τοιαῦτά φασι
1
τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Antigone. Sophocles. Paris, France. 1858.
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Funding provided by Tufts University.
Table of Contents
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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)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντά σοι
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντά σοι
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 31.mvp-line-31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντά σοι
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασιν τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 31.mvp-line-31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 31 focus
τοιαῦτά φασι τὸν ἀγαθὸν Κρέοντα σοὶ
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 31 focus
CHOR
Strahl der Sonne, das schönste Licht,
100
das je dieses Thebäervolks
siebenthoriger Stadt erschien!
du blickst endlich, goldenes Tags Wimper, leuchtend herab,
über Dirka's Fluten herüberschwebend!
Jenen, der mit glänzendem Schild
105
kam von Argos, mächtig bewehrt,
triebest du flüchtig in eilendem Lauf
fort mit rascherem Zügel;
110
ihn, welchen ins Land zur Befehdung rief
durch feindlichen Zwist grimmvoll entbrannt
110
Polyneikes, der in dem Fluge des Aars
hellkreischend daher kam über das Land,
von dem Fittig gedeckt weiſsglänzendes Schnee's,
mit der Rüstungen viel
und rofsummähneten Helmen.
115
117
Jener, über den Häusern, um-
gähnend unserer Thore Mund
mit mordlustigen Speeren rings,
entfloh, eh' er unseres Bluts ganz der Kiefern Begier
sättigt', ehe ragender Thürm' Umkränzung
120
fafst' Hephästos' flammende Glut:
also braust' im Rücken umher
Kriegesgetümmel, verderblicher Kampf
ihm, dem feindlichen Drachen!
127
Denn Zeus hafst schwer grofssprechender Zung'
125
hochmüthig Geprahl'; und als er ersah,
wie in mächtigem Strom sie zogen heran,
in des Goldes Geklirr, hoffärtiges Sinns,
wirft den er herab mit geschleudertem Strahl,
der aufstieg schon
130
zu den Zinnen in jubelndem Siegsruf,
134
Und zu der dröhnenden Erde geschmettert fiel er,
der mit geschwungener Fackel in wildem Andrang,
mit wahnsinniger Wuth braust' heran im feindlichsten Sturm.
Diesen traf solches Loos;
135
anderes theilt' anderen zu, mächtig im Kampf drängend,
Ares der grofse
Siegesheld!
141
Denn Sieben um sieben der Thore gestellt,
Mann gegen den Mann, sie liefsen dem Zeus
zum Preise des Siegs die gediegene Wehr.
140
Nur das schreckliche Paar, von Demselben erzeugt
mit demselbigen Weib, die wider sich selbst,
zwiefach siegreich, einlegten den Speer,
traf gleiches Verhängniſs des Todes.
148
Aber es kam die gepriesene Siegesgöttin,
145
freudig entgegnend der wagenberühmten Thebe:
deſshalb denket des Kampfs jetztnicht mehr; in nächtlichem Chor
lasset Tanzreigen uns
führend der Stadt Tempeln umher nahen, voran hebe sich
Thebe's
Bacchios jauchzend!
150
155
Doch Kreon kommt des Menökeus Sohn,
des Thebäischen Lands neuwaltender Fürst,
in des Göttergeschicks neublühendem Glück:
was sinnet er wohl im erregten Gemüth,
daſs jetzo sofort den erlesenen Rath
155
er der Greis' entbot zur Versammlung hier,
durch Heroldsruf sie beschickend?
Strahl der Sonne, das schönste Licht,
100
das je dieses Thebäervolks
siebenthoriger Stadt erschien!
du blickst endlich, goldenes Tags Wimper, leuchtend herab,
über Dirka's Fluten herüberschwebend!
Jenen, der mit glänzendem Schild
105
kam von Argos, mächtig bewehrt,
triebest du flüchtig in eilendem Lauf
fort mit rascherem Zügel;
ihn, welchen ins Land zur Befehdung rief
durch feindlichen Zwist grimmvoll entbrannt
110
Polyneikes, der in dem Fluge des Aars
hellkreischend daher kam über das Land,
von dem Fittig gedeckt weiſsglänzendes Schnee's,
mit der Rüstungen viel
und rofsummähneten Helmen.
115
Jener, über den Häusern, um-
gähnend unserer Thore Mund
mit mordlustigen Speeren rings,
entfloh, eh' er unseres Bluts ganz der Kiefern Begier
sättigt', ehe ragender Thürm' Umkränzung
120
fafst' Hephästos' flammende Glut:
also braust' im Rücken umher
Kriegesgetümmel, verderblicher Kampf
ihm, dem feindlichen Drachen!
Denn Zeus hafst schwer grofssprechender Zung'
125
hochmüthig Geprahl'; und als er ersah,
wie in mächtigem Strom sie zogen heran,
in des Goldes Geklirr, hoffärtiges Sinns,
wirft den er herab mit geschleudertem Strahl,
der aufstieg schon
130
zu den Zinnen in jubelndem Siegsruf,
Und zu der dröhnenden Erde geschmettert fiel er,
der mit geschwungener Fackel in wildem Andrang,
mit wahnsinniger Wuth braust' heran im feindlichsten Sturm.
Diesen traf solches Loos;
135
anderes theilt' anderen zu, mächtig im Kampf drängend,
Ares der grofse
Siegesheld!
Siegesheld!
Denn Sieben um sieben der Thore gestellt,
Mann gegen den Mann, sie liefsen dem Zeus
zum Preise des Siegs die gediegene Wehr.
140
Nur das schreckliche Paar, von Demselben erzeugt
mit demselbigen Weib, die wider sich selbst,
zwiefach siegreich, einlegten den Speer,
traf gleiches Verhängniſs des Todes.
Aber es kam die gepriesene Siegesgöttin,
145
freudig entgegnend der wagenberühmten Thebe:
deſshalb denket des Kampfs jetztnicht mehr; in nächtlichem Chor
lasset Tanzreigen uns
führend der Stadt Tempeln umher nahen, voran hebe sich
Thebe's
Bacchios jauchzend!
150
Bacchios jauchzend!
Doch Kreon kommt des Menökeus Sohn,
des Thebäischen Lands neuwaltender Fürst,
in des Göttergeschicks neublühendem Glück:
was sinnet er wohl im erregten Gemüth,
daſs jetzo sofort den erlesenen Rath
155
er der Greis' entbot zur Versammlung hier,
durch Heroldsruf sie beschickend?
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 31 focus
Coro
211
Sea como te place, Creonte, hijo de Meneceo, respecto de los amigos y enemigos de esta ciudad; pues en tu derecho estás de aplicar absolutamente la ley en lo que toca a los muertos y a todos cuantos vivimos.
211
Sea como te place, Creonte, hijo de Meneceo, respecto de los amigos y enemigos de esta ciudad; pues en tu derecho estás de aplicar absolutamente la ley en lo que toca a los muertos y a todos cuantos vivimos.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 31 focus
Chorus
211
Eadem, quae tibi, nobis etiam placent; Menoecei gnate, Creon, circa civitatis huius hostem, et circa amicum:
lege vero uti qualibet penes te estin mortuos, et in viventes, quotquot sumus.
211
Eadem, quae tibi, nobis etiam placent; Menoecei gnate, Creon, circa civitatis huius hostem, et circa amicum:
lege vero uti qualibet penes te estin mortuos, et in viventes, quotquot sumus.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 31 focus
CH
211
Son of Menoeceus, we have heard thy mind
Toward him who loves, and him who hates our city.
And sure, ’tis thine to enforce what law thou wilt
Both on the dead and all of us who live.
Son of Menoeceus, we have heard thy mind
Toward him who loves, and him who hates our city.
And sure, ’tis thine to enforce what law thou wilt
Both on the dead and all of us who live.
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)) — 31 focus
Creon
211cont2
I have appointed some to watch the body.
I have appointed some to watch the body.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 31 focus
CORO
134
Herido por el rayo cayó en tierra, por la cual fué rechazado, aquel que con insana furia se arrojaba sobre nosotros, respirando el ódio y la venganza. Pero el gran dios de la guerra, nuestro propicio aliado, sembrando la turbación, con su potente brazo, envióles de mil distintas maneras la muerte.
141
Los siete jefes, que venian hácia nuestras siete puertas contra otros tantos caudillos de Thebas, rindieron sus férreas armas á Júpiter vencedor. Mas ¡ay! estos dos desventurados, hijos del mismo padre y de la misma madre, volviendo el uno contra el otro sus lanzas victoriosas, se compartieron entre los dos la misma muerte.
134
Herido por el rayo cayó en tierra, por la cual fué rechazado, aquel que con insana furia se arrojaba sobre nosotros, respirando el ódio y la venganza. Pero el gran dios de la guerra, nuestro propicio aliado, sembrando la turbación, con su potente brazo, envióles de mil distintas maneras la muerte.
141
Los siete jefes, que venian hácia nuestras siete puertas contra otros tantos caudillos de Thebas, rindieron sus férreas armas á Júpiter vencedor. Mas ¡ay! estos dos desventurados, hijos del mismo padre y de la misma madre, volviendo el uno contra el otro sus lanzas victoriosas, se compartieron entre los dos la misma muerte.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 31 focus
CHOR
Dir dünket difs, o Sohn Menökeus, Kreon,
Des Feindes wegen und des Freunds der Stadt,
220
Und das Gesez gebrauchst du überall,
Der Todten wegen und der Lebenden.
Dir dünket difs, o Sohn Menökeus, Kreon,
Des Feindes wegen und des Freunds der Stadt,
220
Und das Gesez gebrauchst du überall,
Der Todten wegen und der Lebenden.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 31 focus
Chorus
211
Such is thy pleasure, Creon, son of Menoeceus, touching this city’s foe, and its friend; and thou hast power, I ween, to take what order thou wilt, both for the dead, and for all us who live.
211
Such is thy pleasure, Creon, son of Menoeceus, touching this city’s foe, and its friend; and thou hast power, I ween, to take what order thou wilt, both for the dead, and for all us who live.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 31 focus
Messenger
How cruel is suspicion when unjust!
How cruel is suspicion when unjust!
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.
Notes on the current edition
Antigone
1.
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
mvp-comment-1-1 Prologue. At daybreak ( v. 100 ) on the morning after the fall of the two brothers and the flight of the Argives, Antigone calls Ismene forth from the house, in order to speak with her apart. She tells her that Creon has forbidden the burial of Polyneices, and declares her resolve to perform it herself. Ismene declines to assist, and endeavours to dissuade her. Antigone then goes alone to the task.
mvp-comment-2-1 The words κοινὸν 1 αὐτάδελφον 2
mvp-comment-2-2 κάρα 3
mvp-comment-3-1 ἆρ’ οἶσθ’ … τελεῖ 4 ὅ τι 5 ὅτι 6 ὅ τι 7 ὅτι 8
mvp-comment-3-2 τῶν ἀπ’ Οἰδ. κακῶν 9 ἔτι ζώσαιν 10 ἔτι 11
mvp-comment-4-1 Paley ( Journ. Ph. 10. 16) regards these three verses as interpolated, because (1) Antigone, like Ismene, should have only seven verses: (2) the words only repeat vv. 2, 3: (3) the double negative offends. But we have no warrant for requiring such a correspondence; and this is not repetition, but development. On (3), see below.
mvp-comment-5-1 οὔτ’ ἄτης ἄτερ 12 ἄτης ἄτερ 13 οὐδ’ 14 οὔτ’ 15
mvp-comment-6-1 αἰσχρόν 16 ἄτιμον 17
mvp-comment-6-2 ὁποῖον οὐ … οὐκ ὄπωπα 18
mvp-comment-6-3 τῶν … κακῶν 19 ὄπωπα 20
mvp-comment-7-1 αὖ 21
mvp-comment-7-2 πανδήμῳ πόλει 22
mvp-comment-8-1 θεῖναι 23
mvp-comment-8-2 τὸν στρατηγόν 24
mvp-comment-9-1 ἔχεις 25
mvp-comment-9-2 κεἰσήκουσας 26
mvp-comment-10-1 τῶν ἐχθρῶν κακά 27
mvp-comment-11-1 μέν 28 ἐμοί 29
mvp-comment-11-2 Ἀντιγόνη 30
mvp-comment-11-3 φίλων 31 μῦθος 32
mvp-comment-11-4 ἐξ ὅτου 33
mvp-comment-12-1 δυοῖν … δύο 34 δύο 35
mvp-comment-13-1 θανόντοιν 36
mvp-comment-13-2 διπλῇ χερί 37
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
1-17. mvp-comment-1-1 The opening speeches reveal the contrast between the sisters, while the affectionate address of Antigone in l. 1 gives greater emphasis to her violent outbreak in l. 69. Cp. О. Т. 85, and note.
1. mvp-comment-2-1 κοινόν not only means Of common parentage, but has the further significance of common interests and feelings. See Essay on Language p. 96, and for αὐτάδελφον (where the compound merely adds a pathetic emphasis), Essay on Language p. 91, 6. Ismene, my own sister, who sharest all with me. Antigone and Ismene were united by a common grief in an affection Dearer than the natural bond of sisters.
2-3. mvp-comment-3-1 (1) Do you know, that of the ills derived from Oedipus there is not one which Zeus will not bring upon us two before we die? ὁποῖον οὐχί is the indirect form of ποῖον οὐχί ; = all without exception. So Böckh: and this agrees better with what follows in ll. 7, 9, 10, 11 ff. than (2) reading ὅ, τι with the Schol. and rendering, 'Know'st thou which of the evils is such that Zeus will not accomplish it?' or (3) (ὁποῖον α resumption of ὅ, τι), 'Know'st thou what of all the evil Zeus will not accomplish?' or (4) supposing ὅτι pleonastic: 'Know'st thou what' etc.
2-3. mvp-comment-3-2 τῶν ἀπ᾿ Οἰδίπου Oedipus in the Antigone is simply the author of misery to his race: infr. 49 ff., 864 ff., although the misery has an earlier source in the Doom of the Labdacidae. The action of the O. T. and O. C. must not be presupposed. See Introd. p. 452.
3. mvp-comment-4-1 vῷv is dative. (Essay on Language § 12. p. 18). For ἔτι ζώσαιν, cp. Hom. Il. 18. 10, Μυρμιδόνων τὸν ἄριστον ἔτι ζώοντος ἐμεῖο | χερσὶν ὑπὸ Τρώων λείψειν φάος ἠελίοιο.
4. mvp-comment-5-1 ἄτης †ἄτερ Neither the defence of these words by Böckh, who places them between commas, Calamity apart, i.e. no disgrace, not to speak of calamity, (cp. Dem. de Cor. p. 255); nor that of Wecklein, who treats the privative as a redundant negative, i. e.
4. mvp-comment-5-2 ἄτερ = οὐ πλέων, nor Linwood's, who makes ἀλγεινὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτης ἄτερ = άλγεινὸν ἀτηρόν τε, is satisfactory. Yet Didymus knew of no other reading, and interlinear glosses before the Christian era can hardly be assumed. Else there is much plausibility in Porson's conjecture that a gloss ἀτηρ', i. e. ἀτηρόν, has taken the place of ἔχον (sc. μετέχον), or some other word. The corruption occurring at such an early period is more probably due to the confusion to which all negative expressions are liable (Essay on Language § 29. 2, p. 49), but which in the present instance cannot be attributed to the poet; i. e. οὐδὲν ἀτηρόν ἐσθ᾽ ὁποῖον οὐκ ὄπωπα, has become confused in the mind of some early interpreter with οὐδέν ἐσθ᾽ ὁποῖον οὐκ ἀτηρόν = οὐδέν ἐστ᾽ ἄτης ἄτερ. Qy. ἄτης πλέων? The emphasis culminates on ἄτιμον, which pointedly refers to the dishonour she is now to speak of.
6. mvp-comment-6-1 τῶν.. κακῶν, partitive genitive, as supplementary predicate. See Essay on Language § 10. p. 15.
7-8. mvp-comment-7-1 πανδήμῳ.. στρατηγόν The Thebans had gone forth πανδημεί under Creon's generalship, and he had made the proclamation as στρατηγός, before assuming the civil power. Cp. Thuc. 5. 60, § 5, τὰς ἀπὸ στρατείας δίκας πρὶν ἐσιέναι κρίνουσιν. The publicity of the edict makes it more painful. Antigone knows what she is doing. Infr. 44, 907.
9. mvp-comment-8-1 τι is adverbial.
10. mvp-comment-9-1 τῶν ἐχθρῶν When evils devised by enemies are threatening those we love. In the vehemence of her resentment she already speaks of Creon as an enemy. Cp. infr. 62. τὰ ἀπὸ τῶν ἐχθρῶν κακά, Schol. According to others τῶν ἐχθρῶν is abl. gen. passing from enemies, i.e. no longer directed towards them, or descriptive, evils which belong to enemies, i. e. which should be confined to them.
11. mvp-comment-10-1 οὐδεὶς μῦθος.. φίλων Νo word concerning any of our friends. Essay on Language § 9. p. 13.
12. mvp-comment-11-1 ἐξ ὅτου Sophocles has not been careful to mark the exact sequence of the events preceding the action of the Play. (See Introduction.) But the death of the brothers is supposed to have taken place some little time before the rout of the Argive host. Infr. 144-148.
14. mvp-comment-12-1 μιᾷ.. διπλῇ Essay on Language p. 69.