Antigone: With our own eyes we fain would see Our father’s tomb.
Theseus: That may not be.
Antigone: What say’st thou, King?
Theseus: My children, he Charged me straitly that no mortal Should approach the sacred portal, Or greet with funeral litanies The hidden tomb wherein he lies; Saying, “If thou keep’st my hest Thou shalt hold thy realm at rest.” The God of Oaths this promise heard, And to Zeus I pledged my word.
Antigone: Well, if he would have it so, We must yield. Then let us go Back to Thebes, if yet we may Heal this mortal feud and stay The self-wrought doom That drives our brothers to their tomb.
Theseus: Go in peace; nor will I spare Ought of toil and zealous care, But on all your needs attend, Gladdening in his grave my friend.
Chorus: Wail no more, let sorrow rest, All is ordered for the best.