Creon. Shall we at our age stoop to learn from him,
Young as he is, the lesson to be wise?
Hæm. Learn nought thou should'st not learn. And if I 'm young,
Thou should'st my deeds and not my years consider.
Creon. Is that thy deed to reverence rebel souls?730
Hæm. I would bid none waste reverence on the base.
Creon. Has not that girl been seized with that disease?
Hæm. The men of Thebes with one accord say, No.
Creon. And will my subjects tell us how to rule?
Hæm. Dost thou not see thou speakest like a boy?
*Creon. Must I then rule for others than myself?
Hæm. That is no State which hangs on one man's will.
Creon. Is not the State deemed his who governs it?
Hæm. Brave rule! Alone, and o'er an empty land!
Creon. This boy, it seems, will be his bride's ally.740
Hæm. If thou art she, for thou art all my care.
Creon. Basest of base, against thy father pleading!
Hæm. Yea, for I see thee sin a grievous sin.
Creon. And do I sin revering mine own sway?
Hæm. Thou show'st no reverence, trampling on God's laws.
Creon. Ο guilty soul, by woman's craft beguiled!
Hæm. Thou wilt not find me slave unto the base.
Creon. Thy every word is still on her behalf.
Hæm. Yea, and on thine and mine, and Theirs below.
Creon. Be sure thou shalt not wed her while she lives.750
Hæm. Then she must die, and, dying, others slay.
Creon. And dost thou dare to come to me with threats?
Hæm. Is it a threat against vain thoughts to speak?
Creon. Thou to thy cost shalt teach me wisdom's ways,
Thyself in wisdom wanting.
