τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Antigone. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
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Current edition Experimental
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)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 26.mvp-line-26 focus
τὸν δ’ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 26.mvp-line-26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 26 focus
τὸν δʼ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 26 focus
τὸν δ᾽ ἀθλίως θανόντα Πολυνείκους νέκυν
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 26 focus
ISMENE
Wenn du's vermöchtest; doch du willst Unmögliches.
90
Wenn du's vermöchtest; doch du willst Unmögliches.
90
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 26 focus
Ismena
De ningún modo conviene perseguir lo imposible.
De ningún modo conviene perseguir lo imposible.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 26 focus
Ismene
Sed ne primitus quidem sectari impossibilia decet.
Sed ne primitus quidem sectari impossibilia decet.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 26 focus
ISM
One should not start upon a hopeless quest.
One should not start upon a hopeless quest.
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 39 focus
Was kann ich, wenn dies also steht, Unselige,
1
Hier, lösend oder bindend, uns zum Frommen thun?
40
Was kann ich, wenn dies also steht, Unselige,
1
Hier, lösend oder bindend, uns zum Frommen thun?
40
Antigone.
Sieh, ob du helfen, ob die Mühe theilen wirst
Sieh, ob du helfen, ob die Mühe theilen wirst
Ismene.
Bei welchem Unterfangen? Wo geräthst du hin?
Bei welchem Unterfangen? Wo geräthst du hin?
Antigone.
Ob du den Todten, mir gesellt, aufnehmen willst!
Ob du den Todten, mir gesellt, aufnehmen willst!
Ismene.
Ihn denn bestatten willst du, dem Verbot zum Troz?
Ihn denn bestatten willst du, dem Verbot zum Troz?
Antigone.
Ja, meinen Bruder und den deinen, wenn auch du
45
Nicht willst; denn niemals soll man mich Verrathes zeih'n!
2
Ja, meinen Bruder und den deinen, wenn auch du
45
Nicht willst; denn niemals soll man mich Verrathes zeih'n!
2
Ismene.
Tollkühne, während Kreon's Wort es dir verwehrt?
Tollkühne, während Kreon's Wort es dir verwehrt?
Antigone.
Fern halten darf mich dieser nie von meiner Pflicht.
Fern halten darf mich dieser nie von meiner Pflicht.
Ismene.
Weh mir! Bedenk', o Schwester, wie der Vater uns,
Mit Haß und Hohn belastet, ruhmlos unterging,
50
Nachdem er selbst um Gräuel, die er selbst enthüllt,
Der Augen Sterne sich zerriß mit eigner Hand;
Wie dann die Mutter, Mutter ihm und Weib zugleich,
Schmachvoll mit frevlem Strange sich das Leben nahm;
Zum dritten, wie die Brüder beid' an Einem Tag
55
Im Wechselmord sich ein gemeinsam Todesloos,
Die Armen, schufen, Einer durch des Andern Hand!
Wir sind allein jezt übrig; du bedenke denn,
Wie schmählich wir verdürben, wenn wir wider Necht
Der Herrscher Ausspruch und Gewalt mißachteten.
60
Wohl mußt du doch erwägen, daß wir Frauen sind,
Und nicht geschaffen, Männern kühn im Kampf zu steh'n,
Dann aber, daß wir, weil beherrscht von Stärkeren,
Hier folgen müssen und sogar in Härterem.
Drum will ich jene, die der Erde Schooß verbirgt,
3
65
Anfleh'n um Nachsicht, weil Gewalt mich bindet hier,
Und ihm gehorchen, dem die Macht geworden ist;
Denn Unverstand ist's, über seine Kraft zu thun.
Weh mir! Bedenk', o Schwester, wie der Vater uns,
Mit Haß und Hohn belastet, ruhmlos unterging,
50
Nachdem er selbst um Gräuel, die er selbst enthüllt,
Der Augen Sterne sich zerriß mit eigner Hand;
Wie dann die Mutter, Mutter ihm und Weib zugleich,
Schmachvoll mit frevlem Strange sich das Leben nahm;
Zum dritten, wie die Brüder beid' an Einem Tag
55
Im Wechselmord sich ein gemeinsam Todesloos,
Die Armen, schufen, Einer durch des Andern Hand!
Wir sind allein jezt übrig; du bedenke denn,
Wie schmählich wir verdürben, wenn wir wider Necht
Der Herrscher Ausspruch und Gewalt mißachteten.
60
Wohl mußt du doch erwägen, daß wir Frauen sind,
Und nicht geschaffen, Männern kühn im Kampf zu steh'n,
Dann aber, daß wir, weil beherrscht von Stärkeren,
Hier folgen müssen und sogar in Härterem.
Drum will ich jene, die der Erde Schooß verbirgt,
3
65
Anfleh'n um Nachsicht, weil Gewalt mich bindet hier,
Und ihm gehorchen, dem die Macht geworden ist;
Denn Unverstand ist's, über seine Kraft zu thun.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 26 focus
Ismene
Then farewell,
Since thou wilt have it so ; and know, Ismene
Pities thy weakness, but admires thy virtue. [Exeunt.
By Diice's sweetly-flowing stream,
Ne'er did the golden eye of day
On Thfcbes with fairer lustre beam,
Or shine with more auspicious ray.
See the proud Argive, with his silver shield
And glittering armour, quits the hostile plain;
No longer dares maintain the luckless field,
But vanquished flies, nor checks the loosened rein.
With dreadful clangour, like the bird of Jove,
On snowy wings descending from above,
His vaunted powers to this devoted land,
In bitterest wrath did Polynices lead,
With crested helmets, and a numerous band
He came, and fondly hoped that Thebes sl^puld
bleed. ,
High on the lofty tower he stood,
And viewed th' encircled gates below,
With spears that thirsted for our blood,
And seemed to scorn th' unequal foe ;
But, fraught with vengeance^ ere the rising flame
Could waste our bulwarks, or our walls surround,
Mars to assist the fiery serpent came,
And brought the towering eagle to the ground.
That god who hates the boastings of the proud
Saw the rude violence of th' exulting crowd ;
Already now the triumph was prepared.
The wreath of victory and the festal song,
When Jove the clash of golden armour heard.
And hurled his thunder on the guilty throng.
Then Capaneus, elate with pride,
Fierce as the rapid whirlwind came,
Eager he seemed on every side
To spread the all- devouring flame ;
But soon he felt the winged lightning's blast,
By angry heaven with speedy vengeance sent —
Down from the lofty turrets headlong cast.
For his foul crimes he met the punishment.
Each at his gate, long time the leaders strove,
Then fled, and left their arms to conquering Jove ;
Save the unhappy death-devoted pair,
The wretched brethren, who unconquered stood.
With rancorous hate inspired, and fell despair.
They reeked their vengeance in each other's blood.
And lo ! with smiles propitious see
To Thebes, for numerous cars renowned,
The goddess comes, fair Victory,
Witli fame and endless glory crowned !
Henceforth, no longer vexed by war's alarms,
Let all our sorrows, all our labours cease ;
Come, let us quit the din of rattling arms,
And fill our temples with the songs of peace.
The god of Thebes shall guide our steps aright,
And crown with many a lay the festive night.
But see, still anxious for his native land,
Our king, Menfeceus' valiant son, appear ;
With some fair omen by the gods' command
He comes to met his aged council here. [Exeunt.
Then farewell,
Since thou wilt have it so ; and know, Ismene
Pities thy weakness, but admires thy virtue. [Exeunt.
By Diice's sweetly-flowing stream,
Ne'er did the golden eye of day
On Thfcbes with fairer lustre beam,
Or shine with more auspicious ray.
See the proud Argive, with his silver shield
And glittering armour, quits the hostile plain;
No longer dares maintain the luckless field,
But vanquished flies, nor checks the loosened rein.
With dreadful clangour, like the bird of Jove,
On snowy wings descending from above,
His vaunted powers to this devoted land,
In bitterest wrath did Polynices lead,
With crested helmets, and a numerous band
He came, and fondly hoped that Thebes sl^puld
bleed. ,
High on the lofty tower he stood,
And viewed th' encircled gates below,
With spears that thirsted for our blood,
And seemed to scorn th' unequal foe ;
But, fraught with vengeance^ ere the rising flame
Could waste our bulwarks, or our walls surround,
Mars to assist the fiery serpent came,
And brought the towering eagle to the ground.
That god who hates the boastings of the proud
Saw the rude violence of th' exulting crowd ;
Already now the triumph was prepared.
The wreath of victory and the festal song,
When Jove the clash of golden armour heard.
And hurled his thunder on the guilty throng.
Then Capaneus, elate with pride,
Fierce as the rapid whirlwind came,
Eager he seemed on every side
To spread the all- devouring flame ;
But soon he felt the winged lightning's blast,
By angry heaven with speedy vengeance sent —
Down from the lofty turrets headlong cast.
For his foul crimes he met the punishment.
Each at his gate, long time the leaders strove,
Then fled, and left their arms to conquering Jove ;
Save the unhappy death-devoted pair,
The wretched brethren, who unconquered stood.
With rancorous hate inspired, and fell despair.
They reeked their vengeance in each other's blood.
And lo ! with smiles propitious see
To Thebes, for numerous cars renowned,
The goddess comes, fair Victory,
Witli fame and endless glory crowned !
Henceforth, no longer vexed by war's alarms,
Let all our sorrows, all our labours cease ;
Come, let us quit the din of rattling arms,
And fill our temples with the songs of peace.
The god of Thebes shall guide our steps aright,
And crown with many a lay the festive night.
But see, still anxious for his native land,
Our king, Menfeceus' valiant son, appear ;
With some fair omen by the gods' command
He comes to met his aged council here. [Exeunt.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 26 focus
ISMENA
Desde el principio debemos renunciar á aquello que supera nuestro poder.
Desde el principio debemos renunciar á aquello que supera nuestro poder.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 26 focus
ISMENE
Gleich Anfangs muss Niemand Unthunlichs jagen.
Gleich Anfangs muss Niemand Unthunlichs jagen.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 26 focus
Ismene
A hopeless quest should not be made at all.
A hopeless quest should not be made at all.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 26 focus
Creon
What, wou'dst thou scan
The regions of my pain?
What, wou'dst thou scan
The regions of my pain?
English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904)) — 1-98 focus
1
39
69
Antigone
Ismene, my sister, true child of my own mother, do you know any evil out of all the evils bequeathed by Oedipus that Zeus will not fulfil for the two of us in our lifetime? There is nothing—no pain, no ruin,
1
no shame, nor dishonor—that I have not seen in your sufferings and mine. And now what is this new edict that they say the general has just decreed to all the city? Do you know anything? Have you heard? Or does it escape you that
5
evils from our enemies are on the march against our friends?
10
Ismene, my sister, true child of my own mother, do you know any evil out of all the evils bequeathed by Oedipus that Zeus will not fulfil for the two of us in our lifetime? There is nothing—no pain, no ruin,
1
no shame, nor dishonor—that I have not seen in your sufferings and mine. And now what is this new edict that they say the general has just decreed to all the city? Do you know anything? Have you heard? Or does it escape you that
5
evils from our enemies are on the march against our friends?
10
Ismene
To me no word of our friends, Antigone, either bringing joy or bringing pain has come since we two were robbed of our two brothers who died in one day by a double blow.
And since the
Argive
army has fled during this night, I have learned nothing further, whether better fortune is mine, or further ruin.
15
To me no word of our friends, Antigone, either bringing joy or bringing pain has come since we two were robbed of our two brothers who died in one day by a double blow.
And since the
Argive
army has fled during this night, I have learned nothing further, whether better fortune is mine, or further ruin.
15
Antigone
I knew it well, so I was trying to bring you outside the courtyard gates to this end, that you alone might hear.
I knew it well, so I was trying to bring you outside the courtyard gates to this end, that you alone might hear.
Ismene
Hear what? It is clear that you are brooding on some dark news.
20
Hear what? It is clear that you are brooding on some dark news.
20
Antigone
Why not? Has not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honored burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he has laid in the earth
for his honor among the dead below. As for the poor corpse of Polyneices, however, they say that an edict has been published to the townsmen that no one shall bury him or mourn him, but instead leave him unwept, unentombed, for the birds a pleasing store
25
as they look to satisfy their hunger. Such, it is said, is the edict that the good Creon has laid down for you and for me—yes, for me—and it is said that he is coming here to proclaim it for the certain knowledge of those who do not already know. They say that he does not conduct this business lightly,
30
but whoever performs any of these rites, for him the fate appointed is death by public stoning among the entire city. This is how things stand for you, and so you will soon show your nature, whether you are noble-minded, or the corrupt daughter of a noble line.
35
39
Why not? Has not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honored burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he has laid in the earth
for his honor among the dead below. As for the poor corpse of Polyneices, however, they say that an edict has been published to the townsmen that no one shall bury him or mourn him, but instead leave him unwept, unentombed, for the birds a pleasing store
25
as they look to satisfy their hunger. Such, it is said, is the edict that the good Creon has laid down for you and for me—yes, for me—and it is said that he is coming here to proclaim it for the certain knowledge of those who do not already know. They say that he does not conduct this business lightly,
30
but whoever performs any of these rites, for him the fate appointed is death by public stoning among the entire city. This is how things stand for you, and so you will soon show your nature, whether you are noble-minded, or the corrupt daughter of a noble line.
35
Ismene
Poor sister, if things have come to this, what would I
profit by loosening or tightening this knot?
40
Poor sister, if things have come to this, what would I
profit by loosening or tightening this knot?
40
Antigone
Consider whether you will share the toil and the task.
Consider whether you will share the toil and the task.
Ismene
What are you hazarding? What do you intend?
What are you hazarding? What do you intend?
Antigone
Will you join your hand to mine in order to lift his corpse?
Will you join your hand to mine in order to lift his corpse?
Ismene
You plan to bury him—when it is forbidden to the city?
You plan to bury him—when it is forbidden to the city?
Antigone
Yes, he is my brother, and yours too, even if you wish it otherwise. I will never be convicted of betraying him.
45
Yes, he is my brother, and yours too, even if you wish it otherwise. I will never be convicted of betraying him.
45
Ismene
Hard girl! Even when Creon has forbidden it?
Hard girl! Even when Creon has forbidden it?
Antigone
No, he has no right to keep me from my own.
No, he has no right to keep me from my own.
Ismene
Ah, no! Think, sister, how our father
perished in hatred and infamy, when, because of the crimes that he himself detected, he smashed both his eyes with self-blinding hand; then his mother-wife, two names in one, with a twisted noose destroyed her life;
50
lastly, our two brothers in a single day, both unhappy murderers of their own flesh and blood, worked with mutual hands their common doom. And now we, in turn—we two who have been left all alone—consider how much more miserably we will be destroyed, if in defiance of the law
55
we transgress against an autocrat’s decree or his powers. No, we must remember, first, that ours is a woman’s nature, and accordingly not suited to battles against men; and next, that we are ruled by the more powerful, so that we must obey in these things and in things even more stinging.
60
I, therefore, will ask those below for pardon, since I am forced to this, and will obey those who have come to authority. It is foolish to do what is fruitless.
65
69
Ah, no! Think, sister, how our father
perished in hatred and infamy, when, because of the crimes that he himself detected, he smashed both his eyes with self-blinding hand; then his mother-wife, two names in one, with a twisted noose destroyed her life;
50
lastly, our two brothers in a single day, both unhappy murderers of their own flesh and blood, worked with mutual hands their common doom. And now we, in turn—we two who have been left all alone—consider how much more miserably we will be destroyed, if in defiance of the law
55
we transgress against an autocrat’s decree or his powers. No, we must remember, first, that ours is a woman’s nature, and accordingly not suited to battles against men; and next, that we are ruled by the more powerful, so that we must obey in these things and in things even more stinging.
60
I, therefore, will ask those below for pardon, since I am forced to this, and will obey those who have come to authority. It is foolish to do what is fruitless.
65
Antigone
I would not encourage you—no, nor, even if you were willing later,
would I welcome you as my partner in this action. No, be the sort that pleases you. I will bury him—it would honor me to die while doing that. I shall rest with him, loved one with loved one, a pious criminal. For the time is greater
70
that I must serve the dead than the living, since in that world I will rest forever. But if you so choose, continue to dishonor what the gods in honor have established.
75
I would not encourage you—no, nor, even if you were willing later,
would I welcome you as my partner in this action. No, be the sort that pleases you. I will bury him—it would honor me to die while doing that. I shall rest with him, loved one with loved one, a pious criminal. For the time is greater
70
that I must serve the dead than the living, since in that world I will rest forever. But if you so choose, continue to dishonor what the gods in honor have established.
75
Ismene
I do them no dishonor. But to act in violation of the citizens’ will—of that I am by nature incapable.
I do them no dishonor. But to act in violation of the citizens’ will—of that I am by nature incapable.
Antigone
You can make that your pretext! Regardless, I will go now to heap a tomb over the brother I love.
80
You can make that your pretext! Regardless, I will go now to heap a tomb over the brother I love.
80
Ismene
Oh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!
Oh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!
Antigone
Do not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.
Do not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.
Ismene
Then at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.
Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so, too, will I.
85
Then at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.
Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so, too, will I.
85
Antigone
Go on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you fail to proclaim these things to everyone.
Go on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you fail to proclaim these things to everyone.
Ismene
You have a hot heart for chilling deeds.
You have a hot heart for chilling deeds.
Antigone
I know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.
I know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.
Ismene
Yes, if you will also have the power. But you crave the impossible.
90
Yes, if you will also have the power. But you crave the impossible.
90
Antigone
Why then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.
Why then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.
Ismene
An impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.
An impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.
Antigone
If you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to punishment as the enemy of the dead.
But leave me and the foolish plan I have authored to suffer this terrible thing, for I will not suffer anything so terrible that my death will lack honor.
95
If you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to punishment as the enemy of the dead.
But leave me and the foolish plan I have authored to suffer this terrible thing, for I will not suffer anything so terrible that my death will lack honor.
95
Ismene
Go, then, if you so decide. And of this be sure: though your path is foolish, to your loved ones your love is straight and true.
Exit Antigone on the spectators’ left. Ismene exits into the palace.
Go, then, if you so decide. And of this be sure: though your path is foolish, to your loved ones your love is straight and true.
Exit Antigone on the spectators’ left. Ismene exits into the palace.