Soletherappealasshewilltothemajestyofkindredblood。
　　IfIamtonurturemineownkindredinnaughtiness，needsmustI
　　bearwithitinaliens。HewhodoeshisdutyinhisownhouseholdwillbefoundrighteousintheStatealso。Butifanyonetransgresses，anddoesviolencetothelaws，orthinkstodictatetohisrulers，suchanonecanwinnopraisefromme。No，whomsoeverthecitymayappoint，thatmanmustbeobeyed，inlittlethingsandgreat，injustthingsandunjust；andIshouldfeelsurethatonewhothusobeyswouldbeagoodrulernolessthanagoodsubject，andinthestormofspearswouldstandhisgroundwherehewasset，loyalanddauntlessathiscomrade’sside。
　　Butdisobedienceistheworstofevils。Thisitisthatruinscities；thismakeshomesdesolate；bythis，theranksofalliesarebrokenintohead—longrout；but，oftheliveswhosecourseisfair，thegreaterpartowessafetytoobedience。Thereforewemustsupportthecauseoforder，andinnowisesufferawomantoworstus。
　　Bettertofallfrompower，ifwemust，byaman’shand；thenweshouldnotbecalledweakerthanawoman。
　　LEADER
　　Tous，unlessouryearshavestolenourwit，thouseemesttosaywiselywhatthousayest。
　　HAEMON
　　Father，thegodsimplantreasoninmen，thehighestofallthingsthatwecallourown。Notminetheskill—farfrommebethequest！—tosaywhereinthouspeakestnotaright；andyetanotherman，too，mighthavesomeusefulthought。Atleast，itismynaturalofficetowatch，onthybehalf，allthatmensay，ordo，orfindtoblame。
　　Forthedreadofthyfrownforbidsthecitizentospeaksuchwordsaswouldoffendthineear；butcanhearthesemurmursinthedark，thesemoaningsofthecityforthismaiden；’nowoman，’theysay，’evermeritedherdoomless，—noneeverwastodiesoshamefullyfordeedssogloriousashers；who，whenherownbrotherhadfalleninbloodystrife，wouldnotleavehimunburied，tobedevouredbycarriondogs，orbyanybird：—deservesnotshethemeedofgoldenhonour？’
　　Suchisthedarklingrumourthatspreadsinsecret。Forme，myfather，notreasureissopreciousasthywelfare。What，indeed，isanoblerornamentforchildrenthanaprosperingsire’sfairfame，orforsirethanson’s？Wearnot，then，onemoodonlyinthyself；
　　thinknotthatthyword，andthinealone，mustberight。Forifanymanthinksthathealoneiswise，—thatinspeech，orinmind，hehathnopeer，—suchasoul，whenlaidopen，iseverfoundempty。
　　No，thoughamanbewise，’tisnoshameforhimtolearnmanythings，andtobendinseason。Seestthou，besidethewintrytorrent’scourse，howthetreesthatyieldtoitsaveeverytwig，whilethestiff—neckedperishrootandbranch？Andeventhushewhokeepsthesheetofhissailtaut，andneverslackensit，upsetshisboat，andfinisheshisvoyagewithkeeluppermost。
　　Nay，foregothywrath；permitthyselftochange。ForifI，ayoungerman，mayoffermythought，itwerefarbest，Iween，thatmenshouldbeall—wisebynature；but，otherwise—andoftthescaleinclinesnotso—’tisgoodalsotolearnfromthosewhospeakaright。
　　LEADER
　　Sire，’tismeetthatthoushouldestprofitbyhiswords，ifhespeaksaughtinseason，andthou，Haemon，bythyfather’s；foronbothpartstherehathbeenwisespeech。
　　CREON
　　Menofmyageareweindeedtobeschooled，then，bymenofhis？
　　HAEMON
　　Innothingthatisnotright；butifIamyoung，thoushouldestlooktomymerits，nottomyyears。
　　CREON
　　Isitamerittohonourtheunruly？
　　HAEMON
　　Icouldwishnoonetoshowrespectforevil—doers。
　　CREON
　　Thenisnotshetaintedwiththatmalady？
　　HAEMON
　　OurThebanfolk，withonevoice，deniesit。
　　CREON
　　ShallThebesprescribetomehowImustrule？
　　HAEMON
　　See，therethouhastspokenlikeayouthindeed。
　　CREON
　　AmItorulethislandbyotherjudgmentthanmineown？
　　HAEMON
　　Thatisnocitywhichbelongstooneman。
　　CREON
　　Isnotthecityheldtobetheruler’s？
　　HAEMON
　　Thouwouldstmakeagoodmonarchofadesert。
　　CREON
　　Thisboy，itseems，isthewoman’schampion。
　　HAEMON
　　Ifthouartawoman；indeed，mycareisforthee。
　　CREON
　　Shameless，atopenfeudwiththyfather！
　　HAEMON
　　Nay，Iseetheeoffendingagainstjustice。
　　CREON
　　DoIoffend，whenIrespectmineownprerogatives？
　　HAEMON
　　Thoudostnotrespectthem，whenthoutramplestonthegods’
　　honours，CREON
　　Odastardnature，yieldingplacetowoman！
　　HAEMON
　　Thouwiltneverfindmeyieldtobaseness。
　　CREON
　　Allthywords，atleast，pleadforthatgirl。
　　HAEMON
　　Andforthee，andforme，andforthegodsbelow。
　　CREON
　　Thoucanstnevermarryher，onthissidethegrave。
　　HAEMON
　　Thenshemustdie，andindeathdestroyanother。
　　CREON
　　How！doththyboldnessruntoopenthreats？
　　HAEMON
　　Whatthreatisit，tocombatvainresolves？
　　CREON
　　Thoushaltruethywitlessteachingofwisdom。
　　HAEMON
　　Wertthounotmyfather，Iwouldhavecalledtheeunwise。
　　CREON
　　Thouwoman’sslave，usenotwheedlingspeechwithme。
　　HAEMON
　　Thouwouldestspeak，andthenhearnoreply？
　　CREON
　　Sayestthouso？Now，bytheheavenaboveus—besureofit—thoushaltsmartfortauntingmeinthisopprobriousstrain。Bringforththathatedthing，thatshemaydieforthwithinhispresence—beforehiseyes—atherbridegroom’sside！
　　HAEMON
　　No，notatmyside—neverthinkit—shallsheperish；norshaltthoueverseteyesmoreuponmyface：—rave，then，withsuchfriendsascanendurethee。
　　（ExitHAEMON）
　　LEADER
　　Themanisgone，Oking，inangryhaste；ayouthfulmind，whenstung，isfierce。
　　CREON
　　Lethimdo，ordream，morethanman—goodspeedtohim！—Butheshallnotsavethesetwogirlsfromtheirdoom。
　　LEADER
　　Dostthouindeedpurposetoslayboth？
　　CREON
　　Notherwhosehandsarepure：thousayestwell。
　　LEADER
　　Andbywhatdoommean’stthoutoslaytheother？
　　CREON
　　Iwilltakeherwherethepathisloneliest，andhideher，living，inrockyvault，withsomuchfoodsetforthaspietyprescribes，thatthecitymayavoidapublicstain。Andthere，prayingtoHades，theonlygodwhomsheworships，perchanceshewillobtainreleasefromdeath；orelsewilllearn，atlast，thoughlate，thatitislostlabourtoreverethedead。
　　（CREONgoesintothepalace。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　stropheLove，unconqueredinthefight，Love，whomakesthavocofwealth，whokeepestthyvigilonthesoftcheekofamaiden；thouroamestoverthesea，andamongthehomesofdwellersinthewilds；noimmortalcanescapethee，noranyamongmenwhoselifeisforaday；
　　andhetowhomthouhastcomeismad。
　　antistropheThejustthemselveshavetheirmindswarpedbytheetowrong，fortheirruin：’tisthouthathaststirredupthispresentstrifeofkinsmen；victoriousisthelove—kindlinglightfromtheeyesofthefairbride；itisapowerenthronedinswaybesidetheeternallaws；
　　fortherethegoddessAphroditeisworkingherunconquerablewill。
　　（ANTIGONEisledoutofthepalacebytwoOfCREON’Sattendantswhoareabouttoconducthertoherdoom。）
　　ButnowIalsoamcarriedbeyondtheboundsofloyalty，andcannomorekeepbackthestreamingtears，whenIseeAntigonethuspassingtothebridalchamberwhereallarelaidtorest。
　　（ThefollowinglinesbetweenANTIGONEandtheCHORUSarechantedresponsively。）
　　ANTIGONE
　　strophe1
　　Seeme，citizensofmyfatherland，settingforthonmylastway，lookingmylastonthesunlightthatisformenomore；no，HadeswhogivessleeptoallleadsmelivingtoAcheron’sshore；whohavehadnoportioninthechantthatbringsthebride，norhathanysongbeenmineforthecrowningofbridals；whomthelordoftheDarkLakeshallwed。
　　CHORUS
　　systema1
　　Glorious，therefore，andwithpraise，thoudepartesttothatdeepplaceofthedead：wastingsicknesshathnotsmittenthee；thouhastnotfoundthewagesofthesword；no，mistressofthineownfate，andstillalive，thoushaltpasstoHades，asnootherofmortalkindhathpassed。
　　ANTIGONE
　　antistrophe1
　　IhaveheardinotherdayshowdreadadoombefellourPhrygianguest，thedaughterofTantalus，ontheSipylianheights；Ihow，likeclingingivy，thegrowthofstonesubduedher；andtherainsfailnot，asmentell，fromherwastingform，norfailsthesnow，whilebeneathherweepinglidsthetearsbedewherbosom；andmostliketohersisthefatethatbringsmetomyrest。
　　CHORUS
　　systema2
　　Yetshewasagoddess，thouknowest，andbornofgods；wearemortals，andofmortalrace。But’tisgreatrenownforawomanwhohathperishedthatsheshouldhavesharedthedoomofthegodlike，inherlife，andafterwardindeath。
　　ANTIGONE
　　strophe2
　　Ah，Iammocked！Inthenameofourfathers’gods，canyenotwaittillIamgone，—mustyetauntmetomyface，Omycity，andye，herwealthysons？Ah，fountofDirce，andthouholygroundofThebewhosechariotsaremany；ye，atleast，willbearmewitness，inwhatsort，unweptoffriends，andbywhatlawsIpasstotherock—closedprisonofmystrangetomb，ahmeunhappy！whohavenohomeontheearthorintheshades，nohomewiththelivingorwiththedead。
　　CHORUS
　　strophe3
　　Thouhastrushedforwardtotheutmostvergeofdaring；andagainstthatthronewherejusticesitsonhighthouhastfallen，mydaughter，withagrievousfall。Butinthisordealthouartpaying，haply，forthyfather’ssin。
　　ANTIGONE
　　antistrophe2
　　Thouhasttouchedonmybitterestthought，—awakingtheever—newlamentformysireandforallthedoomgiventous，thefamedhouseofLabdacus。Alasforthehorrorsofthemother’sbed！alasforthewretchedmother’sslumberatthesideofherownson，—andmysire！
　　FromwhatmannerofparentsdidItakemymiserablebeing！AndtothemIgothus，accursed，unwed，tosharetheirhome。Alas，mybrother，ill—starredinthymarriage，inthydeaththouhastundonemylife！
　　CHORUS
　　antistrophe3
　　Reverentactionclaimsacertainpraiseforreverence；butanoffenceagainstpowercannotbebrookedbyhimwhohathpowerinhiskeeping。Thyself—willedtemperhathwroughtthyruin。
　　ANTIGONE
　　epodeUnwept，unfriended，withoutmarriage—song，Iamledforthinmysorrowonthisjourneythatcanbedelayednomore。Nolonger，haplessone，mayIbeholdyonday—star’ssacredeye；butformyfatenotearisshed，nofriendmakesmoan。
　　（CREONentersfromthepalace。）
　　CREON
　　Knowyenotthatsongsandwailingsbeforedeathwouldnevercease，ifitprofitedtoutterthem？Awaywithher—away！Andwhenyehaveenclosedher，accordingtomyword，inhervaultedgrave，leaveheralone，forlorn—whethershewishestodie，ortoliveaburiedlifeinsuchahome。Ourhandsarecleanastouchingthismaiden。Butthisiscertain—sheshallbedeprivedofhersojourninthelight。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Tomb，bridal—chamber，eternalprisoninthecavernedrock，whithergotofindmineown，thosemanywhohaveperished，andwhomPersephonehathreceivedamongthedead！LastofallshallIpassthither，andfarmostmiserablyofall，beforethetermofmylifeisspent。ButIcherishgoodhopethatmycomingwillbewelcometomyfather，andpleasanttothee，mymother，andwelcome，brother，tothee；for，whenyedied，withmineownhandsIwashedanddressedyou，andpoureddrink—offeringsatyourgraves；andnow，Polyneices，’tisfortendingthycorpsethatIwinsuchrecompenseasthis。
　　AndyetIhonouredthee，asthewisewilldeem，rightly。Never，hadbeenamotherofchildren，orifahusbandhadbeenmoulderingindeath，wouldIhavetakenthistaskuponmeinthecity’sdespite。Whatlaw，yeask，ismywarrantforthatword？Thehusbandlost，anothermighthavebeenfound，andchildfromanother，toreplacethefirst—born：but，fatherandmotherhiddenwithHades，nobrother’slifecouldeverbloomformeagain。SuchwasthelawwherebyIheldtheefirstinhonour；butCreondeemedmeguiltyoferrortherein，andofoutrage，ahbrothermine！Andnowheleadsmethus，acaptiveinhishands；nobridalbed，nobridalsonghathbeenmine，nojoyofmarriage，noportioninthenurtureofchildren；butthus，forlornoffriends，unhappyone，Igolivingtothevaultsofdeath。
　　AndwhatlawofheavenhaveItransgressed？Why，haplessone，shouldIlooktothegodsanymore，—whatallyshouldIinvoke，—whenbypietyIhaveearnedthenameofimpious？Nay，then，ifthesethingsarepleasingtothegods，whenIhavesufferedmydoom，Ishallcometoknowmysin；butifthesiniswithmyjudges，Icouldwishthemnofullermeasureofevilthanthey，ontheirpart，metewrongfullytome。
　　CHORUS
　　Stillthesametempestofthesoulvexesthismaidenwiththesamefiercegusts。
　　CREON
　　Thenforthisshallherguardshavecausetoruetheirslowness。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Ahme！thatwordhathcomeveryneartodeath。
　　CREON
　　Icancheertheewithnohopethatthisdoomisnotthustobefulfilled。
　　ANTIGONE
　　OcityofmyfathersinthelandofThebe！Oyegods，eldestofourrace！—theyleadmehenc——now，now—theytarrynot！Beholdme，princesofThebes，thelastdaughterofthehouseofyourkings，—seewhatIsuffer，andfromwhom，becauseIfearedtocastawaythefearofHeaven！
　　（ANTIGONEisledawaybytheguards。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　EventhusenduredDanaeinherbeautytochangethelightofdayforbrass—boundwalls；andinthatchamber，secretasthegrave，shewasheldcloseprisoner；yetwassheofaproudlineage，Omydaughter，andchargedwiththekeepingoftheseedofZeus，thatfellinthegoldenrain。
　　Butdreadfulisthemysteriouspoweroffate：thereisnodeliverancefromitbywealthorbywar，byfencedcity，ordark，sea—beatenships。
　　antistrophe1
　　AndbondstamedthesonofDryas，swifttowrath，thatkingoftheEdonians；sopaidheforhisfrenziedtaunts，when，bythewillofDionysus，hewaspentinarockyprison。Therethefierceexuberanceofhismadnessslowlypassedaway。Thatmanlearnedtoknowthegod，whominhisfrenzyhehadprovokedwithmockeries；forhehadsoughttoquellthegod—possessedwomen，andtheBacchanalianfire；andheangeredtheMusesthatlovetheflute。
　　strophe2
　　AndbythewatersoftheDarkRocks，thewatersofthetwofoldsea，aretheshoresofBosporus，andThracianSalmydessus；whereAres，neighbourtothecity，sawtheaccurst，blindingwounddealttothetwosonsofPhineusbyhisfiercewife，—thewoundthatbroughtdarknesstothosevengeance—cravingorbs，smittenwithherbloodyhands，smittenwithhershuttleforadagger。
　　antistrophe2
　　Piningintheirmisery，theybewailedtheircrueldoom，thosesonsofamotherhaplessinhermarriage；butshetracedherdescentfromtheancientlineoftheErechtheidae；andinfar—distantcavesshewasnursedamidherfather’sstorms，thatchildofBoreas，swiftasasteedoverthesteephills，adaughterofgods；yetuponheralsothegrayFatesborehard，mydaughter。
　　（EnterTEIRESIAS，ledbyaBoy，onthespectators’right。）
　　TEIRESIAS
　　PrincesofThebes，wehavecomewithlinkedsteps，bothservedbytheeyesofone；forthus，byaguide’shelp，theblindmustwalk。
　　CREON
　　Andwhat，agedTeiresias，arethytidings？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Iwilltellthee；anddothouhearkentotheseer。
　　CREON
　　Indeed，ithasnotbeenmywonttoslightthycounsel。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thereforedidstthousteerourcity’scoursearight。
　　CREON
　　Ihavefelt，andcanattest，thybenefits。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Markthatnow，oncemore，thoustandestonfate’sfineedge。
　　CREON
　　Whatmeansthis？HowIshudderatthymessage！
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thouwiltlearn，whenthouhearestthewarningsofmineart。AsItookmyplaceonmineoldseatofaugury，whereallbirdshavebeenwonttogatherwithinmyken，Iheardastrangevoiceamongthem；
　　theywerescreamingwithdire，feverishrage，thatdrownedtheirlanguageinjargon；andIknewthattheywererendingeachotherwiththeirtalons，murderously；thewhirrofwingstoldnodoubtfultale。
　　Forthwith，infear，Iessayedburnt—sacrificeonadulykindledaltar：butfrommyofferingstheFire—godshowednoflame；adankmoisture，oozingfromthethigh—flesh，trickledforthupontheembers，andsmoked，andsputtered；thegallwasscatteredtotheair；andthestreamingthighslaybaredofthefatthathadbeenwrappedroundthem。
　　SuchwasthefailureoftheritesbywhichIvainlyaskedasign，asfromthisboyIlearned；forheismyguide，asIamguidetoothers。And’tisthycounselthathathbroughtthissicknessonourState。Forthealtarsofourcityandofourhearthshavebeentainted，oneandall，bybirdsanddogs，withcarrionfromthehaplesscorpse，thesonofOedipus：andthereforethegodsnomoreacceptprayerandsacrificeatourhands，ortheflameofmeat—offering；
　　nordothanybirdgiveaclearsignbyitsshrillcry，fortheyhavetastedthefatnessofaslainman’sblood。
　　Think，then，onthesethings，myson。Allmenareliabletoerr；
　　butwhenanerrorhathbeenmade，thatmanisnolongerwitlessorunblestwhohealstheillintowhichhehathfallen，andremainsnotstubborn。
　　Self—will，weknow，incursthechargeoffolly。Nay，allowtheclaimofthedead；stabnotthefallen；whatprowessisittoslaytheslainanew？Ihavesoughtthygood，andforthygoodIspeak：andneverisitsweetertolearnfromagoodcounsellorthanwhenhecounselsforthineowngain。
　　CREON
　　Oldman，yeallshootyourshaftsatme，asarchersatthebutts；—Yemustneedspractiseonmewithseer—craftalso；—aye，theseer—tribehathlongtraffickedinme，andmademetheirmerchandise。Gainyourgains，driveyourtrade，ifyelist，inthesilver—goldofSardisandthegoldofIndia；butyeshallnothidethatmaninthegrave，—no，thoughtheeaglesofZeusshouldbearthecarrionmorselstotheirMaster’sthrone—no，notfordreadofthatdefilementwillIsufferhisburial：—forwellIknowthatnomortalcandefilethegods。—But，agedTeiresias，thewisestfallwithshamefulfall，whentheyclotheshamefulthoughtsinfairwords，forlucre’ssake。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Alas！Dothanymanknow，dothanyconsider……
　　CREON
　　Whereof？Whatgeneraltruthdostthouannounce？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Howprecious，aboveallwealth，isgoodcounsel。
　　CREON
　　Asfolly，Ithink，istheworstmischief。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Yetthouarttaintedwiththatdistemper。
　　CREON
　　Iwouldnotanswertheseerwithataunt。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Butthoudost，insayingthatIprophesyfalsely。
　　CREON
　　Well，theprophet—tribewaseverfondofmoney。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Andtheracebredoftyrantslovesbasegain。
　　CREON
　　Knowestthouthatthyspeechisspokenofthyking？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Iknowit；forthroughmethouhastsavedThebes。
　　CREON
　　Thouartawiseseer；butthoulovestevildeeds。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thouwiltrousemetoutterthedreadsecretinmysoul。
　　CREON
　　Outwithit！—Onlyspeakitnotforgain。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Indeed，methinks，Ishallnot，—astouchingthee。
　　CREON
　　Knowthatthoushaltnottradeonmyresolve。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thenknowthou—aye，knowitwell—thatthoushaltnotlivethroughmanymorecoursesofthesun’sswiftchariot，ereonebegottenofthineownloinsshallhavebeengivenbythee，acorpseforcorpses；becausethouhastthrustchildrenofthesunlighttotheshades，andruthlesslylodgedalivingsoulinthegrave；butkeepestinthisworldonewhobelongstothegodsinfernal，acorpseunburied，unhonoured，allunhallowed。Insuchthouhastnopart，norhavethegodsabove，butthisisaviolencedonetothembythee。
　　Thereforetheavengingdestroyerslieinwaitforthee，theFuriesofHadesandofthegods，thatthoumayestbetakeninthesesameills。
　　AndmarkwellifIspeakthesethingsasahireling。Atimenotlongtobedelayedshallawakenthewailingofmenandofwomeninthyhouse。Andatumultofhatredagainsttheestirsallthecitieswhosemangledsonshadtheburial—ritefromdogs，orfromwildbeasts，orfromsomewingedbirdthatboreapollutingbreathtoeachcitythatcontainsthehearthsofthedead。
　　Sucharrowsforthyheart—sincethouprovokestme—haveI
　　launchedatthee，archer—like，inmyanger，—surearrows，ofwhichthoushaltnotescapethesmart。—Boy，leadmehome，thathemayspendhisrageonyoungermen，andlearntokeepatonguemoretemperate，andtobearwithinhisbreastabettermindthannowhebears。
　　（TheBoyleadsTEIRESIASOut。）
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Themanhathgone，OKing，withdreadprophecies。And，sincethehaironthishead，oncedark，hathbeenwhite，Iknowthathehathneverbeenafalseprophettoourcity。
　　CREON
　　I，too，knowitwell，andamtroubledinsoul。’Tisdiretoyield；
　　but，byresistance，tosmitemypridewithruin—this，too，isadirechoice。
　　LEADER
　　SonofMenoeceus，itbehovestheetotakewisecounsel。
　　CREON
　　WhatshouldIdothen？SpeakandIwillobey。
　　LEADER
　　Gothou，andfreethemaidenfromherrockychamber，andmakeatombfortheunburieddead。
　　CREON
　　Andthisisthycounsel？Thouwouldsthavemeyield？
　　LEADER
　　Yea，King，andwithallspeed；forswiftharmsfromthegodscutshortthefollyofmen。
　　CREON
　　Ahme，’tishard，butIresignmycherishedresolve，—Iobey。Wemustnotwageavainwarwithdestiny。
　　LEADER
　　Go，thou，anddothesethings；leavethemnottoothers。
　　CREON
　　EvenasIamI’llgo：—on，on，myservants，eachandallofyou，—takeaxesinyourhands，andhastentothegroundthatyeseeyonder！Sinceourjudgmenthathtakenthisturn，Iwillbepresenttounlooseher，asmyselfboundher。Myheartmisgivesme，’tisbesttokeeptheestablishedlaws，eventolife’send。
　　（CREONandhisservantshastenoutonthespectators’left。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　strophe1
　　Othouofmanynames，gloryoftheCadmeianbride，offspringofloud—thunderingZeus！thouwhowatchestoverfamedItalia，andreignest，whereallguestsarewelcomed，intheshelteredplainofEleusinianDeo！OBacchus，dwellerinThebe，mother—cityofBacchants，bythesoftly—glidingstreamofIsmenus，onthesoilwherethefiercedragon’steethweresown！
　　antistrophe1
　　Thouhastbeenseenwheretorch—flamesglarethroughsmoke，abovethecrestsofthetwinpeaks，wheremovetheCoryciannymphs，thyvotaries，hardbyCastalia’sstream。
　　Thoucomestfromtheivy—mantledslopesofNysa’shills，andfromtheshoregreenwithmany—clusteredvines，whilethynameislifteduponstrainsofmorethanmortalpower，asthouvisitestthewaysofThebe：
　　strophe2
　　Thebe，ofallcities，thouholdestfirstinhonour，thouandthymotherwhomthelightningsmote；andnow，whenallourpeopleiscaptivetoaviolentplague，comethouwithhealingfeetovertheParnassianheight，oroverthemoaningstrait！
　　antistrophe2
　　Othouwithwhomthestarsrejoiceastheymove，thestarswhosebreathisfire；Omasterofthevoicesofthenight；sonbegottenofZeus；appear，Oking，withthineattendantThyiads，whoinnight—longfrenzydancebeforethee，thegiverofgoodgifts，Iacchus！
　　（EnterMESSENGER，onthespectators’left。）
　　MESSENGER
　　DwellersbythehouseofCadmusandofAmphion，thereisnoestateofmortallifethatIwouldeverpraiseorblameassettled。FortuneraisesandFortunehumblestheluckyorunluckyfromdaytoday，andnoonecanprophesytomenconcerningthosethingswhichareestablished。ForCREONwasblestonce，asIcountbliss；hehadsavedthislandofCadmusfromitsfoes；hewasclothedwithsoledominionintheland；
　　hereigned，theglorioussireofprincelychildren。Andnowallhathbeenlost。Forwhenamanhathforfeitedhispleasures，Icounthimnotasliving，—Iholdhimbutabreathingcorpse。Heapuprichesinthyhouse，ifthouwilt；liveinkinglystate；yet，iftherebenogladnesstherewith，Iwouldnotgivetheshadowofavapourforalltherest，comparedwithjoy。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Andwhatisthisnewgriefthatthouhasttotellforourprinces？
　　MESSENGER
　　Death；andthelivingareguiltyforthedead。
　　LEADER
　　Andwhoistheslayer？Whothestricken？Speak。
　　MESSENGER
　　Haemonhathperished；hisbloodhathbeenshedbynostranger。
　　LEADER
　　Byhisfather’shand，orbyhisown？
　　MESSENGER
　　Byhisown，inwrathwithhissireforthemurder。
　　LEADER
　　Oprophet，howtrue，then，hastthouprovedthyword！
　　MESSENGER
　　Thesethingsstandthus；yemustconsideroftherest。
　　LEADER
　　Lo，IseethehaplessEurydice，Creon’swife，approaching；shecomesfromthehousebychance，haply，—orbecausesheknowsthetidingsofherson。
　　（EnterEURYDICEfromthepalace。）
　　EURYDICE
　　PeopleofThebes，IheardyourwordsasIwasgoingforth，tosalutethegoddessPallaswithmyprayers。EvenasIwasloosingthefasteningsofthegate，toopenit，themessageofahouseholdwoesmoteonmineear：Isankback，terror—stricken，intothearmsofmyhandmaids，andmysensesfled。Butsayagainwhatthetidingswere；
　　Ishallhearthemasonewhoisnostrangertosorrow。
　　MESSENGER
　　Dearlady，IwillwitnessofwhatIsaw，andwillleavenowordofthetruthuntold。Why，indeed，shouldIsoothetheewithwordsinwhichmustpresentlybefoundfalse？Truthiseverbest。—Iattendedthylordashisguidetothefurthestpartoftheplain，wherethebodyofPolyneices，tornbydogs，stilllayunpitied。Weprayedthegoddessoftheroads，andPluto，inmercytorestraintheirwrath；
　　wewashedthedeadwithholywashing；andwithfreshly—pluckedboughswesolemnlyburnedsuchrelicsastherewere。Weraisedahighmoundofhisnativeearth；andthenweturnedawaytoenterthemaiden’snuptialchamberwithrockycouch，thecavernedmansionofthebrideofDeath。And，fromafaroff，oneofusheardavoiceofloudwailingatthatbride’sunhallowedbower；andcametotellourmasterCreon。
　　Andasthekingdrewnearer，doubtfulsoundsofabittercryfloatedaroundhim；hegroaned，andsaidinaccentsofanguish，’WretchedthatIam，canmyforebodingbetrue？AmIgoingonthewofullestwaythateverIwent？Myson’svoicegreetsme。—Go，myservants，—hasteyenearer，andwhenyehavereachedthetomb，passthroughthegap，wherethestoneshavebeenwrenchedaway，tothecell’sverymouth，—andlook。andseeif’tisHaemon’svoicethatI
　　know，orifmineearischeatedbythegods。’
　　Thissearch，atourdespairingmaster’sword，wewenttomake；andinthefurthestpartofthetombwedescriedherhangingbytheneck，slungbyathread—wroughthalteroffinelinen：whilehewasembracingherwitharmsthrownaroundherwaist，bewailingthelossofhisbridewhoiswiththedead，andhisfather’sdeeds，andhisownill—starredlove。
　　Buthisfather，whenhesawhim，criedaloudwithadreadcryandwentin，andcalledtohimwithavoiceofwailing：—’Unhappy，whatdeedhastthoudone！Whatthoughthathcometothee？Whatmannerofmischancehathmarredthyreason？Comeforth，mychild！Ipraythee—Iimplore！’Buttheboyglaredathimwithfierceeyes，spatinhisface，and，withoutawordofanswer，drewhiscross—hiltedsword：—ashisfatherrushedforthinflight，hemissedhisaim；—then，haplessone，wrothwithhimself，hestraightwayleanedwithallhisweightagainsthissword，anddroveit，halfitslength，intohisside；and，whilesenselingered，heclaspedthemaidentohisfaintembrace，and，ashegasped，sentforthonherpalecheektheswiftstreamoftheoozingblood。
　　Corpseenfoldingcorpsehelies；hehathwonhisnuptialrites，pooryouth，nothere，yetinthehallsofDeath；andhehathwitnessedtomankindthat，ofallcurseswhichcleavetoman，illcounselisthesovereigncurse。
　　（EURYDICEretiresintothehouse。）
　　LEADER
　　Whatwouldstthouaugurfromthis？Theladyhathturnedback，andisgone，withoutaword，goodorevil。
　　MESSENGER
　　I，too，amstartled；yetInourishthehopethat，atthesesoretidingsofherson，shecannotdeigntogivehersorrowpublicvent，butintheprivacyofthehousewillsetherhandmaidstomournthehouseholdgrief。Forsheisnotuntaughtofdiscretion，thatsheshoulderr。
　　LEADER
　　Iknownot；buttome，atleast，astrainedsilenceseemstoportendperil，nolessthanvainabundanceoflament。
　　MESSENGER
　　Well，Iwillenterthehouse，andlearnwhetherindeedsheisnothidingsomerepressedpurposeinthedepthsofapassionateheart。
　　Yea，thousayestwell：excessofsilence，too，mayhaveaperilousmeaning。
　　（TheMESSENGERgoesintothepalace。EnterCREON，onthespectators’
　　left，withattendants，carryingtheshroudedbodyofHAEMONonbier。ThefollowinglinesbetweenCREONandtheCHORUSarechantedresponsively。）
　　CHORUS
　　Lo，yonderthekinghimselfdrawsnear，bearingthatwhichtellstooclearatale，—theworkofnostranger’smadness，—ifwemaysayit，—butofhisownmisdeeds。
　　CREON
　　strophe1
　　Woeforthesinsofadarkenedsoul，stubbornsins，fraughtwithdeath！Ah，yebeholdus，thesirewhohathslain，thesonwhohathperished！Woeisme，forthewretchedblindnessofmycounsels！
　　Alas，myson，thouhastdiedinthyyouth，byatimelessdoom，woeisme！—thyspirithathfled，—notbythyfolly，butbymineown！
　　CHORUS
　　strophe2
　　Ahme，howalltoolatethouseemesttoseetheright！
　　CREONAhme，Ihavelearnedthebitterlesson！Butthen，methinks，ohthen，somegodsmotemefromabovewithcrushingweight，andhurledmeintowaysofcruelty，woeisme，—overthrowingandtramplingonmyjoy！Woe，woe，forthetroubloustoilsofmen！
　　（EnterMESSENGERfromthehouse。）
　　MESSENGER
　　Sire，thouhastcome，methinks，asonewhosehandsarenotempty，butwhohathstorelaidupbesides；thoubearestyonderburdenwiththee—andthouartsoontolookuponthewoeswithinthyhouse。
　　CREON
　　Andwhatworseillisyettofollowuponills？
　　MESSENGER
　　Thyqueenhathdied，truemotherofyoncorpse—ah，haplessladybyblowsnewlydealt。
　　CREON
　　antistrophe1
　　OhHades，all—receivingwhomnosacrificecanappease！Hastthou，then，nomercyforme？Othouheraldofevil，bittertidings，whatworddostthouutter？Alas，Iwasalreadyasdead，andthouhastsmittenmeanew！Whatsayestthou，myson？Whatisthisnewmessagethatthoubringest—woe，woeisme！—Ofawife’sdoom—ofslaughterheadedonslaughter？
　　CHORUS
　　Thoucanstbehold：’tisnolongerhiddenwithin。
　　（Thedoorsofthepalaceareopened，andthecorpseofEURYDICEisdisclosed。）
　　CREON
　　antistrophe2
　　Ahme，—yonderIbeholdanew，asecondwoe！Whatdestiny，ahwhat，canyetawaitme？Ihavebutnowraisedmysoninmyarms，—andthere，again，Iseeacorpsebeforeme！Alas，alas，unhappymother！
　　Alas，mychild！
　　MESSENGER
　　There，atthealtar，self—stabbedwithakeenknife，shesufferedherdarkeningeyestoclose，whenshehadwailedforthenoblefateofMegareuswhodiedbefore，andthenforhisfatewholiesthere，—andwhen，withherlastbreath，shehadinvokedevilfortunesuponthee，theslayerofthysons。
　　CREON
　　strophe3
　　Woe，woe！Ithrillwithdread。Istherenonetostrikemetotheheartwithtwo—edgedsword？—OmiserablethatIam，andsteepedinmiserableanguish！
　　MESSENGER
　　Yea，boththisson’sdoom，andthatother’s，werelaidtothychargebyherwhosecorpsethouseest。
　　CREON
　　Andwhatwasthemanneroftheviolentdeedbywhichshepassedaway？
　　MESSENGER
　　Herownhandstruckhertotheheart，whenshehadlearnedherson’ssorelylamentedfate。
　　CREON
　　strophe4
　　Ahme，thisguiltcanneverbefixedonanyotherofmortalkind，formyacquittal！I，evenI，wasthyslayer，wretchedthatI
　　am—Iownthetruth。Leadmeaway，Omyservants，leadmehencewithallspeed，whoselifeisbutasdeath！
　　CHORUS
　　Thycounselsaregood，iftherecanbegoodwithills；briefestisbest，whentroubleisinourpath。
　　CREON
　　antistrophe3
　　Oh，letitcome，letitappear，thatfairestoffatesforme，thatbringsmylastday，—aye，bestfateofall！Oh，letitcome，thatImayneverlookuponto—morrow’slight。
　　CHORUS
　　Thesethingsareinthefuture；presenttasksclaimourcare：
　　theorderingofthefuturerestswhereitshouldrest。
　　CREON
　　Allmydesires，atleast，weresummedinthatprayer。
　　CHORUS
　　Praythounomore；formortalshavenoescapefromdestinedwoe。
　　CREON
　　antistrophe4
　　Leadmeaway，Iprayyou；arash，foolishman；whohaveslainthee，ahmyson，unwittingly，andthee，too，mywife—unhappythatI
　　am！IknownotwhichwayIshouldbendmygaze，orwhereIshouldseeksupport；forallisamisswiththatwhichisinmyhands，—andyonder，again，acrushingfatehathleaptuponmyhead。
　　（AsCREONisbeingconductedintothepalace，theLEADEROFTHE
　　CHORUSspeakstheclosingverses。）
　　LEADER
　　Wisdomisthesupremepartofhappiness；andreverencetowardsthegodsmustbeinviolate。Greatwordsofpridefulmenareeverpunishedwithgreatblows，and，inoldage，teachthechastenedtobewise。