ἐᾷν δ᾽ ἄκλαυστον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Antigone. Sophocles. Paris, France. 1858.
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Current edition Experimental
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (11)
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 29 focus
ἐᾶν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 29 focus
ἐᾷν δ᾽ ἄκλαυστον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 29 focus
ἐᾶν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 29 focus
ἐὰν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 29.mvp-line-29 focus
ἐᾶν δ’ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 29 focus
ἐᾶν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 29 focus
ἐᾶν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 29 focus
ἐᾶν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 29.mvp-line-29 focus
ἐᾶν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 29 focus
ἐᾶν δʼ ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 29 focus
ἐᾶν δ᾽ ἄκλαυτον ἄταφον, οἰωνοῖς γλυκὺν
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 29 focus
ANTIGONE
Wenn also du sprichst, machest mir du dich verhafst,
und auch dem Todten wirst verhafst du seyn mit Recht.
Wohlan denn, lasse mich und meinen Unverstand
95
dies Übel dulden; denn gewiſs erleid' ich nichts
so Groſses, daſs mir nicht verblieb' ein edler Tod.
Wenn also du sprichst, machest mir du dich verhafst,
und auch dem Todten wirst verhafst du seyn mit Recht.
Wohlan denn, lasse mich und meinen Unverstand
95
dies Übel dulden; denn gewiſs erleid' ich nichts
so Groſses, daſs mir nicht verblieb' ein edler Tod.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 29 focus
CORO
100
¡Rayo del Sol, la más hermosa luz de las que antes brillaban en Tebas, la de siete puertas! Apare. ciste ya, ¡oh resplandor del áureo día!, viniendo por encima de la fuente Dircea, y haciendo huir, fugitivo, a la carrera, en veloz corcel, al ejército de blanco escudo que de Argos había venido con todo aparato bélico.
110
Ejército que en contra nuestra había levantado Polini- ces, excitado por discorde lucha, y que como águila que dando agudos graznidos se lanza sobre la tierra, así aquél se abalanzó protegido en sus escudos blancos como la nieve, con sus armas y cascos empenachados de crin de caballo;
117
y después de asediar la ciudad con sus lanzas, ávidas de
carniceria
carnicería, abriendo la boca por todo el circuito de las siete puertas, se marchó sin po- der hartar su voracidad en nuestra sangre, ni pren- der el fuego de resinosa tea en los muros de nuestras torres: tal le atacó por la espalda el estrépito de Marte, irresistible para el contrario dragón.
127
Júpiter, pues, odia las bravatas de orgullosa lengua; y al ver que se aba- lanzaban como impetuosa corriente, arrogantes con el estruendo de sus doradas armas, hirió con su rayo de fuego al que, preparado ya para el asalto de nuestras almenas, se disponía a cantar victoria.
134
Y sobre el suelo que retumbó al chocar con él, cayó herido del rayo el que llevaba el fuego en el momento en que, con furioso empuje y lleno de rabia, respiraba contra nosotros el soplo del más desolador viento. No sucedió como él lo deseaba; que otros reveses infería a los demás, destru- yéndolos, el potente Marte en su impetuosidad a favor nuestro.
141
Pues los siete jefes que en las siete puertas se habían colocado contra los otros siete, dejaron sus
broncineas
broncíneas armas, con las que elevaremos un trofeo a Júpiter, que los puso en fuga, excepto los dos infelices que, nacidos de un mismo padre y una misma madre, clavándose uno a otro sus soberanas lanzas, obtuvieron los dos la misma suerte en muerte común.
148
Pero, puesto que la gloriosa victoria llegó felicitando a Tebas la de muchos carros, olvidémonos de la reciente guerra y vayamos a los templos de los dioses con nocturnos coros guiados por Baco, que a Tebas pone en conmoción.
155
Pero he ahí al rey de esta tierra, a Creonte, el hijo de Me- neceo, que con motivo de los felices y recientes aconte- cimientos que los dioses nos han enviado, se acerca me- ditando algún proyecto que viene a proponer a esta asamblea de ancianos que ha convocado por público pregón.
100
¡Rayo del Sol, la más hermosa luz de las que antes brillaban en Tebas, la de siete puertas! Apare. ciste ya, ¡oh resplandor del áureo día!, viniendo por encima de la fuente Dircea, y haciendo huir, fugitivo, a la carrera, en veloz corcel, al ejército de blanco escudo que de Argos había venido con todo aparato bélico.
110
Ejército que en contra nuestra había levantado Polini- ces, excitado por discorde lucha, y que como águila que dando agudos graznidos se lanza sobre la tierra, así aquél se abalanzó protegido en sus escudos blancos como la nieve, con sus armas y cascos empenachados de crin de caballo;
117
y después de asediar la ciudad con sus lanzas, ávidas de
carniceria
carnicería, abriendo la boca por todo el circuito de las siete puertas, se marchó sin po- der hartar su voracidad en nuestra sangre, ni pren- der el fuego de resinosa tea en los muros de nuestras torres: tal le atacó por la espalda el estrépito de Marte, irresistible para el contrario dragón.
127
Júpiter, pues, odia las bravatas de orgullosa lengua; y al ver que se aba- lanzaban como impetuosa corriente, arrogantes con el estruendo de sus doradas armas, hirió con su rayo de fuego al que, preparado ya para el asalto de nuestras almenas, se disponía a cantar victoria.
134
Y sobre el suelo que retumbó al chocar con él, cayó herido del rayo el que llevaba el fuego en el momento en que, con furioso empuje y lleno de rabia, respiraba contra nosotros el soplo del más desolador viento. No sucedió como él lo deseaba; que otros reveses infería a los demás, destru- yéndolos, el potente Marte en su impetuosidad a favor nuestro.
141
Pues los siete jefes que en las siete puertas se habían colocado contra los otros siete, dejaron sus
broncineas
broncíneas armas, con las que elevaremos un trofeo a Júpiter, que los puso en fuga, excepto los dos infelices que, nacidos de un mismo padre y una misma madre, clavándose uno a otro sus soberanas lanzas, obtuvieron los dos la misma suerte en muerte común.
148
Pero, puesto que la gloriosa victoria llegó felicitando a Tebas la de muchos carros, olvidémonos de la reciente guerra y vayamos a los templos de los dioses con nocturnos coros guiados por Baco, que a Tebas pone en conmoción.
155
Pero he ahí al rey de esta tierra, a Creonte, el hijo de Me- neceo, que con motivo de los felices y recientes aconte- cimientos que los dioses nos han enviado, se acerca me- ditando algún proyecto que viene a proponer a esta asamblea de ancianos que ha convocado por público pregón.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 29 focus
Chorus
100
O iubar solis, omnium quae septiportis Thebis prius adfulserunt, pulcherrima lux, apparuisti tandem, aureae diei oculus, Dircaea transcendens fluenta;
110
quod in fugam compulsum acutiori freno cursum conteridere coégisti insignem candido clipeo virum ab Argis feliciter egressum cum omni bellico apparatu, qui contra nostram urbem, Polynicis ambiguis incitatus iurgiis , transvolavit , nt acutum clangens adversus terram aquila, nivea tectus ala, multis cum armis, comantibusque galeis.
117
Stans vero supra aedes, cruentis inhians undique cum hastis circa septem portarum ora, abiit, priusquam nostro sanguine satiaret malas, et turrium propugnacula piceus Vulcanus corriperet:
tantus a tergo exortus est strepitus Martis, adversario draconi inexsuperabilis.
127
Iupiter enim superbae linguae iactantiam impense odit, etinnumeros €os intuitus aureo strepitu superbientes vibrato deiicit fulmine, parantes iam ad summam metam victoriae laetum clamorem tollere :
134
Ictu autem fulminis quassatus in terram cecidit ignifer ille, qui tuncinsano furore debacchans, nos afflavit, infestissimorum vi ventorum. . Aliter vero in hos grassari solet, alios illis infigere casus, deturbans eos, agilis Mavors:
141
nam septem quidem duces, ad septem portas locati, pares contra pares;
fugatori Iovi reliquerunt aerea dona, praeter miseros illos, qui, patre uno nati, de imperio dissentientes hastas cum dirigerent, communis mortis ambo perceperunt partem.
148
At enim, quoniam praeclaro nomine gaudens Victoria venit, curruum agitatrice Theba invicem delectata, iam confectorum modo bellorum oblivia inducite, deorumque templa omnia adeamus nocturnis choris, duce quidem Baccho, ululante, Thebis oriundo.
155
Ecce vero Menoecei gnatus, urbis rex novus ob novum casum deorum invectum numine creatus, accedit, aliquod consilium volvens animo, quandoquidem conventum hunc seniorum indixit, quos communi praeconio arcessivit.
100
O iubar solis, omnium quae septiportis Thebis prius adfulserunt, pulcherrima lux, apparuisti tandem, aureae diei oculus, Dircaea transcendens fluenta;
110
quod in fugam compulsum acutiori freno cursum conteridere coégisti insignem candido clipeo virum ab Argis feliciter egressum cum omni bellico apparatu, qui contra nostram urbem, Polynicis ambiguis incitatus iurgiis , transvolavit , nt acutum clangens adversus terram aquila, nivea tectus ala, multis cum armis, comantibusque galeis.
117
Stans vero supra aedes, cruentis inhians undique cum hastis circa septem portarum ora, abiit, priusquam nostro sanguine satiaret malas, et turrium propugnacula piceus Vulcanus corriperet:
tantus a tergo exortus est strepitus Martis, adversario draconi inexsuperabilis.
127
Iupiter enim superbae linguae iactantiam impense odit, etinnumeros €os intuitus aureo strepitu superbientes vibrato deiicit fulmine, parantes iam ad summam metam victoriae laetum clamorem tollere :
134
Ictu autem fulminis quassatus in terram cecidit ignifer ille, qui tuncinsano furore debacchans, nos afflavit, infestissimorum vi ventorum. . Aliter vero in hos grassari solet, alios illis infigere casus, deturbans eos, agilis Mavors:
141
nam septem quidem duces, ad septem portas locati, pares contra pares;
fugatori Iovi reliquerunt aerea dona, praeter miseros illos, qui, patre uno nati, de imperio dissentientes hastas cum dirigerent, communis mortis ambo perceperunt partem.
148
At enim, quoniam praeclaro nomine gaudens Victoria venit, curruum agitatrice Theba invicem delectata, iam confectorum modo bellorum oblivia inducite, deorumque templa omnia adeamus nocturnis choris, duce quidem Baccho, ululante, Thebis oriundo.
155
Ecce vero Menoecei gnatus, urbis rex novus ob novum casum deorum invectum numine creatus, accedit, aliquod consilium volvens animo, quandoquidem conventum hunc seniorum indixit, quos communi praeconio arcessivit.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 29 focus
CHORUS
CHORUS. (entering).
LEADER OF CHORUS.
100
Beam of the mounting Sun!
100
O brightest, fairest ray
100
Seven-gated Thebè yet hath seen!
Over the vale where Dircè’s fountains run
At length thou appearedst, eye of golden Day,
And with incitement of thy radiance keen
Spurredst to faster flight
105
The man of Argos hurrying from the fight.
Armed at all points the warrior came,
But driven before thy rising flame
He rode, reverting his pale shield,
110
Headlong from yonder battlefield.
110
In snow-white panoply, on eagle wing,
He rose, dire ruin on our land to bring,
Roused by the fierce debate
Of Polynices’ hate,
Shrilling sharp menace from his breast,
Sheathed all in steel from crown to heel,
With many a plumèd crest.
115
Then stooped above the domes,
117
With lust of carnage fired,
And opening teeth of serried spears
Yawned wide around the gates that guard our homes;
But went, or e’er his hungry jaws had tired
120
On Theban flesh,—or e’er the Fire-god fierce
Seizing our sacred town
Besmirched and rent her battlemented crown.
Such noise of battle as he fled
About his back the War-god spread;
So writhed to hard-fought victory
The serpent struggling to be free.
127
High Zeus beheld their stream that proudly rolled
Idly caparisoned with clanking gold:
Zeus hates the boastful tongue:
He with hurled fire down flung
One who in haste had mounted high,
130
And that same hour from topmost tower
Upraised the exulting cry.
Swung rudely to the hard repellent earth
Amidst his furious mirth
134
He fell, who then with flaring brand
Held in his fiery hand
Came breathing madness at the gate
135
In eager blasts of hate.
And doubtful swayed the varying fight
Through the turmoil of the night,
As turning now on these and now on those
Ares hurtled ’midst our foes,
Self-harnessed helper on our right.
140
Seven matched with seven, at each gate one,
140
141
Their captains, when the day was done,
Left for our Zeus who turned the scale,
The brazen tribute in full tale:—
All save the horror-burdened pair,
Dire children of despair,
Who from one sire, one mother, drawing breath,
145
Each with conquering lance in rest
Against a true born brother’s breast,
Found equal lots in death.
148
But with blithe greeting to glad Thebe came
She of the glorious name,
Victory,—smiling on our chariot throng
With eyes that waken song
150
Then let those battle memories cease,
Silenced by thoughts of peace.
With holy dances of delight
Lasting through the livelong night
Visit we every shrine, in solemn round,
155
Led by him who shakes the ground,
155
Our Bacchus, Thebe’s child of light.
155
But look! where Creon in his new-made power,
Moved by the fortune of the recent hour,
Comes with fresh counsel. What intelligence
Intends he for our private conference,
That he hath sent his herald to us all,
160
Gathering the elders with a general call?
Beam of the mounting Sun!
100
O brightest, fairest ray
100
Seven-gated Thebè yet hath seen!
Over the vale where Dircè’s fountains run
At length thou appearedst, eye of golden Day,
And with incitement of thy radiance keen
Spurredst to faster flight
105
The man of Argos hurrying from the fight.
Armed at all points the warrior came,
But driven before thy rising flame
He rode, reverting his pale shield,
Headlong from yonder battlefield.
110
In snow-white panoply, on eagle wing,
He rose, dire ruin on our land to bring,
Roused by the fierce debate
Of Polynices’ hate,
Shrilling sharp menace from his breast,
Sheathed all in steel from crown to heel,
With many a plumèd crest.
115
Then stooped above the domes,
With lust of carnage fired,
And opening teeth of serried spears
Yawned wide around the gates that guard our homes;
But went, or e’er his hungry jaws had tired
120
On Theban flesh,—or e’er the Fire-god fierce
Seizing our sacred town
Besmirched and rent her battlemented crown.
Such noise of battle as he fled
About his back the War-god spread;
So writhed to hard-fought victory
The serpent struggling to be free.
High Zeus beheld their stream that proudly rolled
Idly caparisoned with clanking gold:
Zeus hates the boastful tongue:
He with hurled fire down flung
One who in haste had mounted high,
130
And that same hour from topmost tower
Upraised the exulting cry.
Swung rudely to the hard repellent earth
Amidst his furious mirth
He fell, who then with flaring brand
Held in his fiery hand
Came breathing madness at the gate
135
In eager blasts of hate.
And doubtful swayed the varying fight
Through the turmoil of the night,
As turning now on these and now on those
Ares hurtled ’midst our foes,
Self-harnessed helper on our right.
140
Seven matched with seven, at each gate one,
140
Their captains, when the day was done,
Left for our Zeus who turned the scale,
The brazen tribute in full tale:—
All save the horror-burdened pair,
Dire children of despair,
Who from one sire, one mother, drawing breath,
145
Each with conquering lance in rest
Against a true born brother’s breast,
Found equal lots in death.
But with blithe greeting to glad Thebe came
She of the glorious name,
Victory,—smiling on our chariot throng
With eyes that waken song
150
Then let those battle memories cease,
Silenced by thoughts of peace.
With holy dances of delight
Lasting through the livelong night
Visit we every shrine, in solemn round,
Led by him who shakes the ground,
155
Our Bacchus, Thebe’s child of light.
155
But look! where Creon in his new-made power,
Moved by the fortune of the recent hour,
Comes with fresh counsel. What intelligence
Intends he for our private conference,
That he hath sent his herald to us all,
160
Gathering the elders with a general call?
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 39 focus
Was kann ich, wenn dies also steht, Unselige,
1
Hier, lösend oder bindend, uns zum Frommen thun?
40
Was kann ich, wenn dies also steht, Unselige,
1
Hier, lösend oder bindend, uns zum Frommen thun?
40
Antigone.
Sieh, ob du helfen, ob die Mühe theilen wirst
Sieh, ob du helfen, ob die Mühe theilen wirst
Ismene.
Bei welchem Unterfangen? Wo geräthst du hin?
Bei welchem Unterfangen? Wo geräthst du hin?
Antigone.
Ob du den Todten, mir gesellt, aufnehmen willst!
Ob du den Todten, mir gesellt, aufnehmen willst!
Ismene.
Ihn denn bestatten willst du, dem Verbot zum Troz?
Ihn denn bestatten willst du, dem Verbot zum Troz?
Antigone.
Ja, meinen Bruder und den deinen, wenn auch du
45
Nicht willst; denn niemals soll man mich Verrathes zeih'n!
2
Ja, meinen Bruder und den deinen, wenn auch du
45
Nicht willst; denn niemals soll man mich Verrathes zeih'n!
2
Ismene.
Tollkühne, während Kreon's Wort es dir verwehrt?
Tollkühne, während Kreon's Wort es dir verwehrt?
Antigone.
Fern halten darf mich dieser nie von meiner Pflicht.
Fern halten darf mich dieser nie von meiner Pflicht.
Ismene.
Weh mir! Bedenk', o Schwester, wie der Vater uns,
Mit Haß und Hohn belastet, ruhmlos unterging,
50
Nachdem er selbst um Gräuel, die er selbst enthüllt,
Der Augen Sterne sich zerriß mit eigner Hand;
Wie dann die Mutter, Mutter ihm und Weib zugleich,
Schmachvoll mit frevlem Strange sich das Leben nahm;
Zum dritten, wie die Brüder beid' an Einem Tag
55
Im Wechselmord sich ein gemeinsam Todesloos,
Die Armen, schufen, Einer durch des Andern Hand!
Wir sind allein jezt übrig; du bedenke denn,
Wie schmählich wir verdürben, wenn wir wider Necht
Der Herrscher Ausspruch und Gewalt mißachteten.
60
Wohl mußt du doch erwägen, daß wir Frauen sind,
Und nicht geschaffen, Männern kühn im Kampf zu steh'n,
Dann aber, daß wir, weil beherrscht von Stärkeren,
Hier folgen müssen und sogar in Härterem.
Drum will ich jene, die der Erde Schooß verbirgt,
3
65
Anfleh'n um Nachsicht, weil Gewalt mich bindet hier,
Und ihm gehorchen, dem die Macht geworden ist;
Denn Unverstand ist's, über seine Kraft zu thun.
Weh mir! Bedenk', o Schwester, wie der Vater uns,
Mit Haß und Hohn belastet, ruhmlos unterging,
50
Nachdem er selbst um Gräuel, die er selbst enthüllt,
Der Augen Sterne sich zerriß mit eigner Hand;
Wie dann die Mutter, Mutter ihm und Weib zugleich,
Schmachvoll mit frevlem Strange sich das Leben nahm;
Zum dritten, wie die Brüder beid' an Einem Tag
55
Im Wechselmord sich ein gemeinsam Todesloos,
Die Armen, schufen, Einer durch des Andern Hand!
Wir sind allein jezt übrig; du bedenke denn,
Wie schmählich wir verdürben, wenn wir wider Necht
Der Herrscher Ausspruch und Gewalt mißachteten.
60
Wohl mußt du doch erwägen, daß wir Frauen sind,
Und nicht geschaffen, Männern kühn im Kampf zu steh'n,
Dann aber, daß wir, weil beherrscht von Stärkeren,
Hier folgen müssen und sogar in Härterem.
Drum will ich jene, die der Erde Schooß verbirgt,
3
65
Anfleh'n um Nachsicht, weil Gewalt mich bindet hier,
Und ihm gehorchen, dem die Macht geworden ist;
Denn Unverstand ist's, über seine Kraft zu thun.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 29 focus
Creon
Be careful then my orders are obeyed.
215
Be careful then my orders are obeyed.
215
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 29 focus
CORO
100
¡Oh, luz pura del Sol, la más hermosa que ha alumbrado en la Ciudad de las Siete puertas! ¡apareciste al fin, ojo del áureo día, reflejándote en las cristalinas aguas dircéas
1
; despues que los guerreros venidos de Argos con sus blancos escudos y bélico aparato, huyeron en rápida carrera, agitando con vigor las riendas de sus corceles.
110
A la cabeza de ellos Polinice, excitado por ambiguas querellas, semejante al águila que desciende á la tierra lanzando gritos agudísimos, vino volando á arrasar nuestras campiñas, cubierto con su escudo, cual ala de blanca nieve, agitándose en torno de él millares de armas, y cascos de flotantes cimeras.
100
¡Oh, luz pura del Sol, la más hermosa que ha alumbrado en la Ciudad de las Siete puertas! ¡apareciste al fin, ojo del áureo día, reflejándote en las cristalinas aguas dircéas
1
; despues que los guerreros venidos de Argos con sus blancos escudos y bélico aparato, huyeron en rápida carrera, agitando con vigor las riendas de sus corceles.
110
A la cabeza de ellos Polinice, excitado por ambiguas querellas, semejante al águila que desciende á la tierra lanzando gritos agudísimos, vino volando á arrasar nuestras campiñas, cubierto con su escudo, cual ala de blanca nieve, agitándose en torno de él millares de armas, y cascos de flotantes cimeras.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 29 focus
CHOR der Thebanischen Alten.
O Blik der Sonne, du schönster, der
Dem siebenthorigen Thebe
Seit langem scheint, bist eirimal du
Erschienen, o Licht, bist du
105
O Augenblik des goldenen Tages,
Gegangen über die Dirzäischen Bäche,
Und den Weifsschild,, ihn von Argos,
Den Mann, gekommen in Waffenrüstung,
Den hinstürzenden Flüchtling
110
Bewegst du mit der Schärfe des Zaums, ihn,
Mit welchem über unser Land
Sich geschwungen Polynikes
110
Aus zweideutigem Zank und scharf, wie ein Adler,
Schrie er und flog,
115
Schneeweis sein Flügel,
Furchtbar, mit Waffen viel,
Und Helmen, geschmükt mit dem Rofsschweiff,
117
Und über Pallästen stand er und wies,
Voll blutiger Spiefse, rings
120
Das siebenthorige Maul;
Doch gieng er davon,
Noch ehe von unsrem
Blut er die Baken
Gefüllt, und ehe
125
Die Krone der Thürme
Die Fakel des Hephästos genommen.
So über dem Rüken ist Getümmel
Des Mars dem Feind, ein Hindernils
Den Drachen geworden.
130
127
Denn sehr hafst Zevs das Prangen
Der grofsen Zung’ und wo er,
Wenn sie langschreitend kommen,
Ins goldene ihnen sieht, ins eitle Hinaussehn,
Mit geschwungenem Feuer stürzet er sie, wo einer
135
Von steilen Treppen schon
Den Sieg anhebet zu jauchzen.
134
Aufharten Boden aber fällt er, hinunter taumelnd,
Liebestrunken, der mit rasender Schaar
Hinschnob, bacchantisch
140
Im Wurf’ ungünstiger Winde;
Fand aber anders;
Anderes andrem
Bescheidet der Schlachtgeist, wenn der hart
Anregend einen mit dem Rechten die Hand erschüttert.
145
141
Sieben Fürsten, vor sieben Thoren
Geordnet, gleiche zu gleichen, liefsen
Dem Zevs, dem triumphirenden, die ehernen Waffen,
Ausser den abscheulichen, die von Einem Vater
Und einer Mutter gezeuget, gegeneinander
150
Die gedoppelten Speere gerichtet und empfangen
Des gemeinsamen Todes Theil, die beiden.
148
Der grofsnahmige Sieg ist aber gekommen,
Der wagenreichen günstig, der Thebe,
Und nach dem Kriege hier,
155
Macht die Vergessenheit aus!
Zu allen Göttertempeln,
Mit Chören, die Nacht durch,
Kommt her! und, Thebe
Erschütternd, herrsche der Bacchusreigen!
160
155
Doch er, der König der Gegend,
Kreon, Menökeus Sohn, neu nach
Der Götter neuen Verhängnissen,
Kommt wohl, um einen Rath
Zu sagen, da er zusammenberufen
165
Und verordnet hier der Alten Versammlung,
Und öffentliche Botschaft gesendet.
Zweite Scene
KREON. DER CHOR.
O Blik der Sonne, du schönster, der
Dem siebenthorigen Thebe
Seit langem scheint, bist eirimal du
Erschienen, o Licht, bist du
105
O Augenblik des goldenen Tages,
Gegangen über die Dirzäischen Bäche,
Und den Weifsschild,, ihn von Argos,
Den Mann, gekommen in Waffenrüstung,
Den hinstürzenden Flüchtling
110
Bewegst du mit der Schärfe des Zaums, ihn,
Mit welchem über unser Land
Sich geschwungen Polynikes
Aus zweideutigem Zank und scharf, wie ein Adler,
Schrie er und flog,
115
Schneeweis sein Flügel,
Furchtbar, mit Waffen viel,
Und Helmen, geschmükt mit dem Rofsschweiff,
Und über Pallästen stand er und wies,
Voll blutiger Spiefse, rings
120
Das siebenthorige Maul;
Doch gieng er davon,
Noch ehe von unsrem
Blut er die Baken
Gefüllt, und ehe
125
Die Krone der Thürme
Die Fakel des Hephästos genommen.
So über dem Rüken ist Getümmel
Des Mars dem Feind, ein Hindernils
Den Drachen geworden.
130
Denn sehr hafst Zevs das Prangen
Der grofsen Zung’ und wo er,
Wenn sie langschreitend kommen,
Ins goldene ihnen sieht, ins eitle Hinaussehn,
Mit geschwungenem Feuer stürzet er sie, wo einer
135
Von steilen Treppen schon
Den Sieg anhebet zu jauchzen.
Aufharten Boden aber fällt er, hinunter taumelnd,
Liebestrunken, der mit rasender Schaar
Hinschnob, bacchantisch
140
Im Wurf’ ungünstiger Winde;
Fand aber anders;
Anderes andrem
Bescheidet der Schlachtgeist, wenn der hart
Anregend einen mit dem Rechten die Hand erschüttert.
145
Sieben Fürsten, vor sieben Thoren
Geordnet, gleiche zu gleichen, liefsen
Dem Zevs, dem triumphirenden, die ehernen Waffen,
Ausser den abscheulichen, die von Einem Vater
Und einer Mutter gezeuget, gegeneinander
150
Die gedoppelten Speere gerichtet und empfangen
Des gemeinsamen Todes Theil, die beiden.
Der grofsnahmige Sieg ist aber gekommen,
Der wagenreichen günstig, der Thebe,
Und nach dem Kriege hier,
155
Macht die Vergessenheit aus!
Zu allen Göttertempeln,
Mit Chören, die Nacht durch,
Kommt her! und, Thebe
Erschütternd, herrsche der Bacchusreigen!
160
Doch er, der König der Gegend,
Kreon, Menökeus Sohn, neu nach
Der Götter neuen Verhängnissen,
Kommt wohl, um einen Rath
Zu sagen, da er zusammenberufen
165
Und verordnet hier der Alten Versammlung,
Und öffentliche Botschaft gesendet.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 29 focus
Chorus
100
1
100
Beam of the sun, fairest light that ever dawned on Thebè of the seven gates, thou hast shone forth at last, eye of golden day, arisen above Dircé’s streams! The warrior of the white shield, who came from Argos in his panoply, hath been stirred by thee to headlong flight, in swifter career ;
1
110
who set forth against our land by reason of the
110
vexed claims of Polyneices; and, like shrill-screaming eagle, he flew over into our land, in snow-white pinion sheathed, with an arméd throng, and with plumage of helms.
1
117
He paused above our dwellings; he ravened around
120
our sevenfold portals with spears athirst for blood; but he went hence, or ever his jaws were glutted with our gore, or the Fire-god’s pine-fed flame had seized our crown of towers. So fierce was the noise of battle raised behind him, a thing too hard for him to conquer, as he wrestled with his dragon foe.
2
127
For Zeus utterly abhors the boasts of a proud tongue; and when he beheld them coming on in a
130
great stream, in the haughty pride of clanging gold, he smote with brandished fire one who was now hasting to shout victory at his goal upon our ramparts.
2
134
Swung down, he fell on the earth with a crash, torch in hand, he who so lately, in the frenzy of the mad onset, was raging against us with the blasts of his tempestuous hate. But those threats fared not as he hoped ; and to other foes the mighty War-god dispensed their several dooms, dealing havoc around, a mighty
140
helper at our need.
3
141
For seven captains at seven gates, matched against seven, left the tribute of their panoplies to Zeus who tutns the battle; save those two of cruel fate, who, born of one sire and one mother, set against each other their twain conquering spears, and are sharers in a common death.
2
148
But since Victory of glorious name hath come to us, with joy responsive to the joy of Thebè whose
150
chariots are many, let us enjoy forgetfulness after the late wars, and visit all the temples of the gods with night-long dance and song; and may Bacchus be our leader, whose dancing shakes the land of Thebè.
4
155
But lo, the king of the land comes yonder, Creon, son of Menoeceus, our new ruler by the new fortunes that the gods have given; what counsel is he pondering,
160
that he hath proposed this special conference of elders, summoned by his general mandate?
Enter CREON, from the central doors of the palace, in the garb of king ; with two attendants.
100
1
100
Beam of the sun, fairest light that ever dawned on Thebè of the seven gates, thou hast shone forth at last, eye of golden day, arisen above Dircé’s streams! The warrior of the white shield, who came from Argos in his panoply, hath been stirred by thee to headlong flight, in swifter career ;
1
110
who set forth against our land by reason of the
110
vexed claims of Polyneices; and, like shrill-screaming eagle, he flew over into our land, in snow-white pinion sheathed, with an arméd throng, and with plumage of helms.
1
117
He paused above our dwellings; he ravened around
120
our sevenfold portals with spears athirst for blood; but he went hence, or ever his jaws were glutted with our gore, or the Fire-god’s pine-fed flame had seized our crown of towers. So fierce was the noise of battle raised behind him, a thing too hard for him to conquer, as he wrestled with his dragon foe.
2
127
For Zeus utterly abhors the boasts of a proud tongue; and when he beheld them coming on in a
130
great stream, in the haughty pride of clanging gold, he smote with brandished fire one who was now hasting to shout victory at his goal upon our ramparts.
2
134
Swung down, he fell on the earth with a crash, torch in hand, he who so lately, in the frenzy of the mad onset, was raging against us with the blasts of his tempestuous hate. But those threats fared not as he hoped ; and to other foes the mighty War-god dispensed their several dooms, dealing havoc around, a mighty
140
helper at our need.
3
141
For seven captains at seven gates, matched against seven, left the tribute of their panoplies to Zeus who tutns the battle; save those two of cruel fate, who, born of one sire and one mother, set against each other their twain conquering spears, and are sharers in a common death.
2
148
But since Victory of glorious name hath come to us, with joy responsive to the joy of Thebè whose
150
chariots are many, let us enjoy forgetfulness after the late wars, and visit all the temples of the gods with night-long dance and song; and may Bacchus be our leader, whose dancing shakes the land of Thebè.
4
155
But lo, the king of the land comes yonder, Creon, son of Menoeceus, our new ruler by the new fortunes that the gods have given; what counsel is he pondering,
160
that he hath proposed this special conference of elders, summoned by his general mandate?
Enter CREON, from the central doors of the palace, in the garb of king ; with two attendants.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 29 focus
Messenger
Be thou assured
I never did this daring deed.
Be thou assured
I never did this daring deed.
English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904)) — 1-98 focus
1
39
69
Antigone
Ismene, my sister, true child of my own mother, do you know any evil out of all the evils bequeathed by Oedipus that Zeus will not fulfil for the two of us in our lifetime? There is nothing—no pain, no ruin,
1
no shame, nor dishonor—that I have not seen in your sufferings and mine. And now what is this new edict that they say the general has just decreed to all the city? Do you know anything? Have you heard? Or does it escape you that
5
evils from our enemies are on the march against our friends?
10
Ismene, my sister, true child of my own mother, do you know any evil out of all the evils bequeathed by Oedipus that Zeus will not fulfil for the two of us in our lifetime? There is nothing—no pain, no ruin,
1
no shame, nor dishonor—that I have not seen in your sufferings and mine. And now what is this new edict that they say the general has just decreed to all the city? Do you know anything? Have you heard? Or does it escape you that
5
evils from our enemies are on the march against our friends?
10
Ismene
To me no word of our friends, Antigone, either bringing joy or bringing pain has come since we two were robbed of our two brothers who died in one day by a double blow.
And since the
Argive
army has fled during this night, I have learned nothing further, whether better fortune is mine, or further ruin.
15
To me no word of our friends, Antigone, either bringing joy or bringing pain has come since we two were robbed of our two brothers who died in one day by a double blow.
And since the
Argive
army has fled during this night, I have learned nothing further, whether better fortune is mine, or further ruin.
15
Antigone
I knew it well, so I was trying to bring you outside the courtyard gates to this end, that you alone might hear.
I knew it well, so I was trying to bring you outside the courtyard gates to this end, that you alone might hear.
Ismene
Hear what? It is clear that you are brooding on some dark news.
20
Hear what? It is clear that you are brooding on some dark news.
20
Antigone
Why not? Has not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honored burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he has laid in the earth
for his honor among the dead below. As for the poor corpse of Polyneices, however, they say that an edict has been published to the townsmen that no one shall bury him or mourn him, but instead leave him unwept, unentombed, for the birds a pleasing store
25
as they look to satisfy their hunger. Such, it is said, is the edict that the good Creon has laid down for you and for me—yes, for me—and it is said that he is coming here to proclaim it for the certain knowledge of those who do not already know. They say that he does not conduct this business lightly,
30
but whoever performs any of these rites, for him the fate appointed is death by public stoning among the entire city. This is how things stand for you, and so you will soon show your nature, whether you are noble-minded, or the corrupt daughter of a noble line.
35
39
Why not? Has not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honored burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he has laid in the earth
for his honor among the dead below. As for the poor corpse of Polyneices, however, they say that an edict has been published to the townsmen that no one shall bury him or mourn him, but instead leave him unwept, unentombed, for the birds a pleasing store
25
as they look to satisfy their hunger. Such, it is said, is the edict that the good Creon has laid down for you and for me—yes, for me—and it is said that he is coming here to proclaim it for the certain knowledge of those who do not already know. They say that he does not conduct this business lightly,
30
but whoever performs any of these rites, for him the fate appointed is death by public stoning among the entire city. This is how things stand for you, and so you will soon show your nature, whether you are noble-minded, or the corrupt daughter of a noble line.
35
Ismene
Poor sister, if things have come to this, what would I
profit by loosening or tightening this knot?
40
Poor sister, if things have come to this, what would I
profit by loosening or tightening this knot?
40
Antigone
Consider whether you will share the toil and the task.
Consider whether you will share the toil and the task.
Ismene
What are you hazarding? What do you intend?
What are you hazarding? What do you intend?
Antigone
Will you join your hand to mine in order to lift his corpse?
Will you join your hand to mine in order to lift his corpse?
Ismene
You plan to bury him—when it is forbidden to the city?
You plan to bury him—when it is forbidden to the city?
Antigone
Yes, he is my brother, and yours too, even if you wish it otherwise. I will never be convicted of betraying him.
45
Yes, he is my brother, and yours too, even if you wish it otherwise. I will never be convicted of betraying him.
45
Ismene
Hard girl! Even when Creon has forbidden it?
Hard girl! Even when Creon has forbidden it?
Antigone
No, he has no right to keep me from my own.
No, he has no right to keep me from my own.
Ismene
Ah, no! Think, sister, how our father
perished in hatred and infamy, when, because of the crimes that he himself detected, he smashed both his eyes with self-blinding hand; then his mother-wife, two names in one, with a twisted noose destroyed her life;
50
lastly, our two brothers in a single day, both unhappy murderers of their own flesh and blood, worked with mutual hands their common doom. And now we, in turn—we two who have been left all alone—consider how much more miserably we will be destroyed, if in defiance of the law
55
we transgress against an autocrat’s decree or his powers. No, we must remember, first, that ours is a woman’s nature, and accordingly not suited to battles against men; and next, that we are ruled by the more powerful, so that we must obey in these things and in things even more stinging.
60
I, therefore, will ask those below for pardon, since I am forced to this, and will obey those who have come to authority. It is foolish to do what is fruitless.
65
69
Ah, no! Think, sister, how our father
perished in hatred and infamy, when, because of the crimes that he himself detected, he smashed both his eyes with self-blinding hand; then his mother-wife, two names in one, with a twisted noose destroyed her life;
50
lastly, our two brothers in a single day, both unhappy murderers of their own flesh and blood, worked with mutual hands their common doom. And now we, in turn—we two who have been left all alone—consider how much more miserably we will be destroyed, if in defiance of the law
55
we transgress against an autocrat’s decree or his powers. No, we must remember, first, that ours is a woman’s nature, and accordingly not suited to battles against men; and next, that we are ruled by the more powerful, so that we must obey in these things and in things even more stinging.
60
I, therefore, will ask those below for pardon, since I am forced to this, and will obey those who have come to authority. It is foolish to do what is fruitless.
65
Antigone
I would not encourage you—no, nor, even if you were willing later,
would I welcome you as my partner in this action. No, be the sort that pleases you. I will bury him—it would honor me to die while doing that. I shall rest with him, loved one with loved one, a pious criminal. For the time is greater
70
that I must serve the dead than the living, since in that world I will rest forever. But if you so choose, continue to dishonor what the gods in honor have established.
75
I would not encourage you—no, nor, even if you were willing later,
would I welcome you as my partner in this action. No, be the sort that pleases you. I will bury him—it would honor me to die while doing that. I shall rest with him, loved one with loved one, a pious criminal. For the time is greater
70
that I must serve the dead than the living, since in that world I will rest forever. But if you so choose, continue to dishonor what the gods in honor have established.
75
Ismene
I do them no dishonor. But to act in violation of the citizens’ will—of that I am by nature incapable.
I do them no dishonor. But to act in violation of the citizens’ will—of that I am by nature incapable.
Antigone
You can make that your pretext! Regardless, I will go now to heap a tomb over the brother I love.
80
You can make that your pretext! Regardless, I will go now to heap a tomb over the brother I love.
80
Ismene
Oh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!
Oh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!
Antigone
Do not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.
Do not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.
Ismene
Then at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.
Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so, too, will I.
85
Then at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.
Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so, too, will I.
85
Antigone
Go on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you fail to proclaim these things to everyone.
Go on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you fail to proclaim these things to everyone.
Ismene
You have a hot heart for chilling deeds.
You have a hot heart for chilling deeds.
Antigone
I know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.
I know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.
Ismene
Yes, if you will also have the power. But you crave the impossible.
90
Yes, if you will also have the power. But you crave the impossible.
90
Antigone
Why then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.
Why then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.
Ismene
An impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.
An impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.
Antigone
If you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to punishment as the enemy of the dead.
But leave me and the foolish plan I have authored to suffer this terrible thing, for I will not suffer anything so terrible that my death will lack honor.
95
If you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to punishment as the enemy of the dead.
But leave me and the foolish plan I have authored to suffer this terrible thing, for I will not suffer anything so terrible that my death will lack honor.
95
Ismene
Go, then, if you so decide. And of this be sure: though your path is foolish, to your loved ones your love is straight and true.
Exit Antigone on the spectators’ left. Ismene exits into the palace.
Go, then, if you so decide. And of this be sure: though your path is foolish, to your loved ones your love is straight and true.
Exit Antigone on the spectators’ left. Ismene exits into the palace.
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
29. mvp-comment-21-1 ἐἂν. Sc. πάντας. The affirmative subject is supplied from the negative Cp. the language of the proclamation in O. T. 241, and see Essay on Language p. 59.
29. mvp-comment-21-2 ἄκλαυτον, ἄταφον Cp. Od. 11. 72; Il. 22. 386; Eur. Hec. 30.
29-30. mvp-comment-22-1 οἰωνοῖς .. βορᾶς (1) To the vultures a sweet treasure as they eye him with a view to the gratification of food. Cp. infr. 371 τόλμας χάριν : 908, τίνος νόμου δὴ ταῦτα πρὸς χάριν λέγω; Or, perhaps. (2) To the vultures, eyeing him, a glad store of food to gratify their desire. For πρὸς χάριν in the latter rendering, cp. Phil. 1156, ἀντίφονον κορέσαι στόμα πρὸς χάριν, and for the combination of adverbial phrase and noun, El. 1336, σὺν χαρᾷ βοῆς.