ANTIGONE
CastofCharacters
Antigone:
Ismene,dearheart,mytruesister: YouandIareleftalivetopay
Antigone daughterandhalf-sisterof ThefinalpenaltytoZeusforOedipus. Oedipus I’veneverseensuchmiseryandmadness—
Ismene Antigone’ssister
5 It’smonstrous!Suchdeepshameanddishonor—
Chorus thecouncilofeldersinThebes Asthis,whichfallsuponthepairofus.
ChorusLeader haslinesinconversations Andnow,apublicannouncement!
Creon Antigone’suncleonher Theysaythegeneralhasplastereditaroundthe mother’sside city.
Watchman oneofthosesettoguardthe Haveyouheardthisterriblenewsornot? corpse
10 Ourenemiesareonthemarchtohurtour
Tiresias prophetofApollo friends.
Haemon Creon’sson,Antigone’sfiance ´
Ismene: Messenger aservantofCreon’s
No,Antigone,Ihavehadnonewsoffriends, Eurydice Creon’swife,Haemon’smother Nothingsweetorpainful,sincetheday Welostourbrothers,bothofus,ononeday,
NonspeakingRoles
Bothbrothersdeadbytheirtwohands.
15 LastnightthearmythatcamefromArgos
Attendants ofCreon Disappeared,andafterthatIdon’tknow Attendants ofAntigone(whenunderarrest) Anythingthatcouldbringmehappiness—or Servants ofEurydice despair.
Boy whoguidesTiresias
Antigone: Iknewit!That’sthewholereason Scene Ibroughtyououtside—tohearthenewsalone.
TheroyalhouseatThebes,frontingontoaraised
Ismene:
20 Tellme.You’reasclearasafogatsea. platformstage.Wingentrancesrightandleft allowforcharacterstobeseenbytheaudience Antigone: andthechoruslongbeforetheyareseenbythe It’stheburialofourtwobrothers.Creon maincharacters.Thegreatdoorsofthehouse Promotesoneofthemandshamestheother. standupstagecenter.
[5: LinenumbersrefertotheGreektext.] [EnterAntigoneleadingIsmenethroughthe [14–15: Thetwobrothers,Eteocle ˆ sandPolyneices,had greatdoorsthatleadfromthepalace.] plannedtotaketurnsrulingThebes;butEteocle ˆ srefused togivePolyneiceshistimeonthethrone.Anarmycame fromArgosinsupportofPolyneices’claimandwasde-
FromSophocles, Antigone, translatedbyPaulWoodruff (Indianapolis:HackettPublishingCompany,2001).featedatthesevengatesofthecity.Thetwobrotherskilled eachother.Argos,inthenortheastcornerofPelopon- Copyright 2001.Reprintedbypermissionofthe publisher. nesus,wasseenasanenemyofThebes.—P.W.]
Eteocle ˆ s—IheardCreoncoveredhimbeneath
Ismene: Ohno!Thinkcarefully,mysister. Theearthwithproperrites,aslawordains, 25 Sohehashonordownamongthedead.
50 Ourfatherdiedinhatredanddisgrace Aftergougingouthisowntwoeyes
ButPolyneices’miserablecorpse— TheysayCreonhasproclaimedtoeveryone:Forsinshe’dseeninhisownself. Next,hismotherandwife—shewasboth— “NoBurialofanykind.Nowailing,nopublic tears. Destroyedherselfinaknottedrope.
Givehimtothevultures,unwept,unburied, 30 TobeasweettreasurefortheirsharpeyesandKilledeachotherinaterriblecalamity, Whichtheyhadcreatedforeachother. beaks.”
55 And,third,ourtwobrothersononeday
That’swhattheysaythegoodCreonhas Nowthinkaboutthetwoofus.Wearealone. Howhorribleitwillbetodieoutsidethelaw, proclaimed Toyou.Andme.Heforbidsme,too.
60 Ifweviolateadictator’sdecree! No.Wehavetokeepthisfactinmind: Andnowhe’sstruttingheretomakeitplain Tothosewhohaven’theard—hetakes Wearewomenandwedonotfightwithmen. We’resubjecttothembecausethey’restronger,
35 Thisseriously—thatifanyonedoeswhathe forbids Andwemustobeythisorder,evenifithurtsus more. He’llhavehimpubliclystonedtodeath. There’syournews.Now,showyourcolors:
65 Asforme,Iwillsaytothosebeneaththeearth Thisprayer:“Forgiveme,Iamheldbackby Areyoutruetoyourbirth?Oracoward? force.”
Ismene: AndI’llobeythemenincharge.Mymind Youtakethingshard.Ifweareinthisnoose, Willneveraimtoohigh,toofar.
40 WhatcouldIdotoloosenorpulltighttheknot?
Antigone: Ifyousharetheworkandtrouble...
Antigone: Iwon’tpressyouanyfurther.Iwouldn’tevenlet
70 Youhelpmeifyouhadachangeofheart. Goonand be thewayyouchoosetobe.I
Ismene: Willburyhim.Iwillhaveanobledeath Inwhatdangerousadventure? Andliewithhim,adearsisterwithadear brother.
Antigone:
Callitacrimeofreverence,butImustbegood Ifyouhelpthishandraisethecorpse... tothose [Indicatingherownhand.]
Ismene:
75 Whoarebelow.Iwillbetherelongerthanwith you.
That’swhereIwilllie.You,keeptoyourchoice: Doyoumeantoburyhim?Againstthecity’s Gooninsultingwhatthegodsholddear. ordinance?
Ismene:
Antigone: Iamnotinsultinganyone.Bymyverynature
45 Butheismine.Andyours.Likeitornot,he’s Icannotpossiblytakearmsagainstthecity. ourbrother.
They’llnevercatchmebetrayinghim.
Antigone:
80 Goon,makeexcuses.Iamonmyway. Ismene: I’llheaptheearthuponmydearestbrother’s Howhorrible!WhenCreonforbidsit? grave.
Ismene:
Antigone: Hehasnorighttokeepmefrommyown. Ohno!Thisishorribleforyou.Iamsoworried!
Antigone: ShinegloryneverseenbeforeinThebes, OurCityofSevenGates. Don’tworryaboutme.Putyourownlifestraight. Obrighteyeofgoldenday!
Ismene:
105 YoucamestridingoverRiverDirke ˆ , Pleasedon’ttellasoulwhatyouaredoing. AndtheWhiteShieldofArgosranaway.
85 Keepithidden.I’lldothesame. Hehasfled,
Antigone: Manandweaponracingfromyourlight, Forgod’ssake,speakout.You’llbemoreenemy Onsharpenedspur. tome
Ifyouaresilent.Proclaimittotheworld!
110 Hewasrousedagainstourland
Ismene: ForafightthatPolyneices,haggling,picked. Yourheart’ssohottodothischillingthing! And,likeascreamingeagle, Hedroppedonourland:
Antigone: Theshadowofhiswhite-snowwing— Butitpleasesthosewhomattermost.
115 Amultitudeofarmoredmen, Ismene: Helmetscrestedwithhorsehair.
90 Yes,ifyouhadthepower.Butyoulovethe impossible.
Antigone:
[Antistrophe a]
Hestoopedoverourhomes, So?Whenmystrengthisgone,I’llstop. Mouthgapingwideforthekill, Ismene: HeengulfedourSevenGateswithspearsof Butit’sthehighestwrongtochaseafterwhat’s death; impossible.
120 Buthehasgone,
Antigone: Gonebeforeplunginghisbeakinourblood, Whenyousaythis,yousetyourselfagainstme. Gonebeforetorchingourcrownoftowers Yourbrotherwilltakeyoutohim—ashisenemy. WiththeflamesofHephaestus.
95 Soyoujustletmeandmy‘badjudgment’ Forbehindhisbacktherearosetooloud Gotohell.Nothingcouldhappentome
125 Theclamorofwar; Sobadthatitwouldcloudmynobledeath. Hisdragon-foewastoostrongforhim.
[ExitAntigonetowardtheplain,throughthe Zeushatesanarrogantboast, stageleftwing.] Withtoweringhatred.
Ismene: Hesawtheriverofmenattack, Thenfollowyourjudgment,go.You’velostyour
130 Theirgoldenarmorclashingincontempt, mind, Andsohestruckthemandownwithamissileof Butyouareholdingtotheloveofyourloved fire ones. Asheswoopedtowardhishighestgoal, [ExitIsmenethroughthegreatdoorsintothe Eagertoshout“Victory!” palace,asthechorusenterfromthecity,stage rightwing.]
[105: Dirke ˆ isoneoftheriversofThebes.]
Chorus:
[Strophe a]
[126: “Dragon-foe”— ThepeopleofThebesbelieved thattheyweredescendedfrommenwhogrewfromthe Parodos(Entry-song) teethofadragonslainbyCadmus.]
[131 – 40: Theselinesrefertotheattackerwhoboasts
100 LetuspraisetheSun: toomuch;accordingtothelegend,thiswasanArgive namedKapaneus.] Thesebrilliantbeams
[Strophe b]
ForLaius’powerwhenheheldthethrone, AndthesameagainforOedipus,whenhe Hecrashedtotheground rescuedThebes.
135 Likeaweightslungdowninanarcoffire, AfterhediedIknowyoustoodbytheirsons; Thismanwhohadswoopedlikeadancerin Youwerealwaystherewithgoodadvice. ecstasy,
170 Nowtheyaredead,bothononeday; Breathinghurricanesofhatred. Eachstabbedtheotherandwasstabbed. Buthisthreatscametonothing: Brotherstruckbrother,andtheblowswere Themightywargod,fightingbesideus, cursed. 140 Sweptthemaside.
Sevencaptainsatsevengates, aremine, Matchedwithsevendefenders, BecauseIamclosestkintothosewhodied. AlllefttrophiesforZeustheprotector (Theytookofftheirarmorandran).
SonowthethroneandallthepowerinThebes
145 Exceptforasavagepair,fullbrothers: Theirtwospearsstandupright,conquering, Incharacterorjudgment,tillherulesandmakes law; Eachintheother’sdeadbreast. Onlythencanhebetestedinthepubliceye. Ibelievethatifanyonetriestorunacity
175 Nomanhasamindthatcanbefullyknown,
[Antistrophe b] Onthebasisofbadpoliciesandholdshistongue NowVictoryisours,
180 Becausehe’safraidtosaywhatisright, Greatbehername!NowThebesrejoices. Thatmanisterrible.SoIhavealwaysthought.
150 Thereforeletusforgetourpain. Butit’sevenworsewhenheplaysfavorites, Thewarisover:letusdanceallnight, Putsfamilyorfriendsaheadoffatherland. Fillallthesacredprecinctswithjoy: Asforme—Icalltowitnessall-seeingZeus— WemustnowberuledbyBacchus, 185 IwillneverholdmytongueaboutwhatIsee Dance-masterofThebes. Whenruinisafootorthecityisnotsafe. Iwillnevercallamanmyfriend [EnterCreonthroughthegreatdoors.] Ifheishostiletothisland.Iknowthiswell: Thecityisourlifeboat:wehavenofriendsatall
Chorus:
155 Hereisthekingofourland
190 Unlesswekeephersailingrightsideup. Sucharemylaws.BythemI’llraisethiscity Creon,thesonofMenoeceus, Ournewrulergivenusbychanceandthegods.high. Whatplanhashebeenchurningoveronhis way?
AndIhavejustannouncedatwinsisterofthose Whyhashesummonedus— laws, 160 Thecouncilofelders— Toallthecitizens,concerningOedipus’sons: Bypublicannouncement? Eteocle ˆ sfoughtforthecity,andforithedied, 195 Aftereveryfeatofheroismwithhisspear.
Creon: Heshallbesanctifiedbyeveryburialrite Gentlemen,thecityissafeagain,wemaythank Thatisgiventothemostheroicdeadbelow. thegods: Afteragreatupheaval,theyhaverescuedThebes. YouareherebecauseIchoseyoufromthewholeAsforhisbloodbrother,Polyneicesbyname, Hebrokehisexile,hecamebackhungryforour crowd
165 Andsummonedyoubyescort.Youalwaysshowedblood,
200 Hewantedtoburnhisfatherlandandfamilygods respect
Downfromthetop.Hewantedtoleadhis
225 IhaltedmanytimesalongtheroadsoIcould think, people— Intoslavery.Thismanwillhavenograve:
AndIalmostturnedaroundandmarchedright back. Itisforbiddentoofferanyfuneralrites; NooneinThebesmayburyhimormournforMy mindkepttalkingtome.Itsaid, “Youpoorguy, Whyareyougoingthere?You’lljustgetyourass him.
205 Hemustbeleftunburied.Maybirdsanddogskicked.” Thenitsaid,“Areyoustoppingagain,youdamn Feedonhislimbs,aspectacleofuttershame. fool?
Suchisthecharacterofmymind:Never,whileI youhell.” rule, Well,Iturnedthisideaupanddownlikethat, Willacriminalbehonoredhigherthanamanof AndIhurriedalong,realslow.Madeashorttrip justice. long.
230 IfCreonhearsthisfromanotherman,he’llgive
Butgivemeatruefriendofthiscity
210 AndIwillpayhimfullhonor,indeathorlife. Itdoesn’tamounttomuch,butImightaswell
Whatgotmehereintheendwasthis:Myreport.
Chorus: giveit, Thatisyourdecision,sonofMenoeceus,
235 BecauseIwon’tletgothishandfulofhope Astotheonewhomeantourcitywell Thatthingswon’tbeanyworsethantheyhaveto Andtheonewhomeantitill.It’suptoyou: be. Makeanylawyouwant—forthedead,orforus
Creon: wholive. Whatisit,man—where’syourcourage?
Creon:
215 Now,lookaftermycommands.Iinsist.
Watchman:
First,IwanttotellyouwhereIstand:
Chorus: Ididn’tdothisthing,andIdon’tknowwhodid, Asksomeoneyoungertotakeupthetask.
240 Anditwouldn’tbefairifIgothurt.
Creon:
Creon: No,no.Ihavemenalreadywatchingthecorpse. Allright,yourdefenseperimeterisup. Now,let’shaveyourreport.
Chorus: Thenwhat’sleftforustodo?Whatareyour
Watchman: orders? It’sterriblenews.Ican’tcomerightoutwiththat.
Creon:
Creon: Thatyoudonotsidewithanyonewhodisobeys. Speakup!Andthengetlost.
Chorus:
Watchman: 220 Nooneisfoolishenoughtoaskfordeath. 245 OK,hereitis.Thebodyoutthere—someone buriedit
Creon: Justnowandwentaway.Theyspreadthirstydust Right.Thatwouldbetheirreward.Buthope— Allovertheskinanddidtheceremonyinfull. Andbribery—oftenhaveledmentodestruction.
Creon:
[EnterWatchmanfromthestageleftwing.] What?Nomanwoulddare!Whodidit?
Watchman:
Watchman: Sir,Iamhere.Ican’tsayIamoutofbreath.Idon’tknow.Thegroundwassohardanddry. 250 Itshowednomarks.Nospadescratches, Ihavenotexactlybeen“runningonlightfeet.”
Nopickaxeholes,notevenchariotruts.
It’stotallyunacceptable,whatyousaidaboutthe gods— Theperpetratorhadnotleftasingleclue.
Whenthefirstday-watchmanshowedittous,Thattheycouldhaveacaringthoughtforthis man’scorpse. Wewereallamazed.Itwasincredible:
255 Theguyhadvanished.Therewasnotomb,
Youthinktheyburiedhimforhisgooddeeds?
Onlyfinedustlyingoverthebody,enoughto take withfire
Togivehimhighesthonor?Theyknowhecame
Thecurseaway.Nosignofwildanimals, Nodogssniffingortuggingatthecorpse. land,
Toburndowntheirfine-columnedshrines,their
Theirstoreoftreasure—andtoblowtheirlaws away.
285
Weburstoutshoutingateachother;
260 Everyonewashurlingaccusations. gods?
Haveyoueverseenacriminalhonoredbythe
Wekeptcomingtoblows,noonetostopus. Notpossible. Anyoneofuscouldhavedonethething.
Butsome men herehavealwayschamped, Noonecaughtred-handed,everyonepled
290 Likesurf,againstmyorders,andobeyedme,ifat ignorance. all,
Wewereabouttotesteachotherwithred-hot
Withoutcheer.TheyshaketheirheadswhenI’m iron notlooking,
265 Orrunourhandsthroughfireandswearbyall
Pulloutoftheyokeofjustice,andarenot thegods: contentwithme.
“Ididn’tdoit,andIhadnopartinanyplot Theyaretheones,I’mabsolutelysure,whoused Todoit,notwithanyoneelse,notbyhandor bribes word.”
Toleadourwatchmenastray,intothiscrime. Well,weweren’tgettinganywhere,andinthe end
Someonetoldustodoathingwecouldn’tsee
Moneyisthenastiestweedevertosprout how Inhumansoil.Moneywillravageacity,
270 Torefuse or accept.Sowedroppedheads,stared Tearmenfromtheirhomesandsendtheminto attheground exile.
295
Infear.Therewasnowayitwouldturnoutgood Moneyteachesgoodmindstogobad; forus. Itisthesourceofeveryshamefulhumandeed. Wesimplyhadtobringwordtoyou, 300 Moneypointsthewaytowickedness, Becausewecouldnothideathinglikethis. Letspeopleknowthefullrangeofirreverence. Wevotedtodoit,andIamsodamnedunlucky Butthosewhocommittedthiscrimeforhire
275 Iwonthelotterytohavethislovelyjob. Havesetthemselvesapenalty,which,intime, Ididn’twanttocome.Andyousuredidn’twant they’llpay. toseeme:
Noonelovesthemanwhobringsbadnews.
Chorus: [ToCreon.]
[TotheWatchman.]
Youknow,sir,assoonasIheard,itcametome: Nowlistenhere.SolongasIamreverenttoZeus Somehowthegodsarebehindthispieceofwork.
Creon: [Tothechorusleader.]
305 Iamunderoath,andyoucanbeabsolutelysure Thatifyoudon’tfindthehandbehindthisburial
280 Stoprightthere,beforeI’mgorgedwithrage!AndbringhimsoIcanseehimwithmyown eyes, Youwanttoprovethatyou’reasstupidasyouare old? Deathalonewillnotbegoodenoughforyou—
NottillI’vestretchedyouwithropesandyou [Creonturnsandexitsthroughthegreatdoors tothepalace.] confess
310 Tothisoutrageouscrime.Thatwillteachyou
Watchman: Wheretolooktomakeaprofit.Andyouwill We’llfindhim.You’dbetterbelieveit. learn: Butifwedon’t—youknow,ifhegetslucky— Neveracceptmoneyfromjustanyonewhocomes Nowayyou’lleverseemecomingbacktoyou. along.
Watchman:
330 Asitis,thishasgonebetterthanIexpected— Thosewhotakefromasourcethatiswicked, I’mstillalive,thanksbetothegods. you’llsee, Areruinedfarmoreoftenthansaved. [ExitWatchmantowardtheplain,throughthe stageleftwing.]
315 Permissiontospeak,sir?Oraboutfaceandgo?
Creon:
Chorus: Don’tyouseehowbadlyyourreportannoyed me?
[Strophe a]
FirstStasimon
Watchman:
Manywonders,manyterrors, Sowhere’sitbitingyou?Onyourearsorinyour Butnonemorewonderfulthanthehumanrace mind? Ormoredangerous.
Creon:
335 Thiscreaturetravelsonawintergale What’sittoyou?Whyshouldyouanalyzemy Acrossthesilversea, pain? Shadowedbyhigh-surgingwaves, WhileonEarth,grandestofthegods,
Watchman: Hegrindsthedeathless,tirelesslandaway, Ifithurtsyourmind,blametheperpetrator.
340 Turningandturningtheplow Ifit’sonlyyourears,blameme. Fromyeartoyear,behinddrivenhorses.
Creon:
320 Damnit,man,willyouneverstopbabbling?
[Antistrophe a]
Light-headedbirdshecatches
Watchman: Andtakesthemawayinlegions.Wildbeasts Well,atleastIneverdidthething. Alsofallpreytohim.
Creon: Isthrashinginhiswovennets. Yes,youdid.Andformoney!Yougaveupyour ForheisMan,andheiscunning. life! Hehasinventedwaystotakecontrol
345 Andallthatisborntolivebeneaththesea
Watchman: Ofbeaststhatrangemountainmeadows: Ohno,no,no.
350 Takendowntheshaggy-neckedhorses, It’sterriblewhenfalsejudgmentguidesthejudge. Thetirelessmountainbulls, Andputthemundertheyoke.
Creon:
Allright,playwiththeword‘judgment.’But [Strophe b] you’dbettercatch
325 ThemanwhodidthisthingorI’llhaveproof:Languageandamindswiftasthewind
355 Formakingplans— Youmenruinedyourmiserablelivestomakea profit! Thesehehastaughthimself—
Andthecharactertoliveincitiesunderlaw. Creon: What’sallthis?LuckyIturnedupnow. He’slearnedtotakecoverfromafrost Andescapesharparrowsofsleet.
Watchman:
360 Hehasthemeanstohandleeveryneed, Sir,there’snopointswearingoathsifyou’rea Neverstepstowardthefuturewithoutthemeans. mortal. ExceptforDeath:He’sgothimselfnorelieffrom Secondthoughtsmakeanyplanlookbad. that,
390 IsworeI’dnevercometoyouagain Thoughheputseverymindtoseekingcures Becausethosethreatsofyoursgavemethe Forplaguesthatarehopeless. shakes. Butyouknow:“Joybeyondhope [Antistrophe b] Surpasseseveryotherpleasure.” I’vecome,thoughIsworeonoathIwouldn’t.
365 Hehascunningcontrivance,
395 AndI’vebroughtthisgirl,arrestedheratthe Skillsurpassinghope, grave Andsoheslithersintowickednesssometimes, Whenshewastidyingitup.Nolotterythistime. Othertimesintodoinggood. Thewindfall’smineandnooneelse’s. Ifhehonorsthelawoftheland Nowit’suptoyou.Takeher,questionher,
370 Andtheoath-boundjusticeofthegods, Makeyourjudgment.Asforme, Thenhiscityshallstandhigh.
400 Therightthingistoletmeoffscot-free. Butnocityforhimifheturnsshamelessoutof
Creon: daring. Circumstancesunderwhichyouarrestedher? Hewillbenoguestofmine, Location? Hewillneversharemythoughts,
Watchman: 375 Ifhegoeswrong. Shewasburyingthatman.Nowyouknowitall.
[EnterWatchmanleadingAntigonethroughthe Creon: stageleftwing.] Doyouhonestlyknowwhatyouaresaying?
Chorus:
Watchman: Monstrous!Whatdoesthismean? Well,Isawthisgirlburyingthedeadbody. Aregodsbehindit?Idon’tknowwhattothink: 405 Theoneyouputoff-limits.Clearenoughforyou? Isn’tthisAntigone?Ican’tdenyit.
Creon: Youmiserablechildofmisery, Howdidyouseethis?Caughtherintheact?
380 DaughterofOedipus, Whathaveyoudone?
Watchman: Isityoutheyarrested? Itwaslikethis.Wewentbacktothebody Areyousofoolish? Afterallyourterriblethreats, Sodisloyaltothelawsofkings? Andwebrushedoffthedustthatcoveredit,
Watchman: Thenwesettleddownonthehill, Yes,she’stheonethatdidtheburial. Upwind,sothestinkwouldn’thitus.
410 Soastomaketherottingcorpseproperlynaked.
385 Wecaughtherintheact.Hey,where’sCreon? Wekeptawakebyyellinginsults Ateachotherwhenaslackernoddedoff. [EnterCreonthroughthegreatdoors.]
415 Thatwentonforalongtime,tillthesun Stoodbrightinthecenterofthesky.
Chorus: Hereheis.Comingbackfromthepalace. Andwewerereallygettingcooked.Then,
Suddenly,atornadostruck.Itraiseddust
Antigone: Iknew.Icouldn’thelpknowing.Itwas Allovertheplain,grieftohighheaven.
420 Itthrashedthelow-lyingwoodswithterror everywhere. Andfilledthewholewidesky.Weshutoureyes
Creon: Andheldoutagainstthisplaguefromthegods. Andyetyoudaredtoviolatetheselaws?
Afteralongwhileitlifted,andthenwesawthe
Antigone: girl.
450 Whatlaws?IneverhearditwasZeus Shegaveashrillcrylikeabirdwhensheseesher Whomadethatannouncement. nest Anditwasn’tjustice,either.Thegodsbelow
425 Empty,andthebeddesertedwherehernestlings Didn’tlaydownthislawforhumanuse. hadlain. AndIneverthoughtyourannouncements Thatwashowshewaswhenshesawthecorpse
455 Couldgiveyou—amerehumanbeing— uncovered. Powertotramplethegods’unfailing, Shecriedoutinmourning,andshecalleddown Unwrittenlaws.Theselawsweren’tmadenow Cursesonwhoeverhaddonethisthing. Oryesterday.Theyliveforalltime, Rightawayshespreadthirstydustwithherhands, Andnooneknowswhentheycameintothe
430 Thenpouredthethreelibationsfromavesselof light. finebronze.
Andsoshecrownedthecorpsewithhonor.
Nomancouldfrightenmeintotakingon
460 Thegods’penaltyforbreakingsuchalaw. I’lldieinanycase,ofcourseIwill, Assoonaswespottedher,westartedtorun. Whetheryouannouncemyexecutionornot. Sheshowednofear;itwaseasytocatchher. ButifIdieyoung,allthebetter: Thenwequestionedheraboutherpastand Peoplewholiveinmiserylikemine presentactions.
465 Arebetterdead.Soifthat’stheway
435 Shedidnotdenyasinglething. Mylifewillend,thepainisnothing. Forme,thatwassweet,andagonizing,too. ButifIletthecorpse—mymother’sson— It’sagreatjoytobeoutoftrouble, Liedead,unburied,thatwouldbeagony. Butbringingtroubleonyourfriendsisagony. Thisway,noagonyforme.Butyou!Youthink StillIdon’tmindthatsomuch.It’snature’sway
440 Formetoputmyownsurvivalfirst.
470 I’vebeenafool?Ittakesafooltothinkthat.
Chorus:
Creon: Nowweseethegirl’saswildbybirthasher Youthere!Withyourheadbowedtothe father. ground— Shehasnoideahowtobowherheadtotrouble. Areyouguilty?Ordoyoudenythatyoudidthis thing?
Creon: [Tothechorus.]
Don’tforget:Themindthatismostrigid Antigone: Stumblessoonest;thehardestiron— Ofcoursenot.Ididit.Iwon’tdenyanything.
475 Temperedinfiretillitissuper-strong— Shatterseasilyandclattersintoshards. Creon: [TotheWatchman.]
You’redismissed.Takeyourselfwhereyouplease;Andyoucansurelybreakthewildesthorse Withatinybridle.Whenthemaster’swatching,
445 You’reafreeman,noseriouschargeagainstyou. Pridehasnoplaceinthelifeofaslave. [ToAntigone.]
480 Thisgirlwasacompleteexpertinarrogance Already,whenshebrokeestablishedlaw.
Asforyou,tellme—inbrief,notatlength— Didyouknowthatthishadbeenforbidden?Andnow,arrogantly,sheaddsinsulttoinjury:
She’sboastingandsneeringaboutwhatshe’s
Antigone: No.Theyallseeitthesame.You’vesilenced done!
Listen,ifshe’snotpunishedfortakingtheupperthem. hand,
485 ThenIamnotaman. She wouldbeaman!
Creon:
510 Aren’tyouashamedtohaveamindapartfrom Idon’tcareifsheismysister’schild— theirs? OrcloseryetatmyhouseholdshrineforZeus— Sheandhersistermustpaythefullprice
Antigone: Anddiefortheircrime. There’snoshameinhavingrespectforabrother.
Creon:
[Thechorusindicatetheirsurprisethatboth Wasn’theyourbrother,too,theonewhodiedon mustdie.] theotherside?
Yes,Isaytheyhaveequalguilt,
Antigone:
490 Conniving,onewiththeother,forthisburial. Yes,mybloodbrother—samemother,same father. Bringherout.Isawherinthereaminuteago;
Creon: Shewasravingmad,totallyoutofhermind. Whenyouhonortheone,youdisgracetheother.
Oftenit’sthefeelingsofathiefthatgivehim Whydoit? away Beforethecrimeshedidindarknesscometo
Antigone: light.
[TurningtoAntigone.]
515 Thedeadwillnevertestifyagainstaburial.
Creon:
495 ButhowIhateitwhenshe’scaughtintheact, Yes,iftheywereequal.Butoneofthemdeserves Andthecriminalstillgloriesinhercrime. disgrace.
Antigone:
Antigone: You’vecaughtme,youcankillme.Whatmore Hewasn’tanykindofslave.Hewashisbrother, doyouwant? whodied.
Creon:
Creon: Forme,that’severything.Iwantnomorethan Hewaskillingandplundering.Theotherone that. defendedourland.
Antigone:
Antigone: Thenwhatareyouwaitingfor?Moretalk? Evenso,Hadeslongstohavetheselawsobeyed.
500 Yourwordsdisgustme,Ihopetheyalwayswill. AndI’msureyouaredisgustedbywhatIsay. Creon: Butyet,speakingofglory,whatcouldbemore
520 Butsurelynotequaltreatmentforgoodandbad? Gloriousthangivingmytruebrotherhisburial?
Antigone: Allthesemenwouldtellyouthey’rerejoicing Whoknows?Downbelowthatmightbeblesse ´ d.
505 Overthat,ifyouhadn’tlockedtheirtongues Withfear.Butatyrantsaysanddoes Creon: Whathepleases.That’shisgreatjoy. Anenemyisalwaysanenemy,evenindeath.
Creon: Youaretheonlyone,inallThebes,whothinks [519: Hadesisthegodofdeath;hisnameisalsoused fortheunderworld,towhichthedeadbelong.] thatway.
Antigone:
Ismene: No,please!You’remysister:Don’tdespiseme! Icannotsidewithhatred.Mynaturesideswith love.
545 Letmediewithyouandsanctifyourdead.
Antigone:
Creon: No,youmaynotdiealongwithme.Don’tsay GotoHades,then,andifyouhavetolove,love youdidit! someonedead. Youwouldn’teventouchit.Nowleavemydeath
525 AslongasIlive,Iwillnotberuledbyawoman. alone! [EnterIsmeneunderguard,throughthegreat
Ismene: doors.) WhywouldIcaretolivewhenyouaregone?
Chorus:
Antigone: NowIsmenestandsbeforethedoors Creon’stheonetoask.He’stheoneyoucarefor. Andshedstearsofsister-love. Fromherbrows,ablood-darkcloud
Ismene: Castsafoulshadow
530 Andstainsherlovelyface.
550 Whyareyouscoldingme?Itwon’thelpyou.
Antigone:
Creon: Ofcoursenot.Ithurtsmewhenmymockery Nowyou.Hidinginmyhouselikeasnake, strikesyou. Acoiledbloodsuckerinthedark!AndInever
Ismene: realized ButIstillwanttohelpyou.WhatcanIdo? Iwasraisingapairofdeadly,crazed revolutionaries!
Antigone: Come,tellme:Howdoyouplead?Guiltyofthis Escape!Saveyourself!Idon’tbegrudgeyouthat. burial
535 Asanaccomplice?Ordoyouswearyouknew
Ismene: nothing? Omisery!WhyamIcutofffromyourfate?
Ismene:
Ididit,Iconfess.Thatis,ifwearepartners, anyway.
Antigone:
555 Becauseyouchoselife,andIchosedeath.
Ismene: Iamanaccomplice,andIbearresponsibility ButIgaveyoureasonsnottomakethatchoice. withher.
Antigone: [PointingtoCreonandthechorus.]
Antigone: Ohyes,youaresensible;thesemenagree. Iwillnotpermitthispenaltytofallonyou. [Pointingtotheground,speakingofthedead No.Ineverwantedtogiveyouashare. orthegodsbelow.]
540 Buttheseareyourtroubles!I’mnotashamed; I’llbeyourshipmateinsuffering.
Ismene: But they agreewithme.
Ismene: Yes,Iknow.Andnowthesinismineasmuchas
Antigone: yours. Ihavewitnesses:thegodsbelowsawwhodidthe work.
Iwon’tacceptafriendwho’sonlyfriendsin words.
Antigone: Bebrave.Youarealive.Alreadymysoulisdead.
560 Ithasgonetohelpthosewhodiedbeforeme.
Creon: [ServantstakeIsmeneandAntigonethroughthe greatdoors.] Whatapairofchildren!Oneofyoulosther mind
Momentsago;theotherwasbornwithouthers.
Ismene:
Chorus: Thatisright,sir.Wheneverwecommitacrime, Ourminds,whichgrewbynature,leaveus.
[Strophe a]
SecondStasimon
Creon:
Happyaretheythatnevertasteofcrime, 565 Yoursdid,whenyoudeliberatelyjoineda Butonceahouseisshakenbythegods, criminalincrime. Thenmadnessstalksthefamilywithoutfail, Ismene:
585 Disasterformanygenerations. Withouther,whyshouldIlive?I’dbealone. Itislikeagreatsaltwave KickedupbyfoulwindsfromThrace,
Creon: Itsurgesoverthehellishdepthsofthesea, Her?Don’tspeakofher.Sheisnomore. Roilsthebottom, Ismene:
590 Churnsupblacksand, Butwillyoureallykillthebrideofyourson? Andmakesthescreamingheadlandshowl Creon: Againstthegale. There’sothergroundforhimtoplow,youknow.
Ismene:
[Antistrophe a]
570 Butnooneissuitedtohimaswellassheis. IseegrieffallingfromolddaysonLabdacus’ family: Creon:
Newgriefheapedonthegriefofthosewhodied. Iloathebadwomen.She’snotformyson.
595 Andnothingredeemsthegenerationthatisto Antigone (orpossibly Ismene,orpossibly come: Chorus): Somegodisbatteringthemwithoutrelief. OHaemon,dearest,whatadisgraceyourfather NowIseeasavinglight doestoyou!
Risingfromthesoleremainingroots
Creon: OfthehouseofOedipus.Butthis,too,falls Shutup!Whatapainyouare,youandyour 600 Inabloodyharvest, marriage! Claimedbythedust OftheUnderworldgods,doomedbyfoolish Chorus (or Ismene,or Antigone): words Willyoureallytakeawayyourson’sbride? Andfrenziedwits.
Creon:
575 Notme.Deathwillputastoptothismarriage. [Strophe b]
Chorus (or Ismene):
OZeus!Whocouldevercurtailthypower? Soshewilldie.Hasitreallybeendecided?
605 Notaman,never— Nomatterhowfarheoverstepshisbounds— Creon: Yes.Byyouandme.Now,nomoredelays. Notsleep,thatweakenseveryone, Nottheuntiringmonthsofgods. Servants!Taketheminside.Theyarewomen, Andtheymustnotbefreetoroamabout. No,Zeus,youdonotgrowweakwithtime, 610 Youwhoholdpowerintheluminousglowof
580 EvenabravemanfleesfromDeath Whenheseeshislifeinimmediatedanger. Olympus.
Andthiswillbethelaw, It’ssotheboywillpunishhisfather’senemies Andrewardhisfriends—ashisfatherwould. Nowandfortimetocome,asitwasbefore: Madnessstalksmortalswhoaregreat,
[Antistrophe b]
645 Butsomemenbegetutterlyuselessoffspring: Theyhaveplantednothingbuttroublefor Leavesnoescapefromdisaster. themselves, Andthey’renothingbutajoketotheirenemies.
615 Bewareofhope!Far-reaching,beguiling,a
Nowthen,myboy,don’tletpleasurecloudyour pleasure— mind, Foralotofmen.
Notbecauseofawoman.Youknowverywell: Butalotarefooledbyalight-headedlove,
650 You’llhaveafrigidsqueezebetweenthesheets Anddeceptionstalksthosewhoknownothing Ifyoushackupwithahostilewoman.I’drather Untiltheysettheirfeetinfireandburn. have
620 Wisdomliesinthefamousproverb: Ableedingwoundthanacriminalinthefamily. “Thosewhojudgethatcrimeisgood, Sospitherout.Andbecausethegirl’sagainstus, Areinthehandsofadrivinggod SendherdowntomarrysomebodyinHades. Whoisleadingthemtomadness.”
655 YouknowIcaughtherinthesightofall, Timeisveryshortforthem, Aloneofallourpeople,inopenrevolt.
625 Leavesnoescapefromdisaster. AndIwillmakemywordgoodinThebes— Bykillingher.Whocaresifshesings“Zeus!” [EnterHaemonthroughthestagerightwing.] Andcallshimherprotector?Imustkeepmykin inline.
Chorus:
660 Otherwise,folksoutsidethefamilywillrunwild. Now,hereisHaemon,thelastofyourchildren. Thepublicknowsthatamanisjust IshegoadedherebyanguishforAntigone, Onlyifheisstraightwithhisrelatives. Whoshouldhavebeenhisbride?
Doeshefeelinjuredbeyondmeasure?
630 Cheatedoutofmarriage? Ortriestotellhismasterswhattodo,
So,ifsomeonegoestoofarandbreaksthelaw,
Creon: 665 Hewillhavenothingbutcontemptfromme.
We’llknowtheanswerrightaway,betterthan Butwhenthecitytakesaleader,youmustobey, prophets: Whetherhiscommandsaretrivial,orright,or Tellme,son,didyouhearthefinalverdict? wrong.
Againstyourfiance ´ e?Didyoucomeinangerat
AndIhavenodoubtthatsuchamanwillrule yourfather? well,
Orarewestillfriends,nomatterwhatIdo? And,later,hewillcheerfullyberuledby someoneelse.
Haemon:
635 Iamyours,Father.Yousetmestraight, Waitingfororders,agood,law-abidingsoldier. Givemegoodadvice,andIwillfollowit. Nomarriagewillweighmorewithme,
670 Inhardtimeshewillstandfirmwithhisspear
Butrejectonemanrulinganother,andthat’sthe Thanyourgoodopinion. worst.
Creon:
Anarchytearsupacity,dividesahome,
Splendid,myboy!Keepthatalwaysinyourheart,Defeatsanallianceofspears.
Butwhenpeoplestayinlineandobey,
640 Andstandbehindfatherlyadviceonallcounts. Whydoesamanpraythathe’llconceiveachild,Theirlivesandeverythingelsearesafe. Forthisreason,ordermustbemaintained, Keephimathome,andhavehimlistentowhat he’stold? Andtheremustbenosurrendertoawoman.
675
No!Ifwefall,betteramanshouldtakeusdown.Ifamanbelievesthathealonehasasound mind, 680 Neversaythatawomanbestedus!
Chorus: Unlessoldagehasstolenmywitsaway,
Andnooneelsecanspeakorthinkaswellashe does,
Then,whenpeoplestudyhim,they’llfindan emptybook. Yourspeechwasverywise.That’smybelief. 710
Haemon:
Butawisemancanlearnalotandneverbe ashamed;
Father,thegodsgivegoodsensetoeveryhumanHeknowshedoesnothavetoberigidandclosehauled. being,
Andthatisabsolutelythebestthingwehave.You’veseentreestossedbyatorrentinaflash flood:
685 Butifwhatyousaidisnotcorrect, IhavenoideahowIcouldmakethepoint. Iftheybend,they’resaved,andeverytwig survives, Still,maybesomeoneelsecouldworkitout.
Butiftheystiffenup,they’rewashedoutfromthe roots. Mynaturalduty’stolookoutforyou,spotany risk
It’sthesameinaboat:ifasailorkeepsthe footlinetaut, Thatsomeonemightfindfaultwithwhatyousay ordo.
Ifhedoesn’tgiveaninch,he’llcapsize,and then—
690 Thecommonman,yousee,livesinterrorofyour frown; He’llbesailinghomewithhisbenchesdownand hishulltothesky.
690a He’llneverdaretospeakupinbroaddaylight Andsayanythingyouwouldhatetolearn. Soeaseoff,relax,stopbeingangry,makea change. ButI’mtheonewhohearswhat’ssaidatnight— Howtheentirecityisgrievingoverthisgirl.IknowI’myounger,butImaystillhavegood ideas; Nowomanhaseverhadafatethat’ssounfair 695 (Theysay),whenwhatshediddeserveshonor
And I saythattheoldestidea,andthebest, Isforonemantobeborncomplete,knowing andfame. Shesavedherveryownbrotherafterhedied, everything. Otherwise—anditusuallydoesturnout Murderously,frombeingdevouredbyflesh-eating dogs otherwise— It’sgoodtolearnfromanyonewhospeakswell. Andpeckedapartbyvulturesashelayunburied. Forthis,hasn’tsheearnedglorybrightasgold?
715
720
Chorus: 700 Thissortoftalkmovesagainstyou,quietly,at Sir,youshouldlearnfromhim,ifheisonthe night. mark.Andyou, 725 Haemon,learnfromyourfather.Bothsidesspoke Andforme,Father,yourcontinuedgoodfortune well. IsthebestrewardthatIcouldeverhave. Nochildcouldwinagreaterprizethanhis Creon: [Tothechorus.] father’sfame, Doyoureallythink,atourage, Nofathercouldwantmorethanabundant Weshouldbetaughtbyaboylikehim? success— Fromhisson.
[715: Afootlineistheropethatrunsfromthefootof 705 Andnow,don’talwaysclingtothesameanger, thesail,equivalenttowhattoday’ssailorscallasheet. Don’tkeepsayingthatthis,andnothingelse,is Easingthesheetcansaveaboatfromcapsizingina suddengustofwind.] right.
Haemon:
No.NotifIaminthewrong.IadmitI’myoung; That’swhyyoushouldlookatwhatIdo,notmyleader? age.
Creon:
Creon: Isthatwrong,showingrespectformyjobas
Haemon:
745 Youhavenorespectatallifyoutrampleonthe
730 So“whatyoudo”isshowrespectforbreaking rightsofgods! ranks?
Creon:
Haemon: Whatasickmindyouhave:Yousubmittoa I’dneverurgeyoutoshowrespectforacriminal. woman!
Creon:
Haemon: Soyoudon’tthinkthisgirlhasbeeninfected No.You’llnevercatchmegivingintowhat’s withcrime? shameful.
Haemon: No.ThepeopleofThebesdenyit,allofthem.
Creon:
Soyouthinkthepeopleshouldtellmewhat
Haemon:
Creon: Buteverythingyousay,atleast,isonherside.
Haemon: orderstogive? Andonyourside!Andmine!Andthegods’ below!
735 Nowwho’stalkinglikehe’swetbehindtheears?
Creon:
Creon: SoIshouldrulethiscountryforsomeoneotherstillalive. thanmyself?
750 Thereisnowayyou’llmarryher,notwhileshe’s
Haemon:
Haemon: Thenshe’lldie,andherdeathwilldestroy Aplaceforonemanaloneisnotacity. SomeoneElse.
Creon:
Creon: Acitybelongstoitsmaster.Isn’tthattherule? Isthatathreat?Areyoubrashenoughtoattack me?
Haemon: Thengoberulerofadesert,allalone.You’ddo
Haemon: itwell. Whatthreat?AllI’msayingis,youhaven’t Creon: [Tothechorus.] thoughtthisthrough.
740 Itturnsoutthisboyisfightingforthewoman’s cause.
Creon: I’llmakeyouwishyou’dneverhadathoughtin
Haemon: youremptyhead! Onlyif you areawoman.AllIcareaboutisyou!
Haemon: Creon:
755 Ifyouweren’tmyfatherI’dsayyouwereoutof Thisisintolerable!Youareaccusingyourown yourmind. father.
Haemon:Creon: Don’tbeataroundthebush.You’reawoman’s BecauseIseeyougoingwrong.Becausejustice matters! toy,aslave.
Haemon: 775 I’llleaveheronlyasmuchfoodasreligiouslaw prescribes, Talk,talk,talk!Whydon’tyoueverwantto listen? Sothatthecitywillnotbecursedforhomicide.
Creon: LetherpraytoHadesdownthere;he’stheonly Really?Listen,youarenotgoingonlikethis.By god allthegods, Thatsherespects.Maybeshe’llarrangeforhimto Onemoreinsultfromyou,andthefunisover. saveherlife; Maybeshe’lllearn,atlast,thatshe’swastingher [Toattendants.] time
760 Bringoutthathatedthing.Iwanthertodieright
780 Showingrespectforwhatever’sinHades. here, [ExitCreonthroughthegreatdoors.] Rightnow,soherbridegroomcanwatchthe wholething.
Haemon:
Chorus: Notme.Never.Nomatterwhatyouthink. SheisnotgoingtodiewhileIamnearher.
Andyouwillnever,everseemyfaceagain.Go
ThirdStasimon
[Strophe]
InbattlethevictorygoestoLove; on, PrizesandpropertiesfalltoLove.
765 Becrazy!Perhapssomeofyourfriendswillstay Lovedalliesthenight byyou. Onagirl’ssoftcheeks, [ExitHaemonthroughthestageleftwing.]
785 Rangesacrossthesea, Lodgesinwildmeadows.
Chorus: OLove,noonecanhidefromyou: Sir,themanhasgone.Heisswifttoanger; Youtakegodswholiveforever, Painliesheavilyonayouthfulmind. Youtakehumanswhodieinaday,
Creon: 790 Andtheytakeyouandgomad. Lethimgo,himandhisloftyambitions!Good riddance!
[Antistrophe] Butthosetwogirlsshallnotescapetheirfate.
DestroyerLove,youseizeagoodmind,
Chorus: Andpervertittowickedness:
770 Areyoureallyplanningtokill both ofthem? Thisfightisyourdoing, Thisuproarinthefamily.
Creon:
795 Andthewinnerwillbedesire, Nottheonewhonevertouchedthecrime.You’re Shiningintheeyesofabride, right. Aninvitationtobed, Apowertosweepacrosstheboundsofwhatis
Chorus: Right. Bywhatmeanswillyouhavetheotherone Forweareonlytoysinyourhands, killed?
800 Divine,unbeatableAphrodite!
Creon:
I’lltakeheroffthebeatentrack,wherenoone’s Kommos around, AndI’llburyheraliveunderground,inagraveof [EnterAntigoneunderguardthroughthe greatdoors.] stone.
Chorus:
Chorus: Really!Niobewasagod;shehadagodfora NowI,too,amsweptaway, Outofbounds,whenIseethis. father.
835 Wearemortal,andourfatherspassaway. Icannotcontainthesurgeoftears: FornowIseeAntigone,soontogain Butyou—whenyoudie,youwillbegreat, Youwillbeequalinmemorytothegods,
805 Themarriagebedwhereeveryonemustsleep. Bythegloryofyourlifeanddeath.
Antigone: SeehowIwalkthelastroad,
Antigone: You’relaughingatme. Youwhobelongtomycity, HowIfillmyeyeswiththelast
840 Forthegods’sake,whynow? YoucouldhavewaitedtillI’mgone. Shiningofthesun.
810 There’snoreturn:Ifollowdeath,alive, Butnowyoumakeinsultstomyface, Yougrasping,richoldmen!Whatacityyouhave! TothebrinkofAcheron, WhereHegivesresttoall. IcallontherisingofriversinThebes
Nomarriagehymnsforme. Noonesounds Theriversandtheplainareonmyside,atleast. They’lltestifythatnofriendsweptforme, 815 Aweddingmarch: IwillbethebrideofAcheron. ThatthelawsofThebessentmetoprison Inarock-hollowedtomb.
Chorus:
845 Andonthegreatchariot-reachesoftheplain.
850 Theyseehowunusualandcruelthisis. Butwon’tyouhavehymnsofpraise? ButIhavenoplacewithhumanbeings, Somuchgloryattendsyou Livingordead.Nocityishometome. Asyoupassintothedeepplaceofthedead.
820 Foryouarenotwastedbydisease,notmaimedby
Chorus: You’vegonetoofar!Youareextreme,impetuous. asword. Buttruetoyourownlaws,youaretheonlyone,Mychild,youcaughtyourfootandfell
855 Whenyoutriedtoclimbagainsthighjustice. Ofmortals,who’llgodowntoHadeswhilestill alive. Thisisyourfather’slegacy—painandpunishment.
Antigone:
Antigone:
No.IhearNiobewaslostinutmostmisery—Nowyouraisetheagonythathurtsmymindthe most: DaughterofTantalus,visitorinThebes, 825 WastedonaPhrygianmountain. Griefformyfather, Likerawearthplowedthreetimes, Rocksprouteduparoundher,firm, Erectasshootsofivy, 860 Griefforthewholehugedisasterof us, Ourbrilliantfamily, Anditsubduedher.Somensay. Rainandsnowpeltedher Labdacus’descendants. Iweepfortheruininmymother’sbed, Withoutabreak,andshemeltedaway, 830 Drippingfromhermournfulbrows, Thesexualintercourseandtheincest 865 Myfatherhadwithourmother. Tearsstreamingdownherflanks. It’sthesameforme,exactly:
[816: Acheron—ariverintheunderworld.]
Ill-fatedparentsmakeamiserablechild. Iamgoingtothemnow, Somethingdivinelaysmetosleep. Unholyandunmarried,tolodgewiththem. Oh,mybrother,youweremarriedonce,
[821: “Buttruetoyourownlaws”— TheGreekis autonomos, renderedbysomescholarsas“ofyourownwill”;[869: “Youweremarriedonce”— Polyneicesmarriedthe daughterofthekingofArgos,andArgosprovidedthe butthewordmeansmorethanthatinancientGreek, andtherootword“law”(nomos)isclearlyheard.]armythatattackedThebes.]
870 Butwhatadisasteritwas:
900 Fromyou,dearheart,mybrother.Whenyou died, Yourdeathsnuffedoutmylife. Itookyouup,allthree,andlaidyouout,
Chorus: Andpouredlibationsatyourgraves. Youhaveonekindofreverence. And,Polyneices,look:Thisismyreward Butamanwhosejobitistorule Fortakingcareofyou.Iwasright,butwisdom Willneverletyoutrampleonhispower. knows 875 Youchoseanger,andangerdestroyedyou.
Iwouldnotdoitforachild,wereIamother, Notforahusbandeither.Letthemlie,putrefied, Antigone: dead; Notearsforme,nofriends,noweddinghymns. Iwouldnotdefythecityatsuchcostfortheir Theyaretakingmeaway sake. Inmisery,bytheroadbeforeme,
WhatlawcanIclaimonmysideforthischoice? Nowandforeverforbiddentosee Imayhaveanotherhusbandifthefirstshoulddie 880 Thisblessedeyeoflight. 910 AndgetanotherchildfromanewmanifI’ma Nofriendscryforme, widow. Nooneismourning.
Butmymotherandmyfatherlieinthelandof [EnterCreonwithhisattendantsthroughthe death, greatdoors.] Andthereisnogroundtogrowabrotherforme now.
Creon:
Singingandwailing?Theywouldneverend inhonor, Beforedeath,iftheymadeanydifference.
ThatisthelawIfollowedwhenImadeyoufirst
EventhoughCreonthoughtIdidaterriblething, 885 Takeherawayimmediately.Andwhenshe’s 915 Arashandsinfulcrime,dearheart,mybrother. lockedup, Nowhehastakenmebyforce,heisdrivingme Intheembraceofhercoveredtomb—exactlyasI down said—
Unmarried.I’vehadnoman,nowedding Leaveheralone,deserted.Letherdieifshe celebration, wants, Sharednothingwithahusband,neverraiseda Orelselivethereinhergrave,ifshefeelsat child. homethere.
Myfriendsandfamilyhaveabandonedmein Wewashourhandsofthisgirl.Buteitherway, misery, 890 Herpermittoresideabovetheearthiscanceled.
920 AndIamgoing—alive—tothescrapedhollowof thedead.
Antigone:
WhathaveIeverdoneagainstdivinejustice? Mytomb,mymarriage,myhollow,scrapedin HowcanIexpectagodtohelpmeinmy dirt, misery?
I’mcominghomeforever,tobeheldin
TowhomshouldIpraynow?Doyousee? Withmyownpeople,mostofthemdeadnow, Theyarecountingallmyreverencetobe AndgonewherePersephonewelcomesthem. 925 Irreverence.Ifthegodsreallyagreewiththis, 895 Iamthelastofthemthatwillgounder,andmy Thensufferingshouldteachmetorepentmysin. death— Butifthesinbelongstothosewhocondemnedme, Itistheworstbyfar—somuchbeforemytime. IhopetheysuffereverybitasIdonow.
AsIleave,evenso,Ifeedthisonestronghope: ThatIwillhavealovingwelcomefrommy
Chorus: Stillsheistossedbygustsofwind; father, Morelovefromyou,mymother,andthen,love 930 Theytearthroughhersoulasstronglyasbefore.
Creon:
[Antistrophe a] Listen,it’stheguardswhowillweep
Anothercase:Lycurguswaskeptdown, Iftheydon’tgetamoveonnow. AndhewasakinginThrace. Butbecauseofhisangryjeering, Antigone (or Chorus): [Withacryofpain.] Thatword— Dionysushadhimjailedinacellofrock, It’salmostdeathitself! Andtheretheterribleflood-force
955
960 Ofhismadnesstrickledaway,dropbydrop,until Creon: helearned, 935 Ihavenohopetogive. Atlast,thatitwasagodhehadstunginhis Thedeathsentencestands. madness
Antigone: Withthosejeeringinsults. Cityofmyfathers,Thebes! Forhetriedtoquenchtheholyfire, Godsofmypeople! Reinedinthegod-filledwomen, Theyaretakingmeagainstmywill.
965 Anddroveflute-lovingMusesintoarage. 940 Lookatme,OyoulordsofThebes: Iamthelastremnantofkings.
[Strophe b] Lookwhatthesewretchedmenaredoingto
AttheBlackWaters, me, WhereathrustoflanddividestheBosporusfrom Formypurereverence! theSea, LiesacityofThraceknownasSalmyde ´ ssus.
FourthStasimon
[955 – 65: Lycurgushadtriedtosuppresstheworship ofDionysus,whichinvolvedecstaticrituals.Insome
Chorus: [ToAntigone.] versionsofthestory,hewentmadandkilledhisson [Strophe a] beforebeingimprisoned.]
[958: DionysuswasbelievedbytheancientGreeksto Courage!Danae,too,endured havebroughthisworshiptoGreecefromAsia,along 945 Theexchangeofheavenlylight withthepracticeofmakingwine.] Forabronze-boltedprison.
[964: “God-filledwomen”— Thesewomen,variously Andthereshewaskeptdown calledMaenads,Bacchae,andbacchants,arewomen Secretlyinabedroomtomb. whoworshipDionysusthroughecstaticdanceandsong inthemountains,awayfromtheirhomes.“God-filled” Shewasofnoblebirth,too,mydaughter,Omy means“inspired.”] daughter,
950 AndZeustrustedhertomindhisgolden-rainfall [965: “Flute-lovingMuses”— The aulos,usuallytranslated“flute,”wasareedinstrument;itsmusicwasconsid- child. eredtobethemostexcitinginancientGreece.]
Fatehasaterriblepower
Thatnothingescapes,notwealth, hadtwosonsbyhisfirstwife,Cleopatra(norelationto Notwarfare,notafortresstower, thefamousqueenofEgypt).ThisCleopatrawasthe Notevenblackshipsbeatingagainstthe daughterofanAthenianprincesswhohadbeenstolen sea. byBoreas,theNorthWind,tobehisbride.Cleopatra’s sonswereblindedbytheirstepmotherafterPhineushad imprisonedtheirmotherandtakenanewwife.]
[966 – 87: Phineus,akinginThrace(northernGreece),
[944 – 50: Danae ¨ ’sfatherlockedherawayfrommenbecauseofanoraclewarninghimagainstanysonshe[966: “BlackWaters”— Themanuscriptsareunclear. ThephrasemayrefertotheBlackSeaorthetwoDark mightbear.ButZeusvisitedherinashowerofgold, andtheyconceivedachild,Perseus.] IslandsatthemouthoftheBosporus.]
