I will hear thee; not that I wish it, but I must give thee thy turn.TheseusI will bury the dead, when from Asopus’ land I have removed them.HeraldFirst must thou adventure somewhat in the front of war.TheseusMany an enterprise and of a different kind have I ere this endured. HeraldWert thou then begotten of thy sire to cope with every foe?TheseusAy, with all wanton villains; virtue I punish not.HeraldTo meddle is aye thy wont and thy city’s too.TheseusHence her enterprise on many a held hath won her frequent success.HeraldCome then, that the warriors of the dragon-crop may catch thee in our city.TheseusWhat furious warrior-host could spring from dragon’s seed?HeraldThou shalt learn that to thy cost. As yet thou art young and rash.TheseusThy boastful speech stirs not my heart at all to rage. Yet get thee gone from my land, taking with thee the idle words thou broughtest; for we are making no advance. [Exit Herald.] ’Tis time for all to start, each stout footman, and whoso mounts the car; ’tis time the bit, dripping with foam, should urge the charger on toward the land of Cadmus. For I will march in person to the seven gates thereof with the sharp sword in my hand, and be myself my herald. But thee, Adrastus, I bid stay, nor blend with mine thy fortunes, for I will take my own good star to lead my host, a chieftain famed in famous deeds of arms. One thing alone I need, the favour of all gods that reverence right, for the presence of these things insures victory. For their valour availeth men naught, unless they have the god’s goodwill. [Exit Theseus.