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
[560]
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
[565]
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
[570]
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
[575]
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.To the two Attendants. No more delay! Servants, take them inside! Hereafter they must be women, and not left at large.
[580]
For it is known that even the brave seek to flee, when they see Death now closing on their life.Exeunt Attendants, guarding Antigone and Ismene. Creon remains.
