Part 36

CHORUS. His end was blessed; therefore, children, stay Your sorrow. Man is born to fate a prey.

ANTIGONE. (Str. 2) Sister, let us back again.

ISMENE. Why return?

ANTIGONE. My soul is fain—

ISMENE. Is fain?

ANTIGONE. To see the earthy bed.

ISMENE. Sayest thou?

ANTIGONE. Where our sire is laid.

ISMENE. Nay, thou can’st not, dost not see—

ANTIGONE. Sister, wherefore wroth with me?

ISMENE. Know’st not—beside—

ANTIGONE. More must I hear?

ISMENE. Tombless he died, none near.

ANTIGONE. Lead me thither; slay me there.

ISMENE. How shall I unhappy fare, Friendless, helpless, how drag on A life of misery alone?

CHORUS. (Ant. 2) Fear not, maids—

ANTIGONE. Ah, whither flee?

CHORUS. Refuge hath been found.

ANTIGONE. For me?

CHORUS. Where thou shalt be safe from harm.

ANTIGONE. I know it.

CHORUS. Why then this alarm?

ANTIGONE. How again to get us home I know not.

CHORUS. Why then this roam?

ANTIGONE. Troubles whelm us—

CHORUS. As of yore.

ANTIGONE. Worse than what was worse before.

CHORUS. Sure ye are driven on the breakers’ surge.