καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέν τ᾽ ἰδεῖν.
Antigone. Sophocles. Torino, Italy. 1978.
Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.
Funding provided by Tufts University.
Table of Contents
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Current edition Experimental
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (11)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 206 focus
τοιόνδ᾽ ἐμὸν φρόνημα.
κοὔποτ᾽ ἔκ γ᾽ ἐμοῦ
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 206 focus
καὶ ζῶν ὁμοίως ἐξ ἐμοῦ τιμήσεται.
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 206 focus
τιμὴν προέξουσ᾽ οἱ κακοὶ τῶν ἐνδίκων,
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέντ᾿ ἰδεῖν.
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 206.mvp-line-206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέν τ’ ἰδεῖν.
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέν τ᾽ ἰδεῖν.
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέντ᾽ ἰδεῖν.
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέν τ᾽ ἰδεῖν.
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 206.mvp-line-206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέν τ᾽ ἰδεῖν.
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέν τʼ ἰδεῖν.
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 206 focus
καὶ πρὸς κυνῶν ἐδεστὸν αἰκισθέν τ᾽ ἰδεῖν.
Translations (10)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 206 focus
CHOR.
Auch der Danaë Leib mufste des Himmels
Licht, die hehre Gestalt, missen im erzdichten
Str. 1.
Haus, und es barg sie fesselnd düsterer Gruft Kerker.
910
Und doch war von Geschlecht edel sie, o Kind, Kind,
und wahrt' hegend des Zeus strömender Saat goldenen Schatz.
Ja stets waltet die Allmacht des Geschicks furchtbar;
Reichthümer nicht, noch Heeresmacht,
nicht feste Burg entrinnen ihr,
915
noch flutumpeitscht die dunklen Schiffe.
Gegenstr. 1.
955
Fest ward Dryas' im Zorn heftig entbrannter
Sohn, Edonisches Volks König, den Hohn büfsend,
durch Dionysos' Kraft umgürtet in engen Felsbanden.'
So enttriefet der wahnsinnigen Wuth furchtbar
920
wildaufschäumender Grimm; jener empfand's, daſs er den Gott
angriff, spottend im Wahnsinne, mit Hohnworten.
Denn gottentzückten Frauen wehrt'
er und dem Flammenschein der Nacht,
und reizt' euch, flötenfrohe Musen!
925
Str. 2.
966
An den Kyanischen Wassern des flutenden Doppelmeers,
dort ist Bosporos' Strand und der Thraker schrecklicher
Salmydessos, wo einst Ares, der Stadt Gott, sah die Wunden, des Fluchs
volle, womit dem Phineus
der Söhne Paar wilder Gattin Ingrimm
930
geblendet, die der Augen Sterne gräuelvoll
mit blutumflofsnen Mörderhänden
und ihrer Webschiffe Zacken ausrifs.
Gegenstr. 2.
977
Und es vergingen die Armen bejammernd das Jammerleid,
aus unseliger Mutter erzeugt sie, weihelos.
935
Jene sprofste von uraltem Geblüt doch, aus Erechthischem Stamm:
tief in der Grotten Ferne,
umbraus't vom Nordsturm des Vaters wuchs sie,
rofsschnelle Boreastochter, über steilem Fels
ein Gottkind auf, und doch ereilten
940
auch jene, mein Kind, die greisen Mören!
Auch der Danaë Leib mufste des Himmels
Licht, die hehre Gestalt, missen im erzdichten
Haus, und es barg sie fesselnd düsterer Gruft Kerker.
910
Und doch war von Geschlecht edel sie, o Kind, Kind,
und wahrt' hegend des Zeus strömender Saat goldenen Schatz.
Ja stets waltet die Allmacht des Geschicks furchtbar;
Reichthümer nicht, noch Heeresmacht,
nicht feste Burg entrinnen ihr,
915
noch flutumpeitscht die dunklen Schiffe.
Fest ward Dryas' im Zorn heftig entbrannter
Sohn, Edonisches Volks König, den Hohn büfsend,
durch Dionysos' Kraft umgürtet in engen Felsbanden.'
So enttriefet der wahnsinnigen Wuth furchtbar
920
wildaufschäumender Grimm; jener empfand's, daſs er den Gott
angriff, spottend im Wahnsinne, mit Hohnworten.
Denn gottentzückten Frauen wehrt'
er und dem Flammenschein der Nacht,
und reizt' euch, flötenfrohe Musen!
925
An den Kyanischen Wassern des flutenden Doppelmeers,
dort ist Bosporos' Strand und der Thraker schrecklicher
Salmydessos, wo einst Ares, der Stadt Gott, sah die Wunden, des Fluchs
volle, womit dem Phineus
der Söhne Paar wilder Gattin Ingrimm
930
geblendet, die der Augen Sterne gräuelvoll
mit blutumflofsnen Mörderhänden
und ihrer Webschiffe Zacken ausrifs.
Und es vergingen die Armen bejammernd das Jammerleid,
aus unseliger Mutter erzeugt sie, weihelos.
935
Jene sprofste von uraltem Geblüt doch, aus Erechthischem Stamm:
tief in der Grotten Ferne,
umbraus't vom Nordsturm des Vaters wuchs sie,
rofsschnelle Boreastochter, über steilem Fels
ein Gottkind auf, und doch ereilten
940
auch jene, mein Kind, die greisen Mören!
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 206 focus
TIRESIAS
Lo sabrás
asi
así que oigas los pronósticos de mi arte; pues al tomar asiento en el antiguo sitial de mis agoreras observaciones, donde tengo la estación de toda suerte de
aligeros
alígeros,
oi
oí desconocidos gritos de aves que graznaban con infausta y extraña furia, y comprendí que se desgarraban unas a otras con sus ensangrentadas garras, porque el ruido de su aleteo no era equívoco. En seguida, lleno de temor, quise hacer la prueba en las ofrendas que tenía en los altares, del todo encendidos. Pero el fuego no sacaba llama de las
victimas
víctimas, sino que la grasa derretida de los muslos se
fundia
fundía sobre la ceniza y humeaba y chisporroteaba; la hiel se disipaba en vapor, y de los muslos, destilando la grasa que los cubría, quedaron los huesos. Tales son los presagios funestos de estos misteriosos sacrificios que he sabido por este niño; pues él me
guia
guía a mí, así como yo
guio
guío a los demás. Y esto lo sufre la ciudad por causa de tu determinación; porque nuestros altares y hogares sagrados han sido invadidos todos por las aves y los perros que se han saciado en el cadáver del infeliz hijo de Edipo. Por esto los dioses no aceptan de nosotros ni las plegarias de los sacrificios ni la llama de los muslos de las
victimas
víctimas; ni ave alguna deja oír gritos de buen agüero, porque se han saciado en la pringue de la sangre corrupta de un cadáver. Por esto, hijo, reflexiona, ya que común a todos los hombres es el errar; pero cuando el hombre yerra no es necio ni infeliz si, reconociendo su error, se enmienda y no es terco; que la terquedad acusa ignorancia. Aplácate, pues, ante el difunto y no aguijonees a un cadáver.
Lo sabrás
asi
así que oigas los pronósticos de mi arte; pues al tomar asiento en el antiguo sitial de mis agoreras observaciones, donde tengo la estación de toda suerte de
aligeros
alígeros,
oi
oí desconocidos gritos de aves que graznaban con infausta y extraña furia, y comprendí que se desgarraban unas a otras con sus ensangrentadas garras, porque el ruido de su aleteo no era equívoco. En seguida, lleno de temor, quise hacer la prueba en las ofrendas que tenía en los altares, del todo encendidos. Pero el fuego no sacaba llama de las
victimas
víctimas, sino que la grasa derretida de los muslos se
fundia
fundía sobre la ceniza y humeaba y chisporroteaba; la hiel se disipaba en vapor, y de los muslos, destilando la grasa que los cubría, quedaron los huesos. Tales son los presagios funestos de estos misteriosos sacrificios que he sabido por este niño; pues él me
guia
guía a mí, así como yo
guio
guío a los demás. Y esto lo sufre la ciudad por causa de tu determinación; porque nuestros altares y hogares sagrados han sido invadidos todos por las aves y los perros que se han saciado en el cadáver del infeliz hijo de Edipo. Por esto los dioses no aceptan de nosotros ni las plegarias de los sacrificios ni la llama de los muslos de las
victimas
víctimas; ni ave alguna deja oír gritos de buen agüero, porque se han saciado en la pringue de la sangre corrupta de un cadáver. Por esto, hijo, reflexiona, ya que común a todos los hombres es el errar; pero cuando el hombre yerra no es necio ni infeliz si, reconociendo su error, se enmienda y no es terco; que la terquedad acusa ignorancia. Aplácate, pues, ante el difunto y no aguijonees a un cadáver.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 206 focus
Teiresias
Scies, ubi artis meae audieris indicia.
Nam quum sederem veteri in auguraculo, ubi erat mihi omnigenorum alitum statio, ignotum audii sonum clangentium avium insano barbaroque percitarum impetu;
easque comperi unguibus invicem se lacerare;
quod quidem haud obscure significabat alarum strepitus.
Quare perterritus, statim periculum feci victimarum aris in ardentibus.
At ex victimis flamma non promicuit;
sed rorans humor e femoribus exsudans in cinere absumebatur, et fumabat et exspuebat, fellaque sublata dissipabantur, revolutaque femorum ossa extra adipem iacebant circumdatam.
Haec a puero isto comperi, obscurorum sacrorum evanidam divinationem;
mihi enim dux ille est, aliisque ego.
Et hisce malis propter susceptum tibi consilium laborat urbs.
Arae enim et foci omnes pleni sunt nobis alitum canumque praeda ex infausto , qui cecidit , Oedipi filio.
Proinde sacra precesque nostras adhuc aversantur Dii, nec femorum accipiunt flammam:
nec ulla ales auspicatos gutture edit sonos, postquam hominis occisi pinguem depastae sunt sanguinem.
Haec igitur, fili, expende:
etenim omnibus hominibus commune est peccare;
quum vero quis peccaverit, ille non amplius consilii mentisque inops et infelix dici dignus est, qui, ubi in malum incidit, medelam adhibet, neque immobilis perstat.
Nam pervicacia inscitiae arguitur.
Quin cede mortuo, neque peremtum punge.
Quae fortitudo est denuo enecare mortuum?
Haec tibi benevolus bene consulo:
a bene monente discere suavissimum est, si monita utilitatem ferant.
Scies, ubi artis meae audieris indicia.
Nam quum sederem veteri in auguraculo, ubi erat mihi omnigenorum alitum statio, ignotum audii sonum clangentium avium insano barbaroque percitarum impetu;
easque comperi unguibus invicem se lacerare;
quod quidem haud obscure significabat alarum strepitus.
Quare perterritus, statim periculum feci victimarum aris in ardentibus.
At ex victimis flamma non promicuit;
sed rorans humor e femoribus exsudans in cinere absumebatur, et fumabat et exspuebat, fellaque sublata dissipabantur, revolutaque femorum ossa extra adipem iacebant circumdatam.
Haec a puero isto comperi, obscurorum sacrorum evanidam divinationem;
mihi enim dux ille est, aliisque ego.
Et hisce malis propter susceptum tibi consilium laborat urbs.
Arae enim et foci omnes pleni sunt nobis alitum canumque praeda ex infausto , qui cecidit , Oedipi filio.
Proinde sacra precesque nostras adhuc aversantur Dii, nec femorum accipiunt flammam:
nec ulla ales auspicatos gutture edit sonos, postquam hominis occisi pinguem depastae sunt sanguinem.
Haec igitur, fili, expende:
etenim omnibus hominibus commune est peccare;
quum vero quis peccaverit, ille non amplius consilii mentisque inops et infelix dici dignus est, qui, ubi in malum incidit, medelam adhibet, neque immobilis perstat.
Nam pervicacia inscitiae arguitur.
Quin cede mortuo, neque peremtum punge.
Quae fortitudo est denuo enecare mortuum?
Haec tibi benevolus bene consulo:
a bene monente discere suavissimum est, si monita utilitatem ferant.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 206 focus
CR
Wherefore? what means this universal doubt?
Wherefore? what means this universal doubt?
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 211 focus
Dir, Sohn Menökeus', Kreon, ist es so genehm
Mit dieses Landes Gegner und mit seinem Freund.
Denn jede Sazung anzuordnen steht dir frei,
So für die Todten, wie für uns, die Lebenden.
Dir, Sohn Menökeus', Kreon, ist es so genehm
Mit dieses Landes Gegner und mit seinem Freund.
Denn jede Sazung anzuordnen steht dir frei,
So für die Todten, wie für uns, die Lebenden.
Kreon.
Seid ihr die Hüter dessen nun, was ich gebot!
215
Seid ihr die Hüter dessen nun, was ich gebot!
215
Der Chor.
Der Jüngern Einem lege dies zu tragen auf.
Der Jüngern Einem lege dies zu tragen auf.
Kreon.
Die, so den Leichnam hüten, steh'n ja schon bereit.
Die, so den Leichnam hüten, steh'n ja schon bereit.
Der Chor.
Warum denn einem Andern noch gebeutst du dies?
Warum denn einem Andern noch gebeutst du dies?
Kreon.
Daß Keinem Nachsicht werde, der dawider thut.
Daß Keinem Nachsicht werde, der dawider thut.
Der Chor.
Wer ist so thöricht, daß er sich zu sterben sehnt?
220
Wer ist so thöricht, daß er sich zu sterben sehnt?
220
Kreon.
Und dieses wäre, traun, der Lohn; doch Vielen ja
Hat schon die Hoffnung auf Gewinn den Tod gebracht.
Ein Wächter. Die Voriger.
Und dieses wäre, traun, der Lohn; doch Vielen ja
Hat schon die Hoffnung auf Gewinn den Tod gebracht.
Der Wächter.
Herr, ich will nicht sagen, daß ich athemlos
Vor Eile komme mit behend erhob'nem Fuß;
Denn viel Bedenken schus mir manchen Aufenthalt,
225
Und oft zur Rückkehr wandt' ich unterwegs mich um.
Denn meine Seele sprach zu mir und warnte viel:
„Was willst du dorthin, Armer, wo dir Strafe droht?
Elender, säumst du? Doch erfährt es Kreon dann
Von einem Andern, würde dir's nicht schlimm ergeh'n?"
230
In solchem Grübeln ging ich langsam schnell voran,
Und also streckt sich lange hin der kurze Weg.
Doch siegt' am Ende der Entschluß, hieher zu geh'n,
Zu dir; und sag' ich dir auch Nichts, ich sag' es doch.
Denn an die Hoffnung klammr' ich unverrückt mich an,
235
Nichts könne sonst mich treffen, als bestimmtes Loos.
Herr, ich will nicht sagen, daß ich athemlos
Vor Eile komme mit behend erhob'nem Fuß;
Denn viel Bedenken schus mir manchen Aufenthalt,
225
Und oft zur Rückkehr wandt' ich unterwegs mich um.
Denn meine Seele sprach zu mir und warnte viel:
„Was willst du dorthin, Armer, wo dir Strafe droht?
Elender, säumst du? Doch erfährt es Kreon dann
Von einem Andern, würde dir's nicht schlimm ergeh'n?"
230
In solchem Grübeln ging ich langsam schnell voran,
Und also streckt sich lange hin der kurze Weg.
Doch siegt' am Ende der Entschluß, hieher zu geh'n,
Zu dir; und sag' ich dir auch Nichts, ich sag' es doch.
Denn an die Hoffnung klammr' ich unverrückt mich an,
235
Nichts könne sonst mich treffen, als bestimmtes Loos.
Kreon.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 206 focus
Tiresias
When thou hast heard the portents which my
art
But now discovered, thou wilt see it all.
Know then that, sitting on my ancient throne
Augurial, whence each divination comes,
Sudden a strange unusual noise was heard
Of birds, whose loud and barbarous dissonance
I knew not how to interpret. By the sound
Of clashing wings I could discover well
That with their bloody claws they tore each other ;
Amazed and fearful, instantly I tried
On burning altars holy sacrifice —
When, from the victim, lo ! the sullen flame
Aspired not. Smothered in the ashes still
Laid the moist flesh, and, rolled in smoke, repelled
The rising fire, whil^
Were separate. All these .signs of deadly omen,
from their fat the thighs
Boding dark vengeance, did I learn from hiru ;
He is my leader, king, and 1 am thine.
Then mark me well. From thee these evils flow,
From thy unjust decree. Our altars all
Have been polluted by th' unhallowed food
Of birds and dogs, that preyed upon the corse
Of wretched CEdipus' unhappy son ;
Nor will the gods accept our offered prayers,
Or from our hands receive the sacrifice ;
No longer will the birds send forth their sounds
Auspicious, fattened thus with human blood.
Consider this, my son. And, oh ! remember,
To err is human — 'tis the common lot
Of frail mortality ; and he alone
Is wise and happy, who, when ills are done,
Persists not, but would heal the wound he made ;
But self-sufficient obstinacy ever
Is folly's utmost height. Where is the glory
To slay the slain or persecute the dead ?
I wish thee well, and therefore have spoke thus ;
When those who love advise 'tis sweet to learn.
When thou hast heard the portents which my
art
But now discovered, thou wilt see it all.
Know then that, sitting on my ancient throne
Augurial, whence each divination comes,
Sudden a strange unusual noise was heard
Of birds, whose loud and barbarous dissonance
I knew not how to interpret. By the sound
Of clashing wings I could discover well
That with their bloody claws they tore each other ;
Amazed and fearful, instantly I tried
On burning altars holy sacrifice —
When, from the victim, lo ! the sullen flame
Aspired not. Smothered in the ashes still
Laid the moist flesh, and, rolled in smoke, repelled
The rising fire, whil^
Were separate. All these .signs of deadly omen,
from their fat the thighs
Boding dark vengeance, did I learn from hiru ;
He is my leader, king, and 1 am thine.
Then mark me well. From thee these evils flow,
From thy unjust decree. Our altars all
Have been polluted by th' unhallowed food
Of birds and dogs, that preyed upon the corse
Of wretched CEdipus' unhappy son ;
Nor will the gods accept our offered prayers,
Or from our hands receive the sacrifice ;
No longer will the birds send forth their sounds
Auspicious, fattened thus with human blood.
Consider this, my son. And, oh ! remember,
To err is human — 'tis the common lot
Of frail mortality ; and he alone
Is wise and happy, who, when ills are done,
Persists not, but would heal the wound he made ;
But self-sufficient obstinacy ever
Is folly's utmost height. Where is the glory
To slay the slain or persecute the dead ?
I wish thee well, and therefore have spoke thus ;
When those who love advise 'tis sweet to learn.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 206 focus
ANTÍGONA
¡Oh! Thebas, patria mía, dioses demi familia!...
1
ni un momento más... ¡al fin me levan!... Mirad, jefes thebanos, mirad á una princesa, último vástago de una dinastía de reyes, el ultraje que recibe de parte de los hombres, por haber rendido culto á la piedad. (Vasec.—Queda en escena Creonte con el coro.)
¡Oh! Thebas, patria mía, dioses demi familia!...
1
ni un momento más... ¡al fin me levan!... Mirad, jefes thebanos, mirad á una princesa, último vástago de una dinastía de reyes, el ultraje que recibe de parte de los hombres, por haber rendido culto á la piedad. (Vasec.—Queda en escena Creonte con el coro.)
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 206 focus
KREON
Was giebts? was sagst du dieses Allgemeine?
Was giebts? was sagst du dieses Allgemeine?
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 206 focus
Creon
1033
Old man, ye all shoot your shafts at me, as archers at the butts;—ye must needs practise on me with seer-craft also;—aye, the seer-tribe hath long trafficked in me, and made me their merchandise. Gain your gains, drive your trade, if ye list, in the silver-gold of Sardis and the gold of India; but ye shall not hide
1040
that man in the grave,—no, though the eagles of Zeus should bear the carrion morsels to their Master’s throne -—no, not for dread of that defilement will I suffer his burial :—for well I know that no mortal can defile the gods.—But, aged Teiresias, the wisest fall with a shameful fall, when they clothe shameful thoughts in fair words, for lucre’s sake.
1033
Old man, ye all shoot your shafts at me, as archers at the butts;—ye must needs practise on me with seer-craft also;—aye, the seer-tribe hath long trafficked in me, and made me their merchandise. Gain your gains, drive your trade, if ye list, in the silver-gold of Sardis and the gold of India; but ye shall not hide
1040
that man in the grave,—no, though the eagles of Zeus should bear the carrion morsels to their Master’s throne -—no, not for dread of that defilement will I suffer his burial :—for well I know that no mortal can defile the gods.—But, aged Teiresias, the wisest fall with a shameful fall, when they clothe shameful thoughts in fair words, for lucre’s sake.
English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904)) — 162-330 focus
Enter Creon, with two attendants.
211
Enter Guard.
237
278
315
Creon
My fellow citizens! First, the gods, after tossing the fate of our city on wild waves, have once more righted it. Second, I have ordered you through my messengers to come here
apart from all the rest, because I knew, first of all, how constant was your reverence for the power of the throne of Laius; how, again, you were reverent, when Oedipus was guiding our city; and lastly, how, when he was dead, you still maintained loyal thoughts towards his children.
165
Since, then, these latter have fallen in one day by a twofold doom—each striking, each struck, both with the stain of a brother’s murder—I now possess all the power and the throne according to my kinship with the dead.
170
Now, it is impossible to know fully any man’s character, will, or judgment, until he has been proved by the test of rule and law-giving. For if anyone who directs the entire city does not cling to the best and wisest plans,
175
but because of some fear keeps his lips locked, then, in my judgment, he is and has long been the most cowardly traitor. And if any man thinks a friend more important than his fatherland, that man, I say, is of no account. Zeus, god who sees all things always, be my witness—
180
I would not be silent if I saw ruin, instead of safety, marching upon the citizens. Nor would I ever make a man who is hostile to my country a friend to myself, because I know this, that our country is the ship that bears us safe, and that only when
185
we sail her on a straight course can we make true friends. Such are the rules by which I strengthen this city. Akin to these is the edict which I have now published to the citizenry concerning the sons of Oedipus: Eteocles, who fell fighting
190
in behalf of our city and who excelled all in battle, they shall entomb and heap up every sacred offering that descends to the noblest of the dead below. But as for his brother, Polyneices, I mean, who on his return from exile wanted to burn to the ground
195
the city of his fathers and his race’s gods, and wanted to feed on kindred blood and lead the remnant into slavery—it has been proclaimed to the city that no one shall give him funeral honors or lamentation,
200
but all must leave him unburied and a sight of shame, with his body there for birds and dogs to eat. This is my will, and never will I allow the traitor to stand in honor before the just. But whoever has good will to
Thebes
,
205
he shall be honored by me in death as in life.
210
211
My fellow citizens! First, the gods, after tossing the fate of our city on wild waves, have once more righted it. Second, I have ordered you through my messengers to come here
apart from all the rest, because I knew, first of all, how constant was your reverence for the power of the throne of Laius; how, again, you were reverent, when Oedipus was guiding our city; and lastly, how, when he was dead, you still maintained loyal thoughts towards his children.
165
Since, then, these latter have fallen in one day by a twofold doom—each striking, each struck, both with the stain of a brother’s murder—I now possess all the power and the throne according to my kinship with the dead.
170
Now, it is impossible to know fully any man’s character, will, or judgment, until he has been proved by the test of rule and law-giving. For if anyone who directs the entire city does not cling to the best and wisest plans,
175
but because of some fear keeps his lips locked, then, in my judgment, he is and has long been the most cowardly traitor. And if any man thinks a friend more important than his fatherland, that man, I say, is of no account. Zeus, god who sees all things always, be my witness—
180
I would not be silent if I saw ruin, instead of safety, marching upon the citizens. Nor would I ever make a man who is hostile to my country a friend to myself, because I know this, that our country is the ship that bears us safe, and that only when
185
we sail her on a straight course can we make true friends. Such are the rules by which I strengthen this city. Akin to these is the edict which I have now published to the citizenry concerning the sons of Oedipus: Eteocles, who fell fighting
190
in behalf of our city and who excelled all in battle, they shall entomb and heap up every sacred offering that descends to the noblest of the dead below. But as for his brother, Polyneices, I mean, who on his return from exile wanted to burn to the ground
195
the city of his fathers and his race’s gods, and wanted to feed on kindred blood and lead the remnant into slavery—it has been proclaimed to the city that no one shall give him funeral honors or lamentation,
200
but all must leave him unburied and a sight of shame, with his body there for birds and dogs to eat. This is my will, and never will I allow the traitor to stand in honor before the just. But whoever has good will to
Thebes
,
205
he shall be honored by me in death as in life.
210
Chorus
That is your will, Creon, towards this city’s enemy and its friend. And the power is yours, I believe, to make use of every law whatsoever, both concerning the dead and all us who live.
That is your will, Creon, towards this city’s enemy and its friend. And the power is yours, I believe, to make use of every law whatsoever, both concerning the dead and all us who live.
Creon
See, then, that you be guardians of my commands.
215
See, then, that you be guardians of my commands.
215
Chorus
Lay the weight of this task on some younger man.
Lay the weight of this task on some younger man.
Creon
That is not what I meant—the guards for the corpse are already in place.
That is not what I meant—the guards for the corpse are already in place.
Chorus
Then what is this other command that you would give?
Then what is this other command that you would give?
Creon
That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.
That you not give way to the breakers of my commands.
Chorus
There is no one so foolish as to crave death.
220
There is no one so foolish as to crave death.
220
Creon
I assure you, that is the wage for disobedience. Yet by just the hope of it, money has many times corrupted men.
Enter Guard.
I assure you, that is the wage for disobedience. Yet by just the hope of it, money has many times corrupted men.
Guard
My king, I will not say that I arrive breathless because of speed, or from the action of a swift foot.
For often I brought myself to a stop because of my thoughts, and wheeled round in my path to return. My mind was telling me many things:
Fool, why do you go to where your arrival will mean your punishment?
Idiot, are you dallying again? If Creon learns it from another, must you not suffer for it?
225
So debating, I made my way unhurriedly, slow, and thus a short road was made long. At last, however, the view prevailed that I should come here—to you. Even if my report brings no good, still will I tell you,
230
since I come with a good grip on one hope, that I can suffer nothing except what is my fate.
235
237
My king, I will not say that I arrive breathless because of speed, or from the action of a swift foot.
For often I brought myself to a stop because of my thoughts, and wheeled round in my path to return. My mind was telling me many things:
Fool, why do you go to where your arrival will mean your punishment?
Idiot, are you dallying again? If Creon learns it from another, must you not suffer for it?
225
So debating, I made my way unhurriedly, slow, and thus a short road was made long. At last, however, the view prevailed that I should come here—to you. Even if my report brings no good, still will I tell you,
230
since I come with a good grip on one hope, that I can suffer nothing except what is my fate.
235
Creon
And what is it that so disheartens you?
And what is it that so disheartens you?
Guard
I want to tell you first about myself—I did not do the deed, nor did I see the doer,
so it would be wrong that I should come to any harm.
240
I want to tell you first about myself—I did not do the deed, nor did I see the doer,
so it would be wrong that I should come to any harm.
240
Creon
Like a bowman you aim well at your target from a distance, and all around you hedge yourself off well from the deed. It is clear that you have some unheard-of thing to tell.
Like a bowman you aim well at your target from a distance, and all around you hedge yourself off well from the deed. It is clear that you have some unheard-of thing to tell.
Guard
That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.
That I do, for terrible news imposes great hesitation.
Creon
Then tell it, will you, and so unburdened go away?
Then tell it, will you, and so unburdened go away?
Guard
Well, here it is. The corpse—some one has just given it burial and disappeared after sprinkling thirsty dust on the flesh and performing the other rites that piety demands.
245
Well, here it is. The corpse—some one has just given it burial and disappeared after sprinkling thirsty dust on the flesh and performing the other rites that piety demands.
245
Creon
What are you saying? What man dared do this?
What are you saying? What man dared do this?
Guard
I do not know. For there was no scar of a pickax to be seen there,
no earth thrown up by a mattock. The ground was hard and dry, unbroken, not rolled over by wheels. The doer was someone who left no trace. When the first day-watchman showed it to us, a discomforting amazement fell on us all.
250
The dead man was veiled from us—not shut within a tomb, but a light cover of dust was on him, as if put there by the hand of one who shunned a curse. And no sign was visible that any beast of prey or any dog had approached or torn him. Then evil words flew thick and loud among us,
255
guard accusing guard. It would even have come to blows in the end, nor was there anyone there to prevent it: every man was the culprit, and no one was plainly guilty, while all disclaimed knowledge of the act. We were ready to take red-hot iron in our hands,
260
to walk through fire and to swear oaths by the gods that we had neither done the deed, nor shared knowledge of the planning or the doing. At last, when our investigating got us nowhere, someone spoke up and made us all bend our faces
265
in fear towards the earth. For we did not know how we could argue with him, nor yet prosper, if we did what he said. His argument was that the deed must be reported to you and not hidden. This view prevailed, and so it was that
270
the lot doomed miserable me to win this prize. So here I stand, as unwelcome to you as I am unwilling, I well know. For no man delights in the bearer of bad news.
275
278
I do not know. For there was no scar of a pickax to be seen there,
no earth thrown up by a mattock. The ground was hard and dry, unbroken, not rolled over by wheels. The doer was someone who left no trace. When the first day-watchman showed it to us, a discomforting amazement fell on us all.
250
The dead man was veiled from us—not shut within a tomb, but a light cover of dust was on him, as if put there by the hand of one who shunned a curse. And no sign was visible that any beast of prey or any dog had approached or torn him. Then evil words flew thick and loud among us,
255
guard accusing guard. It would even have come to blows in the end, nor was there anyone there to prevent it: every man was the culprit, and no one was plainly guilty, while all disclaimed knowledge of the act. We were ready to take red-hot iron in our hands,
260
to walk through fire and to swear oaths by the gods that we had neither done the deed, nor shared knowledge of the planning or the doing. At last, when our investigating got us nowhere, someone spoke up and made us all bend our faces
265
in fear towards the earth. For we did not know how we could argue with him, nor yet prosper, if we did what he said. His argument was that the deed must be reported to you and not hidden. This view prevailed, and so it was that
270
the lot doomed miserable me to win this prize. So here I stand, as unwelcome to you as I am unwilling, I well know. For no man delights in the bearer of bad news.
275
Chorus
My king, my thoughts have long been deliberating whether this deed is somehow the work of gods?
My king, my thoughts have long been deliberating whether this deed is somehow the work of gods?
Creon
Quiet, before your words truly fill me with rage, so that you not be found at the same time foolish as well as old. You say what is intolerable when you claim that the gods have concern for that corpse. Was it in high esteem for his benefactions
280
that they sought to hide him, when he had come to burn their columned shrines, their sacred treasures and their land, and scatter its laws to the winds? Or do you see the gods honoring the wicked? It cannot be. No! From the very first
285
certain men of the city were chafing at this edict and muttering against me, tossing their heads in secret, and they did not keep their necks duly under the yoke in submission to me. By those men, I am certain, they were led astray and bribed to do this deed.
290
Nothing so evil as money ever grew to be current among men. This destroys cities, this drives men from their homes, this trains and warps honest minds to set themselves to works of shame,
295
this teaches people to practise villainies, and to know every act of unholiness. But all the men who did this job for hire have made sure that, sooner or later, they shall suffer the punishment. Now, as Zeus still has my reverence, know this well—
300
I tell you on my oath. If you do not find the very hand that made this burial, and reveal him before my eyes, mere death shall not suffice for you, not before, hung up alive, you have made this outrage plain,
305
so that hereafter you may thieve with better knowledge of where your money should be received from, and learn that it is best not to be fond of money-making from any and every source. For you will find that ill-gotten gains bring more men to ruin than to safety.
310
315
Quiet, before your words truly fill me with rage, so that you not be found at the same time foolish as well as old. You say what is intolerable when you claim that the gods have concern for that corpse. Was it in high esteem for his benefactions
280
that they sought to hide him, when he had come to burn their columned shrines, their sacred treasures and their land, and scatter its laws to the winds? Or do you see the gods honoring the wicked? It cannot be. No! From the very first
285
certain men of the city were chafing at this edict and muttering against me, tossing their heads in secret, and they did not keep their necks duly under the yoke in submission to me. By those men, I am certain, they were led astray and bribed to do this deed.
290
Nothing so evil as money ever grew to be current among men. This destroys cities, this drives men from their homes, this trains and warps honest minds to set themselves to works of shame,
295
this teaches people to practise villainies, and to know every act of unholiness. But all the men who did this job for hire have made sure that, sooner or later, they shall suffer the punishment. Now, as Zeus still has my reverence, know this well—
300
I tell you on my oath. If you do not find the very hand that made this burial, and reveal him before my eyes, mere death shall not suffice for you, not before, hung up alive, you have made this outrage plain,
305
so that hereafter you may thieve with better knowledge of where your money should be received from, and learn that it is best not to be fond of money-making from any and every source. For you will find that ill-gotten gains bring more men to ruin than to safety.
310
Guard
Will you allow me to speak? Or shall I just turn and go?
315
Will you allow me to speak? Or shall I just turn and go?
315
Creon
Do you not know even now how much your voice sickens me?
Do you not know even now how much your voice sickens me?
Guard
Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?
Is the pain in your ears, or in your soul?
Creon
And why would you define the seat of my pain?
And why would you define the seat of my pain?
Guard
He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.
He who did it hurts your heart, but I, your ears.
Creon
God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
320
God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
320
Guard
Perhaps, but never the author of this action.
Perhaps, but never the author of this action.
Creon
Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.
Yes, and what is more, you sold your life for silver.
Guard
Ah! It is truly sad when the judge judges wrong .
Ah! It is truly sad when the judge judges wrong .
Creon
Expound on
judgment as you will. But, if you fail to
show me the perpetrators of these crimes, you will avow that money basely earned wreaks sorrows.
Exit Creon.
325
Expound on
judgment as you will. But, if you fail to
show me the perpetrators of these crimes, you will avow that money basely earned wreaks sorrows.
Exit Creon.
325
Guard
Well, may the man be found! That would be best. But, whether he be caught or not—for fortune must decide that—I assure you that you will not see me come here again.
Saved just now beyond hope and belief, I owe the gods great thanks.
Exit the Guard.
330
Well, may the man be found! That would be best. But, whether he be caught or not—for fortune must decide that—I assure you that you will not see me come here again.
Saved just now beyond hope and belief, I owe the gods great thanks.
Exit the Guard.
330
Commentary
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
206. mvp-comment-127-1 αἰκισθέντ᾿ ἰδεῖν A spectacle of indignity. Lit. Outraged to behold. The infinitive is added after the participle, which is masculine.