Bells, wrought of brass, clang terror; and he bears,
Enchased upon its front, this proud device—
The nightly firmament ablaze with stars,
And in mid-buckler shines the full-orb'd moon
Conspicuous, queen of stars and eye of night.
Thus raving, he, in haughty garniture,
Shouts near the river banks, in love with war,
As charger, panting fiercely 'gainst the curb,
Hearing the trumpet's blare, with fury chafes.
Whom, as antagonist, to him wilt set?
Who, when the bolts are loosed, may warrant give,
As champion to defend the Proitid gates? 390
Eteocles.
I tremble at no panoply of man,
Neither have mere devices power to wound;
Plumage and bell bite not without the spear.
This Night too, glittering with stars of heaven,
Which is, thou sayest, set upon his shield,
If spelled aright, may truthful omen prove.
For if in death night fall upon his eyes,
Then to its bearer will this proud device,
Justly and fitly, answer to its name, 400
And 'gainst himself his pride shall prophesy.
To Tydeus, this brave son of Astacos
I will oppose, as warden of the gates;
He, nobly born, revereth honour's throne,
And boastful words abhors; to shameful deeds
Laggart, no craven soul he loves to be.
Scion of heroes sprung from dragon's teeth.
