σθένει ʼπινικείῳ τὸν εὔαγρον τελειῶσαι λόχον,
Oedipus at Colonus. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
Table of Contents
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Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 1098-1210 focus
Οἰδίπους
ποῦ ποῦ; τί φής; πῶς εἶπας;
ποῦ ποῦ; τί φής; πῶς εἶπας;
Ἀντιγόνη
ὦ πάτερ πάτερ,
τίς ἂν θεῶν σοι τόνδʼ ἄριστον ἄνδρʼ ἰδεῖν
1100
δοίη, τὸν ἡμᾶς δεῦρο προσπέμψαντά σοι;
ὦ πάτερ πάτερ,
τίς ἂν θεῶν σοι τόνδʼ ἄριστον ἄνδρʼ ἰδεῖν
1100
δοίη, τὸν ἡμᾶς δεῦρο προσπέμψαντά σοι;
Οἰδίπους
ὦ τέκνον, ἦ πάρεστον;
ὦ τέκνον, ἦ πάρεστον;
Ἀντιγόνη
αἵδε γὰρ χέρες
Θησέως ἔσωσαν φιλτάτων τʼ ὀπαόνων.
αἵδε γὰρ χέρες
Θησέως ἔσωσαν φιλτάτων τʼ ὀπαόνων.
Οἰδίπους
προσέλθετʼ ὦ παῖ, πατρὶ καὶ τὸ μηδαμὰ
ἐλπισθὲν ἥξειν σῶμα βαστάσαι δότε.
1105
προσέλθετʼ ὦ παῖ, πατρὶ καὶ τὸ μηδαμὰ
ἐλπισθὲν ἥξειν σῶμα βαστάσαι δότε.
1105
Ἀντιγόνη
αἰτεῖς ἃ τεύξει· σὺν πόθῳ γὰρ ἡ χάρις.
αἰτεῖς ἃ τεύξει· σὺν πόθῳ γὰρ ἡ χάρις.
Οἰδίπους
ποῦ δῆτα, ποῦ ʼστόν;
ποῦ δῆτα, ποῦ ʼστόν;
Ἀντιγόνη
αἵδʼ ὁμοῦ πελάζομεν.
αἵδʼ ὁμοῦ πελάζομεν.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ φίλτατʼ ἔρνη.
ὦ φίλτατʼ ἔρνη.
Ἀντιγόνη
τῷ τεκόντι πᾶν φίλον.
τῷ τεκόντι πᾶν φίλον.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ σκῆπτρα φωτός.
ὦ σκῆπτρα φωτός.
Ἀντιγόνη
δυσμόρου γε δύσμορα.
δυσμόρου γε δύσμορα.
Οἰδίπους
ἔχω τὰ φίλτατʼ, οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἂν πανάθλιος
1110
θανὼν ἂν εἴην σφῷν παρεστώσαιν ἐμοί.
ἐρείσατʼ, ὦ παῖ, πλευρὸν ἀμφιδέξιον
ἐμφύντε τῷ φύσαντι, κἀναπαύσατον
τοῦ πρόσθʼ ἐρήμου τοῦδε δυστήνου πλάνου.
καί μοι τὰ πραχθέντʼ εἴπαθʼ ὡς βράχιστʼ, ἐπεὶ
1115
ταῖς τηλικαῖσδε σμικρὸς ἐξαρκεῖ λόγος.
ἔχω τὰ φίλτατʼ, οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἂν πανάθλιος
1110
θανὼν ἂν εἴην σφῷν παρεστώσαιν ἐμοί.
ἐρείσατʼ, ὦ παῖ, πλευρὸν ἀμφιδέξιον
ἐμφύντε τῷ φύσαντι, κἀναπαύσατον
τοῦ πρόσθʼ ἐρήμου τοῦδε δυστήνου πλάνου.
καί μοι τὰ πραχθέντʼ εἴπαθʼ ὡς βράχιστʼ, ἐπεὶ
1115
ταῖς τηλικαῖσδε σμικρὸς ἐξαρκεῖ λόγος.
Ἀντιγόνη
ὅδʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ σώσας· τοῦδε χρὴ κλύειν, πάτερ,
οὗ κἄστι τοὔργον· τοὐμὸν ὧδʼ ἔσται βραχύ.
ὅδʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ σώσας· τοῦδε χρὴ κλύειν, πάτερ,
οὗ κἄστι τοὔργον· τοὐμὸν ὧδʼ ἔσται βραχύ.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ ξεῖνε, μὴ θαύμαζε, πρὸς τὸ λιπαρὲς
τέκνʼ εἰ φανέντʼ ἄελπτα μηκύνω λόγον.
1120
ἐπίσταμαι γὰρ τήνδε τὴν ἐς τάσδε μοι
τέρψιν παρʼ ἄλλου μηδενὸς πεφασμένην·
σὺ γάρ νιν ἐξέσωσας, οὐκ ἄλλος βροτῶν.
καί σοι θεοὶ πόροιεν ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω,
αὐτῷ τε καὶ γῇ τῇδʼ, ἐπεὶ τό γʼ εὐσεβὲς
1125
μόνοις παρʼ ὑμῖν ηὗρον ἀνθρώπων ἐγὼ
καὶ τοὐπιεικὲς καὶ τὸ μὴ ψευδοστομεῖν.
εἰδὼς δʼ ἀμύνω τοῖσδε τοῖς λόγοις τάδε·
ἔχω γὰρ ἅχω διὰ σὲ κοὐκ ἄλλον βροτῶν·
καί μοι χέρʼ, ὦναξ, δεξιὰν ὄρεξον, ὡς
1130
ψαύσω φιλήσω τʼ, εἰ θέμις, τὸ σὸν κάρα.
καίτοι τί φωνῶ; πῶς σʼ ἂν ἄθλιος γεγὼς
θιγεῖν θελήσαιμʼ ἀνδρός, ᾧ τίς οὐκ ἔνι
κηλὶς κακῶν ξύνοικος; οὐκ ἔγωγέ σε,
οὐδʼ οὖν ἐάσω· τοῖς γὰρ ἐμπείροις βροτῶν
1135
μόνοις οἷόν τε συνταλαιπωρεῖν τάδε.
σὺ δʼ αὐτόθεν μοι χαῖρε καὶ τὰ λοιπά μου
μέλου δικαίως, ὥσπερ ἐς τόδʼ ἡμέρας.
1139
ὦ ξεῖνε, μὴ θαύμαζε, πρὸς τὸ λιπαρὲς
τέκνʼ εἰ φανέντʼ ἄελπτα μηκύνω λόγον.
1120
ἐπίσταμαι γὰρ τήνδε τὴν ἐς τάσδε μοι
τέρψιν παρʼ ἄλλου μηδενὸς πεφασμένην·
σὺ γάρ νιν ἐξέσωσας, οὐκ ἄλλος βροτῶν.
καί σοι θεοὶ πόροιεν ὡς ἐγὼ θέλω,
αὐτῷ τε καὶ γῇ τῇδʼ, ἐπεὶ τό γʼ εὐσεβὲς
1125
μόνοις παρʼ ὑμῖν ηὗρον ἀνθρώπων ἐγὼ
καὶ τοὐπιεικὲς καὶ τὸ μὴ ψευδοστομεῖν.
εἰδὼς δʼ ἀμύνω τοῖσδε τοῖς λόγοις τάδε·
ἔχω γὰρ ἅχω διὰ σὲ κοὐκ ἄλλον βροτῶν·
καί μοι χέρʼ, ὦναξ, δεξιὰν ὄρεξον, ὡς
1130
ψαύσω φιλήσω τʼ, εἰ θέμις, τὸ σὸν κάρα.
καίτοι τί φωνῶ; πῶς σʼ ἂν ἄθλιος γεγὼς
θιγεῖν θελήσαιμʼ ἀνδρός, ᾧ τίς οὐκ ἔνι
κηλὶς κακῶν ξύνοικος; οὐκ ἔγωγέ σε,
οὐδʼ οὖν ἐάσω· τοῖς γὰρ ἐμπείροις βροτῶν
1135
μόνοις οἷόν τε συνταλαιπωρεῖν τάδε.
σὺ δʼ αὐτόθεν μοι χαῖρε καὶ τὰ λοιπά μου
μέλου δικαίως, ὥσπερ ἐς τόδʼ ἡμέρας.
Θησεύς
οὔτʼ εἴ τι μῆκος τῶν λόγων ἔθου πλέον,
τέκνοισι τερφθεὶς τοῖσδε, θαυμάσας ἔχω,
1140
οὔτʼ εἰ πρὸ τοὐμοῦ προύλαβες τὰ τῶνδʼ ἔπη.
βάρος γὰρ ἡμᾶς οὐδὲν ἐκ τούτων ἔχει.
οὐ γὰρ λόγοισι τὸν βίον σπουδάζομεν
λαμπρὸν ποεῖσθαι μᾶλλον ἢ τοῖς δρωμένοις.
δείκνυμι δʼ· ὧν γὰρ ὤμοσʼ οὐκ ἐψευσάμην
1145
οὐδέν σε, πρέσβυ· τάσδε γὰρ πάρειμʼ ἄγων
ζώσας, ἀκραιφνεῖς τῶν κατηπειλημένων.
χὤπως μὲν ἁγὼν ᾑρέθη, τί δεῖ μάτην
κομπεῖν, ἅ γʼ εἴσει καὐτὸς ἐκ ταύταιν ξυνών;
λόγος δʼ ὃς ἐμπέπτωκεν ἀρτίως ἐμοὶ
1150
στείχοντι δεῦρο, συμβαλοῦ γνώμην, ἐπεὶ
σμικρὸς μὲν εἰπεῖν, ἄξιος δὲ θαυμάσαι·
πρᾶγος δʼ ἀτίζειν οὐδὲν ἄνθρωπον χρεών.
οὔτʼ εἴ τι μῆκος τῶν λόγων ἔθου πλέον,
τέκνοισι τερφθεὶς τοῖσδε, θαυμάσας ἔχω,
1140
οὔτʼ εἰ πρὸ τοὐμοῦ προύλαβες τὰ τῶνδʼ ἔπη.
βάρος γὰρ ἡμᾶς οὐδὲν ἐκ τούτων ἔχει.
οὐ γὰρ λόγοισι τὸν βίον σπουδάζομεν
λαμπρὸν ποεῖσθαι μᾶλλον ἢ τοῖς δρωμένοις.
δείκνυμι δʼ· ὧν γὰρ ὤμοσʼ οὐκ ἐψευσάμην
1145
οὐδέν σε, πρέσβυ· τάσδε γὰρ πάρειμʼ ἄγων
ζώσας, ἀκραιφνεῖς τῶν κατηπειλημένων.
χὤπως μὲν ἁγὼν ᾑρέθη, τί δεῖ μάτην
κομπεῖν, ἅ γʼ εἴσει καὐτὸς ἐκ ταύταιν ξυνών;
λόγος δʼ ὃς ἐμπέπτωκεν ἀρτίως ἐμοὶ
1150
στείχοντι δεῦρο, συμβαλοῦ γνώμην, ἐπεὶ
σμικρὸς μὲν εἰπεῖν, ἄξιος δὲ θαυμάσαι·
πρᾶγος δʼ ἀτίζειν οὐδὲν ἄνθρωπον χρεών.
Οἰδίπους
τί δʼ ἔστι, τέκνον Αἰγέως; δίδασκέ με
ὡς μὴ εἰδότʼ αὐτὸν μηδὲν ὧν σὺ πυνθάνει.
1155
τί δʼ ἔστι, τέκνον Αἰγέως; δίδασκέ με
ὡς μὴ εἰδότʼ αὐτὸν μηδὲν ὧν σὺ πυνθάνει.
1155
Θησεύς
φασίν τινʼ ἡμῖν ἄνδρα, σοὶ μὲν ἔμπολιν
οὐκ ὄντα, συγγενῆ δέ, προσπεσόντα πως
βωμῷ καθῆσθαι τῷ Ποσειδῶνος, παρʼ ᾧ
θύων ἔκυρον, ἡνίχʼ ὡρμώμην ἐγώ.
φασίν τινʼ ἡμῖν ἄνδρα, σοὶ μὲν ἔμπολιν
οὐκ ὄντα, συγγενῆ δέ, προσπεσόντα πως
βωμῷ καθῆσθαι τῷ Ποσειδῶνος, παρʼ ᾧ
θύων ἔκυρον, ἡνίχʼ ὡρμώμην ἐγώ.
Οἰδίπους
ποδαπόν; τί προσχρῄζοντα τῷ θακήματι·
1160
ποδαπόν; τί προσχρῄζοντα τῷ θακήματι·
1160
Θησεύς
οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· σοῦ γάρ, ὡς λέγουσί μοι,
βραχύν τινʼ αἰτεῖ μῦθον οὐκ ὄγκου πλέων.
οὐκ οἶδα πλὴν ἕν· σοῦ γάρ, ὡς λέγουσί μοι,
βραχύν τινʼ αἰτεῖ μῦθον οὐκ ὄγκου πλέων.
Οἰδίπους
ποῖόν τινʼ; οὐ γὰρ ἥδʼ ἕδρα σμικροῦ λόγου.
ποῖόν τινʼ; οὐ γὰρ ἥδʼ ἕδρα σμικροῦ λόγου.
Θησεύς
σοὶ φασὶν αὐτὸν ἐς λόγους ἐλθεῖν μόνον
αἰτεῖν ἀπελθεῖν τʼ ἀσφαλῶς τῆς δεῦρʼ ὁδοῦ.
1165
σοὶ φασὶν αὐτὸν ἐς λόγους ἐλθεῖν μόνον
αἰτεῖν ἀπελθεῖν τʼ ἀσφαλῶς τῆς δεῦρʼ ὁδοῦ.
1165
Οἰδίπους
τίς δῆτʼ ἂν εἴη τήνδʼ ὁ προσθακῶν ἕδραν;
τίς δῆτʼ ἂν εἴη τήνδʼ ὁ προσθακῶν ἕδραν;
Θησεύς
ὅρα κατʼ Ἄργος εἴ τις ὑμὶν ἐγγενὴς
ἔσθʼ, ὅστις ἄν σου τοῦτο προσχρῄζοι τυχεῖν.
ὅρα κατʼ Ἄργος εἴ τις ὑμὶν ἐγγενὴς
ἔσθʼ, ὅστις ἄν σου τοῦτο προσχρῄζοι τυχεῖν.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ φίλτατε, σχὲς οὗπερ εἶ.
ὦ φίλτατε, σχὲς οὗπερ εἶ.
Θησεύς
τί δʼ ἔστι σοι;
τί δʼ ἔστι σοι;
Οἰδίπους
μή μου δεηθῇς.
1170
μή μου δεηθῇς.
1170
Θησεύς
πράγματος ποίου; λέγε.
πράγματος ποίου; λέγε.
Οἰδίπους
ἔξοιδʼ ἀκούων τῶνδʼ ὅς ἐσθʼ ὁ προστάτης.
ἔξοιδʼ ἀκούων τῶνδʼ ὅς ἐσθʼ ὁ προστάτης.
Θησεύς
καὶ τίς ποτʼ ἐστὶν ὅν γʼ ἐγὼ ψέξαιμί τι;
καὶ τίς ποτʼ ἐστὶν ὅν γʼ ἐγὼ ψέξαιμί τι;
Οἰδίπους
παῖς οὑμός, ὦναξ, στυγνός, οὗ λόγων ἐγὼ
ἄλγιστʼ ἂν ἀνδρῶν ἐξανασχοίμην κλύων.
παῖς οὑμός, ὦναξ, στυγνός, οὗ λόγων ἐγὼ
ἄλγιστʼ ἂν ἀνδρῶν ἐξανασχοίμην κλύων.
Θησεύς
τί δʼ; οὐκ ἀκούειν ἔστι καὶ μὴ δρᾶν ἃ μὴ
1175
χρῄζεις; τί σοι τοῦτʼ ἐστὶ λυπηρὸν κλύειν;
τί δʼ; οὐκ ἀκούειν ἔστι καὶ μὴ δρᾶν ἃ μὴ
1175
χρῄζεις; τί σοι τοῦτʼ ἐστὶ λυπηρὸν κλύειν;
Οἰδίπους
ἔχθιστον, ὦναξ, φθέγμα τοῦθʼ ἥκει πατρί·
καὶ μή μʼ ἀνάγκῃ προσβάλῃς τάδʼ εἰκαθεῖν.
ἔχθιστον, ὦναξ, φθέγμα τοῦθʼ ἥκει πατρί·
καὶ μή μʼ ἀνάγκῃ προσβάλῃς τάδʼ εἰκαθεῖν.
Θησεύς
ἀλλʼ εἰ τὸ θάκημʼ ἐξαναγκάζει, σκόπει
μή σοι πρόνοιʼ ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ φυλακτέα.
1180
1181
ἀλλʼ εἰ τὸ θάκημʼ ἐξαναγκάζει, σκόπει
μή σοι πρόνοιʼ ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ φυλακτέα.
1180
Ἀντιγόνη
πάτερ, πιθοῦ μοι, κεἰ νέα παραινέσω.
τὸν ἄνδρʼ ἔασον τόνδε τῇ θʼ αὑτοῦ φρενὶ
χάριν παρασχεῖν τῷ θεῷ θʼ ἃ βούλεται,
καὶ νῷν ὕπεικε τὸν κασίγνητον μολεῖν.
1185
οὐ γάρ σε, θάρσει, πρὸς βίαν παρασπάσει
γνώμης, ἃ μή σοι συμφέροντα λέξεται.
λόγων δʼ ἀκοῦσαι τίς βλάβη; τά τοι κακῶς
ηὑρημένʼ ἔργα τῷ λόγῳ μηνύεται.
ἔφυσας αὐτόν· ὥστε μηδὲ δρῶντά σε
1190
τὰ τῶν κακίστων δυσσεβέστατʼ, ὦ πάτερ,
θέμις σέ γʼ εἶναι κεῖνον ἀντιδρᾶν κακῶς.
ἀλλʼ ἔασον· εἰσὶ χἀτέροις γοναὶ κακαὶ
καὶ θυμὸς ὀξύς, ἀλλὰ νουθετούμενοι
φίλων ἐπῳδαῖς ἐξεπᾴδονται φύσιν.
1195
σὺ δʼ εἰς ἐκεῖνα, μὴ τὰ νῦν, ἀποσκόπει
πατρῷα καὶ μητρῷα πήμαθʼ ἅπαθες·
κἂν κεῖνα λεύσσῃς, οἶδʼ ἐγώ, γνώσει κακοῦ
θυμοῦ τελευτὴν ὡς κακὴ προσγίγνεται.
ἔχεις γὰρ οὐχὶ βαιὰ τἀνθυμήματα,
1200
τῶν σῶν ἀδέρκτων ὀμμάτων τητώμενος.
ἀλλʼ ἡμὶν εἶκε· λιπαρεῖν γὰρ οὐ καλὸν
δίκαια προσχρῄζουσιν, οὐδʼ αὐτὸν μὲν εὖ
πάσχειν, παθόντα δʼ οὐκ ἐπίστασθαι τίνειν.
πάτερ, πιθοῦ μοι, κεἰ νέα παραινέσω.
τὸν ἄνδρʼ ἔασον τόνδε τῇ θʼ αὑτοῦ φρενὶ
χάριν παρασχεῖν τῷ θεῷ θʼ ἃ βούλεται,
καὶ νῷν ὕπεικε τὸν κασίγνητον μολεῖν.
1185
οὐ γάρ σε, θάρσει, πρὸς βίαν παρασπάσει
γνώμης, ἃ μή σοι συμφέροντα λέξεται.
λόγων δʼ ἀκοῦσαι τίς βλάβη; τά τοι κακῶς
ηὑρημένʼ ἔργα τῷ λόγῳ μηνύεται.
ἔφυσας αὐτόν· ὥστε μηδὲ δρῶντά σε
1190
τὰ τῶν κακίστων δυσσεβέστατʼ, ὦ πάτερ,
θέμις σέ γʼ εἶναι κεῖνον ἀντιδρᾶν κακῶς.
ἀλλʼ ἔασον· εἰσὶ χἀτέροις γοναὶ κακαὶ
καὶ θυμὸς ὀξύς, ἀλλὰ νουθετούμενοι
φίλων ἐπῳδαῖς ἐξεπᾴδονται φύσιν.
1195
σὺ δʼ εἰς ἐκεῖνα, μὴ τὰ νῦν, ἀποσκόπει
πατρῷα καὶ μητρῷα πήμαθʼ ἅπαθες·
κἂν κεῖνα λεύσσῃς, οἶδʼ ἐγώ, γνώσει κακοῦ
θυμοῦ τελευτὴν ὡς κακὴ προσγίγνεται.
ἔχεις γὰρ οὐχὶ βαιὰ τἀνθυμήματα,
1200
τῶν σῶν ἀδέρκτων ὀμμάτων τητώμενος.
ἀλλʼ ἡμὶν εἶκε· λιπαρεῖν γὰρ οὐ καλὸν
δίκαια προσχρῄζουσιν, οὐδʼ αὐτὸν μὲν εὖ
πάσχειν, παθόντα δʼ οὐκ ἐπίστασθαι τίνειν.
Οἰδίπους
τέκνον, βαρεῖαν ἡδονὴν νικᾶτέ με
1205
λέγοντες· ἔστω δʼ οὖν ὅπως ὑμῖν φίλον.
μόνον, ξένʼ, εἴπερ κεῖνος ὧδʼ ἐλεύσεται,
μηδεὶς κρατείτω τῆς ἐμῆς ψυχῆς ποτε.
τέκνον, βαρεῖαν ἡδονὴν νικᾶτέ με
1205
λέγοντες· ἔστω δʼ οὖν ὅπως ὑμῖν φίλον.
μόνον, ξένʼ, εἴπερ κεῖνος ὧδʼ ἐλεύσεται,
μηδεὶς κρατείτω τῆς ἐμῆς ψυχῆς ποτε.
Θησεύς
ἅπαξ τὰ τοιαῦτʼ, οὐχὶ δὶς χρῄζω κλύειν,
ὦ πρέσβυ. κομπεῖν δʼ οὐχὶ βούλομαι· σὺ δʼ ὢν
σῶς ἴσθʼ, ἐάν περ κἀμέ τις σῴζῃ θεῶν.
1210
ἅπαξ τὰ τοιαῦτʼ, οὐχὶ δὶς χρῄζω κλύειν,
ὦ πρέσβυ. κομπεῖν δʼ οὐχὶ βούλομαι· σὺ δʼ ὢν
σῶς ἴσθʼ, ἐάν περ κἀμέ τις σῴζῃ θεῶν.
1210
Translations (2)
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1085 focus
Allwaltend Haupt der Götter, Zeus,
allseh'nder Gott,
Ihm, dieses Land's Herrscher,
Verleih zur Siegeswonne Glück, den ruhmgekrönten Fang, zu thun,
1080
Und Hehre du, Pallas Athene !
Dich, den Waidmann, Phöbos, ruf' ich,
Dich, o Schwester, die so rasch die buntgefleckten,
Flüchtigen Hirsche verfolgt,
naht mit eurem Beistand,
1085
Ich fleh' euch, dieses Landes Bürgern!
O fremder Flüchtling, sage nicht, dein Hüter sei
Ein falscher Seher; denn die Jungfrau'n seh' ich dort
1
Sich diesem Orte wieder nah'n in treuer Hut.
Allwaltend Haupt der Götter, Zeus,
allseh'nder Gott,
Ihm, dieses Land's Herrscher,
Verleih zur Siegeswonne Glück, den ruhmgekrönten Fang, zu thun,
1080
Und Hehre du, Pallas Athene !
Dich, den Waidmann, Phöbos, ruf' ich,
Dich, o Schwester, die so rasch die buntgefleckten,
Flüchtigen Hirsche verfolgt,
naht mit eurem Beistand,
1085
Ich fleh' euch, dieses Landes Bürgern!
O fremder Flüchtling, sage nicht, dein Hüter sei
Ein falscher Seher; denn die Jungfrau'n seh' ich dort
1
Sich diesem Orte wieder nah'n in treuer Hut.
Oedipus.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 1096-1210 focus
Chorus
Wandering stranger, you will not say your watcher was a false prophet, for I see your daughters once again drawing near.
1099
Wandering stranger, you will not say your watcher was a false prophet, for I see your daughters once again drawing near.
Oedipus
Where? Where? What is that? What do you mean?
Enter Antigone and Ismene, with Theseus and his attendants.
Where? Where? What is that? What do you mean?
Antigone
Father, father,
I wish some god would grant that your eyes might see this excellent man, who has brought us here to you!
1100
Father, father,
I wish some god would grant that your eyes might see this excellent man, who has brought us here to you!
1100
Oedipus
My child, are you really here?
My child, are you really here?
Antigone
Yes, for these strong arms have saved us—Theseus and his dearest followers.
Yes, for these strong arms have saved us—Theseus and his dearest followers.
Oedipus
Come here, my children, to your father!
Grant me your embrace—restored beyond all hope!
1105
Come here, my children, to your father!
Grant me your embrace—restored beyond all hope!
1105
Antigone
We shall grant your wish, for we crave the favor we bestow.
We shall grant your wish, for we crave the favor we bestow.
Oedipus
Where, then, where are you?
Where, then, where are you?
Antigone
Here we are, approaching you together.
Here we are, approaching you together.
Oedipus
Dearest offspring!
Dearest offspring!
Antigone
Everything is dear to its parent.
Everything is dear to its parent.
Oedipus
Supports of a man—
Supports of a man—
Antigone
Ill-fated as he is ill-fated.
Ill-fated as he is ill-fated.
Oedipus
I hold my dearest. Now, if I should die, I would not be wholly wretched, since you have come to me. Press close to me on either side, children, cling to your father, and rest from your wandering, so desolate, so grievous!
1110
And tell me what has happened as briefly as you can, since brief speech suffices for young maidens.
1115
I hold my dearest. Now, if I should die, I would not be wholly wretched, since you have come to me. Press close to me on either side, children, cling to your father, and rest from your wandering, so desolate, so grievous!
1110
And tell me what has happened as briefly as you can, since brief speech suffices for young maidens.
1115
Antigone
Here is our savior: you should hear the story from him, father, since the deed was his. So short will by part be.
Here is our savior: you should hear the story from him, father, since the deed was his. So short will by part be.
Oedipus
Stranger, do not be amazed at my persistence, if I prolong my words to my children,
found again beyond my hope. I well know that my present joy in them has come to me from you, and you alone, for you—and not any other mortal—have rescued them. May the gods grant to you my wish,
1120
both to you yourself and to this land; for among you, above all mankind, I have found piety, the spirit of decency, and lips that tell no lie. I know these things, and I repay them with these words; for what I have, I have through you, and no one else.
1125
Stretch out to me your right hand, lord, that I may touch it; and if it is right, let me kiss your cheek. But what am I saying? Wretched as I have become, how could I wish you to touch a man in whom every stain of evils has made its dwelling?
1130
I will not touch you—nor will I allow it, if you do consent. They alone, who know them, can share these burdens. Receive my greeting where you stand, and in the future too give me your righteous care, as you have given it up to this hour.
1135
1139
Stranger, do not be amazed at my persistence, if I prolong my words to my children,
found again beyond my hope. I well know that my present joy in them has come to me from you, and you alone, for you—and not any other mortal—have rescued them. May the gods grant to you my wish,
1120
both to you yourself and to this land; for among you, above all mankind, I have found piety, the spirit of decency, and lips that tell no lie. I know these things, and I repay them with these words; for what I have, I have through you, and no one else.
1125
Stretch out to me your right hand, lord, that I may touch it; and if it is right, let me kiss your cheek. But what am I saying? Wretched as I have become, how could I wish you to touch a man in whom every stain of evils has made its dwelling?
1130
I will not touch you—nor will I allow it, if you do consent. They alone, who know them, can share these burdens. Receive my greeting where you stand, and in the future too give me your righteous care, as you have given it up to this hour.
1135
Theseus
I feel no amazement, if you have had a lengthy conversation
from joy in these children, or if your first concern has been for their words rather than for me. Indeed, there is nothing to vex me in that. Not with words so much as with deeds would I add luster to my life. You have this proof:
1140
I have cheated you in none of my sworn promises, old man. Here am I, with the maidens living, uninjured by those threats. As to how the struggle was won, what need have I vainly to boast of what you will learn from these two when you are together?
1145
But there is a matter that has just presented itself to me, as I came here. Give me your counsel regarding it; for, though it is small, it is food for wonder. And mortal man must consider nothing beneath his concern.
1150
I feel no amazement, if you have had a lengthy conversation
from joy in these children, or if your first concern has been for their words rather than for me. Indeed, there is nothing to vex me in that. Not with words so much as with deeds would I add luster to my life. You have this proof:
1140
I have cheated you in none of my sworn promises, old man. Here am I, with the maidens living, uninjured by those threats. As to how the struggle was won, what need have I vainly to boast of what you will learn from these two when you are together?
1145
But there is a matter that has just presented itself to me, as I came here. Give me your counsel regarding it; for, though it is small, it is food for wonder. And mortal man must consider nothing beneath his concern.
1150
Oedipus
What is it, son of Aegeus? Tell me; I myself know nothing of what you inquire.
1155
What is it, son of Aegeus? Tell me; I myself know nothing of what you inquire.
1155
Theseus
They say a man—not from your city, yet of your race—has somehow thrown himself down, as a suppliant, at our altar of Poseidon, where I was sacrificing when I first set out here.
They say a man—not from your city, yet of your race—has somehow thrown himself down, as a suppliant, at our altar of Poseidon, where I was sacrificing when I first set out here.
Oedipus
What land does he come form? What does he desire by his supplication?
1160
What land does he come form? What does he desire by his supplication?
1160
Theseus
I know one thing only: they tell me he asks to speak briefly with you, a thing of no great burden.
I know one thing only: they tell me he asks to speak briefly with you, a thing of no great burden.
Oedipus
On what topic? That suppliant state is of no small account.
On what topic? That suppliant state is of no small account.
Theseus
He asks, they say, no more than that he may confer with you,
and return unharmed from his journey here.
1165
He asks, they say, no more than that he may confer with you,
and return unharmed from his journey here.
1165
Oedipus
Who can he be that implores the god in this way?
Who can he be that implores the god in this way?
Theseus
Consider whether there is anyone in your race at
Argos
, who might desire this favor from you.
Consider whether there is anyone in your race at
Argos
, who might desire this favor from you.
Oedipus
Dearest friend, say no more!
Dearest friend, say no more!
Theseus
What is wrong?
What is wrong?
Oedipus
Do not ask me for—
1170
Do not ask me for—
1170
Theseus
For what? Speak!
For what? Speak!
Oedipus
From hearing these things I know who the suppliant is.
From hearing these things I know who the suppliant is.
Theseus
And who can he be, that I should have an objection to him?
And who can he be, that I should have an objection to him?
Oedipus
My son, lord, a hated son whose words would vex my ear like the words of no man besides.
My son, lord, a hated son whose words would vex my ear like the words of no man besides.
Theseus
What? Can you not listen, without doing what you do not wish to do? Why does it pain you to hear him?
1175
What? Can you not listen, without doing what you do not wish to do? Why does it pain you to hear him?
1175
Oedipus
Lord, that voice has become most hateful to his father. Do not constrain me to yield in this.
Lord, that voice has become most hateful to his father. Do not constrain me to yield in this.
Theseus
But consider whether his suppliant state constrains you;
what if you have a duty of respect for the god?
1180
1181
But consider whether his suppliant state constrains you;
what if you have a duty of respect for the god?
1180
Antigone
Father, listen to me; I will offer counsel though I am young. Allow this man here to gratify his own feelings and the god as he wishes, and for your daughters’ sake allow our brother to come.
He will not tear you by force from your resolve—never fear—with such words as will not be for your good. What harm can there be in listening to words? Deeds wickedly devised, as you know, are betrayed by speech. You sired him,
1185
so, even if he wrongs you with the most impious of wrongs, father, it is not right for you to wrong him in return.
Let him come! Other men too have evil offspring and a sharp anger, but they hear advice and are charmed from their mood by the gentle spells of friends.
1190
Look to the past, away from the present; consider all the pains that you have suffered through your father and mother. If you consider those things, I know well that you will perceive that what results from an evil anger is evil. Your reasons to reflect on this are not trivial,
1195
bereft of your unseeing eyes.
Yield to us! It is not a fine thing for those seeking justice to keep asking; nor is it good that a man should be treated well, and thereafter not know how to requite it.
1200
Father, listen to me; I will offer counsel though I am young. Allow this man here to gratify his own feelings and the god as he wishes, and for your daughters’ sake allow our brother to come.
He will not tear you by force from your resolve—never fear—with such words as will not be for your good. What harm can there be in listening to words? Deeds wickedly devised, as you know, are betrayed by speech. You sired him,
1185
so, even if he wrongs you with the most impious of wrongs, father, it is not right for you to wrong him in return.
Let him come! Other men too have evil offspring and a sharp anger, but they hear advice and are charmed from their mood by the gentle spells of friends.
1190
Let him come! Other men too have evil offspring and a sharp anger, but they hear advice and are charmed from their mood by the gentle spells of friends.
Look to the past, away from the present; consider all the pains that you have suffered through your father and mother. If you consider those things, I know well that you will perceive that what results from an evil anger is evil. Your reasons to reflect on this are not trivial,
1195
bereft of your unseeing eyes.
Yield to us! It is not a fine thing for those seeking justice to keep asking; nor is it good that a man should be treated well, and thereafter not know how to requite it.
1200
Yield to us! It is not a fine thing for those seeking justice to keep asking; nor is it good that a man should be treated well, and thereafter not know how to requite it.
Oedipus
My child, by your pleading you overcome me; but your pleasure here is my grief.
Still, let it be as is dear to you. Only, if that man is to come here, stranger, let no one ever become master over my soul.
1205
My child, by your pleading you overcome me; but your pleasure here is my grief.
Still, let it be as is dear to you. Only, if that man is to come here, stranger, let no one ever become master over my soul.
1205
Theseus
Once only do I need hear such words, and no more, old man. I do not want to boast,
but you may feel sure that your life is safe, while any of the gods preserves mine.
Theseus exits.
1210
Once only do I need hear such words, and no more, old man. I do not want to boast,
but you may feel sure that your life is safe, while any of the gods preserves mine.
Theseus exits.
1210
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
1089. mvp-comment-587-1 σθένει . . λόχον Το make triumphant their ambush by successfully taking the fair prey.' ἐπινίκειος for ἐπινίκιος for the sake of the metre. The dative is to be taken closely, as instrumental, with τελειώσαι.
1089. mvp-comment-587-2 ἐπινικείῳ σθένει is a periphrasis for νίκῃ. τὸν εὔαγρον is slightly proleptic (Essay on Language § 38. p 70), and contains an allusion to Antigone as the fair occasion of the expedition. λόχος is properly an ambush, but is here generalised to mean a foray, or skirmishing expedition.