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153 ANTIGONE 153

I stand in doubt. Can I, who know her, say

That this is not the maid Antigone ?

Ο wretched one of wretched father born,

Thon child of Oedipus,

What means this ? Surely 't is not that they bring 415

Thee as a rebel 'gainst the king's decree,

And taken in the folly of thine act ?

Guard. Yes ! She it was by whom the deed was done. We found her burying. Where is Creon, pray ? 419 Chonis. Back from his palace comes he just in time.

E)iter Creox. Creon. What chance is this, with which my coming

fits? Guard. Men, Ο my king, should pledge themselves to nought ; For cool reflection makes their purpose void. I surely thought I should be slow to come here, Cowed by thy threats, which then fell thick on me ; 425 But now persuaded by the sweet delight Which comes unlooked for, and beyond our hopes, I come, although I swore the contrary. Bringing this maiden, whom in act we found Decking the grave. No need for lots was now ; 430 The prize was mine, and not another man's. And now, Ο king, take her, and as thou wilt. Judge and convict her. I can claim a risrht To wash my hands of all this troublous coil.

Creon. How and where Λvas it that ye seized and

brought her ? 435

Guard. She was in act of burying. Thou knowest

all. Creon. Dost know and rightly speak the tale thou tell'st?