Of Eteokles' death, by whose shield aye
Thou marchedst, warding him from foemen's darts?
What word of tidings bringest thou to me?1075
Dead is my son, or liveth he?—declare.
Messenger.
He lives. Fear not! I rid thee so of dread.
Jocasta.
And the seven towers, how fares the fence thereof?
Messenger.
They stand unshattered: Thebes not yet is spoiled.
Jocasta.
Were they sore perilled of the Argive spear?1080
Messenger.
At ruin's brink: but stronger proved the might
Of Kadmus' people than Mycenæ's spear.
Jocasta.
One thing, by heaven!—of Polyneikes aught
Canst tell? I yearn for this! Doth he see light?
Messenger.
Liveth thus far thy chariot-yoke of sons.1085
Jocasta.
Blessings on thee! How did ye thrust the spear
Of Argos back from your beleaguered gates?
Tell, that I may rejoice the blind old man
The halls within, with news of this land saved.
