I am miserable—ah—and bathed in miserable anguish!MessengerYes, because you were accused of responsibility for both this son’s death, and the other’s, by her whose corpse you see.CreonWhat was the manner of the violent deed by which she departed?MessengerHer own hand struck her to the heart upon learning her son’s sharply-lamented fate.

CreonAh this guilt can never be fastened onto any other mortal so as to remove my own! It was I, yes, I, who killed you, I the wretch. I admit the truth. Lead me away, my servants, lead me from here with all haste, who am no more than a dead man!ChorusThe course you recommend is to your gain, if there can be gain amidst evil. What is briefest is best, when trouble lies at your feet.

CreonLet it come, let it appear, that fairest of fates for me, that brings my final day, the fate supreme! Oh, let it come, so that I may never see tomorrow’s light!ChorusThese things are in the future. We must see to present affairs. Fulfillment of these things rests in the hands where it should rest.CreonAll that I crave was summed in that prayer.ChorusThen pray no more; for mortals have no release from destined misfortune.

CreonLead me away, I beg you, a rash, useless man. I have murdered you, son, unwittingly, and you, too, my wife—the misery! I do not know which way I should look, or where I should seek support. All is amiss that is in my hands, and, again, a crushing fate has leapt upon my head.

As Creon is being conducted into the house, the Chorus Leader speaks the closing verses.ChorusWisdom is provided as the chief part of happiness, and our dealings with the gods must be in no way unholy. The great words of arrogant men have to make repayment with great blows, and in old age teach wisdom.