bySophoclestranslatedbyR。C。JebbCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
　　daughtersofOedipus：
　　ANTIGONE
　　ISMENE
　　CREON，KingofThebesEURYDICE，hiswifeHAEMON，hissonTEIRESIAS，theblindprophetGUARD，settowatchthecorpseofPolyneicesFIRSTMESSENGER
　　SECONDMESSENGER，fromthehouseCHORUSOFTHEBANELDERS
　　ANTIGONE
　　ANTIGONE
　　ANTIGONE
　　（SCENE：—ThesameasintheOedipustheKing，anopenspacebeforetheroyalpalace，oncethatofOedipus，atThebes。Thebackscenerepresentsthefrontofthepalace，withthreedoors，ofwhichthecentralandlargestistheprincipalentranceintothehouse。Thetimeisatdaybreakonthemorningafterthefallofthetwobrothers，EteoclesandPolyneices，andtheflightofthedefeatedArgives。
　　ANTIGONEcallsISMENEforthfromthepalace，inordertospeaktoheralone。）
　　ANTIGONE
　　ISMENE，sister，mineowndearsister，knowestthouwhatillthereis，ofallbequeathedbyOedipus，thatZeusfulfilsnotforustwainwhilewelive？Nothingpainfulisthere，nothingfraughtwithruin，noshame，nodishonour，thatIhavenotseeninthywoesandmine。
　　Andnowwhatnewedictisthisofwhichtheytell，thatourCaptainhathjustpublishedtoallThebes？Knowestthouaught？Hastthouheard？Orisithiddenfromtheethatourfriendsarethreatenedwiththedoomofourfoes？
　　ISMENE
　　Nowordoffriends，Antigone，gladsomeorpainful，hathcometome，sincewetwosisterswerebereftofbrotherstwain，killedinonedaybytwofoldblow；andsinceinthislastnighttheArgivehosthathfled，knownomore，whethermyfortunebebrighter，ormoregrievous。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Iknewitwell，andthereforesoughttobringtheebeyondthegatesofthecourt，thatthoumightesthearalone。
　　ISMENE
　　Whatisit？’Tisplainthatthouartbroodingonsomedarktidings。
　　ANTIGONE
　　What，hathnotCreondestinedourbrothers，theonetohonouredburial，theothertounburiedshame？Eteocles，theysay，withdueobservanceofrightandcustom，hehathlaidintheearth，forhishonouramongthedeadbelow。ButthehaplesscorpseofPolyneices—asrumoursaith，ithathbeenpublishedtothetownthatnoneshallentombhimormourn，butleaveunwept，unsepulchred，awelcomestoreforthebirds，astheyespyhim，tofeastonatwill。
　　Such，’tissaid，istheedictthatthegoodCreonhathsetforthfortheeandforme，—yes，forme，—andiscominghithertoproclaimitclearlytothosewhoknowitnot；norcountsthematterlight，but，whosodisobeysinaught，hisdoomisdeathbystoningbeforeallthefolk。Thouknowestitnow；andthouwiltsoonshowwhetherthouartnoblybred，orthebasedaughterofanobleline。
　　ISMENE
　　Poorsister，—andifthingsstandthus，whatcouldIhelptodoorundo？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Considerifthouwiltsharethetoilandthedeed。
　　ISMENE
　　Inwhatventure？Whatcanbethymeaning？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Wiltthouaidthishandtoliftthedead？
　　ISMENE
　　Thouwouldstburyhim，—when’tisforbiddentoThebes？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Iwilldomypart，—andthine，ifthouwiltnot，—toabrother。
　　FalsetohimwillIneverbefound。
　　ISMENE
　　Ah，over—bold！whenCreonhathforbidden？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Nay，hehathnorighttokeepmefrommineown。
　　ISMENE
　　Ahme！think，sister，howourfatherperished，amidhateandscorn，whensinsbaredbyhisownsearchhadmovedhimtostrikebotheyeswithself—blindinghand；thenthemotherwife，twonamesinone，withtwistednoosediddespiteuntoherlife；andlast，ourtwobrothersinoneday，—eachshedding，haplessone，akinsman’sblood，—wroughtoutwithmutualhandstheircommondoom。Andnowweinturn—wetwoleftallalonethinkhowweshallperish，moremiserablythanalltherest，if，indefianceofthelaw，webraveaking’sdecreeorhispowers。Nay，wemustremember，first，thatwewerebornwomen，aswhoshouldnotstrivewithmen；next，thatweareruledofthestronger，sothatwemustobeyinthesethings，andinthingsyetsorer。I，therefore，askingtheSpiritsInfernaltopardon，seeingthatforceisputonmeherein，willhearkentoourrulers。for’tiswitlesstobeoverbusy。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Iwillnoturgethee，—nonor，ifthouyetshouldsthavethemind，wouldstthoubewelcomeasaworkerwithme。Nay，bewhatthouwilt；butIwillburyhim：wellformetodieindoingthat。Ishallrest，alovedonewithhimwhomIhaveloved，sinlessinmycrime；forIowealongerallegiancetothedeadthantotheliving：inthatworldIshallabideforever。Butifthouwilt，beguiltyofdishonouringlawswhichthegodshavestablishedinhonour。
　　ISMENE
　　Idothemnodishonour；buttodefytheState，—Ihavenostrengthforthat。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Suchbethyplea：—I，then，willgotoheaptheearthabovethebrotherwhomIlove。
　　ISMENE
　　Alas，unhappyone！HowIfearforthee！
　　ANTIGONE
　　Fearnotforme：guidethineownfatearight。
　　ISMENE：
　　Atleast，then，disclosethisplantonone，buthideitclosely，—andso，too，willI。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Oh，denounceit！Thouwiltbefarmorehatefulforthysilence，ifthouproclaimnotthesethingstoall。
　　ISMENE
　　Thouhastahotheartforchillingdeeds。
　　ANTIGONE
　　IknowthatIpleasewhereIammostboundtoplease。
　　ISMENE
　　Aye，ifthoucanst；butthouwouldstwhatthoucanstnot。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Why，then，whenmystrengthfails，Ishallhavedone。
　　ISMENE
　　Ahopelessquestshouldnotbemadeatall。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Ifthusthouspeakest，thouwilthavehatredfromme，andwilljustlybesubjecttothelastinghatredofthedead。Butleaveme，andthefollythatisminealone，tosufferthisdreadthing；forI
　　shallnotsufferaughtsodreadfulasanignobledeath。
　　ISMENE
　　Go，then，ifthoumust；andofthisbesure，—thatthoughthineerrandisfoolish，tothydearonesthouarttrulydear。
　　（ExitANTIGONEonthespectators’left。ISMENEretiresintothepalacebyoneofthetwoside—doors。Whentheyhavedeparted，theCHORUSOFTHEBANELDERSenters。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Beamofthesun，fairestlightthateverdawnedonThebeofthesevengates，thouhastshoneforthatlast，eyeofgoldenday，arisenaboveDirce’sstreams！Thewarriorofthewhiteshield，whocamefromArgosinhispanoply，hathbeenstirredbytheetoheadlongflight，inswiftercareer；
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　systema1
　　whosetforthagainstourlandbyreasonofthevexedclaimsofPolyneices；and，likeshrill—screamingeagle，heflewoverintoourland，insnow—whitepinionsheathed，withanarmedthrong，andwithplumageofhelms。
　　CHORUS
　　antistrophe1
　　Hepausedaboveourdwellings；heravenedaroundoursevenfoldportalswithspearsathirstforblood；buthewenthence，oreverhisjawsweregluttedwithourgore，ortheFire—god’spine—fedflamehadseizedourcrownoftowers。Sofiercewasthenoiseofbattleraisedbehindhim，athingtoohardforhimtoconquer，ashewrestledwithhisdragonfoe。
　　LEADER
　　systema2
　　ForZeusutterlyabhorstheboastsofaproudtongue；andwhenhebeheldthemcomingoninagreatstream，inthehaughtyprideofclanginggold，hesmotewithbrandishedfireonewhowasnowhastingtoshoutvictoryathisgoaluponourramparts。
　　CHORUS
　　strophe2
　　Swungdown，hefellontheearthwithacrash，torchinhand，hewhosolately，inthefrenzyofthemadonset，wasragingagainstuswiththeblastsofhistempestuoushate。Butthosethreatsfarednotashehoped；andtootherfoesthemightyWar—goddispensedtheirseveraldooms，dealinghavocaround，amightyhelperatourneed。
　　LEADER
　　systema3
　　Forsevencaptainsatsevengates，matchedagainstseven，leftthetributeoftheirpanopliestoZeuswhoturnsthebattle；savethosetwoofcruelfate，who，bornofonesireandonemother，setagainsteachothertheirtwainconqueringspears，andaresharersinacommondeath。
　　CHORUS
　　antistrophe2
　　ButsinceVictoryofgloriousnamehathcometous，withjoyresponsivetothejoyofThebewhosechariotsaremany，letusenjoyforgetfulnessafterthelatewars，andvisitallthetemplesofthegodswithnight—longdanceandsong；andmayBacchusbeourleader，whosedancingshakesthelandofThebe。
　　LEADER
　　systema4
　　Butlo，thekingofthelandcomesyonder，Creon，sonofMenoeceus，ournewrulerbythenewfortunesthatthegodshavegiven；
　　whatcounselishepondering，thathehathproposedthisspecialconferenceofelders，summonedbyhisgeneralmandate？
　　（EnterCREON，fromthecentraldoorsofthepalace，inthegarbofking，withtwoattendants。）
　　CREON
　　Sirs，thevesselofourState，afterbeingtossedonwildwaves，hathoncemorebeensafelysteadiedbythegods：andye，outofallthefolk，havebeencalledapartbymysummons，becauseIknew，firstofall，howtrueandconstantwasyourreverencefortheroyalpowerofLaius；how，again，whenOedipuswasrulerofourland，andwhenhehadperished，yoursteadfastloyaltystillupheldtheirchildren。Since，then，hissonshavefalleninonedaybyatwofolddoom，—eachsmittenbytheother，eachstainedwithabrother’sblood，—Inowpossessthethroneandallitspowers，bynearnessofkinshiptothedead。
　　Nomancanbefullyknown，insoulandspiritandmind，untilhehathbeenseenversedinruleandlaw—giving。Forifany，beingsupremeguideoftheState，cleavesnottothebestcounsels，but，throughsomefear，keepshislipslocked，Ihold，andhaveeverheld，himmostbase；andifanymakesafriendofmoreaccountthanhisfatherland，thatmanhathnoplaceinmyregard。ForI—beZeusmywitness，whoseesallthingsalways—wouldnotbesilentifIsawruin，insteadofsafety，comingtothecitizens；norwouldIeverdeemthecountry’sfoeafriendtomyself；rememberingthis，thatourcountryistheshipthatbearsussafe，andthatonlywhilesheprospersinourvoyagecanwemaketruefriends。
　　SucharetherulesbywhichIguardthiscity’sgreatness。AndinaccordwiththemistheedictwhichIhavenowpublishedtothefolktouchingthesonsofOedipus；—thatEteocles，whohathfallenfightingforourcity，inallrenownofarms，shallbeentombed，andcrownedwitheveryritethatfollowsthenoblestdeadtotheirrest。
　　Butforhisbrother，Polyneices，—whocamebackfromexile，andsoughttoconsumeutterlywithfirethecityofhisfathersandtheshrinesofhisfathers’gods，—soughttotasteofkindredblood，andtoleadtheremnantintoslavery；—touchingthisman，ithathbeenproclaimedtoourpeoplethatnoneshallgracehimwithsepultureorlament，butleavehimunburied，acorpseforbirdsanddogstoeat，aghastlysightofshame。
　　Suchthespiritofmydealing；andnever，bydeedofmine，shallthewickedstandinhonourbeforethejust；butwhosohathgoodwilltoThebes，heshallbehonouredofme，inhislifeandinhisdeath。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Suchisthypleasure，Creon，sonofMenoeceus，touchingthiscity’sfoe，anditsfriend；andthouhastpower，Iween，totakewhatorderthouwilt，bothforthedead，andforalluswholive。
　　CREON
　　See，then，thatyebeguardiansofthemandate。
　　LEADER
　　Laytheburdenofthistaskonsomeyoungerman。
　　CREON
　　Nay，watchersofthecorpsehavebeenfound。
　　LEADER
　　What，then，isthisfurtherchargethatthouwouldstgive？
　　CREON
　　Thatyesidenotwiththebreakersofthesecommands。
　　LEADER
　　Nomanissofoolishthatheisenamouredofdeath。
　　CREON
　　Insooth，thatisthemeed；yetlucrehathoftruinedmenthroughtheirhopes。
　　（AGUARDentersfromthespectators’left。）
　　GUARD
　　Myliege，IwillnotsaythatIcomebreathlessfromspeed，orthathavepliedanimblefoot；foroftendidmythoughtsmakemepause，andwheelroundinmypath，toreturn。Mymindwasholdinglargediscoursewithme；’Fool，whygoestthoutothycertaindoom？’
　　’Wretch，tarryingagain？AndifCreonhearsthisfromanother，mustnotthousmartforit？’Sodebating，Iwentonmywaywithlaggingsteps，andthusashortroadwasmadelong。Atlast，however，itcarriedthedaythatIshouldcomehither—tothee；and，thoughmytalebenought，yetwillItellit；forIcomewithagoodgripononehope，—thatIcansuffernothingbutwhatismyfate。
　　CREON
　　Andwhatisitthatdisquietstheethus？
　　GUARD
　　Iwishtotelltheefirstaboutmyself—Ididnotdothedeed—Ididnotseethedoer—itwerenotrightthatIshouldcometoanyharm。
　　CREON
　　Thouhastashrewdeyeforthymark；welldostthoufencethyselfroundagainsttheblame；clearlythouhastsomestrangethingtotell。
　　GUARD
　　Aye，truly；dreadnewsmakesonepauselong。
　　CREON
　　Thentellit，wiltthou，andsogettheegone？
　　GUARD
　　Well，thisisit。—Thecorpse—someonehathjustgivenitburial，andgoneaway，—aftersprinklingthirstydustontheflesh，withsuchotherritesaspietyenjoins。
　　CREON
　　Whatsayestthou？Whatlivingmanhathdaredthisdeed？
　　GUARD
　　Iknownot；nostrokeofpickaxewasseenthere，noearththrownupbymattock；thegroundwashardanddry，unbroken，withouttrackofwheels；thedoerwasonewhohadleftnotrace。Andwhenthefirstday—watchmanshowedittous，sorewonderfellonall。Thedeadmanwasveiledfromus；notshutwithinatomb，butlightlystrewnwithdust，asbythehandofonewhoshunnedacurse。Andnosignmettheeyeasthoughanybeastofpreyoranydoghadcomenightohim，ortornhim。
　　Thenevilwordsflewfastandloudamongus，guardaccusingguard；
　　unditwoulde’enhavecometoblowsatlast，norwasthereanytohinder。Everymanwastheculprit，andnoonewasconvicted，butalldisclaimedknowledgeofthedeed。Andwewerereadytotakered—hotironinourhands；—towalkthroughfire；—tomakeoathbythegodsthatwehadnotdonethedeed，—thatwewerenotprivytotheplanningorthedoing。
　　Atlast，whenalloursearchingwasfruitless，onespake，whomadeusallbendourfacesontheearthinfear；forwesawnothowwecouldgainsayhim，orescapemischanceifweobeyed。Hiscounselwasthatthisdeedmustbereportedtothee，andnothidden。Andthisseemedbest；andthelotdoomedmyhaplessselftowinthisprize。
　　SohereIstand，—asunwelcomeasunwilling，wellIwot；fornomandelightsinthebearerofbadnews。
　　LEADER
　　Oking，mythoughtshavelongbeenwhispering，canthisdeed，perchance，bee’entheworkofgods？
　　CREON
　　Cease，erethywordsfillmeutterlywithwrath，lestthoubefoundatonceanoldmanandfoolish。Forthousayestwhatisnottobeborne，insayingthatthegodshavecareforthiscorpse。Wasitforhighrewardoftrustyservicethattheysoughttohidehisnakedness，whocametoburntheirpillaredshrinesandsacredtreasures，toburntheirland，andscatteritslawstothewinds？Ordostthoubeholdthegodshonouringthewicked？Itcannotbe。No！Fromthefirsttherewerecertaininthetownthatmutteredagainstme，chafingatthisedict，waggingtheirheadsinsecret；andkeptnottheirnecksdulyundertheyoke，likemencontentedwithmysway。
　　’Tisbythem，wellIknow，thatthesehavebeenbeguiledandbribedtodothisdeed。Nothingsoevilasmoneyevergrewtobecurrentamongmen。Thislayscitieslow，thisdrivesmenfromtheirhomes，thistrainsandwarpshonestsoulstilltheysetthemselvestoworksofshame；thisstillteachesfolktopractisevillainies，andtoknoweverygodlessdeed。
　　Butallthemenwhowroughtthisthingforhirehavemadeitsurethat，soonorlate，theyshallpaytheprice。Now，asZeusstillhathmyreverence，knowthis—Itellittheeonmyoath：—Ifyefindnottheveryauthorofthisburial，andproducehimbeforemineeyes，deathaloneshallnotbeenoughforyou，tillfirst，hungupalive，yehaverevealedthisoutrage，—thathenceforthyemaythievewithbetterknowledgewhencelucreshouldbewon，andlearnthatitisnotwelltolovegainfromeverysource。Forthouwiltfindthatill—gottenpelfbringsmorementoruinthantoweal。
　　GUARD
　　MayIspeak？OrshallIjustturnandgo？
　　CREON
　　Knowestthounotthatevennowthyvoiceoffends？
　　GUARD
　　Isthysmartintheears，orinthesoul？
　　CREON
　　Andwhywouldstthoudefinetheseatofmypain？
　　GUARD
　　Thedoervexesthymind，butI，thineears。
　　CREON
　　Ah，thouartabornbabbler，’tiswellseen。
　　GUARD
　　Maybe，butneverthedoerofthisdeed。
　　CREON
　　Yea，andmore，—thesellerofthylifeforsilver。
　　GUARD
　　Alas！’Tissad，truly，thathewhojudgesshouldmisjudge。
　　CREON
　　Letthyfancyplaywith’judgment’asitwill；—but，ifyeshowmenotthedoersofthesethings，yeshallavowthatdastardlygainsworksorrows。
　　（CREONgoesintothepalace。）
　　GUARD
　　Well，mayhebefound！so’twerebest。But，behecaughtorbehenot—fortunemustsettlethat—trulythouwiltnotseemehereagain。
　　Saved，evennow，beyondhopeandthought，Iowethegodsgreatthanks。
　　（TheGUARDgoesoutonthespectators’left。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Wondersaremany，andnoneismorewonderfulthanman；thepowerthatcrossesthewhitesea，drivenbythestormysouth—wind，makingapathundersurgesthatthreatentoengulfhim；andEarth，theeldestofthegods，theimmortal，theunwearied，dothhewear，turningthesoilwiththeoffspringofhorses，astheploughsgotoandfrofromyeartoyear。
　　antistrophe1
　　Andthelight—heartedraceofbirds，andthetribesofsavagebeasts，andthesea—broodofthedeep，hesnaresinthemeshesofhiswoventoils，heleadscaptive，manexcellentinwit。Andhemastersbyhisartsthebeastwhoselairisinthewilds，whoroamsthehills；hetamesthehorseofshaggymane，heputstheyokeuponitsneck，hetamesthetirelessmountainbull。
　　strophe2
　　Andspeech，andwind—swiftthought，andallthemoodsthatmouldastate，hathhetaughthimself；andhowtofleethearrowsofthefrost，when’tishardlodgingundertheclearsky，andthearrowsoftherushingrain；yea，hehathresourceforall；withoutresourcehemeetsnothingthatmustcome：onlyagainstDeathshallhecallforaidinvain；butfrombafflingmaladieshehathdevisedescapes。
　　antistrophe2
　　Cunningbeyondfancy’sdreamisthefertileskillwhichbringshim，nowtoevil，nowtogood。Whenhehonoursthelawsoftheland，andthatjusticewhichhehathswornbythegodstouphold，proudlystandshiscity：nocityhathhewho，forhisrashness，dwellswithsin。Nevermayhesharemyhearth，neverthinkmythoughts，whodoththesethings！
　　（EntertheGUARDonthespectators’left，leadinginANTIGONE。）
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Whatportentfromthegodsisthis？—mysoulisamazed。Iknowher—howcanIdenythatyonmaidenisAntigone？
　　Ohapless，andchildofhaplesssire，—OfOedipus！Whatmeansthis？
　　Thoubroughtaprisoner？—thou，disloyaltotheking’slaws，andtakeninfolly？
　　GUARD
　　Heresheis，thedoerofthedeed：—caughtthisgirlburyinghim：—butwhereisCreon？
　　（CREONentershurriedlyfromthepalace。）
　　LEADER
　　Lo，hecomesforthagainfromthehouse，atourneed。
　　CREON
　　Whatisit？Whathathchanced，thatmakesmycomingtimely？
　　GUARD
　　Oking，againstnothingshouldmenpledgetheirword；fortheafter—thoughtbeliesthefirstintent。IcouldhavevowedthatI
　　shouldnotsoonbehereagain，—scaredbythythreats，withwhichIhadjustbeenlashed：but，—sincethejoythatsurprisesandtranscendsourhopesislikeinfulnesstonootherpleasure，—Ihavecome，though’tisinbreachofmyswornoath，bringingthismaid；whowastakenshowinggracetothedead。Thistimetherewasnocastingoflots；no，thisluckhathfallentome，andtononeelse。Andnow，sire，takeherthyself，questionher，examineher，asthouwilt；butIhavearighttofreeandfinalquittanceofthistrouble。
　　CREON
　　Andthyprisonerhere—howandwhencehastthoutakenher？
　　GUARD
　　Shewasburyingtheman；thouknowestall。
　　CREON
　　Dostthoumeanwhatthousayest？Dostthouspeakaright？
　　GUARD
　　Isawherburyingthecorpsethatthouhadstforbiddentobury。Isthatplainandclear？
　　CREON
　　Andhowwassheseen？howtakenintheact？
　　GUARD
　　Itbefellonthiswise。Whenwehadcometotheplace，—withthosedreadmenacesofthineuponus，—wesweptawayallthedustthatcoveredthecorpse，andbaredthedankbodywell；andthensatusdownonthebrowofthehill，towindward，heedfulthatthesmellfromhimshouldnotstrikeus；everymanwaswideawake，andkepthisneighbouralertwithtorrentsofthreats，ifanyoneshouldbecarelessofthistask。
　　Sowentit，untilthesun’sbrightorbstoodinmidheaven，andtheheatbegantoburn：andthensuddenlyawhirlwindliftedfromtheearthstormofdust，atroubleintheskytheplain，marringalltheleafageofitswoods；andthewideairwaschokedtherewith：weclosedoureyes，andboretheplaguefromthegods。
　　Andwhen，afteralongwhile，thisstormhadpassed，themaidwasseen；andshecriedaloudwiththesharpcryofabirdinitsbitterness，—evenaswhen，withintheemptynest，itseesthebedstrippedofitsnestlings。Soshealso，whenshesawthecorpsebare，liftedupavoiceofwailing，andcalleddowncursesonthedoersofthatdeed。Andstraightwayshebroughtthirstydustinherhands；andfromashapelyewerofbronze，heldhigh，withthrice—poureddrink—offeringshecrownedthedead。
　　Werushedforwardwhenwesawit，andatoncedoseduponourquarry，whowasinnowisedismayed。Thenwetaxedherwithherpastandpresentdoings；andshestoodnotondenialofaught，—atoncetomyjoyandtomypain。Tohaveescapedfromillsone’sselfisagreatjoy；but’tispainfultobringfriendstoill。Howbeit，allsuchthingsareoflessaccounttomethanmineownsafety。
　　CREON
　　Thou—thouwhosefaceisbenttoearth—dostthouavow，ordisavow，thisdeed？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Iavowit；Imakenodenial。
　　CREON（toGUARD）
　　Thoucanstbetaketheewhitherthouwilt，freeandclearofagravecharge。
　　（ExitGUARD）
　　（ToANTIGONE）Now，tellmethou—notinmanywords，butbriefly—knewestthouthatanedicthadforbiddenthis？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Iknewit：couldIhelpit？Itwaspublic。
　　CREON
　　Andthoudidstindeeddaretotransgressthatlaw？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Yes；foritwasnotZeusthathadpublishedmethatedict；notsucharethelawssetamongmenbythejusticewhodwellswiththegodsbelow；nordeemedIthatthydecreeswereofsuchforce，thatamortalcouldoverridetheunwrittenandunfailingstatutesofheaven。Fortheirlifeisnotofto—dayoryesterday，butfromalltime，andnomanknowswhentheywerefirstputforth。
　　NotthroughdreadofanyhumanpridecouldIanswertothegodsforbreakingthese。DieImust，—Iknewthatwell（howshouldI
　　not？）—evenwithoutthyedicts。ButifIamtodiebeforemytime，I
　　countthatagain：forwhenanyonelives，asIdo，compassedaboutwithevils，cansuchanonefindaughtbutgainindeath？
　　Soformetomeetthisdoomistriflinggrief；butifIhadsufferedmymother’ssontolieindeathanunburiedcorpse，thatwouldhavegrievedme；forthis，Iamnotgrieved。Andifmypresentdeedsarefoolishinthysight，itmaybethatafoolishjudgearraignsmyfolly。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Themaidshowsherselfpassionatechildofpassionatesire，andknowsnothowtobendbeforetroubles。
　　CREON
　　YetIwouldhavetheeknowthato’er—stubbornspiritsaremostoftenhumbled；’tisthestiffestiron，bakedtohardnessinthefire，thatthoushaltoftenestseesnappedandshivered；andIhaveknownhorsesthatshowtemperbroughttoorderbyalittlecurb；thereisnoroomforpridewhenthouartthyneighbour’sslave。—Thisgirlwasalreadyversedininsolencewhenshetransgressedthelawsthathadbeensetforth；and，thatdone，lo，asecondinsult，—tovauntofthis，andexultinherdeed。
　　NowverilyIamnoman，sheistheman，ifthisvictoryshallrestwithher，andbringnopenalty。No！beshesister’schild，ornearertomeinbloodthananythatworshipsZeusatthealtarofourhouse，—sheandherkinsfolkshallnotavoidadoommostdire；forindeedIchargethatotherwithalikeshareintheplottingofthisburial。
　　Andsummonher—forIsawhere’ennowwithin，—raving，andnotmistressofherwits。Sooft，beforethedeed，themindstandsself—convictedinitstreason，whenfolksareplottingmischiefinthedark。Butverilythis，too，ishateful，—whenonewhohathbeencaughtinwickednesthenseekstomakethecrimeaglory。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Wouldstthoudomorethantakeandslayme？
　　CREON
　　Nomore，indeed；havingthat，Ihaveall。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whythendostthoudelay？Inthydiscoursethereisnoughtthatpleasesme，—nevermaytherebe！—andsomywordsmustneedsbeunpleasingtothee。Andyet，forglory—whencecouldIhavewonanobler，thanbygivingburialtomineownbrother？Allherewouldownthattheythoughtitwell，werenottheirlipssealedbyfear。Butroyalty，blestinsomuchbesides，haththepowertodoandsaywhatitwill。
　　CREON
　　ThoudifferestfromalltheseThebansinthatview。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Thesealsoshareit；buttheycurbtheirtonguesforthee。
　　CREON
　　Andartthounotashamedtoactapartfromthem？
　　ANTIGONE
　　No；thereisnothingshamefulinpietytoabrother。
　　CREON
　　Wasitnotabrother，too，thatdiedintheoppositecause？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Brotherbythesamemotherandthesamesire。
　　CREON
　　Why，then，dostthourenderagracethatisimpiousinhissight？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Thedeadmanwillnotsaythathesodeemsit。
　　CREON
　　Yea，ifthoumakesthimbutequalinhonourwiththewicked。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Itwashisbrother，nothisslave，thatperished。
　　CREON
　　Wastingthisland；whilehefellasitschampion。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Nevertheless，Hadesdesirestheserites。
　　CREON
　　Butthegooddesiresnotalikeportionwiththeevil。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whoknowsbutthisseemsblamelessintheworldbelow？
　　CREON
　　Afoeisneverafriend—notevenindeath。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Tisnotmynaturetojoininhating，butinloving。
　　CREON
　　Pass，then，totheworldofthedead，and，itthoumustneedslove，lovethem。WhileIlive，nowomanshallruleme。
　　（EnterISMENEfromthehouse，ledinbytwoattendants。）
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　Lo，yonderIsmenecomesforth，sheddingsuchtearsasfondsistersweep；aclouduponherbrowcastsitsshadowoverherdarkly—flushingface，andbreaksinrainonherfaircheek。
　　CREON
　　Andthou，who，lurkinglikeaviperinmyhouse，wastsecretlydrainingmylife—blood，whileIknewnotthatIwasnurturingtwopests，toriseagainstmythrone—come，tellmenow，wiltthoualsoconfessthypartinthisburial，orwiltthouforswearallknowledgeofit？
　　ISMENE
　　Ihavedonethedeed，—ifsheallowsmyclaim，—andsharetheburdenofthecharge。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Nay，justicewillnotsuffertheetodothat：thoudidstnotconsenttothedeed，nordidIgivetheepartinit。
　　ISMENE
　　But，nowthatillsbesetthee，Iamnotashamedtosailtheseaoftroubleatthyside。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whosewasthedeed，Hadesandthedeadarewitnesses：afriendinwordsisnotthefriendthatIlove。
　　ISMENE
　　Nay，sister，rejectmenot，butletmediewiththee，anddulyhonourthedead。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Sharenotthoumydeath，norclaimdeedstowhichthouhastnotputthyhand：mydeathwillsuffice。
　　ISMENE
　　Andwhatlifeisdeartome，bereftofthee？
　　ANTIGONE
　　AskCreon；allthycareisforhim。
　　ISMENE
　　Whyvexmethus，whenitavailstheenought？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Indeed，ifImock，’tiswithpainthatImockthee。
　　ISMENE
　　Tellme，—howcanIservethee，evennow？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Savethyself：Igrudgenotthyescape。
　　ISMENE
　　Ah，woeisme！AndshallIhavenoshareinthyfate？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Thychoicewastolive；mine，todie。
　　ISMENE
　　Atleastthychoicewasnotmadewithoutmyprotest。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Oneworldapprovedthywisdom；another，mine。
　　ISMENE
　　Howbeit，theoffenceisthesameforbothofus。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Beofgoodcheer；thoulivest；butmylifehathlongbeengiventodeath，thatsoImightservethedead。
　　CREON
　　Lo，oneofthesemaidenshathnewlyshownherselffoolish，astheotherhathbeensinceherlifebegan。
　　ISMENE
　　Yea，Oking，suchreasonasnaturemayhavegivenabidesnotwiththeunfortunate，butgoesastray。
　　CREON
　　Thinedid，whenthouchosestviledeedswiththevile。
　　ISMENE
　　WhatlifecouldIendure，withoutherpresence？
　　CREON
　　Nay，speaknotofher’presence’；shelivesnomore。
　　ISMENE
　　Butwiltthouslaythebetrothedofthineownson？
　　CREON
　　Nay，thereareotherfieldsforhimtoplough。
　　ISMENE
　　Buttherecanneverbesuchloveasboundhimtoher。
　　CREON
　　Ilikenotanevilwifeformyson。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Haemon，beloved！Howthyfatherwrongsthee！
　　CREON
　　Enough，enoughoftheeandofthymarriage！
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Wiltthouindeedrobthysonofthismaiden？
　　CREON
　　’TisDeaththatshallstaythesebridalsforme。
　　LEADER
　　’Tisdetermined，itseems，thatsheshalldie。
　　CREON
　　Determined，yes，fortheeandforme。—（Tothetwoattendants）Nomoredelay—servants，takethemwithin！Henceforththeymustbewomen，andnotrangeatlarge；forverilyeventheboldseektofly，whentheyseeDeathnowclosingontheirlife。
　　（Exeuntattendants，guardingANTIGONEandISMENE。—CREONremains。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Blestaretheywhosedayshavenottastedofevil。Forwhenahousehathoncebeenshakenfromheaven，therethecursefailsnevermore，passingfromlifetolifeoftherace；evenas，whenthesurgeisdrivenoverthedarknessofthedeepbythefiercebreathofThraciansea—winds，itrollsuptheblacksandfromthedepths，andthereissullenroarfromwind—vexedheadlandsthatfronttheblowsofthestorm。
　　antistrophe1
　　IseethatfromoldentimethesorrowsinthehouseoftheLabdacidaeareheapeduponthesorrowsofthedead；andgenerationisnotfreedbygeneration，butsomegodstrikesthemdown，andtheracehathnodeliverance。
　　FornowthathopeofwhichthelighthadbeenspreadabovethelastrootofthehouseofOedipus—thathope，inturn，isbroughtlow——bytheblood—staineddustduetothegodsinfernal，andbyfollyinspeech，andfrenzyattheheart。
　　strophe2
　　Thypower，OZeus，whathumantrespasscanlimit？ThatpowerwhichneitherSleep，theall—ensnaring，northeuntiringmonthsofthegodscanmaster；butthou，arulertowhomtimebringsnotoldage，dwellestinthedazzlingsplendourofOlympus。
　　Andthroughthefuture，nearandfar，asthroughthepast，shallthislawholdgood：Nothingthatisvastentersintothelifeofmortalswithoutacurse。
　　antistrophe2
　　Forthathopewhosewanderingsaresowideistomanymenacomfort，buttomanyafalselureofgiddydesires；andthedisappointmentcomesononewhoknowethnoughttillheburnhisfootagainstthehotfire。
　　Forwithwisdomhathsomeonegivenforththefamoussaying，thatevilseemsgood，soonorlate，tohimwhosemindthegoddrawstomischief；andbutforthebriefestspacedothhefarefreeofwoe。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Butlo，Haemon，thelastofthysons；—Comeshegrievingforthedoomofhispromisedbride，Antigone，andbitterforthebaffledhopeofhismarriage？
　　（EnterHAEMON）
　　CREON
　　Weshallknowsoon，betterthanseerscouldtellus。—Myson，hearingthefixeddoomofthybetrothed，artthoucomeinrageagainstthyfather？OrhaveIthygoodwill，acthowImay？
　　HAEMON
　　Father，Iamthine；andthou，inthywisdom，tracestformeruleswhichIshallfollow。Nomarriageshallbedeemedbymeagreatergainthanthygoodguidance。
　　CREON
　　Yea，this，myson，shouldbethyheart’sfixedlaw，—inallthingstoobeythyfather’swill。’Tisforthisthatmenpraytoseedutifulchildrengrowuparoundthemintheirhomes，—thatsuchmayrequitetheirfather’sfoewithevil，andhonour，astheirfatherdoth，hisfriend。Buthewhobegetsunprofitablechildren—whatshallwesaythathehathsown，buttroublesforhimself，andmuchtriumphforhisfoes？Thendonotthou，myson，atpleasure’sbeck，dethronethyreasonforawoman’ssake；knowingthatthisisajoythatsoongrowscoldinclaspingarms，—anevilwomantosharethybedandthyhome。Forwhatwoundcouldstrikedeeperthanafalsefriend？Nay，withloathing，andasifshewerethineenemy，letthisgirlgotofindahusbandinthehouseofHades。ForsinceIhavetakenher，aloneofallthecity，inopendisobedience，Iwillnotmakemyselfaliartomypeople—Iwillslayher。