Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Jebb 1917).djvu/157

533—556] knew not that I was nurturing two pests, to rise against my throne—come, tell me now, wilt thou also confess thy part in this burial, or wilt thou forswear all knowledge of it?

. I have done the deed,—if she allows my claim,—and share the burden of the charge.

. Nay, justice will not suffer thee to do that: thou didst not consent to the deed, nor did I give thee part in it.

. But, now that ills beset thee, I am not ashamed to sail the sea of trouble at thy side.

. Whose was the deed, Hades and the dead are witnesses: a friend in words is not the friend that I love.

. Nay, sister, reject me not, but let me die with thee, and duly honour the dead.

. Share not thou my death, nor claim deeds to which thou hast not put thy hand: my death will suffice.

. And what life is dear to me, bereft of thee?

. Ask Creon; all thy care is for him.

. Why vex me thus, when it avails thee nought?

. Indeed, if I mock, 'tis with pain that I mock thee.

. Tell me,—how can I serve thee, even now?

. Save thyself: I grudge not thy escape.

. Ah, woe is me! And shall I have no share in thy fate?

. Thy choice was to live; mine, to die.

. At least thy choice was not made without my protest.