his fellow, and each had disclaimed all knowledge of the deed—
"And we were ready in our hands to take
Bars of hot iron, and to walk through fire,
And call the gods to witness, none of us
Were privy to his schemes who planned the deed,
Nor his who wrought it."—(P.)
Then they had cast lots to decide who should hear the news to Creon; and the lot had fallen on this unlucky member of the force, who has now actually brought it—no pleasant office, he says; for
"Though it be honest, it is never good
To bring bad news."
The Chorus suggest that this "unseen worker" may possibly have been a god; but the suggestion only increases Croon's resentment. "Not so," he angrily replies; "the gods would scarcely have favoured the man who in his life had threatened their altars with the flames." It is an act of rebellion against his own authority. Some evil-disposed townsmen have tampered with the sentinels; and it is "money" which is at the root of this as of all other evils. If the Chorus cannot or will not discover the traitor—so help him Zeus!—they shall be hung themselves; and then, with a fierce parting threat to the watchman, Creon departs in a rage. The watchman also goes his way, naïvely confessing his relief at his escape:—
"God send we find him! If we find him not,
As well may be (for this must chance decide),
You will not see me coming here again."—(P.)
