μνηστὴρ γὰρ ἦν μοι ποταμός, ᾿Αχελῷον λέγω,
Trachiniae. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
Table of Contents
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Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (1)
Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 1-93 focus
Δηιάνειρα
λόγος μέν ἐστʼ ἀρχαῖος ἀνθρώπων φανείς,
1
ὡς οὐκ ἂν αἰῶνʼ ἐκμάθοις βροτῶν, πρὶν ἂν
θάνῃ τις, οὔτʼ εἰ χρηστὸς οὔτʼ εἴ τῳ κακός·
ἐγὼ δὲ τὸν ἐμόν, καὶ πρὶν εἰς Ἅιδου μολεῖν,
ἔξοιδʼ ἔχουσα δυστυχῆ τε καὶ βαρύν,
5
ἥτις πατρὸς μὲν ἐν δόμοισιν Οἰνέως
ναίουσʼ ἔτʼ ἐν Πλευρῶνι νυμφείων ὄκνον
ἄλγιστον ἔσχον, εἴ τις Αἰτωλὶς γυνή.
μνηστὴρ γὰρ ἦν μοι ποταμός, Ἀχελῷον λέγω,
ὅς μʼ ἐν τρισὶν μορφαῖσιν ἐξῄτει πατρός,
10
φοιτῶν ἐναργὴς ταῦρος, ἄλλοτʼ αἰόλος
δράκων ἑλικτός, ἄλλοτʼ ἀνδρείῳ κύτει
βούπρῳρος· ἐκ δὲ δασκίου γενειάδος
κρουνοὶ διερραίνοντο κρηναίου ποτοῦ.
τοιόνδʼ ἐγὼ μνηστῆρα προσδεδεγμένη
15
δύστηνος αἰεὶ κατθανεῖν ἐπηυχόμην,
πρὶν τῆσδε κοίτης ἐμπελασθῆναί ποτε.
χρόνῳ δʼ ἐν ὑστέρῳ μέν, ἀσμένῃ δέ μοι,
ὁ κλεινὸς ἦλθε Ζηνὸς Ἀλκμήνης τε παῖς·
ὃς εἰς ἀγῶνα τῷδε συμπεσὼν μάχης
20
ἐκλύεταί με· καὶ τρόπον μὲν ἂν πόνων
οὐκ ἂν διείποιμʼ· οὐ γὰρ οἶδʼ· ἀλλʼ ὅστις ἦν
θακῶν ἀταρβὴς τῆς θέας, ὅδʼ ἂν λέγοι·
ἐγὼ γὰρ ἥμην ἐκπεπληγμένη φόβῳ
μή μοι τὸ κάλλος ἄλγος ἐξεύροι ποτέ.
25
τέλος δʼ ἔθηκε Ζεὺς ἀγώνιος καλῶς,
εἰ δὴ καλῶς. λέχος γὰρ Ἡρακλεῖ κριτὸν
ξυστᾶσʼ ἀεί τινʼ ἐκ φόβου φόβον τρέφω,
κείνου προκηραίνουσα· νὺξ γὰρ εἰσάγει
καὶ νὺξ ἀπωθεῖ διαδεδεγμένη πόνον.
30
κἀφύσαμεν δὴ παῖδας, οὓς κεῖνός ποτε,
γῄτης ὅπως ἄρουραν ἔκτοπον λαβών,
σπείρων μόνον προσεῖδε κἀξαμῶν ἅπαξ.
τοιοῦτος αἰὼν εἰς δόμους τε κἀκ δόμων
αἰεὶ τὸν ἄνδρʼ ἔπεμπε λατρεύοντά τῳ.
35
νῦν δʼ ἡνίκʼ ἄθλων τῶνδʼ ὑπερτελὴς ἔφυ,
ἐνταῦθα δὴ μάλιστα ταρβήσασʼ ἔχω.
ἐξ οὗ γὰρ ἔκτα κεῖνος Ἰφίτου βίαν,
ἡμεῖς μὲν ἐν Τραχῖνι τῇδʼ ἀνάστατοι
ξένῳ παρʼ ἀνδρὶ ναίομεν, κεῖνος δʼ ὅπου
40
βέβηκεν οὐδεὶς οἶδε· πλὴν ἐμοὶ πικρὰς
ὠδῖνας αὐτοῦ προσβαλὼν ἀποίχεται.
σχεδὸν δʼ ἐπίσταμαί τι πῆμʼ ἔχοντά νιν·
χρόνον γὰρ οὐχὶ βαιόν, ἀλλʼ ἤδη δέκα
μῆνας πρὸς ἄλλοις πέντʼ ἀκήρυκτος μένει.
45
κἀστίν τι δεινὸν πῆμα· τοιαύτην ἐμοὶ
δέλτον λιπὼν ἔστειχε, τὴν ἐγὼ θαμὰ
θεοῖς ἀρῶμαι πημονῆς ἄτερ λαβεῖν.
49
λόγος μέν ἐστʼ ἀρχαῖος ἀνθρώπων φανείς,
1
ὡς οὐκ ἂν αἰῶνʼ ἐκμάθοις βροτῶν, πρὶν ἂν
θάνῃ τις, οὔτʼ εἰ χρηστὸς οὔτʼ εἴ τῳ κακός·
ἐγὼ δὲ τὸν ἐμόν, καὶ πρὶν εἰς Ἅιδου μολεῖν,
ἔξοιδʼ ἔχουσα δυστυχῆ τε καὶ βαρύν,
5
ἥτις πατρὸς μὲν ἐν δόμοισιν Οἰνέως
ναίουσʼ ἔτʼ ἐν Πλευρῶνι νυμφείων ὄκνον
ἄλγιστον ἔσχον, εἴ τις Αἰτωλὶς γυνή.
μνηστὴρ γὰρ ἦν μοι ποταμός, Ἀχελῷον λέγω,
ὅς μʼ ἐν τρισὶν μορφαῖσιν ἐξῄτει πατρός,
10
φοιτῶν ἐναργὴς ταῦρος, ἄλλοτʼ αἰόλος
δράκων ἑλικτός, ἄλλοτʼ ἀνδρείῳ κύτει
βούπρῳρος· ἐκ δὲ δασκίου γενειάδος
κρουνοὶ διερραίνοντο κρηναίου ποτοῦ.
τοιόνδʼ ἐγὼ μνηστῆρα προσδεδεγμένη
15
δύστηνος αἰεὶ κατθανεῖν ἐπηυχόμην,
πρὶν τῆσδε κοίτης ἐμπελασθῆναί ποτε.
χρόνῳ δʼ ἐν ὑστέρῳ μέν, ἀσμένῃ δέ μοι,
ὁ κλεινὸς ἦλθε Ζηνὸς Ἀλκμήνης τε παῖς·
ὃς εἰς ἀγῶνα τῷδε συμπεσὼν μάχης
20
ἐκλύεταί με· καὶ τρόπον μὲν ἂν πόνων
οὐκ ἂν διείποιμʼ· οὐ γὰρ οἶδʼ· ἀλλʼ ὅστις ἦν
θακῶν ἀταρβὴς τῆς θέας, ὅδʼ ἂν λέγοι·
ἐγὼ γὰρ ἥμην ἐκπεπληγμένη φόβῳ
μή μοι τὸ κάλλος ἄλγος ἐξεύροι ποτέ.
25
τέλος δʼ ἔθηκε Ζεὺς ἀγώνιος καλῶς,
εἰ δὴ καλῶς. λέχος γὰρ Ἡρακλεῖ κριτὸν
ξυστᾶσʼ ἀεί τινʼ ἐκ φόβου φόβον τρέφω,
κείνου προκηραίνουσα· νὺξ γὰρ εἰσάγει
καὶ νὺξ ἀπωθεῖ διαδεδεγμένη πόνον.
30
κἀφύσαμεν δὴ παῖδας, οὓς κεῖνός ποτε,
γῄτης ὅπως ἄρουραν ἔκτοπον λαβών,
σπείρων μόνον προσεῖδε κἀξαμῶν ἅπαξ.
τοιοῦτος αἰὼν εἰς δόμους τε κἀκ δόμων
αἰεὶ τὸν ἄνδρʼ ἔπεμπε λατρεύοντά τῳ.
35
νῦν δʼ ἡνίκʼ ἄθλων τῶνδʼ ὑπερτελὴς ἔφυ,
ἐνταῦθα δὴ μάλιστα ταρβήσασʼ ἔχω.
ἐξ οὗ γὰρ ἔκτα κεῖνος Ἰφίτου βίαν,
ἡμεῖς μὲν ἐν Τραχῖνι τῇδʼ ἀνάστατοι
ξένῳ παρʼ ἀνδρὶ ναίομεν, κεῖνος δʼ ὅπου
40
βέβηκεν οὐδεὶς οἶδε· πλὴν ἐμοὶ πικρὰς
ὠδῖνας αὐτοῦ προσβαλὼν ἀποίχεται.
σχεδὸν δʼ ἐπίσταμαί τι πῆμʼ ἔχοντά νιν·
χρόνον γὰρ οὐχὶ βαιόν, ἀλλʼ ἤδη δέκα
μῆνας πρὸς ἄλλοις πέντʼ ἀκήρυκτος μένει.
45
κἀστίν τι δεινὸν πῆμα· τοιαύτην ἐμοὶ
δέλτον λιπὼν ἔστειχε, τὴν ἐγὼ θαμὰ
θεοῖς ἀρῶμαι πημονῆς ἄτερ λαβεῖν.
Θεράπαινα
δέσποινα Δῃάνειρα, πολλὰ μέν σʼ ἐγὼ
κατεῖδον ἤδη πανδάκρυτʼ ὀδύρματα
50
τὴν Ἡράκλειον ἔξοδον γοωμένην·
νῦν δʼ, εἰ δίκαιον τοὺς ἐλευθέρους φρενοῦν
γνώμαισι δούλαις, κἀμὲ χρὴ φράσαι τὸ σόν·
πῶς παισὶ μὲν τοσοῖσδε πληθύεις, ἀτὰρ
ἀνδρὸς κατὰ ζήτησιν οὐ πέμπεις τινά,
55
μάλιστα δʼ ὅνπερ εἰκὸς Ὕλλον, εἰ πατρὸς
νέμοι τινʼ ὤραν τοῦ καλῶς πράσσειν δοκεῖν;
ἐγγὺς δʼ ὅδʼ αὐτὸς ἀρτίπους θρῴσκει δόμους,
ὥστʼ εἴ τί σοι πρὸς καιρὸν ἐννέπειν δοκῶ,
πάρεστι χρῆσθαι τἀνδρὶ τοῖς τʼ ἐμοῖς λόγοις.
60
61
δέσποινα Δῃάνειρα, πολλὰ μέν σʼ ἐγὼ
κατεῖδον ἤδη πανδάκρυτʼ ὀδύρματα
50
τὴν Ἡράκλειον ἔξοδον γοωμένην·
νῦν δʼ, εἰ δίκαιον τοὺς ἐλευθέρους φρενοῦν
γνώμαισι δούλαις, κἀμὲ χρὴ φράσαι τὸ σόν·
πῶς παισὶ μὲν τοσοῖσδε πληθύεις, ἀτὰρ
ἀνδρὸς κατὰ ζήτησιν οὐ πέμπεις τινά,
55
μάλιστα δʼ ὅνπερ εἰκὸς Ὕλλον, εἰ πατρὸς
νέμοι τινʼ ὤραν τοῦ καλῶς πράσσειν δοκεῖν;
ἐγγὺς δʼ ὅδʼ αὐτὸς ἀρτίπους θρῴσκει δόμους,
ὥστʼ εἴ τί σοι πρὸς καιρὸν ἐννέπειν δοκῶ,
πάρεστι χρῆσθαι τἀνδρὶ τοῖς τʼ ἐμοῖς λόγοις.
60
Δηιάνειρα
ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα
μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ
δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δʼ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.
ὦ τέκνον, ὦ παῖ, κἀξ ἀγεννήτων ἄρα
μῦθοι καλῶς πίπτουσιν· ἥδε γὰρ γυνὴ
δούλη μέν, εἴρηκεν δʼ ἐλεύθερον λόγον.
Ὕλλος
ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.
ποῖον; δίδαξον, μῆτερ, εἰ διδακτά μοι.
Δηιάνειρα
σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου
65
τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ʼστιν, αἰσχύνην φέρειν.
σὲ πατρὸς οὕτω δαρὸν ἐξενωμένου
65
τὸ μὴ πυθέσθαι ποῦ ʼστιν, αἰσχύνην φέρειν.
Ὕλλος
ἀλλʼ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.
ἀλλʼ οἶδα, μύθοις εἴ τι πιστεύειν χρεών.
Δηιάνειρα
καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι χθονός;
καὶ ποῦ κλύεις νιν, τέκνον, ἱδρῦσθαι χθονός;
Ὕλλος
τὸν μὲν παρελθόντʼ ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου
Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν.
70
τὸν μὲν παρελθόντʼ ἄροτον ἐν μήκει χρόνου
Λυδῇ γυναικί φασί νιν λάτριν πονεῖν.
70
Δηιάνειρα
πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.
πᾶν τοίνυν, εἰ καὶ τοῦτʼ ἔτλη, κλύοι τις ἄν.
Ὕλλος
ἀλλʼ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.
ἀλλʼ ἐξαφεῖται τοῦδέ γʼ, ὡς ἐγὼ κλύω.
Δηιάνειρα
ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται;
ποῦ δῆτα νῦν ζῶν ἢ θανὼν ἀγγέλλεται;
Ὕλλος
Εὐβοΐδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν,
ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτὸν ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι.
75
Εὐβοΐδα χώραν φασίν, Εὐρύτου πόλιν,
ἐπιστρατεύειν αὐτὸν ἢ μέλλειν ἔτι.
75
Δηιάνειρα
ἆρʼ οἶσθα δῆτʼ, ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι
μαντεῖα πιστὰ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι;
ἆρʼ οἶσθα δῆτʼ, ὦ τέκνον, ὡς ἔλειπέ μοι
μαντεῖα πιστὰ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας πέρι;
Ὕλλος
τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.
79
τὰ ποῖα, μῆτερ; τὸν λόγον γὰρ ἀγνοῶ.
Δηιάνειρα
ὡς ἢ τελευτὴν τοῦ βίου μέλλει τελεῖν
ἢ τοῦτον ἄρας ἆθλον εἰς τό γʼ ὕστερον
80
τὸν λοιπὸν ἤδη βίοτον εὐαίωνʼ ἔχειν.
ἐν οὖν ῥοπῇ, τοιᾷδε κειμένῳ, τέκνον,
οὐκ εἶ ξυνέρξων, ἡνίκʼ ἢ σεσώσμεθα
ἢ πίπτομεν σοῦ πατρὸς ἐξολωλότος
κείνου βίον σώσαντος, ἢ οἰχόμεσθʼ ἅμα;
85
ὡς ἢ τελευτὴν τοῦ βίου μέλλει τελεῖν
ἢ τοῦτον ἄρας ἆθλον εἰς τό γʼ ὕστερον
80
τὸν λοιπὸν ἤδη βίοτον εὐαίωνʼ ἔχειν.
ἐν οὖν ῥοπῇ, τοιᾷδε κειμένῳ, τέκνον,
οὐκ εἶ ξυνέρξων, ἡνίκʼ ἢ σεσώσμεθα
ἢ πίπτομεν σοῦ πατρὸς ἐξολωλότος
κείνου βίον σώσαντος, ἢ οἰχόμεσθʼ ἅμα;
85
Ὕλλος
ἀλλʼ εἶμι, μῆτερ· εἰ δὲ θεσφάτων ἐγὼ
βάξιν κατῄδη τῶνδε, κἂν πάλαι παρῆ·
νῦν δʼ ὁ ξυνήθης πότμος οὐκ εἴα πατρὸς
ἡμᾶς προταρβεῖν οὐδὲ δειμαίνειν ἄγαν.
νῦν δʼ ὡς ξυνίημʼ, οὐδὲν ἐλλείψω τὸ μὴ οὐ
90
πᾶσαν πυθέσθαι τῶνδʼ ἀλήθειαν πέρι.
ἀλλʼ εἶμι, μῆτερ· εἰ δὲ θεσφάτων ἐγὼ
βάξιν κατῄδη τῶνδε, κἂν πάλαι παρῆ·
νῦν δʼ ὁ ξυνήθης πότμος οὐκ εἴα πατρὸς
ἡμᾶς προταρβεῖν οὐδὲ δειμαίνειν ἄγαν.
νῦν δʼ ὡς ξυνίημʼ, οὐδὲν ἐλλείψω τὸ μὴ οὐ
90
πᾶσαν πυθέσθαι τῶνδʼ ἀλήθειαν πέρι.
Δηιάνειρα
χώρει νυν, ὦ παῖ· καὶ γὰρ ὑστέρῳ τό γʼ εὖ
πράσσειν, ἐπεὶ πύθοιτο, κέρδος ἐμπολᾷ.
χώρει νυν, ὦ παῖ· καὶ γὰρ ὑστέρῳ τό γʼ εὖ
πράσσειν, ἐπεὶ πύθοιτο, κέρδος ἐμπολᾷ.
Translations (5)
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 9 focus
DÊ
Hath he borne that? Then nothing can be strange!
Hath he borne that? Then nothing can be strange!
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1 focus
Wohl sagt ein Spruch der Menschen schon in alter Zeit,
1
1
Kein irdisch Leben könne man, bevor es schloß,
Erkennen, ob es glücklich, ob unselig sei:
Ich aber weiß von meinem, eh' in Hades' Haus
Ich wandre, daß es bitter ist und jammervoll.
5
Schon, als in Deneus', meines Vaters, Haus ich war,
2
Und noch zu Pleuron wohnte, litt ich herbe Qual
Der Ehe wegen, wie noch kein Aetolerweib.
Ein Strom, genannt Acheloos, war mein Freier, der
3
Um mich in drei Gestalten bei dem Vater warb:
10
Leibhaft erschien er als ein Stier, dann wand er sich
Als bunter Drache, kam darauf in Mannsgestalt
Mit Stiereshaupte; von dem dichtbeschatteten
Barthaare strömten Bäche lautern Quellentranks.
So war der Freier, dessen ich gewärtig war,
15
Und täglich sehnt' ich Arme mir den Tod herbei,
Bevor ich solchem Manne mich als Braut gesellt.
Doch endlich, spät erst, aber vielwillkommen mir,
Erschien Alkmene's und des Zeus gepries'ner Sohn,
Der mit dem Strome kühn bestand den Kampf der Schlacht,
20
Und mich erlöste. Zwar des Kampfes Gang und Art
Beschreib' ich nicht; wie könnt ich's auch? Wer ohne Furcht
Dem grausen Schauspiel zugeseh'n, erzähle der's!
Denn ich erschüttert saß ich da, voll banger Angst,
Daß mir die Schönheit herben Gram bereite noch.
25
Doch gab ein gutes Ende Zeus, der Kampfeshort,
Wenn's anders gut war. Denn nachdem Herakles mich
Zum Weib erkoren, nähr' ich Sorg' um Sorge ſtets,
Um ihn mich härmend; zeugt ja doch die eine Nacht,
Die andre Nacht, ihr folgend, treibt hinweg das Leid.
30
Ich gab ihm Kinder, die der Vater irgendwann,
So wie der Landmann, der ein fernes Feld bebaut,
Nur bei der Aussaat und der Ernt' Einmal geseh'n.
So war das Leben, welches mir den Gatten stets
In's Haus und aus dem Hause trieb in fremdem Dienst.
4
35
Doch nun, nachdem er seiner Kämpfe Ziel errang,
Durchwühlt die Sorge mein Gemüth am heftigsten.
Denn seit den tapfern Iphitos sein Arm erschlug,
Sind wir in Trachis, wohnen als Vertrieb'ne hier
Bei'm alten Gastfreund; doch wohin Herakles sich
5
40
Gewendet, Niemand weiß es; mir nur ließ der Held,
Von hinnen ziehend, bittre Weh'n um sich zurück.
Ia, fast gewiß erkenn' ich's, daß ein Leid ihn traf.
Denn lange her schon ist es, fünfzehn Monde weilt
Er außen, ohne daß von ihm mir Kunde kam.
45
Ein schweres Leid ist's: also zeigt das Blatt mir an,
Das er zurückließ, als er schied; daß dieses mir
Kein Leiden bringe, fleh' ich oft die. Götter an.
Wohl sagt ein Spruch der Menschen schon in alter Zeit,
1
1
Kein irdisch Leben könne man, bevor es schloß,
Erkennen, ob es glücklich, ob unselig sei:
Ich aber weiß von meinem, eh' in Hades' Haus
Ich wandre, daß es bitter ist und jammervoll.
5
Schon, als in Deneus', meines Vaters, Haus ich war,
2
Und noch zu Pleuron wohnte, litt ich herbe Qual
Der Ehe wegen, wie noch kein Aetolerweib.
Ein Strom, genannt Acheloos, war mein Freier, der
3
Um mich in drei Gestalten bei dem Vater warb:
10
Leibhaft erschien er als ein Stier, dann wand er sich
Als bunter Drache, kam darauf in Mannsgestalt
Mit Stiereshaupte; von dem dichtbeschatteten
Barthaare strömten Bäche lautern Quellentranks.
So war der Freier, dessen ich gewärtig war,
15
Und täglich sehnt' ich Arme mir den Tod herbei,
Bevor ich solchem Manne mich als Braut gesellt.
Doch endlich, spät erst, aber vielwillkommen mir,
Erschien Alkmene's und des Zeus gepries'ner Sohn,
Der mit dem Strome kühn bestand den Kampf der Schlacht,
20
Und mich erlöste. Zwar des Kampfes Gang und Art
Beschreib' ich nicht; wie könnt ich's auch? Wer ohne Furcht
Dem grausen Schauspiel zugeseh'n, erzähle der's!
Denn ich erschüttert saß ich da, voll banger Angst,
Daß mir die Schönheit herben Gram bereite noch.
25
Doch gab ein gutes Ende Zeus, der Kampfeshort,
Wenn's anders gut war. Denn nachdem Herakles mich
Zum Weib erkoren, nähr' ich Sorg' um Sorge ſtets,
Um ihn mich härmend; zeugt ja doch die eine Nacht,
Die andre Nacht, ihr folgend, treibt hinweg das Leid.
30
Ich gab ihm Kinder, die der Vater irgendwann,
So wie der Landmann, der ein fernes Feld bebaut,
Nur bei der Aussaat und der Ernt' Einmal geseh'n.
So war das Leben, welches mir den Gatten stets
In's Haus und aus dem Hause trieb in fremdem Dienst.
4
35
Doch nun, nachdem er seiner Kämpfe Ziel errang,
Durchwühlt die Sorge mein Gemüth am heftigsten.
Denn seit den tapfern Iphitos sein Arm erschlug,
Sind wir in Trachis, wohnen als Vertrieb'ne hier
Bei'm alten Gastfreund; doch wohin Herakles sich
5
40
Gewendet, Niemand weiß es; mir nur ließ der Held,
Von hinnen ziehend, bittre Weh'n um sich zurück.
Ia, fast gewiß erkenn' ich's, daß ein Leid ihn traf.
Denn lange her schon ist es, fünfzehn Monde weilt
Er außen, ohne daß von ihm mir Kunde kam.
45
Ein schweres Leid ist's: also zeigt das Blatt mir an,
Das er zurückließ, als er schied; daß dieses mir
Kein Leiden bringe, fleh' ich oft die. Götter an.
Die Dienerin.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 9 focus
Hyllus
These twelve months past,
If fame say true, a Lydian woman held him
In shameful servitude.
These twelve months past,
If fame say true, a Lydian woman held him
In shameful servitude.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 9 focus
Hyllus
It is reported he hath burst those bonds.
It is reported he hath burst those bonds.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 1-92 focus
Deianeira
There is a saying among men, put forth long ago, that you cannot judge a mortal’s life and know whether it is good or bad until he dies. But well I know, even before I have passed away to Hades’ domain, that my life is ill-fortuned and heavy.
1
For I, while still dwelling in the house of my father Oeneus at
Pleuron
, had such fear of marriage as never any woman of
Aetolia
had. For my suitor was a river-god, Achelous,
5
who in three shapes was always asking me from my father—coming now as a bull in visible form, now as a serpent, sheeny and coiled, now ox-faced with human trunk, while from his thick-shaded beard wellheads of fountain-water sprayed.
10
In the expectation that such a suitor would get me, I was always praying in my misery that I might die, before I should ever approach that marriage-bed.
But at last, to my joy, the glorious son of Zeus and Alcmena came and
15
closed with him in combat and delivered me. The manner of their fighting I cannot clearly recount. I know it not, but if there be anyone who watched that sight without trembling, he might give an account of it. But I, as I sat there, was struck with terror,
20
lest my beauty should win me sorrow in the end. But Zeus, Arbiter of Contests, accomplished a good ending—if indeed it was good. For since being joined with Heracles as his chosen bride, I nourish one fear after another in my anxiety for him. One night brings distress,
25
and the next night, in turn, drives it out. Children, furthermore, were born to us, whom at the time he looked at only as the farmer looks at a distant field, visiting it only once to sow seed and once to reap. Such was the manner of his life, ever sending him
30
to and from our home in servitude to some master.
But now, when he has risen above those trials—now it is that my fear is keenest. For ever since he slew the mighty Iphitus, we have been dwelling here in
Trachis
, refugees
35
in the home of a foreign host. But where Heracles is, no one knows. I only know that he is gone, and has caused me sharp pain for him. I am almost sure that he has come to some suffering. The interval has not been brief; rather, he is unheard from ten months already,
40
plus another five. Yes, there has been some terrible misfortune. That tablet which he left with me before departing suggests it to me. I often pray to the gods that I did not receive it to my misfortune.
45
49
There is a saying among men, put forth long ago, that you cannot judge a mortal’s life and know whether it is good or bad until he dies. But well I know, even before I have passed away to Hades’ domain, that my life is ill-fortuned and heavy.
1
For I, while still dwelling in the house of my father Oeneus at
Pleuron
, had such fear of marriage as never any woman of
Aetolia
had. For my suitor was a river-god, Achelous,
5
who in three shapes was always asking me from my father—coming now as a bull in visible form, now as a serpent, sheeny and coiled, now ox-faced with human trunk, while from his thick-shaded beard wellheads of fountain-water sprayed.
10
In the expectation that such a suitor would get me, I was always praying in my misery that I might die, before I should ever approach that marriage-bed.
But at last, to my joy, the glorious son of Zeus and Alcmena came and
15
But at last, to my joy, the glorious son of Zeus and Alcmena came and
closed with him in combat and delivered me. The manner of their fighting I cannot clearly recount. I know it not, but if there be anyone who watched that sight without trembling, he might give an account of it. But I, as I sat there, was struck with terror,
20
lest my beauty should win me sorrow in the end. But Zeus, Arbiter of Contests, accomplished a good ending—if indeed it was good. For since being joined with Heracles as his chosen bride, I nourish one fear after another in my anxiety for him. One night brings distress,
25
and the next night, in turn, drives it out. Children, furthermore, were born to us, whom at the time he looked at only as the farmer looks at a distant field, visiting it only once to sow seed and once to reap. Such was the manner of his life, ever sending him
30
to and from our home in servitude to some master.
But now, when he has risen above those trials—now it is that my fear is keenest. For ever since he slew the mighty Iphitus, we have been dwelling here in Trachis , refugees
35
But now, when he has risen above those trials—now it is that my fear is keenest. For ever since he slew the mighty Iphitus, we have been dwelling here in Trachis , refugees
in the home of a foreign host. But where Heracles is, no one knows. I only know that he is gone, and has caused me sharp pain for him. I am almost sure that he has come to some suffering. The interval has not been brief; rather, he is unheard from ten months already,
40
plus another five. Yes, there has been some terrible misfortune. That tablet which he left with me before departing suggests it to me. I often pray to the gods that I did not receive it to my misfortune.
45
Nurse
Deianeira, my mistress, many are the times already that I have
observed you mourning the departure of Heracles with great weeping and lamentation. But now—if it is proper to school the free-born with the doctrines of a slave, and if I am obliged to point out what you should do—how is it that you so abound in sons, yet
50
you do not send one of them to seek your husband, especially Hyllus? It would be appropriate to send him, if he cared for his father’s sake that he be deemed to fare well. Here he is now, dashing to the house in timely stride. So if in your eyes I speak in season,
55
you can use both my counsel and the man.
60
61
Enter Hyllus.
Deianeira, my mistress, many are the times already that I have
observed you mourning the departure of Heracles with great weeping and lamentation. But now—if it is proper to school the free-born with the doctrines of a slave, and if I am obliged to point out what you should do—how is it that you so abound in sons, yet
50
you do not send one of them to seek your husband, especially Hyllus? It would be appropriate to send him, if he cared for his father’s sake that he be deemed to fare well. Here he is now, dashing to the house in timely stride. So if in your eyes I speak in season,
55
you can use both my counsel and the man.
60
Deianeira
My child, my son, wise words fall, it seems, from humble lips. For this woman is a slave, but her advice is worthy of the free.
My child, my son, wise words fall, it seems, from humble lips. For this woman is a slave, but her advice is worthy of the free.
Hyllus
What sort of advice, Mother? Tell me, if I may be told.
What sort of advice, Mother? Tell me, if I may be told.
Deianeira
It brings shame, she says, that you have not sought to learn of your father and where he is, when he has been abroad for so long.
65
It brings shame, she says, that you have not sought to learn of your father and where he is, when he has been abroad for so long.
65
Hyllus
But I know where, if one can put any trust in rumors.
But I know where, if one can put any trust in rumors.
Deianeira
And in what region, my child, do you hear that he has settled?
And in what region, my child, do you hear that he has settled?
Hyllus
Last year, they say, through all its length,
he toiled as a slave to a Lydian woman.
70
Last year, they say, through all its length,
he toiled as a slave to a Lydian woman.
70
Deianeira
If he endured even that, then one might believe any and all rumors.
If he endured even that, then one might believe any and all rumors.
Hyllus
Well, he has been released from that service, as I hear.
Well, he has been released from that service, as I hear.
Deianeira
Where, then, is he reported to be now—alive, or dead?
Where, then, is he reported to be now—alive, or dead?
Hyllus
He is waging or yet planning a war,
they say, upon
Euboea
, the realm of Eurytus.
75
He is waging or yet planning a war,
they say, upon
Euboea
, the realm of Eurytus.
75
Deianeira
Are you aware, my son, that he has left with me sure oracles concerning that land?
Are you aware, my son, that he has left with me sure oracles concerning that land?
Hyllus
What are they, mother? I do not know the oracles you mean.
79
What are they, mother? I do not know the oracles you mean.
Deianeira
They read that either he shall meet the end of his life,
or, after taking on this contest, he shall thereafter, at least, enjoy a happy life for its duration. And so, my child, when his fate is thus trembling in the balance, will you not go to assist him? For we are saved,
80
if he finds safety, or we perish along with him.
85
They read that either he shall meet the end of his life,
or, after taking on this contest, he shall thereafter, at least, enjoy a happy life for its duration. And so, my child, when his fate is thus trembling in the balance, will you not go to assist him? For we are saved,
80
if he finds safety, or we perish along with him.
85
Hyllus
I will go, Mother. Had I known the substance of these prophecies, I would have long been at his side. As it was, my father’s usual good fortune did not allow me to fear for him, nor to be overly anxious.
Now that I have the knowledge, I will spare no pains to learn the whole truth in this matter.
90
I will go, Mother. Had I known the substance of these prophecies, I would have long been at his side. As it was, my father’s usual good fortune did not allow me to fear for him, nor to be overly anxious.
Now that I have the knowledge, I will spare no pains to learn the whole truth in this matter.
90
Deianeira
Go, then, my son. For prosperity yields advantage even for him who learns of it late.
Exeunt Hyllus, on one side, and the Nurse into the house.
Go, then, my son. For prosperity yields advantage even for him who learns of it late.
Exeunt Hyllus, on one side, and the Nurse into the house.
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
mvp-comment-7-1 μνηστὴρ 1
mvp-comment-7-2 Ἀχελῷον 2
mvp-comment-7-3
To the Greeks, Acheloüs was the king of rivers (
Il.21. 194
κρείων Ἀχελώϊος). He was the ‘eldest son of Oceanus and Tethys’: Acusilaüs fr. 11
a (Müller
Frag. Hist. I. 101)
Ὠκεανὸς δὲ γαμεῖ Τηθὺν ἑαυτοῦ ἀδελφήν· τῶν δὲ γίγνονται τρισχίλιοι ποταμοί· Ἀχελῷος<*> δὲ αὐτῶν πρεσβύτατος καὶ τετίμηται μάλιστα. The oracle at Dodona,—which was not far west of the river's sources,—‘enjoined sacrifice to Acheloüs in all its responses’ (
schol.
Il. 21. 194
). In Acarnania
ἀγῶνες were held in his honour (schol.
Il.24. 616
). The cult of this river-god was, however, not merely local, but Panhellenic. Such pre-eminence is enough to explain how he became a type of
πηγαῖον ὕδωρ generally, without assuming the more than doubtful kinship of
ἀχ with
aqua. For Greek, it should rather be
ἀπ, as in
Μεσσάπιοι.
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
9. mvp-comment-10-1 'For a river was my suitor, Achelous I mean.'