Antigone
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Original / primary: Perseus Eng2
500
500
Creon
500
Ah, no! I tremble with fear. Why does no one strike me full on my chest with a two-edged sword?
501
I am miserable—ah—and bathed in miserable anguish!
502
502
Messenger
502
Yes, because you were accused of responsibility for both this son’s death, and the other’s, by her whose corpse you see.
503
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Creon
503
What was the manner of the violent deed by which she departed?
504
504
Messenger
504
Her own hand struck her to the heart upon learning her son’s sharply-lamented fate.
508
508
Creon
508
Let it come, let it appear, that fairest of fates for me, that brings my final day,
509
the fate supreme! Oh, let it come, so that I may never see tomorrow’s light!
510
510
Chorus
510
These things are in the future. We must see to present affairs.
511
Fulfillment of these things rests in the hands where it should rest.
512
512
Creon
512
All that I crave was summed in that prayer.
513
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Chorus
513
Then pray no more; for mortals have no release from destined misfortune.
505
505
Creon
505
Ah this guilt can never be fastened onto any other mortal so as to remove my own! It was I, yes, I, who killed you, I the wretch.
506
I admit the truth. Lead me away, my servants, lead me from here with all haste, who am no more than a dead man!
507
507
Chorus
507
The course you recommend is to your gain, if there can be gain amidst evil. What is briefest is best, when trouble lies at your feet.
514
514
Creon
514
Lead me away, I beg you, a rash, useless man.
515
I have murdered you, son, unwittingly, and you, too, my wife—the misery! I do not know which way I should look, or where I should seek support. All is
516
amiss that is in my hands, and, again, a crushing fate has leapt upon my head.