are advancing to close combat with Argives. That bloodshed can be expiated. But when men of the same blood kill each other as you desire, the pollution from this act never grows old. EteoclesIf indeed a man should suffer evil, let it be without dishonor, since that is the only benefit for the dead.But you cannot speak of any glory for happenings that are at once evil and held in dishonor.

ChorusFor what are you so eager, child? Do not let mad lust for battle fill your soul and carry you away. Reject this evil passion while it is still young. EteoclesSince God hastens the deed so urgently,let the whole race of Laius, hated by Phoebus, be swept on the wind to Cocytus’ destined flood!

ChorusA savage desire eats away at you, drives you to murder, blood-sacrifice proscribed by divine law, whose only fruit is bitterness. EteoclesTrue, my own beloved father’s hateful, ruinous curse hovers before my dry, unweeping eyes, and informs me of benefit preceding subsequent death.Literally gain coming before death that comes later. The curse whispers slay him, then be slain yourself.

ChorusNo, do not let yourself be driven to it. You will not be called a coward if you retain life nobly. Will not the avenging Erinys in her dark aegis