Eteocles Go, bring Creon, son of Menoeceus, the brother of Jocasta my mother; tell him I want to consult with him on matters public and private, before we set out to battle and the arrangement of the army. But he is here, saving you the trouble; I see him on his way to my house.
Creon I have been everywhere, lord Eteocles, in my desire to see you, and have gone all round the gates and sentinels of Thebes hunting for you.
Eteocles And I wanted to see you, Creon; for I found the terms of peace far from satisfactory, when I came to confer with Polyneices.
Creon I hear that he has wider aims than Thebes, relying on his alliance with Adrastus and his army. But we must leave this dependent on the gods; I have come to tell you our chief obstacle.
Eteocles What is that? I do not understand what you say.
Creon Someone has come who was captured from the Argives.
Eteocles What news does he bring from there?
Creon He says the Argive army intend at once to wind about
Eteocles In that case the city of Cadmus must lead out its army.
Creon Where? Are you so young that your eyes do not see what they should?
Eteocles Across those trenches, to fight at once.
Creon Our forces are small, while theirs are plentiful.
Eteocles I know well they are brave in argument.
Creon Argos has some weight among the Hellenes.
Eteocles Never fear! I will soon fill the plain with their dead.
Creon 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?
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.
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