Epeisodion 3
Haemon
by
far the best thing, I believe, would be for men to be all-wise by
nature. Otherwise—since most often it does not turn out that way—it is
good to learn in addition from those who advise you well.
720
Chorus
My king, it is right, if he speaks something appropriate, that you should
learn from him
and that you, in
turn, Haemon, should learn from your father. On both sides there have
been wise words.
725
Creon
Men of my age—are we, then, to be schooled in wisdom by men of his?
Haemon
Not in anything that is not right. But if I am young, you should look to
my conduct, not to my years.
Creon
Is it worthy conduct to honor
disrupters?
730
Haemon
I could not urge anyone to show respect for the wicked.
Creon
And is she not in the grasp of that disease?
Haemon
All the people of this city of Thebes deny it.
Creon
Shall Thebes prescribe to me
how I must rule?
Haemon
See, there, how you have spoken so
much like a child.
735
Creon
Am I to rule this land by the will of another than myself?
Haemon
That is no city, which belongs to one man.
Creon
Does not the city by tradition belong to the man in power?
Haemon
You would make a fine monarch in a desert.
Creon
This boy seems to be fighting on
the side of the woman.
740
Haemon
If you are a woman, for, to be sure, my concern is for you.
Creon
You traitor, attacking your father, accusing him!
Haemon
Because I see you making a mistake and committing injustice.
Creon
Am I making a mistake when I respect my own prerogatives?
