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74 Thebes after the death of Œdipus, and there they lived, under the guardianship of Creon, with their brother Eteocles. Then came the famous siege, of which an account has been given in a preceding volume of this series. For three days the Seven Chieftains had assaulted the seven gates, with varying success, and on the third day the single combat took place which resulted in the death by each other's hands of the two brothers. After their fall, the battle still raged on, until at last Menœceus, son of Creon, devoted himself as a sacrifice for his country, and then the Argive host were seized with a sudden panic, and fled in headlong rout.

It is on the morning after their flight that the play opens. All that scenery can do to heighten the effect has been employed by the poet. In the background rises the palace of the kings of Thebes, and on the walls are hung six suits of armour, taken from the Argive chieftains. One side-scene represents the distant hills of Cithæron; on the other is depicted the city itself, with its houses and temples, the sacred streams of Dirce and Ismenus, and the "Scæan gates," still bearing traces of the late assault.

The audience, who have murmured their applause at the fidelity with which the artist has brought before them a well-known locality, are hushed into silence as the two sisters enter. They have come forth from the palace to discuss the new decree which Creon the king has just proclaimed. By his orders, Eteocles has been already buried with all the honours of a soldier's grave; but the corpse of Polynices is to lie "unwept,