Prologos
Ismene
Oh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!
Antigone
Do not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.
Ismene
Then at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.
Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so,
too, will I.
85
Antigone
Go on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you
fail to proclaim these things to everyone.
Ismene
You have a hot heart for chilling deeds.
Antigone
I know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.
Ismene
Yes, if you will also have the
power. But you crave the impossible.
90
Antigone
Why then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.
Ismene
An impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.
Antigone
If you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to
punishment as the enemy of the dead.
But leave me and the foolish plan I have authored to suffer this
terrible thing, for I will not suffer anything so terrible that my death
will lack honor.
95
Ismene
Go, then, if you so decide. And of this be sure: though your path is foolish, to your loved ones your love is straight and true. Exit Antigone on the spectators’ left. Ismene exits into the palace.
