Stasimon 5
[Episode]
This was Eteocles’ purpose, not mine.
Antigone
It is senseless, and you are a fool to obey it!
Creon
How so? Isn’t it right to carry out his commands?
Antigone
No; not if they are wrong and ill-advised.
Creon
What? Isn’t it right for that other to be given to the dogs?
1650
Antigone
No, for the vengeance you are exacting is not a lawful one.
Creon
Yes, if he was his country’s enemy, when not born an enemy.
Antigone
Well, he rendered up his destiny to fate.
Creon
Let him now pay the penalty in his burial too.
Antigone
What crime did he commit, in coming to claim his portion of the land?
1655
Creon
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
