You who were lurking like a viper in my own house and secretly gulping up my life’s blood, while I was oblivious that I was nurturing two plagues, two revolutions against my throne—tell me now, will you also affirm your share in this burial, or will you forswear all knowledge of it?IsmeneI performed the deed—as long as she concurs—and I share and carry the burden of guilt.AntigoneNo, justice will not permit you to do this, since you were not willing to help with the deed, nor did I give you a part in it.IsmeneBut now with this sea of troubles around you, I am not ashamed to sail in a sea of suffering at your side.AntigoneAs to whose deed it is, Hades and the dead are witnesses. A friend in words is not the type of friend I love.IsmeneNo, sister, do not strip me of death’s honor, but let me die with you and make due consecration to the dead.AntigoneDo not share my death. Do not claim deeds to which you did not put your hand. My death will suffice.IsmeneAnd how can I cherish life, once I am deprived of you?AntigoneAsk Creon. Your concern is for him.IsmeneWhy do you torture me like this, when it does not help you?AntigoneNo, if I mock you, it is to my own pain that I do so.IsmeneTell me, how can I help you, even now?AntigoneSave yourself. I do not grudge your escape.IsmeneAh, misery! Will I fall short of sharing your fate?AntigoneYour choice was to live, it was mine to die.IsmeneAt least your choice was not made without my protests.AntigoneOne world approved your wisdom, another approved mine.IsmeneNevertheless, the offense is identical for both of us.