To rescue them from sorrow fraught with tears.

Enter Eteocles, followed by his Chief Captains,

and by the Scout

Semi-Chor. A. The army scout, so deem I, brings to us,

Dear friends, some tidings new, with quickest speed

Plying the nimble axles of his feet.

Semi-Chor. B. Yea, the king's self, the son of Œdipus,

Is nigh to hear the scout's exact report;

And haste denies him too an even step.

Mess. I knowing well, will our foes' state report,