Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/169

139 ANTIGONE 139

Antigone. And does not Creon treat our brothers twain One with the rights of burial, one with shame ? Eteocles, so say they, he interred

Fitly, with wonted rites, as one held meet 25

To pass with honor to the dead below. But for the corpse of Polyneices, slain So piteously, they say, he has proclaimed To all the citizens, that none should give His body burial, or bewail his fate, 30

But leave it still unwept, unsepulchred,^ A prize full rich for birds that scent afar Their sweet repast. So Creon bids, they say, Creon the good, commanding thee and me, — Yes, me, I say, — and now is coming here, 35

To make it clear to those who know it not, And counts the matter not a trivial thing ; But whoso does the things that he forbids. For him there waits within the city's walls The death of stoning. Thus, then, stands thy case ; 40 And quickly thou wilt show, if thou art born Of noble nature, or degenerate liv'st. Base child of honored parents.

Ismene. How could I,

Ο daring in thy mood, in this our plight. Or breaking law or keeping, aught avail ? 45

Antigone. AVilt thou with me share risk and toil? Look to it.

^ The horror with which the Greek mind thought of this preven- tion of burial rites is seen in the prayer of Polyneices ( Oed. Col., 1410),-

" Give me honors meet, A seemly burial, decent funeral rites."

Compare the last request of Hector, p. 12.