CRE. The Argive army is preparing quickly to surround the city of the Thebans with thickly-ranged arms.(Note [B].)
ETEO. Therefore must we draw our forces out of the Theban city.
CRE. Whither? Dost thou not in the impetuosity of youth see what it behooves thee to see?
ETEO. Without these trenches, as we are quickly about to fight.
CRE. Small are the forces of this land; but theirs innumerable.
ETEO. I know that they are bold in words.
CRE. Argos of the Greeks has some renown.
ETEO. Be confident; quickly will I fill the plain with their slaughter.
CRE. I would it were so: but this I see is a work of much labor.
ETEO. Know that I will not restrain my forces within the walls.