Sophocles, Antigone, Lewis Campbell (Translator), 138

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CR

That, O my son! should be thy constant mind,

In all to bend thee to thy father’s will.
640

Therefore men pray to have around their hearths

Obedient offspring, to requite their foes

With harm, and honour whom their father loves;

But he whose issue proves unprofitable,

Begets what else but sorrow to himself
645

And store of laughter to his enemies?

Make not, my son, a shipwreck of thy wit

For a woman. Thine own heart may teach thee this;—

There’s but cold comfort in a wicked wife

Yoked to the home inseparably. What wound
650

Can be more deadly than a harmful friend?

Then spurn her like an enemy, and send her

To wed some shadow in the world below!

For since of all the city I have found

Her only recusant, caught in the act,
655

I will not break my word before the State.

I will take her life. At this let her invoke

The god of kindred blood! For if at home

I foster rebels, how much more abroad?

Whoso is just in ruling his own house,
660

Lives rightly in the commonwealth no less:

But he that wantonly defies the law,

Or thinks to dictate to authority,

Shall have no praise from me. What power soe’er

The city hath ordained, must be obeyed
665

In little things and great things, right or wrong.

The man who so obeys, I have good hope

Will govern and be governed as he ought,

And in the storm of battle at my side

Will stand a faithful and a trusty comrade.
670

But what more fatal than the lapse of rule?

This ruins cities, this lays houses waste,

This joins with the assault of war to break

Full numbered armies into hopeless rout;

And in the unbroken host ’tis nought but rule
675

That keeps those many bodies from defeat,

I must be zealous to defend the law,

And not go down before a woman’s will.

Else, if I fall, ’twere best a man should strike me;

Lest one should say, ‘a woman worsted him.’
680

Antigone. Sophocles. Lewis Campbell (Translator). London, New York and Toronto. 1906.

Current edition Experimental

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) (English) (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (12)

Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μὲν,

Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 138 focus

ἑπτὰ λοχαγοὶ γὰρ ἐφ᾽ ἑπτὰ πύλαις

Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μὲν,

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν·

Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,

Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 138.mvp-line-138 focus

εἶχε δ’ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,

Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ †ἄλλα τὰ δ᾽ ἄλλα

Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ μὲν ἄλ-

Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν, 5

Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 138.mvp-line-138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,

Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 138 focus

εἶχε δʼ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,

Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 138 focus

εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλαι τὰ μέν,

Translations (10)

German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 138 focus

KREON

Du bist verhafst mir, du sowie dein Ehebett.
560

Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 138 focus

CREONTE

Así, hijo mío, conviene que lo tomes a pechos para posponerlo todo a la opinión de tu padre. Por esto, pues, desean los hombres engendrar y tener en casa hijos obedientes, para que rechacen con ofensa a los enemigos y honren al amigo lo mismo que a su padre. Quien cria cría hijos que no le reporten ningún provecho, ¿qué podrás decir de él sino que engendró molestias para si sí y risa abundante para sus enemigos? Nunca jamás, ¡oh hijo!, te rinda el placer de manera que abdiques de tu razón por culpa de una mujer, sabiendo qué frío resulta el abrazo cuando tienes en casa por esposa a una mujer mala. ¿Pues què qué plaga puede resultar mayor que una mala compañera? Despreciándola, pues, como a una perversa, deja que esa muchacha se case con otro en el infierno. Porque cuando a ella cogi cogí yo públicamente, a ella sola entre todos los ciudadanos, desobedeciendo mis órdenes, no he de quedar como un farsante ante la ciudad, sino que la mataré, aunque implore a Júpiter, protector de la familia; porque si a los deudos, por el parentesco, les he de tolerar sus rebeldías, con mayor razón a los que no sean de la familia; porque el hombre que sea cuidadoso en los asuntos domésticos, será también justo en los asuntos de la ciudad; pero quien atropellándolo todo, o quebranta las leyes o piensa mandar de los que gobiernan, ése no es posible que obtenga mi alabanza; porque a quien la ciudad coloca en el trono, a ése hay que obedecer en las cosas pequeñas, en las justas y en las que no sean ni pequeñas ni justas. Y un hombre tal no puedo dudar yo que es el que gobierna bien y quiere ser bien gobernado; ése, en el tumulto de la batalla, permanecerá firme en su lugar, como fiel y valiente defensor. No hay mayor mal que la anarquia anarquía: ella arruina las ciudades, ella introduce la discordia en las familias, ella rompe y pone en fuga al ejército del aliado; pero la obediencia salva las más veces la vida de los que cumplen con su deber. Así hay que defender el orden y la disciplina, y no dejarse nunca dominar por una mujer. Mejor es, si es preciso, caer ante un hombre; que así nunca podrán decir que somos inferiores a una hembra.

Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 138 focus

Creon

Scilicet hoc animo te esse par est, cedant ut omnia patris voluntati. Propterea enim cupit vir quiviscumque liberos suscipere sibi subditos et educere domi, ut et paternos inimicos ulciscantur male, amicosque eodem, quo pater, prosequantur honore; qui vero cumque liberos genuit inutiles, quid illum dicas aliud, quam sibi compedes, genuisse, multumque inimicis risum? Ne nunc ergo, nate, voluptate victus, mulierisque cupidine, sanam mentem abiicias, et hoc tene, frigere amplexum pravae mulieris, quam quis domi consortem tori habeat. Quod enim peius esse possit ulcus, quam malus amicus? Quare tamquam malivolam despuens, puellam illam sine apud Orcum, cui voluerit, nubere: ego enim, postquam illam manifesto deprehendi unam ex omni civitate edicto meo parere recusantem, haud sane committam,ut me falsi arguant cives, sed illam occidam. Proinde Iovem imploret cognationis praesidem! nam qui mihi genere coniuncti sunt, si eos mihi immorigeros esse patiar, similes profecto habebo extrarios. Quicumque enim familiam probe regit, is et in administranda civitate iustus videbitur: quicumque vero inobediens vel leges violat, vel imperare magistratibus cogitat, non est ut is laudem a me consequatur. Scilicet quem Civitas summae rerum praefecerit , ei parere oportet tenues, pariter in iustis iniustisque rebus, et qui sic animatus sit, hunc virum nullus dubiiem, quin recte imperare possit, aliusque subiectus imperio iussa rite exsequi velit, et belli in procella, jussus, mansurus sit, iustum se praebens fortemque adiutorem. Licentia enim maius haud aliud est malum: haec quippe civitates perdit, haec subvertit domos, haec socios in fugam coniicit: atque iis, qui recti in acie steterunt, saluti plerumque fuit obedientia. Sic vindicare oportet reges, neque omnino feminae cedendum: satius est enim, siquidem de statu deiici necesse est, a viro vinci, nec mulieribus ignaviores esse dicamur.

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 141 focus

Denn Sieben, um sieben Thore gestellt,

Mann wider den Mann, sie ließen dem Zeus,

Dem Verleiher des Siegs, die gediegene Wehr.¹

Nur das schreckliche Paar, von dem Einen gezeugt

Mit demselben Gemahl, die wider sich selbst
145

Mit siegendem Speer einstürmten, umfing

Des gemeinsamen Todes Verhängniß.

Zweite Gegenstrophe.

English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 138 focus

Haemon

Thtit thou shouldst listen to him ; so to thee

Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 138 focus

CREONTE

El Orco se encargará de romper esos lazos.

German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 138 focus

CHOR

Mein König, billig ist es, wenn er an der Zeit spricht,

Zu lernen, aber du von dem auch. Denn

Mit zweien Stimmen wurde recht gesprochen.

English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 138 focus

Creon

Yea, this, my son, should be thy heart’s fixed 640 law,—in_all things to obey thy father’s will, 'Tis for this that men pray to see dutiful children grow up around them in their homes,—that such may requite their father’s foe with evil, and honour, as their father doth, his friend. But he who begets unprofitable children—what shall we say that he hath sown, but — troubles for himself, and much triumph for his foes? Then do not thou, my son, at pleasure’s beck, dethrone thy reason for a woman’s sake; knowing that this is 650 a joy that soon grows cold in clasping arms,—an evil woman to share thy bed and thy home. For what wound could strike deeper than a false friend? Nay, with loathing, and as if she were thine enemy, let this girl go to find a husband in the house of Hades. For since I have taken her, alone of all the city, in open disobedience, I will not make myself a liar to my people—I will slay her. So let her appeal as she will to the majesty of kindred blood. If I am to nurture mine own kindred in 660 naughtiness, needs must I bear with it in aliens. He who does his duty in his own household will be found righteous in the State also. But if any one transgresses, and does violence to the laws, or thinks to dictate to his rulers, such an one can win no praise from me. No, whomsoever the city may appoint, that man must be obeyed, in little things and great, in just things and unjust; and I should feel sure that one who thus obeys would be a good ruler no less than a good subject, and 670 in the storm of spears would stand his ground where he was set, loyal and dauntless at his comrade’s side.

But disobedience is the worst of evils. This it is that ruins cities; this makes homes desolate; by this, the ranks of allies are broken into headlong rout; but, of the lives whose course is fair, the greater part owes safety to obedience. Therefore we must support the cause of order, and in no wise suffer a woman to worst us. Better to fall from power, if must, by a man’s 680 hand; then we should not be called weaker than a woman.

English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 138 focus

Chorus
872

To act with piety denotes a soul

English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904)) — 162-330 focus

Enter Creon, with two attendants.

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

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.

Creon

See, then, that you be guardians of my commands.
215

Chorus

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.

Chorus

Then what is this other command that you would give?

Creon

That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.

Chorus

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.

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

Creon

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

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.

Guard

That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.

Creon

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

Creon

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

Chorus

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

Guard

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?

Guard

Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?

Creon

And why would you define the seat of my pain?

Guard

He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.

Creon

God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
320

Guard

Perhaps, but never the author of this action.

Creon

Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.

Guard

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

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

Commentary

Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))

mvp-comment-375-1 γάρ ¹

mvp-comment-375-2 διὰ στέρνων ἔχειν ² διά ³ ἔχειν ⁴ οὕτω ⁵ ἔχειν ⁶

mvp-comment-376-1 (One ought to think thus),—that is, ὄπισθεν ἑστάναι πατρ. γνώμης ⁷ πάντα ⁸ ἑστάναι ⁹

mvp-comment-377-1 ὡς ¹⁰

mvp-comment-377-2 ἀνταμύνωνται ¹¹ κακοῖς ¹²

mvp-comment-378-1 ἄλλο ¹³ φῦσαι ¹⁴ πλήν ¹⁵ ἄλλο ¹⁶ εἴποις ¹⁷

mvp-comment-378-2 πόνους ¹⁸

mvp-comment-378-3 γέλων ¹⁹

mvp-comment-379-1 τὰς φρένας γ’ ²⁰ γε ²¹ φρένας σύ γ’ ἡδονῇ ²²

mvp-comment-379-2 φρένας … ἐκβάλῃς ²³

mvp-comment-379-3 ὑφ’ ἡδονῆς ²⁴

mvp-comment-380-1 ψυχρόν ²⁵

mvp-comment-380-2 παραγκάλισμα ²⁶

mvp-comment-381-1 δόμοις ²⁷

mvp-comment-381-2 ἕλκος ²⁸

mvp-comment-381-3 φίλος ²⁹

mvp-comment-382-1 πτύσας ³⁰

mvp-comment-382-2 ὠσεί τε δυσμενῆ ³¹ τε ³²

mvp-comment-383-1 νυμφεύειν ³³

mvp-comment-384-1 ἀπιστήσασαν ³⁴ ψευδῆ ³⁵

mvp-comment-385-1 κτενῶ ³⁶

mvp-comment-385-2 πρὸς ταῦτ ³⁷

mvp-comment-385-3 ἐφυμνείτω ³⁸

mvp-comment-385-4 Δία ξύναιμον ³⁹

mvp-comment-386-1 τά γ’ ἐγγ. φύσει ⁴⁰

mvp-comment-386-2 ἄκοσμα ⁴¹

mvp-comment-386-3 θρέψω ⁴²

mvp-comment-386-4 κάρτα τοὺς ἔξω γ. ⁴³

mvp-comment-387-1 Seidler transposes vv. 663—667, placing them after 671. The object is to bring vv. 668—671 into immediate connection with 662. In this there is one slight grammatical gain; since, as the vv. stand in the MSS.,

τοῦτον ...τὸν ἄνδρα

(668) means, ‘the man who acts thus’ (viz., as described in vv. 666 f.). But the order given in the MSS. is right. The transposition obliterates one of the finest touches in the speech. Creon demands that the obedience of the citizens to the ruler shall be absolute (666 f.). And then he supplements this demand with a remark on the dignity of such obedience. The man who so obeys gives the best proof that he could also rule (668 ff.). Seidler destroys the point of vv. 668 ff. by placing them after 662.

mvp-comment-387-2 The connection of thought in the whole passage—which is slightly obscured by compression—may be most clearly shown by taking the verses in small consecutive groups. (1) 659 f. If I tolerate disloyalty

mvp-comment-387-3 in my own relatives, I shall encourage it in other citizens. (2) 661 f. For (

γάρ

) only a man who is firm (

χρηστός

) where his own relatives are concerned will be found to uphold justice in the State (i.e. will have the authority necessary for doing so). (3) 663 f. Now, I recognise disloyalty in any one who breaks the law and defies the government, as Antigone has done. (4) 666 f. Instead of so doing, the citizen is bound to obey the government in everything. (5) 668—671. There is nothing slavish in that; on the contrary, it shows that the citizen is not only a good subject, but would, if required, be a good ruler;—as he would also be a good soldier.—Then comes the general censure on unruliness (672—676). And then the conclusion:—I must vindicate my authority, and punish Antigone (677 —680).

mvp-comment-388-1 ὑπερβάς ⁴⁴

mvp-comment-388-2 τοὐπιτάσσειν ⁴⁵

mvp-comment-388-3 νοεῖ ⁴⁶

mvp-comment-389-1 στήσειε ⁴⁷

mvp-comment-389-2 καὶ τἀναντία ⁴⁸

mvp-comment-390-1 τοῦτον … τὸν ἄνδρα ⁴⁹

mvp-comment-390-2 καλῶς...εὖ ⁵⁰

mvp-comment-390-3 ἄν ⁵¹ ἄρχειν ⁵² θέλειν ⁵³

mvp-comment-391-1 δορὸς … χειμῶνι ⁵⁴

mvp-comment-391-2 προστεταγμένον ⁵⁵

mvp-comment-391-3 παραστάτην ⁵⁶

mvp-comment-392-1 πόλεις ὄλλυσιν, ἥδ’ ⁵⁷ πόλεις τ’ … ἥδ’ ⁵⁸

mvp-comment-393-1 συμμάχου ⁵⁹ συμμάχηι ⁶⁰ σὺν μάχῃ ⁶¹

mvp-comment-393-2 τροπὰς καταρρήγνυσι ⁶²

mvp-comment-393-3 τῶν δ’ ὀρθουμένων ⁶³ τὰ πολλὰ σώματα ⁶⁴

mvp-comment-393-4 ἡ πειθαρχία ⁶⁵

mvp-comment-394-1 ἀμυντέ’ ⁶⁶

mvp-comment-394-2 τοῖς κοσμουμένοις ⁶⁷ τοῖς κ. ⁶⁹

mvp-comment-395-1 κοὔτοι … ἡσσητέα ⁷⁰

mvp-comment-396-1 δεῖ ⁷¹ ἐκπεσεῖν ⁷²

mvp-comment-396-2 thrust out: oft. of dethronement (

ἐκπ. τυραννίδος, ἀρχῆς, κράτους

, Aesch. ), or of exile (

χθονός

, O. C. 766 ).

mvp-comment-396-3 κοὐκ ἂν...καλοίμεθ’ ἄν ⁷³

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus

635-765. mvp-comment-375-1 Haemon professes obedience to his father, but with the implied condition that his father commands what is right. Not heeding this, Creon welcomes his general profession, and enlarges on the blessings that follow from obedience in public and private. He urges Haemon to renounce Antigone. Haemon replies by repeating the praise of her which he has heard in the city (Ar. Rhet. 3. 17, ἕτερον χρὴ λέγοντα ποιεῖν.. ὡς Σοφοκλῆς τὸν Αἴμονα ὑπὲρ τῆς Ἀντιγόνης πρὸς τὸν πατέρα, ὡς λεγόντων ἑτέρων), and begs his father not to be deaf to all opinions but his own. Creon is impatient at this, and, after an altercation, in which both speakers become exasperated, Creon orders Antigone to be brought for immediate execution, and Haemon breaks away in sullen anger. This episode interposes a necessary pause between the condemnation of Antigone and its results, i. e, between the two chief crises of the action, and assists the main impression by bringing the light of natural affection and common opinion to bear on the situation.

639. mvp-comment-379-1 οὕτω .. διὰ στέρνων ἔχειν Το be thoroughly imbued with this.

640. mvp-comment-380-1 'In all things to follow your father's judgment.' The image is that of taking up a position behind a leader: i. e. Not to break rank, but to follow in good order. Cp. Plat. Protag. 315 B, (the disciples of Protagoras) εὖ πως καὶ ἐν κόσμῳ . . ἀεὶ εἰς τὸ ὄπισθεν καθίσταντο κάλλιστα.

643. mvp-comment-381-1 τὸν ἐχθρόν 'Their father's enemy.'

646. mvp-comment-382-1 τί .. ἄλλο is governed by the general verbal notion, without distinctly anticipating φῦσαι.

648. mvp-comment-383-1 τὰς φρένας γ᾽ ὑφ᾽ ἡδονῆς The reading of Vat. is retained, not as clearly right, but as more probable than later corrections. γε may be supposed to give a strong emphasis to φρένας. Do not lose your wits, whatever you do. And this is rather confirmed by the way in which Haemon echoes the word in l. 683.

650-651. mvp-comment-384-1 ψυχρὸν παραγκάλισμα . . ἐν δόμοις 'Small comfort comes of such a union, of having a bad wife to share one's couch at home.'

653. mvp-comment-385-1 πτύσας Rejecting with abhorrence. Here and in l. 1232, πτύειν seems to imply a gesture of dislike or loathing, directed towards a person or thing. Cp. Aesch. Ag. 1192, ἐν μέρει δ' ἀπέπτυσαν | εὐνὰς ἀδελφοῦ.

653. mvp-comment-385-2 ὡσεί τε Αn Epic or Ionic form. See Introd. p. 456.

654. mvp-comment-386-1 The construction is rather μέθες τήνδε τινὶ νυμφεύειν, Leave her for some one to wed, than μέθες τήνδε νυμφεύειν τινί, Leave her to wed some one.

657. mvp-comment-387-1 ψευδή .. πόλει I certainly will not break my word to the state.

658. mvp-comment-388-1 ἀλλὰ κτενῶ The abruptness of the pause helps the incisiveness of Creon's language.

659-660. mvp-comment-389-1 εἰ γὰρ .. γένους For if I fail to bring up orderly those born akin to me, most surely I shall fail with those remote. Creon turns Antigone's nearness of kindred to him into a reason for severity. If he cannot control his kinswoman, how much less can he control the state! Authority begins at home.

659. mvp-comment-390-1 For ἐγγενή φύσει, see Essay on Language § 40. p. 69, and p. 82, B.

661. mvp-comment-391-1 τοῖς .. οἰκείοισιν Neuter. Creon characteristically relies on commonplace maxims.

663. mvp-comment-392-1 The transgressor who either violates the laws. The alternative is thought of after the sentence is begun. νόμους is in two constructions, (1) with ὑπερβάς, (2) with βιάζεται.

664. mvp-comment-393-1 τοὐπιτάσσειν Cp. supr. 485, and note.

664. mvp-comment-393-2 τοῖς κρατύνουσιν νοεῖ The reading of L here is rather more uncommon than the alternative reading, which may notwithstanding be right.

666. mvp-comment-394-1 For the optative, in a perfectly general supposition, see Essay on Language §36. p. 61.

666. mvp-comment-394-2 κλύειν Το obey.

667. mvp-comment-395-1 τἀναντία τὰ μεγαλὰ καὶ ἄδικα.

668-671. mvp-comment-396-1 And of this man (the man who obeys the ruler) I would have no fear but that he would rule nobly, and be a good and willing subject, and if posted near me in the storm of battle, would stand firmly as a staunch and trusty comrade. For the vague reference of the pronoun, see Essay on Language § 22. p. 34. And for δορός .. χειμῶνι, ib.

673. mvp-comment-397-1 αὕτη .. τίθησιν The anacoluthon (for which see Essay on Language p. 65) has been avoided in two ways, (1) by omission of τε, (2) by reading ἠδ' for ἥδ'. This Homericism is defended by comparing ὥσει τε in l. 653. There is slight MS. authority for both these changes (see v. rr.). But strong reasons are required for the introduction of a particle not used elsewhere by Sophocles, and after the regularly balanced τε.. ἠδέ, the asyndeton in the next line would be too abrupt. If any change were necessary, the omission of τ' would be preferable, but the lines are more expressive as they are.

674. mvp-comment-398-1 σὺν μάχῃ δορός Bothe conjectured συμμάχου δορός, The rout of the leagued war. But the reading of the MS. has a more vivid meaning. This, aiding the conflict of the spear, breaks down (the vanquished) into shapeless rout: i. e. Disorder helps with battle to make utter rout. For μάχῃ δορός, see Essay on Language p. 75, and for the accusative τροπάς, ib. § 17. p. 25, etc.

675. mvp-comment-399-1 τῶν δ᾽ ὀρθουμένων Of those who are not routed, but are successful. Opposed to οἱ ἡσσώμενοι implied in τροπάς. Cp. El. 742, ὠρθοῦθ' ὁ τλήμων ὀρθὸς ἐξ ὀρθῶν δίφρων.

677. mvp-comment-400-1 οὕτως.. κοσμουμένοις 'Thus one ought to support one's own decrees.' Thus, viz. as I am doing. For this use of the passive participle, see Essay on Language § 17. p. 25, с. Some would explain the words as masculine, One must defend the cause of the orderly subject. Cp. Thuc. 8. 24, ἐκοσμοῦντο ἐχυρώτερον. But such an immediate application of the γνώμη is less in character than the arbitrary assertion of authority. Cp. Hdt. 1. 100, τὰ δὲ δὴ ἄλλα ἐκεκοσμέατό οἱ.

Sophocles Antigone 138

Lewis Campbell (Translator)

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Current edition Experimental

KREON

Du bist verhafst mir, du sowie dein Ehebett.
560

Haemon

Thtit thou shouldst listen to him ; so to thee

CREONTE

El Orco se encargará de romper esos lazos.

CHOR

Mein König, billig ist es, wenn er an der Zeit spricht,

Zu lernen, aber du von dem auch. Denn

Mit zweien Stimmen wurde recht gesprochen.

Chorus
872

To act with piety denotes a soul

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.

Creon

See, then, that you be guardians of my commands.
215

Chorus

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.

Chorus

Then what is this other command that you would give?

Creon

That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.

Chorus

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.

Creon

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

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.

Guard

That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.

Creon

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

Creon

What are you saying? What man dared do this?

Chorus

My king, my thoughts have long been deliberating whether this deed is somehow the work of gods?

Guard

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?

Guard

Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?

Creon

And why would you define the seat of my pain?

Guard

He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.

Creon

God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
320

Guard

Perhaps, but never the author of this action.

Creon

Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.

Guard

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

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

Commentary

Stable identifiers

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Search the Perseus Catalog for:

Current edition Experimental

KREON Du bist verhafst mir, du sowie dein Ehebett. 560

Haemon Thtit thou shouldst listen to him ; so to thee

CREONTE El Orco se encargará de romper esos lazos.

CHOR Mein König, billig ist es, wenn er an der Zeit spricht, Zu lernen, aber du von dem auch. Denn Mit zweien Stimmen wurde recht gesprochen.

Chorus 872 To act with piety denotes a soul

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.

Creon See, then, that you be guardians of my commands. 215

Chorus 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.

Chorus Then what is this other command that you would give?

Creon That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.

Chorus 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.

Creon 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

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.

Guard That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.

Creon 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

Creon What are you saying? What man dared do this?

Chorus My king, my thoughts have long been deliberating whether this deed is somehow the work of gods?

Guard 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?

Guard Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?

Creon And why would you define the seat of my pain?

Guard He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.

Creon God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler. 320

Guard Perhaps, but never the author of this action.

Creon Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.

Guard 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

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

Commentary

Stable identifiers

KREON

Du bist verhafst mir, du sowie dein Ehebett.
560

Haemon

Thtit thou shouldst listen to him ; so to thee

CREONTE

El Orco se encargará de romper esos lazos.

CHOR

Mein König, billig ist es, wenn er an der Zeit spricht,

Zu lernen, aber du von dem auch. Denn

Mit zweien Stimmen wurde recht gesprochen.

Chorus
872

To act with piety denotes a soul

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.

Creon

See, then, that you be guardians of my commands.
215

Chorus

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.

Chorus

Then what is this other command that you would give?

Creon

That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.

Chorus

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.

Creon

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

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.

Guard

That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.

Creon

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

Creon

What are you saying? What man dared do this?

Chorus

My king, my thoughts have long been deliberating whether this deed is somehow the work of gods?

Guard

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?

Guard

Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?

Creon

And why would you define the seat of my pain?

Guard

He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.

Creon

God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
320

Guard

Perhaps, but never the author of this action.

Creon

Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.

Guard

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

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