Enter one of the Scouts.
Mess. King of Cadmeians, great Eteocles,
I from the army come with tidings clear,
40
And am myself eye-witness of its acts;
For seven brave warriors, leading armèd bands,
Cutting a bull's throat o'er a black-rimmed shield,
And dipping in the bull's blood with their hands,
Swore before Ares, Enyo,[[75]] murderous Fear,
That they would bring destruction on our town,