the tender shoot; and ye divine caves of the dragon,[18] and ye mountain watch-towers of the Gods, and thou hallowed snowy mountain, would that I were the chorus of the immortal God free from alarms encompassing thee around, by the caves of Apollo in the centre of the earth, having left Dirce.  But now impetuous Mars having advanced before the walls lights up against this city, which may the Gods avert, hostile war; for common are the misfortunes of friends, and common is it, if this land defended by its seven turrets should suffer any calamity, to the Phoenician country, alas! alas! common is the affinity,[19] common are the descendants of Io bearing horns; of which woes I have a share.  But a thick cloud of shields glares around the city, the likeness of gory battle, bearing which destruction from the Furies to the children of Oedipus Mars shall quickly advance.  O Pelasgian Argos, I dread thy power, and vengeance from the Gods, for he rushes not his arms to this war unjustly, who seeks to recover his home.

POLYNICES, CHORUS.

POL.  The bolts indeed of the gate-keepers have with ease admitted me, that I might come within the walls; wherefore also I fear, lest, having caught me within their nets, they let[19a] not my body go without bloodshed.  On which account my eye must be turned about on every side, both that way and this, lest there be treachery.  But armed in my hand with this sword, I will give myself confidence of daring.  Ha!  Who is this; or do we fear a noise?  Every thing appears terrible even to the bold, when his foot shall pass across a hostile country.  I trust however in my mother, at the same time I scarce trust, who persuaded me to come hither confiding in a truce.  But protection is nigh; for the hearths of the altars are at hand, and houses not deserted.  Come.  I will let go my sword into its dark scabbard, and will question these who they are, that are standing at the palace.  Ye female strangers, tell me, from what country do ye approach Grecian habitations?

CHOR.  The Phoenician is my paternal country, she that nurtured me:  and the descendants of Agenor sent me hither from the spoils, the first-fruits to Apollo.  And while the renowned son of Oedipus was preparing to send me to the revered shrine, and to the altars of Phoebus, in the mean time the Argives marched against the city.  But do thou in turn answer me, who thou art, who hast come to this bulwark of the Theban land with its seven gates?

POL.  My father is Oedipus the son of Laius; Jocasta daughter of Menoeceus brought me forth; the Theban people call me Polynices.

CHOR.  O thou allied to the sons of Agenor, my lords, by whom I was sent, I fall at thy knees in lowly posture, O king, preserving my country’s custom.  Thou hast come, thou hast come, after a length of time, to thy paternal land.  O venerable matron, come forth quickly, open the doors; dost thou hear, O mother, that producedst this hero? why dost thou delay to leave thy lofty mansion, and to embrace thy child with thine arms?