THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

[1323-1353] Antigone 459
CHORUS
Thy counsels are good, if there can be good with ills; briefest is best,
when trouble is in our path.
CREON
antistrophe 3
Oh, let it come, let it appear, that fairest of fates for me, that brings
my last day—aye, best fate of all! Oh, let it come, that I may never
look upon to-morrow's light.
CHORUS
These things are in the future; present tasks claim our care; the ordering
of the future rests where it should rest.
CREON
All my desires, at least, were summed in that prayer.
CHORUS
Pray thou no more; for mortals have no escape from destined woe.
CREON
antistrophe 4
Lead me away, I pray you; a rash, foolish man; who have slain
thee, ah my son, unwittingly, and thee, too, my wife—unhappy that
I am! I know not which way I should bend my gaze, or where I should
seek support; for all is amiss with that which is in my hands,—and
yonder, again, a crushing fate hath leapt upon my head.
(As CREON is being conducted into the palace, the LEADER OF THE
CHORUS speaks the closing verses.)
LEADER
Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness; and reverence towards the
gods must be inviolate. Great words of prideful men are ever punished
with great blows, and, in old age, teach the chastened to be wise.