The Phoenician Women

Euripides

Euripides. The Plays of Euripides, Translated into English Prose from the Text of Paley. Vol. II. Coleridge, Edward P., translator. London: George Bell and Sons, 1891.

  1. I could wish it so; but I see great difficulties in this.
Eteocles
  1. I will not keep my army within the walls.
Creon
  1. And yet victory is entirely a matter of good counsel.
Eteocles
  1. Do you then want me to turn to some other way?
Creon
  1. Yes, to every one, before running the risk once for all.
Eteocles
  1. Suppose we fall on them by night from ambush?
Creon
  1. Yes, if in the event of defeat you can return safely here.
Eteocles
  1. Night equalizes risks, though it rather favors daring.
Creon
  1. The darkness of night is a terrible time to suffer disaster.
Eteocles
  1. Well, shall I attack them as they sit at dinner?
Creon
  1. That might cause them fright, but victory is what we need.
Eteocles
  1. Dirce’s ford is certainly deep enough to prevent their retreat.
Creon
  1. No plan so good as to keep well guarded.
Eteocles
  1. What if we ride out against the army of Argos?
Creon
  1. Their troops too are fenced all round with chariots.
Eteocles
  1. What shall I do, then? Am I to surrender the city to the enemy?
Creon
  1. No indeed! But out of your wisdom form some plan.
Eteocles
  1. What forethought is wiser than mine?
Creon
  1. They have seven men, I hear—
Eteocles
  1. What is their appointed task? their might is small.