The huge weights moving by the creaking crane-- But, marshaled by the strains of song and harp, The stones, e'en to the topmost turret's round, 570 Moved of their own accord--wouldst shatter these? As victor wilt thou bear away the spoils? And shall rough soldiery lead off in chains Thy father's noble friends and stately dames Torn from their grieving husbands' very arms? And, mingled with the wretched captive band, 575 Shall Theban maidens go as presents meet For wives of Argos? And shall I myself, My hands (disgraceful!) bound behind my back, The mother, be the booty of the son, In triumph borne? And canst thou bear to see On every hand thy fellow-citizens To dire destruction given? 'Gainst these dear walls 580 Canst thou lead on the savage enemy, And fill thy native Thebes with blood and flame? Hast thou so wild a heart within thy breast, So hard and savage--and not yet a king? Then what will't be when thou the scepter wield'st? Oh, put aside thy spirit's swelling rage, And give thyself once more to piety. 585 _Polynices:_ That I may wander still a fugitive? That ever, banished from my native land, Upon a stranger's bounty I may live? What, think'st thou, could I suffer more than this, If I had broken faith or falsely sworn? Shall I be punished for another's sin, While he enjoys the profits of his crime? 590 Thou bid'st me go; and gladly would I yield Unto my mother's will. But whither, then, Shall I depart? "Let my proud brother dwell Within my royal halls, and some poor hut Be my abode": let such a boon be given Unto the exile; give him in exchange A hovel for a throne. And shall I, then, 595 A pensioner upon my wealthy bride, Be forced to yield to her unbending will, And to her father's domineering ways Submit like any slave? 'Tis hard, indeed, To fall from royalty to servitude.