_Jocasta_ [_kneeling between her two hostile sons_]: 'Gainst me your arms and blazing torches turn; 'Gainst me alone let every warrior rush, Who comes from Argos thirsting for the fray, And they who from the citadel of Thebes 445 Come down to battle. Friend and foe, alike, Attack this womb of mine which brothers bore Unto my husband. Rend me limb from limb, And scatter me abroad upon the plain. I bore you both--will you lay down your arms? Or shall I say from whom I bore you, too? Give me your hands while still they are unstained. 450 'Till now 'twas all unwittingly you sinned; 'Twas fortune's crime, who ever 'gainst our peace Delights to plot. But this impiety Is done with fullest knowledge of your sin. Within your power lies whichsoe'er you will: 455 If filial love, then grant your mother peace; If crime, then must you do a greater crime. Your mother stands between you, blocks your way; Have done with war or with the war's delay. To which of you in fond anxiety Shall I address my prayers? Whom first embrace? 460 My heart with equal love is drawn to both. [_Turning to_ Polynices.] This son has wandered far away from me; But if the compact of the brothers holds, This other son must wander too. Alas, And shall I never see you both again, Except in enmity? Do thou come first Into thy mother's arms, who hast endured So many toils, so many miseries, 465 And, worn with weary exile, see'st at last Thy mother's face. Come nearer to me here. Now sheathe thine impious sword; and this thy spear, Which even now is quivering with hate And eager to be thrown, thrust in the ground. Put by thy shield as well; it keeps me off 470 From folding thee unto my mother-breast. Unbind thy brow, and from thy warlike head Thy helm remove and let me see thy face. Why dost thou turn away, and fix thine eyes With timid gaze upon thy brother's band? I'll throw my arms about thee for a shield, 475 That through my body only may the sword Find passage to thy blood. Why hesitate? Can it be that thou dost fear thy mother's pledge? _Polynices:_ I fear; for nature's laws no longer hold. Since I have known a brother's faithlessness, I scarce can trust my mother's plighted word. 480