You alone out of all these Thebans see it that way.AntigoneThey do, too, but for you they hold their tongues.CreonAre you not ashamed that your beliefs differ from theirs?AntigoneNo, there is nothing shameful in respecting your own flesh and blood.CreonWas not he your brother too, who died in the opposite cause?AntigoneA brother by the same mother and the same father.CreonWhy, then, do you pay a service that is disrespectful to him?AntigoneThe dead man will not support you in that.CreonYes, he will, if you honor him equally with the wicked one.AntigoneIt was his brother, not his slave, who died.CreonBut he died ravaging this land, while he fell in its defense.AntigoneHades craves these rites, nevertheless.CreonBut the good man craves a portion not equal to the evil’s.AntigoneWho knows but that these actions are pure to those below?CreonYou do not love someone you have hated, not even after death.AntigoneIt is not my nature to join in hate, but in love.CreonThen, go down to hell and love them if you must. While I live, no woman will rule me.

Enter Ismene from the house, led in by two attendants.ChorusLook, here comes Ismene from the palace, shedding the tears of a loving sister. A cloud over her eyes mars her red-flushed face,and it breaks into rain on her comely cheek.CreonYou who were lurking like a viper in my own house and secretly gulping up my life’s blood, while I was oblivious that I was nurturing two plagues, two revolutions against my throne—tell me now, will you also affirm your share in this burial, or will you forswear all knowledge of it?IsmeneI performed the deed—as long as she concurs—and I share and carry the burden of guilt.AntigoneNo, justice will not permit you to do this, since you were not willing to help with the deed, nor did I give you a part in it.IsmeneBut now with this sea of troubles around you, I am not ashamed to sail in a sea of suffering at your side.AntigoneAs to whose deed it is, Hades and the dead are witnesses. A friend in words is not the type of friend I love.IsmeneNo, sister, do not strip me of death’s honor, but let me die with you and make due consecration to the dead.AntigoneDo not share my death. Do not claim deeds to which you did not put your hand. My death will suffice.IsmeneAnd how can I cherish life, once I am deprived of you?