θείμην ἐμαυτῷ, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Antigone. Sophocles. Cambridge, UK. 1906.
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Funding provided by Tufts University.
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Current edition Experimental
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906))
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (11)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 188 focus
ἥδ᾽ ἐστὶν ἡ σώζουσα, καὶ, ταύτης ἔπι
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 188 focus
καὶ νῦν ἀδελφὰ τῶνδε κηρύξας ἔχω
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 188 focus
πλέοντες ὀρθῆς, οὓς φίλους ποιούμεθα.
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῷ, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῷ, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 188.mvp-line-188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῷ, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῶι, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῷ, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων, ὁτι
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 188.mvp-line-188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῷ, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῷ, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 188 focus
θείμην ἐμαυτῶι, τοῦτο γιγνώσκων ὅτι
Translations (10)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 188 focus
KREON.
In öder Wildniſs, fern dem Pfad der Sterblichen,
750
berg' ich im dichten Felsengrab lebendig sie,
so viel nur Speise reichend als der Sühne gnügt,
dafs Schuldbefleckung diese Stadt nicht treffen mag.
Und dort zum Hades flehend, den allein sie ehrt
der Götter, wird Erlösung etwa sie vom Tod
755
empfahen, oder endlich doch erkennen, daſs
umsonst sich mühe, wer des Hades Reich verehrt.
In öder Wildniſs, fern dem Pfad der Sterblichen,
750
berg' ich im dichten Felsengrab lebendig sie,
so viel nur Speise reichend als der Sühne gnügt,
dafs Schuldbefleckung diese Stadt nicht treffen mag.
Und dort zum Hades flehend, den allein sie ehrt
der Götter, wird Erlösung etwa sie vom Tod
755
empfahen, oder endlich doch erkennen, daſs
umsonst sich mühe, wer des Hades Reich verehrt.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 188 focus
CORO
872
Respetar a los muertos, es piedad; y el imperio, sea cualquiera en quien resida, nunca debe conculcarse. Tu independiente carácter te ha perdido.
872
Respetar a los muertos, es piedad; y el imperio, sea cualquiera en quien resida, nunca debe conculcarse. Tu independiente carácter te ha perdido.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 188 focus
Chorus
872
Illum colere, pium est;
sed nequaquam iussa transgredi licet eorum, penes quos est imperium.
Te vero, quod se ipso monitore utebatur , perdidit ingenium.
872
Illum colere, pium est;
sed nequaquam iussa transgredi licet eorum, penes quos est imperium.
Te vero, quod se ipso monitore utebatur , perdidit ingenium.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 188 focus
ANT
O grave! my bridal chamber, prison-house
Eterne, deep-hollowed, whither I am led
To find mine own,—of whom Persephonè
Hath now a mighty number housed in death:—
I last of all, and far most miserably,
Am going, ere my days have reached their term!
895
Yet lives the hope that, when I go, most surely
Dear will my coming be, father, to thee,
And dear to thee, my mother, and to thee,
Brother! since with these very hands I decked
And bathed you after death, and ministered
900
The last libations. And I reap this doom
For tending, Polynices, on thy corse.
Indeed I honoured thee, the wise will say.
For neither, had I children, nor if one
I had married were laid bleeding on the earth,
905
Would I have braved the city’s will, or taken
This burden on me. Wherefore? I will tell.
A husband lost might be replaced; a son,
If son were lost to me, might yet be born;
But, with both parents hidden in the tomb,
910
No brother may arise to comfort me.
Therefore above all else I honoured thee,
And therefore Creon thought me criminal,
And bold in wickedness, O brother mine!
And now by servile hands, for all to see,
915
He hastens me away, unhusbanded,
Before my nuptial, having never known
Or married joy or tender motherhood.
But desolate and friendless I go down
Alive, O horror! to the vaults of the dead.
920
For what transgression of Heaven’s ordinance?
Alas! how can I look to Heaven? on whom
Call to befriend me? seeing that I have earned,
By piety, the meed of impious?—
Oh! if this act be what the Gods approve,
925
In death I may repent me of my deed;
But if they sin who judge me, be their doom
No heavier than they wrongly wreak on me!
O grave! my bridal chamber, prison-house
Eterne, deep-hollowed, whither I am led
To find mine own,—of whom Persephonè
Hath now a mighty number housed in death:—
I last of all, and far most miserably,
Am going, ere my days have reached their term!
895
Yet lives the hope that, when I go, most surely
Dear will my coming be, father, to thee,
And dear to thee, my mother, and to thee,
Brother! since with these very hands I decked
And bathed you after death, and ministered
900
The last libations. And I reap this doom
For tending, Polynices, on thy corse.
Indeed I honoured thee, the wise will say.
For neither, had I children, nor if one
I had married were laid bleeding on the earth,
905
Would I have braved the city’s will, or taken
This burden on me. Wherefore? I will tell.
A husband lost might be replaced; a son,
If son were lost to me, might yet be born;
But, with both parents hidden in the tomb,
910
No brother may arise to comfort me.
Therefore above all else I honoured thee,
And therefore Creon thought me criminal,
And bold in wickedness, O brother mine!
And now by servile hands, for all to see,
915
He hastens me away, unhusbanded,
Before my nuptial, having never known
Or married joy or tender motherhood.
But desolate and friendless I go down
Alive, O horror! to the vaults of the dead.
920
For what transgression of Heaven’s ordinance?
Alas! how can I look to Heaven? on whom
Call to befriend me? seeing that I have earned,
By piety, the meed of impious?—
Oh! if this act be what the Gods approve,
925
In death I may repent me of my deed;
But if they sin who judge me, be their doom
No heavier than they wrongly wreak on me!
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)) — 188 focus
Creon
883
Know ye not, slaves like her, to death
devoted,
Would never cease their wailings ? Wherefore is it
885
You thus delay to execute my orders ?
Let her be carried instant to the cave.
And leave her there alone, to live, or die ;
Her blood rests not on us ; but she no longer
Shall breathe on earth, [#xit CRrEox,
890
Know ye not, slaves like her, to death
devoted,
Would never cease their wailings ? Wherefore is it
885
You thus delay to execute my orders ?
Let her be carried instant to the cave.
And leave her there alone, to live, or die ;
Her blood rests not on us ; but she no longer
Shall breathe on earth, [#xit CRrEox,
890
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 188 focus
CREONTE
Conducida á un lugar desierto, donde no se encuentre huella humana, la haré encerrar viva en la profundidad subterránea de una roca, con el alimento preciso
1
gue exige la expiación, y para evitar á la ciudad entera el crimen de su muerte. Una vez allí que implore á Plutón, único de los dioses á quien ella venera, y tal vez obtenga el no morir; pero se convencerá, probablemente, que es trabajo in- útil rendir cultojá los manes.—
Métese' en palacio.
Conducida á un lugar desierto, donde no se encuentre huella humana, la haré encerrar viva en la profundidad subterránea de una roca, con el alimento preciso
1
gue exige la expiación, y para evitar á la ciudad entera el crimen de su muerte. Una vez allí que implore á Plutón, único de los dioses á quien ella venera, y tal vez obtenga el no morir; pero se convencerá, probablemente, que es trabajo in- útil rendir cultojá los manes.—
Métese' en palacio.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 188 focus
ANTIGONAE
O Grab! o Brautbett! unterirdische
Behausung, immerwach! Da werd’ ich reisen
Den Meinen zu, von denen zu den Todten
Die meiste Zahl, nachdem sie weiter gangen,
925
Zornigmitleidig dort ein Licht bezrüfst hat;
Von denen ich die Leztenun anı schlimnisten
In weiter Welt vergehn muss, ehe ınir
Des Lebens Gränze kommt. Doch komm’ ich an,
So nähr’ ich das mit Hoffnungen gar sehr,
930
Dafs lieb ich kommen werde für den Vater,
Auch dir lieb, meine Mutter! lieb auch dir,
Du brüderliches Haupt! Denn als ihr starbt,
Hab’ ich genommen euch mit eigner Hand,
Und ausgeschmükt, und über eurem Grabe
935
Trankopfer euch gebracht. Nun, Poiynikes,
Indem ich deke deinen Leib, erlang”’ ich diess,
Obgleich ich dich geehrt, vor Wohlgesinnten.
Nie nemlich, weder, wenn ich Mutter
Von Kindern wäre, oder ein Gemahl
940
Iın Tode sich verzehret, hätt’ ich mit Gewalt,
Als wollt ich einen Aufstand, diess errungen.
Und welchem Geseze sag’ ich diess zu Dank?
Wär’ ein Geimalıl gestorben, gäb’ es andre,
Und auch ein Kind von einem andern Manne,
945
Wenn diesen ich umarmt. Wenn aber Mutter
Und Vater schläft, im Ort der Todten beides,
Stehtsnicht, als wüch’s ein andrer Bruder wieder.
Nach solchem Geseze hab’ ich dich geelırt,
Dem Kreon aber schien es eine Sünde,
950
Und sehr gewagt, o brüderliches Haupt!
Und jezt führt er mich weg, mit Händen so mich greifend,
Mich ohne Bett und Hochzeit; noch der Ehe Theil
Hab’ ich empfangen, noch ein Kind zu nähren.
Doch einsam so von Lieben, unglükseelig,
955
Lebendig in die Wildnifs der Gestorbnen
Komm’ ich hinab. Welch Recht der Geister übertretend ?
Was soll ich Arme noch zu himmlischen
Gewalten schaun? Wen singen der Waffengenossen?
Da ich Gottlosigkeit aus Frömmigkeit empfangen.
960
Doch wenn nun dieses schön ist vor den Göttern,
So leiden wir und bitten ab, was wir
Gesündiget. Wenn aber diese fehlen,
So mögen sie nicht gröfser Unglük leiden,
Als sie bewirken offenbar an mir.
965
O Grab! o Brautbett! unterirdische
Behausung, immerwach! Da werd’ ich reisen
Den Meinen zu, von denen zu den Todten
Die meiste Zahl, nachdem sie weiter gangen,
925
Zornigmitleidig dort ein Licht bezrüfst hat;
Von denen ich die Leztenun anı schlimnisten
In weiter Welt vergehn muss, ehe ınir
Des Lebens Gränze kommt. Doch komm’ ich an,
So nähr’ ich das mit Hoffnungen gar sehr,
930
Dafs lieb ich kommen werde für den Vater,
Auch dir lieb, meine Mutter! lieb auch dir,
Du brüderliches Haupt! Denn als ihr starbt,
Hab’ ich genommen euch mit eigner Hand,
Und ausgeschmükt, und über eurem Grabe
935
Trankopfer euch gebracht. Nun, Poiynikes,
Indem ich deke deinen Leib, erlang”’ ich diess,
Obgleich ich dich geehrt, vor Wohlgesinnten.
Nie nemlich, weder, wenn ich Mutter
Von Kindern wäre, oder ein Gemahl
940
Iın Tode sich verzehret, hätt’ ich mit Gewalt,
Als wollt ich einen Aufstand, diess errungen.
Und welchem Geseze sag’ ich diess zu Dank?
Wär’ ein Geimalıl gestorben, gäb’ es andre,
Und auch ein Kind von einem andern Manne,
945
Wenn diesen ich umarmt. Wenn aber Mutter
Und Vater schläft, im Ort der Todten beides,
Stehtsnicht, als wüch’s ein andrer Bruder wieder.
Nach solchem Geseze hab’ ich dich geelırt,
Dem Kreon aber schien es eine Sünde,
950
Und sehr gewagt, o brüderliches Haupt!
Und jezt führt er mich weg, mit Händen so mich greifend,
Mich ohne Bett und Hochzeit; noch der Ehe Theil
Hab’ ich empfangen, noch ein Kind zu nähren.
Doch einsam so von Lieben, unglükseelig,
955
Lebendig in die Wildnifs der Gestorbnen
Komm’ ich hinab. Welch Recht der Geister übertretend ?
Was soll ich Arme noch zu himmlischen
Gewalten schaun? Wen singen der Waffengenossen?
Da ich Gottlosigkeit aus Frömmigkeit empfangen.
960
Doch wenn nun dieses schön ist vor den Göttern,
So leiden wir und bitten ab, was wir
Gesündiget. Wenn aber diese fehlen,
So mögen sie nicht gröfser Unglük leiden,
Als sie bewirken offenbar an mir.
965
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 188 focus
Antigone
876
Unwept, unfriended, without marriage-song, I am led forth in my sorrow on this journey that can
880
be delayed no more. No longer, hapless one, may I behold yon day-star’s sacred eye; but for my fate no tear is shed, no friend makes moan,
876
Unwept, unfriended, without marriage-song, I am led forth in my sorrow on this journey that can
880
be delayed no more. No longer, hapless one, may I behold yon day-star’s sacred eye; but for my fate no tear is shed, no friend makes moan,
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,
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since I come with a good grip on one hope, that I can suffer nothing except what is my fate.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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