TEIRESIAS
　　ForEteoclesIwouldhaveclosedmylipsandrefrainedfromallresponse，buttotheeIwillspeak，since’tisthywishtolearn。Thiscountry，Creon，hasbeenlongafflicted，eversinceLaiusbecameafatherinheaven’sdespite，begettinghaplessOedipustobehisownmother’shusband。ThatbloodyoutrageonhiseyeswasplannedbyheavenasanensampletoHellas；andthesonsofOedipusmadeagrossmistakeinwishingtothrowoverittheveiloftime，asifforsooththeycouldoutrunthegods’decree；forbyrobbingtheirfatherofhisduehonourandallowinghimnofreedom，theyenragedtheirlucklesssire；sohe，stungbysufferinganddisgraceaswell，ventedawfulcursesagainstthem；andI，becauseIleftnothingundoneorunsaidtopreventthis，incurredthehatredofthesonsofOedipus。
　　Butdeathinflictedbyeachother’shandsawaitsthem，Creon；andthemanyheapsofslain，somefromArgive，somefromThebanmissiles，shallcausebitterlamentationinthelandofThebes。
　　Alas！forthee，poorcity，thouartbeinginvolvedintheirruin，unlessIcanpersuadeoneman。ThebestcoursewastopreventanychildofOedipusbecomingeithercitizenorkinginthisland，sincetheywereunderabanandwouldoverthrowthecity。Butasevilhasthemasteryofgood，thereisstilloneotherwayofsafety；butthisitwereunsafeformetotell，andpainfultooforthosewhosehighfortuneitistosupplytheircitywitbthesavingcure。
　　Farewell！Iwillaway；amongsttherestmustIenduremydoom，ifneedbe；forwhatwillbecomeofme？
　　CREON
　　Stayhere，oldman。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Holdmenot。
　　CREON
　　Abide，whydostthouseektofly？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　’Tisthyfortunethatfliesthee，notI。
　　CREON
　　TellmewhatcansaveThebesandhercitizens。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thoughthisbenowthywish，itwillsoonceasetobe。
　　CREON
　　Notwishtosavemycountry？howcanthatbe？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Artthoustilleagertobetold？
　　CREON
　　Yea；forwhereinshouldIshowgreaterzeal？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thenstraightwayshaltthouhearmywordsprophetic。ButfirstwouldfainknowforcertainwhereMenoeceusis，wholedmehither。
　　CREON
　　Here，notfaraway，butatthyside。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Lethimretirefarfrommypropheticvoice。
　　CREON
　　Heismyownsonandwillpreserveduesilence。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　WiltthouthenthatItelltheeinhispresence？
　　CREON
　　Yea，forhewillrejoicetohearthemeansofsafety。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thenhearthepurportofmyoracle，thewhichifyeobserveyeshallsavethecityofCadmus。ThoumustsacrificeMenoeceusthysonhereforthycountry，sincethineownlipsdemandthevoiceoffate。
　　CREON
　　Whatmean’stthou？whatisthisthouhastsaid，oldman？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Tothatwhichistobethoualsomustconform。
　　CREON
　　Otheeternityofwoethyminute’staleproclaims！
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Yestothee，buttothycountrygreatsalvation。
　　CREON
　　Ishutmyears；Ineverlistened；tocitynowfarewell！
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Ha！themanischanged；heisdrawingback。
　　CREON
　　Goinpeace；itisnotthyprophecyIneed。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Istruthdead，becausethouartcurstwithwoe？
　　CREON
　　BythykneesandhonouredlocksIimplorethee！
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Whyimploreme？thouartcravingacalamityhardtoguardagainst。
　　CREON
　　Keepsilence；tellnotthecitythynews。
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thoubiddestmeactunjustly；Iwillnotholdmypeace。
　　CREON
　　Whatwiltthouthendotome？slaymychild？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　Thatisforotherstodecide；Ihavebuttospeak。
　　CREON
　　Whencecamethiscurseonmeandmyson？
　　TEIRESIAS
　　ThoudostrighttoaskmeandtotestwhatIhavesaid。Inyonderlair，wheretheearth-borndragonkeptwatchandwardo’erDirce’ssprings，mustthisyouthbeofferedandshedhislife-bloodonthegroundbyreasonofAres’ancientgrudgeagainstCadmus，whothusavengestheslaughterofhisearth-bornsnake。Ifyedothis，yeshallwinAresasanally；andiftheearthreceivecropforcropandhumanbloodforblood，yeshallfindherkindagain，thatersttoyoursorrowrearedfromthatdragon’sseedacropofwarriorswithgoldencasques；forneedsmustonesprungfromthedragon’steethbeslain。Nowthouartouronlysurvivoroftheseedofthatsownrace，whoselineageispurealikeonmother’sandonfather’sside，thouandthesethysons。Haemon’smarriagedebarshimfrombeingthevictim，forheisnolongersingle；forevenifhehavenotconsummatedhismarriage，yetishebetrothed；butthistenderyouth，consecratedtothecity’sservice，mightbydyingrescuehiscountry；andbitterwillhemakethereturnofAdrastusandhisArgives，flingingo’ertheireyesdeath’sdarkpall，andwillglorifyThebes。Choosetheeoneofthesealternatives；eithersavethecityorthyson。
　　NowhastthouallIhavetosay。Daughter，leadmehome。Afool，themanwhopractisesthediviner’sart；forifheshouldannounceanadverseanswer，hemakeshimselfdislikedbythosewhoseektohim；
　　while，iffrompityhedeceivesthosewhoareconsultinghim，hesinsagainstHeaven。Phoebusshouldhavebeenman’sonlyprophet，forhefearsnoman。
　　（HisdaughterleadsTEIRESIASout。）
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Whysosilent，Creon，whyarethylipshushedanddumb？Itooamnolessstrickenwithdismay。
　　CREON
　　Why，whatcouldonesay？’Tisclearwhatmywordsmustbe。Forwillneverplungemyselfsodeeplyintomisfortuneastodevotemysontodeathforthecity；forloveofchildrenbindsallmentolife，andnonewouldresignhisownsontodie。Letnomanpraisemeintoslayingmychildren。Iamreadytodiemyself-forIamripeinyears-tosetmycountryfree。Butthou，myson，erethewholecitylearnthis，upandflywithallhasteawayfromthisland，regardlessoftheseprophets’unbridledutterances；forhewillgotothesevengatesandthecaptainsthereandtellallthistoourgovernorsandleaders；nowifwecanforestallhim，thoumaystbesaved，butifthouarttoolate，weareundoneandthouwiltdie。
　　MENOECEUS
　　WhithercanIfly？towhatcity？towhichofourguest-friends？
　　CREON
　　Flywherethouwiltbefurthestremovedfromthisland。
　　MENOECEUS
　　’Tisfortheetonameaplace，formetocarryoutthybidding。
　　CREON
　　AfterpassingDelphi-
　　MENOECEUS
　　WhithermustIgo，father？
　　CREON
　　ToAetolia。
　　MENOECEUS
　　Whitherthence？
　　CREON
　　TothelandofThesprotia。
　　MENOECEUS
　　ToDodona’shallowedthreshold？
　　CREON
　　Thoufollowestme。
　　MENOECEUS
　　WhatprotectionshallIfindmethere？
　　CREON
　　Thegodwillsendtheeonthyway。
　　MENOECEUS
　　HowshallIfindthemeans？
　　CREON
　　Iwillsupplytheewithmoney。
　　MENOECEUS
　　Agoodplanofthine，father。Sogo；forIwilltothysister，Jocasta，atwhosebreastIwassuckledasababewhenreftofmymotherandleftalonelyorphan，togiveherkindlygreetingandthenwillIseekmysafety。Come，come！begoing，thattherebenohindranceonthypart。
　　（CREONdeparts。）
　　Howcleverly，ladies，Ibanishedmyfather’sfearsbycraftywordstogainmyend；forheistryingtoconveymehence，deprivingthecityofitschanceandsurrenderingmetocowardice。Thoughanoldmanmaybepardoned，yetinmycasethereisnoexcuseforbetrayingthecountrythatgavemebirth。SoIwillgoandsavethecity，beassuredthereof，andgivemylifeupforthisland。Forthiswereshame，thattheywhomnooraclesbindandwhohavenotcomeunderFate’sironlaw，shouldstandthere，shouldertoshoulder，withneverafearofdeath，andfightfortheircountrybeforehertowers，whileIescapethekingdomlikeacoward，atraitortomyfatherandbrotherandcity；andwheresoe’erIlive，Ishallappearadastard。Nay，byZeusandallhisstars，byAres，godofblood，who’stablishedthewarrior-cropthatsprungonedayfromearthasprincesofthisland，thatshallnotbe！butgoIwill，andstandingonthetopmostbattlements，willdealmyowndeath-blowoverthedragon’sdeepdarkden，thespottheseerdescribed，andwillsetmycountryfree。Ihavespoken。NowIgotomakethecityapresentofmylife，nomeanoffering，toridthiskingdomofitsaffliction。Forifeachweretotakeandexpendallthegoodwithinhispower，contributingittohiscountry’sweal，ourstateswouldexperiencefewertroublesandwouldforthefutureprosper。
　　（MENOECEUSgoesout。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　stropheThoucam’st，Owingedfiend，spawnofearthandhellishviper-brood，topreyuponthesonsofCadmus，rifewithdeathandfraughtwithsorrow，halfamonster，halfamaid，amurderousprodigy，withrovingwingsandraveningclaws，thatindaysgonebydidstcatchupyouthfulvictimsfromthehauntsofDirce，withdiscordantnote，bringingadeadlycurse，awoeofbloodshedtoournativeland。A
　　murderousgodhewaswhobroughtallthistopass。Ineveryhousewasheardacryofmotherswailingandofwailingmaids，lamentationandthevoiceofweeping，aseachtookupthechantofdeathfromstreettostreetinturn。Loudrangthemourners’wail，andonegreatcrywentup，whene’erthatwingedmaidenboresomevictimoutofsightfromthecity。
　　antistropheAtlastcameOedipus，themanofsorrow，onhismissionfromDelphitothislandofThebes，ajoytothemthenbutafterwardscauseofgrief；for，whenhehadreadtheriddletriumphantly，heformedwithhismotheranunhallowedunion，woetohim！pollutingthecity；
　　andbyhiscurses，lucklesswight，heplungedhissonsintoaguiltystrife，causingthemtowadethroughseasofblood。Allreverencedowefeelforhim，whoisgonetohisdeathinhiscountry’scause，bequeathingtoCreonalegacyoftears，butdestinedtocrownwithvictoryoursevenfencedtowers。Mayourmotherhoodbeblessedwithsuchnoblesons，OPallas，kindlyqueen，whowithwell-aimedstonedidstspilltheserpent’sblood，rousingCadmusasthoudidsttobrooduponthetask，whereoftheissuewasademon’scursethatswoopeduponthislandandharriedit。
　　（TheFIRSTMESSENGERenters。）
　　MESSENGER
　　Hothere！whoisatthepalace-gates？Openthedoor，summonJocastaforth。Hothere！onceagainIcall；spiteofthislongdelaycomeforth；hearken，noblewifeofOedipus；ceasethylamentationandthytearsofwoe。
　　（JOCASTAentersfromthepalaceinanswertohiscall。）
　　JOCASTA
　　Surelythouartnotcome，myfriend，withthesadnewsofEteocles’death，besidewhoseshieldthouhastevermarched，wardingfromhimthefoeman’sdarts？Whattidingsartthouheretobringme？
　　Ismysonaliveordead？Declarethattome。
　　MESSENGER
　　Toridtheeofthyfearatonce，helives；thatterrorbanish。
　　JOCASTA
　　Next，howisitwiththeseventowersthatwallusin？
　　MESSENGER
　　Theystandunshatteredstill；thecityisnotyetaprey。
　　JOCASTA
　　HavetheybeeninjeopardyoftheArgivespear？
　　MESSENGER
　　Aye，ontheverybrink；butourThebanwarriorsprovedtoostrongforMycenae’smight。
　　JOCASTA
　　Onethingtellme，Iimplore；knowestthouaughtofPolyneices，isheyetalive？forthistooIlongtolearn。
　　MESSENGER
　　Asyetthysonsareliving，thepairofthem。
　　JOCASTA
　　Godblessthee！HowdidyousucceedinbeatingofffromourgatestheArgivehosts，whenthusbeleaguered？Tellme，thatImaygowithinandcheertheoldblindman，sinceourcityisstillsafe。
　　MESSENGER
　　AfterCreon’sson，whogaveuplifeforcountry，hadtakenhisstandontheturret’stopandplungedasworddark-hiltedthroughhisthroattosavethisland，thysontoldoffsevencompanieswiththeircaptainstothesevengatestokeepwatchontheArgivewarriors，andstationedcavalrytocovercavalry，andinfantrytosupportinfantry，thatassistancemightbecloseathandforanyweakpointinthewalls。ThenfromourloftytowerswesawtheArgivehostwiththeirwhiteshieldsleavingTeumessus，and，whennearthetrench，theychargeduptoourThebancityatthedouble。Inoneloudburstfromtheirranksandfromourbattlementsrangoutthebattle-cryandtrumpet-call。FirsttotheNeistiangate，Parthenopaeus，sonofthehuntressmaid，ledacompanybristlingwithserriedshields，himselfwithhisownpeculiarbadgeinthecentreofhistarge，AtalantaslayingtheAetolianboarwithanarrowshotfromfar。TothegatesofProetuscametheprophetAmphiaraus，bringingthevictimsonachariot；novauntingblazonhecarried，butweaponschastelyplain。Next，princeHippomedoncamemarchingtotheOgygianportwiththisdeviceuponhisboss，Argustheall-seeingwithhisspangledeyesuponthewatchwhereofsomeopenwiththerisingstars，whileothershecloseswhentheyset，asonecouldseeafterhewasslain。AttheHomoloiangatesTydeuswaspostinghimself，alion’sskinwithshaggymaneuponhisbuckler，whileinhisrighthandheboreatorch，likeTitanPrometheus，tofirethetown。ThyownsonPolyneicesledthebattle’gainsttheFountaingate；uponhisshieldforblazonwerethesteedsofPotniaegallopingatfranticspeed，revolvingbysomeclevercontrivanceonpivotsinsidethebucklerclosetothehandle，soastoappeardistraught。AtElectra’sgatefamedCapaneusbroughtuphiscompany，boldasAresforthefray；thisdevicehisbucklerboreuponitsironback，anearth-borngiantcarryingonhisshouldersawholecitywhichhehadwrenchedfromitsbase，hinttousofthefateinstoreforThebes。Adrastuswasstationedattheseventhgate；ahundredvipersfilledhisshieldwithgravenwork，asheboreonhisleftarmthatproudArgivebadge，thehydra，andserpentswerecarryingoffintheirjawsthesonsofThebesfromwithintheirverywalls。NowIwasenabledtoseeeachofthem，asIcarriedthewatch-wordalongthelinetotheleadersofourcompanies。Tobeginwith，wefoughtwithbowsandthongedjavelins，withslingsthatshootfromfarandshowersofcrashingstones；andaswewereconquering，Tydeusandthysononsuddencriedaloud，"YesonsofArgos，beforebeingriddledbytheirfire，whydelaytofalluponthegateswithmightandmain，thewholeofyou，light-armedandhorseandcharioteers？"Noloiteringthen，soonastheyheardthatcall；andmanyawarriorfellwithbloodycrown，andnotafewofusthoucouldsthaveseenthrowntotheearthliketumblersbeforethewalls，aftertheyhadgivenuptheghost，bedewingthethirstygroundwithstreamsofgore。ThenAtalanta’sson，whowasnotanArgivebutanArcadian，hurlinghimselflikeahurricaneatthegates，calledforfireandpickstorazethetown；butPericlymenus，sonoftheocean-god，stayedhiswildcareer，heavingonhisheadawaggon-loadofstone，eventhecopingtornfromthebattlements；anditshatteredhisheadwiththehairandcrashedthroughthesuturesoftheskull，dabblingwithbloodhischeekjustshowingmanhood’sflush；
　　andnevershallhegobackalivetohisfairarcher-mother，themaidofMaenalus。
　　Thysonthen，seeingthesegatessecure，wentontothenext，andIwithhim。ThereIsawTydeusandhisserriedranksoftargeteershurlingtheirAetolianspearsintotheopeningatthetopoftheturrets，withsuchgoodaimthatourmenfledandleftthebeetlingbattlements：butthysonralliedthemoncemore，asahuntsmancheershishounds，andmadethemmanthetowersagain。Andthenawaywehastenedtoothergates，afterstoppingthepanicthere。AsforthemadnessofCapaneus，howamItodescribeit？Therewashe，carryingwithhimalongscaling-ladderandloudlyboastingthateventheawfullightningofZeuswouldnotstayhimfromgivingthecitytoutterdestruction；andevenashespoke，hecreptupbeneaththehailofstones，gatheredundertheshelterofhisshield，mountingfromrungtorungonthesmoothladder；but，justashewasscalingtheparapetofthewall，Zeussmotehimwithathunderbolt；loudtheearthre-echoed，andfearseizedeveryheart；forhislimbswerehurledfromtheladderfarapartasfromasling，hisheadtowardthesky，hisbloodtowardearth，whilehislegsandarmswentspinningroundlikeIxion’swheel，tillhischarredcorpsefelltotheground。ButwhenAdrastussawthatZeuswasleaguedagainsthisarmy，hedrewtheArgivetroopsoutsidethetrenchandhaltedthem。Meantimeourhorse，markingtheluckyomenofZeus，begandrivingforththeirchariots，andourmen-at-armschargedintothethickoftheArgives，andeverythingcombinedtotheirdiscomfiture；menwerefallingandhurledheadlongfromchariots，wheelsflewoff，axlescrashedtogether，whileeverhighergrewtheheapsofslain；soforto-dayatleasthavewepreventedthedestructionofourcountry’sbulwarks；butwhetherfortunewillhereaftersmileuponthisland，thatrestswithHeaven；for，evenasitis，itowesitssafetytosomedeity。
　　Victoryisfair；andifthegodsaregrowingkinder，itwouldbewellwithme。
　　JOCASTA
　　Heavenandfortunesmile；formysonsareyetaliveandmycountryhathescapedruin。ButCreonseemstohavereapedthebitterfruitofmymarriagewithOedipus，bylosinghissontohissorrow，apieceofluck-forThebes，butbittergrieftohim。Pritheetothytaleagainandsaywhatmytwosonsnextintend。
　　MESSENGER
　　Forbeartoquestionfurther；alliswellwiththeesofar。
　　JOCASTA
　　Thywordsbutrousemysuspicions；Icannotleaveitthus。
　　MESSENGER
　　Hastthouanyfurtherwishthanthysons’safety？
　　JOCASTA
　　Yea，IwouldlearnwhetherinthesequelIamalsoblest。
　　MESSENGER
　　Letmego；thysonisleftwithouthissquire。
　　JOCASTA
　　Thereissomeevilthouarthiding，veilingitindarkness。
　　MESSENGER
　　Maybe；Iwouldnotaddillnewstothegoodthouhastheard。
　　JOCASTA
　　Thoumust，unlessthoutakewingsandflyaway。
　　MESSENGER
　　Ah！whydidstthounotletmegoafterannouncingmygoodnews，insteadofforcingmetodiscloseevil？Thosetwosonsofthineareresolvedondeedsofshamefulrecklessness，asinglecombatapartfromthehost，addressingtoArgivesandThebansalikewordsIwouldtheyhadneveruttered。Eteocles，takinghisstandonaloftytower，afterorderingsilencetobeproclaimedtothearmy，beganonthiswise，"YecaptainsofHellas，chieftainsofArgoshereassembled，andyefolkofCadmus，barternotyourlivesforPolyneicesorforme！
　　ForImyselfexcuseyoufromthisrisk，andwillengagemybrotherinsinglecombat；andifIslayhim，willpossessmypalacewithoutrival，butifIamworstedIwillbequeaththecitytohim。YemenofArgos，giveupthestruggleandreturntoyourland，norloseyourliveshere；oftheearth-sownfolkaswelltherearedeadenoughinthosealreadyslain。"
　　Sohe；thenthysonPolyneicesrushedfromthearrayandassentedtohisproposal；andalltheArgivesandthepeopleofCadmusshoutedtheirapproval，asthoughtheydeemeditjust。Onthesetermsthearmiesmadeatruce，andinthespacebetwixtthemtookanoathofeachotherfortheirleaderstoabideby。ForthwithinbrazenmailthosetwosonsofagedOedipuswerecasingthemselves；andlordsofThebeswithfriendlycareequippedthecaptainofthisland，whileArgivechieftainsarmedtheother。Theretheystoodindazzlingsheen，neitherblenching，alleagernesstohurltheirlanceseachattheother。Thencametheirfriendstotheirside，firstone，thenanother，withwordsofencouragement，towit：
　　"Polyneices，itrestswiththeetosetupanimageofZeusasatrophy，andcrownArgoswithfairrenown。"
　　OthershailedEteocles："Nowartthoufightingforthycity；
　　now，ifvictorious，thouhastthesceptreinthypower。"
　　Sospakethey，cheeringthemtothefray。
　　Meantimetheseersweresacrificingsheepandnotingthetonguesandforksoffire，thedampreekwhichisabadomen，andthetaperingflame，whichgivesdecisionsontwopoints，beingbothasignofvictoryanddefeat。But，ifthouhastanypowerorsubtlespeechorcharmedspell，go，staythychildrenfromthisfellaffray，forgreatistherisktheyrun。Theissuethereofwillbegrievoussorrowforthee，ifto-daythouartreftofboththysons。
　　（TheMESSENGERdepartsinhasteasANTIGONEcomesoutofthepalace。）
　　JOCASTA
　　Antigone，mydaughter，comeforthbeforethepalace；thisheaven-sentcrisisisnotimefortheetobedancingoramusingthyselfwithgirlishpursuits。Butthouandthymothermustpreventtwogallantyouths，thyownbrothers，fromplungingintodeathandfallingbyeachother’shand。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Mothermine，whatnewterrorartthouproclaimingtothydearonesbeforethepalace？
　　JOCASTA
　　Daughter，thybrothersareindangeroftheirlife。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whatmean’stthou？
　　JOCASTA
　　Theyhaveresolvedonsinglecombat。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Ohorror！whathastthoutotell，mother？
　　JOCASTA
　　Nowelcomenews；followme。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whitherawayfrommymaiden-bower？
　　JOCASTA
　　Tothearmy。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Icannotfacethecrowd。
　　JOCASTA
　　Modestyisnotfortheenow。
　　ANTIGONE
　　ButwhatcanIdo？
　　JOCASTA
　　Thoushaltendthybrothers’strife。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Bywhatmeans，mothermine？
　　JOCASTA
　　Byfallingattheirkneeswithme。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Leadontillweare’twixtthearmies；notimeforlingeringnow。
　　JOCASTA
　　Haste，mydaughter，haste！For，ifIcanforestalltheonsetofmysons，mayyetlive；butiftheybedead，Iwilllaymedownanddiewiththem。
　　（JOCASTAandANTIGONEhurriedlydepart。）
　　CHORUS（singing）
　　stropheAhme！mybosomthrillswithterror；andthroughmyfleshtherepassesathrobofpityforthehaplessmother。Whichofhertwosonswillsendtheothertoabloodygrave？ah，woeisme！OZeus，Oearth，alas！brotherseveringbrother’sthroatandrobbinghimoflife，cleavingthroughhisshieldtospillhisblood？Ahme！ahme！whichofthemwillclaimmydirgeofdeath？
　　antistropheWoeuntothee，thoulandofThebes！twosavagebeasts，twomurderoussouls，withbrandishedspearswillsoonbedrainingeachhisfallenfoeman’sgore。Woeisthem，thattheyeverthoughtofsinglecombat！inforeignaccentwillIchantadirgeoftearsandwailinginmourningforthedead。Closetomurderstandstheirfortune；thecomingdaywilldecideit。Fatal，ah！fatalwillthisslaughterbe，becauseoftheavengingfiends。
　　ButIseeCreononhiswayhithertothepalacewithbrowo’ercast；Iwillcheckmypresentlamentations。
　　（CREONenters。HeisfollowedbyattendantscarryingthebodyofMENOECEUS。）
　　CREON
　　Ahme！whatshallIdo？AmItomournwithbittertearsmyselformycity，roundwhichissettlingaswarmthickenoughtosendustoAcheron？Myownsonhathdiedforhiscountry，bringingglorytohisnamebutgrievouswoetome。HisbodyIrescuedbutnowfromthedragon’srockylairandsadlycarriedtheself-slainvictimhitherinmyarms；andmyhouseisfallenwithweeping：butnowIcometofetchmysisterJocasta，thelivingmustreverencethenethergodbypayinghonourtothedead。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Thysister，Creon，hathgoneforthandherdaughterAntigonewentwithher。
　　CREON
　　Whitherwentshe？andwherefore？tellme。
　　LEADER
　　Sheheardthathersonswereabouttoengageinsinglecombatfortheroyalhouse。
　　CREON
　　Whatisthis？Iwaspayingthelasthonourstomydeadson，andsoamlateinlearningthisfreshsorrow。
　　LEADER
　　’Tissometime，Creon，sincethysister’sdeparture，andI
　　expectthestruggleforlifeanddeathisalreadydecidedbythesonsofOedipus。
　　CREON
　　Alas！Iseeanomenthere，thegloomylookandcloudedbrowofyondermessengercomingtotellusthewholematter。
　　（TheSECONDMESSENGERenters。）
　　MESSENGER
　　Ah，woeisme！whatlanguagecanIfindtotellmytale？
　　CREON
　　Ourfateissealed；thyopeningwordsdonaughttoreassureus。
　　MESSENGER
　　Ah，woeisme！Idorepeat；forbesidethescenesofwoealreadyenactedIbringtidingsofnewhorror。
　　CREON
　　Whatisthytale？
　　MESSENGER
　　Thysister’ssonsarenownomore，Creon。
　　CREON
　　Alas！thouhastaheavytaleofwoeformeandThebesLEADER
　　OhouseofOedipus，hastthouheardthesetidings？
　　CREON
　　Ofsonsslainbytheself-samefate。
　　LEADER
　　Ataletomakeitweep，wereitendowedwithsense。
　　CREON
　　Oh！mostgrievousstrokeoffate！woeismeformysorrows！woe！
　　MESSENGER
　　Woeindeed！didstthoubutknowthesorrowsstilltotell。
　　CREON
　　Howcantheybemorehardtobearthanthese？
　　MESSENGER
　　Withhertwosonsthysisterhassoughtherdeath。
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　Loudly，loudlyraisethewail，andwithwhitehandssmiteuponyourheads！
　　CREON
　　Ah！woeisthee，Jocasta！whatanendtolifeandmarriagehastthoufoundtheriddlingoftheSphinx！Buttellmehowhertwosonswroughtthebloodydeed，thestrugglecausedbythecurseofOedipus。
　　MESSENGER
　　Ofoursuccessesbeforethetowersthouknowest，forthewallsarenotsofarawayastopreventthylearningeacheventasitoccurred。Nowwhenthey，thesonsofagedOedipus，haddonnedtheirbrazenmail，theywentandtooktheirstandbetwixtthehosts，chieftainsbothandgeneralstoo，todecidethedaybysinglecombat。ThenPolyneices，turninghiseyestowardsArgos，liftedupaprayer；"OHera，awfulqueens-forthyservantIam，sinceIhaveweddedthedaughterofAdrastusanddwellinhisland，-grantthatI
　　mayslaymybrother，andstainmyliftedhandwiththebloodofmyconqueredfoe。AshamefulprizeitisIask，myownbrother’sblood。"Andtomanyaneyethetearwouldriseattheirsadfate，andmenlookedatoneanother，castingtheirglancesround。
　　ButEteocles，lookingtowardsthetempleofPallaswiththegoldenshield，prayedthus，"DaughterofZeus，grantthatthisrightarmmaylaunchthespearofvictoryagainstmybrother’sbreastandslayhimwhohathcometosackmycountry。"SoonastheTuscantrumpetblew，thesignalforthebloodyfray，likethetorchthatfalls，’theydartedwildlyatoneanotherand，likeboarswhettingtheirsavagetusks，beganthefray，theirbeardswetwithfoam；andtheykeptshootingouttheirspears，buteachcrouchedbeneathhisshieldtoletthesteelglanceidlyoff；butifeithersawtheother’sfaceabovetherim，hewouldaimhislancethereat，eagertooutwithim。
　　Butbothkeptsuchcarefuloutlookthroughthespy-holesintheirshields，thattheirweaponsfoundnaughttodo；whilefromtheon-lookersfarmorethanthecombatantstrickledthesweatcausedbyterrorfortheirfriends。SuddenlyEteocles，inkickingasideastonethatrolledbeneathhistread，exposedalimboutsidehisshield，andPolyneicesseeingachanceofdealinghimablow，aimedadartatit，andtheArgiveshaftwentthroughhisleg；whereattheDanai，oneandall，criedoutforjoy。Butthewoundedman，seeingashoulderunguardedinthiseffort，plungedhisspearwithallhismightintothebreastofPolyneices，restoringgladnesstothecitizensofThebes，thoughhebrakeoffthespear-head；andso，atalossforaweapon，heretreatedfootbyfoot，tillcatchingupsplinteredrockheletitflyandshiveredtheother’sspear；andnowwasthecombatequal，foreachhadlosthislance。Thenclutchingtheirsword-hiltstheyclosed，androundandround，withshieldsclose-locked，theywagedtheirwildwarfare。AnonEteoclesintroducedthatcraftyThessaliantrick，havingsomeknowledgethereoffromhisintercoursewiththatcountry；disengaginghimselffromtheimmediatecontest，hedrewbackhisleftfootbutkepthiseyecloselyonthepitoftheother’sstomachfromadistance；thenadvancinghisrightfootheplungedhisweaponthroughhisnavelandfixeditinhisspine。DownfallsPolyneices，blood-bespattered，ribsandbellycontractinginhisagony。Butthatother，thinkinghisvictorynowcomplete，threwdownhisswordandsettospoilinghim，whollyintentthereon，withoutathoughtforhimself。Andthisindeedwashisruin；forPolyneices，whohadfallenfirst，wasstillfaintlybreathing，andhavinginhisgrievousfallretainedhissword，hemadelasteffortanddroveitthroughtheheartofEteocles。Theretheylie，fallensidebyside，bitingthedustwiththeirteeth，withouthavingdecidedthemastery。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　Ah，woeisthee！Oedipus，forthysorrows！howIpitythee！
　　Heaven，itseems，hasfulfilledthosecursesofthine。
　　MESSENGER
　　Nowhearwhatfurtherwoessucceeded。Justashertwosonshadfallenandlaydying，comestheirwretchedmotheronthescene，herdaughterwithher，inhothaste；andwhenshesawtheirmortalwounds，"Toolate，"shemoaned，"mysons，thehelpIbring"；andthrowingherselfoneachinturnsheweptandwailed，sorrowingo’erallhertoilinsucklingthem；andsotootheirsister，whowaswithher，"Supportersofyourmother’sageIdearbrothers，leavingmeforlorn，unwed！"ThenprinceEteocleswithonedeepdyinggasp，hearinghismother’scry，laidonherhismoisthand，andthoughhecouldnotsayaword，histear-filledeyeswereeloquenttoprovehislove。ButPolyneiceswasstillalive，andseeinghissisterandhisagedmotherhesaid，"Mothermine，ourendiscome；IpitytheeandmysisterAntigoneandmydeadbrother。ForIlovedhimthoughheturnedmyfoe，Ilovedhim，yes！inspiteofall。Buryme，mothermine，andthou，mysisterdear，inmynativesoil；pacifythecity’swraththatmaygetatleastthatmuchofmyownfatherland，althoughI
　　lostmyhome。Withthyhand，mother，closemineeyes（therewithhehimselfplacesherfingersonthelids）；andfareyewell；foralreadythedarknesswrapsmeround。"
　　Sobothatoncebreathedouttheirlifeofsorrow。Butwhentheirmothersawthissadmischance，inhero’ermasteringgriefshesnatchedfromacorpseitsswordandwroughtanawfuldeed，drivingthesteelrightthroughherthroat；andthereshelies，deadwiththedeadshelovedsowell，herarmsthrownroundthemboth。
　　Thereonthehostsprangtotheirfeetandfelltowrangling，wemaintainingthatvictoryrestedwithmymaster，theywiththeirs；
　　andamidourleadersthecontentionraged，someholdingthatPolyneicesgavethefirstwoundwithhisspear，othersthat，asbothweredead，victoryrestedwithneither。MeantimeAntigonecreptawayfromthehost；andthoseothersrushedtotheirweapons，butbysomeluckyforethoughtthefolkofCadmushadsatdownunderarms；andbyasuddenattackwesurprisedtheArgivehostbeforeitwasfullyequipped。Notonewithstoodouronset，andtheyfilledtheplainwithfugitives，whilebloodwasstreamingfromthecountlessdeadourspearshadslain。Soonasvictorycrownedourwarfare，somebegantorearanimagetoZeusforthefoe’sdefeat，otherswerestrippingtheArgivedeadoftheirshieldsandsendingtheirspoilsinsidethebattlements；andotherswithAntigonearebringingherdeadbrothershitherfortheirfriendstomourn。Sotheresultofthisstruggletoourcityhoversbetweenthetwoextremesofgoodandevilfortune。
　　（TheMESSENGERgoesout。）
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　Nolongerdothemisfortunesofthishouseextendtohearsayonly；
　　threecorpsesoftheslainliehereatthepalaceforalltosee，whobyonecommondeathhavepassedtotheirlifeofgloom。
　　（Duringthelament，ANTIGONEenters，followedbyservantswhohearthebodiesOfJOCASTA，ETEOCLES，andPOLYNEICES。）
　　ANTIGONE（chanting）
　　NoveilIdrawo’ermytendercheekshadedwithitsclusteringcurls；noshameIfeelfrommaidenmodestyatthehotbloodmantling’neathmyeyes，theblushuponmyface，asIhurrywildlyonindeath’strain，castingfrommyhairitstireandlettingmydelicaterobeofsaffronhueflyloose，atearfulescorttothedead。Ahme！
　　Woetothee，Polyneices！rightlynamed，Itrow；woetothee，Thebes！nomerestrifetoendinstrifewasthine；butmurdercompletedbymurderhathbroughtthehouseofOedipustoruinwithbloodsheddireandgrim。Omyhome，myhome！whatminstrelcanI
　　summonfromthedeadtochantafittingdirgeo’ermytearfulfate，asIbearthesethreecorpsesofmykin，mymotherandhersons，welcomesighttotheavengingfiendthatdestroyedthehouseofOedipus，rootandbranch，inthehourthathisshrewdnesssolvedtheSphinx’sriddlingrhymeandslewthatsavagesongstress。Woeisme！myfather！whatotherHelleneorbarbarian，whatnoblesoulamongthebygonetribesofman’spoormortalraceeverenduredtheanguishofsuchvisibleafflictions？
　　Ah！poormaid，howpiteousisthyplaint！Whatbirdfromitscovert’midtheleafyoakorsoaringpine-tree’sbranchwillcometomournwithme，themaidleftmotherless，withcriesofwoe，lamenting，ereitcomes，thepiteouslonelylife，thathenceforthmustbealwaysminewithtearsthateverstream？OnwhichofthesecorpsesshallIthrowmyofferingsfirst，pluckingthehairfrommyhead？onthebreastofthemotherthatsuckledme，orbesidetheghastlydeath-woundsofmybrothers’corpses？Woetothee，Oedipus，myagedsirewithsightlessorbs，leavethyroof，disclosethemiseryofthylife，thouthatdraggestoutawearyexistencewithinthehouse，havingcastamistofdarknesso’erthineeyes。Dosthear，thouwhoseagedstepnowgropesitswayacrossthecourt，nowseeksreposeonwretchedpalletcouch？
　　（OEDIPUSentersfromthepalace。HechantsthefollowinglinesresponsivelywithANTIGONE。）
　　OEDIPUS
　　Why，daughter，hastthoudraggedmetothelight，supportingmyblindfootstepsfromthegloomofmychamber，whereIlieuponmybedandmakepiteousmoan，ahoarysufferer，invisibleasaphantomoftheair，orasaspiritfromthepit，orasadreamthatflies？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Father，therearetidingsofsorrowfortheetobear；nomorethysonsbeholdthelight，orthywifewhoeverwouldtoiltotendthyblindfootstepsaswithastaff。Alasforthee，mysire！
　　OEDIPUS
　　Ahme，thesorrowsIendure！Imaywellsaythat。Tellme，child，whatfateo’ertookthosethree，andhowtheyleftthelight。
　　ANTIGONE
　　NottoreproachormocktheesayIthis，butinallsadness；
　　’tisthyownavengingcurse，withallitsloadofslaughter，fire，andruthlesswar，thatisfallenonthysons。Alasforthee，mysire！
　　OEDIPUS
　　Ahme！
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whydostthougroan？
　　OEDIPUS
　　’Tisformysons。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Couldstthouhavelookedtowardsyonsun-god’sfour-horsedcarandturnedthelightofthineeyesonthesecorpses，itwouldhavebeenagonytothee。
　　OEDIPUS
　　’Tisclearenoughhowtheirevilfateo’ertookmysons；butshe，mypoorwifetellme，daughter，howshecametodie。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Allsawherweepandheardhermoan，assherushedforthtocarrytohersonsherlastappeal，amother’sbreast。ButthemotherfoundhersonsattheElectrangate，inameadowwherethelotusblooms，fightingouttheirduellikelionsintheirlair，eagertowoundeachotherwithspears，theirbloodalreadycongealed，amurderouslibationtotheDeath-godpouredoutbyAres。Then，snatchingfromcorpseaswordofhammeredbronze，sheplungeditinherflesh，andinsorrowforhersonsfellwithherarmsaroundthem。Soto-day，father，thegod，whose’erthisissueis，hasgatheredtoaheadthesumofsufferingforourhouse。
　　LEADEROFTHECHORUS
　　To-dayisthebeginningofmanytroublestothehouseofOedipus；mayhelivetobemorefortunate！
　　CREON
　　Ceasenowyourlamentations；’tistimewebethoughtusoftheirburial。HearwhatIhavetosay，Oedipus。Eteocles，thyson，leftmetorulethisland，byassigningitasamarriageportiontoHaemonwiththehandofthydaughterAntigone。WhereforeIwillnolongerpermittheetodwelltherein，forTeiresiasplainlydeclaredthatthecitywouldneverprospersolongasthouwertintheland。Sobegone！AndthisIsaynottofloutthee，norbecauseIbeartheeanygrudge，butfromfearthatsomecalamitywillcomeupontherealmbyreasonofthosefiendsthatdogthysteps。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Odestiny！towhatalifeofpainandsorrowdidstthoubearmebeyondallmenthateverwere，e’enfromtheveryfirst；yeaforwhenIwasyetunborn，oreverIhadleftmymother’swombandseenthelight，ApolloforetoldtoLaiusthatIshouldbecomemyfather’smurderer；woeisme！So，assoonasIwasborn，myfathertriedtoendagainthehaplesslifehehadgiven，deemingmehisfoe，foritwasfatedheshoulddieatmyhand；sohesentmestillunweanedtomakeapitifulmealforbeasts，butIescapedfromthat。Ah！wouldthatCithaeronhadsunkintohell’syawningabyss，inthatitslewmenot！InsteadthereofFatemademeaslaveintheserviceofPolybus；
　　andI，poorwretch，afterslayingmyownfathercametowedmymothertohersorrow，andbegatsonsthatweremybrothers，whomalsoIhavedestroyed，bybequeathinguntothemthelegacyofcursesI
　　receivedfromLaius。Fornaturedidnotmakemesovoidofunderstanding，thatIshouldhavedevisedthesehorrorsagainstmyowneyesandmychildren’slifewithouttheinterventionofsomegod。
　　Letthatpass。WhatamI，poorwretch，todo？Whonowwillbemyguideandtendtheblindman’sstep？Shallshe，thatisdead？Wereshealive，Iknowrightwellshewould。Mypairofgallantsons，then？Buttheyaregonefromme。AmIstillsoyoungmyselfthatIcanfindalivelihood？WhencecouldI？OCreon，whyseekthustoslaymeutterly？
　　Forsothouwilt，ifthoubanishmefromtheland。YetwillInevertwinemyarmsaboutthykneesandbetraycowardice，forIwillnotbeliemyformergallantsoul，no！notforallmyevilcase。
　　CREON
　　Thywordsarebraveinrefusingtotouchmyknees，andIamequallyresolvednottolettheeabideintheland。Forthesedead，bearoneforth-withtothepalace；buttheother，whocamewithstrangerfolktosackhisnativetown，thedeadPolyneices，castforthunburiedbeyondourfrontiers。ToalltheraceofCadmusshallthisbeproclaimed，thatwhosoe’eriscaughtdeckinghiscorpsewithwreathsorgivingitburial，shallberequitedwithdeath；unwept，unburiedlethimlie，apreytobirds。Asforthee，Antigone，leavethymourningfortheselifelessthreeandbetakethyselfindoorstoabidethereinmaidenstateuntilto-morrow，whenHaemonwaitstowedthee。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Ofather，inwhatcruelmiseryareweplunged！FortheeImournmorethanforthedead；forinthywoesthereisnooppositetotrouble，butuniversalsorrowisthylot。Asforthee，thounew-madeking，why，Iask，dostthoumockmyfatherthuswithbanishment？Whystartmakinglawsoverahelplesscorpse？
　　CREON
　　ThiswaswhatEteocles，notI，resolved。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Afoolishthought，andfoolishartthouforentertainingit！
　　CREON
　　What！oughtInottocarryouthisbehests？
　　ANTIGONE
　　No；notiftheyarewrongandill-advised。
　　CREON
　　Why，isitnotjustforthatothertobegiventothedogs？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Nay，thevengeanceyeareexactingisnolawfulone。
　　CREON
　　Itis；forhewashiscountry’sfoe，thoughnotafoemanborn。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Well，tofateherendereduphisdestinies。
　　CREON
　　Lethimnowpayforfeitinhisburialtoo。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whatcrimedidhecommitincomingtoclaimhisheritage？
　　CREON
　　Beverysureofthis，yonmanshallhavenoburial。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Iwillburyhim，althoughthestateforbids。
　　CREON
　　Doso，andthouwiltbemakingthyowngravebyhis。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Anobleend，fortwosonearanddeartobelaidsidebyside！
　　CREON（tohisservants）
　　Ho！seizeandbearherwithinthepalace。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Never！forIwillnotloosemyholduponthiscorpse。
　　CREON
　　Heaven’sdecrees，girl，fitnotthyfancies。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Decrees！hereisanother，"Noinsulttothedead。"
　　CREON
　　Besurethatnoneshallsprinkleoverthecorpsethemoisteneddust。
　　ANTIGONE
　　OCreon，bymymother’scorpse，byJocasta，Iimplorethee！
　　CREON
　　’Tisbutlostlabour；thouwiltnotgainthyprayer。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Letmebutbathethedeadbody-
　　CREON
　　Nay，thatwouldbepartofwhatthecityisforbidden。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Atleastletmebandagethegapingwounds。
　　CREON
　　No；thoushaltneverpayhonourtothiscorpse。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Omydarling！onekissatleastwillIprintuponthylips。
　　CREON
　　Donotletthismourningbringdisasteronthymarriage。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Marriage！dostthinkIwilllivetowedthyson？
　　CREON
　　Mostcertainlythoumust；howwiltthouescapehisbed？
　　ANTIGONE
　　ThenifImust，ourwedding-nightwillfindanotherDanaidbrideinme。
　　CREON（turningtoOEDIPUS）
　　Dostwitnesshowboldlyshereproachedme？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Witnessthissteel，theswordbywhichIswear！
　　CREON
　　Whyartsobentonbeingreleasedfromthismarriage？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Imeantosharemyhaplessfather’sexile。
　　CREON
　　Anoblespiritthinebutsomewhattouchedwithfolly。
　　ANTIGONE
　　LikewisewillIsharehisdeath，Itelltheefurther。
　　CREON
　　Go，leavetheland；thoushaltnotmurdersonofmine。
　　（CREONgoesout，followedbyhisattendantswhocarrywiththemthebodyOfMENOECEUS。）
　　OEDIPUS
　　Daughter，forthisloyalspiritIthankthee。
　　ANTIGONE
　　WereItowed，thenthou，myfather，wouldstbealoneinthyexile。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Abidehereandbehappy；Iwillbearmyownloadofsorrow。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Andwhoshalltendtheeinthyblindness，father？
　　OEDIPUS
　　Wherefateappoints，therewillIlaymedownupontheground。
　　ANTIGONE
　　WhereisnowthefamousOedipus，wherethatfamousriddle？
　　OEDIPUS
　　Lostforever！onedaymade，andonedaymarredmyfortune。
　　ANTIGONE
　　MaynotItoosharethysorrows？
　　OEDIPUS
　　Towanderwithherblindedsirewereshameuntohischild。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Notso，father，butgloryrather，ifshebeamaiddiscreet。
　　OEDIPUS
　　LeadmenighthatImaytouchthymother’scorpse。
　　ANTIGONE
　　So！embracetheagedformsodeartothee。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Woeisthee，thymotherhood，thymarriagemostunblest！
　　ANTIGONE
　　Apiteouscorpse，apreytoeveryillatonce！
　　OEDIPUS
　　WhereliesthecorpseofEteocles，andofPolyneices，where？
　　ANTIGONE
　　Bothliestretchedbeforethee，sidebyside。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Laytheblindman’shanduponhispoorsons’brows。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Therethen！touchthedead，thychildren。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Woeforyou！dearfallensons，sadoffspringofasireassad！
　　ANTIGONE
　　OmybrotherPolyneices，namemostdeartome！
　　OEDIPUS
　　NowistheoracleofLoxiasbeingfulfilled，mychild。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Whatoraclewasthat？canstthouhavefurtherwoestotell？
　　OEDIPUS
　　ThatIshoulddieingloriousAthensafteralifeofwandering。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Where？whatfencedtowninAtticawilltaketheein？
　　OEDIPUS
　　HallowedColonus，homeofthegodofsteeds。Comethen，attendonthyblindfather，sincethouartmindedtosharehisexile。
　　（OEDIPUSandANTIGONEchanttheirremaininglinesastheyslowlydepart。）
　　ANTIGONE
　　Towretchedexilegothyway；stretchforththyhand，myagedsire，takingmetoguidethee，likeabreezethatspeedethbarques。
　　OEDIPUS
　　See，daughter，Iamadvancing；bethoumyguide，poorchild。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Ah，poorindeed！thesaddestmaidofallinThebes。
　　OEDIPUS
　　WhereamIplantingmyagedstep？Bringmystaff，child。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Thisway，thisway，fathermine！plantthyfootstepshere，likedreamforallthestrengththouhast。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Woeuntotheethatartdrivingmyagedlimbsingrievousexilefromtheirland！Ahme！thesorrowsIendure！
　　ANTIGONE
　　"Endure"！whyspeakofenduring？Justiceregardethnotthesinnerandrequitethnotmen’sfollies。
　　OEDIPUS
　　IamhewhosenamepassedintohighsongsofvictorybecauseI
　　guessedthemaiden’sbafflingriddle。
　　ANTIGONE
　　ThouartbringingupagainthereproachoftheSphinx。Talknomoreofpastsuccess。Thismiserywasinstorefortheeallthewhile，tobecomeanexilefromthycountryanddiethouknowestnotwhere；
　　whileI，bequeathingtomygirlishfriendstearsofsadregret，mustgoforthfrommynativeland，roamingasnomaidenought。
　　Ah！thisdutifulresolvewillcrownmewithgloryinrespectofmyfather’ssufferings。Woeismefortheinsultsheapedontheeandonmybrotherwhosedeadbodyiscastforthfromthepalaceunburied；
　　poorboy！Iwillyetburyhimsecretly，thoughIhavetodieforit，father。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Tothycompanionsshowthyself。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Myownlamentssuffice。
　　OEDIPUS
　　Gopraythenatthealtars。
　　ANTIGONE
　　Theyarewearyofmypiteoustale。
　　OEDIPUS
　　AtleastgoseektheBromiangodinhishallowedhauntamongsttheMaenads’hills。
　　ANTIGONE
　　OfferinghomagethatisnohomageinHeaven’seyestohiminwhosehonourIoncefringedmydresswiththeThebanfawn-skinandledthedanceuponthehillsfortheholychoirofSemele？
　　OEDIPUS
　　Mynoblefellow-countrymen，beholdme；IamOedipus，whosolvedthefamousriddle，andoncewasfirstofmen，IwhoalonecutshortthemurderousSphinx’styrannyamnowmyselfexpelledthelandinshameandmisery。Goto；whymakethismoanandbootlesslamentation？WeakmortalasIam，ImustendurethefatethatGoddecrees。
　　CHORUS（chanting）
　　HailmajesticVictory！keepthoumylifenoreverceasetocrownmysong！-THEEND-