Stasimon 1
[Choral 1]
Dear son of Oedipus, I grew afraid when I heard the clatter of the crashing chariots,
Chorus
when the hubs screamed as they whirled around the wheel, and when I heard the sound of the steering gear, fire-forged bits, in the horses’ mouths.
205
Eteocles
Well, then, has a helmsman ever found a way to safety by fleeing from stern to prow,
when his ship is foundering in high seas?
210
Chorus
But trusting in the gods I came in haste to their ancient statues, when the deadly blizzard of falling stones thundered against the gates. Just then I set out in fear to pray to the Blessed Ones
that they spread their protection over the city.
215
Eteocles
Pray that the rampart withstand the enemy spear. Yes, the outcome is in the gods’ hands—but then, it is said that the gods of a captured city abandon it.
[Choral 2]
Never so long as I live may this divine assembly abandon us,
Chorus
nor may I live to see the city overrun and the army seizing it with hostile fire!
220
Eteocles
When you invoke the gods, do not be ill-advised. For Obedience is
the mother of Success, wife of Salvation—as the saying goes.
225
Chorus
So she is, but the power of god is supreme, and often in bad times it raises the helpless man out of harsh misery even when stormclouds are lowering over his eyes.
Eteocles
It is the man’s duty to offer victims and sacrifices to the gods when they test their enemy; your duty is to be silent and to remain inside the house.
230
[Choral 3]
By the will of the gods we inhabit an unconquered city, and the rampart withstands the enemy throng.
Chorus
What indignation makes you resent this?
235
Eteocles
I do not begrudge your honor of the divine race; but lest you make the citizens cowardly, be calm and do not be overly fearful.
Chorus
When I heard the strange and jumbled clashes,
I came in trembling fear to this citadel, our seat of worship.
240
Eteocles
If, then, you hear that men are dying or wounded, do not seize on the news with loud wailing. For this is the food of Ares, human blood.