Καδμεία νίκη
Kadmeian victory, Cadmean victory
Translated by Catharine Roth16 Feb 2002Vetting: high2 revisions
Translation
They explain the [proverb] as referring to an unprofitable victory; since when Eteokles and Polyneikes fought in single combat both of them perished. But others say that it is used in reference to those who, although they defeat their enemies, yet lose more of their own troops.
Greek original · Adler’s text
Καδμεία νίκη· ἀποδιδόασι τὴν ἐπὶ τῆς ἀλυσιτελοῦς νίκης· ἐπεὶ Ἐτεοκλῆς καὶ Πολυνείκης μονομαχήσαντες ἀμφότεροι ἀπώλοντο. ἕτεροι δέ φασιν αὐτὴν λέγεσθαι ἐπὶ τῶν νικώντων μὲν τοὺς πολεμίους, πλείονας δὲ τῶν οἰκείων ἀποβαλλόντων.