δεξιόσειρος.
140
Antigone. Sophocles. ed. Francis Storr. London. 1912.
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Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.
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Current edition Experimental
Ἀντιγόνη (Greek) (Sophocles, Volume 1. Storr, Francis, editor. London; New York: William Heinemann Ltd.; The Macmillan Company, 1912.)
Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.
Editions (11)
Greek (L. Benloew, 1858) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (L. Benloew, 1858)) — 140 focus
δεξιόσειρος
1
.
140
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 140 focus
Ζηνὶ τροπαίῳ πάγχαλκα τέλη,
140
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 140 focus
μέγας Ἄρης δεξιόχειρος·
140
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 140 focus
δεξιόσειρος.
140
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 140 focus
ζων μέγας Ἄρης δεξιόσειρος.
140
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 140.mvp-line-140 focus
ζων μέγας Ἄρης δεξιόσειρος.
140
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 140 focus
μα στυφελίζων μέγας Ἄρης δεξιόσειρος.
140
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 140 focus
δεξιόσειρος.
140
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 140 focus
δεξιόσειρος.
7
140
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 140.mvp-line-140 focus
μα στυφελίζων μέγας Ἄρης δεξιόσειρος.
140
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 140 focus
δεξιόσειρος.
140
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 140 focus
KREON
Ja, Hades wird auflösen dieser Ehe Bund.
Ja, Hades wird auflösen dieser Ehe Bund.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 140 focus
HEMÓN
Padre, los dioses han dado a los hombres la razón como el mayor bien de todos los que existen, y yo ni podría ni sabría decir que no hayas hablado con rectitud. Pero la cosa, sin embargo, puede que parezca bien vista de otra manera; y yo, que soy tu hijo, debo considerar todo lo que pueda alguien decir, tratar o murmurar de ti; pues tu aspecto infunde tanto
terror-
terror al ciudadano, que no se atreve a decirte aquello que tú no gustes
oir
oír. Pero a mi me es fácil
oir
oír lo que en secreto se dice; cómo llora la ciudad por esta muchacha, que, entre todas las mujeres, no merece de ninguna manera morir ignominiosamente por su
gloriosisima
gloriosísima hazaña. La que a su propio hermano, muerto en la pelea, no quiso dejar insepulto para que fuese pasto de los voraces perros ni de ninguna de las aves, ésa, ¿no es digna de obtener una gloriosa recompensa? Tal es el rumor que silenciosa y secretamente corre. Para mí, padre, no hay ninguna cosa que me sea más estimada que el que tú vivas feliz. ¿Pues qué mayor dechado de gloria para los hijos que la prosperidad del padre, o para el padre que la de los hijos? No te obstines, pues, en mantener en ti, como única, la opinión de que lo que tú dices es lo razonable, y no lo que diga otro; porque los que creen que solamente ellos poseen la
sabiduria
sabiduría, la elocuencia y el valor que no tienen los demás, ésos, al ser examinados, se encuentran
vacios
vacíos. Porque al hombre, por sabio que uno sea, no le es vergonzoso el aprender muchas veces, ni tampoco el no resistir más allá de lo razonable. Tú ves en los torrentes invernales que cuantos árboles ceden, conservan sus ramas; pero los que resisten, son arrancados con sus mismas raíces. Asimismo, el que atesando firmemente la bolina no quiere ceder, hace que zozobre la nave y navega en adelante en las tablas. Cede, pues, y da largas a tu enojo. Pues si algún consejo, a pesar de ser tan joven, me asiste, afirmo yo que seria lo mejor que todo hombre naciera henchido de
sabiduria
sabiduría; pero que como esto no suele suceder así, bueno es aprender de los que bien te aconsejan.
Padre, los dioses han dado a los hombres la razón como el mayor bien de todos los que existen, y yo ni podría ni sabría decir que no hayas hablado con rectitud. Pero la cosa, sin embargo, puede que parezca bien vista de otra manera; y yo, que soy tu hijo, debo considerar todo lo que pueda alguien decir, tratar o murmurar de ti; pues tu aspecto infunde tanto
terror-
terror al ciudadano, que no se atreve a decirte aquello que tú no gustes
oir
oír. Pero a mi me es fácil
oir
oír lo que en secreto se dice; cómo llora la ciudad por esta muchacha, que, entre todas las mujeres, no merece de ninguna manera morir ignominiosamente por su
gloriosisima
gloriosísima hazaña. La que a su propio hermano, muerto en la pelea, no quiso dejar insepulto para que fuese pasto de los voraces perros ni de ninguna de las aves, ésa, ¿no es digna de obtener una gloriosa recompensa? Tal es el rumor que silenciosa y secretamente corre. Para mí, padre, no hay ninguna cosa que me sea más estimada que el que tú vivas feliz. ¿Pues qué mayor dechado de gloria para los hijos que la prosperidad del padre, o para el padre que la de los hijos? No te obstines, pues, en mantener en ti, como única, la opinión de que lo que tú dices es lo razonable, y no lo que diga otro; porque los que creen que solamente ellos poseen la
sabiduria
sabiduría, la elocuencia y el valor que no tienen los demás, ésos, al ser examinados, se encuentran
vacios
vacíos. Porque al hombre, por sabio que uno sea, no le es vergonzoso el aprender muchas veces, ni tampoco el no resistir más allá de lo razonable. Tú ves en los torrentes invernales que cuantos árboles ceden, conservan sus ramas; pero los que resisten, son arrancados con sus mismas raíces. Asimismo, el que atesando firmemente la bolina no quiere ceder, hace que zozobre la nave y navega en adelante en las tablas. Cede, pues, y da largas a tu enojo. Pues si algún consejo, a pesar de ser tan joven, me asiste, afirmo yo que seria lo mejor que todo hombre naciera henchido de
sabiduria
sabiduría; pero que como esto no suele suceder así, bueno es aprender de los que bien te aconsejan.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 140 focus
Haemon
Pater, dii hominibus ingenerant rationem, omnium, quotquot sunt, rerum praestantissimam.
Quae autem modo dixi, vera esse, neque audeam negare, nec, qui negare possim, scio:
est tamen ut alius etiam vera dicere queat.
Enimvero tu non es talis, qui omnia prospicere queas, quae in te vel dicit quis, vel facit, aut si quid tibi vertatur vitio:
iuus enim vultus plebeio cuique timorem incutit circa sermones tales, quos lubens non audias:
at mihi clam haec mussantium excipere licet:
quantopere huius puellae vicem civitas doleat, quia ob facta maximis digna laudibus pessime pereat mulierum omnium immeritissima , quae suum ipsius fratrem in proelio caesum, insepultum haud passa sit crudivoris canibus alitibusque perdi.
Nonne haec aureo digna honore?
Tales obscuri clam manant rumores.
Mihi vero, pater, nihil aliud optabilius esse potest, quam ut omnia tibi laeta eveniant.
Quid enim liberis decori sit magis, quam gloria florens pater? quidve patri cum liberis comparandum?
Ne nunc ergo unicum mente hunc habitum indue, ut, quod tudicis , aliudque praeterea nihil, rectum esse putes:
quicumque enim vel ipse solus sapere videtur sibi, vel lingua aut animo pollere, ut nemo alius, tales si explices, saepius inanes esse comperias;
sed virum, quamvis ille sit sapiens, discere multa haud indecorum est, et non nimis contra tendere.
Vides hibernis imbribus tumida ad fluenta quotquot cedunt arbores, ut servant ramos;
at stirpitus intereunt, quaecumque obnituntur:
similiter quoque navis gubernator, si adductum pedem laxare praefracte renuit, supinis, eversa rate, in posterum navigat tabulis.
Verum age, remitte iram, et poenitentiae da locum:
iudicium enim si quod et mihi iuniori inest, dico equidem longe optimum esse, si suapte indole vir quisque scientia gaudeat;
sin minus (haud enim ita solet evenire) et a bene consulentibus praeclarum est discere.
Pater, dii hominibus ingenerant rationem, omnium, quotquot sunt, rerum praestantissimam.
Quae autem modo dixi, vera esse, neque audeam negare, nec, qui negare possim, scio:
est tamen ut alius etiam vera dicere queat.
Enimvero tu non es talis, qui omnia prospicere queas, quae in te vel dicit quis, vel facit, aut si quid tibi vertatur vitio:
iuus enim vultus plebeio cuique timorem incutit circa sermones tales, quos lubens non audias:
at mihi clam haec mussantium excipere licet:
quantopere huius puellae vicem civitas doleat, quia ob facta maximis digna laudibus pessime pereat mulierum omnium immeritissima , quae suum ipsius fratrem in proelio caesum, insepultum haud passa sit crudivoris canibus alitibusque perdi.
Nonne haec aureo digna honore?
Tales obscuri clam manant rumores.
Mihi vero, pater, nihil aliud optabilius esse potest, quam ut omnia tibi laeta eveniant.
Quid enim liberis decori sit magis, quam gloria florens pater? quidve patri cum liberis comparandum?
Ne nunc ergo unicum mente hunc habitum indue, ut, quod tudicis , aliudque praeterea nihil, rectum esse putes:
quicumque enim vel ipse solus sapere videtur sibi, vel lingua aut animo pollere, ut nemo alius, tales si explices, saepius inanes esse comperias;
sed virum, quamvis ille sit sapiens, discere multa haud indecorum est, et non nimis contra tendere.
Vides hibernis imbribus tumida ad fluenta quotquot cedunt arbores, ut servant ramos;
at stirpitus intereunt, quaecumque obnituntur:
similiter quoque navis gubernator, si adductum pedem laxare praefracte renuit, supinis, eversa rate, in posterum navigat tabulis.
Verum age, remitte iram, et poenitentiae da locum:
iudicium enim si quod et mihi iuniori inest, dico equidem longe optimum esse, si suapte indole vir quisque scientia gaudeat;
sin minus (haud enim ita solet evenire) et a bene consulentibus praeclarum est discere.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 140 focus
HAEM
O my sire,
Sound wisdom is a God implanted seed,
Of all possessions highest in regard.
I cannot, and I would not learn to say
685
That thou art wrong in this; though in another,
It may be such a word were not unmeet.
But as thy son, ’tis surely mine to scan
Men’s deeds, and words, and muttered thoughts toward thee.
Fear of thy frown restrains the citizen
690
In talk that would fall harshly on thine ear.
I under shadow may o’erhear, how all
Thy people mourn this maiden, and complain
That of all women least deservedly
She perishes for a most glorious deed.
695
‘Who, when her own true brother on the earth
Lay weltering after combat in his gore,
Left him not graveless, for the carrion few
And raw devouring field dogs to consume—
Hath she not merited a golden praise?’
700
Such the dark rumour spreading silently.
Now, in my valuing, with thy prosperous life,
My father, no possession can compare.
Where can be found a richer ornament
For children, than their father’s high renown?
Or where for fathers, than their children’s fame?
705
Nurse not one changeless humour in thy breast,
That nothing can be right but as thou sayest.
Whoe’er presumes that he alone hath sense,
Or peerless eloquence, or reach of soul,
Unwrap him, and you’ll find but emptiness.
710
’Tis no disgrace even to the wise to learn
And lend an ear to reason. You may see
The plant that yields where torrent waters flow
Saves every little twig, when the stout tree
Is torn away and dies. The mariner
715
Who will not ever slack the sheet that sways
The vessel, but still tightens, oversets,
And so, keel upward, ends his voyaging.
Relent, I pray thee, and give place to change.
If any judgement hath informed my youth,
720
I grant it noblest to be always wise,
But,—for omniscience is denied to man—
Tis good to hearken to admonishment.
O my sire,
Sound wisdom is a God implanted seed,
Of all possessions highest in regard.
I cannot, and I would not learn to say
685
That thou art wrong in this; though in another,
It may be such a word were not unmeet.
But as thy son, ’tis surely mine to scan
Men’s deeds, and words, and muttered thoughts toward thee.
Fear of thy frown restrains the citizen
690
In talk that would fall harshly on thine ear.
I under shadow may o’erhear, how all
Thy people mourn this maiden, and complain
That of all women least deservedly
She perishes for a most glorious deed.
695
‘Who, when her own true brother on the earth
Lay weltering after combat in his gore,
Left him not graveless, for the carrion few
And raw devouring field dogs to consume—
Hath she not merited a golden praise?’
700
Such the dark rumour spreading silently.
Now, in my valuing, with thy prosperous life,
My father, no possession can compare.
Where can be found a richer ornament
For children, than their father’s high renown?
Or where for fathers, than their children’s fame?
705
Nurse not one changeless humour in thy breast,
That nothing can be right but as thou sayest.
Whoe’er presumes that he alone hath sense,
Or peerless eloquence, or reach of soul,
Unwrap him, and you’ll find but emptiness.
710
’Tis no disgrace even to the wise to learn
And lend an ear to reason. You may see
The plant that yields where torrent waters flow
Saves every little twig, when the stout tree
Is torn away and dies. The mariner
715
Who will not ever slack the sheet that sways
The vessel, but still tightens, oversets,
And so, keel upward, ends his voyaging.
Relent, I pray thee, and give place to change.
If any judgement hath informed my youth,
720
I grant it noblest to be always wise,
But,—for omniscience is denied to man—
Tis good to hearken to admonishment.
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 141 focus
Denn Sieben, um sieben Thore gestellt,
Mann wider den Mann, sie ließen dem Zeus,
Dem Verleiher des Siegs, die gediegene Wehr.
1
Nur das schreckliche Paar, von dem Einen gezeugt
Mit demselben Gemahl, die wider sich selbst
145
Mit siegendem Speer einstürmten, umfing
Des gemeinsamen Todes Verhängniß.
Zweite Gegenstrophe.
Denn Sieben, um sieben Thore gestellt,
Mann wider den Mann, sie ließen dem Zeus,
Dem Verleiher des Siegs, die gediegene Wehr.
1
Nur das schreckliche Paar, von dem Einen gezeugt
Mit demselben Gemahl, die wider sich selbst
145
Mit siegendem Speer einstürmten, umfing
Des gemeinsamen Todes Verhängniß.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 140 focus
Creon
And have we lived so long then to be taught
At last our duty by a boy like thee ?
And have we lived so long then to be taught
At last our duty by a boy like thee ?
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 140 focus
CREONTE
Así parece. ¡Guardias! conducidlas al interior de Palacio: y desde este momento que sean verdaderas mujeres: sin libertad para salir. Que los audaces procuran huir cuando ven al ojo la muerte.
Llévanse á Antígona y á Ismena, quedando en la escena el coro y Creonte.
Así parece. ¡Guardias! conducidlas al interior de Palacio: y desde este momento que sean verdaderas mujeres: sin libertad para salir. Que los audaces procuran huir cuando ven al ojo la muerte.
Llévanse á Antígona y á Ismena, quedando en la escena el coro y Creonte.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 140 focus
HAEMON
Niemals beleidigen. Bin ich ein junger Mensch, muss man nicht auf die Zeit mehr, als die That sehn.
Niemals beleidigen. Bin ich ein junger Mensch, muss man nicht auf die Zeit mehr, als die That sehn.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 140 focus
Haemon
Father, the gods implant reason in men, the highest of all things that we call our own. Not mine the skill—far from me be the quest!—to.say wherein thou speakest not aright; and yet another man, too, might have some useful thought. At least, it is my natural office to watch, on thy behalf, all that men say,
690
or do, or find to blame. For the dread of thy frown forbids the citizen to speak such words as would offend thine ear; but I can hear these murmurs in the dark, these moanings of the city for this maiden; ‘no woman,’ they say, ‘ever merited her doom less—none ever was to die so shamelully Tor deedsclorious as hers; who, ds_so glorious as hers; who, when her own brother had fallen in bloody strife, would not leave him unburied, to be devoured by carrion dogs, or by any bird:—deserves not she the meed of golden honour ?”
700
Such is the darkling rumour that spreads in secret. For me, my father, no treasure is so precious as thy welfare. What, indeed, is a nobler ornament for children than a prospering sire’s fair fame, or for sire than son’s? Wear not, then, one mood only in thyself; think not that thy word, and thine alone, must be right. For if any man thinks that he alone is wise,—that in speech, or in mind, he hath no peer,—such a soul, when Taid open, is ever found empty.
710
No, though a man be wise, ’tis no shame for him to learn many things, and to bend in season. Seest thou, beside the wintry torrent’s course, how the trees that yield to it save every twig, while the stiff-necked perish root and branch? And even thus he who keeps the sheet of his sail taut, and never slackens it, upsets his boat, and finishes his voyage with keel uppermost. Nay, forego thy wrath; permit thyself to change. For if I, a younger man, may offer my thought, it were
720
far best, I ween, that men should be all-wise. by nature ; but, otherwise—and oft the scale inclines not so—'tis good also to learn from those who speak aright.
Father, the gods implant reason in men, the highest of all things that we call our own. Not mine the skill—far from me be the quest!—to.say wherein thou speakest not aright; and yet another man, too, might have some useful thought. At least, it is my natural office to watch, on thy behalf, all that men say,
690
or do, or find to blame. For the dread of thy frown forbids the citizen to speak such words as would offend thine ear; but I can hear these murmurs in the dark, these moanings of the city for this maiden; ‘no woman,’ they say, ‘ever merited her doom less—none ever was to die so shamelully Tor deedsclorious as hers; who, ds_so glorious as hers; who, when her own brother had fallen in bloody strife, would not leave him unburied, to be devoured by carrion dogs, or by any bird:—deserves not she the meed of golden honour ?”
Such is the darkling rumour that spreads in secret. For me, my father, no treasure is so precious as thy welfare. What, indeed, is a nobler ornament for children than a prospering sire’s fair fame, or for sire than son’s? Wear not, then, one mood only in thyself; think not that thy word, and thine alone, must be right. For if any man thinks that he alone is wise,—that in speech, or in mind, he hath no peer,—such a soul, when Taid open, is ever found empty.
710
No, though a man be wise, ’tis no shame for him to learn many things, and to bend in season. Seest thou, beside the wintry torrent’s course, how the trees that yield to it save every twig, while the stiff-necked perish root and branch? And even thus he who keeps the sheet of his sail taut, and never slackens it, upsets his boat, and finishes his voyage with keel uppermost. Nay, forego thy wrath; permit thyself to change. For if I, a younger man, may offer my thought, it were
720
far best, I ween, that men should be all-wise. by nature ; but, otherwise—and oft the scale inclines not so—'tis good also to learn from those who speak aright.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 140 focus
Chorus
CREON, ANTIGONE, CHORUS.
929
The tempest of her passions yet is high;
The tempest of her passions yet is high;
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
140. mvp-comment-85-1 δεξιόσειρος The War-god taking part with Thebes and bounding hither and thither over the plain is compared to the σειραῖος ἵππος, whose free action was so important at critical moments in the chariot-race. Cp. El. 721-722, δεξιὸν δ᾽ ἀνεὶς | σειραῖον ἵππον εἶργε τὸν προσκείμενον: Aesch. Agam. 841-842, μόνος δ' Οδυσσεύς, ὅσπερ οὐχ ἑκὼν ἔπλει | ζευχθείς ἕτοιμος ἦν ἐμοὶ σειραφόρος. The reading δεξιόχειρος is probably erroneous. It is acknowledged as a variant by the Scholiast.