Scaife ATLAS

CTS Library / The Phoenician Maidens

The Phoenician Maidens (719-748)

urn:cts:greekLit:tlg0006.tlg015.perseus-eng2:719-748
Refs {'start': {'reference': '719', 'human_reference': 'Line 719'}, 'end': {'reference': '748', 'human_reference': 'Line 748'}}
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I could wish it so; but I see great difficulties in this.
Eteocles
I will not keep my army within the walls.
Creon
And yet victory is entirely a matter of good counsel.
Eteocles
Do you then want me to turn to some other way?
Creon
Yes, to every one, before running the risk once for all.
Eteocles
Suppose we fall on them by night from ambush?
Creon
Yes, if in the event of defeat you can return safely here.
Eteocles
Night equalizes risks, though it rather favors daring.
Creon
The darkness of night is a terrible time to suffer disaster.
Eteocles
Well, shall I attack them as they sit at dinner?
Creon
That might cause them fright, but victory is what we need.
Eteocles
Dirce’s ford is certainly deep enough to prevent their retreat.
Creon
No plan so good as to keep well guarded.
Eteocles
What if we ride out against the army of Argos?
Creon
Their troops too are fenced all round with chariots.
Eteocles
What shall I do, then? Am I to surrender the city to the enemy?
Creon
No indeed! But out of your wisdom form some plan.
Eteocles
What forethought is wiser than mine?
737
Creon
They have seven men, I hear—
Eteocles
What is their appointed task? their might is small.
Creon
. . . To attack the seven gates.
Eteocles
What are we to do then? I will not wait till every chance is gone.
Creon
You also choose seven men to set against them at the gates.
Eteocles
To lead our companies, or to fight single-handed?
Creon
To lead; choose the very bravest ones.
Eteocles
I understand; to repel attempts at scaling our walls.
Creon
With others to share the command, for one man doesn’t see everything.
Eteocles
Selecting them for courage or thoughtful prudence?
Creon
Both; for one is nothing without the other.
Eteocles
It shall be done; I will go to our seven towers and post captains at the gates, as you say,

Tokens

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