Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/123

1414—1439] . Polyneices, I entreat thee, hear me in one thing!

. What is it, dearest Antigone? Speak!

. Turn thy host back to Argos,—aye, with all speed,—and destroy not thyself and Thebes.

. Nay, it cannot be: for how again could I lead the same host, when once I had blenched?

. But why, my brother, should thine anger rise again? What gain is promised thee in destroying thy native city?

. 'Tis shame to be an exile, and, eldest born as I am, to be thus mocked on my brother's part.

. Seest thou, then, to what sure fulfilment thou art bringing his prophecies, who bodes mutual slaying for you twain?

. Aye, for he wishes it:—but I must not yield.

. Ah me unhappy!—But who will dare to follow thee, hearing what prophecies yon man hath uttered?

. I will not e'en report ill tidings: 'tis a good leader's part to tell the better news, and not the worse.

. Brother! Thy resolve, then, is thus fixed?

. Yea,—and detain me not. For mine it now shall be to tread yon path, with evil doom and omen from this my sire and from his Furies; but for you twain, may Zeus make your path bright, if ye do my wishes when I am dead,—since in my life ye can do them no more.—(He gently disengages himself from their embrace.) Now, release me,—and farewell; for nevermore shall ye behold me living.

. Woe is me! . Mourn not for me. .