Never, never may the stranger
Rush through the streets, while midnight burning
Lights the robber to his prey!
Eteocles.
Weak prayers confound wise counsel. Know ye not
Obedience is the mother of success,
And pledge of victory. So the wise have spoken.
ANTISTROPHE II.
Chorus.
But the gods are strong. When mortals
Stretch the arm in vain to save us,