Polynices
1284
Then I will speak, for well hast thou advised,
Imploring first this god, that he would deign
To be my guardian, at whose altar placed
1285
The sovereign of this country raising me
Gave me to come, to hold free converse here,
And back in safety to return. And this
Of you, O strangers, of my sisters this,
This of my father wish I to obtain.
1290
To thee, my father, I would now unfold
Why I am here. From my paternal realms
I am driv'n forth an exile, on thy throne 1.
Because I aim'd in regal state to sit,
My birth-right; but Eteocles, to years
By nature less indebted, thrust me out,
1295
Not in just right triumphant, nor his claim
Brought to the proof of arms, or noble deeds,
But winning with insidious arts the state.
Of this I know, and from the Seers have heard,
That the chief cause was thy infuriate curse.
In Doric Argos I sought refuge; there
1300
The daughter of Adrastus made my bride,
Associates in my cause I raised the Chiefs,
Lords of the Apian land, and honour'd high
For martial deeds; that I 'gainst Thebes might lead
Seven bands commanded by seven valiant Chiefs,
1305
And bravely die, or from my country chase......
Those who have wrong'd me. But of this enough.
What sanction, hither coming, claim I then?
To thee, my father, supplicating pray'rs,
For me, and my compeers in arms, I bring,
Who with seven bands beneath seven spears arranged,
1310
Are now encamp'd o'er all the plain of Thebes.
In martial prowess first, and first in skill.
To mark the flight of birds, Amphiaraus;
Ætolian Tydeus marches next, the son
Of Œneus; and next him of Argive race
1315
Eteoclus; there tow'rs Hippomedon
1315
Sent by his father Taläus; in arms
Advances Capaneus with menace high
Instant to rend the rampires to the ground.
Parthenopæus, an Arcadian, fierce
Advances, from his mother's virgin state
1320
His name deriving, the undoubted son
Of Atalanta. I these chiefs among,,
Thy son, or if not thine, at least the son
Of unpropitious Fortune, yet call'd thine,..
Lead against Thebes th' intrepid Argive troops.
By these thy daughters, by thy life, we all
1325
Suppliant entreat thee, O my father, yield,
Remit thy anger, raging 'gainst this wretch
Now roused in arms t' avenge the wrongs sustain'd
From a base brother, who hath driv'n me out,..
And robb'd me of my kingdom. But the fates,
1330
If there be faith in oracles, declare
1330
That where thou art, there Victory attends.
Now by our country's fountains, by her gods,
Let, I implore thee, my entreaties touch
Thy heart; be thou appeased; for I, like thee,
Am poor, and wander in a foreign land;
1335
One fate to us assign'd, to thee and me,
Submissive to another's will we live.
He lives in royal state, unhappy me!
And 'midst luxurious pleasures laughs alike
At thee and me. But if thy fav'ring mind
Accord with mine, him with no mighty toil,
1340
No arduous effort, will I put to flight,
And lead thee back, replace thee in thy house,
Replace myself, and drive him out by force.
This boast, if thou assent, I will achieve;
But without thee my efforts have no pow'r.
1345
