Myself: the cause is mine, and I will fight it.

For equal prince to prince, to brother brother,

Fell foe to foe, suits well. And now to arms!

Bring me my spear and shield, hauberk and greaves!

[Exit Messenger.

Chorus.

Dear son of Oedipus! let not thy wrath

Wax hot as his whom thou dost chiefly chide!

Let the Cadméans with the Argives fight;

This is enough: their blood may be atoned.