Here the actual subject of the play could end; but we are not only to be satiated with calamity, but to expect more; and, what is better, the weakness of all this wailing is to be relieved by the heroism of Antigone. A herald comes upon the scene, bringing the decree of the elders of the city with regard to the burial of the two brothers. Eteocles is to be carried to the tomb with all honour, as a hero and patriot; but Polynices, as an enemy of his country, is to be cast out, unburied, to the birds and to the dogs. Such is the decree of the Theban rulers. Antigone replies:—
"And to the Theban rulers I declare,
If none besides dare bury him, myself
Will do that office, heedless of the danger,
And think no shame to disobey the state,
Paying the last sad duties to a brother.
Nature has tender ties, and strangely joins
The offspring of the same unhappy mother
And the same wretched father. In this task
Shrink not, my soul, to share the ills he suffered,
Involuntary ills; and while life warms
This breast be bold to show a sister's love
To a dead brother! Shall the famished wolves
Fatten on him? Away with such a thought!"
In spite of the state's repeated prohibition she persists in her resolve, and goes out at once to perform it. This is the closing scene. The two corpses are carried out separately, Antigone and half the Chorus following that of Polynices; the other half, with Ismene, that of Eteocles.
