I, therefore, will ask those below for pardon, since I am forced to this, and will obey those who have come to authority. It is foolish to do what is fruitless.AntigoneI would not encourage you—no, nor, even if you were willing later, would I welcome you as my partner in this action. No, be the sort that pleases you. I will bury him—it would honor me to die while doing that. I shall rest with him, loved one with loved one, a pious criminal. For the time is greater that I must serve the dead than the living, since in that world I will rest forever. But if you so choose, continue to dishonor what the gods in honor have established.IsmeneI do them no dishonor. But to act in violation of the citizens’ will—of that I am by nature incapable.AntigoneYou can make that your pretext! Regardless, I will go now to heap a tomb over the brother I love.IsmeneOh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!AntigoneDo not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.IsmeneThen at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so, too, will I.AntigoneGo on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you fail to proclaim these things to everyone.IsmeneYou have a hot heart for chilling deeds.AntigoneI know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.IsmeneYes, if you will also have the power. But you crave the impossible.AntigoneWhy then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.IsmeneAn impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.AntigoneIf you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to punishment as the enemy of the dead.