Note 116 — THE SEVEN WHO FOUGHT AGAINST THEBES
E. H. (Edward Hayes) Plumptre translation
The Chorus means that if Eteocles would allow himself to be overcome in this contest of his wishes with their prayers the Gods would honour that defeat as if it were indeed a victory. He makes answer that the very thought of being overcome implied in the word “defeat” in anything is one which the true warrior cannot bear.