The snortings of impatient steeds. This man
Will, with his heart’s blood, pay the nursing fee
Due to his Theban mother,[f14] or come back—
Which grant the gods!—bearing on that proud shield
Rich spoil to garnish forth his father’s halls,
The painted champion, and the painted city,
And him that living bore the false-faced sign.
Now name the fourth, and spare me not your boasts.
STROPHE II.
Chorus.
May the gods protect my champion!