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! 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? Eteocles 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. Eteocles 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. Eteocles Relying on the truce, which saves your life, you turn boaster. Polyneices 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. Polyneices And keep more than your share? Eteocles Yes. Leave the country! Polyneices O altars of my fathers’ gods— Eteocles Which you are here to destroy. Polyneices Hear me— Eteocles Who would hear you after you have marched against your fatherland? Polyneices And temples of the gods who ride on white horses— Eteocles And who hate you. Polyneices I am being driven from my country— Eteocles Yes, for you came to destroy it. Polyneices Unjustly, O gods! Eteocles Call on the gods at Mycenae , not here. Polyneices You have become unholy— Eteocles But I have not, like you, become my country’s enemy. Polyneices By driving me out without my portion. Eteocles I will kill you in addition. Polyneices O father, do you you hear what I am suffering? Eteocles Yes, and he hears what you are doing.