ἄλλα δ᾽ ἐπ’ ἄλλοις ἐπενώμα στυφελίζων μέγας Ἄρης
Antigone. Sophocles. Leipzig. 1884.
Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.
Funding provided by Tufts University.
Table of Contents
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Current edition Experimental
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (11)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
1
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει,
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 136.mvp-line-136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
3
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 136.mvp-line-136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 136 focus
βακχεύων ἐπέπνει
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 136 focus
KREON
Ein schnödes Ehweib für den Sohn ist Gräuel mir.
Ein schnödes Ehweib für den Sohn ist Gräuel mir.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 136 focus
CREONTE
631
Pronto lo sabremos de él, mejor que de cualquier adivino. ¡Hijo!, ¿acaso, al enterarte del irrevocable decreto acerca de tu futura esposa, vienes rabioso contra tu padre, o soy de ti siempre querido de cualquier modo que proceda?
631
Pronto lo sabremos de él, mejor que de cualquier adivino. ¡Hijo!, ¿acaso, al enterarte del irrevocable decreto acerca de tu futura esposa, vienes rabioso contra tu padre, o soy de ti siempre querido de cualquier modo que proceda?
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 136 focus
Creon
631
Statim sciemus, quovis augure certius. O nate, num, auditis quae in sponsam decreta sunt, patri infensus ades,, an vero, quidquid egerimus, sumus tibi cari?
631
Statim sciemus, quovis augure certius. O nate, num, auditis quae in sponsam decreta sunt, patri infensus ades,, an vero, quidquid egerimus, sumus tibi cari?
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 136 focus
CR
Enter HAEMON .
631
We shall know soon, better than seers could teach us.
Can it be so, my son, that thou art brought
By mad distemperature against thy sire,
On hearing of the irrevocable doom
Passed on thy promised bride? Or is thy love
Thy father’s, be his actions what they may?
We shall know soon, better than seers could teach us.
Can it be so, my son, that thou art brought
By mad distemperature against thy sire,
On hearing of the irrevocable doom
Passed on thy promised bride? Or is thy love
Thy father’s, be his actions what they may?
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 134 focus
Niedergeschmettert zur dröhnenden Erde stürzt' er,
Welcher, bewehrt mit der Fackel, in trunk nem Wahnsinn,
135
In wuthathmendem Drang,
Wild herschnob mit feindlichem Sturm.
Doch es ging anders aus;
Andern beschied anderes Loos Ares, der Held, der die Bedrängten
Stürmend davontrieb.
140
Niedergeschmettert zur dröhnenden Erde stürzt' er,
Welcher, bewehrt mit der Fackel, in trunk nem Wahnsinn,
135
In wuthathmendem Drang,
Wild herschnob mit feindlichem Sturm.
Doch es ging anders aus;
Andern beschied anderes Loos Ares, der Held, der die Bedrängten
Stürmend davontrieb.
140
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 136 focus
Creon
It will become thee with obedience thus
To bear thee ever, and in every act
To yield submissive to a father's will :
'Tis therefore, O my son ! that men do pray
640
For children who with kind officious duty
640
May guard their helpless age, resist their foes,
And like their parents love their parents' friend ;
But he who gets a disobedient child.
What doth he get but misery and woe ?
His enemies will laugh the wretch to scorn.
Take heed, my son, thou yield not up thy reason,
In hopes of pleasure from a worthless woman ;
For cold is the embrace of impious love,
And deep tlie wounds of false dissembled friendship.
Hate then thy bitterest foe, despise her arts,
645
And leave her to be wedded to the tomb.
645
Of all the city her alone I found
Rebellious ; but I have her, nor shall Thebes
Say I'm a liar : I pronounced her fate.
And she must perish. Let her call on Jove,
Who guards the rights of kindred and the ties
Of nature ; for if those b}; blood united
Transgress the laws, I hold myself more near
E'en to a stranger. Who in private Ufe
Is just and good, will to his country too
Be faithful ever ; but the man who, proud
650
And fierce of soul, contemns authority,
650
Despiseth justice, and o'er those who rule
Would have dominion, such shall never gain
Th' applauding voice of Creon. He alone,
Whom the consenting citizens approve
Th' acknowledged sovereign, should in all command.
Just or unjust his laws, in things of great
Or little import, whatsoe'er he bids :
A subject is not to dispute his will ;
He knows alike to rule and to obey ;
And in the day of battle will maintain
655
The foremost rank, his country's best defence.
655
Kebellion is the worst of human ills ;
This ruins kingdoms, this destroys the peace
Of noblest families, this wages war,
And puts the bmve to flight ; whilst fair obedience
Keeps all in safety. To preserve it ever
Should be a king's first care. We will not yield
To a weak woman ; if we must submit,
At least we will be conquered by a man,
Nor by a female arm thus fall inglorious.^J^
660
H^. Wisdom, my father, is the noblest giffcl
660
The gods bestow on man, and better far
660
Than all his treasures. Why thy judgment deems*
Most fit, I cannot, would not repreheitd.
Others perhaps might call it Avrong. For me,
My duty only bids me to inform you
If aught be done or said that casts reproach
Or blame on you. Such terror would thy looks
Strike on the low plebeian, that he dare not
Say aught unpleasing to thee ; be it mine
To tell thee then what I of late have heard
665
In secret whispered. Your afflicted people
665
United mourn th' unhappy virgin's fate
665
Unmerited, most wretched of her sex,
To die for deeds of such distinguished virtue,
For that she would not let a brother lie
Unburied, to the dogs and birds a prey ;
Was it not rather, say the murmuring crowd.
Worthy of golden honours and fair praise ?
Such are their dark and secret discontents.
Thy welfare and thy happiness alone
Are all my wish ; what can a child desire
670
More than a father's honour, or a father
670
More than his child's ? Oh ! do not then retain
670
Thy will, and still believe no sense but thine _
Can judge aright ! The man who proudly thinks 7
None but himself or eloquent, or wise, ^
By time betrayed, is branded for an idiot ; \
True wisdom will be ever glad to learn,
And not too fond of power. Observe the trees
That bend to wintry torrents, how their boughs
Unhurt remain, whilst those that brave the storm,
Uprooted torn, shall wither and decay ;
675
The pilot, whose unslackened sail defies
675
Contending winds, with shattered bark pursues
675
His dangerous course. Then mitigate thy wrath
My father, and give way to sweet repentance.
If to my youth be aught of judgment given,
He, who by knov/ledge and true wisdom's rules
F
ANTIGO.VE.
Guides every action, is the first of men ;
But since to few that happiness is given,
The next is he, who, not too proud to learn,
680
Follows the counsels of the wise and good,
680
It will become thee with obedience thus
To bear thee ever, and in every act
To yield submissive to a father's will :
'Tis therefore, O my son ! that men do pray
640
For children who with kind officious duty
640
May guard their helpless age, resist their foes,
And like their parents love their parents' friend ;
But he who gets a disobedient child.
What doth he get but misery and woe ?
His enemies will laugh the wretch to scorn.
Take heed, my son, thou yield not up thy reason,
In hopes of pleasure from a worthless woman ;
For cold is the embrace of impious love,
And deep tlie wounds of false dissembled friendship.
Hate then thy bitterest foe, despise her arts,
645
And leave her to be wedded to the tomb.
645
Of all the city her alone I found
Rebellious ; but I have her, nor shall Thebes
Say I'm a liar : I pronounced her fate.
And she must perish. Let her call on Jove,
Who guards the rights of kindred and the ties
Of nature ; for if those b}; blood united
Transgress the laws, I hold myself more near
E'en to a stranger. Who in private Ufe
Is just and good, will to his country too
Be faithful ever ; but the man who, proud
650
And fierce of soul, contemns authority,
650
Despiseth justice, and o'er those who rule
Would have dominion, such shall never gain
Th' applauding voice of Creon. He alone,
Whom the consenting citizens approve
Th' acknowledged sovereign, should in all command.
Just or unjust his laws, in things of great
Or little import, whatsoe'er he bids :
A subject is not to dispute his will ;
He knows alike to rule and to obey ;
And in the day of battle will maintain
655
The foremost rank, his country's best defence.
655
Kebellion is the worst of human ills ;
This ruins kingdoms, this destroys the peace
Of noblest families, this wages war,
And puts the bmve to flight ; whilst fair obedience
Keeps all in safety. To preserve it ever
Should be a king's first care. We will not yield
To a weak woman ; if we must submit,
At least we will be conquered by a man,
Nor by a female arm thus fall inglorious.^J^
660
H^. Wisdom, my father, is the noblest giffcl
660
The gods bestow on man, and better far
660
Than all his treasures. Why thy judgment deems*
Most fit, I cannot, would not repreheitd.
Others perhaps might call it Avrong. For me,
My duty only bids me to inform you
If aught be done or said that casts reproach
Or blame on you. Such terror would thy looks
Strike on the low plebeian, that he dare not
Say aught unpleasing to thee ; be it mine
To tell thee then what I of late have heard
665
In secret whispered. Your afflicted people
665
United mourn th' unhappy virgin's fate
665
Unmerited, most wretched of her sex,
To die for deeds of such distinguished virtue,
For that she would not let a brother lie
Unburied, to the dogs and birds a prey ;
Was it not rather, say the murmuring crowd.
Worthy of golden honours and fair praise ?
Such are their dark and secret discontents.
Thy welfare and thy happiness alone
Are all my wish ; what can a child desire
670
More than a father's honour, or a father
670
More than his child's ? Oh ! do not then retain
670
Thy will, and still believe no sense but thine _
Can judge aright ! The man who proudly thinks 7
None but himself or eloquent, or wise, ^
By time betrayed, is branded for an idiot ; \
True wisdom will be ever glad to learn,
And not too fond of power. Observe the trees
That bend to wintry torrents, how their boughs
Unhurt remain, whilst those that brave the storm,
Uprooted torn, shall wither and decay ;
675
The pilot, whose unslackened sail defies
675
Contending winds, with shattered bark pursues
675
His dangerous course. Then mitigate thy wrath
My father, and give way to sweet repentance.
If to my youth be aught of judgment given,
He, who by knov/ledge and true wisdom's rules
F
ANTIGO.VE.
Guides every action, is the first of men ;
But since to few that happiness is given,
The next is he, who, not too proud to learn,
680
Follows the counsels of the wise and good,
680
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 136 focus
CREONTE
En verdad que tú y el tal himeneo me van fatigando ya en demasía.
En verdad que tú y el tal himeneo me van fatigando ya en demasía.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 136 focus
CHOR
Uns, wenn uns nicht im Finstern hält die Zeit,
Scheint das mit Sinn gesagt, wovon du redest.
Uns, wenn uns nicht im Finstern hält die Zeit,
Scheint das mit Sinn gesagt, wovon du redest.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 136 focus
Creon
631
We shall know soon, better than seers could tell us—My son, hearing the fixed doom of thy betrothed, art thou come in rage against thy father? Or have I thy good will, act how I may?
631
We shall know soon, better than seers could tell us—My son, hearing the fixed doom of thy betrothed, art thou come in rage against thy father? Or have I thy good will, act how I may?
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 136 focus
Chorus
853
Thy daring was extreme, and thy offence
'Gainst the high throne of justice. O my child,
O'er thee some trespass of thy father hangs!***
Thy daring was extreme, and thy offence
'Gainst the high throne of justice. O my child,
O'er thee some trespass of thy father hangs!***
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
136-137. mvp-comment-83-1 Had breathed against us in frenzy with blasts of malignant winds. Cp. infra 929-930: O. C. 612 and note: Aesch. S. c. T. 115, πνοαῖς Ἄρεος.