Cr. Is ’t possible? By yon heaven! thou ’lt not escape,
For adding contumely to words of blame.
Bring out the hated thing, that she may die
Immediately, before her lover’s face!
Haem. Nay, dream not she shall suffer in my sight.
Nor shalt thou ever see my face again.
Let those stay with you that can brook your rage!
Ch. My lord, he is parted swiftly in deep wrath!
The youthful spirit offended makes wild work.
Cr. Ay, let him do his worst. Let him give scope
To pride beyond the compass of a man!
He shall not free these maidens from their doom.
Ch. Is death thy destination for them both?
Cr. Only for her who acted. Thou art right.
Ch. And what hast thou determined for her death?
Cr. Where human footstep shuns the desert ground,
I’ll hide her living in a cave-like vault,
With so much provender as may prevent
pollution from o’ertaking the whole city.
And there, perchance, she may obtain of Death,
Her only deity, to spare her soul;
Or else in that last moment she will learn
’Tis labour lost to worship powers unseen. [Exit Creon
Chorus.
Love, never foiled in fight! 1
Warrior Love, that on Wealth workest havoc!
Love, who in ambush of young maid’s soft cheek
All night keep’st watch!—Thou roamest over seas:
In lonely forest homes thou harbourest.
Who may avoid thee? None!
Mortal, Immortal,
All are o’erthrown by thee, all feel thy frenzy.
Lightly thou draw’st awry 2
Righteous minds into wrong to their ruin.
Thou this unkindly quarrel hast inflamed
’Tween kindred men.—Triumphantly prevails
