The Seven Plays in English Verse Part 6
HAEM. O my sire, Sound wisdom is a G.o.d implanted seed, Of all possessions highest in regard.
I cannot, and I would not learn to say That thou art wrong in this; though in another, It may be such a word were not unmeet.
But as thy son, 'tis surely mine to scan Men's deeds, and words, and muttered thoughts toward thee.
Fear of thy frown restrains the citizen In talk that would fall harshly on thine ear.
I under shadow may o'erhear, how all Thy people mourn this maiden, and complain That of all women least deservedly She perishes for a most glorious deed.
'Who, when her own true brother on the earth Lay weltering after combat in his gore, Left him not graveless, for the carrion few And raw devouring field dogs to consume-- Hath she not merited a golden praise?'
Such the dark rumour spreading silently.
Now, in my valuing, with thy prosperous life, My father, no possession can compare.
Where can be found a richer ornament For children, than their father's high renown?
Or where for fathers, than their children's fame?
Nurse not one changeless humour in thy breast, That nothing can be right but as thou sayest.
Whoe'er presumes that he alone hath sense, Or peerless eloquence, or reach of soul, Unwrap him, and you'll find but emptiness.
'Tis no disgrace even to the wise to learn And lend an ear to reason. You may see The plant that yields where torrent waters flow Saves every little twig, when the stout tree Is torn away and dies. The mariner Who will not ever slack the sheet that sways The vessel, but still tightens, oversets, And so, keel upward, ends his voyaging.
Relent, I pray thee, and give place to change.
If any judgement hath informed my youth, I grant it n.o.blest to be always wise, But,--for omniscience is denied to man-- Tis good to hearken to admonishment.
CH. My lord, 'twere wise, if thou wouldst learn of him In reason; and thou, Haemon, from thy sire!
Truth lies between you.
CR. Shall our age, forsooth, Be taught discretion by a peevish boy?
HAEM. Only in what is right. Respects of time Must be outbalanced by the actual need.
CR. To cringe to rebels cannot be a need.
HAEM. I do not claim observance for the vile.
CR. Why, is not she so tainted? Is 't not proved?
HAEM. All Thebes denies it.
CR. Am I ruled by Thebes?
HAEM. If youth be folly, that is youngly said.
CR. Shall other men prescribe my government?
HAEM. One only makes not up a city, father.
CR. Is not the city in the sovereign's hand?
HAEM. n.o.bly you'd govern as the desert's king.
CR. This youngster is the woman's champion.
HAEM. You are the woman, then--for you I care.
CR. Villain, to bandy reasons with your sire!
HAEM. I plead against the unreason of your fault.
CR. What fault is there in reverencing my power?
HAEM. There is no reverence when you spurn the G.o.ds.
CR. Abominable spirit, woman-led!
HAEM. You will not find me following a base guide.
CR. Why, all your speech this day is spent for her.
HAEM. For you and me too, and the G.o.ds below.
CR. She will not live to be your wife on earth.
HAEM. I know, then, whom she will ruin by her death.
CR. What, wilt thou threaten, too, thou audacious boy?
HAEM. It is no threat to answer empty words.
CR. Witless admonisher, thou shalt pay for this!
HAEM. Thou art my sire, else would I call thee senseless.
CR. Thou woman's minion! mince not terms with me,
HAEM. Wouldst thou have all the speaking on thy side?
CR. Is 't possible? By yon heaven! thou'lt not escape, For adding contumely to words of blame.
Bring out the hated thing, that she may die Immediately, before her lover's face!
HAEM. Nay, dream not she shall suffer in my sight Nor shalt thou ever see my face again Let those stay with you that can brook your rage! [_Exit_
CH. My lord, he is parted swiftly in deep wrath!
The youthful spirit offended makes wild work.
CR. Ay, let him do his worst. Let him give scope To pride beyond the compa.s.s of a man!
He shall not free these maidens from their doom.
CH. Is death thy destination for them both?
CR. Only for her who acted. Thou art right.
CH. And what hast thou determined for her death?
CH. Where human footstep shuns the desert ground, I'll hide her living in a cave like vault, With so much provender as may prevent Pollution from o'ertaking the whole city And there, perchance, she may obtain of Death, Her only deity, to spare her soul, Or else in that last moment she will learn 'Tis labour lost to worship powers unseen. [_Exit_ CREON
CHORUS Love, never foiled in fight! 1 Warrior Love, that on Wealth workest havoc!