Antigone
Sophocles
Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 3: The Antigone. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1891.
- You who were lurking like a viper in my own house and secretly gulping up my life’s blood, while I was oblivious that I was nurturing two plagues, two revolutions against my throne—tell me now, will you also affirm
- your share in this burial, or will you forswear all knowledge of it?
- I performed the deed—as long as she concurs—and I share and carry the burden of guilt.
- No, justice will not permit you to do this, since you were not willing to help with the deed, nor did I give you a part in it.
- But now with this sea of troubles around you, I am not ashamed to sail in a sea of suffering at your side.
- As to whose deed it is, Hades and the dead are witnesses. A friend in words is not the type of friend I love.
- No, sister, do not strip me of death’s honor,
- but let me die with you and make due consecration to the dead.
- Do not share my death. Do not claim deeds to which you did not put your hand. My death will suffice.
- And how can I cherish life, once I am deprived of you?
- Ask Creon. Your concern is for him.
- Why do you torture me like this, when it does not help you?
- No, if I mock you, it is to my own pain that I do so.
- Tell me, how can I help you, even now?
- Save yourself. I do not grudge your escape.
- Ah, misery! Will I fall short of sharing your fate?
- Your choice was to live, it was mine to die.
- At least your choice was not made without my protests.
- One world approved your wisdom, another approved mine.
- Nevertheless, the offense is identical for both of us.