Stasimon 1
[Episode]
One should not speak well on deeds that are not good; for that is not good, but bitter to justice.
Jocasta
Eteocles, my child, it is not all evil that attends old age; but experience
has something to say wiser than youth. Why, my son, do you so long for Ambition, that worst of deities? Oh, do not; the goddess is unjust; many are the homes and cities once prosperous that she has entered and left, to the ruin of her worshippers;
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and she is the one you are mad for. It is better, my son, to honor Equality, who always joins friend to friend, city to city, allies to allies; for Equality is naturally lasting among men; but the less is always in opposition to the greater,
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and begins the dawn of hatred. For it is Equality that has set up for man measures and divisions of weights, and has determined numbers; night’s sightless eye, and radiant sun proceed upon their yearly course on equal terms,
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and neither of them is envious when it has to yield. Though both sun and night are servants for mortals, you will not be content with your fair share of your heritage and give the same to him? Then where is justice?
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Why do you honor to excess tyranny, a prosperous injustice,
why do you think so much of it? Admiring glances are to be prized? No, that is an empty pleasure. Or do you want to have many troubles from the many riches in your house? What advantage is it? The name only; for the wise find what suffices to be enough.
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Mortals indeed have no possessions of their own; we hold the management of the gods’ property; and when they will, they take it back again. Prosperity is not secure, but as transient as the day.
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Come, suppose I put before you two alternatives, and ask you
whether you wish to rule or save your city? Will you say you wish to rule?
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Again, if this man conquers you and his Argive warriors take the army of Cadmus, you will see this city of Thebes conquered, and you will see many captured maidens
brutally dishonored by men of the enemy. Then that wealth you seek to have will become grievous to Thebes; but still ambition fills you.
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That I say to you; and this to you, Polyneices; Adrastus has conferred a foolish favor on you;
and you too have shown little sense in coming to lay your city waste. Suppose you conquer this land—may it not happen!—tell me, by the gods, how will you set up a trophy to Zeus? How will you begin the sacrifice after your country’s conquest or inscribe the spoils at the streams of Inachus:
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Polyneices after giving Thebes to the flames dedicated these shields to the gods? O my son, may you never win such fame from Hellas! If, on the other hand, you are beaten and your brother’s cause prevails, how will you return to Argos, leaving countless dead behind?
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Some one will be sure to say: Adrastus, you made an evil betrothal; we are ruined by the marriage of one bride.
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You are eager for two evils, my son, the loss of those there and ruin in the midst of your efforts here.
Lay aside your violence, my sons, lay it aside; two men’s follies,
once they meet, result in very deadly mischief.
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Chorus Leader
O gods, avert these troubles and reconcile the sons of Oedipus!
Eteocles
Mother, it is no longer a contest of words; the time we still delay is idle waste; your good wishes accomplish nothing;
for we can never be reconciled except upon the terms already named, that I should keep the scepter and be king of this land. Cease these tedious warnings and let me be. Turning to Polyneices And as for you, get outside the walls, or die!
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Polyneices
Who will kill me? Who is so invulnerable as to plunge a murderous sword
in my body without getting for himself the same fate?
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Eteocles
He is near, not far away. Do you see my hands?
Polyneices
I see them; but wealth is cowardly, a craven too fond of life.
Eteocles
Then did you come to battle with so many against a man worth nothing?
Polyneices
Yes, for a steadfast general is better than a bold one.
Eteocles
Relying on the truce, which saves your life, you turn boaster.
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