ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
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)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (A. Colonna, 1978) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Colonna, 1978)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (A. Dain, 1955) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. Dain, 1955)) — 47.mvp-line-47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. D. Dawe, 1979)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (G. Hermann, 1830) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (G. Hermann, 1830)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (R. C. Jebb, 1906)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος ;
Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (A. C. Pearson, 1924)) — 47.mvp-line-47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (K. Reinhardt, 1949)) — 47 focus
ὦ σχετλία, Κρέοντος ἀντειρηκότος;
Translations (11)
German (A. Boeckh, 1884) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (A. Boeckh, 1884)) — 47 focus
WÄCHTER
So sag' ich dir's denn: eben hat den Todten wer
bestattet und sich dann entfernt, als trocknen Staub
er aufgestreut dem Körper nebst den andern Weihn.
So sag' ich dir's denn: eben hat den Todten wer
bestattet und sich dann entfernt, als trocknen Staub
er aufgestreut dem Körper nebst den andern Weihn.
Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (J. A. Bolufer, 1921)) — 47 focus
El Centinela
No sé. Allí no se ven señales de golpes de azada, ni de que el suelo haya sido removido con la ligona. La tierra está dura y apretada, sin carriles de que haya pasado ningún carro. Quien lo haya hecho, no ha dejado huella. Cuando el primer
vigia
vigía de la ma- ñana nos ha dado la noticia, triste asombro se apoderó de todos. El cadáver no se
veia
veía; pero no estaba sepultado, sino cubierto de ligero polvo, como para evitar el sacrilegio. Ni señales de fiera ni de perro que viniese y lo hubiese destrozado se
veian
veían tampoco. Palabras maliciosas susurran entonces por los
oidos
oídos de todos; un centinela acusaba a otro, y aquello hubiera acabado en lucha, sin que hubiera nadie que lo impidiese. Cada uno creía que era el otro el que lo había hecho, y nadie confesaba, sino que todos negaban. Estábamos ya dispuestos a [la prueba de] tomar el hierro candente en las manos y pasar por el fuego y jurar por los dioses que ni lo habíamos hecho ni nos
habiamos
habíamos confabulado con quien lo hubiese proyectado ni con el que lo
habia
había hecho. Por fin, cuando nada nos quedaba ya por examinar, habló uno que a todos nos hizo inclinar la cara al suelo de miedo, porque no
podiamos
podíamos ni contradecirle ni proponerle cómo lo
hariamos
haríamos para salir bien.
Fué
Fue su proposición que se te debía comunicar el hecho y no ocultártelo; ella venció, y a mí, como más desgraciado, tocó la suerte para encargarme de esta hermosa comisión.
Aqui
Aquí me tienes contra mi voluntad y contra la tuya, lo sé; pues nadie estima al portador de malas noticias.
No sé. Allí no se ven señales de golpes de azada, ni de que el suelo haya sido removido con la ligona. La tierra está dura y apretada, sin carriles de que haya pasado ningún carro. Quien lo haya hecho, no ha dejado huella. Cuando el primer
vigia
vigía de la ma- ñana nos ha dado la noticia, triste asombro se apoderó de todos. El cadáver no se
veia
veía; pero no estaba sepultado, sino cubierto de ligero polvo, como para evitar el sacrilegio. Ni señales de fiera ni de perro que viniese y lo hubiese destrozado se
veian
veían tampoco. Palabras maliciosas susurran entonces por los
oidos
oídos de todos; un centinela acusaba a otro, y aquello hubiera acabado en lucha, sin que hubiera nadie que lo impidiese. Cada uno creía que era el otro el que lo había hecho, y nadie confesaba, sino que todos negaban. Estábamos ya dispuestos a [la prueba de] tomar el hierro candente en las manos y pasar por el fuego y jurar por los dioses que ni lo habíamos hecho ni nos
habiamos
habíamos confabulado con quien lo hubiese proyectado ni con el que lo
habia
había hecho. Por fin, cuando nada nos quedaba ya por examinar, habló uno que a todos nos hizo inclinar la cara al suelo de miedo, porque no
podiamos
podíamos ni contradecirle ni proponerle cómo lo
hariamos
haríamos para salir bien.
Fué
Fue su proposición que se te debía comunicar el hecho y no ocultártelo; ella venció, y a mí, como más desgraciado, tocó la suerte para encargarme de esta hermosa comisión.
Aqui
Aquí me tienes contra mi voluntad y contra la tuya, lo sé; pues nadie estima al portador de malas noticias.
Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806) (OCR draft) Experimental (Latin (F. H. Bothe, 1806)) — 47 focus
Custos
Nescio:
ibi enim neque ligone quid erat caesum, neque bidente effossum, sed et dura terra, etinfracta, nec plaustri sulcata rotis, ita ut nullo signo facti auctor cognosci posset.
Ubi vero nobis rem ostendit primus diurnus speculator, omnibus triste miraculum visum est:
ille enim non conspiciebatur, nec tamen tumulo conditus erat, sed tenuis superiniectus erat pulvis, ut ab aliquo piaculum fugiente:
signa vero neque ferae, neque canis cuiusquam adparebant, qui venisset et cadaver lacerasset.
Tum acerba dicta inter nos vigiles iactari coeperunt, alio alium arguente;
et res tandem ad verbera venisset:
nemo enim erat qui rixam componeret;
quippe unusquisque aliis videbatur facinoris auctor, nec tamen quisquam manifestus erat: sed omnes scire se negabant.
Parati quoque eramus candens ferrum manibus: tollere, perque flammas transire, et deos adiurare, nos neque fecisse, neque cuiquam esse conscios qui facinus vel meditatus fuerit, vel patraverit.
Denique quum scrutando nihil proficeremus, fari infit unus nostrum, cuius ad sermonem metu perculiad solum omnes capita demisimus:
neque enim poteramus contradicere, neque aliud quid excogitare, quod facto nobis usus esset.
Dixit autem ille, rem omnem ad te referendam, nec celandam esse.
Atque haec vicit sententia, sortesque hoc commodi accipere me infelicem damnarunt.
Adsum igitur invitus apud invitos, scio.
Diligit enimi nemo malae rei nuntium.
Nescio:
ibi enim neque ligone quid erat caesum, neque bidente effossum, sed et dura terra, etinfracta, nec plaustri sulcata rotis, ita ut nullo signo facti auctor cognosci posset.
Ubi vero nobis rem ostendit primus diurnus speculator, omnibus triste miraculum visum est:
ille enim non conspiciebatur, nec tamen tumulo conditus erat, sed tenuis superiniectus erat pulvis, ut ab aliquo piaculum fugiente:
signa vero neque ferae, neque canis cuiusquam adparebant, qui venisset et cadaver lacerasset.
Tum acerba dicta inter nos vigiles iactari coeperunt, alio alium arguente;
et res tandem ad verbera venisset:
nemo enim erat qui rixam componeret;
quippe unusquisque aliis videbatur facinoris auctor, nec tamen quisquam manifestus erat: sed omnes scire se negabant.
Parati quoque eramus candens ferrum manibus: tollere, perque flammas transire, et deos adiurare, nos neque fecisse, neque cuiquam esse conscios qui facinus vel meditatus fuerit, vel patraverit.
Denique quum scrutando nihil proficeremus, fari infit unus nostrum, cuius ad sermonem metu perculiad solum omnes capita demisimus:
neque enim poteramus contradicere, neque aliud quid excogitare, quod facto nobis usus esset.
Dixit autem ille, rem omnem ad te referendam, nec celandam esse.
Atque haec vicit sententia, sortesque hoc commodi accipere me infelicem damnarunt.
Adsum igitur invitus apud invitos, scio.
Diligit enimi nemo malae rei nuntium.
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 47 focus
WATCH
I cannot tell. There was no mark to show—
No dint of spade, or mattock-loosened sod,—
Only the hard bare ground, untilled and trackless.
250
Whoe’er he was, the doer left no trace.
And, when the scout of our first daylight watch
Showed us the thing, we marvelled in dismay.
The Prince was out of sight; not in a grave,
But a thin dust was o’er him, as if thrown
255
By one who shunned the dead man’s curse. No sign
Appeared of any hound or beast o’ the field
Having come near, or pulled at the dead body.
Then rose high words among us sentinels
With bickering noise accusing each his mate,
And it seemed like to come to blows, with none
260
To hinder. For the hand that thus had wrought
Was any of ours, and none; the guilty man
Escaped all knowledge. And we were prepared
To lift hot iron with our bare palms; to walk
Through fire, and swear by all the Gods at once
265
That we were guiltless, ay, and ignorant
Of who had plotted or performed this thing.
When further search seemed bootless, at the last
One spake, whose words bowed all our heads to the earth
With fear. We knew not what to answer him,
Nor how to do it and prosper. He advised
270
So grave a matter must not be concealed,
But instantly reported to the King.
Well, this prevailed, and the lot fell on me,
Unlucky man! to be the ministrant
Of this fair service. So I am present here,
275
Against my will and yours, I am sure of that.
None love the bringer of unwelcome news.
I cannot tell. There was no mark to show—
No dint of spade, or mattock-loosened sod,—
Only the hard bare ground, untilled and trackless.
250
Whoe’er he was, the doer left no trace.
And, when the scout of our first daylight watch
Showed us the thing, we marvelled in dismay.
The Prince was out of sight; not in a grave,
But a thin dust was o’er him, as if thrown
255
By one who shunned the dead man’s curse. No sign
Appeared of any hound or beast o’ the field
Having come near, or pulled at the dead body.
Then rose high words among us sentinels
With bickering noise accusing each his mate,
And it seemed like to come to blows, with none
260
To hinder. For the hand that thus had wrought
Was any of ours, and none; the guilty man
Escaped all knowledge. And we were prepared
To lift hot iron with our bare palms; to walk
Through fire, and swear by all the Gods at once
265
That we were guiltless, ay, and ignorant
Of who had plotted or performed this thing.
When further search seemed bootless, at the last
One spake, whose words bowed all our heads to the earth
With fear. We knew not what to answer him,
Nor how to do it and prosper. He advised
270
So grave a matter must not be concealed,
But instantly reported to the King.
Well, this prevailed, and the lot fell on me,
Unlucky man! to be the ministrant
Of this fair service. So I am present here,
275
Against my will and yours, I am sure of that.
None love the bringer of unwelcome news.
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 39 focus
Was kann ich, wenn dies also steht, Unselige,
1
Hier, lösend oder bindend, uns zum Frommen thun?
40
Was kann ich, wenn dies also steht, Unselige,
1
Hier, lösend oder bindend, uns zum Frommen thun?
40
Antigone.
Sieh, ob du helfen, ob die Mühe theilen wirst
Sieh, ob du helfen, ob die Mühe theilen wirst
Ismene.
Bei welchem Unterfangen? Wo geräthst du hin?
Bei welchem Unterfangen? Wo geräthst du hin?
Antigone.
Ob du den Todten, mir gesellt, aufnehmen willst!
Ob du den Todten, mir gesellt, aufnehmen willst!
Ismene.
Ihn denn bestatten willst du, dem Verbot zum Troz?
Ihn denn bestatten willst du, dem Verbot zum Troz?
Antigone.
Ja, meinen Bruder und den deinen, wenn auch du
45
Nicht willst; denn niemals soll man mich Verrathes zeih'n!
2
Ja, meinen Bruder und den deinen, wenn auch du
45
Nicht willst; denn niemals soll man mich Verrathes zeih'n!
2
Ismene.
Tollkühne, während Kreon's Wort es dir verwehrt?
Tollkühne, während Kreon's Wort es dir verwehrt?
Antigone.
Fern halten darf mich dieser nie von meiner Pflicht.
Fern halten darf mich dieser nie von meiner Pflicht.
Ismene.
Weh mir! Bedenk', o Schwester, wie der Vater uns,
Mit Haß und Hohn belastet, ruhmlos unterging,
50
Nachdem er selbst um Gräuel, die er selbst enthüllt,
Der Augen Sterne sich zerriß mit eigner Hand;
Wie dann die Mutter, Mutter ihm und Weib zugleich,
Schmachvoll mit frevlem Strange sich das Leben nahm;
Zum dritten, wie die Brüder beid' an Einem Tag
55
Im Wechselmord sich ein gemeinsam Todesloos,
Die Armen, schufen, Einer durch des Andern Hand!
Wir sind allein jezt übrig; du bedenke denn,
Wie schmählich wir verdürben, wenn wir wider Necht
Der Herrscher Ausspruch und Gewalt mißachteten.
60
Wohl mußt du doch erwägen, daß wir Frauen sind,
Und nicht geschaffen, Männern kühn im Kampf zu steh'n,
Dann aber, daß wir, weil beherrscht von Stärkeren,
Hier folgen müssen und sogar in Härterem.
Drum will ich jene, die der Erde Schooß verbirgt,
3
65
Anfleh'n um Nachsicht, weil Gewalt mich bindet hier,
Und ihm gehorchen, dem die Macht geworden ist;
Denn Unverstand ist's, über seine Kraft zu thun.
Weh mir! Bedenk', o Schwester, wie der Vater uns,
Mit Haß und Hohn belastet, ruhmlos unterging,
50
Nachdem er selbst um Gräuel, die er selbst enthüllt,
Der Augen Sterne sich zerriß mit eigner Hand;
Wie dann die Mutter, Mutter ihm und Weib zugleich,
Schmachvoll mit frevlem Strange sich das Leben nahm;
Zum dritten, wie die Brüder beid' an Einem Tag
55
Im Wechselmord sich ein gemeinsam Todesloos,
Die Armen, schufen, Einer durch des Andern Hand!
Wir sind allein jezt übrig; du bedenke denn,
Wie schmählich wir verdürben, wenn wir wider Necht
Der Herrscher Ausspruch und Gewalt mißachteten.
60
Wohl mußt du doch erwägen, daß wir Frauen sind,
Und nicht geschaffen, Männern kühn im Kampf zu steh'n,
Dann aber, daß wir, weil beherrscht von Stärkeren,
Hier folgen müssen und sogar in Härterem.
Drum will ich jene, die der Erde Schooß verbirgt,
3
65
Anfleh'n um Nachsicht, weil Gewalt mich bindet hier,
Und ihm gehorchen, dem die Macht geworden ist;
Denn Unverstand ist's, über seine Kraft zu thun.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 47 focus
Creon
Be silent, ere my rage,
280
Thou rash old man, pronounce thee fool and dotard ;
Horrid suggestion ! Think'st thou, then, the gods \
Take care of men like these? Would they preserve
Or honour him who came to burn their altars,
Profane their rites, and trample on their laws ?
285
Will they reward the bad? it cannot be.
But well I know the murmuring citizens
Brooked not our mandate, shook their heads in
secret.
290
And, ill-affected to me, would not stoop
Their haughty crests, or bend beneath my yoke.
By hire corrupted, some of these have dared
The venturous deed. ( Gold is the worst of ills ^
That ever plagued mankind :^this wastes our cities,
295
Diives forth their natives to a foreign soil,
Taints the pure heart, and turns the virtuous mind
To basest deeds ) artificer of fraud
Supreme, and source of every wickedness. ^
300
The wretch corrupted for this hateful purpose
Must one day suffer ; foi-, observe me well.
As I revere that power by whom I swear,
Almighty Jove, if you conceal him from me.
If to my eyes you do not bring the traitor.
Know, death alone shall not suffice to glut
My vengeance ; Uving shall you hang in torments
Till you confess, till you have learned from me
There is a profit not to be desired.
310
And own dishonest gains have ruined more
Than they have saved.
O king ! may I depart,
Be silent, ere my rage,
280
Thou rash old man, pronounce thee fool and dotard ;
Horrid suggestion ! Think'st thou, then, the gods \
Take care of men like these? Would they preserve
Or honour him who came to burn their altars,
Profane their rites, and trample on their laws ?
285
Will they reward the bad? it cannot be.
But well I know the murmuring citizens
Brooked not our mandate, shook their heads in
secret.
290
And, ill-affected to me, would not stoop
Their haughty crests, or bend beneath my yoke.
By hire corrupted, some of these have dared
The venturous deed. ( Gold is the worst of ills ^
That ever plagued mankind :^this wastes our cities,
295
Diives forth their natives to a foreign soil,
Taints the pure heart, and turns the virtuous mind
To basest deeds ) artificer of fraud
Supreme, and source of every wickedness. ^
300
The wretch corrupted for this hateful purpose
Must one day suffer ; foi-, observe me well.
As I revere that power by whom I swear,
Almighty Jove, if you conceal him from me.
If to my eyes you do not bring the traitor.
Know, death alone shall not suffice to glut
My vengeance ; Uving shall you hang in torments
Till you confess, till you have learned from me
There is a profit not to be desired.
310
And own dishonest gains have ruined more
Than they have saved.
O king ! may I depart,
Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889) (OCR draft) Experimental (Spanish (A. G. Garbin, 1889)) — 47 focus
CREONTE
¿Acabarás de hablar al fin, para que te retires cuanto antes de mi vista?
¿Acabarás de hablar al fin, para que te retires cuanto antes de mi vista?
German (F. Hölderlin, 1804) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (F. Hölderlin, 1804)) — 47 focus
DER BOTE
Undenklich. Nirgend war von einem Karst
Ein Schlag; und nicht der Stofs von einerSchaufel,
260
Und dicht das Land; der Boden ungegraben ;
Von Rädern nicht befahren. Zeichenlos war
Der Meister, und wie das der erste Tagesblik
Anzeigte, kams unhold uns all’an, wie ein Wunder.
Nichts feierlichs. Es war kein Grabmal nicht.
265
Nur zarter Staub, wie wenn man das Verbot
Gescheut. Und auch des Wilds Fufstritte nirgend nicht,
Noch eines Hundes, der gekommen und zerrissen.
Und schlimme Worte fuhren durcheinander.
Ein Wächter klagt den andern an; und fast
270
Gekommen wärs zu Streichen. Niemand war,
Der abgewehrt. Denn jeder schien, als hätt’
Für es gethan, doch keiner offenbar,
Und jeder wulfst’ etwas für sich zu sagen.
Wir waren aber bereit, mit Händen glühend Eisen
275
Zu nehmen und durch Feuer zu gehn und bei den Göttern
Zu schwören, dass wir nichts gethan, und dass wir
Von dem nichts wufsten, welcher das Geschehne
Berathschlagt oder ausgeführt. Zulezt,
Als weiter nichts zu forschen war, spricht einer,
280
Der alle dahin brachte, dass das Haupt
Zu Boden ihnen sank, aus Furcht, denn nichts
Dagegen wulsten wir, noch auch, wie wir
Es schön vollbrächten, und es hiefs, man müsse
Die That anzeigen, dir es nicht verbergen.
285
Und dieses siegt’, und mich den Geisterlosen
Erliest das Loos, dass die Gewissenhaftigkeit
Ich hab’ und bin zugegen, wider Willen;
Ich weiss, ich bin es vor Unwilligen,
Denn niemand liebt den Boten schlimmer Worte.
290
Undenklich. Nirgend war von einem Karst
Ein Schlag; und nicht der Stofs von einerSchaufel,
260
Und dicht das Land; der Boden ungegraben ;
Von Rädern nicht befahren. Zeichenlos war
Der Meister, und wie das der erste Tagesblik
Anzeigte, kams unhold uns all’an, wie ein Wunder.
Nichts feierlichs. Es war kein Grabmal nicht.
265
Nur zarter Staub, wie wenn man das Verbot
Gescheut. Und auch des Wilds Fufstritte nirgend nicht,
Noch eines Hundes, der gekommen und zerrissen.
Und schlimme Worte fuhren durcheinander.
Ein Wächter klagt den andern an; und fast
270
Gekommen wärs zu Streichen. Niemand war,
Der abgewehrt. Denn jeder schien, als hätt’
Für es gethan, doch keiner offenbar,
Und jeder wulfst’ etwas für sich zu sagen.
Wir waren aber bereit, mit Händen glühend Eisen
275
Zu nehmen und durch Feuer zu gehn und bei den Göttern
Zu schwören, dass wir nichts gethan, und dass wir
Von dem nichts wufsten, welcher das Geschehne
Berathschlagt oder ausgeführt. Zulezt,
Als weiter nichts zu forschen war, spricht einer,
280
Der alle dahin brachte, dass das Haupt
Zu Boden ihnen sank, aus Furcht, denn nichts
Dagegen wulsten wir, noch auch, wie wir
Es schön vollbrächten, und es hiefs, man müsse
Die That anzeigen, dir es nicht verbergen.
285
Und dieses siegt’, und mich den Geisterlosen
Erliest das Loos, dass die Gewissenhaftigkeit
Ich hab’ und bin zugegen, wider Willen;
Ich weiss, ich bin es vor Unwilligen,
Denn niemand liebt den Boten schlimmer Worte.
290
English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb1, 1904)) — 47 focus
Guard
I know not; no stroke of pickaxe was seen
250
there, no earth thrown up by mattock ; the ground was hard and dry, unbroken, without track of wheels; the doer was one who had left no trace. And when the first day-watchman showed it to us, sore wonder fell on all. The dead man was veiled from us; not shut within a tomb, but lightly strewn with dust, as by the hand of one who shunned a curse. And no sign met the eye as though any beast of prey or any dog had come nigh to him, or torn him. Then evil words flew fast and loud among us, guard
260
accusing guard ; and it would e’en have come to blows at last, nor was there any to hinder. Every man was tye od? the culprit, and no one was convicted, but all disclaimed knowledge of the deed. And we were ready to take red-hot iron in our hands ;—to walk through fire ;—to make oath by the gods that we had not done the deed, —that we were not privy to the planning or the doing, At last, when all our searching was fruitless, one spake, who made us all bend our faces on the earth in
270
fear; for we saw not how we could gainsay him, or escape mischance if we obeyed. His counsel was that this deed must be reported to thee, and not hidden. And this seemed best ; and the lot doomed my hapless self to win this prize. So here I stand,—as unwelcome as unwilling, well I wot; for no man delights in the bearer of bad news.
I know not; no stroke of pickaxe was seen
250
there, no earth thrown up by mattock ; the ground was hard and dry, unbroken, without track of wheels; the doer was one who had left no trace. And when the first day-watchman showed it to us, sore wonder fell on all. The dead man was veiled from us; not shut within a tomb, but lightly strewn with dust, as by the hand of one who shunned a curse. And no sign met the eye as though any beast of prey or any dog had come nigh to him, or torn him. Then evil words flew fast and loud among us, guard
260
accusing guard ; and it would e’en have come to blows at last, nor was there any to hinder. Every man was tye od? the culprit, and no one was convicted, but all disclaimed knowledge of the deed. And we were ready to take red-hot iron in our hands ;—to walk through fire ;—to make oath by the gods that we had not done the deed, —that we were not privy to the planning or the doing, At last, when all our searching was fruitless, one spake, who made us all bend our faces on the earth in
270
fear; for we saw not how we could gainsay him, or escape mischance if we obeyed. His counsel was that this deed must be reported to thee, and not hidden. And this seemed best ; and the lot doomed my hapless self to win this prize. So here I stand,—as unwelcome as unwilling, well I wot; for no man delights in the bearer of bad news.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 47 focus
Chorus
471
This daring spirit from her daring sire
This daring spirit from her daring sire
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))
mvp-comment-35-1 ὦ σχετλία 1
mvp-comment-35-2
σχετλία τόλμης. (
b) ‘Suffering,’=
τλήμων, as
Aesch.
PV 644
(of Io),
Eur.
Hec. 783
. Neither Homer nor Soph. has this use. (2) Of
things, ‘cruel,’ ‘wretched,’—a use common to all the poets: so
Ai. 887
σχέτλια γάρ (‘'tis cruel’),
Tr. 879
.