Stasimon 2
[Episode]
Look, here comes Ismene from the palace, shedding the tears of a loving
sister. A cloud over her eyes mars her red-flushed face,
Chorus
and it breaks into rain on her comely
cheek.
530
Creon
You who were lurking like a viper in my own house and
secretly gulping up my life’s blood, while I was oblivious that I
was nurturing two plagues, two revolutions against my throne—tell me
now, will you also affirm
your share in this
burial, or will you forswear all knowledge of it?
535
Ismene
I performed the deed—as long as she concurs—and I share and carry the
burden of guilt.
Antigone
No, justice will not permit you to do this, since you were not willing to
help with the deed, nor did I give you a part in it.
Ismene
But now with this sea of troubles
around you, I am not ashamed to sail in a sea of suffering at your
side.
540
Antigone
As to whose deed it is, Hades and the dead are witnesses. A friend in
words is not the type of friend I love.
Ismene
No, sister, do not strip me of death’s honor,
but let me die with you and make due consecration to
the dead.
545
Antigone
Do not share my death. Do not claim deeds to which you did not put your
hand. My death will suffice.
Ismene
And how can I cherish life, once I am deprived of you?
Antigone
Ask Creon. Your concern is for him.
Ismene
Why do you torture me like this,
when it does not help you?
550
Antigone
No, if I mock you, it is to my own pain that I do so.
Ismene
Tell me, how can I help you, even now?
Antigone
Save yourself. I do not grudge your escape.
Ismene
Ah, misery! Will I fall short of sharing your fate?
Antigone
Your choice was to live, it was
mine to die.
555
Ismene
At least your choice was not made without my protests.
Antigone
One world approved your wisdom, another approved mine.
Ismene
Nevertheless, the offense is identical for both of us.
Antigone
Take heart! You live. But my life has long been
in Death’s hands so that I might serve the dead.
560
Creon
One of these maidens, I declare, has just revealed her foolishness; the
other has displayed it from the moment of her birth.
Ismene
Yes, Creon. Whatever amount of reason nature may have given them does not
remain with those in dire straits, but goes astray.
Creon
Yours did, I know, when you chose
dire actions with dire allies.
565
Ismene
What life would there be for me alone, without her presence?
Creon
Do not speak of her presence. She lives no longer.
Ismene
What? You will kill your own son’s bride?
