The foremost ranks advance; while banners gleam,

Bearing the names of famous generals wrought400

In golden characters.

Then haste, O queen:

Unto the warring brothers love restore,

Give peace to all, and by a mother's hands

Prevent the conflict of these impious bands.

Antigone: O mother, haste thee, haste on flying feet;

Hold back their weapons, from my brothers' hands

Strike down the swords, and 'twixt their deadly points