Mes. Ch. Even thus was the demon at once impartial to both. Ch. 84 84 Mes. And he himself, to be sure of this, is cutting off the ill-fated race. Mes. Ch. Over such events one may both rejoice and weep—[rejoice] at the success of our city—but [mourn because]166 our princes, the two generals, have portioned out the whole possession of their substance with the hammer-wrought Scythian steel, and they will possess of land just as much as they receive at their burial, carried off according to the unhappy imprecations of their sire. Ch. Mes. The city is rescued, but earth hath drank the blood of the brother princes through their slaughter of each other. Mes. [Exit Messenger.167 Messenger Ch. Oh mighty Jove! and tutelary divinities of our city! ye that do in very deed protect these towers of Cadmus, am I to rejoice and raise a joyous hymn to the savior of our city, the averter of mischief, or shall I bewail the miserable and ill-fated childless168 commanders, who, in very truth, correctly, according to their name,169 full of rancor, have per85ished in impious purpose? Oh dark and fatal curse of the race and of Œdipus, what horrible chill is this that is falling upon my heart?170 I, like a Thyiad, have framed a dirge for the tomb, hearing of the dead, dabbled in blood, that perished haplessly—verily this meeting of spears was ill-omened. The imprecation of the father hath taken full effect, and hath not failed: and the unbelieving schemes of Laïus have lasted even until now; and care is through our city, and the divine declarations lose not their edge—Alas! worthy of many a sigh, ye have accomplished this horror surpassing credence; and lamentable sufferings have come indeed. This is self-evident, the tale of the messenger is before my eyes—Double are our sorrows,
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