Antig. And dost thou seek aught else beyond my death?
Creon. Nought else for me. That gaining, I gain all.
Antig. Why then delay? Of all thy words not one
Pleases me now, (and may it never please!)500
And so all mine must grate upon thine ears.
And yet how could I higher glory gain
Than placing my true brother in his tomb?
There is not one of these but would confess
It pleases them, did fear not seal their lips.
The tyrant's might in much besides excels,
And it may do and say whatever it will.
Creon. Of all the race of Cadmos thou alone
Look'st thus upon the deed.
Antig. They see it too
As I do, but their tongue is tied for thee.
Creon. Art not ashamed against their thoughts to think?510
Antig. There is nought base in honouring our own blood.
Creon. And was he not thy kin who fought against him?
Antig. Yea, brother, of one father and one mother.
Creon. Why then give honour which dishonours him?
Antig. The dead below will not repeat thy words.
Creon. Yes, if thou give like honour to the godless.
Antig. It was his brother, not his slave that died.
Creon. Wasting this land, while he died fighting for it.
Antig. Yet Hades still craves equal rites for all.
Creon. The good craves not the portion of the bad.520
Antig. Who knows if this be holy deemed below?
Creon. Not even when he dies can foe be friend.
Antig. My nature leads to sharing love, not hate.
Creon. Go then below; and if thou must have love,
Love them. While I live, women shall not rule.
