Ch. My lord, ’twere wise, if thou wouldst learn of him
In reason; and thou, Haemon, from thy sire!
Truth hes between you.
Cr. Shall our age, forsooth,
Be taught discretion by a peevish boy?
Haem. Only in what is right. Respects of time
Must be outbalanced by the actual need.
Cr. To cringe to rebels cannot be a need.
Haem. I do not claim observance for the vile.
Cr. Why, is not she so tainted? Is ’t not proved?
Haem. All Thebes denies it.
Cr. Am I ruled by Thebes?
Haem. If youth be folly, that is youngly said.
Cr. Shall other men prescribe my government?
Haem. One only makes not up a city, father.
Cr. Is not the city in the sovereign’s hand?
Haem. Nobly you’d govern as the desert’s king.
Cr. This youngster is the woman’s champion.
Haem. You are the woman, then—for you I care.
Cr. Villain, to bandy reasons with your sire!
Haem. I plead against the unreason of your fault.
Cr. What fault is there in reverencing my power?
Haem. There is no reverence when you spurn the Gods.
Cr. Abominable spirit, woman-led!
Haem. You will not find me following a base guide.
Cr. Why, all your speech this day is spent for her.
Haem. For you and me too, and the Gods below.
Cr. She will not live to be your wife on earth.
Haem. I know, then, whom she will ruin by her death.
Cr. What, wilt thou threaten, too, thou audacious boy?
Haem. It is no threat to answer empty words.
Cr. Witless admonisher, thou shalt pay for this!
Haem. Thou art my sire, else would I call thee senseless.
Cr. Thou woman’s minion! mince not terms with me.
Haem. Wouldst thou have all the speaking on thy side?
