Seven Against Thebes

Aeschylus

Aeschylus, Volume 1. Smyth, Herbert Weir, translator. London; New York: William Heinemann; G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1922.

  1. But lord Apollo, the reverend leader of the seventh,[*](An obscure designation of Apollo, often referred to the tradition that he was born on the seventh day. The adjective looks like a military title, but divisions of seven were unknown.) took for himself the seventh gate, accomplishing upon the children of Oedipus the ancient follies of Laius.
Chorus
  1. What novel happening will further affect the city?
Messenger
  1. The city is saved, but the kings born of the same seed—
Chorus
  1. Who? What did you say? I am out of my mind with fear of your report.
Messenger
  1. Control yourself now and listen. The sons of Oedipus—
Chorus
  1. Ah, miserable me, I am prophet of these evils.
Messenger
  1. In truth, beyond all question, struck down in the dust—
Chorus
  1. Are they lying out there? This is hard to bear, but say it just the same.
Messenger
  1. The men are dead, murdered by their very own hands.