Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
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)) — 194 focus
ὄλωλε τῆσδε, πάντ᾽ ἀριστεύσας δορὶ,
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 194 focus
τὸν δ᾽ αὖ ξύναιμον τοῦδε, Πολυνείκην λέγω,
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 194 focus
τάφῳ τε κρύψαι, καὶ τὰ πάντ᾽ ἐφαγνίσαι,
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 194.mvp-line-194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 194.mvp-line-194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 194 focus
Ἐτεοκλέα μέν, ὃς πόλεως ὑπερμαχῶν
Translations (10)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 194 focus
ANTIGONE.
Str. 2.
839
Weh mir! Verlacht werd' ich! Warum, o Vatergötter,
verhöhnst du mich, eh' ich hinstarb,
eh' ich verschwunden?
O Stadt, o der Stadt
810
reichbegüterte Männer,
weh, weh!
o Dirka's Quell, o Theba's
der wagenberühmten Lusthain,
euch alle beschwör' ich, seid Zeugen,
815
wie unbeweint von Freunden, kraft welches Rechts
zum gruftgehöhlten Kerker ich des neuen Grabes wandeln mufs!
Mir Unsel'gen, weh,
die nicht auf Erden, nicht im Hades,
im Leben nicht heimisch, nicht im Tode!
820
Weh mir! Verlacht werd' ich! Warum, o Vatergötter,
verhöhnst du mich, eh' ich hinstarb,
eh' ich verschwunden?
O Stadt, o der Stadt
810
reichbegüterte Männer,
weh, weh!
o Dirka's Quell, o Theba's
der wagenberühmten Lusthain,
euch alle beschwör' ich, seid Zeugen,
815
wie unbeweint von Freunden, kraft welches Rechts
zum gruftgehöhlten Kerker ich des neuen Grabes wandeln mufs!
Mir Unsel'gen, weh,
die nicht auf Erden, nicht im Hades,
im Leben nicht heimisch, nicht im Tode!
820
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 194 focus
ANTIGONA
¡Ay de mí! Esa voz suena muy cerca de mi muerte.
¡Ay de mí! Esa voz suena muy cerca de mi muerte.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 194 focus
Antigone
Hei mihi! mortem proxime haec vox accedit.
Hei mihi! mortem proxime haec vox accedit.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 194 focus
CHORUS
CHORUS.
944
Even Danaë’s beauty left the lightsome day.
Closed in her strong and brass-bound tower she lay
In tomb-like deep confine.
945
Yet she was gendered, O my child!
From sires of noblest line,
And treasured for the Highest the golden rain.
950
Fated misfortune hath a power so fell:
Not wealth, nor warfare wild,
Nor dark spray-dashing coursers of the main
955
Against great Destiny may once rebel.
955
He too in darksome durance was compressed,
King of Edonians, Dryas’ hasty son,
In eyeless vault of stone
Immured by Dionysus’ hest,
960
All for a wrathful jest.
Fierce madness issueth in such fatal flower.
He found ’twas mad to taunt the Heavenly Power,
965
966
Chilling the Maenad breast
Kindled with Bacchic fire, and with annoy
Angering the Muse that in the flute hath joy.
And near twin rocks that guard the Colchian sea,
970
Bosporian cliffs ’fore Salmydessus rise,
Where neighbouring Ares from his shrine beheld
Phineus’ two sons by female fury quelled.
With cursèd wounding of their sight-reft eyes,
That cried to Heaven to ’venge the iniquity.
975
The shuttle’s sharpness in a cruel hand
977
Dealt the dire blow, not struck with martial brand.
But chiefly for her piteous lot they pined,
980
Who was the source of their rejected birth.
She touched the lineage of Erechtheus old;
Whence in far caves her life did erst unfold,
Cradled ’mid storms, daughter of Northern wind,
Steed-swift o’er all steep places of the earth.
985
Yet even on her, though reared of heavenly kind,
The long-enduring Fates at last took hold.
Even Danaë’s beauty left the lightsome day.
Closed in her strong and brass-bound tower she lay
In tomb-like deep confine.
945
Yet she was gendered, O my child!
From sires of noblest line,
And treasured for the Highest the golden rain.
950
Fated misfortune hath a power so fell:
Not wealth, nor warfare wild,
Nor dark spray-dashing coursers of the main
Against great Destiny may once rebel.
955
He too in darksome durance was compressed,
King of Edonians, Dryas’ hasty son,
In eyeless vault of stone
Immured by Dionysus’ hest,
960
All for a wrathful jest.
Fierce madness issueth in such fatal flower.
He found ’twas mad to taunt the Heavenly Power,
965
Chilling the Maenad breast
Kindled with Bacchic fire, and with annoy
Angering the Muse that in the flute hath joy.
And near twin rocks that guard the Colchian sea,
970
Bosporian cliffs ’fore Salmydessus rise,
Where neighbouring Ares from his shrine beheld
Phineus’ two sons by female fury quelled.
With cursèd wounding of their sight-reft eyes,
That cried to Heaven to ’venge the iniquity.
975
The shuttle’s sharpness in a cruel hand
Dealt the dire blow, not struck with martial brand.
But chiefly for her piteous lot they pined,
980
Who was the source of their rejected birth.
She touched the lineage of Erechtheus old;
Whence in far caves her life did erst unfold,
Cradled ’mid storms, daughter of Northern wind,
Steed-swift o’er all steep places of the earth.
985
Yet even on her, though reared of heavenly kind,
The long-enduring Fates at last took hold.
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)) — 194 focus
Antigone
Alas ! death cannot be
Far from that voice.
Alas ! death cannot be
Far from that voice.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 194 focus
LOS COREUTAS
834
Empero ella cra una deidad y de dioses des-
ccndiente; nosotros somos humanos y nacidos de mortales. Así, pues, será más gloriosa tu muerte; pues que tu destino es semejante al de los dioses.
834
Empero ella cra una deidad y de dioses des-
ccndiente; nosotros somos humanos y nacidos de mortales. Así, pues, será más gloriosa tu muerte; pues que tu destino es semejante al de los dioses.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 194 focus
CHOR
Der Leib auch Danaes mufste,
Statt himmlischen Lichts , in Gedult
Das eiserne Gitter haben.
Iın Dunkel lag sie
In der Todtenkammer, in Fesseln ;
985
Obgleich an Geschlechtadel, o Kind!
Sie zählete dem Vater der Zeit
Die Stundenschläge, die goldnen.
Aber des Schiksaals ist furchtbar die Kraft.
Der Reegen nicht, der Schlachtgeist
990
Und der Thurm nicht, und die meerumrauschten
Fliehn sie, die schwarzen Schiffe.
955
Und gehascht ward zornig behend Dryas Sohn,
Der Edenen König in begeistertem Schimpf
Von Dionysos, von den stürzenden
995
Steinhaufen gedeket,
Den Wahnsinn weint’ er so fast aus,
Und den blühenden Zorn. Und kennen lernt’ er,
Im Wahnsinn tastend, den Gott mit schimpfender Zunge.
Denn stoken macht’ er die Weiber
1000
Des Gottes voll, und das evische Feuer
Und die flötenliebenden
Reizt er, die Musen.
966
Bei himmelblauen Felsen aber, wo
An beiden Enden Meerist,
1005
Dort sind des Bosphoros Ufer
Und der Busen Salmidessos,
Der Thraziern gehöret; daselbst sah, nahe
Der Stadt, der Schlachtgeist zu, ‚als beiden
Phineiden ward die Wunde der Blindheit
1010
Vom wilden Weibe gestofsen ,
Und finster wars in den muthwillgen Augenzirkeln.
Veni Speeren Stiche. Unter
Blutigen Händen und Nadelspizen.
977
Und verschnıachtend, die Armen weinten
1015
Das arme Leiden der Mutter; sie hatten
Ehlosen Ursprung; jene aber war
Vom Saamen der altentsprungenen Erechtheiden.
In feruewandelnden Grotten
Ernährt ward sie, in Stürmen des Vaters, die Boreade
1020
Zu Rossen gesellt, auf gradem Hügel,
Der Götter Kind. Doch auch auf jener
Das grolse Schiksaal ruhte, Kind!
(Antigonä wird weggefihrt. )
Zweite Scene
TIRESIAS KREON.
Der Leib auch Danaes mufste,
Statt himmlischen Lichts , in Gedult
Das eiserne Gitter haben.
Iın Dunkel lag sie
In der Todtenkammer, in Fesseln ;
985
Obgleich an Geschlechtadel, o Kind!
Sie zählete dem Vater der Zeit
Die Stundenschläge, die goldnen.
Aber des Schiksaals ist furchtbar die Kraft.
Der Reegen nicht, der Schlachtgeist
990
Und der Thurm nicht, und die meerumrauschten
Fliehn sie, die schwarzen Schiffe.
Und gehascht ward zornig behend Dryas Sohn,
Der Edenen König in begeistertem Schimpf
Von Dionysos, von den stürzenden
995
Steinhaufen gedeket,
Den Wahnsinn weint’ er so fast aus,
Und den blühenden Zorn. Und kennen lernt’ er,
Im Wahnsinn tastend, den Gott mit schimpfender Zunge.
Denn stoken macht’ er die Weiber
1000
Des Gottes voll, und das evische Feuer
Und die flötenliebenden
Reizt er, die Musen.
Bei himmelblauen Felsen aber, wo
An beiden Enden Meerist,
1005
Dort sind des Bosphoros Ufer
Und der Busen Salmidessos,
Der Thraziern gehöret; daselbst sah, nahe
Der Stadt, der Schlachtgeist zu, ‚als beiden
Phineiden ward die Wunde der Blindheit
1010
Vom wilden Weibe gestofsen ,
Und finster wars in den muthwillgen Augenzirkeln.
Veni Speeren Stiche. Unter
Blutigen Händen und Nadelspizen.
Und verschnıachtend, die Armen weinten
1015
Das arme Leiden der Mutter; sie hatten
Ehlosen Ursprung; jene aber war
Vom Saamen der altentsprungenen Erechtheiden.
In feruewandelnden Grotten
Ernährt ward sie, in Stürmen des Vaters, die Boreade
1020
Zu Rossen gesellt, auf gradem Hügel,
Der Götter Kind. Doch auch auf jener
Das grolse Schiksaal ruhte, Kind!
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 194 focus
Creon
I can cheer thee with no hope that this doom is not thus to be fulfilled.
I can cheer thee with no hope that this doom is not thus to be fulfilled.
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.
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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,
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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—
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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,
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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.
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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.
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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—
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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,
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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.
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Guard
Will you allow me to speak? Or shall I just turn and go?
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Will you allow me to speak? Or shall I just turn and go?
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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.
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God! How plain it is that you are a born babbler.
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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.
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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.
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