Creon Which of us, do you think, suffers more in this exchange—I by your action, or you by your own?
Oedipus For me, it is enough if your pleading fails both with me and with these men nearby.
Creon Unhappy man, will you let everyone see that even in your years you have gained no sense? Must you live on to disgrace your old age?
Oedipus You have a clever tongue, but I know no just man who can produce from every side a pretty speech.
Creon Words may be many, and yet not to the point.
Oedipus As if yours, indeed, were few, but on the mark.
Creon They cannot be, not for one whose mind is such as yours.
Oedipus Begone! I will say it for these men too. And do not besiege me with a jealous watch where I am destined to remain.
Creon I call these men, and not you, to witness the tenor of your words to your friends. And if I ever catch you—
Oedipus And who could catch me against the will of these allies?
Creon I promise you, soon you will be pained even without that.
Oedipus Where is the deed which backs that threatening word?
Creon One of your two daughters I have myself just seized and sent away. The other I will drag off immediately.
Oedipus Oh, no!
Creon You will soon find more to weep about.
Oedipus You have my child?
Creon And I will have this one in no long time.
Oedipus Oh! Strangers, what will you do? Will you betray me? Will you not drive the godless man from this land?
Chorus Depart, stranger! Quick! Your present deed is not just, nor the deed which you have done.
Creon It is time for you to drag this girl off against her will, if she will not go freely.
Antigone Wretched that I am! Where can I flee? Where find help from gods or men?
Chorus What are you doing, stranger?
Creon I will not touch this man, but her who is mine.
Oedipus Lords of the land!
Chorus Stranger, you are acting unjustly.
Creon Justly.
Chorus How?
Creon I take my own.
Oedipus Oh, city!
Chorus What are you doing, stranger? Release her! Your strength and ours will soon come to the test.
Creon Stand back!
Chorus Not while this is your purpose.
Creon There will be war with Thebes for you, if you harm me.
Oedipus Did I not say so?
Chorus Unhand the girl at once!
Creon Do not make commands where you are not the master.
Chorus Let go, I tell you!
Creon And I tell you: be off!
Chorus Help, men of Colonus, bring help! The city, our city, is attacked by force! Come to our aid!
Antigone I am being dragged away in misery. Strangers, strangers!
Oedipus My child, where are you?
Antigone I am led off by force.
Oedipus Give me your hand, my child!
Antigone I am helpless.
Creon Away with you!
Oedipus I am wretched, wretched!
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