Polyn. Retreat is base; and base that I, the elder,
Should thus be mocked and flouted by my brother.
Antig. And see'st thou then, how those his oracles
Thou leadest to fulfilment, that you both
Should meet your death, each from the other's hand?
Polyn. His wish begets the thought. We may not yield.
Antig. Ο wretched me! and who will follow thee,
Hearing the evils which his lips predict?
Polyn. These idle threats we tell not. Wise in war
Is he who speaks the better, not the worse.1430
Antig. And is thy mind, my brother, fixed and firm?
Polyn. Restrain me not. Sad counsel must I take,
For this my march, beforehand doomed to fail,
By him, my father, and the Erinnyes dread.
But you,—Zeus bless you, if to me in death
Ye grant the boon I asked for; for in life
Ye meet me not again. And now, release me.
Farewell! ye look upon my face no more.
Antig. Ah wretched me!
Polyn. Bemoan thou not for me!
Antig. And who could keep from wailing, brother dear,
For thee, thus rushing on an open grave?1440
Polyn. Well, I will die, if so I must.
Antig. Not so.
List thou to me.
Polyn. Persuade me not to wrong.
Antig. Ah, misery! to be bereaved of thee!
Polyn. These things depend on God, this way or that,
To be or not to be; but I for you
Will pray the Gods that ye may meet no harm,
Who, as all deem, no evil have deserved. [Exit.
distance.
