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189 ANTIGONE 189

A deadly blow with sharp two-edg^d sword ?

Fearful my fate, alas ! And with a fearful woe full sore beset.

Second Messenger. She in her death charged thee with being the cause Of all their sorrows, these and those of old. uoo

Creon. And in what way struck she the murderous

blow ? Second Messenger. With her own hand below her heart she stabbed, Hearing her son's most pitiable fate.

Creon. Ah me ! The fault is mine. On no one else. Of all that live, the fearful guilt can come : mo

I, even I, did slay thee, woe is me I I, yes, I speak the truth. Lead me, ye guards, Lead me forth quickly ; lead me out of sight. More crushed to nothing; than is nothing's self.

Chorus. Thou counsellest gain, if gain there be in

ills, 1415

For present ills when shortest then are best.

Creon. O, come thou then, come thou. The last of all my dooms, that brings to me Best boon, my life's last day. Come then, Ο come, That never more I look upon the light. 1420

Chorus. These things are in the future. AVhat is near. That we must do. O'er what is yet to come They watch, to Whom that work of right belongs.

Creon. I did but pray for what I most desire.

Chorus. Pray thou for nothing then : for mortal man 1425

There is no issue from a doom decreed.

Creon [looking at the two corpses^. Lead me then forth, vain shadow that I am.