KREON
Du bist verhafst mir, du sowie dein Ehebett.
560
Du bist verhafst mir, du sowie dein Ehebett.
560
Antigone. Sophocles. ed. August Boeckh. Leipzig. 1884.
Table of Contents
Search the Perseus Catalog for:
Search the Perseus Catalog for:
Current edition Experimental
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) (German) (German (A. Boeckh, 1884))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (12)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μὲν,
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 138 focus
ἑπτὰ λοχαγοὶ γὰρ ἐφ᾽ ἑπτὰ πύλαις
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μὲν,
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν·
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 138.mvp-line-138 focus
εἶχε δ’ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ †ἄλλα τὰ δ᾽ ἄλλα
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ μὲν ἄλ-
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,
5
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 138.mvp-line-138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 138 focus
εἶχε δʼ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 138 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλαι τὰ μέν,
Translations (10)
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 138 focus
CREONTE
Así, hijo mío, conviene que lo tomes a pechos para posponerlo todo a la opinión de tu padre. Por esto, pues, desean los hombres engendrar y tener en casa hijos obedientes, para que rechacen con ofensa a los enemigos y honren al amigo lo mismo que a su padre. Quien
cria
cría hijos que no le reporten ningún provecho, ¿qué podrás decir de él sino que engendró molestias para
si
sí y risa abundante para sus enemigos? Nunca jamás, ¡oh hijo!, te rinda el placer de manera que abdiques de tu razón por culpa de una mujer, sabiendo qué frío resulta el abrazo cuando tienes en casa por esposa a una mujer mala. ¿Pues
què
qué plaga puede resultar mayor que una mala compañera? Despreciándola, pues, como a una perversa, deja que esa muchacha se case con otro en el infierno. Porque cuando a ella
cogi
cogí yo públicamente, a ella sola entre todos los ciudadanos, desobedeciendo mis órdenes, no he de quedar como un farsante ante la ciudad, sino que la mataré, aunque implore a Júpiter, protector de la familia; porque si a los deudos, por el parentesco, les he de tolerar sus rebeldías, con mayor razón a los que no sean de la familia; porque el hombre que sea cuidadoso en los asuntos domésticos, será también justo en los asuntos de la ciudad; pero quien atropellándolo todo, o quebranta las leyes o piensa mandar de los que gobiernan, ése no es posible que obtenga mi alabanza; porque a quien la ciudad coloca en el trono, a ése hay que obedecer en las cosas pequeñas, en las justas y en las que no sean ni pequeñas ni justas. Y un hombre tal no puedo dudar yo que es el que gobierna bien y quiere ser bien gobernado; ése, en el tumulto de la batalla, permanecerá firme en su lugar, como fiel y valiente defensor. No hay mayor mal que la
anarquia
anarquía: ella arruina las ciudades, ella introduce la discordia en las familias, ella rompe y pone en fuga al ejército del aliado; pero la obediencia salva las más veces la vida de los que cumplen con su deber. Así hay que defender el orden y la disciplina, y no dejarse nunca dominar por una mujer. Mejor es, si es preciso, caer ante un hombre; que así nunca podrán decir que somos inferiores a una hembra.
Así, hijo mío, conviene que lo tomes a pechos para posponerlo todo a la opinión de tu padre. Por esto, pues, desean los hombres engendrar y tener en casa hijos obedientes, para que rechacen con ofensa a los enemigos y honren al amigo lo mismo que a su padre. Quien
cria
cría hijos que no le reporten ningún provecho, ¿qué podrás decir de él sino que engendró molestias para
si
sí y risa abundante para sus enemigos? Nunca jamás, ¡oh hijo!, te rinda el placer de manera que abdiques de tu razón por culpa de una mujer, sabiendo qué frío resulta el abrazo cuando tienes en casa por esposa a una mujer mala. ¿Pues
què
qué plaga puede resultar mayor que una mala compañera? Despreciándola, pues, como a una perversa, deja que esa muchacha se case con otro en el infierno. Porque cuando a ella
cogi
cogí yo públicamente, a ella sola entre todos los ciudadanos, desobedeciendo mis órdenes, no he de quedar como un farsante ante la ciudad, sino que la mataré, aunque implore a Júpiter, protector de la familia; porque si a los deudos, por el parentesco, les he de tolerar sus rebeldías, con mayor razón a los que no sean de la familia; porque el hombre que sea cuidadoso en los asuntos domésticos, será también justo en los asuntos de la ciudad; pero quien atropellándolo todo, o quebranta las leyes o piensa mandar de los que gobiernan, ése no es posible que obtenga mi alabanza; porque a quien la ciudad coloca en el trono, a ése hay que obedecer en las cosas pequeñas, en las justas y en las que no sean ni pequeñas ni justas. Y un hombre tal no puedo dudar yo que es el que gobierna bien y quiere ser bien gobernado; ése, en el tumulto de la batalla, permanecerá firme en su lugar, como fiel y valiente defensor. No hay mayor mal que la
anarquia
anarquía: ella arruina las ciudades, ella introduce la discordia en las familias, ella rompe y pone en fuga al ejército del aliado; pero la obediencia salva las más veces la vida de los que cumplen con su deber. Así hay que defender el orden y la disciplina, y no dejarse nunca dominar por una mujer. Mejor es, si es preciso, caer ante un hombre; que así nunca podrán decir que somos inferiores a una hembra.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 138 focus
Creon
Scilicet hoc animo te esse par est, cedant ut omnia patris voluntati.
Propterea enim cupit vir quiviscumque liberos suscipere sibi subditos et educere domi, ut et paternos inimicos ulciscantur male, amicosque eodem, quo pater, prosequantur honore;
qui vero cumque liberos genuit inutiles, quid illum dicas aliud, quam sibi compedes, genuisse, multumque inimicis risum?
Ne nunc ergo, nate, voluptate victus, mulierisque cupidine, sanam mentem abiicias, et hoc tene, frigere amplexum pravae mulieris, quam quis domi consortem tori habeat.
Quod enim peius esse possit ulcus, quam malus amicus?
Quare tamquam malivolam despuens, puellam illam sine apud Orcum, cui voluerit, nubere:
ego enim, postquam illam manifesto deprehendi unam ex omni civitate edicto meo parere recusantem, haud sane committam,ut me falsi arguant cives, sed illam occidam.
Proinde Iovem imploret cognationis praesidem!
nam qui mihi genere coniuncti sunt, si eos mihi immorigeros esse patiar, similes profecto habebo extrarios.
Quicumque enim familiam probe regit, is et in administranda civitate iustus videbitur:
quicumque vero inobediens vel leges violat, vel imperare magistratibus cogitat, non est ut is laudem a me consequatur.
Scilicet quem Civitas summae rerum praefecerit , ei parere oportet tenues, pariter in iustis iniustisque rebus, et qui sic animatus sit,
hunc virum nullus dubiiem, quin recte imperare possit, aliusque subiectus imperio iussa rite exsequi velit, et belli in procella, jussus, mansurus sit, iustum se praebens fortemque adiutorem.
Licentia enim maius haud aliud est malum:
haec quippe civitates perdit, haec subvertit domos, haec socios in fugam coniicit:
atque iis, qui recti in acie steterunt, saluti plerumque fuit obedientia.
Sic vindicare oportet reges, neque omnino feminae cedendum:
satius est enim, siquidem de statu deiici necesse est, a viro vinci,
nec mulieribus ignaviores esse dicamur.
Scilicet hoc animo te esse par est, cedant ut omnia patris voluntati.
Propterea enim cupit vir quiviscumque liberos suscipere sibi subditos et educere domi, ut et paternos inimicos ulciscantur male, amicosque eodem, quo pater, prosequantur honore;
qui vero cumque liberos genuit inutiles, quid illum dicas aliud, quam sibi compedes, genuisse, multumque inimicis risum?
Ne nunc ergo, nate, voluptate victus, mulierisque cupidine, sanam mentem abiicias, et hoc tene, frigere amplexum pravae mulieris, quam quis domi consortem tori habeat.
Quod enim peius esse possit ulcus, quam malus amicus?
Quare tamquam malivolam despuens, puellam illam sine apud Orcum, cui voluerit, nubere:
ego enim, postquam illam manifesto deprehendi unam ex omni civitate edicto meo parere recusantem, haud sane committam,ut me falsi arguant cives, sed illam occidam.
Proinde Iovem imploret cognationis praesidem!
nam qui mihi genere coniuncti sunt, si eos mihi immorigeros esse patiar, similes profecto habebo extrarios.
Quicumque enim familiam probe regit, is et in administranda civitate iustus videbitur:
quicumque vero inobediens vel leges violat, vel imperare magistratibus cogitat, non est ut is laudem a me consequatur.
Scilicet quem Civitas summae rerum praefecerit , ei parere oportet tenues, pariter in iustis iniustisque rebus, et qui sic animatus sit,
hunc virum nullus dubiiem, quin recte imperare possit, aliusque subiectus imperio iussa rite exsequi velit, et belli in procella, jussus, mansurus sit, iustum se praebens fortemque adiutorem.
Licentia enim maius haud aliud est malum:
haec quippe civitates perdit, haec subvertit domos, haec socios in fugam coniicit:
atque iis, qui recti in acie steterunt, saluti plerumque fuit obedientia.
Sic vindicare oportet reges, neque omnino feminae cedendum:
satius est enim, siquidem de statu deiici necesse est, a viro vinci,
nec mulieribus ignaviores esse dicamur.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 138 focus
CR
That, O my son! should be thy constant mind,
In all to bend thee to thy father’s will.
640
Therefore men pray to have around their hearths
Obedient offspring, to requite their foes
With harm, and honour whom their father loves;
But he whose issue proves unprofitable,
Begets what else but sorrow to himself
645
And store of laughter to his enemies?
Make not, my son, a shipwreck of thy wit
For a woman. Thine own heart may teach thee this;—
There’s but cold comfort in a wicked wife
Yoked to the home inseparably. What wound
650
Can be more deadly than a harmful friend?
Then spurn her like an enemy, and send her
To wed some shadow in the world below!
For since of all the city I have found
Her only recusant, caught in the act,
655
I will not break my word before the State.
I will take her life. At this let her invoke
The god of kindred blood! For if at home
I foster rebels, how much more abroad?
Whoso is just in ruling his own house,
660
Lives rightly in the commonwealth no less:
But he that wantonly defies the law,
Or thinks to dictate to authority,
Shall have no praise from me. What power soe’er
The city hath ordained, must be obeyed
665
In little things and great things, right or wrong.
The man who so obeys, I have good hope
Will govern and be governed as he ought,
And in the storm of battle at my side
Will stand a faithful and a trusty comrade.
670
But what more fatal than the lapse of rule?
This ruins cities, this lays houses waste,
This joins with the assault of war to break
Full numbered armies into hopeless rout;
And in the unbroken host ’tis nought but rule
675
That keeps those many bodies from defeat,
I must be zealous to defend the law,
And not go down before a woman’s will.
Else, if I fall, ’twere best a man should strike me;
Lest one should say, ‘a woman worsted him.’
680
That, O my son! should be thy constant mind,
In all to bend thee to thy father’s will.
640
Therefore men pray to have around their hearths
Obedient offspring, to requite their foes
With harm, and honour whom their father loves;
But he whose issue proves unprofitable,
Begets what else but sorrow to himself
645
And store of laughter to his enemies?
Make not, my son, a shipwreck of thy wit
For a woman. Thine own heart may teach thee this;—
There’s but cold comfort in a wicked wife
Yoked to the home inseparably. What wound
650
Can be more deadly than a harmful friend?
Then spurn her like an enemy, and send her
To wed some shadow in the world below!
For since of all the city I have found
Her only recusant, caught in the act,
655
I will not break my word before the State.
I will take her life. At this let her invoke
The god of kindred blood! For if at home
I foster rebels, how much more abroad?
Whoso is just in ruling his own house,
660
Lives rightly in the commonwealth no less:
But he that wantonly defies the law,
Or thinks to dictate to authority,
Shall have no praise from me. What power soe’er
The city hath ordained, must be obeyed
665
In little things and great things, right or wrong.
The man who so obeys, I have good hope
Will govern and be governed as he ought,
And in the storm of battle at my side
Will stand a faithful and a trusty comrade.
670
But what more fatal than the lapse of rule?
This ruins cities, this lays houses waste,
This joins with the assault of war to break
Full numbered armies into hopeless rout;
And in the unbroken host ’tis nought but rule
675
That keeps those many bodies from defeat,
I must be zealous to defend the law,
And not go down before a woman’s will.
Else, if I fall, ’twere best a man should strike me;
Lest one should say, ‘a woman worsted him.’
680
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 141 focus
Denn Sieben, um sieben Thore gestellt,
Mann wider den Mann, sie ließen dem Zeus,
Dem Verleiher des Siegs, die gediegene Wehr.
1
Nur das schreckliche Paar, von dem Einen gezeugt
Mit demselben Gemahl, die wider sich selbst
145
Mit siegendem Speer einstürmten, umfing
Des gemeinsamen Todes Verhängniß.
Zweite Gegenstrophe.
Denn Sieben, um sieben Thore gestellt,
Mann wider den Mann, sie ließen dem Zeus,
Dem Verleiher des Siegs, die gediegene Wehr.
1
Nur das schreckliche Paar, von dem Einen gezeugt
Mit demselben Gemahl, die wider sich selbst
145
Mit siegendem Speer einstürmten, umfing
Des gemeinsamen Todes Verhängniß.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 138 focus
Haemon
Thtit thou shouldst listen to him ; so to thee
Thtit thou shouldst listen to him ; so to thee
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 138 focus
CREONTE
El Orco se encargará de romper esos lazos.
El Orco se encargará de romper esos lazos.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 138 focus
CHOR
Mein König, billig ist es, wenn er an der Zeit spricht,
Zu lernen, aber du von dem auch. Denn
Mit zweien Stimmen wurde recht gesprochen.
Mein König, billig ist es, wenn er an der Zeit spricht,
Zu lernen, aber du von dem auch. Denn
Mit zweien Stimmen wurde recht gesprochen.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 138 focus
Creon
Yea, this, my son, should be thy heart’s fixed
640
law,—in_all things to obey thy father’s will, 'Tis for this that men pray to see dutiful children grow up around them in their homes,—that such may requite their father’s foe with evil, and honour, as their father doth, his friend. But he who begets unprofitable children—what shall we say that he hath sown, but — troubles for himself, and much triumph for his foes? Then do not thou, my son, at pleasure’s beck, dethrone thy reason for a woman’s sake; knowing that this is
650
a joy that soon grows cold in clasping arms,—an evil woman to share thy bed and thy home. For what wound could strike deeper than a false friend? Nay, with loathing, and as if she were thine enemy, let this girl go to find a husband in the house of Hades. For since I have taken her, alone of all the city, in open disobedience, I will not make myself a liar to my people—I will slay her. So let her appeal as she will to the majesty of kindred blood. If I am to nurture mine own kindred in
660
naughtiness, needs must I bear with it in aliens. He who does his duty in his own household will be found righteous in the State also. But if any one transgresses, and does violence to the laws, or thinks to dictate to his rulers, such an one can win no praise from me. No, whomsoever the city may appoint, that man must be obeyed, in little things and great, in just things and unjust; and I should feel sure that one who thus obeys would be a good ruler no less than a good subject, and
670
in the storm of spears would stand his ground where he was set, loyal and dauntless at his comrade’s side.
But disobedience is the worst of evils. This it is that ruins cities; this makes homes desolate; by this, the ranks of allies are broken into headlong rout; but, of the lives whose course is fair, the greater part owes safety to obedience. Therefore we must support the cause of order, and in no wise suffer a woman to worst us. Better to fall from power, if must, by a man’s
680
hand; then we should not be called weaker than a woman.
Yea, this, my son, should be thy heart’s fixed
640
law,—in_all things to obey thy father’s will, 'Tis for this that men pray to see dutiful children grow up around them in their homes,—that such may requite their father’s foe with evil, and honour, as their father doth, his friend. But he who begets unprofitable children—what shall we say that he hath sown, but — troubles for himself, and much triumph for his foes? Then do not thou, my son, at pleasure’s beck, dethrone thy reason for a woman’s sake; knowing that this is
650
a joy that soon grows cold in clasping arms,—an evil woman to share thy bed and thy home. For what wound could strike deeper than a false friend? Nay, with loathing, and as if she were thine enemy, let this girl go to find a husband in the house of Hades. For since I have taken her, alone of all the city, in open disobedience, I will not make myself a liar to my people—I will slay her. So let her appeal as she will to the majesty of kindred blood. If I am to nurture mine own kindred in
660
naughtiness, needs must I bear with it in aliens. He who does his duty in his own household will be found righteous in the State also. But if any one transgresses, and does violence to the laws, or thinks to dictate to his rulers, such an one can win no praise from me. No, whomsoever the city may appoint, that man must be obeyed, in little things and great, in just things and unjust; and I should feel sure that one who thus obeys would be a good ruler no less than a good subject, and
670
in the storm of spears would stand his ground where he was set, loyal and dauntless at his comrade’s side.
But disobedience is the worst of evils. This it is that ruins cities; this makes homes desolate; by this, the ranks of allies are broken into headlong rout; but, of the lives whose course is fair, the greater part owes safety to obedience. Therefore we must support the cause of order, and in no wise suffer a woman to worst us. Better to fall from power, if must, by a man’s
680
hand; then we should not be called weaker than a woman.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 138 focus
Chorus
872
To act with piety denotes a soul
To act with piety denotes a soul
English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904)) — 162-330 focus
Enter Creon, with two attendants.
211
Enter Guard.
237
278
315
Creon
My fellow citizens! First, the gods, after tossing the fate of our city on wild waves, have once more righted it. Second, I have ordered you through my messengers to come here
apart from all the rest, because I knew, first of all, how constant was your reverence for the power of the throne of Laius; how, again, you were reverent, when Oedipus was guiding our city; and lastly, how, when he was dead, you still maintained loyal thoughts towards his children.
165
Since, then, these latter have fallen in one day by a twofold doom—each striking, each struck, both with the stain of a brother’s murder—I now possess all the power and the throne according to my kinship with the dead.
170
Now, it is impossible to know fully any man’s character, will, or judgment, until he has been proved by the test of rule and law-giving. For if anyone who directs the entire city does not cling to the best and wisest plans,
175
but because of some fear keeps his lips locked, then, in my judgment, he is and has long been the most cowardly traitor. And if any man thinks a friend more important than his fatherland, that man, I say, is of no account. Zeus, god who sees all things always, be my witness—
180
I would not be silent if I saw ruin, instead of safety, marching upon the citizens. Nor would I ever make a man who is hostile to my country a friend to myself, because I know this, that our country is the ship that bears us safe, and that only when
185
we sail her on a straight course can we make true friends. Such are the rules by which I strengthen this city. Akin to these is the edict which I have now published to the citizenry concerning the sons of Oedipus: Eteocles, who fell fighting
190
in behalf of our city and who excelled all in battle, they shall entomb and heap up every sacred offering that descends to the noblest of the dead below. But as for his brother, Polyneices, I mean, who on his return from exile wanted to burn to the ground
195
the city of his fathers and his race’s gods, and wanted to feed on kindred blood and lead the remnant into slavery—it has been proclaimed to the city that no one shall give him funeral honors or lamentation,
200
but all must leave him unburied and a sight of shame, with his body there for birds and dogs to eat. This is my will, and never will I allow the traitor to stand in honor before the just. But whoever has good will to
Thebes
,
205
he shall be honored by me in death as in life.
210
211
My fellow citizens! First, the gods, after tossing the fate of our city on wild waves, have once more righted it. Second, I have ordered you through my messengers to come here
apart from all the rest, because I knew, first of all, how constant was your reverence for the power of the throne of Laius; how, again, you were reverent, when Oedipus was guiding our city; and lastly, how, when he was dead, you still maintained loyal thoughts towards his children.
165
Since, then, these latter have fallen in one day by a twofold doom—each striking, each struck, both with the stain of a brother’s murder—I now possess all the power and the throne according to my kinship with the dead.
170
Now, it is impossible to know fully any man’s character, will, or judgment, until he has been proved by the test of rule and law-giving. For if anyone who directs the entire city does not cling to the best and wisest plans,
175
but because of some fear keeps his lips locked, then, in my judgment, he is and has long been the most cowardly traitor. And if any man thinks a friend more important than his fatherland, that man, I say, is of no account. Zeus, god who sees all things always, be my witness—
180
I would not be silent if I saw ruin, instead of safety, marching upon the citizens. Nor would I ever make a man who is hostile to my country a friend to myself, because I know this, that our country is the ship that bears us safe, and that only when
185
we sail her on a straight course can we make true friends. Such are the rules by which I strengthen this city. Akin to these is the edict which I have now published to the citizenry concerning the sons of Oedipus: Eteocles, who fell fighting
190
in behalf of our city and who excelled all in battle, they shall entomb and heap up every sacred offering that descends to the noblest of the dead below. But as for his brother, Polyneices, I mean, who on his return from exile wanted to burn to the ground
195
the city of his fathers and his race’s gods, and wanted to feed on kindred blood and lead the remnant into slavery—it has been proclaimed to the city that no one shall give him funeral honors or lamentation,
200
but all must leave him unburied and a sight of shame, with his body there for birds and dogs to eat. This is my will, and never will I allow the traitor to stand in honor before the just. But whoever has good will to
Thebes
,
205
he shall be honored by me in death as in life.
210
Chorus
That is your will, Creon, towards this city’s enemy and its friend. And the power is yours, I believe, to make use of every law whatsoever, both concerning the dead and all us who live.
That is your will, Creon, towards this city’s enemy and its friend. And the power is yours, I believe, to make use of every law whatsoever, both concerning the dead and all us who live.
Creon
See, then, that you be guardians of my commands.
215
See, then, that you be guardians of my commands.
215
Chorus
Lay the weight of this task on some younger man.
Lay the weight of this task on some younger man.
Creon
That is not what I meant—the guards for the corpse are already in place.
That is not what I meant—the guards for the corpse are already in place.
Chorus
Then what is this other command that you would give?
Then what is this other command that you would give?
Creon
That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.
That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.
Chorus
There is no one so foolish as to crave death.
220
There is no one so foolish as to crave death.
220
Creon
I assure you, that is the wage for disobedience. Yet by just the hope of it, money has many times corrupted men.
Enter Guard.
I assure you, that is the wage for disobedience. Yet by just the hope of it, money has many times corrupted men.
Guard
My king, I will not say that I arrive breathless because of speed, or from the action of a swift foot.
For often I brought myself to a stop because of my thoughts, and wheeled round in my path to return. My mind was telling me many things:
Fool, why do you go to where your arrival will mean your punishment?
Idiot, are you dallying again? If Creon learns it from another, must you not suffer for it?
225
So debating, I made my way unhurriedly, slow, and thus a short road was made long. At last, however, the view prevailed that I should come here—to you. Even if my report brings no good, still will I tell you,
230
since I come with a good grip on one hope, that I can suffer nothing except what is my fate.
235
237
My king, I will not say that I arrive breathless because of speed, or from the action of a swift foot.
For often I brought myself to a stop because of my thoughts, and wheeled round in my path to return. My mind was telling me many things:
Fool, why do you go to where your arrival will mean your punishment?
Idiot, are you dallying again? If Creon learns it from another, must you not suffer for it?
225
So debating, I made my way unhurriedly, slow, and thus a short road was made long. At last, however, the view prevailed that I should come here—to you. Even if my report brings no good, still will I tell you,
230
since I come with a good grip on one hope, that I can suffer nothing except what is my fate.
235
Creon
And what is it that so disheartens you?
And what is it that so disheartens you?
Guard
I want to tell you first about myself—I did not do the deed, nor did I see the doer,
so it would be wrong that I should come to any harm.
240
I want to tell you first about myself—I did not do the deed, nor did I see the doer,
so it would be wrong that I should come to any harm.
240
Creon
Like a bowman you aim well at your target from a distance, and all around you hedge yourself off well from the deed. It is clear that you have some unheard-of thing to tell.
Like a bowman you aim well at your target from a distance, and all around you hedge yourself off well from the deed. It is clear that you have some unheard-of thing to tell.
Guard
That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.
That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.
Creon
Then tell it, will you, and so unburdened go away?
Then tell it, will you, and so unburdened go away?
Guard
Well, here it is. The corpse—some one has just given it burial and disappeared after sprinkling thirsty dust on the flesh and performing the other rites that piety demands.
245
Well, here it is. The corpse—some one has just given it burial and disappeared after sprinkling thirsty dust on the flesh and performing the other rites that piety demands.
245
Creon
What are you saying? What man dared do this?
What are you saying? What man dared do this?
Guard
I do not know. For there was no scar of a pickax to be seen there,
no earth thrown up by a mattock. The ground was hard and dry, unbroken, not rolled over by wheels. The doer was someone who left no trace. When the first day-watchman showed it to us, a discomforting amazement fell on us all.
250
The dead man was veiled from us—not shut within a tomb, but a light cover of dust was on him, as if put there by the hand of one who shunned a curse. And no sign was visible that any beast of prey or any dog had approached or torn him. Then evil words flew thick and loud among us,
255
guard accusing guard. It would even have come to blows in the end, nor was there anyone there to prevent it: every man was the culprit, and no one was plainly guilty, while all disclaimed knowledge of the act. We were ready to take red-hot iron in our hands,
260
to walk through fire and to swear oaths by the gods that we had neither done the deed, nor shared knowledge of the planning or the doing. At last, when our investigating got us nowhere, someone spoke up and made us all bend our faces
265
in fear towards the earth. For we did not know how we could argue with him, nor yet prosper, if we did what he said. His argument was that the deed must be reported to you and not hidden. This view prevailed, and so it was that
270
the lot doomed miserable me to win this prize. So here I stand, as unwelcome to you as I am unwilling, I well know. For no man delights in the bearer of bad news.
275
278
I do not know. For there was no scar of a pickax to be seen there,
no earth thrown up by a mattock. The ground was hard and dry, unbroken, not rolled over by wheels. The doer was someone who left no trace. When the first day-watchman showed it to us, a discomforting amazement fell on us all.
250
The dead man was veiled from us—not shut within a tomb, but a light cover of dust was on him, as if put there by the hand of one who shunned a curse. And no sign was visible that any beast of prey or any dog had approached or torn him. Then evil words flew thick and loud among us,
255
guard accusing guard. It would even have come to blows in the end, nor was there anyone there to prevent it: every man was the culprit, and no one was plainly guilty, while all disclaimed knowledge of the act. We were ready to take red-hot iron in our hands,
260
to walk through fire and to swear oaths by the gods that we had neither done the deed, nor shared knowledge of the planning or the doing. At last, when our investigating got us nowhere, someone spoke up and made us all bend our faces
265
in fear towards the earth. For we did not know how we could argue with him, nor yet prosper, if we did what he said. His argument was that the deed must be reported to you and not hidden. This view prevailed, and so it was that
270
the lot doomed miserable me to win this prize. So here I stand, as unwelcome to you as I am unwilling, I well know. For no man delights in the bearer of bad news.
275
Chorus
My king, my thoughts have long been deliberating whether this deed is somehow the work of gods?
My king, my thoughts have long been deliberating whether this deed is somehow the work of gods?
Creon
Quiet, before your words truly fill me with rage, so that you not be found at the same time foolish as well as old. You say what is intolerable when you claim that the gods have concern for that corpse. Was it in high esteem for his benefactions
280
that they sought to hide him, when he had come to burn their columned shrines, their sacred treasures and their land, and scatter its laws to the winds? Or do you see the gods honoring the wicked? It cannot be. No! From the very first
285
certain men of the city were chafing at this edict and muttering against me, tossing their heads in secret, and they did not keep their necks duly under the yoke in submission to me. By those men, I am certain, they were led astray and bribed to do this deed.
290
Nothing so evil as money ever grew to be current among men. This destroys cities, this drives men from their homes, this trains and warps honest minds to set themselves to works of shame,
295
this teaches people to practise villainies, and to know every act of unholiness. But all the men who did this job for hire have made sure that, sooner or later, they shall suffer the punishment. Now, as Zeus still has my reverence, know this well—
300
I tell you on my oath. If you do not find the very hand that made this burial, and reveal him before my eyes, mere death shall not suffice for you, not before, hung up alive, you have made this outrage plain,
305
so that hereafter you may thieve with better knowledge of where your money should be received from, and learn that it is best not to be fond of money-making from any and every source. For you will find that ill-gotten gains bring more men to ruin than to safety.
310
315
Quiet, before your words truly fill me with rage, so that you not be found at the same time foolish as well as old. You say what is intolerable when you claim that the gods have concern for that corpse. Was it in high esteem for his benefactions
280
that they sought to hide him, when he had come to burn their columned shrines, their sacred treasures and their land, and scatter its laws to the winds? Or do you see the gods honoring the wicked? It cannot be. No! From the very first
285
certain men of the city were chafing at this edict and muttering against me, tossing their heads in secret, and they did not keep their necks duly under the yoke in submission to me. By those men, I am certain, they were led astray and bribed to do this deed.
290
Nothing so evil as money ever grew to be current among men. This destroys cities, this drives men from their homes, this trains and warps honest minds to set themselves to works of shame,
295
this teaches people to practise villainies, and to know every act of unholiness. But all the men who did this job for hire have made sure that, sooner or later, they shall suffer the punishment. Now, as Zeus still has my reverence, know this well—
300
I tell you on my oath. If you do not find the very hand that made this burial, and reveal him before my eyes, mere death shall not suffice for you, not before, hung up alive, you have made this outrage plain,
305
so that hereafter you may thieve with better knowledge of where your money should be received from, and learn that it is best not to be fond of money-making from any and every source. For you will find that ill-gotten gains bring more men to ruin than to safety.
310
Guard
Will you allow me to speak? Or shall I just turn and go?
315
Will you allow me to speak? Or shall I just turn and go?
315
Creon
Do you not know even now how much your voice sickens me?
Do you not know even now how much your voice sickens me?
Guard
Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?
Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?
Creon
And why would you define the seat of my pain?
And why would you define the seat of my pain?
Guard
He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.
He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.
Creon
God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
320
God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
320
Guard
Perhaps, but never the author of this action.
Perhaps, but never the author of this action.
Creon
Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.
Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.
Guard
Ah! It is truly sad when the judge judges wrong .
Ah! It is truly sad when the judge judges wrong .
Creon
Expound on
judgment as you will. But, if you fail to
show me the perpetrators of these crimes, you will avow that money basely earned wreaks sorrows.
Exit Creon.
325
Expound on
judgment as you will. But, if you fail to
show me the perpetrators of these crimes, you will avow that money basely earned wreaks sorrows.
Exit Creon.
325
Guard
Well, may the man be found! That would be best. But, whether he be caught or not—for fortune must decide that—I assure you that you will not see me come here again.
Saved just now beyond hope and belief, I owe the gods great thanks.
Exit the Guard.
330
Well, may the man be found! That would be best. But, whether he be caught or not—for fortune must decide that—I assure you that you will not see me come here again.
Saved just now beyond hope and belief, I owe the gods great thanks.
Exit the Guard.
330
Commentary
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
559-560. mvp-comment-329-1 ἡ δ᾽ ἐμὴ.. ὠφελεῖν My soul has long been with the dead, to do them service. In these words Antigone may be supposed to say, either (1) From the moment when my resolution was taken, my life has been with the dead, devoted in sacrifice to their aid; cp. supr. 72 and note: or (2) I have long been dead to all the joys of life, and am therefore a fit sacrifice to the service of the dead. So Wecklein. Cp. Shak. Merch. of V. 4. 1, I am a tainted wether of the flock, etc. But the former meaning (1) is alone consistent with the betrothal of Antigone to Haemon.