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180 180 SOPHOCLES

And tliou shalt not escape its fiery sting. ii65

And now, Ο boy, lead thou me home again,

That he may vent his spleen on younger men,

And learn to keep his tongue more orderly,

AVith better thoughts than this his present mood. [Exit.

Chorus. The man has gone, Ο king, predicting woe, And well we know, since first our raven hair nn

AVas mixed with gray, that never yet his words Were uttered to our State and failed of truth.

Creon. I know it too, 't is that that troubles me. To yield is hard, but, holding out, to smite U75

One's soul with sorrow, this is harder still.

Chorus. We need wise counsel, Ο Menoekeus' son.

Creon. What shall I do ? Speak thou, and I'll obey.

Chorus. Go then, and free the maiden from her tomb,^ And give a grave to him who lies exposed. uso

Creon. Is this thy counsel ? Dost thou bid me yield ?

Chorus. Without delay, Ο king, for lo ! they come. The Gods' swift-footed ministers of ill, And in an instant lay the self-willed low. U84

Creon. Ah me ! 't is hard ; and yet I bend my will To do thy bidding. With necessity We must not fight at such o'erwhelming odds.

Chorus. Go then and act ! Commit it not to others.

Creon. E'en as I am I '11 go. Come, come, my men. Present or absent, come, and in your hands U90

Bring axes : come to yonder eminence. And I, since now my judgment leans that way. Who myself bound her, now myself will loose, Too much I fear lest it should wisest prove Maintaining ancient laws to end my life. [Exit.

1 The cave in Avhicli Antic^one had been immured alive.