THE PHŒNICIAN MAIDENS.
41
Eteokles.
I know them for tongue-valiant warriors.[1]
Kreon.
Argos hath high repute mid Hellas' sons.
Eteokles.
Fear not: their slaughter soon shall load the plain.
Kreon.
That would I: yet herein I see grim toil.
Eteokles.
Not I will pen mine host within the walls!720
Kreon.
Yet wholly in good counsel victory lies.
Eteokles.
Wouldst thou I turned me unto other paths?
Kreon.
Any path, ere on one cast all be staked.
Eteokles.
How if by night we fall on them from ambush?
Kreon.
Yea,—if, miscarrying, safe thou mayst return.725
Eteokles.
Night equals all, yet helps the venturous most.
- ↑ Al. "I know them by repute right valorous."
