Creon
Orcus nuptias has finiet.
Orcus nuptias has finiet.
Antigone. Sophocles. Berlin. 1806.
Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.
Funding provided by Tufts University.
Table of Contents
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Current edition Experimental
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) (Latin) (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (12)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 132 focus
ἐπ᾽ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 132 focus
ἀντίτυπα δ᾽ ἐπὶ γᾷ πέσε τανταλωθεὶς
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 132 focus
ἐπ᾽ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 132 focus
ἐπ᾿ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 132 focus
ἐπ᾿ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 132.mvp-line-132 focus
ἐπ’ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 132 focus
ἐπ᾽ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 132 focus
ἐπ᾿ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 132 focus
ἐπ’ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 132.mvp-line-132 focus
ἐπ᾽ ἄκρων ἤδη
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 132 focus
ἐπʼ ἄκρων ἤδη
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 132 focus
ἐπ᾽ ἄκρων ἤδη
Translations (10)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 132 focus
KREON
O „diese" sage nur nicht; denn nicht ist sie mehr.
O „diese" sage nur nicht; denn nicht ist sie mehr.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 132 focus
CREONTE
Es Plutón quien ha de poner fin a estas nupcias.
Es Plutón quien ha de poner fin a estas nupcias.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 132 focus
CR
’Tis death must come between him and his joy,
575
’Tis death must come between him and his joy,
575
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)) — 132 focus
Creon
Strojilie r.
Antistrophe i.
Strcyphe 2.
Antistrophe 2.
ACT III.
Scene I.
HiEMON, Chorus.
HiEMON, Chorus.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 132 focus
CREONTE
No le faltarán otros terrenos fecundos.
No le faltarán otros terrenos fecundos.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 132 focus
KREON
Für dich und mich! Umstände nimmer! bringt
Hinein, ihr Mägde, sie! Von nunan noth ist,
600
Dafs diese Weiber seyn nicht freigelassen.
Denn Flucht ist auch der Starken Art, wenn ihnen
Der Hölle Reich aufgeht am Rand des Lebens.
(Antigonä und Ismene werden weggeführt.)
Dritter Act.
CHOR der Thebanischen Alten KREON
583
Gsiüxseelige solcher Zeit, da man nicht schmeket das Uebel;
Denn, wenn sich reget von Himmlischen
605
Einmal ein Haus, fehlts dem an Wahnsinn nicht,
In der Folge, wenn es
Sich mehrt. Denn gleich, wenn unten,
Auf Pontischer See, bei übelwehenden
Thrazischen Winden, die Nacht unter dem Salze
610
Eine Hüpte befallen;
Von Grund aus wälzt sie das dunkle
Gestad’ um, das zersauste,
Und von Gestöhne rauschen die geschlagnen Ufer,
593
Alternd von Labdakos Häufsern ,
615
Den untergegangenen, sch’ ich Ruin fallen
Auf Ruin; noch löset ab ein Geschlecht
Das andre, sondern es schlägt
Ein Gott es nieder. Und nicht Erlösung hat ex.
Denn jezt ist über die lezte
620
Wurzel gerichtet das Licht
In Oedipus Häufsern.
Und der tödtliche, der Staub
Der Todesgötter zehret sie aus,
Und ungehaltnes Wort und der Sinne Wüthen.
625
605
Unter der Erde, deine Macht
Von Männern , wer mag die mit Uebertreiben erreichen?
Die nimmt der Schlaf, dem alles versinket, nicht
Und die stürmischen, die Monde der Geister
In alterloser Zeit, ein Reicher,
630
Behältst des Olympos
Marmornen Glanz du,
Und das Nächste und Künftige
Und Vergangne besorgst du.
Doch wohl auch Wahnsinn kostet
635
Bei Sterblichen im Leben
Solch ein geseztes Denken.
615
Die Hoffnung lebet, ruhlos irrend,
Und vielen Männern hilft sie,
Täuscht vieler leichte Sinne.
640
Bleibt, bis dem, der an nichts denkt,
Die Sohle brennet von heilsem Feuer.
Aus eines Mannes Weisheit ist
Ein rühmlich Wort gekommen;
Das Schlimme schein’ oft treflich
645
Vor einem, so bald ein Gott
Zu Wahn den Sinn hintreibet.
Er treibet’s aber die wenigste Zeit
Gescheuet, ohne Wahnsinn.
626
Hämon kommt hier, von deinen Söhnen
650
Der Jüngstgeborne, bekümmert ist der,
Dafs untergehen soll Antigonä,
Die junge Frau, die hochzeitliche,
Vom tükischen Bett erkranket.
Für dich und mich! Umstände nimmer! bringt
Hinein, ihr Mägde, sie! Von nunan noth ist,
600
Dafs diese Weiber seyn nicht freigelassen.
Denn Flucht ist auch der Starken Art, wenn ihnen
Der Hölle Reich aufgeht am Rand des Lebens.
Gsiüxseelige solcher Zeit, da man nicht schmeket das Uebel;
Denn, wenn sich reget von Himmlischen
605
Einmal ein Haus, fehlts dem an Wahnsinn nicht,
In der Folge, wenn es
Sich mehrt. Denn gleich, wenn unten,
Auf Pontischer See, bei übelwehenden
Thrazischen Winden, die Nacht unter dem Salze
610
Eine Hüpte befallen;
Von Grund aus wälzt sie das dunkle
Gestad’ um, das zersauste,
Und von Gestöhne rauschen die geschlagnen Ufer,
Alternd von Labdakos Häufsern ,
615
Den untergegangenen, sch’ ich Ruin fallen
Auf Ruin; noch löset ab ein Geschlecht
Das andre, sondern es schlägt
Ein Gott es nieder. Und nicht Erlösung hat ex.
Denn jezt ist über die lezte
620
Wurzel gerichtet das Licht
In Oedipus Häufsern.
Und der tödtliche, der Staub
Der Todesgötter zehret sie aus,
Und ungehaltnes Wort und der Sinne Wüthen.
625
Unter der Erde, deine Macht
Von Männern , wer mag die mit Uebertreiben erreichen?
Die nimmt der Schlaf, dem alles versinket, nicht
Und die stürmischen, die Monde der Geister
In alterloser Zeit, ein Reicher,
630
Behältst des Olympos
Marmornen Glanz du,
Und das Nächste und Künftige
Und Vergangne besorgst du.
Doch wohl auch Wahnsinn kostet
635
Bei Sterblichen im Leben
Solch ein geseztes Denken.
Die Hoffnung lebet, ruhlos irrend,
Und vielen Männern hilft sie,
Täuscht vieler leichte Sinne.
640
Bleibt, bis dem, der an nichts denkt,
Die Sohle brennet von heilsem Feuer.
Aus eines Mannes Weisheit ist
Ein rühmlich Wort gekommen;
Das Schlimme schein’ oft treflich
645
Vor einem, so bald ein Gott
Zu Wahn den Sinn hintreibet.
Er treibet’s aber die wenigste Zeit
Gescheuet, ohne Wahnsinn.
Hämon kommt hier, von deinen Söhnen
650
Der Jüngstgeborne, bekümmert ist der,
Dafs untergehen soll Antigonä,
Die junge Frau, die hochzeitliche,
Vom tükischen Bett erkranket.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 132 focus
Creon
’Tis Death that shall stay these bridals for me.
’Tis Death that shall stay these bridals for me.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 132 focus
Chorus
ANTIGONE, CHORUS.
817
Therefore illustrious and with praise obtain'd
Wilt thou go down to the dark cave of death.
Not wasted by the pains of slow disease,
Nor by the sword cut off, dost thou descend,
But, as none other, by thine own free choice,
And living, to the monarch of the dead.
820
Thus on the heights of Sipylus of old
The Phrygian stranger miserably died,
Daughter of Tantalus; the rigid rock,
Therefore illustrious and with praise obtain'd
Wilt thou go down to the dark cave of death.
Not wasted by the pains of slow disease,
Nor by the sword cut off, dost thou descend,
But, as none other, by thine own free choice,
And living, to the monarch of the dead.
820
Thus on the heights of Sipylus of old
The Phrygian stranger miserably died,
Daughter of Tantalus; the rigid rock,
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
223-330. mvp-comment-136-1 The half-comic or rustic character of the watchman in this play is an extension of the common character of the messenger, whose natural rudeness of speech and thought brings into greater prominence the horror or pathos of the events he describes. The grotesqueness disappears when he speaks of the action of Antigone in 407-440. The employment of this artifice by Sophocles arises from the same motive to which Shakespeare gave a far wider range in such creations as the gravediggers in Hamlet, and the rural fellow in Antony and Cleopatra. The Messenger in the Trachiniae, the Corinthian in the Oedipus Tyrannus, Menelaus in the Ajax, the pretended Shipmaster in the Philoctetes, afford the same sort of contrast to the more tragic personages: and the superstition of the Coloniatae may be compared with the cowardice of the Phrygian slave in the Orestes of Euripides.
223-330.
mvp-comment-136-2
The vulgarity of the common-place Athenian of the fifth century в.с. takes the form of misplaced subtlety of wit. Cp.
Shak. Hamlet, 5. 1
,
We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us. The age is grown so picked, that the toe of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier, he galls his kibe.
325. mvp-comment-189-1 ἐξερεῖτε You shall tell the world. Cp. Pind. Pyth. 2. 22, Ιξίονα φαντὶ ταῦτα βροτοῖς λέγειν ἐν πτερόεντι τροχῷ .. τὸν εὐεργέταν ἀγαναῖς ἀμοιβαῖς 332 ff. The chorus, in their first stasimon, express, in a veiled manner, their emotions at what has occurred. Not being able to say what they really think, that Creon's rash edict has already recoiled on his own family, they descant on the wonderful range of human enterprize, adding that where boldness and resource are combined with justice, they confer glory, but only bring ruin where they are subservient to wrong. The elders do not decide who in the present instance is the transgressor. The ode consists of two strophes and antistrophes, in which glyconic rhythms are mixed with lyrical dactyls, iambi, and trochees, in different proportions, the scheme being as follows:- ICC CC CI CICIC α'. } Iamb. Dact. Troch. Glycon. The two long syllables at the beginning of l. 8 of a form the transition from the dactyls to the trochees. There is a sensible change to a lighter and less simple movement at the beginning of β'. The resolved trochees in B' 5 mark a climax of feeling.