For little worth I found his terms of peace,
When I for parley Polyneikes met.
Kreon.
Beyond Thebes his ambition soars, I hear,
By Adrastus' kinship, and his host, puffed up.
But these things in the Gods' hands must we leave.705
Of our main stumblingblock I came to tell.
Eteokles.
What shall this be? Thy drift is dark to me.
Kreon.
A captive from the Argive host is come.
Eteokles.
What tidings bringeth he of dealings there?
Kreon.
That Argos' host will straightway wind the net710
Of arms round Kadmus' burg, all round her towers.
Eteokles.
Then Kadmus' burg must lead forth her array,—
Kreon.
Whither? Sees not thy rash youth what it should?
Eteokles.
Across yon trenches, as to fight forthwith.
Kreon.
Small is the host of this land, countless theirs.715
