ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
150
Antigone. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
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Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (11)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
150
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 150 focus
Βάκχιος ἄρχοι.
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Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 150 focus
τῶν νῦν θέσθαι λησμοσύναν,
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Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 150.mvp-line-150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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150
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 150.mvp-line-150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 150 focus
ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων
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Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 150 focus
CHOR.
Du, König, lernest billig, sagt er Treffendes,
von ihm, und du von jenem; beide spracht ihr wohl.
Du, König, lernest billig, sagt er Treffendes,
von ihm, und du von jenem; beide spracht ihr wohl.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 150 focus
CREONTE
¿Pero es que yo he de gobernar esta tierra por el consejo de otro y no por el mío?
¿Pero es que yo he de gobernar esta tierra por el consejo de otro y no por el mío?
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 150 focus
Creon
Nimirum alius imperio, non meo, terra haec subiecta erit?
Nimirum alius imperio, non meo, terra haec subiecta erit?
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 150 focus
CR
Shall other men prescribe my government?
Shall other men prescribe my government?
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 148 focus
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 150 focus
Creon
The city is the king's.
HiE. Go by thyself then.
The city is the king's.
HiE. Go by thyself then.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 150 focus
HEMÓN
Los dioses, padre mío, han dotado á los
hombres de la razón, el más precioso sin duda de todos los bienes. Si ella acaba de hablar por tus labios, no soy yo quien puede ni quiere negarlo. Pero como algún otro pudiera también pensar con no menos prudencia, deber mio es expiar en interés tuyo euanto con relación á tí se hace ó se dice ó se murmura. Los eiudadanos atérranse ante tu presencia y no se atreven á pronunciar palabra temerosos de irritarte; pero á mí me es fácil recoger sus secretas conversaciones y sé euanto llora Thebas la suerte de esa joven
1
. ¡Una doneella, la más inoeente del mundo, por una aceión que merece toda alabanza, ha de ser castigada eon muerte tan horrible! Pues qué, ¿no es digna de admiración una joyen que no consiente que quede insepulto, y para ser presa de los perros y de los buitres, el cadáver de un hermano, que sucumbió en el combate? Tal es el secreto sordo rumor, que circula por el pueblo. En cuanto ¿4 mi, no encuentro bien más
precioso que tu prosperidad: pues ¿qué honor más grande para un hijo que la gloria de su padre, ni para un padre que la de sus hijos? Por esto, pues, te ruego que no te ciegues, ereyendo solo bueno tu modo de sentir y no otro alguno: los que pretenden poseer solos la prudencia, la elocuencia y la razón, puestos en evideneia, se ve muy frecuentemente que no las tienen. El hombre, por sabio que sea, jamás debe ruborizarse de aprender, y no debe llevar la contra más allá de lo razonable. El árbol flexible, azotado por el engrosado torrente, se conserva con su ramaje; pero ¡ay! aquel que resiste, se ve arrancado de cuajo hasta la raíz: tal el que se obstina en navegar á vela desplegada contra viento y marea, encuóntrase después, mísero náufrago, obligado á bogar sobre los pedazos del esquife destrozado. Calma tu cólera, padre mío, y revoca tu deereto, A pesar de mi juventud erco poseer alguna reflexión, y opino que el primero de los mortales es aquel en el que abunda la sabiduría; pero también juzgo que en los casos en que nuestra razón se halla ofuscada (como acontece frecuentemente) bueno y honroso es el aprender de los que hablan con prudencia.
Los dioses, padre mío, han dotado á los
hombres de la razón, el más precioso sin duda de todos los bienes. Si ella acaba de hablar por tus labios, no soy yo quien puede ni quiere negarlo. Pero como algún otro pudiera también pensar con no menos prudencia, deber mio es expiar en interés tuyo euanto con relación á tí se hace ó se dice ó se murmura. Los eiudadanos atérranse ante tu presencia y no se atreven á pronunciar palabra temerosos de irritarte; pero á mí me es fácil recoger sus secretas conversaciones y sé euanto llora Thebas la suerte de esa joven
1
. ¡Una doneella, la más inoeente del mundo, por una aceión que merece toda alabanza, ha de ser castigada eon muerte tan horrible! Pues qué, ¿no es digna de admiración una joyen que no consiente que quede insepulto, y para ser presa de los perros y de los buitres, el cadáver de un hermano, que sucumbió en el combate? Tal es el secreto sordo rumor, que circula por el pueblo. En cuanto ¿4 mi, no encuentro bien más
precioso que tu prosperidad: pues ¿qué honor más grande para un hijo que la gloria de su padre, ni para un padre que la de sus hijos? Por esto, pues, te ruego que no te ciegues, ereyendo solo bueno tu modo de sentir y no otro alguno: los que pretenden poseer solos la prudencia, la elocuencia y la razón, puestos en evideneia, se ve muy frecuentemente que no las tienen. El hombre, por sabio que sea, jamás debe ruborizarse de aprender, y no debe llevar la contra más allá de lo razonable. El árbol flexible, azotado por el engrosado torrente, se conserva con su ramaje; pero ¡ay! aquel que resiste, se ve arrancado de cuajo hasta la raíz: tal el que se obstina en navegar á vela desplegada contra viento y marea, encuóntrase después, mísero náufrago, obligado á bogar sobre los pedazos del esquife destrozado. Calma tu cólera, padre mío, y revoca tu deereto, A pesar de mi juventud erco poseer alguna reflexión, y opino que el primero de los mortales es aquel en el que abunda la sabiduría; pero también juzgo que en los casos en que nuestra razón se halla ofuscada (como acontece frecuentemente) bueno y honroso es el aprender de los que hablan con prudencia.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 150 focus
HAEMON
Ein rechter Herrscher wär’st allein du in der Wildnißs.
Ein rechter Herrscher wär’st allein du in der Wildnißs.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 150 focus
Creon
Am Ito rule this land by other judgment than mine own?
Am Ito rule this land by other judgment than mine own?
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 150 focus
Chorus
And instantly, Oʻking: malignant minds
The vengeance of the gods with speed o'ertakes.
And instantly, Oʻking: malignant minds
The vengeance of the gods with speed o'ertakes.
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 (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
150. mvp-comment-93-1 ἐκ μὲν δὴ πολέμων .. λησμοσύvav Turning from the present wars, appoint ye forgetfulness of them. For the pleonastic use of ἐκ, see Essay on Language § 19. p. 27. The reading θέσθαι, which has good MS. authority and preserves the metrical correspondence with l. 137, is retained by some editors as an infinitive for imperative. Cp. infr. 1142, μολεῖν. For the expression, cp. Eur. Phoen. 1584,5, ὡς ὥρα τάφου | μνήμην τίθεσθαι.