Creon instantly assumed control. The Argive host was beaten back, and when the next day dawned, the invading force was gone. The siege was over; and Thebes might set about the pious task of burying its dead. The princes were taken up from the spot where they had fallen, and brought into the city. By the most sacred law of Greek religion every ceremony of burial should now be reverently performed. The duty devolved first on male kindred; and Creon, as uncle to the princes, should perform the rites. But Creon was now king of Thebes; and in that capacity there fell on him another, and a conflicting, duty. He must decide what burial honours might fittingly be paid to Polynices, the traitor who had fought against his country. Antigone waited in anxiety for the decision. For Eteocles she had no fear: he had given no offence to Thebes. But she knew Creon’s rigorous spirit; she knew his devotion to the State; and she trembled for the poor misguided brother who had sinned against the State. In the early morning after the battle, Antigone came out of the palace, to meet the procession which bore her brothers’ bodies in. And as she joined her voice to the mourners’ wail, Creon’s herald broke upon their grief, to announce the king’s decree. HERALD. _’Tis mine to announce the will and firm decree Of the high council of this Theban state. Eteocles, as loyal to his land, Shall be insepulchred beneath her shade.... But this, his brother Polynices’ corpse, Graveless shall be cast forth for dogs to tear. ... Dead though he be, his country’s gods Shall ban him, since he brought in their despite A foreign host to invade and subjugate Their city...._ _... No drink-offerings Poured at his tomb by careful hands, no sound Of dirgeful wailing shall enhance his fame, Nor following of dear footsteps honour him. So runs the enactment of our Theban lords._[27] But Creon had reckoned without Antigone. Her utmost apprehension had not dreamed that so cruel an edict could be passed. It was foul dishonour to the dead, and an insult to the gods. But she would never suffer it. Though she must be one woman against the whole of Thebes, her brother should not lack the necessary rites. ANTIGONE. _But I make answer to the lords of Thebes, Though none beside consent to bury him, I will provide my brother’s funeral. ... Then, O my soul, Of thine own living will share thou the wrongs Forced on the helpless dead: be leal and true._[27]