ἐμοὶ μέν ἐσθʼ ἥδιστον, εἰ σὺ μήτʼ ἐμὲ
Oedipus at Colonus. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
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Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 720-1043 focus
Ἀντιγόνη
ὦ πλεῖστʼ ἐπαίνοις εὐλογούμενον πέδον,
720
νῦν σὸν τὰ λαμπρὰ ταῦτα δὴ φαίνειν ἔπη.
ὦ πλεῖστʼ ἐπαίνοις εὐλογούμενον πέδον,
720
νῦν σὸν τὰ λαμπρὰ ταῦτα δὴ φαίνειν ἔπη.
Οἰδίπους
τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ παῖ, καινόν;
τί δʼ ἔστιν, ὦ παῖ, καινόν;
Ἀντιγόνη
ἆσσον ἔρχεται
Κρέων ὅδʼ ἡμῖν οὐκ ἄνευ πομπῶν, πάτερ.
ἆσσον ἔρχεται
Κρέων ὅδʼ ἡμῖν οὐκ ἄνευ πομπῶν, πάτερ.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ φίλτατοι γέροντες, ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐμοὶ
φαίνοιτʼ ἂν ἤδη τέρμα τῆς σωτηρίας.
725
ὦ φίλτατοι γέροντες, ἐξ ὑμῶν ἐμοὶ
φαίνοιτʼ ἂν ἤδη τέρμα τῆς σωτηρίας.
725
Χορός
θάρσει, παρέσται· καὶ γὰρ εἰ γέρων ἐγώ,
τὸ τῆσδε χώρας οὐ γεγήρακεν σθένος.
θάρσει, παρέσται· καὶ γὰρ εἰ γέρων ἐγώ,
τὸ τῆσδε χώρας οὐ γεγήρακεν σθένος.
Κρέων
ἄνδρες χθονὸς τῆσδʼ εὐγενεῖς οἰκήτορες,
ὁρῶ τινʼ ὑμᾶς ὀμμάτων εἰληφότας
φόβον νεώρη τῆς ἐμῆς ἐπεισόδου,
730
ὃν μήτʼ ὀκνεῖτε μήτʼ ἀφῆτʼ ἔπος κακόν.
ἥκω γὰρ οὐχ ὡς δρᾶν τι βουληθείς, ἐπεὶ
γέρων μέν εἰμι, πρὸς πόλιν δʼ ἐπίσταμαι
σθένουσαν ἥκων, εἴ τινʼ Ἑλλάδος, μέγα.
ἀλλʼ ἄνδρα τόνδε τηλικόσδʼ ἀπεστάλην
735
πείσων ἕπεσθαι πρὸς τὸ Καδμείων πέδον,
οὐκ ἐξ ἑνὸς στείλαντος, ἀλλʼ ἀνδρῶν ὑπὸ
πάντων κελευσθείς, οὕνεχʼ ἧκέ μοι γένει
τὰ τοῦδε πενθεῖν πήματʼ εἰς πλεῖστον πόλεως.
ἀλλʼ ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ Οἰδίπους, κλύων ἐμοῦ
740
ἱκοῦ πρὸς οἴκους. πᾶς σε Καδμείων λεὼς
καλεῖ δικαίως, ἐκ δὲ τῶν μάλιστʼ ἐγώ,
ὅσῳπερ, εἰ μὴ πλεῖστον ἀνθρώπων ἔφυν
κάκιστος, ἀλγῶ τοῖσι σοῖς κακοῖς, γέρον,
ὁρῶν σε τὸν δύστηνον ὄντα μὲν ξένον,
745
ἀεὶ δʼ ἀλήτην κἀπὶ προσπόλου μιᾶς
βιοστερῆ χωροῦντα· τὴν ἐγὼ τάλας
οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ἐς τοσοῦτον αἰκίας πεσεῖν
ἔδοξʼ, ὅσον πέπτωκεν ἥδε δύσμορος,
ἀεί σε κηδεύουσα καὶ τὸ σὸν κάρα
750
πτωχῷ διαίτῃ, τηλικοῦτος, οὐ γάμων
ἔμπειρος, ἀλλὰ τοὐπιόντος ἁρπάσαι.
ἆρʼ ἄθλιον τοὔνειδος, ὦ τάλας ἐγώ,
ὠνείδισʼ εἰς σὲ κἀμὲ καὶ τὸ πᾶν γένος;
ἀλλʼ οὐ γὰρ ἔστι τἀμφανῆ κρύπτειν, σύ νιν
755
πρὸς θεῶν πατρῴων, Οἰδίπους, πεισθεὶς ἐμοὶ
κρύψον, θελήσας ἄστυ καὶ δόμους μολεῖν
τοὺς σοὺς πατρῴους, τήνδε τὴν πόλιν φίλως
εἰπών· ἐπαξία γάρ· ἡ δʼ οἴκοι πλέον
δίκῃ σέβοιτʼ ἄν, οὖσα σὴ πάλαι τροφός.
760
761
ἄνδρες χθονὸς τῆσδʼ εὐγενεῖς οἰκήτορες,
ὁρῶ τινʼ ὑμᾶς ὀμμάτων εἰληφότας
φόβον νεώρη τῆς ἐμῆς ἐπεισόδου,
730
ὃν μήτʼ ὀκνεῖτε μήτʼ ἀφῆτʼ ἔπος κακόν.
ἥκω γὰρ οὐχ ὡς δρᾶν τι βουληθείς, ἐπεὶ
γέρων μέν εἰμι, πρὸς πόλιν δʼ ἐπίσταμαι
σθένουσαν ἥκων, εἴ τινʼ Ἑλλάδος, μέγα.
ἀλλʼ ἄνδρα τόνδε τηλικόσδʼ ἀπεστάλην
735
πείσων ἕπεσθαι πρὸς τὸ Καδμείων πέδον,
οὐκ ἐξ ἑνὸς στείλαντος, ἀλλʼ ἀνδρῶν ὑπὸ
πάντων κελευσθείς, οὕνεχʼ ἧκέ μοι γένει
τὰ τοῦδε πενθεῖν πήματʼ εἰς πλεῖστον πόλεως.
ἀλλʼ ὦ ταλαίπωρʼ Οἰδίπους, κλύων ἐμοῦ
740
ἱκοῦ πρὸς οἴκους. πᾶς σε Καδμείων λεὼς
καλεῖ δικαίως, ἐκ δὲ τῶν μάλιστʼ ἐγώ,
ὅσῳπερ, εἰ μὴ πλεῖστον ἀνθρώπων ἔφυν
κάκιστος, ἀλγῶ τοῖσι σοῖς κακοῖς, γέρον,
ὁρῶν σε τὸν δύστηνον ὄντα μὲν ξένον,
745
ἀεὶ δʼ ἀλήτην κἀπὶ προσπόλου μιᾶς
βιοστερῆ χωροῦντα· τὴν ἐγὼ τάλας
οὐκ ἄν ποτʼ ἐς τοσοῦτον αἰκίας πεσεῖν
ἔδοξʼ, ὅσον πέπτωκεν ἥδε δύσμορος,
ἀεί σε κηδεύουσα καὶ τὸ σὸν κάρα
750
πτωχῷ διαίτῃ, τηλικοῦτος, οὐ γάμων
ἔμπειρος, ἀλλὰ τοὐπιόντος ἁρπάσαι.
ἆρʼ ἄθλιον τοὔνειδος, ὦ τάλας ἐγώ,
ὠνείδισʼ εἰς σὲ κἀμὲ καὶ τὸ πᾶν γένος;
ἀλλʼ οὐ γὰρ ἔστι τἀμφανῆ κρύπτειν, σύ νιν
755
πρὸς θεῶν πατρῴων, Οἰδίπους, πεισθεὶς ἐμοὶ
κρύψον, θελήσας ἄστυ καὶ δόμους μολεῖν
τοὺς σοὺς πατρῴους, τήνδε τὴν πόλιν φίλως
εἰπών· ἐπαξία γάρ· ἡ δʼ οἴκοι πλέον
δίκῃ σέβοιτʼ ἄν, οὖσα σὴ πάλαι τροφός.
760
Οἰδίπους
ὦ πάντα τολμῶν κἀπὸ παντὸς ἂν φέρων
λόγου δικαίου μηχάνημα ποικίλον,
τί ταῦτα πειρᾷ κἀμὲ δεύτερον θέλεις
ἑλεῖν ἐν οἷς μάλιστʼ ἂν ἀλγοίην ἁλούς;
πρόσθεν τε γάρ με τοῖσιν οἰκείοις κακοῖς
765
νοσοῦνθʼ, ὅτʼ ἦν μοι τέρψις ἐκπεσεῖν χθονός,
οὐκ ἤθελες θέλοντι προσθέσθαι χάριν·
ἀλλʼ ἡνίκʼ ἤδη μεστὸς ἦ θυμούμενος
καὶ τοὐν δόμοισιν ἦν διαιτᾶσθαι γλυκύ,
τότʼ ἐξεώθεις κἀξέβαλλες, οὐδέ σοι
770
τὸ συγγενὲς τοῦτʼ οὐδαμῶς τότʼ ἦν φίλον·
νῦν τʼ αὖθις ἡνίκʼ εἰσορᾷς πόλιν τέ μοι
ξυνοῦσαν εὔνουν τήνδε καὶ γένος τὸ πᾶν,
πειρᾷ μετασπᾶν, σκληρὰ μαλθακῶς λέγων.
καίτοι τίς αὕτη τέρψις ἄκοντας φιλεῖν;
775
ὥσπερ τις εἴ σοι λιπαροῦντι μὲν τυχεῖν
μηδὲν διδοίη μηδʼ ἐπαρκέσαι θέλοι,
πλήρη δʼ ἔχοντι θυμὸν ὧν χρῄζοις, τότε
δωροῖθʼ, ὅτʼ οὐδὲν ἡ χάρις χάριν φέροι·
ἆρʼ ἂν ματαίου τῆσδʼ ἂν ἡδονῆς τύχοις;
780
τοιαῦτα μέντοι καὶ σὺ προσφέρεις ἐμοί,
λόγῳ μὲν ἐσθλά. τοῖσι δʼ ἔργοισιν κακά.
φράσω δὲ καὶ τοῖσδʼ, ὥς σε δηλώσω κακόν.
ἥκεις ἔμʼ ἄξων, οὐχʼ ἵνʼ ἐς δόμους ἄγῃς,
ἀλλʼ ὡς πάραυλον οἰκίσῃς, πόλις δέ σοι
785
κακῶν ἄνατος τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθῇ χθονός.
οὐκ ἔστι σοι ταῦτʼ, ἀλλά σοι τάδʼ ἔστʼ, ἐκεῖ
χώρας ἀλάστωρ οὑμὸς ἐνναίων ἀεί·
ἔστιν δὲ παισὶ τοῖς ἐμοῖσι τῆς ἐμῆς
χθονὸς λαχεῖν τοσοῦτον, ἐνθανεῖν μόνον.
790
ἆρʼ οὐκ ἄμεινον ἢ σὺ τἀν Θήβαις φρονῶ;
πολλῷ γʼ, ὅσῳπερ κἀκ σαφεστέρων κλύω,
Φοίβου τε καὐτοῦ Ζηνός, ὃς κείνου πατήρ.
τὸ σὸν δʼ ἀφῖκται δεῦρʼ ὑπόβλητον στόμα,
πολλὴν ἔχον στόμωσιν· ἐν δὲ τῷ λέγειν
795
κάκʼ ἂν λάβοις τὰ πλείονʼ ἢ σωτήρια.
ἀλλʼ οἶδα γάρ σε ταῦτα μὴ πείθων, ἴθι·
ἡμᾶς δʼ ἔα ζῆν ἐνθάδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἂν κακῶς
οὐδʼ ὧδʼ ἔχοντες ζῷμεν, εἰ τερποίμεθα.
800
ὦ πάντα τολμῶν κἀπὸ παντὸς ἂν φέρων
λόγου δικαίου μηχάνημα ποικίλον,
τί ταῦτα πειρᾷ κἀμὲ δεύτερον θέλεις
ἑλεῖν ἐν οἷς μάλιστʼ ἂν ἀλγοίην ἁλούς;
πρόσθεν τε γάρ με τοῖσιν οἰκείοις κακοῖς
765
νοσοῦνθʼ, ὅτʼ ἦν μοι τέρψις ἐκπεσεῖν χθονός,
οὐκ ἤθελες θέλοντι προσθέσθαι χάριν·
ἀλλʼ ἡνίκʼ ἤδη μεστὸς ἦ θυμούμενος
καὶ τοὐν δόμοισιν ἦν διαιτᾶσθαι γλυκύ,
τότʼ ἐξεώθεις κἀξέβαλλες, οὐδέ σοι
770
τὸ συγγενὲς τοῦτʼ οὐδαμῶς τότʼ ἦν φίλον·
νῦν τʼ αὖθις ἡνίκʼ εἰσορᾷς πόλιν τέ μοι
ξυνοῦσαν εὔνουν τήνδε καὶ γένος τὸ πᾶν,
πειρᾷ μετασπᾶν, σκληρὰ μαλθακῶς λέγων.
καίτοι τίς αὕτη τέρψις ἄκοντας φιλεῖν;
775
ὥσπερ τις εἴ σοι λιπαροῦντι μὲν τυχεῖν
μηδὲν διδοίη μηδʼ ἐπαρκέσαι θέλοι,
πλήρη δʼ ἔχοντι θυμὸν ὧν χρῄζοις, τότε
δωροῖθʼ, ὅτʼ οὐδὲν ἡ χάρις χάριν φέροι·
ἆρʼ ἂν ματαίου τῆσδʼ ἂν ἡδονῆς τύχοις;
780
τοιαῦτα μέντοι καὶ σὺ προσφέρεις ἐμοί,
λόγῳ μὲν ἐσθλά. τοῖσι δʼ ἔργοισιν κακά.
φράσω δὲ καὶ τοῖσδʼ, ὥς σε δηλώσω κακόν.
ἥκεις ἔμʼ ἄξων, οὐχʼ ἵνʼ ἐς δόμους ἄγῃς,
ἀλλʼ ὡς πάραυλον οἰκίσῃς, πόλις δέ σοι
785
κακῶν ἄνατος τῆσδʼ ἀπαλλαχθῇ χθονός.
οὐκ ἔστι σοι ταῦτʼ, ἀλλά σοι τάδʼ ἔστʼ, ἐκεῖ
χώρας ἀλάστωρ οὑμὸς ἐνναίων ἀεί·
ἔστιν δὲ παισὶ τοῖς ἐμοῖσι τῆς ἐμῆς
χθονὸς λαχεῖν τοσοῦτον, ἐνθανεῖν μόνον.
790
ἆρʼ οὐκ ἄμεινον ἢ σὺ τἀν Θήβαις φρονῶ;
πολλῷ γʼ, ὅσῳπερ κἀκ σαφεστέρων κλύω,
Φοίβου τε καὐτοῦ Ζηνός, ὃς κείνου πατήρ.
τὸ σὸν δʼ ἀφῖκται δεῦρʼ ὑπόβλητον στόμα,
πολλὴν ἔχον στόμωσιν· ἐν δὲ τῷ λέγειν
795
κάκʼ ἂν λάβοις τὰ πλείονʼ ἢ σωτήρια.
ἀλλʼ οἶδα γάρ σε ταῦτα μὴ πείθων, ἴθι·
ἡμᾶς δʼ ἔα ζῆν ἐνθάδʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἂν κακῶς
οὐδʼ ὧδʼ ἔχοντες ζῷμεν, εἰ τερποίμεθα.
Κρέων
πότερα νομίζεις δυστυχεῖν ἔμʼ ἐς τὰ σά,
800
ἤ σʼ εἰς τὰ σαυτοῦ μᾶλλον,
ἐν
ἐς τῷ νῦν λόγῳ;
πότερα νομίζεις δυστυχεῖν ἔμʼ ἐς τὰ σά,
800
ἤ σʼ εἰς τὰ σαυτοῦ μᾶλλον,
ἐν
ἐς τῷ νῦν λόγῳ;
Οἰδίπους
ἐμοὶ μέν ἐσθʼ ἥδιστον, εἰ σὺ μήτʼ ἐμὲ
πείθειν οἷός τʼ εἶ μήτε τούσδε τοὺς πέλας.
ἐμοὶ μέν ἐσθʼ ἥδιστον, εἰ σὺ μήτʼ ἐμὲ
πείθειν οἷός τʼ εἶ μήτε τούσδε τοὺς πέλας.
Κρέων
ὦ δύσμορʼ, οὐδὲ τῷ χρόνῳ φύσας φανεῖ
φρένας ποτʼ ἀλλὰ λῦμα τῷ γήρᾳ τρέφει;
805
ὦ δύσμορʼ, οὐδὲ τῷ χρόνῳ φύσας φανεῖ
φρένας ποτʼ ἀλλὰ λῦμα τῷ γήρᾳ τρέφει;
805
Οἰδίπους
γλώσσῃ σὺ δεινός· ἄνδρα δʼ οὐδένʼ οἶδʼ ἐγὼ
δίκαιον ὅστις ἐξ ἅπαντος εὖ λέγει.
γλώσσῃ σὺ δεινός· ἄνδρα δʼ οὐδένʼ οἶδʼ ἐγὼ
δίκαιον ὅστις ἐξ ἅπαντος εὖ λέγει.
Κρέων
χωρὶς τό τʼ εἰπεῖν πολλὰ καὶ τὰ καίρια.
χωρὶς τό τʼ εἰπεῖν πολλὰ καὶ τὰ καίρια.
Οἰδίπους
ὡς δὴ σὺ βραχέα, ταῦτα δʼ ἐν καιρῷ λέγεις.
ὡς δὴ σὺ βραχέα, ταῦτα δʼ ἐν καιρῷ λέγεις.
Κρέων
οὐ δῆθʼ ὅτῳ γε νοῦς ἴσος καὶ σοὶ πάρα.
810
οὐ δῆθʼ ὅτῳ γε νοῦς ἴσος καὶ σοὶ πάρα.
810
Οἰδίπους
ἄπελθʼ, ἐρῶ γὰρ καὶ πρὸ τῶνδε, μηδέ με
φύλασσʼ ἐφορμῶν ἔνθα χρὴ ναίειν ἐμέ.
ἄπελθʼ, ἐρῶ γὰρ καὶ πρὸ τῶνδε, μηδέ με
φύλασσʼ ἐφορμῶν ἔνθα χρὴ ναίειν ἐμέ.
Κρέων
μαρτύρομαι τούσδʼ, οὐ σέ· πρὸς δὲ τοὺς φίλους
οἷʼ ἀνταμείβει ῥήματʼ, ἤν σʼ ἕλω ποτέ
μαρτύρομαι τούσδʼ, οὐ σέ· πρὸς δὲ τοὺς φίλους
οἷʼ ἀνταμείβει ῥήματʼ, ἤν σʼ ἕλω ποτέ
Οἰδίπους
τίς δʼ ἄν με τῶνδε συμμάχων ἕλοι βίᾳ;
815
τίς δʼ ἄν με τῶνδε συμμάχων ἕλοι βίᾳ;
815
Κρέων
ἦ μὴν σὺ κἄνευ τοῦδε λυπηθεὶς ἔσει.
ἦ μὴν σὺ κἄνευ τοῦδε λυπηθεὶς ἔσει.
Οἰδίπους
ποίῳ σὺν ἔργῳ τοῦτʼ ἀπειλήσας ἔχεις;
ποίῳ σὺν ἔργῳ τοῦτʼ ἀπειλήσας ἔχεις;
Κρέων
παίδοιν δυοῖν σοι τὴν μὲν ἀρτίως ἐγὼ
ξυναρπάσας ἔπεμψα, τὴν δʼ ἄξω τάχα.
παίδοιν δυοῖν σοι τὴν μὲν ἀρτίως ἐγὼ
ξυναρπάσας ἔπεμψα, τὴν δʼ ἄξω τάχα.
Οἰδίπους
οἴμοι.
820
οἴμοι.
820
Κρέων
τάχʼ ἕξεις μᾶλλον οἰμώζειν τάδε.
τάχʼ ἕξεις μᾶλλον οἰμώζειν τάδε.
Οἰδίπους
τὴν παῖδʼ ἔχεις μου;
τὴν παῖδʼ ἔχεις μου;
Κρέων
τήνδε τʼ οὐ μακροῦ χρόνου.
τήνδε τʼ οὐ μακροῦ χρόνου.
Οἰδίπους
ἰὼ ξένοι, τί δράσετʼ; ἦ προδώσετε,
κοὐκ ἐξελᾶτε τὸν ἀσεβῆ τῆσδε χθονός;
ἰὼ ξένοι, τί δράσετʼ; ἦ προδώσετε,
κοὐκ ἐξελᾶτε τὸν ἀσεβῆ τῆσδε χθονός;
Χορός
χώρει, ξένʼ, ἔξω θᾶσσον. οὔτε γὰρ τὰ νῦν
δίκαια πράσσεις οὔθʼ ἃ πρόσθεν εἴργασαι.
825
χώρει, ξένʼ, ἔξω θᾶσσον. οὔτε γὰρ τὰ νῦν
δίκαια πράσσεις οὔθʼ ἃ πρόσθεν εἴργασαι.
825
Κρέων
ὑμῖν ἂν εἴη τήνδε καιρὸς ἐξάγειν
ἄκουσαν, εἰ θέλουσα μὴ πορεύεται.
ὑμῖν ἂν εἴη τήνδε καιρὸς ἐξάγειν
ἄκουσαν, εἰ θέλουσα μὴ πορεύεται.
Ἀντιγόνη
οἴμοι τάλαινα, ποῖ φύγω; ποίαν λάβω
θεῶν ἄρηξιν ἢ βροτῶν;
οἴμοι τάλαινα, ποῖ φύγω; ποίαν λάβω
θεῶν ἄρηξιν ἢ βροτῶν;
Χορός
τί δρᾷς, ξένε;
τί δρᾷς, ξένε;
Κρέων
οὐχ ἅψομαι τοῦδʼ ἀνδρός, ἀλλὰ τῆς ἐμῆς.
830
οὐχ ἅψομαι τοῦδʼ ἀνδρός, ἀλλὰ τῆς ἐμῆς.
830
Οἰδίπους
ὦ γῆς ἄνακτες.
ὦ γῆς ἄνακτες.
Χορός
ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ δίκαια δρᾷς.
ὦ ξένʼ, οὐ δίκαια δρᾷς.
Κρέων
δίκαια.
δίκαια.
Χορός
πῶς δίκαια;
πῶς δίκαια;
Κρέων
τοὺς ἐμοὺς ἄγω.
τοὺς ἐμοὺς ἄγω.
Οἰδίπους
ἰὼ πόλις.
ἰὼ πόλις.
Χορός
τί δρᾷς, ὦ ξένʼ; οὐκ ἀφήσεις; τάχʼ εἰς βάσανον εἶ χερῶν.
τί δρᾷς, ὦ ξένʼ; οὐκ ἀφήσεις; τάχʼ εἰς βάσανον εἶ χερῶν.
Κρέων
εἴργου.
835
εἴργου.
835
Χορός
σοῦ μὲν οὔ, τάδε γε μωμένου.
σοῦ μὲν οὔ, τάδε γε μωμένου.
Κρέων
πόλει μαχεῖ γάρ, εἴ τι πημανεῖς ἐμέ.
πόλει μαχεῖ γάρ, εἴ τι πημανεῖς ἐμέ.
Οἰδίπους
οὐκ ἠγόρευον ταῦτʼ ἐγώ;
οὐκ ἠγόρευον ταῦτʼ ἐγώ;
Χορός
μέθες χεροῖν
τὴν παῖδα θᾶσσον.
μέθες χεροῖν
τὴν παῖδα θᾶσσον.
Κρέων
μὴ ʼπίτασσʼ ἃ μὴ κρατεῖς.
μὴ ʼπίτασσʼ ἃ μὴ κρατεῖς.
Χορός
χαλᾶν λέγω σοι.
840
χαλᾶν λέγω σοι.
840
Κρέων
σοὶ δʼ ἔγωγʼ ὁδοιπορεῖν.
σοὶ δʼ ἔγωγʼ ὁδοιπορεῖν.
Χορός
πρόβαθʼ ὧδε, βᾶτε βᾶτʼ, ἔντοποι·
πόλις ἐναίρεται, πόλις ἐμά, σθένει· πρόβαθʼ ὧδέ μοι.
πρόβαθʼ ὧδε, βᾶτε βᾶτʼ, ἔντοποι·
πόλις ἐναίρεται, πόλις ἐμά, σθένει· πρόβαθʼ ὧδέ μοι.
Ἀντιγόνη
ἀφέλκομαι δύστηνος, ὦ ξένοι ξένοι.
ἀφέλκομαι δύστηνος, ὦ ξένοι ξένοι.
Οἰδίπους
ποῦ, τέκνον, εἴ μοι;
ποῦ, τέκνον, εἴ μοι;
Ἀντιγόνη
πρὸς βίαν πορεύομαι.
πρὸς βίαν πορεύομαι.
Οἰδίπους
ὄρεξον, ὦ παῖ, χεῖρας.
845
ὄρεξον, ὦ παῖ, χεῖρας.
845
Ἀντιγόνη
ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν σθένω.
ἀλλʼ οὐδὲν σθένω.
Κρέων
οὐκ ἄξεθʼ ὑμεῖς;
οὐκ ἄξεθʼ ὑμεῖς;
Οἰδίπους
ὦ τάλας ἐγώ, τάλας.
848
ὦ τάλας ἐγώ, τάλας.
Κρέων
οὔκουν ποτʼ ἐκ τούτοιν γε μὴ σκήπτροιν ἔτι
ὁδοιπορήσῃς· ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ νικᾶν θέλεις
πατρίδα τε τὴν σὴν καὶ φίλους, ὑφʼ ὧν ἐγὼ
850
ταχθεὶς τάδʼ ἔρδω, καὶ τύραννος ὢν ὅμως,
νίκα. χρόνῳ γάρ, οἶδʼ ἐγώ, γνώσει τάδε,
ὁθούνεκʼ αὐτὸς αὑτὸν οὔτε νῦν καλὰ
δρᾷς οὔτε πρόσθεν εἰργάσω βίᾳ φίλων,
ὀργῇ χάριν δούς, ἥ σʼ ἀεὶ λυμαίνεται.
855
οὔκουν ποτʼ ἐκ τούτοιν γε μὴ σκήπτροιν ἔτι
ὁδοιπορήσῃς· ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ νικᾶν θέλεις
πατρίδα τε τὴν σὴν καὶ φίλους, ὑφʼ ὧν ἐγὼ
850
ταχθεὶς τάδʼ ἔρδω, καὶ τύραννος ὢν ὅμως,
νίκα. χρόνῳ γάρ, οἶδʼ ἐγώ, γνώσει τάδε,
ὁθούνεκʼ αὐτὸς αὑτὸν οὔτε νῦν καλὰ
δρᾷς οὔτε πρόσθεν εἰργάσω βίᾳ φίλων,
ὀργῇ χάριν δούς, ἥ σʼ ἀεὶ λυμαίνεται.
855
Χορός
ἐπίσχες αὐτοῦ, ξεῖνε.
ἐπίσχες αὐτοῦ, ξεῖνε.
Κρέων
μὴ ψαύειν λέγω.
μὴ ψαύειν λέγω.
Χορός
οὔτοι σʼ ἀφήσω, τῶνδέ γʼ ἐστερημένος.
οὔτοι σʼ ἀφήσω, τῶνδέ γʼ ἐστερημένος.
Κρέων
καὶ μεῖζον ἆρα ῥύσιον πόλει τάχα
θήσεις· ἐφάψομαι γὰρ οὐ ταύταιν μόναιν.
καὶ μεῖζον ἆρα ῥύσιον πόλει τάχα
θήσεις· ἐφάψομαι γὰρ οὐ ταύταιν μόναιν.
Χορός
ἀλλʼ ἐς τί τρέψει;
860
ἀλλʼ ἐς τί τρέψει;
860
Κρέων
τόνδʼ ἀπάξομαι λαβών.
τόνδʼ ἀπάξομαι λαβών.
Χορός
δεινὸν λέγοις ἄν.
δεινὸν λέγοις ἄν.
Κρέων
τοῦτο νῦν πεπράξεται.
τοῦτο νῦν πεπράξεται.
Χορός
ἢν μή σʼ ὁ κραίνων τῆσδε γῆς ἀπειργάθῃ.
ἢν μή σʼ ὁ κραίνων τῆσδε γῆς ἀπειργάθῃ.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ φθέγμʼ ἀναιδές, ἦ σὺ γὰρ ψαύσεις ἐμοῦ;
ὦ φθέγμʼ ἀναιδές, ἦ σὺ γὰρ ψαύσεις ἐμοῦ;
Κρέων
αὐδῶ σιωπᾶν.
αὐδῶ σιωπᾶν.
Οἰδίπους
μὴ γὰρ αἵδε δαίμονες
θεῖέν μʼ ἄφωνον τῆσδε τῆς ἀρᾶς ἔτι,
865
ὅς μʼ, ὦ κάκιστε, ψιλὸν ὄμμʼ ἀποσπάσας
πρὸς ὄμμασιν τοῖς πρόσθεν ἐξοίχει βίᾳ.
τοιγὰρ σέ τʼ αὐτὸν καὶ γένος τὸ σὸν θεῶν
ὁ πάντα λεύσσων Ἥλιος δοίη βίον
τοιοῦτον οἷον κἀμὲ γηρᾶναί ποτε.
870
μὴ γὰρ αἵδε δαίμονες
θεῖέν μʼ ἄφωνον τῆσδε τῆς ἀρᾶς ἔτι,
865
ὅς μʼ, ὦ κάκιστε, ψιλὸν ὄμμʼ ἀποσπάσας
πρὸς ὄμμασιν τοῖς πρόσθεν ἐξοίχει βίᾳ.
τοιγὰρ σέ τʼ αὐτὸν καὶ γένος τὸ σὸν θεῶν
ὁ πάντα λεύσσων Ἥλιος δοίη βίον
τοιοῦτον οἷον κἀμὲ γηρᾶναί ποτε.
870
Κρέων
ὁρᾶτε ταῦτα, τῆσδε γῆς ἐγχώριοι;
ὁρᾶτε ταῦτα, τῆσδε γῆς ἐγχώριοι;
Οἰδίπους
ὁρῶσι κἀμὲ καὶ σέ, καὶ φρονοῦσʼ ὅτι
ἔργοις πεπονθὼς ῥήμασίν σʼ ἀμύνομαι.
ὁρῶσι κἀμὲ καὶ σέ, καὶ φρονοῦσʼ ὅτι
ἔργοις πεπονθὼς ῥήμασίν σʼ ἀμύνομαι.
Κρέων
οὔτοι καθέξω θυμόν, ἀλλʼ ἄξω βίᾳ
κεἰ μοῦνός εἰμι τόνδε καὶ χρόνῳ βραδύς.
875
οὔτοι καθέξω θυμόν, ἀλλʼ ἄξω βίᾳ
κεἰ μοῦνός εἰμι τόνδε καὶ χρόνῳ βραδύς.
875
Οἰδίπους
ἰὼ τάλας.
ἰὼ τάλας.
Χορός
ὅσον λῆμʼ ἔχων ἀφίκου, ξένʼ, εἰ τάδε δοκεῖς τελεῖν.
ὅσον λῆμʼ ἔχων ἀφίκου, ξένʼ, εἰ τάδε δοκεῖς τελεῖν.
Κρέων
δοκῶ.
δοκῶ.
Χορός
τάνδʼ ἄρʼ οὐκέτι νεμῶ πόλιν.
τάνδʼ ἄρʼ οὐκέτι νεμῶ πόλιν.
Κρέων
τοῖς τοι δικαίοις χὠ βραχὺς νικᾷ μέγαν.
880
τοῖς τοι δικαίοις χὠ βραχὺς νικᾷ μέγαν.
880
Οἰδίπους
ἀκούεθʼ οἷα φθέγγεται;
ἀκούεθʼ οἷα φθέγγεται;
Χορός
τά γʼ οὐ τελεῖ.
ἴστω μέγας Ζεύς.
τά γʼ οὐ τελεῖ.
ἴστω μέγας Ζεύς.
Κρέων
Ζεύς γʼ ἂν εἰδείη, σὺ δʼ οὔ.
Ζεύς γʼ ἂν εἰδείη, σὺ δʼ οὔ.
Χορός
ἆρʼ οὐχ ὕβρις τάδʼ;
ἆρʼ οὐχ ὕβρις τάδʼ;
Κρέων
ὕβρις, ἀλλʼ ἀνεκτέα.
ὕβρις, ἀλλʼ ἀνεκτέα.
Χορός
ἰὼ πᾶς λεώς, ἰὼ γᾶς πρόμοι,
885
μόλετε σὺν τάχει, μόλετʼ, ἐπεὶ πέραν περῶσʼ οἵδε δή.
ἰὼ πᾶς λεώς, ἰὼ γᾶς πρόμοι,
885
μόλετε σὺν τάχει, μόλετʼ, ἐπεὶ πέραν περῶσʼ οἵδε δή.
Θησεύς
τίς ποθʼ ἡ βοή; τί τοὔργον; ἐκ τίνος φόβου ποτὲ
βουθυτοῦντά μʼ ἀμφὶ βωμὸν ἔσχετʼ ἐναλίῳ θεῷ
τοῦδʼ ἐπιστάτῃ Κολωνοῦ; λέξαθʼ, ὡς εἰδῶ τὸ πᾶν,
οὗ χάριν δεῦρʼ ᾖξα θᾶσσον ἢ καθʼ ἡδονὴν ποδός.
890
τίς ποθʼ ἡ βοή; τί τοὔργον; ἐκ τίνος φόβου ποτὲ
βουθυτοῦντά μʼ ἀμφὶ βωμὸν ἔσχετʼ ἐναλίῳ θεῷ
τοῦδʼ ἐπιστάτῃ Κολωνοῦ; λέξαθʼ, ὡς εἰδῶ τὸ πᾶν,
οὗ χάριν δεῦρʼ ᾖξα θᾶσσον ἢ καθʼ ἡδονὴν ποδός.
890
Οἰδίπους
ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἔγνων γὰρ τὸ προσφώνημά σου,
πέπονθα δεινὰ τοῦδʼ ὑπʼ ἀνδρὸς ἀρτίως.
ὦ φίλτατʼ, ἔγνων γὰρ τὸ προσφώνημά σου,
πέπονθα δεινὰ τοῦδʼ ὑπʼ ἀνδρὸς ἀρτίως.
Θησεύς
τὰ ποῖα ταῦτα, τίς δʼ ὁ πημήνας; λέγε.
τὰ ποῖα ταῦτα, τίς δʼ ὁ πημήνας; λέγε.
Οἰδίπους
Κρέων ὅδʼ, ὃν δέδορκας, οἴχεται τέκνων
ἀποσπάσας μου τὴν μόνην ξυνωρίδα.
895
Κρέων ὅδʼ, ὃν δέδορκας, οἴχεται τέκνων
ἀποσπάσας μου τὴν μόνην ξυνωρίδα.
895
Θησεύς
πῶς εἶπας;
πῶς εἶπας;
Οἰδίπους
οἷά περ πέπονθʼ ἀκήκοας.
897
οἷά περ πέπονθʼ ἀκήκοας.
Θησεύς
οὔκουν τις ὡς τάχιστα προσπόλων μολὼν
πρὸς τούσδε βωμούς, πάντʼ ἀναγκάσει λεὼν
ἄνιππον ἱππότην τε θυμάτων ἄπο
σπεύδειν ἀπὸ ῥυτῆρος, ἔνθα δίστομοι
900
μάλιστα συμβάλλουσιν ἐμπόρων ὁδοί,
ὡς μὴ παρέλθωσʼ αἱ κόραι, γέλως δʼ ἐγὼ
ξένῳ γένωμαι τῷδε, χειρωθεὶς βίᾳ.
ἴθʼ, ὡς ἄνωγα, σὺν τάχει. τοῦτον δʼ ἐγώ,
εἰ μὲν διʼ ὀργῆς ἧκον, ἧς ὅδʼ ἄξιος,
905
ἄτρωτον οὐ μεθῆκʼ ἂν ἐξ ἐμῆς χερός.
νῦν δʼ οὕσπερ αὐτὸς τοὺς νόμους εἰσῆλθʼ ἔχων,
τούτοισι κοὐκ ἄλλοισιν ἁρμοσθήσεται.
οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἔξει τῆσδε τῆς χώρας, πρὶν ἂν
κείνας ἐναργεῖς δεῦρό μοι στήσῃς ἄγων·
910
ἐπεὶ δέδρακας οὔτʼ ἐμοῦ καταξίως
οὔθʼ ὧν πέφυκας αὐτὸς οὔτε σῆς χθονός·
ὅστις δίκαιʼ ἀσκοῦσαν εἰσελθὼν πόλιν
κἄνευ νόμου κραίνουσαν οὐδέν, εἶτʼ ἀφεὶς
τὰ τῆσδε τῆς γῆς κύριʼ, ὧδʼ ἐπεισπεσὼν
915
ἄγεις θʼ ἃ χρῄζεις καὶ παρίστασαι βίᾳ,
καί μοι πόλιν κένανδρον ἢ δούλην τινὰ
ἔδοξας εἶναι κἄμʼ ἴσον τῷ μηδενί.
καίτοι σε Θῆβαί γʼ οὐκ ἐπαίδευσαν κακόν·
οὐ γὰρ φιλοῦσιν ἄνδρας ἐκδίκους τρέφειν,
920
οὐδʼ ἄν σʼ ἐπαινέσειαν, εἰ πυθοίατο
συλῶντα τἀμὰ καὶ τὰ τῶν θεῶν, βίᾳ
ἄγοντα φωτῶν ἀθλίων ἱκτήρια.
οὔκουν ἔγωγʼ ἂν σῆς ἐπεμβαίνων χθονός,
οὐδʼ εἰ τὰ πάντων εἶχον ἐνδικώτατα,
925
ἄνευ γε τοῦ κραίνοντος, ὅστις ἦν, χθονὸς
οὔθʼ εἷλκον οὔτʼ ἂν ἦγον, ἀλλʼ ἠπιστάμην
ξένον παρʼ ἀστοῖς ὡς διαιτᾶσθαι χρεών.
σὺ δʼ ἀξίαν οὐκ οὖσαν αἰσχύνεις πόλιν
τὴν αὐτὸς αὑτοῦ, καί σʼ ὁ πληθύων χρόνος
930
γέρονθʼ ὁμοῦ τίθησι καὶ τοῦ νοῦ κενόν.
εἶπον μὲν οὖν καὶ πρόσθεν, ἐννέπω δὲ νῦν,
τὰς παῖδας ὡς τάχιστα δεῦρʼ ἄγειν τινά,
εἰ μὴ μέτοικος τῆσδε τῆς χώρας θέλεις
εἶναι βίᾳ τε κοὐχ ἑκών· καὶ ταῦτά σοι
935
τῷ νῷ θʼ ὁμοίως κἀπὸ τῆς γλώσσης λέγω.
οὔκουν τις ὡς τάχιστα προσπόλων μολὼν
πρὸς τούσδε βωμούς, πάντʼ ἀναγκάσει λεὼν
ἄνιππον ἱππότην τε θυμάτων ἄπο
σπεύδειν ἀπὸ ῥυτῆρος, ἔνθα δίστομοι
900
μάλιστα συμβάλλουσιν ἐμπόρων ὁδοί,
ὡς μὴ παρέλθωσʼ αἱ κόραι, γέλως δʼ ἐγὼ
ξένῳ γένωμαι τῷδε, χειρωθεὶς βίᾳ.
ἴθʼ, ὡς ἄνωγα, σὺν τάχει. τοῦτον δʼ ἐγώ,
εἰ μὲν διʼ ὀργῆς ἧκον, ἧς ὅδʼ ἄξιος,
905
ἄτρωτον οὐ μεθῆκʼ ἂν ἐξ ἐμῆς χερός.
νῦν δʼ οὕσπερ αὐτὸς τοὺς νόμους εἰσῆλθʼ ἔχων,
τούτοισι κοὐκ ἄλλοισιν ἁρμοσθήσεται.
οὐ γάρ ποτʼ ἔξει τῆσδε τῆς χώρας, πρὶν ἂν
κείνας ἐναργεῖς δεῦρό μοι στήσῃς ἄγων·
910
ἐπεὶ δέδρακας οὔτʼ ἐμοῦ καταξίως
οὔθʼ ὧν πέφυκας αὐτὸς οὔτε σῆς χθονός·
ὅστις δίκαιʼ ἀσκοῦσαν εἰσελθὼν πόλιν
κἄνευ νόμου κραίνουσαν οὐδέν, εἶτʼ ἀφεὶς
τὰ τῆσδε τῆς γῆς κύριʼ, ὧδʼ ἐπεισπεσὼν
915
ἄγεις θʼ ἃ χρῄζεις καὶ παρίστασαι βίᾳ,
καί μοι πόλιν κένανδρον ἢ δούλην τινὰ
ἔδοξας εἶναι κἄμʼ ἴσον τῷ μηδενί.
καίτοι σε Θῆβαί γʼ οὐκ ἐπαίδευσαν κακόν·
οὐ γὰρ φιλοῦσιν ἄνδρας ἐκδίκους τρέφειν,
920
οὐδʼ ἄν σʼ ἐπαινέσειαν, εἰ πυθοίατο
συλῶντα τἀμὰ καὶ τὰ τῶν θεῶν, βίᾳ
ἄγοντα φωτῶν ἀθλίων ἱκτήρια.
οὔκουν ἔγωγʼ ἂν σῆς ἐπεμβαίνων χθονός,
οὐδʼ εἰ τὰ πάντων εἶχον ἐνδικώτατα,
925
ἄνευ γε τοῦ κραίνοντος, ὅστις ἦν, χθονὸς
οὔθʼ εἷλκον οὔτʼ ἂν ἦγον, ἀλλʼ ἠπιστάμην
ξένον παρʼ ἀστοῖς ὡς διαιτᾶσθαι χρεών.
σὺ δʼ ἀξίαν οὐκ οὖσαν αἰσχύνεις πόλιν
τὴν αὐτὸς αὑτοῦ, καί σʼ ὁ πληθύων χρόνος
930
γέρονθʼ ὁμοῦ τίθησι καὶ τοῦ νοῦ κενόν.
εἶπον μὲν οὖν καὶ πρόσθεν, ἐννέπω δὲ νῦν,
τὰς παῖδας ὡς τάχιστα δεῦρʼ ἄγειν τινά,
εἰ μὴ μέτοικος τῆσδε τῆς χώρας θέλεις
εἶναι βίᾳ τε κοὐχ ἑκών· καὶ ταῦτά σοι
935
τῷ νῷ θʼ ὁμοίως κἀπὸ τῆς γλώσσης λέγω.
Χορός
ὁρᾷς ἵνʼ ἥκεις, ὦ ξένʼ; ὡς ἀφʼ ὧν μὲν εἶ
φαίνει δίκαιος, δρῶν δʼ ἐφευρίσκει κακά.
939
ὁρᾷς ἵνʼ ἥκεις, ὦ ξένʼ; ὡς ἀφʼ ὧν μὲν εἶ
φαίνει δίκαιος, δρῶν δʼ ἐφευρίσκει κακά.
Κρέων
ἐγὼ οὔτʼ ἄνανδρον τήνδε τὴν πόλιν νέμων,
ὦ τέκνον Αἰγέως, οὔτʼ ἄβουλον, ὡς σὺ φῄς,
940
τοὔργον τόδʼ ἐξέπραξα, γιγνώσκων δʼ ὅτι
οὐδείς ποτʼ αὐτοὺς τῶν ἐμῶν ἂν ἐμπέσοι
ζῆλος ξυναίμων, ὥστʼ ἐμοῦ τρέφειν βίᾳ.
ᾔδη δʼ ὁθούνεκʼ ἄνδρα καὶ πατροκτόνον
κἄναγνον οὐ δεξοίατʼ, οὐδʼ ὅτῳ γάμοι
945
ξυνόντες ηὑρέθησαν ἀνόσιοι τέκνων.
τοιοῦτον αὐτοῖς Ἄρεος εὔβουλον πάγον
ἐγὼ ξυνῄδη χθόνιον ὄνθʼ, ὃς οὐκ ἐᾷ
τοιούσδʼ ἀλήτας τῇδʼ ὁμοῦ ναίειν πόλει·
ᾧ πίστιν ἴσχων τήνδʼ ἐχειρούμην ἄγραν.
950
καὶ ταῦτʼ ἂν οὐκ ἔπρασσον, εἰ μή μοι πικρὰς
αὐτῷ τʼ ἀρὰς ἠρᾶτο καὶ τὠμῷ γένει·
ἀνθʼ ὧν πεπονθὼς ἠξίουν τάδʼ ἀντιδρᾶν.
θυμοῦ γὰρ οὐδὲν γῆράς ἐστιν ἄλλο πλὴν
θανεῖν· θανόντων δʼ οὐδὲν ἄλγος ἅπτεται.
955
πρὸς ταῦτα πράξεις οἷον ἂν θέλῃς· ἐπεὶ
ἐρημία με, κεἰ δίκαιʼ, ὅμως λέγω,
σμικρὸν τίθησι· πρὸς δὲ τὰς πράξεις ὅμως,
καὶ τηλικόσδʼ ὤν, ἀντιδρᾶν πειράσομαι.
960
ἐγὼ οὔτʼ ἄνανδρον τήνδε τὴν πόλιν νέμων,
ὦ τέκνον Αἰγέως, οὔτʼ ἄβουλον, ὡς σὺ φῄς,
940
τοὔργον τόδʼ ἐξέπραξα, γιγνώσκων δʼ ὅτι
οὐδείς ποτʼ αὐτοὺς τῶν ἐμῶν ἂν ἐμπέσοι
ζῆλος ξυναίμων, ὥστʼ ἐμοῦ τρέφειν βίᾳ.
ᾔδη δʼ ὁθούνεκʼ ἄνδρα καὶ πατροκτόνον
κἄναγνον οὐ δεξοίατʼ, οὐδʼ ὅτῳ γάμοι
945
ξυνόντες ηὑρέθησαν ἀνόσιοι τέκνων.
τοιοῦτον αὐτοῖς Ἄρεος εὔβουλον πάγον
ἐγὼ ξυνῄδη χθόνιον ὄνθʼ, ὃς οὐκ ἐᾷ
τοιούσδʼ ἀλήτας τῇδʼ ὁμοῦ ναίειν πόλει·
ᾧ πίστιν ἴσχων τήνδʼ ἐχειρούμην ἄγραν.
950
καὶ ταῦτʼ ἂν οὐκ ἔπρασσον, εἰ μή μοι πικρὰς
αὐτῷ τʼ ἀρὰς ἠρᾶτο καὶ τὠμῷ γένει·
ἀνθʼ ὧν πεπονθὼς ἠξίουν τάδʼ ἀντιδρᾶν.
θυμοῦ γὰρ οὐδὲν γῆράς ἐστιν ἄλλο πλὴν
θανεῖν· θανόντων δʼ οὐδὲν ἄλγος ἅπτεται.
955
πρὸς ταῦτα πράξεις οἷον ἂν θέλῃς· ἐπεὶ
ἐρημία με, κεἰ δίκαιʼ, ὅμως λέγω,
σμικρὸν τίθησι· πρὸς δὲ τὰς πράξεις ὅμως,
καὶ τηλικόσδʼ ὤν, ἀντιδρᾶν πειράσομαι.
Οἰδίπους
ὦ λῆμʼ ἀναιδές, τοῦ καθυβρίζειν δοκεῖς,
960
πότερον ἐμοῦ γέροντος ἢ σαυτοῦ, τόδε;
ὅστις φόνους μοι καὶ γάμους καὶ συμφορὰς
τοῦ σοῦ διῆκας στόματος, ἃς ἐγὼ τάλας
ἤνεγκον ἄκων· θεοῖς γὰρ ἦν οὕτω φίλον,
τάχʼ ἄν τι μηνίουσιν εἰς γένος πάλαι.
965
ἐπεὶ καθʼ αὑτόν γʼ οὐκ ἂν ἐξεύροις ἐμοὶ
ἁμαρτίας ὄνειδος οὐδέν, ἀνθʼ ὅτου
τάδʼ εἰς ἐμαυτὸν τοὺς ἐμούς θʼ ἡμάρτανον.
ἐπεὶ δίδαξον, εἴ τι θέσφατον πατρὶ
χρησμοῖσιν ἱκνεῖθʼ ὥστε πρὸς παίδων θανεῖν,
970
πῶς ἂν δικαίως τοῦτʼ ὀνειδίζοις ἐμοί,
ὃς οὔτε βλάστας πω γενεθλίους πατρός,
οὐ μητρὸς εἶχον, ἀλλʼ ἀγέννητος τότʼ ἦ;
εἰ δʼ αὖ φανεὶς δύστηνος, ὡς ἐγὼ ʼφάνην,
ἐς χεῖρας ἦλθον πατρὶ καὶ κατέκτανον,
975
μηδὲν ξυνιεὶς ὧν ἔδρων εἰς οὕς τʼ ἔδρων,
πῶς ἂν τό γʼ ἆκον πρᾶγμʼ ἂν εἰκότως ψέγοις;
μητρὸς δέ, τλῆμον, οὐκ ἐπαισχύνει γάμους
οὔσης ὁμαίμου σῆς μʼ ἀναγκάζων λέγειν,
οἵους ἐρῶ τάχʼ· οὐ γὰρ οὖν σιγήσομαι,
σοῦ γʼ εἰς τόδʼ ἐξελθόντος ἀνόσιον στόμα.
980
ἔτικτε γάρ μʼ ἔτικτεν, ὤμοι μοι κακῶν,
οὐκ εἰδότʼ οὐκ εἰδυῖα, καὶ τεκοῦσά με,
αὑτῆς ὄνειδος παῖδας ἐξέφυσέ μοι.
ἀλλʼ ἓν γὰρ οὖν ἔξοιδα, σὲ μὲν ἑκόντʼ ἐμὲ
κείνην τε ταῦτα δυσστομεῖν· ἐγὼ δέ νιν
985
ἄκων ἔγημα φθέγγομαί τʼ ἄκων τάδε.
ἀλλʼ οὐ γὰρ οὔτʼ ἐν τοῖσδʼ ἁλώσομαι κακὸς
γάμοισιν οὔθʼ οὓς αἰὲν ἐμφορεῖς σύ μοι
φόνους πατρῴους ἐξονειδίζων πικρῶς.
990
ἓν γάρ μʼ ἄμειψαι μοῦνον ὧν σʼ ἀνιστορῶ.
εἴ τις σὲ τὸν δίκαιον αὐτίκʼ ἐνθάδε
κτείνοι παραστάς, πότερα πυνθάνοιʼ ἂν εἰ
πατήρ σʼ ὁ καίνων ἢ τίνοιʼ ἂν εὐθέως;
δοκῶ μέν, εἴπερ ζῆν φιλεῖς, τὸν αἴτιον
995
τίνοιʼ ἂν οὐδὲ τοὔνδικον περιβλέποις.
τοιαῦτα μέντοι καὐτὸς εἰσέβην κακά,
θεῶν ἀγόντων· οἷς ἐγὼ οὐδὲ τὴν πατρὸς
ψυχὴν ἂν οἶμαι ζῶσαν ἀντειπεῖν ἐμοί.
σὺ δʼ, εἶ γὰρ οὐ δίκαιος, ἀλλʼ ἅπαν καλὸν
1000
λέγειν νομίζων ῥητὸν ἄρρητόν τʼ ἔπος,
τοιαῦτʼ ὀνειδίζεις με τῶνδʼ ἐναντίον.
καί σοι τὸ Θησέως ὄνομα θωπεῦσαι καλόν,
καὶ τὰς Ἀθήνας, ὡς κατῴκηνται καλῶς·
κᾆθʼ ὧδʼ ἐπαινῶν πολλὰ τοῦδʼ ἐκλανθάνει,
1005
ὁθούνεκʼ εἴ τις γῆ θεοὺς ἐπίσταται
τιμαῖς σεβίζειν, ἥδε τοῦθʼ ὑπερφέρει·
ἀφʼ ἧς σὺ κλέψας τὸν ἱκέτην γέροντʼ ἐμὲ
αὐτόν τʼ ἐχειροῦ τὰς κόρας τʼ οἴχει λαβών.
ἀνθʼ ὧν ἐγὼ νῦν τάσδε τὰς θεὰς ἐμοὶ
1010
καλῶν ἱκνοῦμαι καὶ κατασκήπτω λιταῖς
ἐλθεῖν ἀρωγοὺς ξυμμάχους θʼ, ἵνʼ ἐκμάθῃς
οἵων ὑπʼ ἀνδρῶν ἥδε φρουρεῖται πόλις.
1014
ὦ λῆμʼ ἀναιδές, τοῦ καθυβρίζειν δοκεῖς,
960
πότερον ἐμοῦ γέροντος ἢ σαυτοῦ, τόδε;
ὅστις φόνους μοι καὶ γάμους καὶ συμφορὰς
τοῦ σοῦ διῆκας στόματος, ἃς ἐγὼ τάλας
ἤνεγκον ἄκων· θεοῖς γὰρ ἦν οὕτω φίλον,
τάχʼ ἄν τι μηνίουσιν εἰς γένος πάλαι.
965
ἐπεὶ καθʼ αὑτόν γʼ οὐκ ἂν ἐξεύροις ἐμοὶ
ἁμαρτίας ὄνειδος οὐδέν, ἀνθʼ ὅτου
τάδʼ εἰς ἐμαυτὸν τοὺς ἐμούς θʼ ἡμάρτανον.
ἐπεὶ δίδαξον, εἴ τι θέσφατον πατρὶ
χρησμοῖσιν ἱκνεῖθʼ ὥστε πρὸς παίδων θανεῖν,
970
πῶς ἂν δικαίως τοῦτʼ ὀνειδίζοις ἐμοί,
ὃς οὔτε βλάστας πω γενεθλίους πατρός,
οὐ μητρὸς εἶχον, ἀλλʼ ἀγέννητος τότʼ ἦ;
εἰ δʼ αὖ φανεὶς δύστηνος, ὡς ἐγὼ ʼφάνην,
ἐς χεῖρας ἦλθον πατρὶ καὶ κατέκτανον,
975
μηδὲν ξυνιεὶς ὧν ἔδρων εἰς οὕς τʼ ἔδρων,
πῶς ἂν τό γʼ ἆκον πρᾶγμʼ ἂν εἰκότως ψέγοις;
μητρὸς δέ, τλῆμον, οὐκ ἐπαισχύνει γάμους
οὔσης ὁμαίμου σῆς μʼ ἀναγκάζων λέγειν,
οἵους ἐρῶ τάχʼ· οὐ γὰρ οὖν σιγήσομαι,
σοῦ γʼ εἰς τόδʼ ἐξελθόντος ἀνόσιον στόμα.
980
ἔτικτε γάρ μʼ ἔτικτεν, ὤμοι μοι κακῶν,
οὐκ εἰδότʼ οὐκ εἰδυῖα, καὶ τεκοῦσά με,
αὑτῆς ὄνειδος παῖδας ἐξέφυσέ μοι.
ἀλλʼ ἓν γὰρ οὖν ἔξοιδα, σὲ μὲν ἑκόντʼ ἐμὲ
κείνην τε ταῦτα δυσστομεῖν· ἐγὼ δέ νιν
985
ἄκων ἔγημα φθέγγομαί τʼ ἄκων τάδε.
ἀλλʼ οὐ γὰρ οὔτʼ ἐν τοῖσδʼ ἁλώσομαι κακὸς
γάμοισιν οὔθʼ οὓς αἰὲν ἐμφορεῖς σύ μοι
φόνους πατρῴους ἐξονειδίζων πικρῶς.
990
ἓν γάρ μʼ ἄμειψαι μοῦνον ὧν σʼ ἀνιστορῶ.
εἴ τις σὲ τὸν δίκαιον αὐτίκʼ ἐνθάδε
κτείνοι παραστάς, πότερα πυνθάνοιʼ ἂν εἰ
πατήρ σʼ ὁ καίνων ἢ τίνοιʼ ἂν εὐθέως;
δοκῶ μέν, εἴπερ ζῆν φιλεῖς, τὸν αἴτιον
995
τίνοιʼ ἂν οὐδὲ τοὔνδικον περιβλέποις.
τοιαῦτα μέντοι καὐτὸς εἰσέβην κακά,
θεῶν ἀγόντων· οἷς ἐγὼ οὐδὲ τὴν πατρὸς
ψυχὴν ἂν οἶμαι ζῶσαν ἀντειπεῖν ἐμοί.
σὺ δʼ, εἶ γὰρ οὐ δίκαιος, ἀλλʼ ἅπαν καλὸν
1000
λέγειν νομίζων ῥητὸν ἄρρητόν τʼ ἔπος,
τοιαῦτʼ ὀνειδίζεις με τῶνδʼ ἐναντίον.
καί σοι τὸ Θησέως ὄνομα θωπεῦσαι καλόν,
καὶ τὰς Ἀθήνας, ὡς κατῴκηνται καλῶς·
κᾆθʼ ὧδʼ ἐπαινῶν πολλὰ τοῦδʼ ἐκλανθάνει,
1005
ὁθούνεκʼ εἴ τις γῆ θεοὺς ἐπίσταται
τιμαῖς σεβίζειν, ἥδε τοῦθʼ ὑπερφέρει·
ἀφʼ ἧς σὺ κλέψας τὸν ἱκέτην γέροντʼ ἐμὲ
αὐτόν τʼ ἐχειροῦ τὰς κόρας τʼ οἴχει λαβών.
ἀνθʼ ὧν ἐγὼ νῦν τάσδε τὰς θεὰς ἐμοὶ
1010
καλῶν ἱκνοῦμαι καὶ κατασκήπτω λιταῖς
ἐλθεῖν ἀρωγοὺς ξυμμάχους θʼ, ἵνʼ ἐκμάθῃς
οἵων ὑπʼ ἀνδρῶν ἥδε φρουρεῖται πόλις.
Χορός
ὁ ξεῖνος, ὦναξ, χρηστός· αἱ δὲ συμφοραὶ
αὐτοῦ πανώλεις, ἄξιαι δʼ ἀμυναθεῖν.
1015
ὁ ξεῖνος, ὦναξ, χρηστός· αἱ δὲ συμφοραὶ
αὐτοῦ πανώλεις, ἄξιαι δʼ ἀμυναθεῖν.
1015
Θησεύς
ἅλις λόγων, ὡς οἱ μὲν ἐξειργασμένοι
σπεύδουσιν, ἡμεῖς δʼ οἱ παθόντες ἕσταμεν.
ἅλις λόγων, ὡς οἱ μὲν ἐξειργασμένοι
σπεύδουσιν, ἡμεῖς δʼ οἱ παθόντες ἕσταμεν.
Κρέων
τί δῆτʼ ἀμαυρῷ φωτὶ προστάσσεις ποεῖν;
τί δῆτʼ ἀμαυρῷ φωτὶ προστάσσεις ποεῖν;
Θησεύς
ὁδοῦ κατάρχειν τῆς ἐκεῖ, πομπὸν δέ με
χωρεῖν, ἵνʼ, εἰ μὲν ἐν τόποισι τοῖσδʼ ἔχεις
1020
τὰς παῖδας ἡμῖν αὐτὸς ἐκδείξῃς ἐμοί·
εἰ δʼ ἐγκρατεῖς φεύγουσιν, οὐδὲν δεῖ πονεῖν.
ἄλλοι γὰρ οἱ σπεύδοντες, οὓς οὐ μή ποτε
χώρας φυγόντες τῆσδʼ ἐπεύξωνται θεοῖς.
ἀλλʼ ἐξυφηγοῦ· γνῶθι δʼ ὡς ἔχων ἔχει
1025
καί σʼ εἷλε θηρῶνθʼ ἡ τύχη· τὰ γὰρ δόλῳ
τῷ μὴ δικαίῳ κτήματʼ οὐχὶ σῴζεται.
κοὐκ ἄλλον ἕξεις εἰς τάδʼ· ὡς ἔξοιδά σε
οὐ ψιλὸν οὐδʼ ἄσκευον ἐς τοσήνδʼ ὕβριν
ἥκοντα τόλμης τῆς παρεστώσης τανῦν,
1030
ἀλλʼ ἔσθʼ ὅτῳ σὺ πιστὸς ὢν ἔδρας τάδε.
ἃ δεῖ μʼ ἀθρῆσαι, μηδὲ τήνδε τὴν πόλιν
ἑνὸς ποῆσαι φωτὸς ἀσθενεστέραν.
νοεῖς τι τούτων, ἢ μάτην τὰ νῦν τέ σοι
δοκεῖ λελέχθαι χὤτε ταῦτʼ ἐμηχανῶ;
1035
ὁδοῦ κατάρχειν τῆς ἐκεῖ, πομπὸν δέ με
χωρεῖν, ἵνʼ, εἰ μὲν ἐν τόποισι τοῖσδʼ ἔχεις
1020
τὰς παῖδας ἡμῖν αὐτὸς ἐκδείξῃς ἐμοί·
εἰ δʼ ἐγκρατεῖς φεύγουσιν, οὐδὲν δεῖ πονεῖν.
ἄλλοι γὰρ οἱ σπεύδοντες, οὓς οὐ μή ποτε
χώρας φυγόντες τῆσδʼ ἐπεύξωνται θεοῖς.
ἀλλʼ ἐξυφηγοῦ· γνῶθι δʼ ὡς ἔχων ἔχει
1025
καί σʼ εἷλε θηρῶνθʼ ἡ τύχη· τὰ γὰρ δόλῳ
τῷ μὴ δικαίῳ κτήματʼ οὐχὶ σῴζεται.
κοὐκ ἄλλον ἕξεις εἰς τάδʼ· ὡς ἔξοιδά σε
οὐ ψιλὸν οὐδʼ ἄσκευον ἐς τοσήνδʼ ὕβριν
ἥκοντα τόλμης τῆς παρεστώσης τανῦν,
1030
ἀλλʼ ἔσθʼ ὅτῳ σὺ πιστὸς ὢν ἔδρας τάδε.
ἃ δεῖ μʼ ἀθρῆσαι, μηδὲ τήνδε τὴν πόλιν
ἑνὸς ποῆσαι φωτὸς ἀσθενεστέραν.
νοεῖς τι τούτων, ἢ μάτην τὰ νῦν τέ σοι
δοκεῖ λελέχθαι χὤτε ταῦτʼ ἐμηχανῶ;
1035
Κρέων
οὐδὲν σὺ μεμπτὸν ἐνθάδʼ ὢν ἐρεῖς ἐμοί·
οἴκοι δὲ χἠμεῖς εἰσόμεσθʼ ἃ χρὴ ποεῖν.
οὐδὲν σὺ μεμπτὸν ἐνθάδʼ ὢν ἐρεῖς ἐμοί·
οἴκοι δὲ χἠμεῖς εἰσόμεσθʼ ἃ χρὴ ποεῖν.
Θησεύς
χωρῶν ἀπείλει νῦν· σὺ δʼ ἡμίν, Οἰδίπους,
ἕκηλος αὐτοῦ μίμνε, πιστωθεὶς ὅτι,
ἢν μὴ θάνω ʼγὼ πρόσθεν, οὐχὶ παύσομαι
1040
πρὶν ἄν σε τῶν σῶν κύριον στήσω τέκνων.
χωρῶν ἀπείλει νῦν· σὺ δʼ ἡμίν, Οἰδίπους,
ἕκηλος αὐτοῦ μίμνε, πιστωθεὶς ὅτι,
ἢν μὴ θάνω ʼγὼ πρόσθεν, οὐχὶ παύσομαι
1040
πρὶν ἄν σε τῶν σῶν κύριον στήσω τέκνων.
Οἰδίπους
ὄναιο, Θησεῦ, τοῦ τε γενναίου χάριν
καὶ τῆς πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἐνδίκου προμηθίας.
ὄναιο, Θησεῦ, τοῦ τε γενναίου χάριν
καὶ τῆς πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἐνδίκου προμηθίας.
Translations (2)
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 800 focus
Wie? Wähust du denn, du werdest minder als ich selbst
Verlieren, wenn du meinem Wort dich nicht bequemst?
Wie? Wähust du denn, du werdest minder als ich selbst
Verlieren, wenn du meinem Wort dich nicht bequemst?
Oedipus.
Mir ist es höchste Wonne, wenn du weder mich
Bereden kannst noch diese, die mir nahe steh'n.
Mir ist es höchste Wonne, wenn du weder mich
Bereden kannst noch diese, die mir nahe steh'n.
Kreon.
So pflanzte Weisheit nicht einmal die Zeit dir ein?
800
Ein Hohn dem Alter lebst du fort, Unseliger?
So pflanzte Weisheit nicht einmal die Zeit dir ein?
800
Ein Hohn dem Alter lebst du fort, Unseliger?
Oedipus.
Du bist ein Held in Worten; aber redlich fand
Ich Keinen noch, der blendend über Alles sprach.
Du bist ein Held in Worten; aber redlich fand
Ich Keinen noch, der blendend über Alles sprach.
Kreon.
Ein Andres, treffend reden, und ein Andres, viel.
Ein Andres, treffend reden, und ein Andres, viel.
Oedipus.
Als ob du bündig sprächest und das Treffende!
805
Als ob du bündig sprächest und das Treffende!
805
Kreon.
Nur freilich dem nicht, dessen Sinn dem deinen gleicht.
Nur freilich dem nicht, dessen Sinn dem deinen gleicht.
Oedipus.
Geh auch für diese sprech' ich und belaure nicht
Mich hier an dieser Stätte, wo ich wohnen muß.
Geh auch für diese sprech' ich und belaure nicht
Mich hier an dieser Stätte, wo ich wohnen muß.
Kreon.
Zu Zeugen ruf' ich diese, wie du Freundeswort
Mit schnödem Wort erwiderst, hasch' ich dich dereinst.
810
Zu Zeugen ruf' ich diese, wie du Freundeswort
Mit schnödem Wort erwiderst, hasch' ich dich dereinst.
810
Oedipus.
Wer darf mich haschen, schüzen mich die Männer hier?
Wer darf mich haschen, schüzen mich die Männer hier?
Kreon.
Traun, ohne dies auch wartet dein des Leids genug.
Traun, ohne dies auch wartet dein des Leids genug.
Oedipus.
Was hast du vor? Was sollen diese Drohungen?
Was hast du vor? Was sollen diese Drohungen?
Kreon.
Die Eine deiner Töchter hab' ich schon geraubt
Und weggesandt, die Andre führ' ich gleich davon.
815
Weh mir!
Zum Weherufen hast du bald noch weitern Grund.
Du raubtest meine Tochter?
Bald auch diese da.
(auf Antigone deutend.)
Die Eine deiner Töchter hab' ich schon geraubt
Und weggesandt, die Andre führ' ich gleich davon.
815
Weh mir!
Zum Weherufen hast du bald noch weitern Grund.
Du raubtest meine Tochter?
Bald auch diese da.
Oedipus.
Was wollt ihr thun, o Freunde? Mich verlasset ihr,
Und treibt aus eurem Lande nicht den Frevler fort?
820
(zu Kreon)
Was wollt ihr thun, o Freunde? Mich verlasset ihr,
Und treibt aus eurem Lande nicht den Frevler fort?
820
Der Chor.
Von hinnen, Fremdling, eilig! Was du jezt beginnst,
Und was du früher ausgeübt, ist ungerecht.
(zu seinen Dienern)
Von hinnen, Fremdling, eilig! Was du jezt beginnst,
Und was du früher ausgeübt, ist ungerecht.
Kreon.
Es ist an euch nun, daß ihr die von dannen führt,
Mit Zwang, wofern sie willig euch nicht folgen will.
Es ist an euch nun, daß ihr die von dannen führt,
Mit Zwang, wofern sie willig euch nicht folgen will.
Antigone.
Wo soll ich hinflieh'n? Wehe mir! Wo find' ich Schuz
825
Bei Göttern oder Menschen?
Wo soll ich hinflieh'n? Wehe mir! Wo find' ich Schuz
825
Bei Göttern oder Menschen?
Der Chor.
Was beginnst du? Sprich!
Was beginnst du? Sprich!
Kreon.
Nicht diesen Mann hier rühr' ich an, die Meine nur.
Nicht diesen Mann hier rühr' ich an, die Meine nur.
Oedipus.
Ihr Landesherrscher!
(zu Kreon)
Ihr Landesherrscher!
Der Chor.
Ungerechtes thust du hier!
Ungerechtes thust du hier!
Kreon.
Gerechtes!
Gerechtes!
Der Chor.
Wie, Gerechtes?
Wie, Gerechtes?
Kreon.
Sie gehören mir.
Vernimm, o Stadt!
830
Sie gehören mir.
Vernimm, o Stadt!
830
Der Chor.
Wohin, Fremdling? Laß von ihr! Oder gleich
Brauch' ich Gewalt an dir!
Wohin, Fremdling? Laß von ihr! Oder gleich
Brauch' ich Gewalt an dir!
Kreon.
Zurück!
Zurück!
Der Chor.
Nicht vor dir, wagst du so freche That!
Nicht vor dir, wagst du so freche That!
Kreon.
Die Stadt bekämpfst du, wenn du mir ein Leides thust.
1
Die Stadt bekämpfst du, wenn du mir ein Leides thust.
1
Oedipus.
Ha, dieses rief ich selbst dir zu!
835
Ha, dieses rief ich selbst dir zu!
835
Der Chor.
Laß ungesäumt
835
Das Mädchen ledig!
835
Laß ungesäumt
835
Das Mädchen ledig!
835
Kreon.
Nicht gebeut, wo Macht dir fehlt!
Nicht gebeut, wo Macht dir fehlt!
Der Chor.
Dir sag' ich: laß sie!
Dir sag' ich: laß sie!
Kreon.
Ich zu dir: geh deinen Weg!
Ich zu dir: geh deinen Weg!
Der Chor.
Hieher, Bürger, eilt, o eilt flugs heran!
Weh, es verhöhnt die Stadt, unsere Stadt Gewalt!
So eilt flugs hieher!
840
(indeß sie fortgeführt wird)
Hieher, Bürger, eilt, o eilt flugs heran!
Weh, es verhöhnt die Stadt, unsere Stadt Gewalt!
So eilt flugs hieher!
840
Antigone.
Sie zieh'n mich fort, mich Arme! Helft, o Freunde, helft!
Sie zieh'n mich fort, mich Arme! Helft, o Freunde, helft!
Oedipus.
Wo bist du, Tochter?
Wo bist du, Tochter?
Antigone.
Mit Gewalt hinweggeführt!
(die Hände ausstreckend)
Kind, reiche mir die Hände! Weh! Ich kann es nicht.
Ihr führt sie fort!
(zu den Dienern)
(Antigone wird abgeführt.)
Mit Gewalt hinweggeführt!
Kind, reiche mir die Hände! Weh! Ich kann es nicht.
Ihr führt sie fort!
Oedipus.
Weh, weh mir Unglückseligen!
Weh, weh mir Unglückseligen!
Kreon.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 720-1042 focus
Antigone
Land that is praised above all lands, now it is your task to make those bright praises seen in deeds!
720
Land that is praised above all lands, now it is your task to make those bright praises seen in deeds!
720
Oedipus
What strange new thing has happened, my daughter?
What strange new thing has happened, my daughter?
Antigone
Creon there draws near us, and not without followers, father.
Creon there draws near us, and not without followers, father.
Oedipus
Ah, dearest old men, now give me
the final proof of my salvation!
725
Ah, dearest old men, now give me
the final proof of my salvation!
725
Chorus
Courage! It will be yours. For even if I am aged, this country’s strength has not grown old.
Enter Creon, with attendants.
Courage! It will be yours. For even if I am aged, this country’s strength has not grown old.
Creon
Gentlemen, noble dwellers in this land, I see from your eyes that a sudden fear has troubled you at my coming;
but do not shrink back from me, and let no evil word escape you.
I am here with no thought of force; I am old, and I know that the city to which I have come is mighty, if any in
Hellas
has might.
730
No, I have been sent, aged as I am, to plead with this man to return with me to the land of Cadmus. I am not one man’s envoy, but have a mandate from all our people; since it belonged to me, by family, beyond all other Thebans to mourn his woes.
735
Unhappy Oedipus, hear us, and come home! Justly are you summoned by all the Cadmeans, and most of all by me, since I—unless I am the worst of all men born—feel most sorrow for your woes, old man,
740
when I see you, unhappy as you are, a stranger and a wanderer evermore, roaming in beggary, with one handmaid for your support. Ah, me, I had not thought that she could fall to such a depth of misery as that to which she has fallen—
745
this poor girl!—as she tends forever your dark life amid poverty; in ripe youth, but unwed: a prize for the first passerby to seize.
Is it not a cruel reproach—alas!—that I have cast at you, and me, and all our race?
750
But indeed an open shame cannot be hidden. Oedipus, in the name of your ancestral gods, listen to me! Hide it, and consent to return to the city and the house of your ancestors, after bidding a kind farewell to this city.
Athens
is worthy; yet your own city has the first claim on your reverence,
755
since it was
Thebes
that nurtured you long ago.
760
761
Gentlemen, noble dwellers in this land, I see from your eyes that a sudden fear has troubled you at my coming;
but do not shrink back from me, and let no evil word escape you.
I am here with no thought of force; I am old, and I know that the city to which I have come is mighty, if any in Hellas has might.
730
I am here with no thought of force; I am old, and I know that the city to which I have come is mighty, if any in Hellas has might.
No, I have been sent, aged as I am, to plead with this man to return with me to the land of Cadmus. I am not one man’s envoy, but have a mandate from all our people; since it belonged to me, by family, beyond all other Thebans to mourn his woes.
735
Unhappy Oedipus, hear us, and come home! Justly are you summoned by all the Cadmeans, and most of all by me, since I—unless I am the worst of all men born—feel most sorrow for your woes, old man,
740
when I see you, unhappy as you are, a stranger and a wanderer evermore, roaming in beggary, with one handmaid for your support. Ah, me, I had not thought that she could fall to such a depth of misery as that to which she has fallen—
745
this poor girl!—as she tends forever your dark life amid poverty; in ripe youth, but unwed: a prize for the first passerby to seize.
Is it not a cruel reproach—alas!—that I have cast at you, and me, and all our race?
750
Is it not a cruel reproach—alas!—that I have cast at you, and me, and all our race?
But indeed an open shame cannot be hidden. Oedipus, in the name of your ancestral gods, listen to me! Hide it, and consent to return to the city and the house of your ancestors, after bidding a kind farewell to this city.
Athens
is worthy; yet your own city has the first claim on your reverence,
755
since it was
Thebes
that nurtured you long ago.
760
Oedipus
You who will dare anything, who from any just plea would derive a crafty trick, why do you make this attempt on me, and seek once more to snare me in your trap where I would feel most grief?
Long ago, when I labored under the sickness of my self-made evils, and I yearned to be cast out of the land, you refused to grant the favor. But when my fierce anger had spent its force, and seclusion in the house was sweet to me,
765
it was then that you thrust me from the house and cast me from the land. And this common race that you mention—that was not at all dear to you then. Now, in turn, when you see that I have a kindly welcome from this city and all its race, you try to pluck me away, wrapping your cruel thoughts in soft words.
770
And yet what pleasure do you find in this, in treating me as dear against my will? As if a man should refuse you a gift, bring you no aid, when you continually begged for it; but after your heart was sated with your desires, he should grant it then, when the favor could bring no joy
775
—would you not find your delight in this empty? Yet such is the nature of your own offers to me: noble in appearance, but in substance base. And I will declare it to these men too, to show you up as base. You have come to get me,
780
not to bring me home, but to plant me near your borders, so that your city might escape uninjured by evils from this land. That fate is not for you, but this one: the brooding of my vengeful spirit on your land forever; and for my sons, this heirloom:
785
just so much soil in my realm in which to die.
Am I not wiser than you in the fortunes of
Thebes
? Yes, far wiser, by as much as the sources of my knowledge are truer: Phoebus I mean, and his father, Zeus himself. But you have come here with fraud on your lips, yes,
790
and with a tongue keener than the edge of a sword; yet by their use you may well reap more sorrow than salvation. Still, since I know that I cannot persuade you of this, go! Allow us to live on here; for even in this plight our life would not be bad, if we should be content with it.
795
800
You who will dare anything, who from any just plea would derive a crafty trick, why do you make this attempt on me, and seek once more to snare me in your trap where I would feel most grief?
Long ago, when I labored under the sickness of my self-made evils, and I yearned to be cast out of the land, you refused to grant the favor. But when my fierce anger had spent its force, and seclusion in the house was sweet to me,
765
it was then that you thrust me from the house and cast me from the land. And this common race that you mention—that was not at all dear to you then. Now, in turn, when you see that I have a kindly welcome from this city and all its race, you try to pluck me away, wrapping your cruel thoughts in soft words.
770
And yet what pleasure do you find in this, in treating me as dear against my will? As if a man should refuse you a gift, bring you no aid, when you continually begged for it; but after your heart was sated with your desires, he should grant it then, when the favor could bring no joy
775
—would you not find your delight in this empty? Yet such is the nature of your own offers to me: noble in appearance, but in substance base. And I will declare it to these men too, to show you up as base. You have come to get me,
780
not to bring me home, but to plant me near your borders, so that your city might escape uninjured by evils from this land. That fate is not for you, but this one: the brooding of my vengeful spirit on your land forever; and for my sons, this heirloom:
785
just so much soil in my realm in which to die.
Am I not wiser than you in the fortunes of Thebes ? Yes, far wiser, by as much as the sources of my knowledge are truer: Phoebus I mean, and his father, Zeus himself. But you have come here with fraud on your lips, yes,
790
Am I not wiser than you in the fortunes of Thebes ? Yes, far wiser, by as much as the sources of my knowledge are truer: Phoebus I mean, and his father, Zeus himself. But you have come here with fraud on your lips, yes,
and with a tongue keener than the edge of a sword; yet by their use you may well reap more sorrow than salvation. Still, since I know that I cannot persuade you of this, go! Allow us to live on here; for even in this plight our life would not be bad, if we should be content with it.
795
Creon
Which of us, do you think, suffers more in this exchange—I by your action, or you by your own?
800
Which of us, do you think, suffers more in this exchange—I by your action, or you by your own?
800
Oedipus
For me, it is enough if your pleading fails both with me and with these men nearby.
For me, it is enough if your pleading fails both with me and with these men nearby.
Creon
Unhappy man, will you let everyone see that even in your years you have gained no sense?
Must you live on to disgrace your old age?
805
Unhappy man, will you let everyone see that even in your years you have gained no sense?
Must you live on to disgrace your old age?
805
Oedipus
You have a clever tongue, but I know no just man who can produce from every side a pretty speech.
You have a clever tongue, but I know no just man who can produce from every side a pretty speech.
Creon
Words may be many, and yet not to the point.
Words may be many, and yet not to the point.
Oedipus
As if yours, indeed, were few, but on the mark.
As if yours, indeed, were few, but on the mark.
Creon
They cannot be, not for one whose mind is such as yours.
810
They cannot be, not for one whose mind is such as yours.
810
Oedipus
Begone! I will say it for these men too. And do not besiege me with a jealous watch where I am destined to remain.
Begone! I will say it for these men too. And do not besiege me with a jealous watch where I am destined to remain.
Creon
I call these men, and not you, to witness the tenor of your words to your friends. And if I ever catch you—
I call these men, and not you, to witness the tenor of your words to your friends. And if I ever catch you—
Oedipus
And who could catch me against the will of these allies?
815
And who could catch me against the will of these allies?
815
Creon
I promise you, soon you will be pained even without that.
I promise you, soon you will be pained even without that.
Oedipus
Where is the deed which backs that threatening word?
Where is the deed which backs that threatening word?
Creon
One of your two daughters I have myself just seized and sent away. The other I will drag off immediately.
One of your two daughters I have myself just seized and sent away. The other I will drag off immediately.
Oedipus
Oh, no!
820
Oh, no!
820
Creon
You will soon find more to weep about.
You will soon find more to weep about.
Oedipus
You have my child?
You have my child?
Creon
And I will have this one in no long time.
And I will have this one in no long time.
Oedipus
Oh! Strangers, what will you do? Will you betray me? Will you not drive the godless man from this land?
Oh! Strangers, what will you do? Will you betray me? Will you not drive the godless man from this land?
Chorus
Depart, stranger! Quick!
Your present deed is not just, nor the deed which you have done.
825
Depart, stranger! Quick!
Your present deed is not just, nor the deed which you have done.
825
Creon
To his attendants.
It is time for you to drag this girl off against her will, if she will not go freely.
It is time for you to drag this girl off against her will, if she will not go freely.
Antigone
Wretched that I am! Where can I flee? Where find help from gods or men?
Wretched that I am! Where can I flee? Where find help from gods or men?
Chorus
What are you doing, stranger?
What are you doing, stranger?
Creon
I will not touch this man, but her who is mine.
830
I will not touch this man, but her who is mine.
830
Oedipus
Lords of the land!
Lords of the land!
Chorus
Stranger, you are acting unjustly.
Stranger, you are acting unjustly.
Creon
Justly.
Justly.
Chorus
How?
How?
Creon
I take my own.
He lays his hand on Antigone.
I take my own.
Oedipus
Oh, city !
Oh, city !
Chorus
What are you doing, stranger? Release her!
Your strength and ours will soon come to the test.
835
What are you doing, stranger? Release her!
Your strength and ours will soon come to the test.
835
Creon
Stand back!
Stand back!
Chorus
Not while this is your purpose.
Not while this is your purpose.
Creon
There will be war with
Thebes
for you, if you harm me.
There will be war with
Thebes
for you, if you harm me.
Oedipus
Did I not say so?
Did I not say so?
Chorus
Unhand the girl at once!
Unhand the girl at once!
Creon
Do not make commands where you are not the master.
Do not make commands where you are not the master.
Chorus
Let go, I tell you!
840
Let go, I tell you!
840
Creon
To his guards, who seize Antigone.
And I tell you: be off!
And I tell you: be off!
Chorus
Help, men of
Colonus
, bring help! The city, our city, is attacked by force! Come to our aid!
Help, men of
Colonus
, bring help! The city, our city, is attacked by force! Come to our aid!
Antigone
I am being dragged away in misery. Strangers, strangers!
I am being dragged away in misery. Strangers, strangers!
Oedipus
My child, where are you?
845
My child, where are you?
845
Antigone
I am led off by force.
I am led off by force.
Oedipus
Give me your hand, my child!
Give me your hand, my child!
Antigone
I am helpless.
I am helpless.
Creon
Away with you!
Away with you!
Oedipus
I am wretched, wretched!
The guards exit with Antigone.
848
I am wretched, wretched!
The guards exit with Antigone.
Creon
So those two staffs will never again support your path.
But since you wish to overcome your country and your friends, whose will I, though tyrant as well, am here discharging, then I wish you victory. For in time, I am sure, you will come to recognize all this, that now too as in time past, it is you who have done yourself no good, by indulging your anger despite your friends.
850
This has always been your ruin.
855
So those two staffs will never again support your path.
But since you wish to overcome your country and your friends, whose will I, though tyrant as well, am here discharging, then I wish you victory. For in time, I am sure, you will come to recognize all this, that now too as in time past, it is you who have done yourself no good, by indulging your anger despite your friends.
850
This has always been your ruin.
855
Chorus
Stop there, stranger!
Stop there, stranger!
Creon
Hands off, I say!
Hands off, I say!
Chorus
I will not let go, unless you give back the maidens.
I will not let go, unless you give back the maidens.
Creon
Then you will soon give the city a more valuable prize, for I will lay hands on more than those two girls.
Then you will soon give the city a more valuable prize, for I will lay hands on more than those two girls.
Chorus
What! What do you intend?
860
What! What do you intend?
860
Creon
This man here will be my captive.
This man here will be my captive.
Chorus
A valiant threat!
A valiant threat!
Creon
Straightaway it will be done.
Straightaway it will be done.
Chorus
Indeed, unless the ruler of this realm prevents you.
Indeed, unless the ruler of this realm prevents you.
Oedipus
Voice of shamelessness! Will you really lay hands on me?
Voice of shamelessness! Will you really lay hands on me?
Creon
Shut up, I say!
Shut up, I say!
Oedipus
No! May the powers of this place grant me to utter this further curse! Most evil of men, when these eyes were dark, you wrenched from me the helpless one who was my eyesight and made off with her by force. Therefore to you and to your race may the Sun, the god who sees all things,
grant in time an old age such as mine!
870
No! May the powers of this place grant me to utter this further curse! Most evil of men, when these eyes were dark, you wrenched from me the helpless one who was my eyesight and made off with her by force. Therefore to you and to your race may the Sun, the god who sees all things,
grant in time an old age such as mine!
870
Creon
Do you see this, people of the land?
Do you see this, people of the land?
Oedipus
They see both you and me. They know that I have suffered in deeds, and my defense is mere words.
They see both you and me. They know that I have suffered in deeds, and my defense is mere words.
Creon
I will not check my anger. Though I am alone
and slow with age, I will take this man by force.
875
I will not check my anger. Though I am alone
and slow with age, I will take this man by force.
875
Oedipus
Ah, my wretchedness!
Ah, my wretchedness!
Chorus
What arrogance you have come with, stranger, if you think you will achieve this!
What arrogance you have come with, stranger, if you think you will achieve this!
Creon
I will.
I will.
Chorus
Then I think this city no longer exists.
Then I think this city no longer exists.
Creon
For men who are just, you see, the weak vanquishes the strong.
880
For men who are just, you see, the weak vanquishes the strong.
880
Oedipus
Do you hear his words?
Do you hear his words?
Chorus
Yes, but he will not achieve them.
Yes, but he will not achieve them.
Creon
Zeus knows perhaps, but you do not.
Zeus knows perhaps, but you do not.
Chorus
This is an outrage!
This is an outrage!
Creon
An outrage which you must bear.
An outrage which you must bear.
Chorus
Hear people, hear rulers of the land! Come quickly, come!
These men are on their way to cross our borders!
885
Enter Theseus.
Hear people, hear rulers of the land! Come quickly, come!
These men are on their way to cross our borders!
885
Theseus
What is this shout? What is the trouble? What fear has moved you to stop my sacrifice at the altar to the sea-god, the lord of your
Colonus
? Speak, so that I may know the situation; for that is why I have sped
here more swiftly than was pleasant.
890
What is this shout? What is the trouble? What fear has moved you to stop my sacrifice at the altar to the sea-god, the lord of your
Colonus
? Speak, so that I may know the situation; for that is why I have sped
here more swiftly than was pleasant.
890
Oedipus
Dearest of men! I know your voice. Terrible are the things I have just suffered at the hands of this man here.
Dearest of men! I know your voice. Terrible are the things I have just suffered at the hands of this man here.
Theseus
What things are these? And who has pained you? Speak!
What things are these? And who has pained you? Speak!
Oedipus
Creon, whom you see here,
has torn from me my children—my only two.
895
Creon, whom you see here,
has torn from me my children—my only two.
895
Theseus
What is that you say?
What is that you say?
Oedipus
You have heard my wrongs.
897
You have heard my wrongs.
Theseus
Hurry, one of you attendants, to the altars there, and order the people to leave the sacrifice
and race on foot and by horse full speed, to the region where the two highways meet, so that the maidens may not pass, and I not become a mockery to this stranger as one worsted by force. Quick, I say, away with you!
900
Turning towards Creon.
As for this man, if my
anger went as far as he deserves, I would not let him go uninjured from my hand. But now, just such law as he himself has brought will be the rule for his correction.
905
Addressing Creon.
You will never leave this land
until you bring those maidens and produce them in my sight. For your action is a disgrace to me, and to your own ancestors, and to your country. You have come to a city that practices justice and sanctions nothing without law,
910
yet you have spurned her lawful authorities and made this violent assault. You are taking captives at will and subjugating them by force, as if you believed that my city was void of men, or manned by slaves, and that I counted for nothing.
Yet it was not
Thebes
that trained you to be evil.
Thebes
is not accustomed to rearing unjust men;—
915
nor would she praise you, if she learned that you are despoiling me, and despoiling the gods, when by force you drive off their unfortunate suppliants. If my foot were upon your land, never would I drag off or lead away someone
920
without permission from the ruler of the land, whoever he might be—no, even if my claim were the most just of all. I would know how a stranger ought to live among citizens. But you are disgracing a city that does not deserve it: your own,
925
and your years, despite their fullness, bring you an old age barren of sense.
Now, I have said before, and I say it once again: let the maidens be brought here speedily, unless you wish to be an unwilling immigrant to this country by force.
930
These are the words of my lips; my mind is in accord.
935
Hurry, one of you attendants, to the altars there, and order the people to leave the sacrifice
and race on foot and by horse full speed, to the region where the two highways meet, so that the maidens may not pass, and I not become a mockery to this stranger as one worsted by force. Quick, I say, away with you!
900
As for this man, if my
anger went as far as he deserves, I would not let him go uninjured from my hand. But now, just such law as he himself has brought will be the rule for his correction.
905
You will never leave this land
until you bring those maidens and produce them in my sight. For your action is a disgrace to me, and to your own ancestors, and to your country. You have come to a city that practices justice and sanctions nothing without law,
910
yet you have spurned her lawful authorities and made this violent assault. You are taking captives at will and subjugating them by force, as if you believed that my city was void of men, or manned by slaves, and that I counted for nothing.
Yet it was not Thebes that trained you to be evil. Thebes is not accustomed to rearing unjust men;—
915
Yet it was not Thebes that trained you to be evil. Thebes is not accustomed to rearing unjust men;—
nor would she praise you, if she learned that you are despoiling me, and despoiling the gods, when by force you drive off their unfortunate suppliants. If my foot were upon your land, never would I drag off or lead away someone
920
without permission from the ruler of the land, whoever he might be—no, even if my claim were the most just of all. I would know how a stranger ought to live among citizens. But you are disgracing a city that does not deserve it: your own,
925
and your years, despite their fullness, bring you an old age barren of sense.
Now, I have said before, and I say it once again: let the maidens be brought here speedily, unless you wish to be an unwilling immigrant to this country by force.
930
Now, I have said before, and I say it once again: let the maidens be brought here speedily, unless you wish to be an unwilling immigrant to this country by force.
These are the words of my lips; my mind is in accord.
935
Chorus
Do you see your plight, stranger? You are judged to be just by where you are from, but your deeds are found to be evil.
939
Do you see your plight, stranger? You are judged to be just by where you are from, but your deeds are found to be evil.
Creon
It is not because I thought this city void of men, son of Aegeus, or of counsel, as you say,
that I have done this deed; but because I judged that its people could never be so zealous for my relatives as to support them against my will. And I knew that this people would not receive a parricide and a polluted man,
940
a man whose unholy marriage—a marriage with children—had been found out. Such wisdom, I knew, was immemorial on the Areopagus, which does not allow such wanderers to dwell within this city. Trusting in that, I sought to take this prize.
945
And I would not have done so, had he not been calling down bitter curses on me and on my race. As I was wronged in this way, I judged that I had a right to this requital. For anger knows no old age, until death comes;
950
the dead alone feel no galling pain.
In response to this, you will do what pleases you; for, though my case is just, the lack of aid makes me weak. Yet in the face of your actions, despite my age, I will endeavor to pay you back.
955
960
It is not because I thought this city void of men, son of Aegeus, or of counsel, as you say,
that I have done this deed; but because I judged that its people could never be so zealous for my relatives as to support them against my will. And I knew that this people would not receive a parricide and a polluted man,
940
a man whose unholy marriage—a marriage with children—had been found out. Such wisdom, I knew, was immemorial on the Areopagus, which does not allow such wanderers to dwell within this city. Trusting in that, I sought to take this prize.
945
And I would not have done so, had he not been calling down bitter curses on me and on my race. As I was wronged in this way, I judged that I had a right to this requital. For anger knows no old age, until death comes;
950
the dead alone feel no galling pain.
In response to this, you will do what pleases you; for, though my case is just, the lack of aid makes me weak. Yet in the face of your actions, despite my age, I will endeavor to pay you back.
955
In response to this, you will do what pleases you; for, though my case is just, the lack of aid makes me weak. Yet in the face of your actions, despite my age, I will endeavor to pay you back.
Oedipus
Shameless arrogance, where do you think this outrage falls—on my old age, or on your own? Bloodshed, incest, misery—all this your tongue has launched against me, and all this I have borne in my wretchedness by no choice of mine.
960
For this was dear to the gods, who were angry, perhaps, with my race from of old. Taking me alone, you could not find a reproach for any crime, in retribution for which I was driven to commit these sins against myself and against my kin. Tell me now: if, by the voice of an oracle, some divine doom was coming on my father,
965
that he should die by a son’s hand, how could you justly reproach me with this, when I was then unborn, when no father had yet begotten me, no mother’s womb conceived me? But if, having been born to misery—as I was born—I came to blows with my father and slew him, ignorant of what
970
I was doing and to whom, how could you reasonably blame the unwitting deed?
And my mother—wretch, do you feel no shame in forcing me to speak of her marriage, when she was your sister, and when it was such as I will now tell?
975
For I will not be silent, when you have gone so far in impious speech. Yes, she was my mother, yes—alas, for my miseries! I did not know it, nor did she, and to her shame she bore children to the son whom she had borne.
980
But one thing, at least, I know: that you willingly revile her and me, but I did not willingly marry her, and I do not willingly speak now.
No, I will not be called evil on account of this marriage, nor in the slaying of my father, which you charge me with again and again in bitter insult.
985
Answer just one thing of those I ask. If, here and now, someone should come up and try to murder you—you, the just one—would you ask if the murderer was your father, or would you revenge yourself on him straightaway?
990
I think that if your life is dear to you, you would requite the criminal, and not look around for a justification. Such then were the evils into which I came, led by the gods; and in this, I think, my father’s soul, could it come back to life, would not contradict me.
995
But you are not just; you are one who considers it a fine thing to utter every sort of word, both those which are sanctioned and those which are forbidden—such are your taunts against me in the presence of these men. And to you it seems a fine thing to flatter the renowned Theseus, and
Athens
, saying how well it is governed.
1000
Yet while giving such generous praise, you forget that if any land knows how to worship the gods with honors, this land excels in that. It is from her that you had planned to steal me, a suppliant and an old man, and tried to seize me, having already carried off my daughters.
1005
Therefore I now call on the goddesses here, I supplicate them, I beseech them with prayers, to bring me help and to fight on my behalf, that you may learn well what kind of men this city is guarded by.
1010
1014
Shameless arrogance, where do you think this outrage falls—on my old age, or on your own? Bloodshed, incest, misery—all this your tongue has launched against me, and all this I have borne in my wretchedness by no choice of mine.
960
For this was dear to the gods, who were angry, perhaps, with my race from of old. Taking me alone, you could not find a reproach for any crime, in retribution for which I was driven to commit these sins against myself and against my kin. Tell me now: if, by the voice of an oracle, some divine doom was coming on my father,
965
that he should die by a son’s hand, how could you justly reproach me with this, when I was then unborn, when no father had yet begotten me, no mother’s womb conceived me? But if, having been born to misery—as I was born—I came to blows with my father and slew him, ignorant of what
970
I was doing and to whom, how could you reasonably blame the unwitting deed?
And my mother—wretch, do you feel no shame in forcing me to speak of her marriage, when she was your sister, and when it was such as I will now tell?
975
And my mother—wretch, do you feel no shame in forcing me to speak of her marriage, when she was your sister, and when it was such as I will now tell?
For I will not be silent, when you have gone so far in impious speech. Yes, she was my mother, yes—alas, for my miseries! I did not know it, nor did she, and to her shame she bore children to the son whom she had borne.
980
But one thing, at least, I know: that you willingly revile her and me, but I did not willingly marry her, and I do not willingly speak now.
No, I will not be called evil on account of this marriage, nor in the slaying of my father, which you charge me with again and again in bitter insult.
985
No, I will not be called evil on account of this marriage, nor in the slaying of my father, which you charge me with again and again in bitter insult.
Answer just one thing of those I ask. If, here and now, someone should come up and try to murder you—you, the just one—would you ask if the murderer was your father, or would you revenge yourself on him straightaway?
990
I think that if your life is dear to you, you would requite the criminal, and not look around for a justification. Such then were the evils into which I came, led by the gods; and in this, I think, my father’s soul, could it come back to life, would not contradict me.
995
But you are not just; you are one who considers it a fine thing to utter every sort of word, both those which are sanctioned and those which are forbidden—such are your taunts against me in the presence of these men. And to you it seems a fine thing to flatter the renowned Theseus, and
Athens
, saying how well it is governed.
1000
Yet while giving such generous praise, you forget that if any land knows how to worship the gods with honors, this land excels in that. It is from her that you had planned to steal me, a suppliant and an old man, and tried to seize me, having already carried off my daughters.
1005
Therefore I now call on the goddesses here, I supplicate them, I beseech them with prayers, to bring me help and to fight on my behalf, that you may learn well what kind of men this city is guarded by.
1010
Chorus
The stranger is a good man, lord.
His fate has been accursed, but it is worthy of our aid.
1015
The stranger is a good man, lord.
His fate has been accursed, but it is worthy of our aid.
1015
Theseus
Enough of words. The doers of the deed are in flight, while we, the sufferers, stand still.
Enough of words. The doers of the deed are in flight, while we, the sufferers, stand still.
Creon
What order, then, do you have for a powerless man?
What order, then, do you have for a powerless man?
Theseus
Guide the way on the path to them while I escort you,
in order that if you are keeping the maidens whom we seek in these lands, you yourself may reveal them to me. But if your men are fleeing with the spoils in their grasp, we may spare our trouble; the chase is for others, from whom they will never escape out of this land to thank their gods.
1020
Come, lead the way! And know that the captor has been captured; fate has seized you as you hunted. Gains unjustly got by guile are soon lost. And you will have no ally in your purpose; for I well know that it is not without accomplice or resource that you have come to such
1025
outrage, from the daring mood which has inspired you here. There was someone you were trusting in when you did these deeds. This I must consider, and I must not make this city weaker than one man. Do you take my drift?
1030
Or do these words seem as empty as the warnings given when you were laying your plans?
1035
Guide the way on the path to them while I escort you,
in order that if you are keeping the maidens whom we seek in these lands, you yourself may reveal them to me. But if your men are fleeing with the spoils in their grasp, we may spare our trouble; the chase is for others, from whom they will never escape out of this land to thank their gods.
1020
Come, lead the way! And know that the captor has been captured; fate has seized you as you hunted. Gains unjustly got by guile are soon lost. And you will have no ally in your purpose; for I well know that it is not without accomplice or resource that you have come to such
1025
outrage, from the daring mood which has inspired you here. There was someone you were trusting in when you did these deeds. This I must consider, and I must not make this city weaker than one man. Do you take my drift?
1030
Or do these words seem as empty as the warnings given when you were laying your plans?
1035
Creon
Say what you wish while you are here; I will not object. But at home I too will know how to act.
Say what you wish while you are here; I will not object. But at home I too will know how to act.
Theseus
Make your threats, then, but go forward. As for you, Oedipus, stay here in peace with my pledge that, unless I die beforehand,
I will not cease until I put you in possession of your children.
1040
Make your threats, then, but go forward. As for you, Oedipus, stay here in peace with my pledge that, unless I die beforehand,
I will not cease until I put you in possession of your children.
1040
Oedipus
Thanks to you, Theseus, for your nobleness and your righteous care for me!
Theseus exits with attendants and Creon.
Thanks to you, Theseus, for your nobleness and your righteous care for me!
Theseus exits with attendants and Creon.
Commentary
Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))
mvp-comment-599-1
Creon had said, in effect,
"
Your happiness is as much my object as our own."
"
My happiness,"Oed. rejoins,
"will be best secured if your application is rejected by the people of Colonus, as by myself."
Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus
802. mvp-comment-442-1 μήτ᾿ ἐμέ.. μήτε τούσδε The emphasis is on τούσδε : μήτ᾿ ἐμέ is taken for granted, and only introduced for the sake of the antithesis It would delight me, if you fail in persuading these men here as you will fail to persuade me.