What is it, dearest Antigone? Speak!AntigoneTurn your force back to Argos as quickly as may be, and do not destroy both yourself and your city.PolyneicesNo, it is not possible. For how could I lead the same force again, when once I had shrunk back?AntigoneBut why, my brother, must your anger rise again? What profit will come to you from destroying your native land?PolyneicesIt is shameful to be in exile, and to be mocked in this way by my brother, when I am eldest-born.AntigoneDo you see to what sure fulfillment the prophecies of this man are leading,who declares mutual death for you two?PolyneicesYes, for he wishes it. But I must not yield.AntigoneAh, wretched me! But who will dare follow you, when he hears what prophecies this man has uttered?PolyneicesI will not report ill-tidings; a good leader should tell the better news, and not the worse.AntigoneIs this then your fixed decision, my brother?PolyneicesYes, and do not detain me. This path now will be my destiny, ill-fated and evil, because of my father here and his Furies. But as for you two,may Zeus grant you good things, if you bring these things to completion for me when I am dead, since in life you will see me no more.Now release me, and farewell; for nevermore will you behold me living.AntigoneAh, wretched that I am!PolyneicesDo not mourn for me.AntigoneAnd who would not mourn you, brother, when you are hurrying offto a death foreseen?PolyneicesIf it is fated, then I must die.AntigoneNo, no, listen to my prayer!