172
SOPHOCLES.
[1337—1353
Ch. Pray thou no more; for mortals have no escape from destined woe.
ant. 4. Cr. Lead me away, I pray you; a rash, foolish man;1340 who have slain thee, ah my son, unwittingly, and thee, too, my wife—unhappy that I am! I know not which way I should bend my gaze, or where I should seek support; for all is amiss with that which is in my hands,—and yonder, again, a crushing fate hath leapt upon my head.
[As Creon is being conducted into the house,
the Coryphaeus speaks the closing verses.
Ch. Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness; and reverence towards the gods must be inviolate. Great words of prideful men1350 are ever punished with great blows, and, in old age, teach the chastened to be wise.
