The Seven Plays in English Verse Part 71

CR. One of thy daughters I have sent in charge.

This other, I myself will quickly take.

OED. Oh, cruel!

CR. Soon thou'lt have more cause to cry.

OED. Hast thou my child?

CR. I will have both ere long.

OED. Dear friends, what will ye do? Will ye forsake me?

Will you not drive the offender from your land?

CH. Stranger, depart at once! Thou hast done wrong, And wrong art doing.

CR. (_to attendants_).

Now then, lead her away By force, if she refuse to go with you.

ANT. Ah me! unhappy! Whither shall I flee?

What aid of G.o.d or mortal can I find?

CH. What dost thou, stranger?

CR. I will lay no hand On him, but on my kinswoman.

OED. Alas!

Lords of Colonos, will ye suffer it?

CH. Thou art transgressing, stranger.

CR. Nay, I stand Within my right.

CH. How so?

CR. I take mine own.

OED. Athens to aid!

CH. Stranger, forbear! What dost thou?

Let go, or thou shalt try thy strength with us.

CR. Unhand me!

CH. Not while this intent is thine.

CR. If you harm me, you will have war with Thebes.

OED. Did I not tell you this would come?

CH. Release The maid with speed.

CR. Command where you have power.

CH. Leave hold, I say!

CR. Away with her, say I!

CH. Come hither, neighbours, come!

My city suffers violence. Wrongful men Are hurting her with force. Come hither to me!

ANT. Unhappy, I am dragged away,--O strangers!

OED. Where art thou, O my child?

ANT. I go away Against my will.

OED. Reach forth thy hands, my daughter!

ANT. I cannot.

CR. Off with her!

OED. Alas, undone! [_Exit_ ANTIGONE, _guarded_

CR. Thou shalt not have these staves henceforth to prop Thy roaming to and fro. Take thine own way!

Since thou hast chosen to thwart thy nearest kin,-- Beneath whose orders, though a royal man, I act herein,--and thine own native land.

The time will surely come when thou shalt find That in this deed and all that thou hast done In opposition to their friendly will, Thou hast counselled foolishly against thy peace, Yielding to anger, thy perpetual bane. [_Going_

CH. Stranger, stand where thou art!

CR. Hands off, I say!

CH. Thou shalt not go, till thou restore the maids.

CR. Soon, then, my city shall retain from you A weightier cause of war. I will lay hands Not on the maidens only.

CH. What wilt thou do?

CR. Oedipus I will seize and bear away.

CH. Great Heaven forfend!

CR. It shall be done forthwith, Unless the ruler of this land prevent me.

OED. O shameless utterance! Wilt thou lay thy hold On me?

CR. Be silent! Speak no more!

OED. No more?