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160 IGO SOPHOCLES

Ismene. How could I live without her presence

here? Creon. Speak not of presence. She is here no

more. eio

Ismene. And wilt thou slay thy son's betrothed

bride ? Creon. Full many a field there is which he may

plough. Ismene. None like that plighted troth 'twixt him

and her. Creon. Wives that are vile I love not for my sons. Ismene. Ah, dearest Haemon, how thy father

shames thee ! eis

Creon. Thou with that marriage dost but vex my

soul. Chorus. And wilt thou rob thy son of her he loved ? Creon. 'T is Death, not I, shall break the marriage

off. Chorus. Her doom is fixed, it seems, then. She

must die. Creon. Fixed, yes, by me and thee. No more

delay, 620

Lead them within, ye slaves. These must be kept Henceforth as women, suffered not to roam ; For even boldest natures shrink in fear When they see Hades overshadowing life.

[Exeunt Guakds with Antigone and Ismene.

Strophe I.

Chorus. Blessed are those whose life no woe doth taste ! 625

For unto those whose house The Gods have shaken, nothing fails of curse Or woe, that creeps to generations far.