ANTIGONE 153
I stand in doubt. Can I, who know her, say
That this is not the maid Antigone ?
Ο wretched one of wretched father born,
Thon child of Oedipus,
What means this ? Surely 't is not that they bring 415
Thee as a rebel 'gainst the king's decree,
And taken in the folly of thine act ?
Guard. Yes ! She it was by whom the deed was done. We found her burying. Where is Creon, pray ? 419 Chonis. Back from his palace comes he just in time.
E)iter Creox. Creon. What chance is this, with which my coming
fits? Guard. Men, Ο my king, should pledge themselves to nought ; For cool reflection makes their purpose void. I surely thought I should be slow to come here, Cowed by thy threats, which then fell thick on me ; 425 But now persuaded by the sweet delight Which comes unlooked for, and beyond our hopes, I come, although I swore the contrary. Bringing this maiden, whom in act we found Decking the grave. No need for lots was now ; 430 The prize was mine, and not another man's. And now, Ο king, take her, and as thou wilt. Judge and convict her. I can claim a risrht To wash my hands of all this troublous coil.
Creon. How and where Λvas it that ye seized and
brought her ? 435
Guard. She was in act of burying. Thou knowest
all. Creon. Dost know and rightly speak the tale thou tell'st?
