Oe. Woe is me! Cr. More woeful thou wilt find it soon.820
Oe. Thou hast my child? Cr. And will have this one ere long.
Oe. Alas! friends, what will ye do? Will ye forsake me? will ye not drive the godless man from this land?
Ch. Hence, stranger, hence—begone! Unrighteous is thy present deed—unrighteous the deed which thou hast done.
Cr. (to his attendants). 'Twere time for you to lead off yon girl perforce, if she will not go of her free will.
An. Wretched that I am! whither shall I fly?—where find help from gods or men?
Ch. (threateningly, to Creon). What wouldst thou, stranger?
Cr. I will not touch yon man, but her who is mine.830
Oe. O, elders of the land! Ch. Stranger,—thy deed is not just.
Cr. 'Tis just. Ch. How just? Cr. I take mine own.
str. Oe. Hear, O Athens!
Ch. What wouldst thou, stranger? Release her! Thy strength, and ours, will soon be proved.
Cr. Stand back! Ch. Not from thee, while this is thy purpose.
Cr. Nay, 'twill be war with Thebes for thee, if thou harm me.
