Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/177

147 ANTIGONE 147

Creon. Be ye then guardians of the things I speak. 240

Chorus. Commit this task to one of younger years. Creon. Nay, watchmen are appointed for the corpse. Chorus. What other task then dost thou lay on us ? Creon. Not to consent with those that disobey. Chorus. None are so foolish as to seek for death. 245 Creon. Yet that shall be the doom ; but love of gain Hath oft with false hopes lured men to their death.

Enter Guard. *

Guard. I will not say, Ο king, that I have come Panting with speed, and plying nimble feet, For I had many halting-points of thought, 250

Backwards and forwards turning, round and round : For now my mind would give me sage advice ; " Poor wretch, why go where thou must bear the blame ? Or wilt thou tarry, fool ? Shall Creon know These things from others? How wilt thou 'scape grief ? " 255

Revolving thus, I came in haste, yet slow, And thus a short way finds itself prolonged ; But, last of all, to come to thee prevailed. And though I tell of nought, yet I will speak ; For this one hope I cling to, might and main, 260

That I shall suffer nought but destiny.

Creon. What is it then that causes such dismay?

Guard. First, for mine own share in it, this I say, The deed I did not, do not know who did, Nor should I rightly come to ill for it. 265

Creon. Thou f eel'st thy way and f encest up thy deed All round and round. 'T would seem thou hast some news.