1 Sophocles' Antigone Introduction, translation, and notes by ...

Antigone
Yes. Because this order did not come from the gods above nor those below
and I didn't think that any edict issued by you had the power
to override the unwritten and unfailing law of the gods.
That law lives not only for today or yesterday, but forever.
I did not fear the judgement of a mere man so much as that of the immortal gods.
I knew I would die some day. Of course I knew –
even if you hadn't made your proclamation.
And if I must die before I have a chance to live, well, then, so be it.
Anyone who has been living as I have, buried alive in sorrow,
thinks death a blessing. For me death holds no pain,
but if I had left my brother unburied, for that I would have suffered.
It is a fool who calls what I have done foolish.
Chorus
Savage child of a savage father. Suffering has taught her nothing.
Creon
(Addressing chorus, and audience) It's the stubborn spirit
that's more prone to fall than others; it's the toughest iron that snaps and shatters.
I have seen wild horses tamed by a small bridle.
Arrogance does not suit a young girl.
She showed her insolence when she broke the law, and that's not all.
It was one crime to do it, but to boast about it afterwards?
If she gets away with this, she is the man - not I.
Even if she is my sister's child, and closer in blood
than any other member of our house,
she and her sister will not escape punishment.
Oh, yes, the other is equally guilty.
Call her; a moment ago I saw her inside, ranting and out of her wits.
The mind often betrays the criminal, even when he plots his evil in the dark.
(Turning to Antigone) But what I hate most is someone who's caught putting a good face
on the crime!
Will my death satisfy you?
Antigone
Creon
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