Let go, or thou shalt try thy strength with us.
Cr. Unhand me!
Ch. Not while this intent is thine.
Cr. If you harm me, you will have war with Thebes.
Oed. Did I not tell you this would come?
Ch. Release
The maid with speed.
Cr. Command where you have power.
Ch. Leave hold, I say!
Cr. Away with her, say I!
Ch. Come hither, neighbours, come!
My city suffers violence. Wrongful men
Are hurting her with force. Come hither to me!
Ant. Unhappy, I am dragged away,—O strangers!
Oed. Where art thou, O my child?
Ant. I go away
Against my will.
Oed. Reach forth thy hands, my daughter!
Ant. I cannot.
Cr. Off with her!
Oed. Alas, undone!
[Exit Antigone, guarded
Cr. Thou shalt not have these staves henceforth to prop
Thy roaming to and fro. Take thine own way!
Since thou hast chosen to thwart thy nearest kin,—
Beneath whose orders, though a royal man,
I act herein,—and thine own native land.
The time will surely come when thou shalt find
That in this deed and all that thou hast done
In opposition to their friendly will,
Thou hast counselled foolishly against thy peace,
Yielding to anger, thy perpetual bane. [Going
Ch. Stranger, stand where thou art!
Cr. Hands off, I say!
Ch. Thou shalt not go, till thou restore the maids.
Cr. Soon, then, my city shall retain from you
A weightier cause of war. I will lay hands
Not on the maidens only.
