ETEO.  Does he bring us any news of those stationed there?

CRE.  The Argive army is preparing quickly to surround the city of the
Thebans with thickly-ranged arms.(Note [B].)

ETEO.  Therefore must we draw our forces out of the Theban city.

CRE.  Whither?  Dost thou not in the impetuosity of youth see what it behooves thee to see?

ETEO.  Without these trenches, as we are quickly about to fight.

CRE.  Small are the forces of this land; but theirs innumerable.

ETEO.  I know that they are bold in words.

CRE.  Argos of the Greeks has some renown.

ETEO.  Be confident; quickly will I fill the plain with their slaughter.

CRE.  I would it were so:  but this I see is a work of much labor.

ETEO.  Know that I will not restrain my forces within the walls.

CRE.  And yet the whole of victory is prudence.

ETEO.  Dost thou wish then that I have recourse to other measures?

CRE.  To every measure indeed, rather than hazard all on one battle.

ETEO.  What if we were to attack them by night from ambush?

CRE.  If, having failed, at least you can have a safe retreat hither.

ETEO.  Night brings the same advantage to all, but more to the daring.

CRE.  Dreadful is it to fail in the darkness of night.

ETEO.  But shall I lead my force against them while at their meal?

CRE.  That would cause terror; but we must conquer.

ETEO.  The ford of Dirce is indeed deep to pass.

CRE.  Every thing is inferior to a good guard.

ETEO.  What then, shall I charge the Argive army with my cavalry?

CRE.  And there the army is fenced round with chariots.

ETEO.  What then shall I do? give up the city to the enemy?

CRE.  By no means; but deliberate if thou art wise.

ETEO.  What more prudent forethought is there?

CRE.  They say that they have seven men, as I have heard.

ETEO.  What have they been commanded to do? for their strength is small.

CRE.  To head their bands, to besiege the seven gates.

ETEO.  What then shall we do?  I will not wait this indecision.

CRE.  Do thou thyself also choose seven men for the gates.

ETEO.  To head divisions, or for single combat?

CRE.  To head divisions, having selected the bravest.

ETEO.  I understand you; to guard the approach to the walls.

CRE.  And with them other generals; one man sees not every thing?

ETEO.  Having chosen them for boldness, or prudence in judgment?

CRE.  For both; for one without the other availeth nothing.