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-