THE SEVEN AGAINST THEBES
159
Herald.
'Tis my most strict command that thou forbear!
Flout not authority!
Antigone.
And it is mine
That thou refine not on thy herald's office.
Herald.
Let me say this: a people long oppressed
When they win free, turn savage.
Antigone.
Let them be
As savage as you please,—he shall have his grave.
Herald.
And wilt thou pay the honours cf the grave
To one whom the supreme authority
Holdeth accurst?
Antigone.
Alas! The Gods, methinks,
Have meted out to him his meed of honour.
Herald.
For grievous outrage on the commonweal!
He did most wickedly imperil her!
Antigone.
Gave back what he received! Evil for evil!
Herald.
To be revenged upon one man, his foe,
He struck at all!
