Epeisodion 5
Polyneices
But you, daughters of this man and my sisters, since you hear these hard curses of a father, do not—if this father’s curses be fulfilled and you find some way of return to Thebes—do not, I beg you by the gods, leave me dishonored,
1405
but give me burial and due funeral rites. So the praise which you now win from this man here for your labors will be increased by another praise no less, through your care for me.
1410
Antigone
Polyneices, I beseech you, hear me in one thing!
Polyneices
What is it, dearest Antigone? Speak!
1415
Antigone
Turn your force back to Argos as quickly as may be, and do not destroy both yourself and your city.
Polyneices
No, it is not possible. For how could I lead the same force again, when once I had shrunk back?
Antigone
But why, my brother, must your anger rise again? What profit will come to you from destroying your native land?
1420
Polyneices
It is shameful to be in exile, and to be mocked in this way by my brother, when I am eldest-born.
Antigone
Do you see to what sure fulfillment the prophecies of this man are leading,
who declares mutual death for you two?
1425
Polyneices
Yes, for he wishes it. But I must not yield.
Antigone
Ah, wretched me! But who will dare follow you, when he hears what prophecies this man has uttered?
Polyneices
I will not report ill-tidings; a good leader should tell the better news, and not the worse.
Antigone
Is this then your fixed decision, my brother?
Polyneices
Yes, and do not detain me. This path now will be my destiny, ill-fated and evil, because of my father here and his Furies. But as for you two,
may Zeus grant you good things, if you bring these things to completion for me when I am dead, since in life you will see me no more.
1435
Now release me, and farewell; for nevermore will you behold me living.
Antigone
Ah, wretched that I am!
Polyneices
Do not mourn for me.
Antigone
And who would not mourn you, brother, when you are hurrying off
