Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/193

163 ANTIGONE 163

No marriage weighs one moment in the scales With me, while thou dost guide my steps aright. Creon. This thought, my son, should dwell within thy breast, That all things stand below a father's will ; For so men pray that they may rear and keep eeo

Obedient offspring by their hearths and homes, That they may both requite their father's foes. And pay with him like honors to his friend. But he who reareth sons that profit not, What could one say of him but this, that he ess

Breeds his own sorrow, laughter to his foes ? Lose not thy reason, then, my son, o'ercome By pleasure, for a woman's sake, but know, A cold embrace is that to have at home A worthless wife, the partner of thy bed. too

What ulcerous sore is worse than one we love Who proves all worthless ? Xo I with loathing scorn, As hateful to thee, let that girl go wed A spouse in Hades. Taken in the act I found her, her alone of all the State, 705

Rebellious. And I will not make myself False to the State. She dies. So let her call On Zeus, the lord of kindred. If I rear Of mine own stock things foul and orderless, I shall have work enough with those without. 7io

For he who in the life of home is good Will still be seen as just in things of state ; I should be sure that man would govern well. And know well to be go'erned, and would stand In war's wild storm, on his appointed post, -15

A just and good defender. But the man Who by transgressions ^iolates the laws, Or thinks to bid the powers that be obey,