ἄνδρες πολῖται, δείνʼ ἔπη πεπυσμένος
Oedipus Tyrannus. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
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Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 513-648 focus
Κρέων
ἄνδρες πολῖται, δείνʼ ἔπη πεπυσμένος
κατηγορεῖν μου τὸν τύραννον Οἰδίπουν,
πάρειμʼ ἀτλητῶν. εἰ γὰρ ἐν ταῖς ξυμφοραῖς
515
ταῖς νῦν νομίζει πρός γʼ ἐμοῦ πεπονθέναι
λόγοισιν εἴτʼ ἔργοισιν εἰς βλάβην φέρον,
οὔτοι βίου μοι τοῦ μακραίωνος πόθος,
φέροντι τήνδε βάξιν. οὐ γὰρ εἰς ἁπλοῦν
ἡ ζημία μοι τοῦ λόγου τούτου φέρει,
520
ἀλλʼ ἐς μέγιστον, εἰ κακὸς μὲν ἐν πόλει,
κακὸς δὲ πρὸς σοῦ καὶ φίλων κεκλήσομαι.
ἄνδρες πολῖται, δείνʼ ἔπη πεπυσμένος
κατηγορεῖν μου τὸν τύραννον Οἰδίπουν,
πάρειμʼ ἀτλητῶν. εἰ γὰρ ἐν ταῖς ξυμφοραῖς
515
ταῖς νῦν νομίζει πρός γʼ ἐμοῦ πεπονθέναι
λόγοισιν εἴτʼ ἔργοισιν εἰς βλάβην φέρον,
οὔτοι βίου μοι τοῦ μακραίωνος πόθος,
φέροντι τήνδε βάξιν. οὐ γὰρ εἰς ἁπλοῦν
ἡ ζημία μοι τοῦ λόγου τούτου φέρει,
520
ἀλλʼ ἐς μέγιστον, εἰ κακὸς μὲν ἐν πόλει,
κακὸς δὲ πρὸς σοῦ καὶ φίλων κεκλήσομαι.
Χορός
ἀλλʼ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχʼ ἂν
ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.
ἀλλʼ ἦλθε μὲν δὴ τοῦτο τοὔνειδος τάχʼ ἂν
ὀργῇ βιασθὲν μᾶλλον ἢ γνώμῃ φρενῶν.
Κρέων
τοὔπος δʼ ἐφάνθη, ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι
525
πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;
τοὔπος δʼ ἐφάνθη, ταῖς ἐμαῖς γνώμαις ὅτι
525
πεισθεὶς ὁ μάντις τοὺς λόγους ψευδεῖς λέγοι;
Χορός
ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδʼ, οἶδα δʼ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.
ηὐδᾶτο μὲν τάδʼ, οἶδα δʼ οὐ γνώμῃ τίνι.
Κρέων
ἐξ ὀμμάτων δʼ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς
κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;
ἐξ ὀμμάτων δʼ ὀρθῶν τε κἀξ ὀρθῆς φρενὸς
κατηγορεῖτο τοὐπίκλημα τοῦτό μου;
Χορός
οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσʼ, οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ.
530
αὐτὸς δʼ ὅδʼ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.
οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἃ γὰρ δρῶσʼ, οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ.
530
αὐτὸς δʼ ὅδʼ ἤδη δωμάτων ἔξω περᾷ.
Οἰδίπους
οὗτος σύ, πῶς δεῦρʼ ἦλθες; ἦ τοσόνδʼ ἔχεις
τόλμης πρόσωπον ὥστε τὰς ἐμὰς στέγας
ἵκου, φονεὺς ὢν τοῦδε τἀνδρὸς ἐμφανῶς
λῃστής τʼ ἐναργὴς τῆς ἐμῆς τυραννίδος;
535
φέρʼ εἰπὲ πρὸς θεῶν, δειλίαν ἢ μωρίαν
ἰδών τινʼ ἔν μοι ταῦτʼ ἐβουλεύσω ποεῖν;
ἢ τοὔργον ὡς οὐ γνωριοῖμί σου τόδε
δόλῳ προσέρπον ἢ οὐκ ἀλεξοίμην μαθών;
ἆρʼ οὐχὶ μῶρόν ἐστι τοὐγχείρημά σου,
540
ἄνευ τε πλήθους καὶ φίλων τυραννίδα
θηρᾶν, ὃ πλήθει χρήμασίν θʼ ἁλίσκεται;
543
οὗτος σύ, πῶς δεῦρʼ ἦλθες; ἦ τοσόνδʼ ἔχεις
τόλμης πρόσωπον ὥστε τὰς ἐμὰς στέγας
ἵκου, φονεὺς ὢν τοῦδε τἀνδρὸς ἐμφανῶς
λῃστής τʼ ἐναργὴς τῆς ἐμῆς τυραννίδος;
535
φέρʼ εἰπὲ πρὸς θεῶν, δειλίαν ἢ μωρίαν
ἰδών τινʼ ἔν μοι ταῦτʼ ἐβουλεύσω ποεῖν;
ἢ τοὔργον ὡς οὐ γνωριοῖμί σου τόδε
δόλῳ προσέρπον ἢ οὐκ ἀλεξοίμην μαθών;
ἆρʼ οὐχὶ μῶρόν ἐστι τοὐγχείρημά σου,
540
ἄνευ τε πλήθους καὶ φίλων τυραννίδα
θηρᾶν, ὃ πλήθει χρήμασίν θʼ ἁλίσκεται;
Κρέων
οἶσθʼ ὡς πόησον; ἀντὶ τῶν εἰρημένων
ἴσʼ ἀντάκουσον, κᾆτα κρῖνʼ αὐτὸς μαθών.
οἶσθʼ ὡς πόησον; ἀντὶ τῶν εἰρημένων
ἴσʼ ἀντάκουσον, κᾆτα κρῖνʼ αὐτὸς μαθών.
Οἰδίπους
λέγειν σὺ δεινός, μανθάνειν δʼ ἐγὼ κακὸς
545
σοῦ· δυσμενῆ γὰρ καὶ βαρύν σʼ ηὕρηκʼ ἐμοί.
λέγειν σὺ δεινός, μανθάνειν δʼ ἐγὼ κακὸς
545
σοῦ· δυσμενῆ γὰρ καὶ βαρύν σʼ ηὕρηκʼ ἐμοί.
Κρέων
τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ νῦν μου πρῶτʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἐρῶ.
τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ νῦν μου πρῶτʼ ἄκουσον ὡς ἐρῶ.
Οἰδίπους
τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ μή μοι φράζʼ, ὅπως οὐκ εἶ κακός.
τοῦτʼ αὐτὸ μή μοι φράζʼ, ὅπως οὐκ εἶ κακός.
Κρέων
εἴ τοι νομίζεις κτῆμα τὴν αὐθαδίαν
εἶναί τι τοῦ νοῦ χωρίς, οὐκ ὀρθῶς φρονεῖς.
550
εἴ τοι νομίζεις κτῆμα τὴν αὐθαδίαν
εἶναί τι τοῦ νοῦ χωρίς, οὐκ ὀρθῶς φρονεῖς.
550
Οἰδίπους
εἴ τοι νομίζεις ἄνδρα συγγενῆ κακῶς
δρῶν οὐχ ὑφέξειν τὴν δίκην, οὐκ εὖ φρονεῖς.
εἴ τοι νομίζεις ἄνδρα συγγενῆ κακῶς
δρῶν οὐχ ὑφέξειν τὴν δίκην, οὐκ εὖ φρονεῖς.
Κρέων
ξύμφημί σοι ταῦτʼ ἔνδικʼ εἰρῆσθαι· τὸ δὲ
πάθημʼ ὁποῖον φὴς παθεῖν, δίδασκέ με.
ξύμφημί σοι ταῦτʼ ἔνδικʼ εἰρῆσθαι· τὸ δὲ
πάθημʼ ὁποῖον φὴς παθεῖν, δίδασκέ με.
Οἰδίπους
ἔπειθες ἢ οὐκ ἔπειθες, ὡς χρείη μʼ ἐπὶ
555
τὸν σεμνόμαντιν ἄνδρα πέμψασθαί τινα;
ἔπειθες ἢ οὐκ ἔπειθες, ὡς χρείη μʼ ἐπὶ
555
τὸν σεμνόμαντιν ἄνδρα πέμψασθαί τινα;
Κρέων
καὶ νῦν ἔθʼ αὑτός εἰμι τῷ βουλεύματι.
καὶ νῦν ἔθʼ αὑτός εἰμι τῷ βουλεύματι.
Οἰδίπους
πόσον τινʼ ἤδη δῆθʼ ὁ Λάϊος χρόνον
πόσον τινʼ ἤδη δῆθʼ ὁ Λάϊος χρόνον
Κρέων
δέδρακε ποῖον ἔργον; οὐ γὰρ ἐννοῶ.
δέδρακε ποῖον ἔργον; οὐ γὰρ ἐννοῶ.
Οἰδίπους
ἄφαντος ἔρρει θανασίμῳ χειρώματι;
560
ἄφαντος ἔρρει θανασίμῳ χειρώματι;
560
Κρέων
μακροὶ παλαιοί τʼ ἂν μετρηθεῖεν χρόνοι.
μακροὶ παλαιοί τʼ ἂν μετρηθεῖεν χρόνοι.
Οἰδίπους
τότʼ οὖν ὁ μάντις οὗτος ἦν ἐν τῇ τέχνῃ;
τότʼ οὖν ὁ μάντις οὗτος ἦν ἐν τῇ τέχνῃ;
Κρέων
σοφός γʼ ὁμοίως κἀξ ἴσου τιμώμενος.
σοφός γʼ ὁμοίως κἀξ ἴσου τιμώμενος.
Οἰδίπους
ἐμνήσατʼ οὖν ἐμοῦ τι τῷ τότʼ ἐν χρόνῳ;
ἐμνήσατʼ οὖν ἐμοῦ τι τῷ τότʼ ἐν χρόνῳ;
Κρέων
οὔκουν ἐμοῦ γʼ ἑστῶτος οὐδαμοῦ πέλας.
565
οὔκουν ἐμοῦ γʼ ἑστῶτος οὐδαμοῦ πέλας.
565
Οἰδίπους
ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔρευναν τοῦ κτανόντος ἔσχετε;
ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔρευναν τοῦ κτανόντος ἔσχετε;
Κρέων
παρέσχομεν, πῶς δʼ οὐχί; κοὐκ ἠκούσαμεν.
παρέσχομεν, πῶς δʼ οὐχί; κοὐκ ἠκούσαμεν.
Οἰδίπους
πῶς οὖν τόθʼ οὗτος ὁ σοφὸς οὐκ ηὔδα τάδε;
πῶς οὖν τόθʼ οὗτος ὁ σοφὸς οὐκ ηὔδα τάδε;
Κρέων
οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐφʼ οἷς γὰρ μὴ φρονῶ σιγᾶν φιλῶ.
οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἐφʼ οἷς γὰρ μὴ φρονῶ σιγᾶν φιλῶ.
Οἰδίπους
τοσόνδε γʼ οἶσθα καὶ λέγοις ἂν εὖ φρονῶν.
570
τοσόνδε γʼ οἶσθα καὶ λέγοις ἂν εὖ φρονῶν.
570
Κρέων
ποῖον τόδʼ; εἰ γὰρ οἶδά γʼ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι.
ποῖον τόδʼ; εἰ γὰρ οἶδά γʼ, οὐκ ἀρνήσομαι.
Οἰδίπους
ὁθούνεκʼ, εἰ μὴ σοὶ ξυνῆλθε, τάσδʼ ἐμὰς
οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ εἶπε Λαΐου διαφθοράς.
ὁθούνεκʼ, εἰ μὴ σοὶ ξυνῆλθε, τάσδʼ ἐμὰς
οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ εἶπε Λαΐου διαφθοράς.
Κρέων
εἰ μὲν λέγει τάδʼ, αὐτὸς οἶσθʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ σοῦ
μαθεῖν δικαιῶ ταὔθʼ ἅπερ κἀμοῦ σὺ νῦν.
575
εἰ μὲν λέγει τάδʼ, αὐτὸς οἶσθʼ· ἐγὼ δὲ σοῦ
μαθεῖν δικαιῶ ταὔθʼ ἅπερ κἀμοῦ σὺ νῦν.
575
Οἰδίπους
ἐκμάνθανʼ· οὐ γὰρ δὴ φονεὺς ἁλώσομαι.
ἐκμάνθανʼ· οὐ γὰρ δὴ φονεὺς ἁλώσομαι.
Κρέων
τί δῆτʼ; ἀδελφὴν τὴν ἐμὴν γήμας ἔχεις;
τί δῆτʼ; ἀδελφὴν τὴν ἐμὴν γήμας ἔχεις;
Οἰδίπους
ἄρνησις οὐκ ἔνεστιν ὧν ἀνιστορεῖς.
ἄρνησις οὐκ ἔνεστιν ὧν ἀνιστορεῖς.
Κρέων
ἄρχεις δʼ ἐκείνῃ ταὐτὰ γῆς ἴσον νέμων;
ἄρχεις δʼ ἐκείνῃ ταὐτὰ γῆς ἴσον νέμων;
Οἰδίπους
ἃν ᾖ θέλουσα πάντʼ ἐμοῦ κομίζεται.
580
ἃν ᾖ θέλουσα πάντʼ ἐμοῦ κομίζεται.
580
Κρέων
οὔκουν ἰσοῦμαι σφῷν ἐγὼ δυοῖν τρίτος;
οὔκουν ἰσοῦμαι σφῷν ἐγὼ δυοῖν τρίτος;
Οἰδίπους
ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ καὶ κακὸς φαίνει φίλος.
583
ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ καὶ κακὸς φαίνει φίλος.
Κρέων
οὔκ, εἰ διδοίης γʼ ὡς ἐγὼ σαυτῷ λόγον.
σκέψαι δὲ τοῦτο πρῶτον, εἴ τινʼ ἂν δοκεῖς
ἄρχειν ἑλέσθαι ξὺν φόβοισι μᾶλλον ἢ
585
ἄτρεστον εὕδοντʼ, εἰ τά γʼ αὔθʼ ἕξει κράτη.
ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν οὔτʼ αὐτὸς ἱμείρων ἔφυν
τύραννος εἶναι μᾶλλον ἢ τύραννα δρᾶν,
οὔτʼ ἄλλος ὅστις σωφρονεῖν ἐπίσταται.
νῦν μὲν γὰρ ἐκ σοῦ πάντʼ ἄνευ φόβου φέρω,
590
εἰ δʼ αὐτὸς ἦρχον, πολλὰ κἂν ἄκων ἔδρων.
πῶς δῆτʼ ἐμοὶ τυραννὶς ἡδίων ἔχειν
ἀρχῆς ἀλύπου καὶ δυναστείας ἔφυ;
οὔπω τοσοῦτον ἠπατημένος κυρῶ
ὥστʼ ἄλλα χρῄζειν ἢ τὰ σὺν κέρδει καλά.
595
νῦν πᾶσι χαίρω, νῦν με πᾶς ἀσπάζεται,
νῦν οἱ σέθεν χρῄζοντες ἐκκαλοῦσί με·
τὸ γὰρ τυχεῖν αὐτοῖσι πᾶν ἐνταῦθʼ ἔνι.
πῶς δῆτʼ ἐγὼ κεῖνʼ ἂν λάβοιμʼ ἀφεὶς τάδε;
οὐκ ἂν γένοιτο νοῦς κακὸς καλῶς φρονῶν.
600
ἀλλʼ οὔτʼ ἐραστὴς τῆσδε τῆς γνώμης ἔφυν
οὔτʼ ἂν μετʼ ἄλλου δρῶντος ἂν τλαίην ποτέ.
καὶ τῶνδʼ ἔλεγχον τοῦτο μὲν Πυθώδʼ ἰὼν
πεύθου τὰ χρησθέντʼ εἰ σαφῶς ἤγγειλά σοι·
τοῦτʼ ἄλλʼ, ἐάν με τῷ τερασκόπῳ λάβῃς
605
κοινῇ τι βουλεύσαντα, μή μʼ ἁπλῇ κτάνῃς
ψήφῳ, διπλῇ δέ, τῇ τʼ ἐμῇ καὶ σῇ, λαβών·
γνώμῃ δʼ ἀδήλῳ μή με χωρὶς αἰτιῶ.
οὐ γὰρ δίκαιον οὔτε τοὺς κακοὺς μάτην
χρηστοὺς νομίζειν οὔτε τοὺς χρηστοὺς κακούς.
610
φίλον γὰρ ἐσθλὸν ἐκβαλεῖν ἴσον λέγω
καὶ τὸν παρʼ αὑτῷ βίοτον, ὃν πλεῖστον, φιλεῖ.
ἀλλʼ ἐν χρόνῳ γνώσει τάδʼ ἀσφαλῶς, ἐπεὶ
χρόνος δίκαιον ἄνδρα δείκνυσιν μόνος·
κακὸν δὲ κἂν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ γνοίης μιᾷ.
615
616
οὔκ, εἰ διδοίης γʼ ὡς ἐγὼ σαυτῷ λόγον.
σκέψαι δὲ τοῦτο πρῶτον, εἴ τινʼ ἂν δοκεῖς
ἄρχειν ἑλέσθαι ξὺν φόβοισι μᾶλλον ἢ
585
ἄτρεστον εὕδοντʼ, εἰ τά γʼ αὔθʼ ἕξει κράτη.
ἐγὼ μὲν οὖν οὔτʼ αὐτὸς ἱμείρων ἔφυν
τύραννος εἶναι μᾶλλον ἢ τύραννα δρᾶν,
οὔτʼ ἄλλος ὅστις σωφρονεῖν ἐπίσταται.
νῦν μὲν γὰρ ἐκ σοῦ πάντʼ ἄνευ φόβου φέρω,
590
εἰ δʼ αὐτὸς ἦρχον, πολλὰ κἂν ἄκων ἔδρων.
πῶς δῆτʼ ἐμοὶ τυραννὶς ἡδίων ἔχειν
ἀρχῆς ἀλύπου καὶ δυναστείας ἔφυ;
οὔπω τοσοῦτον ἠπατημένος κυρῶ
ὥστʼ ἄλλα χρῄζειν ἢ τὰ σὺν κέρδει καλά.
595
νῦν πᾶσι χαίρω, νῦν με πᾶς ἀσπάζεται,
νῦν οἱ σέθεν χρῄζοντες ἐκκαλοῦσί με·
τὸ γὰρ τυχεῖν αὐτοῖσι πᾶν ἐνταῦθʼ ἔνι.
πῶς δῆτʼ ἐγὼ κεῖνʼ ἂν λάβοιμʼ ἀφεὶς τάδε;
οὐκ ἂν γένοιτο νοῦς κακὸς καλῶς φρονῶν.
600
ἀλλʼ οὔτʼ ἐραστὴς τῆσδε τῆς γνώμης ἔφυν
οὔτʼ ἂν μετʼ ἄλλου δρῶντος ἂν τλαίην ποτέ.
καὶ τῶνδʼ ἔλεγχον τοῦτο μὲν Πυθώδʼ ἰὼν
πεύθου τὰ χρησθέντʼ εἰ σαφῶς ἤγγειλά σοι·
τοῦτʼ ἄλλʼ, ἐάν με τῷ τερασκόπῳ λάβῃς
605
κοινῇ τι βουλεύσαντα, μή μʼ ἁπλῇ κτάνῃς
ψήφῳ, διπλῇ δέ, τῇ τʼ ἐμῇ καὶ σῇ, λαβών·
γνώμῃ δʼ ἀδήλῳ μή με χωρὶς αἰτιῶ.
οὐ γὰρ δίκαιον οὔτε τοὺς κακοὺς μάτην
χρηστοὺς νομίζειν οὔτε τοὺς χρηστοὺς κακούς.
610
φίλον γὰρ ἐσθλὸν ἐκβαλεῖν ἴσον λέγω
καὶ τὸν παρʼ αὑτῷ βίοτον, ὃν πλεῖστον, φιλεῖ.
ἀλλʼ ἐν χρόνῳ γνώσει τάδʼ ἀσφαλῶς, ἐπεὶ
χρόνος δίκαιον ἄνδρα δείκνυσιν μόνος·
κακὸν δὲ κἂν ἐν ἡμέρᾳ γνοίης μιᾷ.
615
Χορός
καλῶς ἔλεξεν εὐλαβουμένῳ πεσεῖν,
ἄναξ· φρονεῖν γὰρ οἱ ταχεῖς οὐκ ἀσφαλεῖς.
καλῶς ἔλεξεν εὐλαβουμένῳ πεσεῖν,
ἄναξ· φρονεῖν γὰρ οἱ ταχεῖς οὐκ ἀσφαλεῖς.
Οἰδίπους
ὅταν ταχύς τις οὑπιβουλεύων λάθρᾳ
χωρῇ, ταχὺν δεῖ κἀμὲ βουλεύειν πάλιν·
εἰ δʼ ἡσυχάζων προσμενῶ, τὰ τοῦδε μὲν
620
πεπραγμένʼ ἔσται, τἀμὰ δʼ ἡμαρτημένα.
ὅταν ταχύς τις οὑπιβουλεύων λάθρᾳ
χωρῇ, ταχὺν δεῖ κἀμὲ βουλεύειν πάλιν·
εἰ δʼ ἡσυχάζων προσμενῶ, τὰ τοῦδε μὲν
620
πεπραγμένʼ ἔσται, τἀμὰ δʼ ἡμαρτημένα.
Κρέων
τί δῆτα χρῄζεις; ἦ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖν;
τί δῆτα χρῄζεις; ἦ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖν;
Οἰδίπους
ἥκιστα· θνῄσκειν, οὐ φυγεῖν σε βούλομαι.
ὡς ἂν προδείξῃς οἷόν ἐστι τὸ φθονεῖν.
ἥκιστα· θνῄσκειν, οὐ φυγεῖν σε βούλομαι.
ὡς ἂν προδείξῃς οἷόν ἐστι τὸ φθονεῖν.
Κρέων
ὡς οὐχ ὑπείξων οὐδὲ πιστεύσων λέγεις;
625
ὡς οὐχ ὑπείξων οὐδὲ πιστεύσων λέγεις;
625
Οἰδίπους
Κρέων
οὐ γὰρ φρονοῦντά σʼ εὖ βλέπω.
οὐ γὰρ φρονοῦντά σʼ εὖ βλέπω.
Οἰδίπους
τὸ γοῦν ἐμόν.
τὸ γοῦν ἐμόν.
Κρέων
ἀλλʼ ἐξ ἴσου δεῖ κἀμόν.
ἀλλʼ ἐξ ἴσου δεῖ κἀμόν.
Οἰδίπους
ἀλλʼ ἔφυς κακός.
ἀλλʼ ἔφυς κακός.
Κρέων
εἰ δὲ ξυνίης μηδέν;
εἰ δὲ ξυνίης μηδέν;
Οἰδίπους
ἀρκτέον γʼ ὅμως.
ἀρκτέον γʼ ὅμως.
Κρέων
οὔτοι κακῶς γʼ ἄρχοντος.
οὔτοι κακῶς γʼ ἄρχοντος.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ πόλις πόλις.
ὦ πόλις πόλις.
Κρέων
κἀμοὶ πόλεως μέτεστιν, οὐχί σοι μόνῳ.
630
κἀμοὶ πόλεως μέτεστιν, οὐχί σοι μόνῳ.
630
Χορός
παύσασθʼ, ἄνακτες· καιρίαν δʼ ὑμῖν ὁρῶ
τήνδʼ ἐκ δόμων στείχουσαν Ἰοκάστην, μεθʼ ἧς
τὸ νῦν παρεστὸς νεῖκος εὖ θέσθαι χρεών.
634
παύσασθʼ, ἄνακτες· καιρίαν δʼ ὑμῖν ὁρῶ
τήνδʼ ἐκ δόμων στείχουσαν Ἰοκάστην, μεθʼ ἧς
τὸ νῦν παρεστὸς νεῖκος εὖ θέσθαι χρεών.
Ἰοκάστη
τί τὴν ἄβουλον, ὦ ταλαίπωροι, στάσιν
γλώσσης ἐπήρασθʼ οὐδʼ ἐπαισχύνεσθε γῆς
635
οὕτω νοσούσης ἴδια κινοῦντες κακά;
οὐκ εἶ σύ τʼ οἴκους σύ τε, Κρέων, κατὰ στέγας,
καὶ μὴ τὸ μηδὲν ἄλγος εἰς μέγʼ οἴσετε;
τί τὴν ἄβουλον, ὦ ταλαίπωροι, στάσιν
γλώσσης ἐπήρασθʼ οὐδʼ ἐπαισχύνεσθε γῆς
635
οὕτω νοσούσης ἴδια κινοῦντες κακά;
οὐκ εἶ σύ τʼ οἴκους σύ τε, Κρέων, κατὰ στέγας,
καὶ μὴ τὸ μηδὲν ἄλγος εἰς μέγʼ οἴσετε;
Κρέων
ὅμαιμε, δεινά μʼ Οἰδίπους ὁ σὸς πόσις
δρᾶσαι δικαιοῖ δυοῖν ἀποκρίνας κακοῖν
640
ἢ γῆς ἀπῶσαι πατρίδος ἢ κτεῖναι λαβών.
ὅμαιμε, δεινά μʼ Οἰδίπους ὁ σὸς πόσις
δρᾶσαι δικαιοῖ δυοῖν ἀποκρίνας κακοῖν
640
ἢ γῆς ἀπῶσαι πατρίδος ἢ κτεῖναι λαβών.
Οἰδίπους
ξύμφημι· δρῶντα γάρ νιν, ὦ γύναι, κακῶς
εἴληφα τοὐμὸν σῶμα σὺν τέχνῃ κακῇ.
ξύμφημι· δρῶντα γάρ νιν, ὦ γύναι, κακῶς
εἴληφα τοὐμὸν σῶμα σὺν τέχνῃ κακῇ.
Κρέων
μή νυν ὀναίμην, ἀλλʼ ἀραῖος, εἴ σέ τι
δέδρακʼ, ὀλοίμην, ὧν ἐπαιτιᾷ με δρᾶν.
645
μή νυν ὀναίμην, ἀλλʼ ἀραῖος, εἴ σέ τι
δέδρακʼ, ὀλοίμην, ὧν ἐπαιτιᾷ με δρᾶν.
645
Ἰοκάστη
ὦ πρὸς θεῶν πίστευσον, Οἰδίπους, τάδε,
μάλιστα μὲν τόνδʼ ὅρκον αἰδεσθεὶς θεῶν,
ἔπειτα κἀμὲ τούσδε θʼ οἳ πάρεισί σοι.
ὦ πρὸς θεῶν πίστευσον, Οἰδίπους, τάδε,
μάλιστα μὲν τόνδʼ ὅρκον αἰδεσθεὶς θεῶν,
ἔπειτα κἀμὲ τούσδε θʼ οἳ πάρεισί σοι.
Translations (2)
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 513 focus
Ihr Bürger, weil ich höre, daß mich Dedipus,
Der König, schwerer Thaten angeschuldigt hat,
Erschein' ich hier von Schmerz erfüllt. Denn wenn er glaubt,
Ich habe, was zu Schaden führt, in dieser Noth
Mit Worten oder durch die That ihm angethan:
510
Dann lange fortzuleben, traun, verlang' ich nicht,
Mit solchem Ruf belastet. Einfach wäre nicht
Der Schaden, der aus diesem Leumund mir ersteht,
Nein, unermeßlich, wenn ich schlecht in dieser Stadt,
Und schlecht vor dir und meinen Freunden heißen soll.
515
Ihr Bürger, weil ich höre, daß mich Dedipus,
Der König, schwerer Thaten angeschuldigt hat,
Erschein' ich hier von Schmerz erfüllt. Denn wenn er glaubt,
Ich habe, was zu Schaden führt, in dieser Noth
Mit Worten oder durch die That ihm angethan:
510
Dann lange fortzuleben, traun, verlang' ich nicht,
Mit solchem Ruf belastet. Einfach wäre nicht
Der Schaden, der aus diesem Leumund mir ersteht,
Nein, unermeßlich, wenn ich schlecht in dieser Stadt,
Und schlecht vor dir und meinen Freunden heißen soll.
515
Der Chor.
Doch diese Schmähung wurde mehr vielleicht im Zorn
Gewaltsam ausgestoßen als mit Vorbedacht.
Doch diese Schmähung wurde mehr vielleicht im Zorn
Gewaltsam ausgestoßen als mit Vorbedacht.
Kreon.
Woraus erhellte, daß, verführt durch meinen Rath,
Des Sehers Mund die Lügenworte reden soll?
Woraus erhellte, daß, verführt durch meinen Rath,
Des Sehers Mund die Lügenworte reden soll?
Der Chor.
So ward gesagt; aus welchem Grunde, weiß ich nicht.
520
So ward gesagt; aus welchem Grunde, weiß ich nicht.
520
Kreon.
Mit offnem Blick des Auges und mit offnem Sinn
Ward solcher Vorwurf ausgesprochen wider mich?
Mit offnem Blick des Auges und mit offnem Sinn
Ward solcher Vorwurf ausgesprochen wider mich?
Der Chor.
Ich weiß nicht; was die Herrscher thun, bemerk' ich nicht;
Doch eben tritt er selber aus dem Hause schon.
Oedipus. Die Vorigen.
Ich weiß nicht; was die Herrscher thun, bemerk' ich nicht;
Doch eben tritt er selber aus dem Hause schon.
Oedipus.
Du wagst hieher zu kommen? Hast du solche Stirn
525
Schamloser Frechheit, daß du meiner Schwelle nahst,
Du, der an dieses Mannes Haupt zum Mörder wird,
Und offen sich als Räuber meines Thrones zeigt?
Sprich, bei den Göttern, ob du feigen Sinn an mir,
Ob Aberwiz gewahrtest, daß du dies ersanmst?
530
Nicht ahnen würd' ich, wähntest du, solch tückisches
Vermessen, noch ihm wehren, wenn ich's auch geahnt?
Ist also dein Beginnen nicht ein thörichtes,
Ganz ohne Volk und Freunde nach dem Königthum
Zu jagen, das mit Volk und Gold erobert wird?
535
Du wagst hieher zu kommen? Hast du solche Stirn
525
Schamloser Frechheit, daß du meiner Schwelle nahst,
Du, der an dieses Mannes Haupt zum Mörder wird,
Und offen sich als Räuber meines Thrones zeigt?
Sprich, bei den Göttern, ob du feigen Sinn an mir,
Ob Aberwiz gewahrtest, daß du dies ersanmst?
530
Nicht ahnen würd' ich, wähntest du, solch tückisches
Vermessen, noch ihm wehren, wenn ich's auch geahnt?
Ist also dein Beginnen nicht ein thörichtes,
Ganz ohne Volk und Freunde nach dem Königthum
Zu jagen, das mit Volk und Gold erobert wird?
535
Kreon.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 513-646 focus
Creon
Fellow citizens, having learned that Oedipus the king lays dire charges against me, I have come in indignation.
If he thinks that in the present troubles he has suffered from me, by word or by deed, anything harmful, truly I do not desire my full term of years, when I must bear such blame as this. The wrong of this rumor
515
touches me not in one point alone, but has the largest scope, if I am to be called a traitor in the city, a traitor by you and by my friends.
520
Fellow citizens, having learned that Oedipus the king lays dire charges against me, I have come in indignation.
If he thinks that in the present troubles he has suffered from me, by word or by deed, anything harmful, truly I do not desire my full term of years, when I must bear such blame as this. The wrong of this rumor
515
touches me not in one point alone, but has the largest scope, if I am to be called a traitor in the city, a traitor by you and by my friends.
520
Chorus
But perhaps this taunt came under the stress of anger, rather than from the purpose of his heart.
But perhaps this taunt came under the stress of anger, rather than from the purpose of his heart.
Creon
Was the opinion given that my counsels had brought the seer to utter his falsehoods?
525
Was the opinion given that my counsels had brought the seer to utter his falsehoods?
525
Chorus
Such things were said—I do not know with what meaning.
Such things were said—I do not know with what meaning.
Creon
And was this charge laid against me with steady eyes and steady mind?
And was this charge laid against me with steady eyes and steady mind?
Chorus
I do not know. I see not what my masters do. But here comes our lord from the house.
530
Oedipus enters.
I do not know. I see not what my masters do. But here comes our lord from the house.
530
Oedipus
You, how did you get here? Are you so boldfaced that you have come to my house, you who are manifestly the murderer of its master,
the palpable thief of its crown? Come, tell me, in the name of the gods, was it cowardice or folly which you saw in me and which led you to plot this thing? Did you think that I would not notice this deed of yours creeping upon me by stealth, or that if I became aware of it I would not ward it off?
535
Is your attempt not foolish, to seek the throne without followers or friends—a prize which followers and wealth must win?
540
543
You, how did you get here? Are you so boldfaced that you have come to my house, you who are manifestly the murderer of its master,
the palpable thief of its crown? Come, tell me, in the name of the gods, was it cowardice or folly which you saw in me and which led you to plot this thing? Did you think that I would not notice this deed of yours creeping upon me by stealth, or that if I became aware of it I would not ward it off?
535
Is your attempt not foolish, to seek the throne without followers or friends—a prize which followers and wealth must win?
540
Creon
Mark me now: hear a fair reply in answer to your words, and then judge for yourself on the basis of knowledge.
Mark me now: hear a fair reply in answer to your words, and then judge for yourself on the basis of knowledge.
Oedipus
You are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.
545
You are apt in speech, but I have a poor wit for lessons, since I have found you a malignant foe.
545
Creon
Now hear first how I will explain this very thing.
Now hear first how I will explain this very thing.
Oedipus
One thing—that you are not false—do not bother to explain to me.
One thing—that you are not false—do not bother to explain to me.
Creon
If you think that stubbornness
without sense is a virtue, you are not wise.
550
If you think that stubbornness
without sense is a virtue, you are not wise.
550
Oedipus
If you think you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty, you are not sane.
If you think you can wrong a kinsman and escape the penalty, you are not sane.
Creon
Justly said, I grant you: but tell me what the wrong is that you say you are suffering at my hands.
Justly said, I grant you: but tell me what the wrong is that you say you are suffering at my hands.
Oedipus
Did you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?
555
Did you, or did you not, advise me to send for that reverend seer?
555
Creon
Even now I am of the same mind.
Even now I am of the same mind.
Oedipus
How long is it, then, since Laius . . .
How long is it, then, since Laius . . .
Creon
Did what? I do not understand.
Did what? I do not understand.
Oedipus
was swept out of sight by deadly violence?
560
was swept out of sight by deadly violence?
560
Creon
The count of years would run far into the past.
The count of years would run far into the past.
Oedipus
Did this seer possess this skill in those days?
Did this seer possess this skill in those days?
Creon
He was wise as now, and held in equal honor.
He was wise as now, and held in equal honor.
Oedipus
Did he make mention of me at that time?
Did he make mention of me at that time?
Creon
Never, certainly, when I was within hearing.
565
Never, certainly, when I was within hearing.
565
Oedipus
Did you never investigate the murder?
Did you never investigate the murder?
Creon
Due search we made, of course, though we learned nothing.
Due search we made, of course, though we learned nothing.
Oedipus
And how was it that this sage did not tell this story then.
And how was it that this sage did not tell this story then.
Creon
I do not know: where I lack insight it is my custom to be silent.
I do not know: where I lack insight it is my custom to be silent.
Oedipus
This much, at least, you know, and could declare with insight enough.
570
This much, at least, you know, and could declare with insight enough.
570
Creon
What is that? If I know it, I will not deny it.
What is that? If I know it, I will not deny it.
Oedipus
That, if he had not conferred with you, he would not have named me as Laius’ slayer.
That, if he had not conferred with you, he would not have named me as Laius’ slayer.
Creon
If he says this, you know best: but I deem it just
to learn from you as much as you have from me now.
575
If he says this, you know best: but I deem it just
to learn from you as much as you have from me now.
575
Oedipus
Learn your fill. I will never be found guilty of the bloodshed.
Learn your fill. I will never be found guilty of the bloodshed.
Creon
Say, then—have you married my sister?
Say, then—have you married my sister?
Oedipus
The question allows no denial.
The question allows no denial.
Creon
And you rule the land as she does, with equal sway.
And you rule the land as she does, with equal sway.
Oedipus
She obtains from me all that she wishes.
580
She obtains from me all that she wishes.
580
Creon
And do I not rank as a third peer of you two?
And do I not rank as a third peer of you two?
Oedipus
It is just in this that you are seen to be a false friend.
583
It is just in this that you are seen to be a false friend.
Creon
Not so, if you would reason with your heart as I do with mine. Weigh this first—whether you think that anyone would
choose to rule amid terrors rather than in unruffled peace, granted that he is to have the same powers. Now I, for one, have by nature no yearning to rule as a king rather than to do kingly deeds, and neither does any man I know who has a sound mind.
585
For now I attain all everything from you without fear, but, if I were ruler myself, I would have to do much that went against my own pleasure.
How, then, could royalty be sweeter to me to have than painless rule and influence? I am not yet so misguided
590
that I desire other honors than those which bring profit. Now, every man has a greeting for me; now, all that have a request of you crave to speak with me, since in me lies all their hope of success. Why then should I give up these things and take those others?
595
No mind will become false while it is wise. No, I am no lover of such a policy, and if another put it into action, I could never bear to go along with him. And, in proof of this, first go to
Pytho
, and ask whether I brought a true report of the oracle.
600
Then next, if you have found that I have planned anything in concert with the soothsayer, take and slay me, by the sentence not of one mouth, but of two—by my own no less than yours. But do not assume my guilt on unproven inference. It is not just to judge bad men good at random,
605
or good men bad. I think that casting off a true friend is for a man like casting away the life in his own bosom, which he most loves. You will surely learn about these affairs in time, since time alone reveals a just man.
610
But you can discern a bad man even in one day alone.
615
616
Not so, if you would reason with your heart as I do with mine. Weigh this first—whether you think that anyone would
choose to rule amid terrors rather than in unruffled peace, granted that he is to have the same powers. Now I, for one, have by nature no yearning to rule as a king rather than to do kingly deeds, and neither does any man I know who has a sound mind.
585
For now I attain all everything from you without fear, but, if I were ruler myself, I would have to do much that went against my own pleasure.
How, then, could royalty be sweeter to me to have than painless rule and influence? I am not yet so misguided
590
How, then, could royalty be sweeter to me to have than painless rule and influence? I am not yet so misguided
that I desire other honors than those which bring profit. Now, every man has a greeting for me; now, all that have a request of you crave to speak with me, since in me lies all their hope of success. Why then should I give up these things and take those others?
595
No mind will become false while it is wise. No, I am no lover of such a policy, and if another put it into action, I could never bear to go along with him. And, in proof of this, first go to
Pytho
, and ask whether I brought a true report of the oracle.
600
Then next, if you have found that I have planned anything in concert with the soothsayer, take and slay me, by the sentence not of one mouth, but of two—by my own no less than yours. But do not assume my guilt on unproven inference. It is not just to judge bad men good at random,
605
or good men bad. I think that casting off a true friend is for a man like casting away the life in his own bosom, which he most loves. You will surely learn about these affairs in time, since time alone reveals a just man.
610
But you can discern a bad man even in one day alone.
615
Chorus
He has spoken well, my king, for one who is taking care not to fall: those who are quick in counsel are not sure.
He has spoken well, my king, for one who is taking care not to fall: those who are quick in counsel are not sure.
Oedipus
When the stealthy plotter is moving on me quickly, I, too, must be quick in my counterplot.
If I await him in repose, his ends will have been gained, and mine lost.
620
When the stealthy plotter is moving on me quickly, I, too, must be quick in my counterplot.
If I await him in repose, his ends will have been gained, and mine lost.
620
Creon
What do you want then? To banish me from the land?
What do you want then? To banish me from the land?
Oedipus
Hardly. I desire your death, not your exile, so that I might show what a thing envy is.
Hardly. I desire your death, not your exile, so that I might show what a thing envy is.
Creon
Are you resolved not to yield or believe?
625
Are you resolved not to yield or believe?
625
Oedipus
No, for you persuade me that you are unworthy of trust.
No, for you persuade me that you are unworthy of trust.
Creon
No, for I see you are not sane.
No, for I see you are not sane.
Oedipus
Sane, at least, in my own interest.
Sane, at least, in my own interest.
Creon
But you should be so in mine also.
But you should be so in mine also.
Oedipus
You are false.
You are false.
Creon
But if you understand nothing?
But if you understand nothing?
Oedipus
Still I must rule.
Still I must rule.
Creon
Not if you rule badly.
Not if you rule badly.
Oedipus
Hear him, city of
Thebes
!
Hear him, city of
Thebes
!
Creon
The city is mine too, not yours alone.
630
The city is mine too, not yours alone.
630
Chorus
Cease, lords. In good time I see Iocasta coming from the house, with whose help you should resolve your present feud.
634
Iocasta enters.
Cease, lords. In good time I see Iocasta coming from the house, with whose help you should resolve your present feud.
Iocasta
Misguided men, why have you raised
such a foolish argument? Are you not ashamed, while the land is so sick, to stir up troubles of your own? Come, go into the house—and you, Creon, go to yours—and stop making so much of a petty grief.
635
Misguided men, why have you raised
such a foolish argument? Are you not ashamed, while the land is so sick, to stir up troubles of your own? Come, go into the house—and you, Creon, go to yours—and stop making so much of a petty grief.
635
Creon
Kinswoman, Oedipus, your husband,
wants to do one of two terrible things to me, either to thrust me from the land of my fathers or to arrest and slay me.
640
Kinswoman, Oedipus, your husband,
wants to do one of two terrible things to me, either to thrust me from the land of my fathers or to arrest and slay me.
640
Oedipus
Yes indeed, for I have caught him, lady, working evil against my person with his wicked craft.
Yes indeed, for I have caught him, lady, working evil against my person with his wicked craft.
Creon
May I derive no benefit,
but perish accursed, if I have done any of the things of which you charge me.
645
May I derive no benefit,
but perish accursed, if I have done any of the things of which you charge me.
645
Iocasta
In the name of the gods, believe it, Oedipus, first for the sake of this awful oath to the gods, then for my sake and for the sake of those who stand before you.
In the name of the gods, believe it, Oedipus, first for the sake of this awful oath to the gods, then for my sake and for the sake of those who stand before you.
Commentary
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
513. mvp-comment-305-1 Creon enters (right) from the city. In the first episode the action was strikingly rapid. It contained the two great movements of the proclamation of Oedipus and the prophecy of Teiresias, with only sufficient pause between them (ll. 276-296) to give effect to the latter. Now follows a period of suspense, for which the wavering tones of the last chorus have prepared the way. The scene is of unusual length, ll. 512-862, but is divided by the short lyric measures (commatica) in 11. 649-668, 678-696. Cp. O. C. 833 ff, 876 ff. The entrance of Jocasta (1. 634) prepares new complications.