166 SOPHOCLES
Haemon. Learn nought thou shouldst not learn.
And if I 'm young, Thou shouldst my deeds and not my years consider. Creon. Is that thy deed to reverence rebel souls? Haemon. I would bid none waste reverence on the
base. 785
Creon. Has not that girl been seized with that
disease ? Haemon. The men of Thebes with one accord say,
" No." Creon. And will my subjects tell us how to rule ? Haemon. Dost thou not see thou speakest like a
boy? Creon. Must I then rule for others than myself ? Haemon. That is no State which hangs on one
man's will. -91
Creon. Is not the State deemed his who governs
it? Haemon. Brave rule ! Alone, and o'er an empty
land ! Creon. This boy, it seems, will be his bride's ally. Haemon. If thou art she, for thou art all my care. Creon. Basest of base, against thy father plead- ing ! 796
Haemon. Yea, for I see thee sin a grievous sin. Creon. And do I sin revering mine own sway? Haemon. Thou show'st no reverence, trampling on God's laws. 799
Creon. Ο guilty soul, by woman's craft beguiled ! Haemon. Thou wilt not find me slave unto the base. Creon. Thy every word is still on her behalf. Haemon. Yea, and on thine and mine, and Theirs
below. Creon. Be sure thou shalt not wed her while she lives.
