And so far, to the present day, in sooth
God in our favour hath inclined the scale;
For unto us, so long beleaguered here,
War prospers in the main, through heaven's high will;—
But now, so speaks the seer, augur divine,
Without fire omens, but in ear and mind
Marking, with faultless skill, presageful birds,—
He, lord of these divining arts, declares
That the prime onset of the Achaian host,
Night-plotted, threatens even now the town;
Haste, to the turrets then and bastion-gates 30
Rush in full panoply;—the breastworks throng,
Take station on the platforms of the towers,
And, biding at the outlets of the ports,
Be of good courage, nor this alien swarm
Dread over-much; God will rule all for good.
Myself have scouts sent forth and army spies,
Who, as I trust, no bootless journey make;
And having heard their tidings, in no wise
Shall I by guileful stratagem be caught.
[Enter Messenger.]
Messenger.
Noble Eteocles, Cadmeians' lord,
I come clear tidings bringing of the host;— 40
Myself eye-witness am of what befel;
For seven impetuous warriors, captains bold,
Slaying the sacred bull o'er black-rimmed shield,
And touching with their hands the victim's gore,
