CH. Son of Menoeceus, we have heard thy mind
Toward him who loves, and him who hates our city.
And sure, ’tis thine to enforce what law thou wilt
Both on the dead and all of us who live.
CR. Then be ye watchful to maintain my word.
CH. Young strength for such a burden were more meet.
CR. Already there be watchers of the dead.
CH. What charge then wouldst thou further lay on us?
CR. Not to give place to those that disobey.
CH. Who is so fond, to be in love with death?
CR. Such, truly, is the meed. But hope of gain
Full oft ere now hath been the ruin of men.
WATCHMAN (entering).
My lord, I am out of breath, but not with speed.
I will not say my foot was fleet. My thoughts
Cried halt unto me ever as I came
[page 10][226-257] And wheeled me to return. My mind discoursed
Most volubly within my breast, and said—
Fond wretch! why go where thou wilt find thy bane?
Unhappy wight! say, wilt thou bide aloof?
Then if the king shall hear this from another,
How shalt thou ’scape for ’t? Winding thus about
I hasted, but I could not speed, and so
Made a long journey of a little way.
At last ‘yes’ carried it, that I should come
To thee; and tell thee I must needs; and shall,
Though it be nothing that I have to tell.
For I came hither, holding fast by this—
Nought that is not my fate can happen to me.
CR. Speak forth thy cause of fear. What is the matter?