μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
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)) — 179 focus
ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ φόβου του γλῶσσαν ἐγκλείσας ἔχει,
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 179 focus
φίλον νομίζει, τοῦτον οὐδαμοῦ λέγω.
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 179 focus
κάκιστος εἶναι νῦν τε καὶ πάλαι δοκεῖ·
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 179.mvp-line-179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 179.mvp-line-179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 179 focus
μὴ τῶν ἀρίστων ἅπτεται βουλευμάτων,
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 179 focus
KREON.
Knecht eines Weibes, fern von mir dein fein Geschwätz!
Knecht eines Weibes, fern von mir dein fein Geschwätz!
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 179 focus
CREONTE
Llevándola a sitio donde no se vea huella humana, haré que la encierren viva en una pétrea caverna, con el alimento preciso para evitar el sacrilegio, a fin de que la ciudad se libre del crimen de homicidio. Y una vez allí, si implora a Plutón, que es el único a quien adora entre los dioses, tal vez alcance el que la libre de la muerte; o mejor, conocerá, pero ya tarde, que es trabajo superfluo rendir culto a los manes.
Llevándola a sitio donde no se vea huella humana, haré que la encierren viva en una pétrea caverna, con el alimento preciso para evitar el sacrilegio, a fin de que la ciudad se libre del crimen de homicidio. Y una vez allí, si implora a Plutón, que es el único a quien adora entre los dioses, tal vez alcance el que la libre de la muerte; o mejor, conocerá, pero ya tarde, que es trabajo superfluo rendir culto a los manes.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 179 focus
Creon
Abductam in locum, ubi nulla sint hominum vestigia, saxeo in specu vivam recondam, tantillo cibi, quantum arcendae morti sufficiat, apposito, ut piaculum tota effugiat civitas:
ibique Orcum, quem solum colit deorum, rogando forte impetrabit, ut ne mortem obeat;
aut tunc tandem discet, supervacaneum esse laborem, si quis inferos colat.
Abductam in locum, ubi nulla sint hominum vestigia, saxeo in specu vivam recondam, tantillo cibi, quantum arcendae morti sufficiat, apposito, ut piaculum tota effugiat civitas:
ibique Orcum, quem solum colit deorum, rogando forte impetrabit, ut ne mortem obeat;
aut tunc tandem discet, supervacaneum esse laborem, si quis inferos colat.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 179 focus
CH
CHORUS.
LEADER OF CHORUS.
781
Where human footstep shuns the desert ground,
I’ll hide her living in a cave like vault,
With so much provender as may prevent
Pollution from o’ertaking the whole city
And there, perchance, she may obtain of Death,
785
Her only deity, to spare her soul,
Or else in that last moment she will learn
790
791
’Tis labour lost to worship powers unseen.
Love, never foiled in fight!
Warrior Love, that on Wealth workest havoc!
Love, who in ambush of young maid’s soft cheek
795
All night keep’st watch!—Thou roamest over seas.
In lonely forest homes thou harbourest.
800
801
Who may avoid thee? None!
Mortal, Immortal,
All are o’erthrown by thee, all feel thy frenzy.
Lightly thou draw’st awry Righteous minds into wrong to their ruin
Thou this unkindly quarrel hast inflamed
817
’Tween kindred men—Triumphantly prevails
The heart-compelling eye of winsome bride,
Compeer of mighty Law
820
Thronèd, commanding.
Madly thou mockest men, dread Aphrodite.
834
Ah! now myself am carried past the bound
Of law, nor can I check the rising tear,
835
When I behold Antigone even here
Touching the quiet bourne where all must rest.
Where human footstep shuns the desert ground,
I’ll hide her living in a cave like vault,
With so much provender as may prevent
Pollution from o’ertaking the whole city
And there, perchance, she may obtain of Death,
785
Her only deity, to spare her soul,
Or else in that last moment she will learn
790
’Tis labour lost to worship powers unseen.
Love, never foiled in fight!
Warrior Love, that on Wealth workest havoc!
Love, who in ambush of young maid’s soft cheek
795
All night keep’st watch!—Thou roamest over seas.
In lonely forest homes thou harbourest.
800
Who may avoid thee? None!
Mortal, Immortal,
All are o’erthrown by thee, all feel thy frenzy.
Lightly thou draw’st awry Righteous minds into wrong to their ruin
Thou this unkindly quarrel hast inflamed
’Tween kindred men—Triumphantly prevails
The heart-compelling eye of winsome bride,
Compeer of mighty Law
820
Thronèd, commanding.
Madly thou mockest men, dread Aphrodite.
Ah! now myself am carried past the bound
Of law, nor can I check the rising tear,
835
When I behold Antigone even here
Touching the quiet bourne where all must rest.
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 162 focus
Ihr Männer, fest hob Götterhuld uns wiederum
Aus vieler Stürme wildem Drang die Stadt empor:
Doch euch beschied ich jezt allein aus Allen her
Durch meine Boten; denn ich weiß, daß allezeit
165
Ihr heilig ehrtet Thron und Macht des Laïos,
Und wieder, als uns Dedipus die Stadt erhob,
Und als er hingeschieden, auch den Söhnen noch
In wandellosem Sinne treu ergeben bliebt.
Nun diese Beiden durch ein zwiefach Todesloos
170
An Einem Tag gefallen, sich erschlagend und
Erschlagen durch der eignen Hände Gräuelthat:
So wurden mein die Throne, mein ward alle Macht
Der Todten nach dem Rechte stammverwandten Bluts.
Wohl ist's unmöglich, auszuspäh'n an jedem Mann
175
Verstand, Gemüth und Sinnesart, bevor er sich
Mit Aemtern und Gesezen wohlvertraut bewies.
Denn mir erscheint, wer einen ganzen Staat beherrscht,
Und nicht am besten Rathe sich zu halten weiß,
Ja, feig und furchtsam seinen Mund verschlossen hält,
180
Verworfen scheint er heute mir und schien es längst.
Und wer des eignen Landes Wohl nicht höher stellt,
Als seine Freunde, diesen acht' ich völlig Nichts.
Denn ich vernehm' es Zeus, der stets allsehende!
Ich schwiege niemals, säh' ich auf die Bürger je
185
Heran das Unglück schreiten an des Glückes Statt,
Noch werd' ich jemals einen Feind des Landes mir
Zum Freunde wählen, weil ich wohl erkenne, daß
Nur dieses uns behütet, daß uns Freunde treu
Zur Seite stehen, schiffen wir an seinem Bord.
190
Durch solche Sazung heb' ich diese Stadt empor;
Und dem entsprechend ließ ich jezt von Dedipus'
Zwei Söhnen allem Volke-laut verkündigen:
Eteokles, welcher kämpfend fiel für diese Stadt,
Und jeden Preis des Heldenmuthes sich errang,
195
Er soll ein Grab und alle Grabesweih'n empfah'n,
So wie's den Besten folgt hinab zur Todtenwelt;
1
Doch seinem Bruder - Polyneikes mein' ich, der
Das Land der Ahnen und die Götter dieser Flur,
Heimkehrend aus dem Banne, durch des Feuers Glut
200
Austilgen wollte, wollte sich in Bürgerblut
Satt schwelgen, euch zu Knechten frech entwürdigen,
Ihm dürfe, so ward eurer Stadt es kundgethan,
Niemand ein Grabmal schmücken, noch ihm Klage weih'n;
Nein, unbestattet lieg' er, zur Verstümmelung,
205
Zum Fraß für Hund' und Vögel, graunvoll anzuseh'n.
So lautet denn mein Wille: niemals werden wir
Dem Schlechten Ehre geben vor dem Redlichen;
Doch wer da wohlwill dieser Stadt, der wird im Tod
Und Leben gleicherweise stets von mir geehrt.
210
Ihr Männer, fest hob Götterhuld uns wiederum
Aus vieler Stürme wildem Drang die Stadt empor:
Doch euch beschied ich jezt allein aus Allen her
Durch meine Boten; denn ich weiß, daß allezeit
165
Ihr heilig ehrtet Thron und Macht des Laïos,
Und wieder, als uns Dedipus die Stadt erhob,
Und als er hingeschieden, auch den Söhnen noch
In wandellosem Sinne treu ergeben bliebt.
Nun diese Beiden durch ein zwiefach Todesloos
170
An Einem Tag gefallen, sich erschlagend und
Erschlagen durch der eignen Hände Gräuelthat:
So wurden mein die Throne, mein ward alle Macht
Der Todten nach dem Rechte stammverwandten Bluts.
Wohl ist's unmöglich, auszuspäh'n an jedem Mann
175
Verstand, Gemüth und Sinnesart, bevor er sich
Mit Aemtern und Gesezen wohlvertraut bewies.
Denn mir erscheint, wer einen ganzen Staat beherrscht,
Und nicht am besten Rathe sich zu halten weiß,
Ja, feig und furchtsam seinen Mund verschlossen hält,
180
Verworfen scheint er heute mir und schien es längst.
Und wer des eignen Landes Wohl nicht höher stellt,
Als seine Freunde, diesen acht' ich völlig Nichts.
Denn ich vernehm' es Zeus, der stets allsehende!
Ich schwiege niemals, säh' ich auf die Bürger je
185
Heran das Unglück schreiten an des Glückes Statt,
Noch werd' ich jemals einen Feind des Landes mir
Zum Freunde wählen, weil ich wohl erkenne, daß
Nur dieses uns behütet, daß uns Freunde treu
Zur Seite stehen, schiffen wir an seinem Bord.
190
Durch solche Sazung heb' ich diese Stadt empor;
Und dem entsprechend ließ ich jezt von Dedipus'
Zwei Söhnen allem Volke-laut verkündigen:
Eteokles, welcher kämpfend fiel für diese Stadt,
Und jeden Preis des Heldenmuthes sich errang,
195
Er soll ein Grab und alle Grabesweih'n empfah'n,
So wie's den Besten folgt hinab zur Todtenwelt;
1
Doch seinem Bruder - Polyneikes mein' ich, der
Das Land der Ahnen und die Götter dieser Flur,
Heimkehrend aus dem Banne, durch des Feuers Glut
200
Austilgen wollte, wollte sich in Bürgerblut
Satt schwelgen, euch zu Knechten frech entwürdigen,
Ihm dürfe, so ward eurer Stadt es kundgethan,
Niemand ein Grabmal schmücken, noch ihm Klage weih'n;
Nein, unbestattet lieg' er, zur Verstümmelung,
205
Zum Fraß für Hund' und Vögel, graunvoll anzuseh'n.
So lautet denn mein Wille: niemals werden wir
Dem Schlechten Ehre geben vor dem Redlichen;
Doch wer da wohlwill dieser Stadt, der wird im Tod
Und Leben gleicherweise stets von mir geehrt.
210
Der Chor.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 179 focus
Chorus
817
Be it thy glory still, that by the sword
Thou fallst not, nor the slow-consuming hand
Of foul distemperature, but far distinguished
Above thy sex, and to thyself a law,
820
Doomst thy own death : so shall thy honour Hve,
And future ages venerate thy name.
Be it thy glory still, that by the sword
Thou fallst not, nor the slow-consuming hand
Of foul distemperature, but far distinguished
Above thy sex, and to thyself a law,
820
Doomst thy own death : so shall thy honour Hve,
And future ages venerate thy name.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 179 focus
CREONTE
¡Vil eselayo de una mujer, no me importunes más eon tus garrulerias!
¡Vil eselayo de una mujer, no me importunes más eon tus garrulerias!
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 179 focus
CHOR
Gehst du bekannt doch und geleitet mit Lob
845
Hinweg in diese Kammer der Todten.
Verderbend trifft dich Krankheit nicht,
Nicht für das Schwert empfängst du Handlohn.
Dein eigen Leben lebend, unter
Den Sterblichen einzig,
850
Gehst du hinab, in die Welt der Todten.
Gehst du bekannt doch und geleitet mit Lob
845
Hinweg in diese Kammer der Todten.
Verderbend trifft dich Krankheit nicht,
Nicht für das Schwert empfängst du Handlohn.
Dein eigen Leben lebend, unter
Den Sterblichen einzig,
850
Gehst du hinab, in die Welt der Todten.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 179 focus
Chorus
781
Love, unconquered in the fight, Love, who sr. ‘ makest havoc of wealth, who keepest thy vigil on the soft cheek of a maiden; thou roamest over the sea, and among the homes of dwellers in the wilds; no immortal
790
can escape thee, nor any among men whose life is for a day; and he to whom thou hast come is mad. ant.
791
The just themselves have their minds warped by thee to wrong, for their ruin: ’tis thou that hast stirred up this prese if i ;~victorious is the lovekindling light from the eyes of the fair bride; it is a power enthroned in sway beside the eternal laws; for
800
there the goddess Aphrodite is working her unconquerable will.
801
But now I also am carried beyond the bounds of loyalty, and can no more keep back the streaming tears, when I see Antigone thus passing to the bridal chamber where all are laid to rest.
1
781
Love, unconquered in the fight, Love, who sr. ‘ makest havoc of wealth, who keepest thy vigil on the soft cheek of a maiden; thou roamest over the sea, and among the homes of dwellers in the wilds; no immortal
790
can escape thee, nor any among men whose life is for a day; and he to whom thou hast come is mad. ant.
791
The just themselves have their minds warped by thee to wrong, for their ruin: ’tis thou that hast stirred up this prese if i ;~victorious is the lovekindling light from the eyes of the fair bride; it is a power enthroned in sway beside the eternal laws; for
800
there the goddess Aphrodite is working her unconquerable will.
801
But now I also am carried beyond the bounds of loyalty, and can no more keep back the streaming tears, when I see Antigone thus passing to the bridal chamber where all are laid to rest.
1
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 179 focus
Chorus
1347
To happiness the best, the surest guide
Is wisdom: but irreverence to the gods
Becomes not mortal man; the mighty vaunts
1350
Of pride, with mighty punishments repaid,
Teach his old age thus humbled to be wise.
To happiness the best, the surest guide
Is wisdom: but irreverence to the gods
Becomes not mortal man; the mighty vaunts
1350
Of pride, with mighty punishments repaid,
Teach his old age thus humbled to be wise.
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.
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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
178-183. mvp-comment-111-1 The sentiment of these lines is closely parallel to Plat. Legg. 9. 856 B, ὃς ἂν ἄγων εἰς ἀρχὴν ἄνθρωπον δουλῶται μὲν τοὺς νόμους, ἑταιρείας δὲ τὴν πόλιν ὑπήκοον ποιῇ, καὶ βιαίως δὲ πᾶν τοῦτο πράττων καὶ στάσιν ἐγείρων παρανομῇ· τοῦτον δὴ διανοεῖσθαι δεῖ πάντων πολεμιώτατον ὅλῃ τῇ πόλει, τὸν δὲ κοινωνοῦντα μὲν τῶν τοιούτων μηδενί, τῶν μεγίστων δὲ μετέχοντα ἀρχῶν ἐν τῇ πόλει, λεληθότα τε ταῦτα αὐτὸν ἢ μὴ λεληθότα, δειλίᾳ δ᾽ ὑπὲρ πατρίδος αὑτοῦ μὴ τιμωρούμενον, δεῖ δεύτερον ἡγεῖσθαι τὸν τοιοῦτον πολίτην κακῇ.