When you invoke the gods, do not be ill-advised. For Obedience is the mother of Success, wife of Salvation—as the saying goes.
 Chorus So she is, but the power of god is supreme, and often in bad times it raises the helpless man out of harsh misery even when stormclouds are lowering over his eyes.
 Eteocles It is the man’s duty to offer victims and sacrifices to the gods when they test their enemy; your duty is to be silent and to remain inside the house.
 Chorus By the will of the gods we inhabit an unconquered city, and the rampart withstands the enemy throng. What indignation makes you resent this?
 Eteocles I do not begrudge your honor of the divine race; but lest you make the citizens cowardly, be calm and do not be overly fearful.
 Chorus When I heard the strange and jumbled clashes, I came in trembling fear to this citadel, our seat of worship.
 Eteocles If, then, you hear that men are dying or wounded, do not seize on the news with loud wailing. For this is the food of Ares, human blood.
 Chorus Oh, but I hear horses snorting!
 Eteocles Hear them, then, but not too clearly.
 Chorus The city groans from deep in the earth, as though we are surrounded.
 Eteocles Surely it is enough that I am making plans for this?
 Chorus I am terrified—the crashing at the gates is increasing.
 Eteocles Won’t you be silent, and speak none of this throughout the city?
 Chorus Divine company, do not betray our fortifications!
 Eteocles Damn you! Will you not endure these events in silence?
 Chorus Gods of our city! Do not let my fate be slavery!
 Eteocles You would enslave both me and all the city.
 Chorus Almighty Zeus, turn your missile against the enemy!
 Eteocles O Zeus, what a breed you have made for us in women!
 Chorus A breed steeped in misery, just like men whose city is captured.
 Eteocles Why are your words ill-omened, when you still grasp the gods’ statues?
 Chorus In my weakness fear controls my tongue.
 Eteocles If only you would grant my plea for a small service.
 Chorus Please state it as quickly as possible, and I will quickly know what to do.
 Eteocles Be silent, wretched woman; do not terrify your own men.
 Chorus I am silent. I will suffer what is destined together with the others.
 Eteocles I welcome this sentiment of yours over what you said before.