Epeisodion 2
Eteocles
Go, bring Creon, son of Menoeceus, the brother of Jocasta my mother; tell him I want to consult with him on matters public and private, before we set out to battle and the arrangement of the army.
690
But he is here, saving you the trouble; I see him on his way to my house.
695
Creon
I have been everywhere, lord Eteocles, in my desire to see you, and have gone all round the gates and sentinels of Thebes hunting for you.
Eteocles
And I wanted to see you, Creon; for I found the terms of peace far from satisfactory, when I came to confer with Polyneices.
700
Creon
I hear that he has wider aims than Thebes, relying on his alliance with Adrastus and his army. But we must leave this dependent on the gods;
I have come to tell you our chief obstacle.
705
Eteocles
What is that? I do not understand what you say.
Creon
Someone has come who was captured from the Argives.
Eteocles
What news does he bring from there?
Creon
He says the Argive army intend at once to wind about the city of Thebes and its towers, with their army.
710
Eteocles
In that case the city of Cadmus must lead out its army.
Creon
Where? Are you so young that your eyes do not see what they should?
Eteocles
Across those trenches, to fight at once.
Creon
Our forces are small, while theirs are plentiful.
715
Eteocles
I know well they are brave in argument.
Creon
Argos has some weight among the Hellenes.
Eteocles
Never fear! I will soon fill the plain with their dead.
Creon
I could wish it so; but I see great difficulties in this.
Eteocles
I will not keep my army within the walls.
720
Creon
And yet victory is entirely a matter of good counsel.
Eteocles
Do you then want me to turn to some other way?
Creon
Yes, to every one, before running the risk once for all.
Eteocles
Suppose we fall on them by night from ambush?
Creon
Yes, if in the event of defeat you can return safely here.
725
Eteocles
Night equalizes risks, though it rather favors daring.
Creon
The darkness of night is a terrible time to suffer disaster.
Eteocles
Well, shall I attack them as they sit at dinner?
Creon
That might cause them fright, but victory is what we need.
Eteocles
Dirce’s ford is certainly deep enough to prevent their retreat.
730
Creon
No plan so good as to keep well guarded.
