And from this Theban city!), I alone
Must bear the up-heaped murmurings of the whole,
A motley-voiced lament. Ye men of Thebes,
Not manhood’s vigour only, but ye also
Who lack ripe years, and ye whose green old age
Nurses unwithered strength,[f10] arm, and redeem
Your country’s honor from a cruel blot.
Let not the citadel of your ancient sires,
The altars of your native gods, your children,
Nor the dear mother Earth, that nursed you, blame