Moves Argos and the towns of Greece to arms.

No light destruction comes to weary Thebes;

For weapons, flames, and wounds press hard on her,285

And greater woes than these, if such there be,

That all may know I have begotten sons.

Antigone: If thou no other cause for living hast,

My father, this one reason is enough,

That thou as father mayst restrain thy sons

From deadly strife. Thou only canst avert290

Their threats of impious war, curb their mad hearts,