 | Polinices |  |
SCENE THE SECOND.
Creon, Eteocles, Jocasta, Polinices, Antigone, Priests, People, Soldiers.Cre.
We are betrayed; and broken is the truce;
Adrastes on all sides the wall assaults,
And with the ground threatens to level Thebes,
If Polinices instantly appear not,
Restored to liberty, without the gates.
Ete.
Adrastes! 'Tis not he that has betrayed us!
I know the traitor well: I now could take
On him and on Adrastes at a blow,
On Polinices also, a fierce vengeance;
What could prevent me, but that intense hatred
Which, with one blow, would ill be satisfied!
From Thebes securely, Polinices, go:
Consider as a pledge of faith, the wish,
The ardent wish, that, ever since my birth,
I've cherish'd in my breast of meeting thee
In the fierce trial of our rival swords.
Thou, Creon, in the camp expect to die:
By theban battle-axe, or argive sword,
I leave it to thy choice.
Joc.
Oh, son! ...
Ete.
In vain
Thou wouldst oppose.
Joc.
Ah, listen to me, son! ...
Ete.
Guards, let my mother stir not from the palace.
No obstacle remains: I now expect
To meet thee on the plain.
| Polinices | |