Stasimon 5
[Episode]
Be very sure of this, he shall have no burial.
Antigone
I will bury him, although the state forbids.
Creon
Do so, and you will be making your own grave by his.
Antigone
A noble end, for two so near and dear to lie side by side!
Creon
Seize and take her inside.
1660
Antigone
Oh, no! For I will not let go of this corpse.
Creon
These are the god’s decrees, my girl, not what seems good to you.
Antigone
And this has been decreed, not to insult the dead.
Creon
Be sure that no one will sprinkle over the corpse the moistened dust.
Antigone
O Creon, by my mother Jocasta, I implore you!
1665
Creon
Your labor is in vain; you will not gain your prayer.
Antigone
Let me only bathe the dead body.
Creon
That would be part of what is forbidden by the city.
Antigone
At least let me bandage the cruel wounds.
Creon
No; you will never pay honor to this corpse.
1670
Antigone
O my dearest! At least I will kiss your mouth.
Creon
Do not let this mourning bring disaster on your marriage.
Antigone
Marriage! Do you think I will marry your son while I am alive?
Creon
Indeed you must; how will you escape the match?
Antigone
Then that night will find in me another Danaid bride!
1675
Creon
Do you see how boldly she reproaches me?
Antigone
Let the steel know, the sword be my witness!
Creon
Why are you so eager to be released from this marriage?
Antigone
I mean to share my hapless father’s exile.
Creon
A noble spirit yours but there is some folly in it.
1680
Antigone
And I will share his death, I tell you further.
Creon
Go, leave the land; you will not murder my son. Exit Creon.
Oedipus
Daughter, for this loyal spirit I thank you.
Antigone
How could I marry, while you went into exile alone, father?
Oedipus
Stay here and be happy; I will bear my own load of sorrow.
1685
