University of Virginia Library

SCENE THE THIRD.

Jocasta, Polinices, Antigone.
Pol.
I hasten thither.
Tremble.

Joc.
He is thy brother. Listen to me ...

Pol.
He is my enemy; he has betray'd me ...
My honour ...

Joc.
Honour's voice bids thee abstain
From all misdeeds. Oh, son! I pray thee pause ...
What art thou rushing to perform? ... Oh heavens!

Pol.
And while for me Adrastes danger braves,
Should I stay here subdued by women's tears?
In vain the hope ...

Joc.
The sword ... thrust by thy hand ...
Into thy brother's breast ...

Pol.
I am constrain'd
On yonder plain to shew myself; I there
Would gain an honour'd death. Him, whom thou call'st
My brother, there I will not seek, and hope
Not to encounter him. So much to thee
I promise. Now farewell.

Joc.
Death steals on me.

Ant.
Have pity on thyself, on us have pity ...

Pol.
Deaf to all pity I am forced to be:
I fly ...

Joc.
Ah, where? oh stop ...

Pol.
To death.

Joc.
He leaves me.