With lying tongue pretends the will of heaven,

And promises my sovereignty to thee.670

Creon: Would I expel my sister from the throne?

But if that sacred fealty which I owe

Unto my kindred house restrained me not,

Yet fortune would herself affright me sore,

For with care and danger is she ever fraught.

But be thyself content to lay aside,

While still thou safely mayst, the cares of state,675

Lest,[5] borne too long, they may o'erwhelm thee quite.