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Creon
You who were lurking like a viper in my own house and secretly gulping up my life's blood, while I was oblivious that I was nurturing two plagues, two revolutions against my throne—tell me now, will you also affirm [535] your share in this burial, or will you forswear all knowledge of it? Ismene
I performed the deed—as long as she concurs—and I share and carry the burden of guilt. Antigone
No, justice will not permit you to do this, since you were not willing to help with the deed, nor did I give you a part in it. Ismene
[540] But now with this sea of troubles around you, I am not ashamed to sail in a sea of suffering at your side. Antigone
As to whose deed it is, Hades and the dead are witnesses. A friend in words is not the type of friend I love. Ismene
No, sister, do not strip me of death's honor, [545] but let me die with you and make due consecration to the dead. Antigone
Do not share my death. Do not claim deeds to which you did not put your hand. My death will suffice. Ismene
And how can I cherish life, once I am deprived of you? Antigone
Ask Creon. Your concern is for him. Ismene
[550] Why do you torture me like this, when it does not help you? Antigone
No, if I mock you, it is to my own pain that I do so. Ismene
Tell me, how can I help you, even now? Antigone
Save yourself. I do not grudge your escape. Ismene
Ah, misery! Will I fall short of sharing your fate? Antigone
[555] Your choice was to live, it was mine to die.
Sophocles. The Antigone of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1891.
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