Chorus Be of good cheer; for if thou preserve the light of justice, thou shalt escape many a charge that men might urge.
Herald Wilt thou that I sum up in brief all thou wouldst say?
Theseus Say what thou wilt; for thou art not silent as it is.
Herald Thou shalt never take the sons of Argos from our land.
Theseus Hear, then, my answer too to that, if so thou wilt.
Herald I will hear thee; not that I wish it, but I must give thee thy turn.
Theseus I will bury the dead, when from Asopus’ land I have removed them.
Herald First must thou adventure somewhat in the front of war.
Theseus Many an enterprise and of a different kind have I ere this endured.
Herald Wert thou then begotten of thy sire to cope with every foe?
Theseus Ay, with all wanton villains; virtue I punish not.
Herald To meddle is aye thy wont and thy city’s too.
Theseus Hence her enterprise on many a held hath won her frequent success.
Herald Come then, that the warriors of the dragon-crop may catch thee in our city.
Theseus What furious warrior-host could spring from dragon’s seed?
Herald Thou shalt learn that to thy cost. As yet thou art young and rash.
Theseus Thy boastful speech stirs not my heart at all to rage. Yet get thee gone from my land, taking with thee the idle words thou broughtest; for we are making no advance. ’Tis time for all to start, each stout footman, and whoso mounts the car; ’tis time the bit, dripping with foam, should urge the charger on toward the land of Cadmus. For I will march in person to the seven gates thereof with the sharp sword in my hand, and be myself my herald. But thee, Adrastus, I bid stay, nor blend with mine thy fortunes, for I will take my own good star to lead my host, a chieftain famed in famous deeds of arms. One thing alone I need, the favour of all gods that reverence right, for the presence of these things insures victory. For their valour availeth men naught, unless they have the god’s goodwill.
Cite This Text