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58 put to the proof; for Creon, whom Ismene had described as already on his way to seize and carry off Œdipus to Thebes, enters in person at the head of an armed force. As the Chorus shrink back from him in alarmed surprise, he deprecates their fears in a speech—masterly, whether we regard the purpose of the orator or the policy of the statesman. He compliments the citizens on their noble city; he condoles with the sightless king on his many sorrows; he commiserates the forlorn condition of the maidens. All may yet be well, he argues, if Œdipus will take heart of grace, and accept the proffered invitation of the Thebans to return. But Œdipus is not to be easily convinced. He sees through the polished insincerity of Creon's speech, and denounces those specious promises made with "feigned lips"—

As to his returning to Thebes, merely that he may bring profit to his ungrateful country and his unnatural kindred—

Then Creon throws off the mask: since fair words have failed him, he will use force; and in spite of the indignation of the Chorus, the outcry of the maidens, and the feeble resistance of Œdipus, the Theban guards drag off Antigone and Ismene as hostages for their father; and Creon even threatens that