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145 ANTIGONE 145

Comes to us, steering on some new device ;

For, lo ! he hath convened,

By herald's loud command, leo

This council of the elders of our land.

Enter Creon.

Creon. My friends, for what concerns our common- wealth. The Gods who vexed it with the billowing storms Have righted it again ; and I have sent. By special summons, calling you to come les

Apart from all the others. This, in part, As knowing ye did all along uphold The might of Laius' ^ throne ; in part again, Because when Oedipus our country ruled. And, when he perished, then towards his sons 190

Ye still were faithful in your steadfast mind. And since they fell, as by a double death. Both on the selfsame day with murderous blow. Smiting and being smitten, now I hold Their thrones and all their power of sov'reiguty 195 By nearness of my kindred to the dead.^ And hard it is to learn what each man is, In heart and mind and judgment, till he gain Experience in princedom and in laws. For me, whoe'er is called to guide a State, 200

And does not catch at counsels wise and good. But holds his peace through any fear of man, I deem him basest of all men that are, And so have deemed long since ; and whosoe'er As worthier than his country counts his friend, 205

^ The former king of Thebes, and father of Oedipus. ^ Creou was son of Menoeceus and brother to locasta, the wife and mother of Oedipus.