To meddle is aye thy wont and thy city’s too.TheseusHence her enterprise on many a held hath won her frequent success.HeraldCome then, that the warriors of the dragon-crop may catch thee in our city.TheseusWhat furious warrior-host could spring from dragon’s seed?HeraldThou shalt learn that to thy cost. As yet thou art young and rash.TheseusThy 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. [Exit Herald.] ’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. [Exit Theseus.

The following lines between the Semi-Choruses are chanted responsively.1st Half-ChorusUnhappy mothers of those hapless chiefs! How wildly in my heart pale fear stirs up alarm!2nd Half-ChorusWhat is this new cry thou utterest?1st Half-ChorusI fear the issue of the strife, whereto the hosts of Pallas march.2nd Half-ChorusDost speak of issues of the sword, or interchange of words?1st Half-ChorusThat last were gain indeed; but if the carnage of battle, fighting, and the noise of beaten breasts again be heard in the land, what, alas! will be said of me, who am the cause thereof?

2nd Half-ChorusYet may fate again bring low the brilliant victor; ’tis this brave thought that twines about my heart.1st Half-ChorusThou speak’st of the gods as if they were just.2nd Half-ChorusFor who but they allot whate’er betides?1st Half-ChorusI see many a contradiction in their dealings with men.2nd Half-ChorusThe former fear hath warped thy judgment. Vengeance calls vengeance forth; slaughter calls for slaughter, but the gods give respite from affliction, holding in their own hands each thing’s allotted end.

1st Half-ChorusWould I could reach yon plains with turrets crowned, leaving Callichorus, fountain of the goddess!2nd Half-ChorusO that some god would give me wings to fly to the city of rivers twain! 1st Half-ChorusSo might’st thou see and know the fortunes of thy friends.2nd Half-ChorusWhat fate, what issue there awaits the valiant monarch of this land?1st Half-ChorusOnce more do we invoke the gods we called upon before; yea, in our fear this is our first and chiefest trust.

2nd Half-ChorusO Zeus, father to the child the heifer-mother bore in days long past, that daughter of Inachus!1st Half-ChorusO be gracious, I pray, and champion this city!