Abstract
THE THEMATIC SIGNIFICANCE of the opening lines of the Seven Against Thebes and the predictive value of language generally in this play were recognized long ago by J. T. Sheppard.' However, part of Eteocles' prologue has not been properly understood: if we fare well, the responsibility for it is the god's, but if, however, misfortune should occur (may this not happen!), Eteocles alone would be much sung of by the citizens throughout the city in much-churning and (4-8). Commentators have been particularly puzzled by the significance of the preludes (<ppotli{ot) in verse 7, usually seeing them as metaphorical for laments which will presage further trouble, whether that be the city's conquest by the Argives or the outbreak of popular rebellion. Others see the term merely as a watered-down metonymy for dirges.2 But it seems inescapable that
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