The reference to flashing fire returns to the image of Ares raging at the beginning of this strophe, but here it is meant to be used against Ares. It cannot refer to Ares. The Chorus, then, must now be addressing yet another wielder of fire to do something to the god who is, perhaps metaphorically, scorching the people of Thebes. The Thebans appear to be invoking fire to fight fire, to fight war with war. Precisely this is Athens’ approach. [Gt-a] [Mpea]