I speak of, Polyneikes, who, returned
From exile, sought with fire to desolate200
His father's city and the shrines of Gods,
Yea, sought to glut his rage with blood of men,
And lead them captives to the bondslave's doom;
Him I decree that none shall dare entomb,
That none shall utter wail or loud lament,
But leave his corpse unburied, by the dogs
And vultures mangled, foul to look upon.
Such is my purpose. Ne'er, if I can help,
Shall the vile have more honour than the just;
But whoso shows himself my country's friend,
Living or dead, from me shall honour gain.210
Chor. This is thy pleasure, Ο Menœkeus' son,
For him who hated, him who loved our State;
And thou hast power to make what laws thou wilt,
Both for the dead and all of us who live.
Creon. Be ye then guardians of the things I speak.
Chor. Commit this task to one of younger years.
Creon. Nay, watchmen are appointed for the corpse.
Chor. What other task then dost thou lay on us?
Creon. Not to consent with those that disobey.
Chor. None are so foolish as to seek for death.220
Creon. Yet that shall be the doom; but love of gain
Hath oft with false hopes lured men to their death.
Enter Guard.
Guard. I will not say, Ο king, that I have come
Panting with speed, and plying nimble feet,
For I had many halting-points of thought,
Backwards and forwards turning, round and round:
For now my mind would give me sage advice;
"Poor wretch, why go where thou must bear the blame?
Or wilt thou tarry, fool? Shall Creon know
