By the dire curse to sheer destruction hurried.

What land they sought they find it in the grave,

The hostile kings in one red woe are brothered;

The soil that called them lord hath drunk their blood.

[Exit.

Chorus.

O Jove almighty! gods of Cadmus,

By whose keeping Thebes is strong,

Shall I sing a joyful pæan,

Thee the god full-throated hymning