What a glorious day! This is a moment to be celebrated, to be cherished, for the city of Thebes is safe once again. The Theban victory will finally help retain the peace and joy that has been robbed of us and revive our damaged hope.

Although both sons of my sister, I have decided that Eteocles will be honored for the brave fight he had put up for our homeland while the treacherous Polynices will be disgraced for the bloodshed he had brought upon his own people. Our city needs no more death nor destruction. So I promise, with the power invested in me, I will do whatever it takes to maintain the order that once existed and prevent our city from going astray and falling into anarchy.

Therefore, while Eteocles will be granted with proper burial, Polynices will be left out to rot—for animals to prey on. I demand that no one touch Polynices' wretched body or mourn his shameful death. Whoever dares act against this is a traitor to the state and as a result will be sentenced to death! I will not hesitate to carry out this punishment. My mind will not be easily swayed. I can only hope that I be accepted as your new King, to be able to gain your respect, and to earn the loyalty you have once shown Oedipus.