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.