168 SOPHOCLES
Creon. Leading her on to where the desert path Is loneliest, there alive, in rocky cave Will I immure her, just so much of food Before her set as may avert pollution,^ eso
And save the city from the guilt of blood ; And there, invoking Hades, whom alone Of all the Gods she worships, she, perchance, Shall gain escape from death, or then shall know 834 That Hades-worship is but labor lost. ^Exit.
Strophe,
Chorus. Ο Love, in every battle victor owned ;
Love, rushing on thy prey. Now on a maiden's soft and blooming cheek,
In secret ambush hid ; Now o'er the broad sea wandering at will, β4ο
And now in shepherd's folds ; Of all the Undying Ones none 'scape from thee,
Nor yet of mortal men Whose lives are measured as a fleeting day ; And who has thee is frenzied in his soul. 845
AjiiTISTROPHE.
Thou makest vile the purpose of the just,
To his own fatal harm ; Thou hast stirred up this fierce and deadly strife,
Of men of nearest kin ; The charm of eyes of bride beloved and fair sso
Is crowned with victory, And dwells on high among the powers that rule.
Equal with holiest laws ;
^ " Creon's -words point to the popular feeling• that if some food, however little, were given to those thus buried alive, the guilt of starving them to death was averted."
