Chorus
Look, here comes Ismene from the palace, shedding the tears of a loving sister. A cloud over her eyes mars her red-flushed face, and it breaks into rain on her comely cheek.
Creon You who were lurking like a viper in my own house and secretly gulping up my life’s blood, while I was oblivious that I was nurturing two plagues, two revolutions against my throne—tell me now, will you also affirm your share in this burial, or will you forswear all knowledge of it?
Ismene I performed the deed—as long as she concurs—and I share and carry the burden of guilt.
Antigone No, justice will not permit you to do this, since you were not willing to help with the deed, nor did I give you a part in it.
Ismene But now with this sea of troubles around you, I am not ashamed to sail in a sea of suffering at your side.
Antigone As to whose deed it is, Hades and the dead are witnesses. A friend in words is not the type of friend I love.
Ismene No, sister, do not strip me of death’s honor, but let me die with you and make due consecration to the dead.
Antigone Do not share my death. Do not claim deeds to which you did not put your hand. My death will suffice.
Ismene And how can I cherish life, once I am deprived of you?
Antigone Ask Creon. Your concern is for him.
Ismene Why do you torture me like this, when it does not help you?
Antigone No, if I mock you, it is to my own pain that I do so.
Ismene Tell me, how can I help you, even now?
Antigone Save yourself. I do not grudge your escape.
Ismene Ah, misery! Will I fall short of sharing your fate?
Antigone Your choice was to live, it was mine to die.
Ismene At least your choice was not made without my protests.
Antigone One world approved your wisdom, another approved mine.
Ismene Nevertheless, the offense is identical for both of us.
Antigone Take heart! You live. But my life has long been in Death’s hands so that I might serve the dead.
Creon One of these maidens, I declare, has just revealed her foolishness; the other has displayed it from the moment of her birth.
Ismene Yes, Creon. Whatever amount of reason nature may have given them does not remain with those in dire straits, but goes astray.
Creon Yours did, I know, when you chose dire actions with dire allies.
Ismene What life would there be for me alone, without her presence?
Creon Do not speak of her presence. She lives no longer.
Ismene What? You will kill your own son’s bride?
Creon Why not? There are other fields for him to plough.
Ismene But not fitted to him as she was.
Creon I abhor an evil wife for my son.
Antigone Haemon, dearest! How your father wrongs you!
Creon Enough! Enough of you and of your marriage!
Chorus Will you really cheat your son of this girl?
Creon Death it is who will end these bridals for me.
Chorus Then it seems that it is resolved that she will die.
Creon Resolved, yes, for you and by me. No more delay! Servants, take them inside! Hereafter they must be women, and not left at large. For it is known that even the brave seek to flee, when they see Death now closing on their life.
Cite This Text