Greek Texts & Translations

800Which of us, do you think, suffers more in this exchange—I by your action, or you by your own?

For me, it is enough if your pleading fails both with me and with these men nearby.

Unhappy man, will you let everyone see that even in your years you have gained no sense? 805Must you live on to disgrace your old age?

You have a clever tongue, but I know no just man who can produce from every side a pretty speech.

Words may be many, and yet not to the point.

As if yours, indeed, were few, but on the mark.

810They cannot be, not for one whose mind is such as yours.

Begone! I will say it for these men too. And do not besiege me with a jealous watch where I am destined to remain.

I call these men, and not you, to witness the tenor of your words to your friends. And if I ever catch you—

815And who could catch me against the will of these allies?

I promise you, soon you will be pained even without that.

Where is the deed which backs that threatening word?

One of your two daughters I have myself just seized and sent away. The other I will drag off immediately.

820Oh, no!

You will soon find more to weep about.

You have my child?

And I will have this one in no long time.

Oh! Strangers, what will you do? Will you betray me? Will you not drive the godless man from this land?

Depart, stranger! Quick! 825Your present deed is not just, nor the deed which you have done.

It is time for you to drag this girl off against her will, if she will not go freely.

Wretched that I am! Where can I flee? Where find help from gods or men?

What are you doing, stranger?

830I will not touch this man, but her who is mine.

Lords of the land!

Stranger, you are acting unjustly.

Justly.

How?

I take my own.

Oh, city !

What are you doing, stranger? Release her! 835Your strength and ours will soon come to the test.

Stand back!

Not while this is your purpose.

There will be war with Thebes for you, if you harm me.

Did I not say so?

Unhand the girl at once!

840Do not make commands where you are not the master.

Let go, I tell you!

And I tell you: be off!

Help, men of Colonus, bring help! The city, our city, is attacked by force! Come to our aid!

I am being dragged away in misery. Strangers, strangers!

845My child, where are you?

I am led off by force.

Give me your hand, my child!

I am helpless.

Away with you!

I am wretched, wretched!The guards exit with Antigone.