All the people of this city of Thebes deny it.CreonShall Thebes prescribe to me how I must rule?HaemonSee, there, how you have spoken so much like a child.CreonAm I to rule this land by the will of another than myself?HaemonThat is no city, which belongs to one man.CreonDoes not the city by tradition belong to the man in power?HaemonYou would make a fine monarch in a desert.CreonThis boy seems to be fighting on the side of the woman.HaemonIf you are a woman, for, to be sure, my concern is for you.CreonYou traitor, attacking your father, accusing him!HaemonBecause I see you making a mistake and committing injustice.CreonAm I making a mistake when I respect my own prerogatives?HaemonYes. You do not respect them, when you trample on the gods’ honors.CreonPolluted creature, submitting to a woman!HaemonYou will never catch me submitting to shamelessness.CreonYou do. Your every word, after all, pleads her case.HaemonAnd yours, and mine, and that of gods below.