ἄθικτος οὐδʼ οἰκητός. αἱ γὰρ ἔμφοβοι
Oedipus at Colonus. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
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Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 1-116 focus
Οἰδίπους
τέκνον τυφλοῦ γέροντος Ἀντιγόνη, τίνας
1
χώρους ἀφίγμεθʼ ἢ τίνων ἀνδρῶν πόλιν;
τίς τὸν πλανήτην Οἰδίπουν καθʼ ἡμέραν
τὴν νῦν σπανιστοῖς δέξεται δωρήμασιν;
σμικρὸν μὲν ἐξαιτοῦντα, τοῦ σμικροῦ δʼ ἔτι
5
μεῖον φέροντα, καὶ τόδʼ ἐξαρκοῦν ἐμοί·
στέργειν γὰρ αἱ πάθαι με χὠ χρόνος ξυνὼν
μακρὸς διδάσκει καὶ τὸ γενναῖον τρίτον.
ἀλλʼ, ὦ τέκνον, θάκησιν εἴ τινα βλέπεις
ἢ πρὸς βεβήλοις ἢ πρὸς ἄλσεσιν θεῶν,
10
στῆσόν με κἀξίδρυσον, ὡς πυθώμεθα
ὅπου ποτʼ ἐσμέν· μανθάνειν γὰρ ἥκομεν
ξένοι πρὸς ἀστῶν, ἃν δʼ ἀκούσωμεν τελεῖν.
τέκνον τυφλοῦ γέροντος Ἀντιγόνη, τίνας
1
χώρους ἀφίγμεθʼ ἢ τίνων ἀνδρῶν πόλιν;
τίς τὸν πλανήτην Οἰδίπουν καθʼ ἡμέραν
τὴν νῦν σπανιστοῖς δέξεται δωρήμασιν;
σμικρὸν μὲν ἐξαιτοῦντα, τοῦ σμικροῦ δʼ ἔτι
5
μεῖον φέροντα, καὶ τόδʼ ἐξαρκοῦν ἐμοί·
στέργειν γὰρ αἱ πάθαι με χὠ χρόνος ξυνὼν
μακρὸς διδάσκει καὶ τὸ γενναῖον τρίτον.
ἀλλʼ, ὦ τέκνον, θάκησιν εἴ τινα βλέπεις
ἢ πρὸς βεβήλοις ἢ πρὸς ἄλσεσιν θεῶν,
10
στῆσόν με κἀξίδρυσον, ὡς πυθώμεθα
ὅπου ποτʼ ἐσμέν· μανθάνειν γὰρ ἥκομεν
ξένοι πρὸς ἀστῶν, ἃν δʼ ἀκούσωμεν τελεῖν.
Ἀντιγόνη
πάτερ ταλαίπωρʼ Οἰδίπους, πύργοι μέν, οἳ
πόλιν στέγουσιν, ὡς ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων, πρόσω·
15
χῶρος δʼ ὅδʼ ἱερός, ὡς ἀπεικάσαι, βρύων
δάφνης, ἐλαίας, ἀμπέλου· πυκνόπτεροι δʼ
εἴσω κατʼ αὐτὸν εὐστομοῦσʼ ἀηδόνες·
οὗ κῶλα κάμψον τοῦδʼ ἐπʼ ἀξέστου πέτρου·
μακρὰν γὰρ ὡς γέροντι προὐστάλης ὁδόν.
20
πάτερ ταλαίπωρʼ Οἰδίπους, πύργοι μέν, οἳ
πόλιν στέγουσιν, ὡς ἀπʼ ὀμμάτων, πρόσω·
15
χῶρος δʼ ὅδʼ ἱερός, ὡς ἀπεικάσαι, βρύων
δάφνης, ἐλαίας, ἀμπέλου· πυκνόπτεροι δʼ
εἴσω κατʼ αὐτὸν εὐστομοῦσʼ ἀηδόνες·
οὗ κῶλα κάμψον τοῦδʼ ἐπʼ ἀξέστου πέτρου·
μακρὰν γὰρ ὡς γέροντι προὐστάλης ὁδόν.
20
Οἰδίπους
κάθιζέ νύν με καὶ φύλασσε τὸν τυφλόν.
κάθιζέ νύν με καὶ φύλασσε τὸν τυφλόν.
Ἀντιγόνη
χρόνου μὲν οὕνεκʼ οὐ μαθεῖν με δεῖ τόδε.
χρόνου μὲν οὕνεκʼ οὐ μαθεῖν με δεῖ τόδε.
Οἰδίπους
ἔχεις διδάξαι δή μʼ ὅποι καθέσταμεν;
ἔχεις διδάξαι δή μʼ ὅποι καθέσταμεν;
Ἀντιγόνη
τὰς γοῦν Ἀθήνας οἶδα, τὸν δὲ χῶρον οὔ.
τὰς γοῦν Ἀθήνας οἶδα, τὸν δὲ χῶρον οὔ.
Οἰδίπους
πᾶς γάρ τις ηὔδα τοῦτό γʼ ἡμὶν ἐμπόρων.
25
πᾶς γάρ τις ηὔδα τοῦτό γʼ ἡμὶν ἐμπόρων.
25
Ἀντιγόνη
ἀλλʼ ὅστις ὁ τόπος ἦ μάθω μολοῦσά ποι;
ἀλλʼ ὅστις ὁ τόπος ἦ μάθω μολοῦσά ποι;
Οἰδίπους
ναί, τέκνον, εἴπερ ἐστί γʼ ἐξοικήσιμος.
ναί, τέκνον, εἴπερ ἐστί γʼ ἐξοικήσιμος.
Ἀντιγόνη
ἀλλʼ ἐστὶ μὴν οἰκητός· οἴομαι δὲ δεῖν
οὐδέν· πέλας γὰρ ἄνδρα τόνδε νῷν ὁρῶ.
ἀλλʼ ἐστὶ μὴν οἰκητός· οἴομαι δὲ δεῖν
οὐδέν· πέλας γὰρ ἄνδρα τόνδε νῷν ὁρῶ.
Οἰδίπους
ἦ δεῦρο προσστείχοντα κἀξορμώμενον;
30
ἦ δεῦρο προσστείχοντα κἀξορμώμενον;
30
Ἀντιγόνη
καὶ δὴ μὲν οὖν παρόντα· χὤ τί σοι λέγειν
εὔκαιρόν ἐστιν, ἔννεφʼ, ὡς ἀνὴρ ὅδε.
33
καὶ δὴ μὲν οὖν παρόντα· χὤ τί σοι λέγειν
εὔκαιρόν ἐστιν, ἔννεφʼ, ὡς ἀνὴρ ὅδε.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ ξεῖνʼ, ἀκούων τῆσδε τῆς ὑπέρ τʼ ἐμοῦ
αὑτῆς θʼ ὁρώσης, οὕνεχʼ ἡμὶν αἴσιος
σκοπὸς προσήκεις ὧν ἀδηλοῦμεν φράσαι—
35
ὦ ξεῖνʼ, ἀκούων τῆσδε τῆς ὑπέρ τʼ ἐμοῦ
αὑτῆς θʼ ὁρώσης, οὕνεχʼ ἡμὶν αἴσιος
σκοπὸς προσήκεις ὧν ἀδηλοῦμεν φράσαι—
35
Ξένος
πρὶν νῦν τὰ πλείονʼ ἱστορεῖν, ἐκ τῆσδʼ ἕδρας
ἔξελθʼ· ἔχεις γὰρ χῶρον οὐχ ἁγνὸν πατεῖν.
πρὶν νῦν τὰ πλείονʼ ἱστορεῖν, ἐκ τῆσδʼ ἕδρας
ἔξελθʼ· ἔχεις γὰρ χῶρον οὐχ ἁγνὸν πατεῖν.
Οἰδίπους
τίς δʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ χῶρος; τοῦ θεῶν νομίζεται;
τίς δʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ χῶρος; τοῦ θεῶν νομίζεται;
Ξένος
ἄθικτος οὐδʼ οἰκητός· αἱ γὰρ ἔμφοβοι
θεαί σφʼ ἔχουσι, Γῆς τε καὶ Σκότου κόραι.
40
ἄθικτος οὐδʼ οἰκητός· αἱ γὰρ ἔμφοβοι
θεαί σφʼ ἔχουσι, Γῆς τε καὶ Σκότου κόραι.
40
Οἰδίπους
τίνων τὸ σεμνὸν ὄνομʼ ἂν εὐξαίμην κλύων;
τίνων τὸ σεμνὸν ὄνομʼ ἂν εὐξαίμην κλύων;
Ξένος
τὰς πάνθʼ ὁρώσας Εὐμενίδας ὅ γʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἂν
εἴποι λεώς νιν· ἄλλα δʼ ἀλλαχοῦ καλά.
τὰς πάνθʼ ὁρώσας Εὐμενίδας ὅ γʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἂν
εἴποι λεώς νιν· ἄλλα δʼ ἀλλαχοῦ καλά.
Οἰδίπους
ἀλλʼ ἵλεῳ μὲν τὸν ἱκέτην δεξαίατο·
ὡς οὐχ ἕδρας γῆς τῆσδʼ ἂν ἐξέλθοιμʼ ἔτι.
45
ἀλλʼ ἵλεῳ μὲν τὸν ἱκέτην δεξαίατο·
ὡς οὐχ ἕδρας γῆς τῆσδʼ ἂν ἐξέλθοιμʼ ἔτι.
45
Ξένος
τί δʼ ἐστὶ τοῦτο;
τί δʼ ἐστὶ τοῦτο;
Οἰδίπους
ξυμφορᾶς ξύνθημʼ ἐμῆς.
ξυμφορᾶς ξύνθημʼ ἐμῆς.
Ξένος
ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐμοί τοι τοὐξανιστάναι πόλεως
δίχʼ ἐστὶ θάρσος, πρίν γʼ ἂν ἐνδείξω τί δρῶ.
ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἐμοί τοι τοὐξανιστάναι πόλεως
δίχʼ ἐστὶ θάρσος, πρίν γʼ ἂν ἐνδείξω τί δρῶ.
Οἰδίπους
πρός νυν θεῶν, ὦ ξεῖνε, μή μʼ ἀτιμάσῃς,
τοιόνδʼ ἀλήτην, ὧν σε προστρέπω φράσαι.
50
πρός νυν θεῶν, ὦ ξεῖνε, μή μʼ ἀτιμάσῃς,
τοιόνδʼ ἀλήτην, ὧν σε προστρέπω φράσαι.
50
Ξένος
σήμαινε, κοὐκʼ ἄτιμος ἔκ γʼ ἐμοῦ φανεῖ.
σήμαινε, κοὐκʼ ἄτιμος ἔκ γʼ ἐμοῦ φανεῖ.
Οἰδίπους
τίς ἔσθʼ ὁ χῶρος δῆτʼ, ἐν ᾧ βεβήκαμεν;
τίς ἔσθʼ ὁ χῶρος δῆτʼ, ἐν ᾧ βεβήκαμεν;
Ξένος
ὅσʼ οἶδα κἀγὼ πάντʼ ἐπιστήσει κλύων·
χῶρος μὲν ἱερὸς πᾶς ὅδʼ ἔστʼ· ἔχει δέ νιν
σεμνὸς Ποσειδῶν· ἐν δʼ ὁ πυρφόρος θεὸς
55
Τιτὰν Προμηθεύς· ὃν δʼ ἐπιστείβεις τόπον,
χθονὸς καλεῖται τῆσδε χαλκόπους ὀδός,
ἔρεισμʼ Ἀθηνῶν· οἱ δὲ πλησίοι γύαι
τόνδʼ ἱππότην Κολωνὸν εὔχονται σφίσιν
ἀρχηγὸν εἶναι καὶ φέρουσι τοὔνομα
60
τὸ τοῦδε κοινὸν πάντες ὠνομασμένοι.
τοιαῦτά σοι ταῦτʼ ἐστίν, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ λόγοις
τιμώμενʼ, ἀλλὰ τῇ ξυνουσίᾳ πλέον.
ὅσʼ οἶδα κἀγὼ πάντʼ ἐπιστήσει κλύων·
χῶρος μὲν ἱερὸς πᾶς ὅδʼ ἔστʼ· ἔχει δέ νιν
σεμνὸς Ποσειδῶν· ἐν δʼ ὁ πυρφόρος θεὸς
55
Τιτὰν Προμηθεύς· ὃν δʼ ἐπιστείβεις τόπον,
χθονὸς καλεῖται τῆσδε χαλκόπους ὀδός,
ἔρεισμʼ Ἀθηνῶν· οἱ δὲ πλησίοι γύαι
τόνδʼ ἱππότην Κολωνὸν εὔχονται σφίσιν
ἀρχηγὸν εἶναι καὶ φέρουσι τοὔνομα
60
τὸ τοῦδε κοινὸν πάντες ὠνομασμένοι.
τοιαῦτά σοι ταῦτʼ ἐστίν, ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ λόγοις
τιμώμενʼ, ἀλλὰ τῇ ξυνουσίᾳ πλέον.
Οἰδίπους
ἦ γάρ τινες ναίουσι τούσδε τοὺς τόπους;
ἦ γάρ τινες ναίουσι τούσδε τοὺς τόπους;
Ξένος
καὶ κάρτα, τοῦδε τοῦ θεοῦ γʼ ἐπώνυμοι.
65
καὶ κάρτα, τοῦδε τοῦ θεοῦ γʼ ἐπώνυμοι.
65
Οἰδίπους
ἄρχει τις αὐτῶν ἢ ʼπὶ τῷ πλήθει λόγος;
ἄρχει τις αὐτῶν ἢ ʼπὶ τῷ πλήθει λόγος;
Ξένος
ἐκ τοῦ κατʼ ἄστυ βασιλέως τάδʼ ἄρχεται.
ἐκ τοῦ κατʼ ἄστυ βασιλέως τάδʼ ἄρχεται.
Οἰδίπους
οὗτος δὲ τίς λόγῳ τε καὶ σθένει κρατεῖ;
οὗτος δὲ τίς λόγῳ τε καὶ σθένει κρατεῖ;
Ξένος
Θησεὺς καλεῖται, τοῦ πρὶν Αἰγέως τόκος.
Θησεὺς καλεῖται, τοῦ πρὶν Αἰγέως τόκος.
Οἰδίπους
ἆρʼ ἄν τις αὐτῷ πομπὸς ἐξ ὑμῶν μόλοι;
70
ἆρʼ ἄν τις αὐτῷ πομπὸς ἐξ ὑμῶν μόλοι;
70
Ξένος
ὡς πρὸς τί λέξων ἢ καταρτύσων μολεῖν;
ὡς πρὸς τί λέξων ἢ καταρτύσων μολεῖν;
Οἰδίπους
ὡς ἂν προσαρκῶν σμικρὰ κερδάνῃ μέγα.
ὡς ἂν προσαρκῶν σμικρὰ κερδάνῃ μέγα.
Ξένος
καὶ τίς πρὸς ἀνδρὸς μὴ βλέποντος ἄρκεσις;
καὶ τίς πρὸς ἀνδρὸς μὴ βλέποντος ἄρκεσις;
Οἰδίπους
ὅσʼ ἂν λέγωμεν πάνθʼ ὁρῶντα λέξομεν.
75
ὅσʼ ἂν λέγωμεν πάνθʼ ὁρῶντα λέξομεν.
Ξένος
οἶσθʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ὡς νῦν μὴ σφαλῇς; ἐπείπερ εἰ
75
γενναῖος, ὡς ἰδόντι, πλὴν τοῦ δαίμονος,
αὐτοῦ μένʼ οὗπερ κἀφάνης, ἕως ἐγὼ
τοῖς ἐνθάδʼ αὐτοῦ μὴ κατʼ ἄστυ δημόταις
λέξω τάδʼ ἐλθών· οἵδε γὰρ κρινοῦσί σοι
εἰ χρή σε μίμνειν ἢ πορεύεσθαι πάλιν.
80
οἶσθʼ, ὦ ξένʼ, ὡς νῦν μὴ σφαλῇς; ἐπείπερ εἰ
75
γενναῖος, ὡς ἰδόντι, πλὴν τοῦ δαίμονος,
αὐτοῦ μένʼ οὗπερ κἀφάνης, ἕως ἐγὼ
τοῖς ἐνθάδʼ αὐτοῦ μὴ κατʼ ἄστυ δημόταις
λέξω τάδʼ ἐλθών· οἵδε γὰρ κρινοῦσί σοι
εἰ χρή σε μίμνειν ἢ πορεύεσθαι πάλιν.
80
Οἰδίπους
ὦ τέκνον, ἦ βέβηκεν ἡμὶν ὁ ξένος;
ὦ τέκνον, ἦ βέβηκεν ἡμὶν ὁ ξένος;
Ἀντιγόνη
βέβηκεν, ὥστε πᾶν ἐν ἡσύχῳ, πάτερ,
ἔξεστι φωνεῖν, ὡς ἐμοῦ μόνης πέλας.
βέβηκεν, ὥστε πᾶν ἐν ἡσύχῳ, πάτερ,
ἔξεστι φωνεῖν, ὡς ἐμοῦ μόνης πέλας.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ πότνιαι δεινῶπες, εὖτε νῦν ἕδρας
πρώτων ἐφʼ ὑμῶν τῆσδε γῆς ἔκαμψʼ ἐγώ,
85
Φοίβῳ τε κἀμοὶ μὴ γένησθʼ ἀγνώμονες,
ὅς μοι, τὰ πόλλʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ὅτʼ ἐξέχρη κακά,
ταύτην ἔλεξε παῦλαν ἐν χρόνῳ μακρῷ,
ἐλθόντι χώραν τερμίαν, ὅπου θεῶν
σεμνῶν ἕδραν λάβοιμι καὶ ξενόστασιν,
90
ἐνταῦθα κάμψειν τὸν ταλαίπωρον βίον,
κέρδη μὲν οἰκήσαντα τοῖς δεδεγμένοις,
ἄτην δὲ τοῖς πέμψασιν, οἵ μʼ ἀπήλασαν·
σημεῖα δʼ ἥξειν τῶνδέ μοι παρηγγύα,
ἢ σεισμὸν ἢ βροντήν τινʼ ἢ Διὸς σέλας,
95
ἔγνωκα μέν νυν ὥς με τήνδε τὴν ὁδὸν
οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως οὐ πιστὸν ἐξ ὑμῶν πτερὸν
ἐξήγαγʼ εἰς τόδʼ ἄλσος· οὐ γὰρ ἄν ποτε
πρώταισιν ὑμῖν ἀντέκυρσʼ ὁδοιπορῶν,
νήφων ἀοίνοις, κἀπὶ σεμνὸν ἑζόμην
100
βάθρον τόδʼ ἀσκέπαρνον. ἀλλά μοι, θεαί,
βίου κατʼ ὀμφὰς τὰς Ἀπόλλωνος δότε
πέρασιν ἤδη καὶ καταστροφήν τινα,
εἰ μὴ δοκῶ τι μειόνως ἔχειν, ἀεὶ
μόχθοις λατρεύων τοῖς ὑπερτάτοις βροτῶν.
105
ἴτʼ, ὦ γλυκεῖαι παῖδες ἀρχαίου Σκότου,
ἴτʼ, ὦ μεγίστης Παλλάδος καλούμεναι
πασῶν Ἀθῆναι τιμιωτάτη πόλις,
οἰκτίρατʼ ἀνδρὸς Οἰδίπου τόδʼ ἄθλιον
εἴδωλον· οὐ γὰρ δὴ τόδʼ ἀρχαῖον δέμας.
110
ὦ πότνιαι δεινῶπες, εὖτε νῦν ἕδρας
πρώτων ἐφʼ ὑμῶν τῆσδε γῆς ἔκαμψʼ ἐγώ,
85
Φοίβῳ τε κἀμοὶ μὴ γένησθʼ ἀγνώμονες,
ὅς μοι, τὰ πόλλʼ ἐκεῖνʼ ὅτʼ ἐξέχρη κακά,
ταύτην ἔλεξε παῦλαν ἐν χρόνῳ μακρῷ,
ἐλθόντι χώραν τερμίαν, ὅπου θεῶν
σεμνῶν ἕδραν λάβοιμι καὶ ξενόστασιν,
90
ἐνταῦθα κάμψειν τὸν ταλαίπωρον βίον,
κέρδη μὲν οἰκήσαντα τοῖς δεδεγμένοις,
ἄτην δὲ τοῖς πέμψασιν, οἵ μʼ ἀπήλασαν·
σημεῖα δʼ ἥξειν τῶνδέ μοι παρηγγύα,
ἢ σεισμὸν ἢ βροντήν τινʼ ἢ Διὸς σέλας,
95
ἔγνωκα μέν νυν ὥς με τήνδε τὴν ὁδὸν
οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως οὐ πιστὸν ἐξ ὑμῶν πτερὸν
ἐξήγαγʼ εἰς τόδʼ ἄλσος· οὐ γὰρ ἄν ποτε
πρώταισιν ὑμῖν ἀντέκυρσʼ ὁδοιπορῶν,
νήφων ἀοίνοις, κἀπὶ σεμνὸν ἑζόμην
100
βάθρον τόδʼ ἀσκέπαρνον. ἀλλά μοι, θεαί,
βίου κατʼ ὀμφὰς τὰς Ἀπόλλωνος δότε
πέρασιν ἤδη καὶ καταστροφήν τινα,
εἰ μὴ δοκῶ τι μειόνως ἔχειν, ἀεὶ
μόχθοις λατρεύων τοῖς ὑπερτάτοις βροτῶν.
105
ἴτʼ, ὦ γλυκεῖαι παῖδες ἀρχαίου Σκότου,
ἴτʼ, ὦ μεγίστης Παλλάδος καλούμεναι
πασῶν Ἀθῆναι τιμιωτάτη πόλις,
οἰκτίρατʼ ἀνδρὸς Οἰδίπου τόδʼ ἄθλιον
εἴδωλον· οὐ γὰρ δὴ τόδʼ ἀρχαῖον δέμας.
110
Ἀντιγόνη
σίγα· πορεύονται γὰρ οἵδε δή τινες
χρόνῳ παλαιοί, σῆς ἕδρας ἐπίσκοποι.
σίγα· πορεύονται γὰρ οἵδε δή τινες
χρόνῳ παλαιοί, σῆς ἕδρας ἐπίσκοποι.
Οἰδίπους
σιγήσομαί τε καὶ σύ μʼ ἐξ ὁδοῦ πόδα
κρύψον κατʼ ἄλσος, τῶνδʼ ἕως ἂν ἐκμάθω
τίνας λόγους ἐροῦσιν· ἐν γὰρ τῷ μαθεῖν
115
ἔνεστιν ηὑλάβεια τῶν ποιουμένων.
σιγήσομαί τε καὶ σύ μʼ ἐξ ὁδοῦ πόδα
κρύψον κατʼ ἄλσος, τῶνδʼ ἕως ἂν ἐκμάθω
τίνας λόγους ἐροῦσιν· ἐν γὰρ τῷ μαθεῖν
115
ἔνεστιν ηὑλάβεια τῶν ποιουμένων.
Translations (5)
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 39 focus
OED
Dread Forms of holy Fear, since in this land
Your sanctuary first gave my limbs repose,
Be not obdurate to my prayer, nor spurn
85
The voice of Phoebus, who that fateful day,
When he proclaimed my host of ills to come,
Told me of rest after a weary time,
Where else but here? ‘When I should reach my bourne,
And find repose and refuge with the Powers
90
Of reverend name, my troubled life should end
With blessing to the men who sheltered me,
And curses on their race who banished me
and sent me wandering forth.’ Whereof he vouched me
Sure token, or by earthquake, or by fire
95
From heaven, or thundrous voices. And I know
Some aëry message from your shrine hath drawn me
With wingèd whisper to this grove. Not else
Had ye first met me coming, nor had I
Sate on your dread unchiselled seat of stone,
100
With dry cold lips greeting your sober shrine.
Then give Apollo’s word due course, and give
Completion to my life, if in your sight
These toils and sorrows past the human bound
Seem not too little. Kindly, gentle powers,
105
Offspring of primal darkness, hear my prayer!
Hear it, Athenai, of all cities queen,
Great Pallas’ foster-city! Look with ruth
On this poor shadow of great Oedipus,
This fading semblance of his kingly form.
110
Dread Forms of holy Fear, since in this land
Your sanctuary first gave my limbs repose,
Be not obdurate to my prayer, nor spurn
85
The voice of Phoebus, who that fateful day,
When he proclaimed my host of ills to come,
Told me of rest after a weary time,
Where else but here? ‘When I should reach my bourne,
And find repose and refuge with the Powers
90
Of reverend name, my troubled life should end
With blessing to the men who sheltered me,
And curses on their race who banished me
and sent me wandering forth.’ Whereof he vouched me
Sure token, or by earthquake, or by fire
95
From heaven, or thundrous voices. And I know
Some aëry message from your shrine hath drawn me
With wingèd whisper to this grove. Not else
Had ye first met me coming, nor had I
Sate on your dread unchiselled seat of stone,
100
With dry cold lips greeting your sober shrine.
Then give Apollo’s word due course, and give
Completion to my life, if in your sight
These toils and sorrows past the human bound
Seem not too little. Kindly, gentle powers,
105
Offspring of primal darkness, hear my prayer!
Hear it, Athenai, of all cities queen,
Great Pallas’ foster-city! Look with ruth
On this poor shadow of great Oedipus,
This fading semblance of his kingly form.
110
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 33 focus
Ich höre, Freund, von dieser, die für mich zugleich
Und sich umherschaut, daß du ganz gelegen kommst,
Bericht von dem zu geben, was uns dunkel blieb
35
Ich höre, Freund, von dieser, die für mich zugleich
Und sich umherschaut, daß du ganz gelegen kommst,
Bericht von dem zu geben, was uns dunkel blieb
35
Der Koloner.
Bevor du weiter forſchest, heb' aus diesem Siz
Dich weg; betreten darfst du nicht ein heilig Land.
Bevor du weiter forſchest, heb' aus diesem Siz
Dich weg; betreten darfst du nicht ein heilig Land.
Oedipus.
Und welch eiu Ort ist's? Welchem Gott geheiliget?
Und welch eiu Ort ist's? Welchem Gott geheiliget?
Der Koloner.
Unnahbar ist er, unbewohnt; den furchtbaren
Jungfrau'n gehört er, die dem Skotos Ge gebar.
1
40
Unnahbar ist er, unbewohnt; den furchtbaren
Jungfrau'n gehört er, die dem Skotos Ge gebar.
1
40
Oedipus.
Mit welchem Namen rus' ich an die Göttlichen?
Mit welchem Namen rus' ich an die Göttlichen?
Der Koloner.
Die Eumeniden nennt sie hier des Landes Volk,
2
Die Allesseh'nden; anderswo gilt andrer Brauch.
Die Eumeniden nennt sie hier des Landes Volk,
2
Die Allesseh'nden; anderswo gilt andrer Brauch.
Oedipus.
Empfangen sie denn gnadenreich den Flehenden!
Denn, traun, von dieser Stätte scheid' ich nimmermehr.
45
Empfangen sie denn gnadenreich den Flehenden!
Denn, traun, von dieser Stätte scheid' ich nimmermehr.
45
Der Koloner.
Was hör' ich, Fremdling?
Was hör' ich, Fremdling?
Oedipus.
Mein Geschick erfüllt sich hier.
Mein Geschick erfüllt sich hier.
Der Koloner.
So hab' auch ich, dich auszuweisen, nicht den Muth,
Eh' uns die Stadt bedeutet, was uns hier geziemt.
3
So hab' auch ich, dich auszuweisen, nicht den Muth,
Eh' uns die Stadt bedeutet, was uns hier geziemt.
3
Oedipus.
Bei'm Himmel, Fremdling, weigre nicht mir kundzuthun,
Dem blinden Flüchtling, was zu wissen mich verlangt.
50
Bei'm Himmel, Fremdling, weigre nicht mir kundzuthun,
Dem blinden Flüchtling, was zu wissen mich verlangt.
50
Der Koloner.
Sprich nur; von mir befürchte keine Weigerung.
Sprich nur; von mir befürchte keine Weigerung.
Oedipus.
Nun, welche Gegend ist es, wo wir weilen hier?
Nun, welche Gegend ist es, wo wir weilen hier?
Der Koloner.
Was mir bekannt ist, alles das vernimm sofort.
Die Gegend rings ist heilig; denn in ihr gebeut
Der Fürst Poseidon, thront der feuerspendende
4
55
Titan Prometheus. Dieser Ort, auf den du trittst,
Heißt unsres Landes erzbewehrte Schwell', Athens
5
Geweihte Schuzwehr; und die nahen Gau'n umher,
Als ihren Urahn rühmen sie den reisigen
Halbgott Kolonos; seinen Namen tragen sie,
60
Und sind Koloner allzumal nach ihm genannt.
So ist es, Fremdling; nicht in eitler Sage wird
Der Ort gefeiert, mehr in altgewohntem Brauch.
Was mir bekannt ist, alles das vernimm sofort.
Die Gegend rings ist heilig; denn in ihr gebeut
Der Fürst Poseidon, thront der feuerspendende
4
55
Titan Prometheus. Dieser Ort, auf den du trittst,
Heißt unsres Landes erzbewehrte Schwell', Athens
5
Geweihte Schuzwehr; und die nahen Gau'n umher,
Als ihren Urahn rühmen sie den reisigen
Halbgott Kolonos; seinen Namen tragen sie,
60
Und sind Koloner allzumal nach ihm genannt.
So ist es, Fremdling; nicht in eitler Sage wird
Der Ort gefeiert, mehr in altgewohntem Brauch.
Oedipus.
So wohnen also Menschen hier in diesen Gau'n?
So wohnen also Menschen hier in diesen Gau'n?
Der Koloner.
Ja; gleichen Namen führen sie mit jenem Gott.
65
Ja; gleichen Namen führen sie mit jenem Gott.
65
Oedipus.
Beherrscht sie Iemand, oder ruht im Volk die Macht?
Beherrscht sie Iemand, oder ruht im Volk die Macht?
Der Koloner.
Vom König jener Veste wird dies Land beherrscht.
Vom König jener Veste wird dies Land beherrscht.
Oedipus.
Wer aber ist es, der mit Macht und Wort gebeut?
Wer aber ist es, der mit Macht und Wort gebeut?
Der Koloner.
Theseus, des Aegeus Sprosse, der vordem gebot.
Theseus, des Aegeus Sprosse, der vordem gebot.
Oedipus.
Möcht' euer Einer wohl zu dem als Bote geh'n?
70
Möcht' euer Einer wohl zu dem als Bote geh'n?
70
Der Koloner.
Ihm was zu melden, oder her zu bitten ihn?
Ihm was zu melden, oder her zu bitten ihn?
Oedipus.
Auf daß er erute großen Lohn für kleine Gunst.
Auf daß er erute großen Lohn für kleine Gunst.
Der Koloner.
Und welchen Lohn denn böte. wohl ein blinder Mann?
Und welchen Lohn denn böte. wohl ein blinder Mann?
Oedipus.
Was ich verkünden werde, wird hellsehend sein.
Was ich verkünden werde, wird hellsehend sein.
Der Koloner.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 39 focus
Chorus
Alas ! and wert thou born
Thus sightless? Full of sorrow and of years
Indeed thou seemst ; but do not let on us
Thy curse devolve. Thou hast transgressed the bounds
Prescribed to mortals ; shun this hallowed grove,
AVliere on the grassy surface to the powere
A welcome ottering flows with honc^y mixed
The limpid stream ; unhappy stranger, lienco,
Away, begone ! Thou seest 'tis a long space
Divides us : dost thou hear me, wretched exile ?
This instiint, if thou dost, depart, then speak,
But not before.
Alas ! and wert thou born
Thus sightless? Full of sorrow and of years
Indeed thou seemst ; but do not let on us
Thy curse devolve. Thou hast transgressed the bounds
Prescribed to mortals ; shun this hallowed grove,
AVliere on the grassy surface to the powere
A welcome ottering flows with honc^y mixed
The limpid stream ; unhappy stranger, lienco,
Away, begone ! Thou seest 'tis a long space
Divides us : dost thou hear me, wretched exile ?
This instiint, if thou dost, depart, then speak,
But not before.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 39 focus
Antigone
Thy name, illustrious Athens, pity me,
Pity the shade of wretched Edipus,
For what was once the man is now no more.
Forbear: some men, in years they seem, advance :
Their purpose haply to observe thy seat.
Thy name, illustrious Athens, pity me,
Pity the shade of wretched Edipus,
For what was once the man is now no more.
Forbear: some men, in years they seem, advance :
Their purpose haply to observe thy seat.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 1-115 focus
Oedipus
Child of a blind old man, Antigone, to what region have we come, or to what city of men? Who will entertain the wandering Oedipus today with scanty gifts?
1
Little do I crave, and obtain still less than that little, and with that I am content. For patience is the lesson of suffering, and of the long years upon me, and lastly of a noble mind. My child, if you see any resting-place,
5
either on profane ground or by groves of the gods, stop me and set me down, so that we may inquire where we are. We have come to learn as foreigners from the townsmen, and to bring to completion whatever we hear.
10
Child of a blind old man, Antigone, to what region have we come, or to what city of men? Who will entertain the wandering Oedipus today with scanty gifts?
1
Little do I crave, and obtain still less than that little, and with that I am content. For patience is the lesson of suffering, and of the long years upon me, and lastly of a noble mind. My child, if you see any resting-place,
5
either on profane ground or by groves of the gods, stop me and set me down, so that we may inquire where we are. We have come to learn as foreigners from the townsmen, and to bring to completion whatever we hear.
10
Antigone
Father, toil-worn Oedipus, the towers that
ring the city, to judge by sight, are far off; and this place is sacred, to judge from its appearance: laurel, olive, and vine grow thick-set; and a feathered crowd of nightingales makes music within. So sit here on this unshaped stone;
15
you have travelled a long way for an old man.
20
Father, toil-worn Oedipus, the towers that
ring the city, to judge by sight, are far off; and this place is sacred, to judge from its appearance: laurel, olive, and vine grow thick-set; and a feathered crowd of nightingales makes music within. So sit here on this unshaped stone;
15
you have travelled a long way for an old man.
20
Oedipus
Seat me, then, and watch over the blind.
Seat me, then, and watch over the blind.
Antigone
If time can teach, I need not learn that.
If time can teach, I need not learn that.
Oedipus
Can you tell me, now, where we have arrived?
Can you tell me, now, where we have arrived?
Antigone
Athens
I know, but not this place.
Athens
I know, but not this place.
Oedipus
Yes, so much every traveller told us.
25
Yes, so much every traveller told us.
25
Antigone
Well, shall I go and learn what the spot is called?
Well, shall I go and learn what the spot is called?
Oedipus
Yes, child, if indeed it is inhabited.
Yes, child, if indeed it is inhabited.
Antigone
It surely is inhabited. But I think there is no need—I see a man nearby.
It surely is inhabited. But I think there is no need—I see a man nearby.
Oedipus
Setting off and coming toward us?
30
Setting off and coming toward us?
30
Antigone
He is at our side already. Speak whatever seems timely to you, for the man is here.
33
He is at our side already. Speak whatever seems timely to you, for the man is here.
Oedipus
Stranger, hearing from this maiden, who has sight both for herself and for me,
that you have arrived as a scout of good fortune for the solving of our doubts—
35
Enter a stranger, a man of
Colonus
.
Stranger, hearing from this maiden, who has sight both for herself and for me,
that you have arrived as a scout of good fortune for the solving of our doubts—
35
Stranger
Now, before you question me at length, leave this seat. You occupy ground which is unholy to tread upon.
Now, before you question me at length, leave this seat. You occupy ground which is unholy to tread upon.
Oedipus
And what is this ground? To which of the gods is it sacred?
And what is this ground? To which of the gods is it sacred?
Stranger
Ground inviolable, on which no one may dwell. The dread
goddesses hold it, the daughters of Earth and Darkness.
40
Ground inviolable, on which no one may dwell. The dread
goddesses hold it, the daughters of Earth and Darkness.
40
Oedipus
Who are they? Whose awful name might I hear and invoke in prayer?
Who are they? Whose awful name might I hear and invoke in prayer?
Stranger
The all-seeing Eumenides the people here would call them: but other names please elsewhere.
The all-seeing Eumenides the people here would call them: but other names please elsewhere.
Oedipus
Then graciously may they receive their suppliant!
Nevermore will I depart from my seat in this land.
45
Then graciously may they receive their suppliant!
Nevermore will I depart from my seat in this land.
45
Stranger
What does this mean?
What does this mean?
Oedipus
The watchword of my fate.
The watchword of my fate.
Stranger
I dare not remove you without warrant from the city, until I report what I am doing.
I dare not remove you without warrant from the city, until I report what I am doing.
Oedipus
Now by the gods, stranger, do not deny me, hapless wanderer as you see,
the honor of the knowledge for which I beg you.
50
Now by the gods, stranger, do not deny me, hapless wanderer as you see,
the honor of the knowledge for which I beg you.
50
Stranger
Tell me, and you will not be without honor from me.
Tell me, and you will not be without honor from me.
Oedipus
What, then, is the place that we have entered?
What, then, is the place that we have entered?
Stranger
All that I myself know, you will hear and learn. This whole place is sacred;
august Poseidon holds it, and in it lives the fire-bearing god, the Titan Prometheus. But as for the spot on which you tread, it is called the bronze threshold of this land, the support of
Athens
. And the neighboring fields claim
Colonus
, the horse-rider, for their ancient ruler;
55
and all the people bear his name in common as their own. Such, you see, stranger, are these haunts. They receive their honor not through story, but rather through our living with them.
60
All that I myself know, you will hear and learn. This whole place is sacred;
august Poseidon holds it, and in it lives the fire-bearing god, the Titan Prometheus. But as for the spot on which you tread, it is called the bronze threshold of this land, the support of
Athens
. And the neighboring fields claim
Colonus
, the horse-rider, for their ancient ruler;
55
and all the people bear his name in common as their own. Such, you see, stranger, are these haunts. They receive their honor not through story, but rather through our living with them.
60
Oedipus
Are there indeed dwellers in this region?
Are there indeed dwellers in this region?
Stranger
Yes indeed, the namesakes of that god there
Colonus
.
65
Yes indeed, the namesakes of that god there
Colonus
.
65
Oedipus
Have they a king? Or does speaking
in assembly rest with the masses?
Have they a king? Or does speaking
in assembly rest with the masses?
Stranger
These parts are ruled by the king in the city.
These parts are ruled by the king in the city.
Oedipus
And who is he that is sovereign in counsel and in might?
And who is he that is sovereign in counsel and in might?
Stranger
Theseus he is called, son of Aegeus who was before him.
Theseus he is called, son of Aegeus who was before him.
Oedipus
Could a messenger go to him from among you?
70
Could a messenger go to him from among you?
70
Stranger
With what aim? To speak, or to prepare his coming?
With what aim? To speak, or to prepare his coming?
Oedipus
So that by a small service he may find a great gain.
So that by a small service he may find a great gain.
Stranger
And what help can come from one who cannot see?
And what help can come from one who cannot see?
Oedipus
In all that I speak there will be vision.
75
In all that I speak there will be vision.
Stranger
Take care now, stranger, that you come to no harm; for you are noble, if I may judge by your looks, leaving your ill-fortune aside. Stay here, where I found you, until I go and tell these things to the people of this district—not in the city.
75
They will decide for you whether you should stay or go back.
Stranger exits.
80
Take care now, stranger, that you come to no harm; for you are noble, if I may judge by your looks, leaving your ill-fortune aside. Stay here, where I found you, until I go and tell these things to the people of this district—not in the city.
75
They will decide for you whether you should stay or go back.
Stranger exits.
80
Oedipus
My child, has the stranger left us?
My child, has the stranger left us?
Antigone
He is gone, and so you can speak what you wish, father, fully at ease, knowing that I alone am near.
He is gone, and so you can speak what you wish, father, fully at ease, knowing that I alone am near.
Oedipus
Ladies of dread aspect, since your seat is
the first in this land at which I have bent my knee, show yourselves not ungracious to Phoebus or to myself; who, when he proclaimed that doom of many woes, spoke to me of this rest after long years: on reaching my goal in a land where I should find a seat of the Awful Goddesses
85
and a shelter for foreigners, there I should close my weary life, with profit, through my having fixed my abode there, for those who received me, but ruin for those who sent me forth, who drove me away. And he went on to warn me that signs of these things would come,
90
in earthquake, or in thunder, or in the lightning of Zeus.
Now I perceive that in this journey some trusty omen from you has surely led me home to this grove; never otherwise could I have met with you, first of all, in my wanderings—I, in my sobriety, with you who touch no wine,
95
—or taken this august seat not shaped by men.
Then, goddesses, according to the word of Apollo, give me at last some way to accomplish and close my course—unless, perhaps, I seem too lowly,
100
enslaved as I am evermore to woes the sorest on the earth. Hear, sweet daughters of primeval Darkness! Hear, you that are called the city of great Pallas,
Athens
, given most honor of all cities! Pity this poor ghost of the man Oedipus!
105
For in truth it is the former living body no more.
110
Ladies of dread aspect, since your seat is
the first in this land at which I have bent my knee, show yourselves not ungracious to Phoebus or to myself; who, when he proclaimed that doom of many woes, spoke to me of this rest after long years: on reaching my goal in a land where I should find a seat of the Awful Goddesses
85
and a shelter for foreigners, there I should close my weary life, with profit, through my having fixed my abode there, for those who received me, but ruin for those who sent me forth, who drove me away. And he went on to warn me that signs of these things would come,
90
in earthquake, or in thunder, or in the lightning of Zeus.
Now I perceive that in this journey some trusty omen from you has surely led me home to this grove; never otherwise could I have met with you, first of all, in my wanderings—I, in my sobriety, with you who touch no wine,
95
Now I perceive that in this journey some trusty omen from you has surely led me home to this grove; never otherwise could I have met with you, first of all, in my wanderings—I, in my sobriety, with you who touch no wine,
—or taken this august seat not shaped by men.
Then, goddesses, according to the word of Apollo, give me at last some way to accomplish and close my course—unless, perhaps, I seem too lowly,
100
Then, goddesses, according to the word of Apollo, give me at last some way to accomplish and close my course—unless, perhaps, I seem too lowly,
enslaved as I am evermore to woes the sorest on the earth. Hear, sweet daughters of primeval Darkness! Hear, you that are called the city of great Pallas,
Athens
, given most honor of all cities! Pity this poor ghost of the man Oedipus!
105
For in truth it is the former living body no more.
110
Antigone
Hush! Here come some aged men to spy out your resting-place.
Hush! Here come some aged men to spy out your resting-place.
Oedipus
I will be mute. But hide me in the grove, apart from the road, till I learn
how these men will speak. For in learning is the safeguard of our course.
They exit.
115
I will be mute. But hide me in the grove, apart from the road, till I learn
how these men will speak. For in learning is the safeguard of our course.
They exit.
115
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
mvp-comment-36-1 ἄθικτος οὐδ’ οἰκητός 1
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
1-116. mvp-comment-1-1 The scene of the πρόλογος, ll. 1-116, is probably on the north side of Colonus, with Athens in the distance. See Introduction, p. 282. The spot so familiar to the audience (οὐ λόγοις τιμώμεν' ἀλλὰ τῇ συνουσίᾳ, infr. 63-64) would probably be recalled by the representation on the stage of some striking objects, especially those which marked the religio loci. Oedipus enters (right?), led by Antigone, and sits down in the middle of the proscenium, where he remains until Antigone descries the approach of the chorus.