Stasimon 1
[Episode]
And so do you; once more I demand back my scepter and share of the land.
Eteocles
I admit no demand; I will live in my own house.
Polyneices
And keep more than your share?
Eteocles
Yes. Leave the country!
Polyneices
O altars of my fathers’ gods—
Eteocles
Which you are here to destroy.
Eteocles
Who would hear you after you have marched against your fatherland?
605
Polyneices
And temples of the gods who ride on white horses—
Eteocles
And who hate you.
Polyneices
I am being driven from my country—
Eteocles
Yes, for you came to destroy it.
Polyneices
Unjustly, O gods!
Eteocles
Call on the gods at Mycenae, not here.
Polyneices
You have become unholy—
Eteocles
But I have not, like you, become my country’s enemy.
Polyneices
By driving me out without my portion.
610
Eteocles
I will kill you in addition.
610
Polyneices
O father, do you you hear what I am suffering?
Eteocles
Yes, and he hears what you are doing.
Polyneices
And you, mother?
Eteocles
It is not lawful for you to mention your mother.
Eteocles
Go to Argos, and invoke the waters of Lerna.
Polyneices
I will; do not be troubled; but I thank you, mother.
Eteocles
Go forth from the land!
Polyneices
I will go; but let me see my father.
615
Eteocles
You will not have your wish.
615
Polyneices
At least then my maiden sisters.
Eteocles
You will not ever see them either.
