever see them either.
You will not ever see them either.
Polyneices
Ah, my sisters!
Ah, my sisters!
Eteocles
Why do you, their bitterest enemy, call on them?
Why do you, their bitterest enemy, call on them?
Polyneices
To you at least farewell, mother!
To you at least farewell, mother!
Jocasta
Indeed I am faring well, my son!
Indeed I am faring well, my son!
Polyneices
I am no longer your son.
I am no longer your son.
Jocasta
I was born to great sorrow.
I was born to great sorrow.
Polyneices
Because my brother treats me outrageously.
620
Because my brother treats me outrageously.
620
Eteocles
I am treated just the same.
I am treated just the same.
Polyneices
Where will you be stationed before the towers?
Where will you be stationed before the towers?
Eteocles
Why do you ask me this?
Why do you ask me this?
Polyneices
I will set myself against you for your death.
I will set myself against you for your death.
Eteocles
I too have the same desire.
I too have the same desire.
Jocasta
Woe is me! what will you do, my sons?
Woe is me! what will you do, my sons?
Polyneices
The event will show.
The event will show.
Jocasta
Oh, try to escape your father’s curse!
Exit Jocasta.
Oh, try to escape your father’s curse!
Exit Jocasta.
Eteocles
May destruction seize our whole house!
May destruction seize our whole house!
Polyneices
Soon my sword will be busy, plunged in gore. But I call my native land and the gods to witness, with what dishonor and bitter treatment I am being driven forth, as though I were a slave, not a son of Oedipus as much as he. If anything happens to you, my city, blame him, not me;
625
for I did not come willingly, and unwillingly I am driven from the land. And you, Phoebus, lord of highways, and my home, farewell, and my comrades, and statues of the gods, where sheep are sacrificed. For I do not know if I can ever again address you; though hope is not yet asleep, which makes me confident that with the gods’ help
630
I shall slay him and rule this land of
Thebes
.
Exit Polyneices.
635
Soon my sword will be busy, plunged in gore. But I call my native land and the gods to witness, with what dishonor and bitter treatment I am being driven forth, as though I were a slave, not a son of Oedipus as much as he. If anything happens to you, my city, blame him, not me;
625
for I did not come willingly, and unwillingly I am driven from the land. And you, Phoebus, lord of highways, and my home, farewell, and my comrades, and statues of the gods, where sheep are sacrificed. For I do not know if I can ever again address you; though hope is not yet asleep, which makes me confident that with the gods’ help
630
I shall slay him and rule this land of
Thebes
.
Exit Polyneices.
635
Eteocles
Get out of the country! It was a true name our father gave you, when, prompted by some god, he called you Polyneices, man of many quarrels.
Exit Eteocles.
Get out of the country! It was a true name our father gave you, when, prompted by some god, he called you Polyneices, man of many quarrels.
Exit Eteocles.
The Phoenician Women. Euripides. Edward P. Coleridge (Translator). London. 1891.
Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.
Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.