Antigone

Ismene, dear sister, you would think that we had already suffered enough for the curse on Oedipus.

I can't ima- imagine any grief that you and I have not gone through.

And now, have they told you of the new decree of our King Creon? I have heard nothing.

I know that two sisters lost two brothers, a double death in a single hour, and I know that the Argive army fled in the night, but beyond this I know nothing.

I thought so, and that is why I wanted you to come here and speak with me.

There is something we must do.

Why do you speak so strangely? Listen, Ismene.

Creon has buried our brother Eteocles with military honors.

He gave him a so- soldier's funeral, and it was right that he should.

But Polynices, who fought as bravely and died as miserably, they say that Creon has sworn that no one shall bury him, no one mourn for him, but his body must lie in the fields, a sweet treasure for carrion birds to find as they search for food.

This is what they say, and our good Creon is coming here to announce it publicly.

And the penalty for disobedience, stoning to death in the public square.

There it is.

And now you can prove what you are, a true sister or a traitor to your family.

Antigone, you are mad.

What could I possibly do? You must decide whether you will help me or not.

I do not understand.

Help you in what? Ismene, I am going to bury him.

Will you come? Bury him? No, you've just said the law forbids it.

He is my brother, and he is your brother too.

But think of the danger, sister.

Think what Creon will do.

Creon is not strong enough to stand in my way.

Oh, sister, Oedipus died, everyone hating him for what his own search brought to light, his eyes ripped out by his own hand.

And Jocasta died, his mother and wife at once.