By Mars, Enýo, and blood-loving Terror,[n3]

Either to raze the walls of Thebes, and plunder

The citadel of Cadmus, or else drench

This soil with Argive blood. Then, as for death

Prepared, they decked the chariot of Adrastus[n4]

With choice love-tokens to their Argive kin,

Dropping a tear, but with their mouths they gave

No voice. An iron-hearted band are they,

Breathing hot war, like lions when their eye

Looks instant battle. Such my news; nor I