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.