which I never once thought in my heart would happen—the prince of the land.Come, old friends, let us look within to see if someone has met the fate I hope.Lycus(within)Ah me! ah me!

ChorusHa! how sweet to hear that opening note of his within the house; death is not far off him now. The prince cries out, wailing a prelude of death.Lycus(within)O kingdom of Cadmus, I am perishing by treachery!ChorusYou were yourself for making others perish; endure your retribution; it is only the penalty of your own deeds you are paying.Who was he, only a mortal, that aimed his silly saying at the blessed gods of heaven with impious blasphemy, maintaining that they are weaklings after all?Old friends, our godless foe is now no more.The house is still; let us turn to the dance.Yes, for fortune smiles upon my friends as I desire.

ChorusDances, dances and banquets now prevail throughout the holy town of Thebes.