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120 Amphiaraus, the king thinks, will not engage at all; yet the veteran hero Lasthenes is sent out to face him.

And now comes the terrible part of the messenger's announcement:—

His shield bears a golden figure of Justice, and the scroll—

Eteocles recognises the fulfilment of the imprecations uttered by Œdipus himself against his sons, but he determines unflinchingly to face the issue. Never was Justice, virgin child of Zeus, a teacher or friend of Polynices, and so his arrogant motto will not restore him.

The Theban maidens beg their king not to incur the inexpiable guilt of fratricide. Let Theban fight with Theban; that blood can be washed away,—