οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ᾽, ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Antigone. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
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Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879))
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Editions (11)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ᾽, ὁποῖον οὐ
1
5
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ', ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν, οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ᾽, ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρόν, οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ’, ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 5.mvp-line-5 focus
οὔτ’ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ’ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ’ ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ', ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρόν , οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμον ἔσθ᾽ ὁποῖον οὔ,
5
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ᾽, ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 5.mvp-line-5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ᾽, ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 5 focus
οὔτʼ αἰσχρὸν οὔτʼ ἄτιμόν ἐσθʼ, ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 5 focus
οὔτ᾽ αἰσχρὸν οὔτ᾽ ἄτιμόν ἐσθ᾽, ὁποῖον οὐ
5
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 5 focus
ANTIGONE
Ehrt nicht der Brüder jenen mit des Grabes Gunst
uns Kreon, und verweigert diesem schmählich sie?
Ehrt nicht der Brüder jenen mit des Grabes Gunst
uns Kreon, und verweigert diesem schmählich sie?
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 5 focus
Antígona
¿Pues no ha dispuesto Creonte que, de nuestros dos hermanos, se le hagan a uno las honras fúnebres y se deje al otro insepulto? A Eteocles, según dicen, en cumplimiento de la ley divina y humana, sepultó en tierra para que obtenga todos los honores,
allå
allá bajo, entre los muertos. Y respecto del cadáver de Polinices, que miserablemente ha muerto, dicen que ha publicado un bando para que ningún ciudadano lo entierre ni lo llore; sino que insepulto y sin los honores del llanto, lo dejen para sabrosa presa de las aves que se abalancen a devorarlo. Ese bando dicen que el bueno de Creonte ha hecho pregonar por ti y por
mi
mí, quiero decir que por
mi
mí; y que vendrá aquí para anunciar en alta voz esa orden a los que no la conozcan; y que la cosa se ha de tomar no de cualquier manera, porque quien se atreva a hacer algo de lo que prohíbe, se expone a morir lapidado por el pueblo. Ya sabes lo que hay, y pronto podrás demostrar si eres de sangre noble o una cobarde que desdice de la nobleza de sus padres.
¿Pues no ha dispuesto Creonte que, de nuestros dos hermanos, se le hagan a uno las honras fúnebres y se deje al otro insepulto? A Eteocles, según dicen, en cumplimiento de la ley divina y humana, sepultó en tierra para que obtenga todos los honores,
allå
allá bajo, entre los muertos. Y respecto del cadáver de Polinices, que miserablemente ha muerto, dicen que ha publicado un bando para que ningún ciudadano lo entierre ni lo llore; sino que insepulto y sin los honores del llanto, lo dejen para sabrosa presa de las aves que se abalancen a devorarlo. Ese bando dicen que el bueno de Creonte ha hecho pregonar por ti y por
mi
mí, quiero decir que por
mi
mí; y que vendrá aquí para anunciar en alta voz esa orden a los que no la conozcan; y que la cosa se ha de tomar no de cualquier manera, porque quien se atreva a hacer algo de lo que prohíbe, se expone a morir lapidado por el pueblo. Ya sabes lo que hay, y pronto podrás demostrar si eres de sangre noble o una cobarde que desdice de la nobleza de sus padres.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 5 focus
Antigone
Nonne enim nobis Creon, decreto fratrum alteri sepulturae honore, alterum eo privat indignis modis?
Eteoclem quidem, ut aiunt, iusto patrocinio fas observans, humo condidit, inferis honoratum Manibus:
miseri autem mortui Polynicis cadaver civibus fertur edixisse ne quis sepulchro contegat, neque adeo lamentetur; sed sinant indefletum , insepultum , gratum thesaurum alitibus pastus gratia irruentibus.
Talia dicunt bonum Creonta tibi mihique (dicere enim fastidivit) praeconatum esse, et huc venire, ut haec ipsa, si qui forte ignorent, clare pronuntiet, hancque rem non deputare esse nihili;
sed quicumque horum quid fecerit, decretum esse, ut is a populo lapidibus obruatur.
Ita tibi haec se habent: et mox ostendes, an generosa sis, an vero ex bonis ignava.
Nonne enim nobis Creon, decreto fratrum alteri sepulturae honore, alterum eo privat indignis modis?
Eteoclem quidem, ut aiunt, iusto patrocinio fas observans, humo condidit, inferis honoratum Manibus:
miseri autem mortui Polynicis cadaver civibus fertur edixisse ne quis sepulchro contegat, neque adeo lamentetur; sed sinant indefletum , insepultum , gratum thesaurum alitibus pastus gratia irruentibus.
Talia dicunt bonum Creonta tibi mihique (dicere enim fastidivit) praeconatum esse, et huc venire, ut haec ipsa, si qui forte ignorent, clare pronuntiet, hancque rem non deputare esse nihili;
sed quicumque horum quid fecerit, decretum esse, ut is a populo lapidibus obruatur.
Ita tibi haec se habent: et mox ostendes, an generosa sis, an vero ex bonis ignava.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 5 focus
ANT
Why, hath not Creon, in the burial-rite,
Of our two brethren honoured one, and wrought
On one foul wrong? Eteocles, they tell,
With lawful consecration he lays out,
And after covers him in earth, adorned
With amplest honours in the world below.
25
But Polynices, miserably slain,
They say ’tis publicly proclaimed that none
Must cover in a grave, nor mourn for him;
But leave him tombless and unwept, a store
Of sweet provision for the carrion fowl
30
That eye him greedily. Such righteous law
30
Good Creon hath pronounced for thy behoof—
Ay, and for mine! I am not left out!—And now
He moves this way to promulgate his will
To such as have not heard, nor lightly holds
The thing he bids, but, whoso disobeys,
35
The citizens shall stone him to the death.
This is the matter, and thou wilt quickly show
If thou art noble, or fallen below thy birth.
Why, hath not Creon, in the burial-rite,
Of our two brethren honoured one, and wrought
On one foul wrong? Eteocles, they tell,
With lawful consecration he lays out,
And after covers him in earth, adorned
With amplest honours in the world below.
25
But Polynices, miserably slain,
They say ’tis publicly proclaimed that none
Must cover in a grave, nor mourn for him;
But leave him tombless and unwept, a store
Of sweet provision for the carrion fowl
30
That eye him greedily. Such righteous law
30
Good Creon hath pronounced for thy behoof—
Ay, and for mine! I am not left out!—And now
He moves this way to promulgate his will
To such as have not heard, nor lightly holds
The thing he bids, but, whoso disobeys,
35
The citizens shall stone him to the death.
This is the matter, and thou wilt quickly show
If thou art noble, or fallen below thy birth.
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1 focus
Ismene, traute Schwester, vielgeliebtes Haupt,
1
1
Weißt du von einem Leide, das vom Vater her
Zeus nicht an uns vollendet, die wir leben noch?
Denn keinen Jammer gibt es, nichts Entsezliches,
Nichts Arges, nichts Schmachvolles, das ich nicht bereits
5
In deiner Noth gesehen und in meiner Noth.
Und welche Botschaft, heißt es, ließ jezt eben erst
Der Herrscher wieder allem Volk verkündigen?
Weißt du's, vernahmst du's, oder blieb dir unbekannt,
Daß unsern Lieben Böses naht von Feindesmacht?
10
Ismene, traute Schwester, vielgeliebtes Haupt,
1
1
Weißt du von einem Leide, das vom Vater her
Zeus nicht an uns vollendet, die wir leben noch?
Denn keinen Jammer gibt es, nichts Entsezliches,
Nichts Arges, nichts Schmachvolles, das ich nicht bereits
5
In deiner Noth gesehen und in meiner Noth.
Und welche Botschaft, heißt es, ließ jezt eben erst
Der Herrscher wieder allem Volk verkündigen?
Weißt du's, vernahmst du's, oder blieb dir unbekannt,
Daß unsern Lieben Böses naht von Feindesmacht?
10
Ismene.
Zu mir gelangte keine Kund', Antigone,
Von unsern Lieben, frohe nicht noch traurige,
Seitdem das Paar der Brüder uns entrissen ward,
Die Eines Tages fielen durch zwiefachen Mord.
Und seit in dieser jüngsten Nacht sich Argos' Heer
15
Zur Flucht gewendet, wurde mir nichts weiter kund,
Nicht, ob mir mehr des Glückes, ob des Leides ward.
Zu mir gelangte keine Kund', Antigone,
Von unsern Lieben, frohe nicht noch traurige,
Seitdem das Paar der Brüder uns entrissen ward,
Die Eines Tages fielen durch zwiefachen Mord.
Und seit in dieser jüngsten Nacht sich Argos' Heer
15
Zur Flucht gewendet, wurde mir nichts weiter kund,
Nicht, ob mir mehr des Glückes, ob des Leides ward.
Antigone.
Wohl wußt' ich das, und führte deßhalb dich heraus
Zum Thor des Hofes, dir allein es kundzuthun.
Wohl wußt' ich das, und führte deßhalb dich heraus
Zum Thor des Hofes, dir allein es kundzuthun.
Ismene.
Was hast du? Sichtbar wogt in dir ein schweres Wort.
20
Was hast du? Sichtbar wogt in dir ein schweres Wort.
20
Antigone.
Hat Kreon nicht dem Einen Bruder nur gegönnt
Des Grabes Ehre, jenem sie schmachvoll versagt?
Den Eteokles hat er, wie man sagt, gerecht
Gerechter Ordnung huldigend, in der Erde Schooß
Geborgen, daß ihm Ehre sei im Todtenreich;
2
25
Doch Polyneikes' jammervoll entseelten Leib
Verbot er, heißt es, allem Volk durch lauten Ruf
Im Grab zu bergen und um ihn zu klagen; nein,
Daliegen soll er unbeweint, grablos, ein Mahl
Den Vögeln, die zum süßen Raube niederschau'n.
30
Und solches, sagt man, ließ der edle Kreon dir
Und mir, ich sage mir sogar, verkündigen;
Er komme selbst, es deutlich Allen kundzuthun,
Die nicht davon vernommen, und er achte nicht
Für Nichts die Sache; sondern wer deß Eines thut,
35
Den trifft an offner Stätte Tod durch Steinigung.
So ward's von ihm beschlossen, und du zeigst sofort,
Ob edel, ob unedel du von Edlen stammst.
Hat Kreon nicht dem Einen Bruder nur gegönnt
Des Grabes Ehre, jenem sie schmachvoll versagt?
Den Eteokles hat er, wie man sagt, gerecht
Gerechter Ordnung huldigend, in der Erde Schooß
Geborgen, daß ihm Ehre sei im Todtenreich;
2
25
Doch Polyneikes' jammervoll entseelten Leib
Verbot er, heißt es, allem Volk durch lauten Ruf
Im Grab zu bergen und um ihn zu klagen; nein,
Daliegen soll er unbeweint, grablos, ein Mahl
Den Vögeln, die zum süßen Raube niederschau'n.
30
Und solches, sagt man, ließ der edle Kreon dir
Und mir, ich sage mir sogar, verkündigen;
Er komme selbst, es deutlich Allen kundzuthun,
Die nicht davon vernommen, und er achte nicht
Für Nichts die Sache; sondern wer deß Eines thut,
35
Den trifft an offner Stätte Tod durch Steinigung.
So ward's von ihm beschlossen, und du zeigst sofort,
Ob edel, ob unedel du von Edlen stammst.
Ismene.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 5 focus
Ismene
39
What wouldst thou have me do ? — defy his
power?
Contemn the laws ?
40
What wouldst thou have me do ? — defy his
power?
Contemn the laws ?
40
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 5 focus
ANTÍGONA
¡Pues qué! ¿No acaba Creonte de conceder preferentemente á uno de nuestros dos hermanos el honor de la sepultura, privando de él al otro indignamente? — A Eteocles, por un decreto equitativo y justo, le ha hecho sepultar, dicen, con los honores debidos á los manes: — y, por lo que hace al cadáver del desgraciado Polynice, se ha pregonado una orden, prohibiendo á los ciudadanos que le sepulten ni le lloren, para que, abandonado, sin honras fúnebres, ni duelo, sirva de preciado pasto á las aves carniceras
1
. Ya sabes, hermana, lo que
el generoso Creonte ha querido ordenarte á tí y á mí; ¡sí, á mi, á mi también! — y le verás venir aquí á proclamar muy clara su voluntad á todos cuantos pudieran ignorarla: — y para que esta prescripción sea severamente cumplida, conmina al que intente desobedecer su mandato, con la pena de morir en la ciudad apedreado á manos del pueblo. — Ya sabes lo que ansiaba comunicarte... ahora tú demostrarás si eres mujer ilustre ó una vil que desmiente su noble sangre.
¡Pues qué! ¿No acaba Creonte de conceder preferentemente á uno de nuestros dos hermanos el honor de la sepultura, privando de él al otro indignamente? — A Eteocles, por un decreto equitativo y justo, le ha hecho sepultar, dicen, con los honores debidos á los manes: — y, por lo que hace al cadáver del desgraciado Polynice, se ha pregonado una orden, prohibiendo á los ciudadanos que le sepulten ni le lloren, para que, abandonado, sin honras fúnebres, ni duelo, sirva de preciado pasto á las aves carniceras
1
. Ya sabes, hermana, lo que
el generoso Creonte ha querido ordenarte á tí y á mí; ¡sí, á mi, á mi también! — y le verás venir aquí á proclamar muy clara su voluntad á todos cuantos pudieran ignorarla: — y para que esta prescripción sea severamente cumplida, conmina al que intente desobedecer su mandato, con la pena de morir en la ciudad apedreado á manos del pueblo. — Ya sabes lo que ansiaba comunicarte... ahora tú demostrarás si eres mujer ilustre ó una vil que desmiente su noble sangre.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 5 focus
ANTIGONAE
Hat mit der lezten Ehre denn nicht unsre Brüder
Kreon gekränzt, beschimpfet, wechselsweise ?
Eteokles zwar, sagt man, behandelt er
Mit rechtem Recht, gesezgemäls, und birgt
25
Ihn in der Erd’, ehrsam den Todten drunten.
Vom andern aber, der gestorben ist armseelig,
Von Polynikes Leibe sagen sie, man hab’
Es in der Stadt verkündet, dass man ihn
Mit keinem Grabe berg’ und nicht betraure.
30
Man soll ihn lassen unbeweint und grablos,,
Süfs Mahl den Vögeln, die auf Fralses Lust sehn.
So etwas, sagt man, hat der gute Kreon dir
Und mir, denn mich auch mein’ ich, kund gethan,
Und hierher kommt er, difs Unwissenden
35
Deutlich zu melden. Und die Sache sei
Nicht, wie für nichts. Wer etwas thut dabei,
Dem wird der Tod des Steinigens im Orte.
So steht esdir. Und gleich wirst du beweisen,
Ob gutgeboren, ob die Böse du der Guten?
40
Hat mit der lezten Ehre denn nicht unsre Brüder
Kreon gekränzt, beschimpfet, wechselsweise ?
Eteokles zwar, sagt man, behandelt er
Mit rechtem Recht, gesezgemäls, und birgt
25
Ihn in der Erd’, ehrsam den Todten drunten.
Vom andern aber, der gestorben ist armseelig,
Von Polynikes Leibe sagen sie, man hab’
Es in der Stadt verkündet, dass man ihn
Mit keinem Grabe berg’ und nicht betraure.
30
Man soll ihn lassen unbeweint und grablos,,
Süfs Mahl den Vögeln, die auf Fralses Lust sehn.
So etwas, sagt man, hat der gute Kreon dir
Und mir, denn mich auch mein’ ich, kund gethan,
Und hierher kommt er, difs Unwissenden
35
Deutlich zu melden. Und die Sache sei
Nicht, wie für nichts. Wer etwas thut dabei,
Dem wird der Tod des Steinigens im Orte.
So steht esdir. Und gleich wirst du beweisen,
Ob gutgeboren, ob die Böse du der Guten?
40
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 5 focus
Antigone
What, hath not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honoured burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he hath laid in the earth, for his honour among the dead below. But the hapless corpse of Polyneices— as rumour saith, it hath been published to the town that none shall entomb him or mourn, but leave unwept, unsepulchred,
30
a welcome store for the birds, as they espy him, to feast on at will. Such, ’tis said, is the edict that the good Creon hath set forth for thee and for me,—yes, for me,—and is coming hither to proclaim it clearly to those who know it not; nor counts the matter light, but, whoso disobeys in aught, his doom is death by stoning before all the folk. Thou knowest it now; and thou wilt soon show whether thou art nobly bred, or the base daughter of.a noble line.
What, hath not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honoured burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he hath laid in the earth, for his honour among the dead below. But the hapless corpse of Polyneices— as rumour saith, it hath been published to the town that none shall entomb him or mourn, but leave unwept, unsepulchred,
30
a welcome store for the birds, as they espy him, to feast on at will. Such, ’tis said, is the edict that the good Creon hath set forth for thee and for me,—yes, for me,—and is coming hither to proclaim it clearly to those who know it not; nor counts the matter light, but, whoso disobeys in aught, his doom is death by stoning before all the folk. Thou knowest it now; and thou wilt soon show whether thou art nobly bred, or the base daughter of.a noble line.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 5 focus
Ismene
Yet, O my sister, to remembrance call
Our father's fate; how odious, how defamed
He perish'd, when confounded with the sense
Of his offences, in his rage he rent
With his own hands his bleeding orbs of sight.
His mother then and wife, to ills on ills
A double title, in the wreathed noose
Died self-destroy'd. Our brothers now, both slain
Each by the other's spear, unhappy youths,
Have in one day one common fate achieved
We now remain sole relics of our house;
Think then how we shall perish by a fate
More wretched still, if we by force infringe
The sovereign pow'r and edict of our lords.
Consider too that we are women, weak
By nature, and unable to contend.
With men; thus subject to a stronger pow'r
We must hear this, and what may grieve us more.
I then (of those beneath the earth revered
Imploring pardon, since by force constrain'd)
Will yield obedience to our potent lords.
Attempts beyond our strength no prudence show....
I would not urge thee; nor, were now thy mind
Prompt to the deed, consent that thou shou'dst act
With me: be such as is thy will to be.
I will inter him; and performing this
Death will be glorious to me; I shall lie
With my dear brother, to my brother dear,
These pious rites discharged; for to the dead
Longer a grace is pleasing than to those
Who live; since there for ever I shall lie.
Do thou, if such thy pleasure, lightly deem
Of sacred things, the honours of the gods.
I hold them high in honour; but to act
By force against the state were rash and wild.
Make that thy fair pretence; but I will go,
And for my dearest brother raise a tomb.
Unhappy sister, how I fear for thee !
Fear not for me; be thy own life thy care.
Yet to none other thy intent disclose :
Conceal it: of my silence be assured.
No, speak it loud: more hateful wilt thou be
If silent; be it then proclaim'd to all.
Thou hast a warm heart in a dangerous act.
Pleasing, I know, this act to those whom most
Behoves it me to please.
Couldst thou effect
Thy purpose; but the deed exceeds thy pow'r.
When my pow'r fails, I from th' attempt will cease.
Attempt not things which cannot be achieved.
Thou wilt be hated e'en by me, if thus
Thou speak, and justly by the dead be held
In hatred. Leave me then, and my design
Thus rash, to put this danger to the proof.
To me no sufferings have that hideous form
Which can affright me from a glorious death.
Go then, since thus resolved; but know th' attempt
Shows frenzy, though strong friendship to thy friends.
Yet, O my sister, to remembrance call
Our father's fate; how odious, how defamed
He perish'd, when confounded with the sense
Of his offences, in his rage he rent
With his own hands his bleeding orbs of sight.
His mother then and wife, to ills on ills
A double title, in the wreathed noose
Died self-destroy'd. Our brothers now, both slain
Each by the other's spear, unhappy youths,
Have in one day one common fate achieved
We now remain sole relics of our house;
Think then how we shall perish by a fate
More wretched still, if we by force infringe
The sovereign pow'r and edict of our lords.
Consider too that we are women, weak
By nature, and unable to contend.
With men; thus subject to a stronger pow'r
We must hear this, and what may grieve us more.
I then (of those beneath the earth revered
Imploring pardon, since by force constrain'd)
Will yield obedience to our potent lords.
Attempts beyond our strength no prudence show....
I would not urge thee; nor, were now thy mind
Prompt to the deed, consent that thou shou'dst act
With me: be such as is thy will to be.
I will inter him; and performing this
Death will be glorious to me; I shall lie
With my dear brother, to my brother dear,
These pious rites discharged; for to the dead
Longer a grace is pleasing than to those
Who live; since there for ever I shall lie.
Do thou, if such thy pleasure, lightly deem
Of sacred things, the honours of the gods.
I hold them high in honour; but to act
By force against the state were rash and wild.
Make that thy fair pretence; but I will go,
And for my dearest brother raise a tomb.
Unhappy sister, how I fear for thee !
Fear not for me; be thy own life thy care.
Yet to none other thy intent disclose :
Conceal it: of my silence be assured.
No, speak it loud: more hateful wilt thou be
If silent; be it then proclaim'd to all.
Thou hast a warm heart in a dangerous act.
Pleasing, I know, this act to those whom most
Behoves it me to please.
Couldst thou effect
Thy purpose; but the deed exceeds thy pow'r.
When my pow'r fails, I from th' attempt will cease.
Attempt not things which cannot be achieved.
Thou wilt be hated e'en by me, if thus
Thou speak, and justly by the dead be held
In hatred. Leave me then, and my design
Thus rash, to put this danger to the proof.
To me no sufferings have that hideous form
Which can affright me from a glorious death.
Go then, since thus resolved; but know th' attempt
Shows frenzy, though strong friendship to thy friends.
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.
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
1-17. mvp-comment-1-1 The opening speeches reveal the contrast between the sisters, while the affectionate address of Antigone in l. 1 gives greater emphasis to her violent outbreak in l. 69. Cp. О. Т. 85, and note.