CREON, MENŒCEUS, CHORUS.
CHOR. Creon, why art thou mute compressing thy voice in silence, for to me also there is no less consternation.
CRE. But what can one say?—It is clear however what my answer will be. For never will I go to this degree of calamity, to expose my son a victim for the state. For all men live with an affection toward their children, nor would any give up his own child to die. Let no one praise me for the deed, and slay my children. But I myself, for I am arrived at a mature period of life, am ready to die to liberate my country. But haste, my son, before the whole city hears it, disregarding the intemperate oracles of prophets, fly as quickly as possible, having quitted this land. For he will tell these things to the authorities and chiefs, going to the seven gates, and to the officers: and if indeed we get before him, there is safety for thee, but if thou art too late, we are undone, thou diest.
MEN. Whither then fly? To what city? what friends?
CRE. Wheresoever thou wilt be farthest removed from this country.
MEN. Therefore it is fitting for thee to speak, and for me to do.
CRE. Having passed through Delphi—
MEN. Whither is it right for me to go, my father?
CRE. To the land of Ætolia.
MEN. And from this whither shall I proceed?