I urge thee not; nay, didst thou wish to aid,
My heart would not accept thy partnership.
Hold to thy own opinion; him I mean
To bury; death were honour in that cause.
I in the tomb shall lie with those I love,
A glorious criminal. Longer will last
The praise of those below than those above.
There I shall ever dwell. Then, if thou wilt,
Treat as of no account the claim of heaven.
ISMENE.
I lack not piety, but lack the force
To fly in face of public ordinance.
ANTIGONE.
Cling to thy specious pretext while I go
To heap the earth upon a brother's grave.
ISMENE.
Too daring sister, how I quake for thee.
ANTIGONE.
Quake not for me, steer thine own course aright.