τί δʼ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσʼ ἔπος.
20
Antigone. Sophocles. ed. Francis Storr. London. 1912.
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Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.
Table of Contents
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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)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι;
δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι;
δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 20.mvp-line-20 focus
τί δ’ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ’ ἔπος.
20
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι;
δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 20.mvp-line-20 focus
τί δ' ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ' ἔπος.
20
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 20 focus
τί δ᾽ ἔστι; δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος.
20
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 20 focus
ISMENE
O weh mir Armen! ach wie fürcht' ob deiner ich!
O weh mir Armen! ach wie fürcht' ob deiner ich!
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 20 focus
Ismena
Pues al menos no digas a nadie tu proyecto; guárdalo en secreto, que yo haré lo mismo.
Pues al menos no digas a nadie tu proyecto; guárdalo en secreto, que yo haré lo mismo.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 20 focus
Ismene
Hoc saltem inceptum nemini indicaveris, sed clam omnes habe,
itidemque ego celabo.
Hoc saltem inceptum nemini indicaveris, sed clam omnes habe,
itidemque ego celabo.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 20 focus
ISM
Ah! yet divulge thine enterprise to none,
But keep the secret close, and so will I.
85
Ah! yet divulge thine enterprise to none,
But keep the secret close, and so will I.
85
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1 focus
Ismene, traute Schwester, vielgeliebtes Haupt,
1
1
Weißt du von einem Leide, das vom Vater her
Zeus nicht an uns vollendet, die wir leben noch?
Denn keinen Jammer gibt es, nichts Entsezliches,
Nichts Arges, nichts Schmachvolles, das ich nicht bereits
5
In deiner Noth gesehen und in meiner Noth.
Und welche Botschaft, heißt es, ließ jezt eben erst
Der Herrscher wieder allem Volk verkündigen?
Weißt du's, vernahmst du's, oder blieb dir unbekannt,
Daß unsern Lieben Böses naht von Feindesmacht?
10
Ismene, traute Schwester, vielgeliebtes Haupt,
1
1
Weißt du von einem Leide, das vom Vater her
Zeus nicht an uns vollendet, die wir leben noch?
Denn keinen Jammer gibt es, nichts Entsezliches,
Nichts Arges, nichts Schmachvolles, das ich nicht bereits
5
In deiner Noth gesehen und in meiner Noth.
Und welche Botschaft, heißt es, ließ jezt eben erst
Der Herrscher wieder allem Volk verkündigen?
Weißt du's, vernahmst du's, oder blieb dir unbekannt,
Daß unsern Lieben Böses naht von Feindesmacht?
10
Ismene.
Zu mir gelangte keine Kund', Antigone,
Von unsern Lieben, frohe nicht noch traurige,
Seitdem das Paar der Brüder uns entrissen ward,
Die Eines Tages fielen durch zwiefachen Mord.
Und seit in dieser jüngsten Nacht sich Argos' Heer
15
Zur Flucht gewendet, wurde mir nichts weiter kund,
Nicht, ob mir mehr des Glückes, ob des Leides ward.
Zu mir gelangte keine Kund', Antigone,
Von unsern Lieben, frohe nicht noch traurige,
Seitdem das Paar der Brüder uns entrissen ward,
Die Eines Tages fielen durch zwiefachen Mord.
Und seit in dieser jüngsten Nacht sich Argos' Heer
15
Zur Flucht gewendet, wurde mir nichts weiter kund,
Nicht, ob mir mehr des Glückes, ob des Leides ward.
Antigone.
Wohl wußt' ich das, und führte deßhalb dich heraus
Zum Thor des Hofes, dir allein es kundzuthun.
Wohl wußt' ich das, und führte deßhalb dich heraus
Zum Thor des Hofes, dir allein es kundzuthun.
Ismene.
Was hast du? Sichtbar wogt in dir ein schweres Wort.
20
Was hast du? Sichtbar wogt in dir ein schweres Wort.
20
Antigone.
Hat Kreon nicht dem Einen Bruder nur gegönnt
Des Grabes Ehre, jenem sie schmachvoll versagt?
Den Eteokles hat er, wie man sagt, gerecht
Gerechter Ordnung huldigend, in der Erde Schooß
Geborgen, daß ihm Ehre sei im Todtenreich;
2
25
Doch Polyneikes' jammervoll entseelten Leib
Verbot er, heißt es, allem Volk durch lauten Ruf
Im Grab zu bergen und um ihn zu klagen; nein,
Daliegen soll er unbeweint, grablos, ein Mahl
Den Vögeln, die zum süßen Raube niederschau'n.
30
Und solches, sagt man, ließ der edle Kreon dir
Und mir, ich sage mir sogar, verkündigen;
Er komme selbst, es deutlich Allen kundzuthun,
Die nicht davon vernommen, und er achte nicht
Für Nichts die Sache; sondern wer deß Eines thut,
35
Den trifft an offner Stätte Tod durch Steinigung.
So ward's von ihm beschlossen, und du zeigst sofort,
Ob edel, ob unedel du von Edlen stammst.
Hat Kreon nicht dem Einen Bruder nur gegönnt
Des Grabes Ehre, jenem sie schmachvoll versagt?
Den Eteokles hat er, wie man sagt, gerecht
Gerechter Ordnung huldigend, in der Erde Schooß
Geborgen, daß ihm Ehre sei im Todtenreich;
2
25
Doch Polyneikes' jammervoll entseelten Leib
Verbot er, heißt es, allem Volk durch lauten Ruf
Im Grab zu bergen und um ihn zu klagen; nein,
Daliegen soll er unbeweint, grablos, ein Mahl
Den Vögeln, die zum süßen Raube niederschau'n.
30
Und solches, sagt man, ließ der edle Kreon dir
Und mir, ich sage mir sogar, verkündigen;
Er komme selbst, es deutlich Allen kundzuthun,
Die nicht davon vernommen, und er achte nicht
Für Nichts die Sache; sondern wer deß Eines thut,
35
Den trifft an offner Stätte Tod durch Steinigung.
So ward's von ihm beschlossen, und du zeigst sofort,
Ob edel, ob unedel du von Edlen stammst.
Ismene.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 20 focus
Ismene
Thou hast a heart
Too daring, and ill-suited to thy fate.
Thou hast a heart
Too daring, and ill-suited to thy fate.
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 20 focus
ISMENA
Pero al menos no descubras á nadie tus proyectos; ocúltalos con la mayor reserva... por mi parte, encerrado quedará en mi pecho.
Pero al menos no descubras á nadie tus proyectos; ocúltalos con la mayor reserva... por mi parte, encerrado quedará en mi pecho.
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 20 focus
ISMENE
Meinwegen. Lafs die That nur niemand hören!
Halt dich jezt still! So kann ich mit dabei seyn.
Meinwegen. Lafs die That nur niemand hören!
Halt dich jezt still! So kann ich mit dabei seyn.
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 20 focus
Ismene
At least, then, disclose this plan to none, but hide it closely,—and so, too, will I.
At least, then, disclose this plan to none, but hide it closely,—and so, too, will I.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 20 focus
Messenger
I know not: neither stroke of axe was there,
Nor with a spade the mold cast up; the ground
Was firm, the soil unbroken, nor impress'd
250
With track of wheels; but he, who did the deed,
Left not a mark behind. When the first watch
Of morning show'd us this, in wild amaze
We stood aghast; for, though no tomb was raised,
The body disappear'd; but the light dust
255
Thrown o'er it show'd the hasty work of one
Who fear'd profanely to neglect the dead;
For not the trace of savage beast, or dog,
Who gorged with prey had cover'd it, was seen.
Harsh words with mutual clamour now rose high,
Guard charging guard; we almost came to blows,
260
With none to mediate peace; for each to each
Seem'd to have done the deed, yet proof appear'd
'Gainst none: "I know not" was the voice of all.
The mass of burning iron in our hands
We all were prompt to take, to pass through fire,
265
To call the gods to witness with firm oath
We did it not, we knew not who design'd,
Or who perform'd the deed. Inquiry now
Was found of no avail, when one proposed
What made us all bend to the earth our heads
Through fear, (and nought against it could we speak,
270
Nor knew we how to guide our conduct right)
That this bold deed to thee should be disclosed,
And not conceal'd. This purpose was approved.;
And me, unhappy me, the lot calls forth
To earn this meed. To me no pleasure this;
275
No pleasure, well I know, to you I bring.
Unwelcome he, who evil tidings bears.
I know not: neither stroke of axe was there,
Nor with a spade the mold cast up; the ground
Was firm, the soil unbroken, nor impress'd
250
With track of wheels; but he, who did the deed,
Left not a mark behind. When the first watch
Of morning show'd us this, in wild amaze
We stood aghast; for, though no tomb was raised,
The body disappear'd; but the light dust
255
Thrown o'er it show'd the hasty work of one
Who fear'd profanely to neglect the dead;
For not the trace of savage beast, or dog,
Who gorged with prey had cover'd it, was seen.
Harsh words with mutual clamour now rose high,
Guard charging guard; we almost came to blows,
260
With none to mediate peace; for each to each
Seem'd to have done the deed, yet proof appear'd
'Gainst none: "I know not" was the voice of all.
The mass of burning iron in our hands
We all were prompt to take, to pass through fire,
265
To call the gods to witness with firm oath
We did it not, we knew not who design'd,
Or who perform'd the deed. Inquiry now
Was found of no avail, when one proposed
What made us all bend to the earth our heads
Through fear, (and nought against it could we speak,
270
Nor knew we how to guide our conduct right)
That this bold deed to thee should be disclosed,
And not conceal'd. This purpose was approved.;
And me, unhappy me, the lot calls forth
To earn this meed. To me no pleasure this;
275
No pleasure, well I know, to you I bring.
Unwelcome he, who evil tidings bears.
English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb2, 1904)) — 1-98 focus
1
39
69
Antigone
Ismene, my sister, true child of my own mother, do you know any evil out of all the evils bequeathed by Oedipus that Zeus will not fulfil for the two of us in our lifetime? There is nothing—no pain, no ruin,
1
no shame, nor dishonor—that I have not seen in your sufferings and mine. And now what is this new edict that they say the general has just decreed to all the city? Do you know anything? Have you heard? Or does it escape you that
5
evils from our enemies are on the march against our friends?
10
Ismene, my sister, true child of my own mother, do you know any evil out of all the evils bequeathed by Oedipus that Zeus will not fulfil for the two of us in our lifetime? There is nothing—no pain, no ruin,
1
no shame, nor dishonor—that I have not seen in your sufferings and mine. And now what is this new edict that they say the general has just decreed to all the city? Do you know anything? Have you heard? Or does it escape you that
5
evils from our enemies are on the march against our friends?
10
Ismene
To me no word of our friends, Antigone, either bringing joy or bringing pain has come since we two were robbed of our two brothers who died in one day by a double blow.
And since the
Argive
army has fled during this night, I have learned nothing further, whether better fortune is mine, or further ruin.
15
To me no word of our friends, Antigone, either bringing joy or bringing pain has come since we two were robbed of our two brothers who died in one day by a double blow.
And since the
Argive
army has fled during this night, I have learned nothing further, whether better fortune is mine, or further ruin.
15
Antigone
I knew it well, so I was trying to bring you outside the courtyard gates to this end, that you alone might hear.
I knew it well, so I was trying to bring you outside the courtyard gates to this end, that you alone might hear.
Ismene
Hear what? It is clear that you are brooding on some dark news.
20
Hear what? It is clear that you are brooding on some dark news.
20
Antigone
Why not? Has not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honored burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he has laid in the earth
for his honor among the dead below. As for the poor corpse of Polyneices, however, they say that an edict has been published to the townsmen that no one shall bury him or mourn him, but instead leave him unwept, unentombed, for the birds a pleasing store
25
as they look to satisfy their hunger. Such, it is said, is the edict that the good Creon has laid down for you and for me—yes, for me—and it is said that he is coming here to proclaim it for the certain knowledge of those who do not already know. They say that he does not conduct this business lightly,
30
but whoever performs any of these rites, for him the fate appointed is death by public stoning among the entire city. This is how things stand for you, and so you will soon show your nature, whether you are noble-minded, or the corrupt daughter of a noble line.
35
39
Why not? Has not Creon destined our brothers, the one to honored burial, the other to unburied shame? Eteocles, they say, with due observance of right and custom, he has laid in the earth
for his honor among the dead below. As for the poor corpse of Polyneices, however, they say that an edict has been published to the townsmen that no one shall bury him or mourn him, but instead leave him unwept, unentombed, for the birds a pleasing store
25
as they look to satisfy their hunger. Such, it is said, is the edict that the good Creon has laid down for you and for me—yes, for me—and it is said that he is coming here to proclaim it for the certain knowledge of those who do not already know. They say that he does not conduct this business lightly,
30
but whoever performs any of these rites, for him the fate appointed is death by public stoning among the entire city. This is how things stand for you, and so you will soon show your nature, whether you are noble-minded, or the corrupt daughter of a noble line.
35
Ismene
Poor sister, if things have come to this, what would I
profit by loosening or tightening this knot?
40
Poor sister, if things have come to this, what would I
profit by loosening or tightening this knot?
40
Antigone
Consider whether you will share the toil and the task.
Consider whether you will share the toil and the task.
Ismene
What are you hazarding? What do you intend?
What are you hazarding? What do you intend?
Antigone
Will you join your hand to mine in order to lift his corpse?
Will you join your hand to mine in order to lift his corpse?
Ismene
You plan to bury him—when it is forbidden to the city?
You plan to bury him—when it is forbidden to the city?
Antigone
Yes, he is my brother, and yours too, even if you wish it otherwise. I will never be convicted of betraying him.
45
Yes, he is my brother, and yours too, even if you wish it otherwise. I will never be convicted of betraying him.
45
Ismene
Hard girl! Even when Creon has forbidden it?
Hard girl! Even when Creon has forbidden it?
Antigone
No, he has no right to keep me from my own.
No, he has no right to keep me from my own.
Ismene
Ah, no! Think, sister, how our father
perished in hatred and infamy, when, because of the crimes that he himself detected, he smashed both his eyes with self-blinding hand; then his mother-wife, two names in one, with a twisted noose destroyed her life;
50
lastly, our two brothers in a single day, both unhappy murderers of their own flesh and blood, worked with mutual hands their common doom. And now we, in turn—we two who have been left all alone—consider how much more miserably we will be destroyed, if in defiance of the law
55
we transgress against an autocrat’s decree or his powers. No, we must remember, first, that ours is a woman’s nature, and accordingly not suited to battles against men; and next, that we are ruled by the more powerful, so that we must obey in these things and in things even more stinging.
60
I, therefore, will ask those below for pardon, since I am forced to this, and will obey those who have come to authority. It is foolish to do what is fruitless.
65
69
Ah, no! Think, sister, how our father
perished in hatred and infamy, when, because of the crimes that he himself detected, he smashed both his eyes with self-blinding hand; then his mother-wife, two names in one, with a twisted noose destroyed her life;
50
lastly, our two brothers in a single day, both unhappy murderers of their own flesh and blood, worked with mutual hands their common doom. And now we, in turn—we two who have been left all alone—consider how much more miserably we will be destroyed, if in defiance of the law
55
we transgress against an autocrat’s decree or his powers. No, we must remember, first, that ours is a woman’s nature, and accordingly not suited to battles against men; and next, that we are ruled by the more powerful, so that we must obey in these things and in things even more stinging.
60
I, therefore, will ask those below for pardon, since I am forced to this, and will obey those who have come to authority. It is foolish to do what is fruitless.
65
Antigone
I would not encourage you—no, nor, even if you were willing later,
would I welcome you as my partner in this action. No, be the sort that pleases you. I will bury him—it would honor me to die while doing that. I shall rest with him, loved one with loved one, a pious criminal. For the time is greater
70
that I must serve the dead than the living, since in that world I will rest forever. But if you so choose, continue to dishonor what the gods in honor have established.
75
I would not encourage you—no, nor, even if you were willing later,
would I welcome you as my partner in this action. No, be the sort that pleases you. I will bury him—it would honor me to die while doing that. I shall rest with him, loved one with loved one, a pious criminal. For the time is greater
70
that I must serve the dead than the living, since in that world I will rest forever. But if you so choose, continue to dishonor what the gods in honor have established.
75
Ismene
I do them no dishonor. But to act in violation of the citizens’ will—of that I am by nature incapable.
I do them no dishonor. But to act in violation of the citizens’ will—of that I am by nature incapable.
Antigone
You can make that your pretext! Regardless, I will go now to heap a tomb over the brother I love.
80
You can make that your pretext! Regardless, I will go now to heap a tomb over the brother I love.
80
Ismene
Oh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!
Oh no, unhappy sister! I fear for you!
Antigone
Do not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.
Do not tremble for me. Straighten out your own destiny.
Ismene
Then at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.
Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so, too, will I.
85
Then at least disclose the deed to no one before you do it.
Conceal it, instead, in secrecy—and so, too, will I.
85
Antigone
Go on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you fail to proclaim these things to everyone.
Go on! Denounce it! You will be far more hated for your silence, if you fail to proclaim these things to everyone.
Ismene
You have a hot heart for chilling deeds.
You have a hot heart for chilling deeds.
Antigone
I know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.
I know that I please those whom I am most bound to please.
Ismene
Yes, if you will also have the power. But you crave the impossible.
90
Yes, if you will also have the power. But you crave the impossible.
90
Antigone
Why then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.
Why then, when my strength fails, I will have finished.
Ismene
An impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.
An impossible hunt should not be tried in the first place.
Antigone
If you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to punishment as the enemy of the dead.
But leave me and the foolish plan I have authored to suffer this terrible thing, for I will not suffer anything so terrible that my death will lack honor.
95
If you mean that, you will have my hatred, and you will be subject to punishment as the enemy of the dead.
But leave me and the foolish plan I have authored to suffer this terrible thing, for I will not suffer anything so terrible that my death will lack honor.
95
Ismene
Go, then, if you so decide. And of this be sure: though your path is foolish, to your loved ones your love is straight and true.
Exit Antigone on the spectators’ left. Ismene exits into the palace.
Go, then, if you so decide. And of this be sure: though your path is foolish, to your loved ones your love is straight and true.
Exit Antigone on the spectators’ left. Ismene exits into the palace.
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
20. mvp-comment-15-1 δηλοῖς γάρ τι καλχαίνουσ᾽ ἔπος It is plain that your thoughts are darkening with some troublous word.
20. mvp-comment-15-2 καλχαίνω is formed on a fancied analogy to πορφύρω, as this is used in Homer of the agitation of the sea, and, metaphorically, of the mind. According to others the first notion of καλχαίνω is to stir from the depths, as in dredging for the murex (κάλχη).