πυρφόρος ὃς τότε μαινομέναι ξὺν ὁρμᾶι
135
Antigone. Sophocles. Leipzig. 1979.
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Funding provided by Tufts University.
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Current edition Experimental
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (11)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος, ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 135 focus
εἶχε δ᾽ ἄλλᾳ τὰ μέν,
135
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος, ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 135.mvp-line-135 focus
πυρφόρος ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος, ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
2
135
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 135.mvp-line-135 focus
πυρφόρος ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος, ὃς τότε μαινομένᾳ ξὺν ὁρμᾷ
135
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 135 focus
πυρφόρος ὃς τότε μαινομέναι ξὺν ὁρμᾶι
135
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 135 focus
ISMENE
Nicht also wie es ihm und ihr sich wohlgefügt!
Nicht also wie es ihm und ihr sich wohlgefügt!
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 135 focus
CORO
583
¡Dichosos todos los que pasan la vida sin probar un infortunio! Porque aquellos cuya casa recibe una sacudida de los dioses, no queda calamidad que no caiga sobre toda su descendencia, al modo que cuando el oleaje, hinchado por los impetuosos vientos marinos de la Tracia, se rompe en el negro abismo del mar y revuelve desde su fondo el negro y turbulento limo y retumban con estruendo las orillas que lo rechazan.
593
Sobre las antiguas calamidades de la familia de los Labdácidas veo que caen otras que con nuevas desgracias se suceden sin cesar de una en otra generación. Algún dios aniquila esta raza, no hay remedio. Porque la esperanza que en el palacio de Edipo se fundaba ahora en su último vástago, la acaba de segar la cruenta hoz de los dioses infernales, a la vez que la demencia de la razón y la furia del ánimo.
605
Tu poder, ¡oh Júpiter!, ¿qué hombre en su arrogancia lo podrá resistir, cuando ni lo domina jamás el sueño que a todo el mundo subyuga, ni lo disipan los años que sin cesar se suceden, y siempre joven en el tiempo mantienes el reverberante esplendor del Olimpo? Al presente, en el porvenir y en el pasado regirá siempre esta ley común a todos los pueblos: «Nada ocurre en la vida humana exento de dolor.»
615
Pues, en verdad, la vagarosa esperanza que para muchos hombres es una ayuda, es para otros engaño de fútiles anhelos; pues se insinúa sin que uno lo advierta hasta que ponga el pie en el ardiente fuego. De la
sabiduria
sabiduría de alguien procede esta célebre máxima: El mal a veces parece bien a aquel cuya mente lleva un dios a la perdición; y pasa muy poco tiempo sin que caiga en la ruina.
626
Pero he
ahi
ahí a Hemón, el más joven pimpollo de tus hijos. ¿Acaso viene entristecido por la suerte de su novia Antígona, doliéndole el desencanto de sus nupcias?
583
¡Dichosos todos los que pasan la vida sin probar un infortunio! Porque aquellos cuya casa recibe una sacudida de los dioses, no queda calamidad que no caiga sobre toda su descendencia, al modo que cuando el oleaje, hinchado por los impetuosos vientos marinos de la Tracia, se rompe en el negro abismo del mar y revuelve desde su fondo el negro y turbulento limo y retumban con estruendo las orillas que lo rechazan.
593
Sobre las antiguas calamidades de la familia de los Labdácidas veo que caen otras que con nuevas desgracias se suceden sin cesar de una en otra generación. Algún dios aniquila esta raza, no hay remedio. Porque la esperanza que en el palacio de Edipo se fundaba ahora en su último vástago, la acaba de segar la cruenta hoz de los dioses infernales, a la vez que la demencia de la razón y la furia del ánimo.
605
Tu poder, ¡oh Júpiter!, ¿qué hombre en su arrogancia lo podrá resistir, cuando ni lo domina jamás el sueño que a todo el mundo subyuga, ni lo disipan los años que sin cesar se suceden, y siempre joven en el tiempo mantienes el reverberante esplendor del Olimpo? Al presente, en el porvenir y en el pasado regirá siempre esta ley común a todos los pueblos: «Nada ocurre en la vida humana exento de dolor.»
615
Pues, en verdad, la vagarosa esperanza que para muchos hombres es una ayuda, es para otros engaño de fútiles anhelos; pues se insinúa sin que uno lo advierta hasta que ponga el pie en el ardiente fuego. De la
sabiduria
sabiduría de alguien procede esta célebre máxima: El mal a veces parece bien a aquel cuya mente lleva un dios a la perdición; y pasa muy poco tiempo sin que caiga en la ruina.
626
Pero he
ahi
ahí a Hemón, el más joven pimpollo de tus hijos. ¿Acaso viene entristecido por la suerte de su novia Antígona, doliéndole el desencanto de sus nupcias?
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 135 focus
Chorus
583
Felices, quibus malorum immune labitur aevum! Quibus enim divinitus quassatur domus, horum vita nulla vacat calamitate, ad omnem posteritatem proserpente , haud secus ac maris fluctus , si quando Boreae vehemens flatus in salsam incurrit caliginem, ab imo atram evolvit, ventis infestatam , arenam, plangoribusque percussa resonant litora.
593
Veteres Labdacidarum domus calamitates video, defunctorum immissas calamitatibus;
neque aetas aetatem liberat, sed hanc quoque subvertit deorum quispiam, neque est ab acrumnis requies, Modo enim Oedipi in domo ultimae stirpi effulserat salus;
tamen illam rursus demetit inferorum deüm cruenta falx, consiliique amentia, et animi furor.
605
Vim tuam, lupiter, quis hominum fastus cohibere possit, quam neque somnus , omnia domanms, domat umquam, nec cursu indefesso menses?
Senii expers fulgeniis regis Olympi.
splendorem ;' atque et futuro tempore;
ct olim, haec lex obtinebit:
nihil accidere hominibus, quod nimium iuvet, aegritudine haud permixtum.
615
Spes quidem vaga multis mortalium — fructum — sui praebet;
multorum autem deludit leves cupidines, acceditque ad nihil sentientem prius quam igni ardenti pedem admoverit.
Celebre dictum fertur a nescio quo sapienter prolatum:
Malum aliquando videri bonum illi esse, cuius animum deus impellit ad mortem, eumque perexiguo tempore extra calamitatem versari.
626
At hicce igitur Haemon, liberorum tuorum novissimum germen, sponsae Aantiponae imminente leto contristatus, venit, pactis nuptiis frustrari impotenter dolens.
583
Felices, quibus malorum immune labitur aevum! Quibus enim divinitus quassatur domus, horum vita nulla vacat calamitate, ad omnem posteritatem proserpente , haud secus ac maris fluctus , si quando Boreae vehemens flatus in salsam incurrit caliginem, ab imo atram evolvit, ventis infestatam , arenam, plangoribusque percussa resonant litora.
593
Veteres Labdacidarum domus calamitates video, defunctorum immissas calamitatibus;
neque aetas aetatem liberat, sed hanc quoque subvertit deorum quispiam, neque est ab acrumnis requies, Modo enim Oedipi in domo ultimae stirpi effulserat salus;
tamen illam rursus demetit inferorum deüm cruenta falx, consiliique amentia, et animi furor.
605
Vim tuam, lupiter, quis hominum fastus cohibere possit, quam neque somnus , omnia domanms, domat umquam, nec cursu indefesso menses?
Senii expers fulgeniis regis Olympi.
splendorem ;' atque et futuro tempore;
ct olim, haec lex obtinebit:
nihil accidere hominibus, quod nimium iuvet, aegritudine haud permixtum.
615
Spes quidem vaga multis mortalium — fructum — sui praebet;
multorum autem deludit leves cupidines, acceditque ad nihil sentientem prius quam igni ardenti pedem admoverit.
Celebre dictum fertur a nescio quo sapienter prolatum:
Malum aliquando videri bonum illi esse, cuius animum deus impellit ad mortem, eumque perexiguo tempore extra calamitatem versari.
626
At hicce igitur Haemon, liberorum tuorum novissimum germen, sponsae Aantiponae imminente leto contristatus, venit, pactis nuptiis frustrari impotenter dolens.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 135 focus
CHORUS
CHORUS.
LEADER OF CHORUS.
583
Blest is the life that never tasted woe.
When once the blow
Hath fallen upon a house with Heaven-sent doom,
585
Trouble descends in ever-widening gloom
Through all the number of the tribe to flow;
As when the briny surge
That Thrace-born tempests urge
590
(The big wave ever gathering more and more)
Runs o’er the darkness of the deep,
593
And with far-searching sweep
Uprolls the storm-heap’d tangle on the shore,
595
While cliff to beaten cliff resounds with sullen roar.
The stock of Cadmus from old time, I know,
Hath woe on woe,
Age following age, the living on the dead,
600
Fresh sorrow falling on each new-ris’n head,
None freed by God from ruthless overthrow.
E’en now a smiling light
605
Was spreading to our sight
O’er one last fibre of a blasted tree,—
605
When, lo! the dust of cruel death,
Tribute of Gods beneath,
And wildering thoughts, and fate-born ecstasy,
Quench the brief gleam in dark Nonentity.
What froward will of man, O Zeus! can check thy might?
610
Not all-enfeebling sleep, nor tireless months divine,
Can touch thee, who through ageless time
Rulest mightily Olympus’ dazzling height.
This was in the beginning, and shall be
615
Now and eternally,
615
Not here or there, but everywhere,
A law of misery that shall not spare.
For Hope, that wandereth wide, comforting many a head,
Entangleth many more with glamour of desire:
Unknowing they have trode the fire.
620
Wise was the famous word of one who said,
‘Evil oft seemeth goodness to the mind
An angry God doth blind.’
Few are the days that such as he
May live untroubled of calamity.
625
626
Lo, Haemon, thy last offspring, now is come,
Lamenting haply for the maiden’s doom,
Say, is he mourning o’er her young life lost,
Fiercely indignant for his bridal crossed?
Blest is the life that never tasted woe.
When once the blow
Hath fallen upon a house with Heaven-sent doom,
585
Trouble descends in ever-widening gloom
Through all the number of the tribe to flow;
As when the briny surge
That Thrace-born tempests urge
590
(The big wave ever gathering more and more)
Runs o’er the darkness of the deep,
And with far-searching sweep
Uprolls the storm-heap’d tangle on the shore,
595
While cliff to beaten cliff resounds with sullen roar.
The stock of Cadmus from old time, I know,
Hath woe on woe,
Age following age, the living on the dead,
600
Fresh sorrow falling on each new-ris’n head,
None freed by God from ruthless overthrow.
E’en now a smiling light
Was spreading to our sight
O’er one last fibre of a blasted tree,—
605
When, lo! the dust of cruel death,
Tribute of Gods beneath,
And wildering thoughts, and fate-born ecstasy,
Quench the brief gleam in dark Nonentity.
What froward will of man, O Zeus! can check thy might?
610
Not all-enfeebling sleep, nor tireless months divine,
Can touch thee, who through ageless time
Rulest mightily Olympus’ dazzling height.
This was in the beginning, and shall be
Now and eternally,
615
Not here or there, but everywhere,
A law of misery that shall not spare.
For Hope, that wandereth wide, comforting many a head,
Entangleth many more with glamour of desire:
Unknowing they have trode the fire.
620
Wise was the famous word of one who said,
‘Evil oft seemeth goodness to the mind
An angry God doth blind.’
Few are the days that such as he
May live untroubled of calamity.
625
Lo, Haemon, thy last offspring, now is come,
Lamenting haply for the maiden’s doom,
Say, is he mourning o’er her young life lost,
Fiercely indignant for his bridal crossed?
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 134 focus
Niedergeschmettert zur dröhnenden Erde stürzt' er,
Welcher, bewehrt mit der Fackel, in trunk nem Wahnsinn,
135
In wuthathmendem Drang,
Wild herschnob mit feindlichem Sturm.
Doch es ging anders aus;
Andern beschied anderes Loos Ares, der Held, der die Bedrängten
Stürmend davontrieb.
140
Niedergeschmettert zur dröhnenden Erde stürzt' er,
Welcher, bewehrt mit der Fackel, in trunk nem Wahnsinn,
135
In wuthathmendem Drang,
Wild herschnob mit feindlichem Sturm.
Doch es ging anders aus;
Andern beschied anderes Loos Ares, der Held, der die Bedrängten
Stürmend davontrieb.
140
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 135 focus
Haemon
A father's will ; or, whatsoe'er we do
635
Still to hold best, and pay obedience to us ]
635
H^. My father, I am thine. Do thou command,
And I in all things shall obey. 'Tis fit
My promised nuptial rites give place to thee.
A father's will ; or, whatsoe'er we do
635
Still to hold best, and pay obedience to us ]
635
H^. My father, I am thine. Do thou command,
And I in all things shall obey. 'Tis fit
My promised nuptial rites give place to thee.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 135 focus
ISMENA
¡Oh, carísimo Hemón! ¡cómo tu padre te menosprecia!
¡Oh, carísimo Hemón! ¡cómo tu padre te menosprecia!
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 135 focus
KREON
Wohl Sohn. So auch muss in der Brust es seyn,
Dafs väterlicher Meinung alles nachgeht.
665
Darum auch wünschete zuerst der Mann
Ein fromm Geschlecht, und häuslich zu gewohnen,
Dals es mit Schaden fern hält einen Feind,
Den Freund hingegen ehrt, so wie den Vater.
Wenn aber untaugliche Kinder einer zeugt,
670
Von dem sprichst du auch wohl nichts anderes,
Als dass er Mühe nur sich selbst, und viel
Gelächter Für die Feinde sich gezeuget.
Wirf darum jezt, o Sohn, des Weibes wegen nicht
Aus Lust die Sinne weg, und denke, dass
675
Das eine frostige Umarmung wird,
Ein böses Weib beiwohnend in den Häufsern.
Auf Erden was schlägt mifslichere Beulen,
Als schlimme Freund’? Acht’ aber du das gleich
Gottlosen'! lafs das Mädchen einen frei’n
680
Beim Höllengott! denn offenbar hab’ ich
Getroffen sie, dass von der ganzen Stadt
Sieuntreu war allein; und darf jeztnichtals Lügner
Bestehen vor der Stadt, und mus sie tödten.
Mag dann sie das wegsingen bey dem Bruder.
685
Verdirbt dasEingeborne, nähr’ ich fremd Geschlecht.
Denn wer im Angehörigen nur gut ist,
Erscheint auch in der Stadt als ein Gerechter.
Wer aber übertretend den Gesezen
Gewalt will anthun, oder Herrscher meistern,
690
Von mir kann dem nicht wohl ein Lob zufallen.
Wen aber eine Stadt hat eingesezt,
Dem soll man kleines, rechtes, ungereimtes hören.
Und dieser Mann, ich glaube das, er wird
Wohl herrschen, wird auch gute Herrschaft wollen,
695
Und in der Speere Stürmen angestellt,
Wird ein gerechter Helfer der und treflich bleiben.
Denn herrnlos seyn, kein gröfser Uebel giebt es.
Denn das verderbet Städte, das empört
Die Häufser, das reifst Lüken im Speergefecht.
700
Die aber recht gerichtet sind, bei denen
Erhält die Obrigkeit die vielen Körper.
So sichre du, die eine Welt dir bilden,
Und weiche nie dem Weib’, in keinem Dinge.
Denn mehr gilt’s, wmufs es seyn, mit einem Mann zu fallen,
705
Dafs nimmer 'wir genannt seyn hinter Weibern!
Wohl Sohn. So auch muss in der Brust es seyn,
Dafs väterlicher Meinung alles nachgeht.
665
Darum auch wünschete zuerst der Mann
Ein fromm Geschlecht, und häuslich zu gewohnen,
Dals es mit Schaden fern hält einen Feind,
Den Freund hingegen ehrt, so wie den Vater.
Wenn aber untaugliche Kinder einer zeugt,
670
Von dem sprichst du auch wohl nichts anderes,
Als dass er Mühe nur sich selbst, und viel
Gelächter Für die Feinde sich gezeuget.
Wirf darum jezt, o Sohn, des Weibes wegen nicht
Aus Lust die Sinne weg, und denke, dass
675
Das eine frostige Umarmung wird,
Ein böses Weib beiwohnend in den Häufsern.
Auf Erden was schlägt mifslichere Beulen,
Als schlimme Freund’? Acht’ aber du das gleich
Gottlosen'! lafs das Mädchen einen frei’n
680
Beim Höllengott! denn offenbar hab’ ich
Getroffen sie, dass von der ganzen Stadt
Sieuntreu war allein; und darf jeztnichtals Lügner
Bestehen vor der Stadt, und mus sie tödten.
Mag dann sie das wegsingen bey dem Bruder.
685
Verdirbt dasEingeborne, nähr’ ich fremd Geschlecht.
Denn wer im Angehörigen nur gut ist,
Erscheint auch in der Stadt als ein Gerechter.
Wer aber übertretend den Gesezen
Gewalt will anthun, oder Herrscher meistern,
690
Von mir kann dem nicht wohl ein Lob zufallen.
Wen aber eine Stadt hat eingesezt,
Dem soll man kleines, rechtes, ungereimtes hören.
Und dieser Mann, ich glaube das, er wird
Wohl herrschen, wird auch gute Herrschaft wollen,
695
Und in der Speere Stürmen angestellt,
Wird ein gerechter Helfer der und treflich bleiben.
Denn herrnlos seyn, kein gröfser Uebel giebt es.
Denn das verderbet Städte, das empört
Die Häufser, das reifst Lüken im Speergefecht.
700
Die aber recht gerichtet sind, bei denen
Erhält die Obrigkeit die vielen Körper.
So sichre du, die eine Welt dir bilden,
Und weiche nie dem Weib’, in keinem Dinge.
Denn mehr gilt’s, wmufs es seyn, mit einem Mann zu fallen,
705
Dafs nimmer 'wir genannt seyn hinter Weibern!
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 135 focus
Chorus
583
Blest are they whose days have not tasted of evil. For when a house hath once been shaken from heaven, there the curse fails nevermore, passing from life to life of the race; even as, when the surge is driven over the darkness of the deep by the fierce breath of
590
Thracian sea-winds, it rolls up the black sand from the depths, and there is a sullen roar from wind-vexed headlands that front the blows of the storm.
593
I see that from olden time the sorrows in the house of the Labdacidae are heaped upon the sorrows of the dead; and generation is not freed by generation, but some god strikes them down, and the race hath no deliverance.
For now that hope of which the light had been
600
spread above the last root of the house of Oedipus— that hope, in turn, is brought low—by the blood-stained dust due to the gods infernal, and by folly in speech, and frenzy at the heart.
605
Thy power, O Zeus, what human trespass can limit? That power which neither Sleep, the all-ensnaring, nor the untiring months of the gods can master; but thou, a ruler to whom time brings not old age, dwellest in the
610
dazzling splendour of Olympus.
And through the future, near and far, as through the past, shall this law hold good: Nothing that is vast enters into the life of mortals without a curse.
615
For that hope whose wanderings are so wide is to many men a comfort, but to many a false lure of giddy
620
desires; and the disappointment comes on one who knoweth nought till he burn his foot against the hot fire. For with wisdom hath some one given forth the famous saying, that evil seems good, soon or late, to him whose mind the god draws to mischief; and but for the briefest space doth he fare free of woe.
626
But lo, Haemon, the last of thy sons;—comes he grieving for the doom of his promised bride, Antigone,
630
and bitter for the baffled hope of his marriage?
Enter HAEMON.
583
Blest are they whose days have not tasted of evil. For when a house hath once been shaken from heaven, there the curse fails nevermore, passing from life to life of the race; even as, when the surge is driven over the darkness of the deep by the fierce breath of
590
Thracian sea-winds, it rolls up the black sand from the depths, and there is a sullen roar from wind-vexed headlands that front the blows of the storm.
593
I see that from olden time the sorrows in the house of the Labdacidae are heaped upon the sorrows of the dead; and generation is not freed by generation, but some god strikes them down, and the race hath no deliverance.
For now that hope of which the light had been
600
spread above the last root of the house of Oedipus— that hope, in turn, is brought low—by the blood-stained dust due to the gods infernal, and by folly in speech, and frenzy at the heart.
605
Thy power, O Zeus, what human trespass can limit? That power which neither Sleep, the all-ensnaring, nor the untiring months of the gods can master; but thou, a ruler to whom time brings not old age, dwellest in the
610
dazzling splendour of Olympus.
And through the future, near and far, as through the past, shall this law hold good: Nothing that is vast enters into the life of mortals without a curse.
615
For that hope whose wanderings are so wide is to many men a comfort, but to many a false lure of giddy
620
desires; and the disappointment comes on one who knoweth nought till he burn his foot against the hot fire. For with wisdom hath some one given forth the famous saying, that evil seems good, soon or late, to him whose mind the god draws to mischief; and but for the briefest space doth he fare free of woe.
626
But lo, Haemon, the last of thy sons;—comes he grieving for the doom of his promised bride, Antigone,
630
and bitter for the baffled hope of his marriage?
Enter HAEMON.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 135 focus
Antigone
839
Nay, do not mock me; by my country's gods
Insult me not ere I am sunk in death,
840
While yet I stand before your eyes. O Thebes,
And you, the splendid habitants of Thebes
With various treasures rich! Ye sacred founts
Of Dirce, and thou grove of Thebes, whose glades
Are open to the frequent-rolling cars!
845
You all can witness for me, how by friends
Unwept, and by what laws I go condemn'd
To the rude prison of the hollow rock,
Of this unwonted tomb. Unhappy me,
I have, or in my life, or in my death,
850
No dwelling with the living, or the dead!........
Nay, do not mock me; by my country's gods
Insult me not ere I am sunk in death,
840
While yet I stand before your eyes. O Thebes,
And you, the splendid habitants of Thebes
With various treasures rich! Ye sacred founts
Of Dirce, and thou grove of Thebes, whose glades
Are open to the frequent-rolling cars!
845
You all can witness for me, how by friends
Unwept, and by what laws I go condemn'd
To the rude prison of the hollow rock,
Of this unwonted tomb. Unhappy me,
I have, or in my life, or in my death,
850
No dwelling with the living, or the dead!........
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 (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
135. mvp-comment-82-1 πυρφόρος With the fire in his hand, with which he had threatened the town. O. C. 1318: Aesch. S. c. T. 422, ff.
135. mvp-comment-82-2 ὁρμᾷ Observe the tautology after ὁρμῶντ', supra.