οὐδ᾽ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
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)) — 240 focus
εὖ γε στοχάζει, κἀποφράγνυσαι κύκλῳ
240
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 240 focus
οὔκουν ἐρεῖς ποτ᾽, εἶτ᾽ ἀπαλλαχθεὶς ἄπει;
240
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 240 focus
τὸ πρᾶγμα·
δηλοῖς δ᾽ ὥς τι σημανῶν νέον.
240
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 240 focus
οὐδ᾽ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 240 focus
οὐδ᾽ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 240.mvp-line-240 focus
οὐδ’ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 240 focus
οὐδ᾽ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 240 focus
οὐδ᾽ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 240.mvp-line-240 focus
οὐδ’ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Antigone (OCR draft) Experimental (Antigone) — 240 focus
οὐδʼ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 240 focus
οὐδ᾽ ἂν δικαίως ἐς κακὸν πέσοιμί τι.
240
Translations (10)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 240 focus
CHOR.
O eiligst, Herr; rasch schneiden die
schnellfüſsigen
schnellfüßigen
Unglücksdämonen irren Sinnen ab den Weg.
O eiligst, Herr; rasch schneiden die
schnellfüſsigen
schnellfüßigen
Unglücksdämonen irren Sinnen ab den Weg.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 240 focus
CORO
¿Y quién ha matado? ¿Quién yace muerto? Di.
¿Y quién ha matado? ¿Quién yace muerto? Di.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 240 focus
Nuntius
Haemon interiit:
violentae enim illatae illi manus fuere.
Haemon interiit:
violentae enim illatae illi manus fuere.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 240 focus
CH
Ah, Seer! how surely didst thou aim thy word!
Ah, Seer! how surely didst thou aim thy word!
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 237 focus
Was ist's, warum befiel dich solche Bangigkeit?
Was ist's, warum befiel dich solche Bangigkeit?
Der Wächter.
Erst laß dir sagen, was mich selbst betrifft: die That
Verübt' ich nicht, noch sah ich, wer der Thäter war;
Und nur mit Unrecht widerführe mir ein Leid.
240
Erst laß dir sagen, was mich selbst betrifft: die That
Verübt' ich nicht, noch sah ich, wer der Thäter war;
Und nur mit Unrecht widerführe mir ein Leid.
240
Kreon.
Du zielst behutsam und verschanzest dich geschickt
Ringsher; du bringst uns, seh' ich wohl, ein schweres Wort.
Du zielst behutsam und verschanzest dich geschickt
Ringsher; du bringst uns, seh' ich wohl, ein schweres Wort.
Der Wächter.
Das Arge freilich regt die Furcht gewaltig auf.
Das Arge freilich regt die Furcht gewaltig auf.
Kreon.
Nun, wirst du reden endlich und dann weiter geh'n?
Nun, wirst du reden endlich und dann weiter geh'n?
Der Wächter.
Wohlan, so sag' ich's: Einer, der sofort verschwand,
245
Begrub den Todten eben, hat mit trocknem Staub
Bestreut den Leichnam, und geweiht, was üblich ist.
Wohlan, so sag' ich's: Einer, der sofort verschwand,
245
Begrub den Todten eben, hat mit trocknem Staub
Bestreut den Leichnam, und geweiht, was üblich ist.
Kreon.
Was sagst du? Wer auf Erden hat sich deß erkühnt?
Was sagst du? Wer auf Erden hat sich deß erkühnt?
Der Wächter.
Ich weiß es nicht; denn weder eines Beiles Hieb
War dort, noch einer Hacke Wurf, der Boden dicht
250
Und fest und bruchlos, auch mit Wagenrädern nicht
Befahren; spurlos blieb es, wer der Thäter war.
Und wie es uns der erste Tageswächter zeigt,
1
Erschien es Allen unerklärlich wunderbar.
Die Leiche war verschwunden, nicht begraben zwar;
255
Dünn, wie den Fluch zu meiden, lag der Staub darauf.
2
Von einem Raubthier oder Hund war keine Spur,
Die hergekommen und an ihr herumgezerrt.
Nun schollen böse Reden auf einander los,
Der Wächter zich den Wächter; wohl auch endet' es
260
Zulezt mit Schlägen; Keiner war zu wehren da.
Denn Einer wie der Andre war der Thäter hier,
Und Keiner überführbar; Jeder stritt es ab.
Mit Händen fassen wollten wir ein glühend Erz,
3
Durch Feuer gehen, schwören bei den Göttern selbst,
265
Daß wir es nicht verübten noch im Bunde sei'n
Mit Einem, der's ersonnen oder ausgeführt.
Am Ende, da kein Forschen mehr uns weiter half,
Sprach Einer, der uns alle zwang, vor Furcht das Haupt
Zur Erd' hinabzusenken denn wir wußten nicht
270
Zu widersprechen, noch wiefern wir, thäten wir's,
Uns helfen könnten dieser rieth, man müsse dir
Die Sache hinterbringen, nicht verheimlichen.
Und seine Meinung siegte: mich Unseligen
Verdammt zu diesem schönen Glück des Looses Wurf.
275
Nun steh' ich hier, nicht willig vor Unwilligen:
Niemand ja liebt den Boten unwillkommner Mähr.
Ich weiß es nicht; denn weder eines Beiles Hieb
War dort, noch einer Hacke Wurf, der Boden dicht
250
Und fest und bruchlos, auch mit Wagenrädern nicht
Befahren; spurlos blieb es, wer der Thäter war.
Und wie es uns der erste Tageswächter zeigt,
1
Erschien es Allen unerklärlich wunderbar.
Die Leiche war verschwunden, nicht begraben zwar;
255
Dünn, wie den Fluch zu meiden, lag der Staub darauf.
2
Von einem Raubthier oder Hund war keine Spur,
Die hergekommen und an ihr herumgezerrt.
Nun schollen böse Reden auf einander los,
Der Wächter zich den Wächter; wohl auch endet' es
260
Zulezt mit Schlägen; Keiner war zu wehren da.
Denn Einer wie der Andre war der Thäter hier,
Und Keiner überführbar; Jeder stritt es ab.
Mit Händen fassen wollten wir ein glühend Erz,
3
Durch Feuer gehen, schwören bei den Göttern selbst,
265
Daß wir es nicht verübten noch im Bunde sei'n
Mit Einem, der's ersonnen oder ausgeführt.
Am Ende, da kein Forschen mehr uns weiter half,
Sprach Einer, der uns alle zwang, vor Furcht das Haupt
Zur Erd' hinabzusenken denn wir wußten nicht
270
Zu widersprechen, noch wiefern wir, thäten wir's,
Uns helfen könnten dieser rieth, man müsse dir
Die Sache hinterbringen, nicht verheimlichen.
Und seine Meinung siegte: mich Unseligen
Verdammt zu diesem schönen Glück des Looses Wurf.
275
Nun steh' ich hier, nicht willig vor Unwilligen:
Niemand ja liebt den Boten unwillkommner Mähr.
Der Chor.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 240 focus
Messenger
Since thus it be, 'tis fit
We should consult ; our present state demands it,
Since thus it be, 'tis fit
We should consult ; our present state demands it,
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 240 focus
EL CORO
La prudencia es necesaria, hijo de Menecco.
La prudencia es necesaria, hijo de Menecco.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 240 focus
CHOR
Ich sch’, Eurydice, die unglükliche,
Die Frau des Kreon eben. Ob im Hause sie’s
1230
Gehört hat, oder da aus Zufall ist.
Ich sch’, Eurydice, die unglükliche,
Die Frau des Kreon eben. Ob im Hause sie’s
1230
Gehört hat, oder da aus Zufall ist.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 240 focus
Chorus
By his father’s hand, or by his own?
By his father’s hand, or by his own?
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
223-330. mvp-comment-136-1 The half-comic or rustic character of the watchman in this play is an extension of the common character of the messenger, whose natural rudeness of speech and thought brings into greater prominence the horror or pathos of the events he describes. The grotesqueness disappears when he speaks of the action of Antigone in 407-440. The employment of this artifice by Sophocles arises from the same motive to which Shakespeare gave a far wider range in such creations as the gravediggers in Hamlet, and the rural fellow in Antony and Cleopatra. The Messenger in the Trachiniae, the Corinthian in the Oedipus Tyrannus, Menelaus in the Ajax, the pretended Shipmaster in the Philoctetes, afford the same sort of contrast to the more tragic personages: and the superstition of the Coloniatae may be compared with the cowardice of the Phrygian slave in the Orestes of Euripides.
223-330.
mvp-comment-136-2
The vulgarity of the common-place Athenian of the fifth century в.с. takes the form of misplaced subtlety of wit. Cp.
Shak. Hamlet, 5. 1
,
We must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us. The age is grown so picked, that the toe of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier, he galls his kibe.