Site Home > Philosophical Stages > Versions for "Intro"
CREON:
Gentlemen, the city is safe again, we may thank the gods:
After a great upheaval, they have rescued Thebes.
After Oedipus died I know you stood by his sons;
You were always there with good advice.
Now they are dead, both on one day;
Each stabbed the other and was stabbed.
Brother struck brother, and the blows were cursed.
To all the citizens, concerning Oedipus' sons:
Eteoclês fought for the city, and for it he died,
After every feat of heroism with his spear.
He shall be sanctified by every burial rite
That is given to the most heroic dead below.
As for his blood brother, Polyneices by name,
He broke his exile, he came back hungry for our blood,
He wanted to burn his fatherland and family gods
Down from the top. He wanted to lead his people—
Into slavery. This man will have no grave:
It is forbidden to offer any funeral rites;
No one in Thebes may bury him or mourn for him.
He must be left unburied. May birds and dogs
Feed on his limbs, a spectacle of utter shame.
As for me I call to witness all seeing Zeus
I will never hold my tongue about what I see
When ruin is afoot or the city is not safe.
Such is the character of my mind: Never, while I rule,
Will a criminal be honored higher than a man of justice.
But give me a true friend of this city
And I will pay him full honor, in death or in life.
ANTIGONE & ISMENE:
Antigone: We must bury him quickly. If you help this hand raise the corpse...
Ismene: When Creon forbids it?
Antigone: He has no right to insult what the gods hold dear.
Ismene: By my very nature, I cannot possibly take arms against the city!
CHORUS:
Many wonders, many terrors,
But none more wonderful than the human race
Or more dangerous.
Man has the means to handle every need,
Never steps toward the future without the means.
Except for Death: He's got himself no relief from that,
Though he puts every mind to seeking cures
For plagues that are hopeless.
Zeus hates an arrogant boast,
With towering hatred.
He saw the river of men attack,
Their golden armor clashing in contempt,
And so he struck the man down with a missile of fire
As he swooped toward his highest goal,
Eager to shout "Victory!"
Seven captains at seven gates,
Matched with seven defenders,
All left trophies for Zeus the protector
(They took off their armor and ran).
Except for a savage pair, full brothers:
Their two spears stand upright, conquering,
Each in the other's dead breast.
Now Victory is ours,
Great be her name! Now Thebes rejoices.
Therefore let us forget our pain.
The war is over: let us dance all night,
Fill all the sacred precincts with joy:
We must now be ruled by Bacchus,
Dance master of Thebes.
Script