leave your house, when the gods receive sacrifice from your hands?
 Eteocles The gods, it seems, have already banished us from their care, yet they admire the grace we offer them when we perish. So then, why should we cringe and shy away from deadly fate?
 Chorus It is only at this moment that death stands close by you, for the divine spirit may change its purpose even after a long time and come on a gentler wind. But now it still seethes.
 Eteocles Yes, the curses of Oedipus have made it seethe in fury. Too true were the phantoms in my sleeping visions, predicting the division of our father’s wealth!
 Chorus Obey us women, although you do not like to.
 Eteocles Recommend something that can be accomplished; your request need not be lengthy.
 Chorus Do not yourself take the road to the seventh gate!
 Eteocles Let me assure you, you will not blunt my sharpened purpose with words.