Antigone (332-410)

Here is she, the one who did the deed.

We caught this one burying him. Where is Creon?

There, he is coming from the house again at our need.

What is it? What has happened that makes my coming timely?

My king, there is nothing that a man can rightly swear he will not do. For second thought belies one’s first intent.

I could have vowed that I would not ever come here again, because of your threats by which I had just been storm-tossed. But since this joy that exceeds and oversteps my hopes can be compared in fulness to no other pleasure, I am back—though it is contrary to my sworn oath—

bringing this girl who was caught giving burial honors to the dead. This time there was no casting of lots. No, this piece of luck has fallen to me, and me alone. And now, my king, as it pleases you, take her yourself, question her and convict her. But justice would see me

released free and clear from this trouble.

Your prisoner here—how and where did you take her?

She was burying the man. You know all there is to tell.

Are you clear and sure about what you are saying?

I am. I saw her burying the corpse that you

had forbidden to bury. Is that plain and sufficient?

And how was she observed? How taken in the act?

It happened like this. When we had come to the place with those fierce threats of yours still in our ears, we swept away all the dust that covered

the corpse and bared the damp body well. We then sat down on the brow of the hill to windward, fleeing the smell from him, lest it strike us. Each man was wide awake and kept his neighbor alert with torrents of threats, if any one should be careless of this task.