bySophoclestranslatedbyR。C。TrevelyanCHARACTERSINTHEPLAY
ATHENA
ODYSSEUS
AJAX
CHORUSOFSALAMINIANS
TECMESSA，concubineofAJAX
MESSENGER
TEUCER，half—brotherofAJAX
MENELAUS
AGAMEMNON
MutePersonsEURYSACES，childofAJAXandTECMESSA
Attendants，Heralds，etc。
AJAX
AJAX
（SCENE：—BeforethetentofAJAXintheGreekcampatTroy。Itisdawn。ODYSSEUSisdiscoveredexaminingthegroundbeforethetent。
ATHENAappearsfromabove。）
ATHENA
SONofLaertes，everdoIbeholdtheeSchemingtosnatchsomevantageo’erthyfoes。
AndnowamongthetentsthatguardtheshipsOfAjax，campedatthearmy’soutmostverge，LonghaveIwatchedtheehuntinginhistrail，Andscanninghisfreshprints，tolearnifnowHebewithinorforth。SkilledinthechaseThouseemest，asakeen—nosedSpartanhound。
Forthemanbutnowhaspassedwithin，hisfaceAndslaughteroushandsstreamingwithsweatandblood。
NofurtherneedfortheetopeeraboutInsidethesedoors。ButsaywhateagerquestIsthine，thatIwhoknowmaygivetheelight。
ODYSSEUS
VoiceofAthena，dearestofGodstome，Howclearly，thoughthoubeinvisible，DoIhearthycall，andseizeitwithmysoul，Aswhenabronze—mouthedTyrrhenetrumpetsounds！
Rightlythoujudgestthatonafoe’strail，Broad—shieldedAjax，Irangetoandfro。
Him，andnoother，Ihavelongbeentracking。
ThisverynightagainstushehaswroughtAdeedincredible，ifintruth’tishe。
Forweknownothingsure，butdriftindoubt。
GladlyIassumedtheburdenofthistask。
FornotlongsincewefoundthatourwholespoilHadbeendestroyed，bothherdsandflocks，slaughteredBysomeman’shand，theirguardiansdeadbesidethem。
Now’tisonhimthatallmenlaythisguilt：
AndascoutwhohadseenhimswiftlyboundingAcrosstheplainalonewithreekingsword，Informedmeandborewitness。Iforthwith，Dartinginhotchase，nowpickouthistracks，Butnow，bewildered，knownotwhosetheyare。
Timelythoucomest。Asinpastdays，soIndaystocomeIamguidedbythyhand。
ATHENA
Iknowit，Odysseus：soonthepathbetimesAsentinelfriendlytothychaseIcame。
ODYSSEUS
Dearmistress，doIlabourtogoodpurpose？
ATHENA
Know’twasbyyondermanthesedeedswerewrought。
ODYSSEUS
Andwhydidhesobrandishafrenziedhand？
ATHENA
IngrievouswrathforAchilles’panoply。
ODYSSEUS
Whythenupontheflocksdidhemakethisonslaught？
ATHENA
Yourbloodhedeemeditwasthatstainedhishand。
ODYSSEUS
WasthisoutragedesignedagainsttheGreeks？
ATHENA
Hehadachievedittoo，butformyvigilance。
ODYSSEUS
Whatboldschemecouldinspiresuchrecklessdaring？
ATHENA
Bynighthemeanttostealonyoualone。
ODYSSEUS
Didhecomenearus？Didhereachhisgoal？
ATHENA
Hestoodalreadyatthetwochiefs’doors。
ODYSSEUS
Whatthenwithheldhiseagerhandfrombloodshed？
ATHENA
’TwasIrestrainedhim，castingonhiseyesO’ermasteringnotionsofthatbanefulecstasy，ThatturnedhisrageonflocksandmingleddrovesOfbootyyetunshared，guardedbyherdsmen。
Thenplungingamidthethronginghornsheslew，Smitingonallsides；andonewhilehefanciedTheAtreidaewerethecaptiveshewasslaughtering，Now’twassomeotherchiefonwhomhefell。
AndI，whilethusheravedinmaniacthroes，Urgedhimon，drovehimintothebalefultoils。
Thereafter，whenhehadweariedofsuchlabours，Heboundwiththongssuchoxenasyetlived，Withallthesheep，anddrovethemtohistents，Asthoughhisspoilweremen，nothornedcattle。
Nowlashedtogetherinthehuthetorturesthem。
ButtotheetoowillIexposethismadness，ThatseeingthoumaystproclaimittoalltheGreeks。
Boldlyawaithimhere，norapprehendMischance；forIwillturnasidehiseyes，Foilinghisvisionlestheseethyface。
（ShecallstoAJAXwithinthetent。）
Hearken，thouwhoartpinioningwithcordsThewristsofcaptives；hither，Ibidthee，come。
Thou，Ajax，hearme：cometothytent’sdoor。
ODYSSEUS
Whatdostthou，Athena？Donotsummonhimforth。
ATHENA
Abideinsilence。Earnnotthenameofcoward。
ODYSSEUS
Nay，bytheGods，lethimremainwithin。
ATHENA
Whatdostthoudread？Washenotonceaman？
ODYSSEUS
Yes，andtomeafoeman，andstillis。
ATHENA
Tomockfoes，isnotthatthesweetestmockery？
ODYSSEUS
Iamcontentheshouldremainindoors。
ATHENA
Tolookuponamadmanartthouafeard？
ODYSSEUS
Hadhebeensane，nofearhadmademeshrink。
ATHENA
Evennowheshallnotseethee，nearasthouart。
ODYSSEUS
Howso，ifstillwiththesameeyeshesees？
ATHENA
HisorbswillImakedark，thoughvisionistheirs。
ODYSSEUS
Well，allispossible，when’tisagodcontrives。
ATHENA
Standthensilent，abidingasthouart。
ODYSSEUS
StayImust；yetIfainwouldbefarhence。
ATHENA
Ho，Ajax！OnceagainIsummonthee。
Soslightisthyregardforthineally？
（AJAXappearsinthetentdoor，withablood—stainedscourgeinhishand。）
AJAX
Ohhail，Athena！HailthouZeus—bornmaid！
Noblyhastthoustoodbyme。NowwillIcrowntheeWithtrophiesallofgoldforthisrichconquest。
ATHENA
Thywordsarewelcome。Butnowtellmethis：
HastthoudyedwellthyswordintheArgivehost？
AJAX
Suchvauntismine。Idisclaimnotthatglory。
ATHENA
AgainsttheAtreidaedidstthouarmthyhand？
AJAX
SothatAjaxnevermoreshalltheyinsult。
ATHENA
Themenaredead，ifrightlyItakethymeaning。
AJAX
Yes，dead。Nowletthemrobmeofmyarms。
ATHENA
’Tiswell。AndwhatthenofLaertes’son？
Inwhatplightdoeshestand？Orhasheescapedthee？
AJAX
Wouldstthouknowwhereisthataccursedfox？
ATHENA
Evenso—Odysseus，thineoldadversary。
AJAX
Goddess，amostdearcaptiveinmytentHesits。Idonotmeanhimtodieyet。
ATHENA
Tillthouhastdonewhat，gainedwhatfurthervantage？
AJAX
Tillboundfasttoapillarbeneathmyroof—
ATHENA
Whatevilwiltthouinflictonthepoorwretch？
AJAX
Hisbackthescourgemustcrimsonerehedies。
ATHENA
Nay，donottorturesothewretchedman。
AJAX
Athena，inallelsewillIdothywill；
Buthisshallbenootherdoomthanthis。
ATHENA
Thouthen，sincethydelightistoactthus，Smite，sparenot，abatenoughtofthyintent。
AJAX
TomyworkIreturn：andthusIchargethee，Asnow，soalwaysfightthouuponmyside。
（AJAXgoesbackintothetent。）
ATHENA
Seestthou，Odysseus，howgreatthestrengthofgods？
Whomcouldstthoufindmoreprudentthanthisman，Orwhominactmorevaliant，whenneedcalled？
ODYSSEUS
Iknownonenobler；andIpityhimInhismisery，albeitheismyfoe，Sinceheisyokedfasttoanevildoom。
MyownlotIregardnolessthanhis。
ForIseewell，noughtelsearewebutmerePhantoms，allwethatlive，merefleetingshadows。
ATHENA
Warnedthereforebyhisfate，neverdothouThyselfutterproudwordsagainstthegods；
Norswellwithinsolence，ifthoushouldstvanquishSomerivalbymainstrengthorbywealth’spower。
Foradaycanbringallmortalgreatnesslow，Andadaycanliftitup。ButthegodsloveThewiseofheart，thefrowardtheyabhor。
（ATHENAvanishesandODYSSEUSdeparts。TheCHORUSOFSALAMINIANS
enters。）
CHORUS（singing）
SonofTelamon，lordofSalamis’isle，Onitswave—washedthronemidthebreakingsea，Irejoicewhenfairarethyfortunes：
Butwhene’erthouartsmittenbythestrokeofZeus，Orthevehementblameofthefierce—tonguedGreeks，ThensoreamIgrieved，andforfearIquake，Asaflutteringdovewithascaredeye。
EvensobyrumourmurmuringloudOfthenightlate—spentourearsareassailed。
’Tisataleofshame，howthouontheplainsWherethesteedsroamwild，didstruintheDanaanFlocksandherds，Ourspear—wonbootyasyetunshared，Withbrightswordsmitingandslaughtering。
SuchnowaretheslandersOdysseusforgesAndwhispersabroadintoallmen’sears，Winningeasybelief：sospeciousthetaleHeisspreadingagainstthee；andeachnewhearerRejoicesmorethanhewhotold，Exultinginthydegradation。
FortheshaftthatisaimedatthenobleofsoulSmiteshomewithoutfail：butwhoe’ershouldaccusemeOfsuchmisdeeds，nofaithwouldhewin。
’Tisthestrongerwhomcreepingjealousystrikes。
YetsmallmenreftofhelpfromthemightyCanillbetrustedtoguardtheirwalls。
Bestprosperthelowlyinleaguewiththegreat；
Andthegreathaveneedtobeservedbytheless。
ButnonetotheknowledgeofsuchplaintruthsMayleadmindswitlessandfroward。
Evensucharethemenwhomurmuragainstthee：
Andvainlywithoutthineaid，OKing，Westrivetorepeltheiraccusinghate。
Forwhene’ertheyaresafefromthescornofthyglance，Theychatterandscreechlikebidsinaflock：
Butsmittenwithdreadofthepowerfulvulture，Doubtlessatonce，should’stthoubutappear，Theywillcowerdowndumblyinsilence。
stropheWasittheTauricOlympianArtemis，（Oh，thedreadrumourofwoe，Parentofmygrievousshame！）
Whodrovetheeforthtoslaughtertheherdsofthepeople，Inwrathperchanceforsomeunpaid—forvictory，Whetherdefraudedofgloriousspoil，orofferingsDueforastagthatwasslain？
Ordidthebronze—cladDemonofbattle，aggrievedOnhimwhoscornedthemightofhissuccouringspear，Plotrevengebynightlydeception？
antistropheNe’erofitselfhadthyheart，sonofTelamon，StrayedintofollysofarAstomurderflocksandherds。
Escapefromheaven—sentmadnessisnone：yetApolloAndZeusaverttheseevilrumoursoftheGreeks。
Butshouldthestorybefalse，thesecraftyslandersSpreadbythepowerfulkings，AndbythechildoftheinfamousSisyphidline，Nomore，mymaster，thusinthetentbytheseaHidethycountenance，earninganillfame。
epodeNay，butarisefromthyseat，where’ersolongwraptinBroodingpausefromthebattlethouhastlurked：arise，Heaven—highkindletheflameofdeath。
ButtheinsolenceofthyfoesboldlyThuswandersabroadinthewind—sweptglens。
MeanwhileallmenmockingWithvenomoustonguestauntthee：
Butgriefinmyheartwanesnot。
（TECMESSAenters。ThefollowinglinesbetweenTECMESSAandtheCHORUSarechantedresponsively。）
TECMESSA
LiegemenofAjax，ship—companions，Yechildrenofearth—sprungErechthidrace，Lamentationisnowourportion，towhomDearisthefar—offhouseofTelamon，NowthatthesternandterribleAjaxLieswhelmedbyastormOfturbidwilderingfury。
CHORUS
Towhatevilchangefromtheday’swoenowHasnightgivenbirth？
ThoudaughterofPhrygianTeleutas，speak；
ForaconstantlovehasvaliantAjaxBornethee，hisspear—wonprisonerbride。
Thenhidefromusnoughtthatthouknowest。
TECMESSA
Howtoutterataleofunspeakablethings！
Fordisastrousasdeathisthehapyouwillhear。
InthedarknessofnightmadnesshasseizedOurgloriousAjax：heisruinedandlost。
Hereofinthetentmayproofbeseen；
Sword—slainvictimsintheirownbloodbathed，Byhishandsacrificiallyslaughtered。
CHORUS
stropheWhattidingsofthefierywarriortellestthou，Nottobeborne，noryettobedisputed，RumouredabroadbythechiefsoftheDanaanhost，Mightilystillspreadingandwaxing！
Woe’sme！Idreadthehorrortocome。Yea，toapublicdeathdoomedWillhedie，ifintruthhisbethehandthatwieldedTheredswordthatinfrenzyhathslaintheherdsandmountedherdsmen。
TECMESSA
Ahme！Thencewasit，thencethathecametomeLeadinghiscaptiveflockfromthepastures！
Thereofinthetentsomedidheslaughter，Othershewedheasunderwithslashingsword；
Thenhecaughtupamaintwowhite—footedrams，Slicedofffromtheoneboththeheadandthetongue，Andflingsthemaway；
Buttheotheruprighttoapillarhebinds，Thenseizingaheavyhorse—harnessingthongHesmiteswiththewhistlingdoubledlash，UtteringfiercetauntswhichanevilfiendNomeremortalcouldhavetaughthim。
CHORUS
antistrophe’TistimethatnoweachwithshamefullymuffledheadForthfromthecampshouldcreepwithstealthyfootsteps。
Nay，ontheshipletusmuster，andbenchedattheoarsOverthewaveslaunchherinswiftflight。
Suchangrythreatssoundinourearshurledbythebrotherprinces，TheAtreidae：andIquake，fearingadeathbystoning，Thedreadportionofallwhowouldshareourhaplessmaster’sruin。
TECMESSA
Yethopewe：forceasedisthelightning’sflash：
Hisragediesdownlikeafiercesouth—wind。
Butnow，grownsane，newmiseryishis；
Foronwoesself—wroughthegazesaghast，Whereinnohandbuthisownhadshare；
Andwithanguishhissoulisafflicted。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Nay，if’tisceased，thereisgoodcausetohope。
Once’tispast，oflessmomentishisfrenzy。
TECMESSA
Andwhich，werethechoicethine，wouldstthouprefer，Toafflictthyfriendsandfeeldelightthyself，Ortosharesorrow，grievingwiththeirgrief？
LEADER
Thetwofoldwoe，lady，wouldbethegreater。
TECMESSA
Thenwe，thoughplaguednomore，areundonenow。
LEADER
Whatmeanthywords？Theirsenseisdarktome。
TECMESSA
Yonderman，whilehisspiritwasdiseased，Himselfhadjoyinhisownevilplight，Thoughtous，whoweresane，hebroughtdistress。
Butnow，sincehehasrespitefromhisplague，Hewithsoregriefisutterlycastdown，Andwelikewise，nolessthanheretofore。
Aretherenotheretwowoesinsteadofone？
LEADER
Yestruly。AndIfear，fromsomegodcameThisstroke；howelse？if，nowhisfrenzyisceased，Hismindhasnomoreeasethanwhenitraged。
TECMESSA
’TisevenasIsaid，restwellassured。
LEADER
Buthowdidthisbanefirstalightuponhim？
Touswhosharethygriefshowwhatbefell。
TECMESSA
Thoushalthearall，asthoughthouhadstbeenpresent。
Inthemiddleofthenight，whentheeveningbraziersNolongerflared，hetookatwo—edgedsword，Andfainwouldsallyuponanemptyquest。
ButIrebukedhim，saying：\"Whatdoestthou，Ajax？Whythusuncalledwouldstthougoforth？
Nomessengerhassummonedthee，notrumpetRousedthee。Nay，thewholecampissleepingstill。\"
Butcurtlyherepliedinwell—wornphrase：
\"Woman，silenceisthegraceofwoman。\"
Thusschooled，Iyielded；andherushedoutalone。
Whatpassedoutsidethetent，Icannottell。
Butinhecame，drivinglashedtogetherBulls，andshepherddogs，andfleecyprey。
Somehebeheaded，thewrenched—backthroatsofsomeHeslit，orclefttheirchines；othersheboundAndtortured，asthoughmentheywere，notbeasts。
Last，dartingthroughthedoors，astosomephantomHetossedwords，nowagainsttheAtreidae，nowTauntingOdysseus，pilinguphugejeersOfhowhehadgoneandwreakedhisscornuponthem。
Soonherushedbackwithinthetent，whereslowlyAndhardlytohisreasonhereturned。
Andgazingroundontheroomfilledwithhavoc，Hestruckhisheadandcriedout；thenamidstThewrecksofslaughteredsheepawreckhefell，Andsatclutchinghishairwithtight—clenchednails。
Therefirstforalongwhilehecrouchedspeechless；
Thendidhethreatenmewithfearfulthreats，IfIrevealednotallthathadbefallenhim，Askingwhatmeanttheplightwhereinhelay。
AndI，friends，terror—stricken，toldhimallThathadbeendone，sofarasIhadknowledge。
Forthwithhebrokeforthintobitterwailing，SuchasIne’erhadheardfromhimbeforeForalwayshadheheldthatsuchlamentsBefittedcowardsonly，andlow—souledmen：
Bututteringnoshrillcries，hewouldexpressHisgriefinlowgroans，asofamoaningbull。
Butnowprostratebeneathsogreatawoe，Nottastingfoodnordrink，hesitsamongThesword—slainbeasts，motionlesswherehesank。
Andplainlyhemeditatessomebalefuldeed，Forsoportendhiswordsandlamentations。
But，Ofriends！—’twasforthiscauseIcameforth—
Enterandhelp，ifhelpatallyoucan：
Forbyfriends’wordsmensobesteadarewon。
LEADER
ChildofTeleutas，fearfularethytidings，Thatourprincehasbeenmaddenedbyhisgriefs。
AJAX（within）
Alas！Woe，woe！
TECMESSA
Soon，Ifear，worsewillfollow。Heardyounot？
’TwasAjax。Oh，howdreadfulwasthatcry。
AJAX
Alas！Woe，woe！
LEADER
Heseemseitherstillfrenzied，orelsegrievingForhispastfrenzies，nowheseestheirwork。
AJAX
Alas！Myson，myson！
TECMESSA
Woe’sme！Eurysaces，’tisfortheehecalls。
Whatcanhepurpose？—Whereartthou？—Ah，woe！
AJAX
Teucer，come！—WhereisTeucer？WillheneverComebackfromcattle—raiding？—whileIperish！
LEADER
Heseemsinhisrightmind。Butopenthedoors。
Perhapseventhesightofmemaysoberhim。
（Sheopensthedoorsofthetent。AJAXisrevealedsittingamongtheslainbeasts。）
TECMESSA
See，Ihaveopened。YoumaynowbeholdWhathehasdone，andinwhatplighthelies。
AJAX（chanting）
Alas！
Myshipmatesandfriends，youthatalonetomeLoyalandtrueremain，ofallfriendsalone，BeholdhowgreatabillowlatelyrisingfromthestormofbloodSurgingaroundengulphsme！
LEADER
Ahme，tootrue，itseems，wasthyreport。
Thissightrevealstheworkofnosanemind。
AJAX（chanting）
Alas！
Mymates，skilledandtriedinbraveseamanship，Yewhoembarkingdrovethewave—cleavingoar，Inyou，inyoualoneIseeahelpandrefugefromdespair。
Smiteme，andspillmybloodtoo。
LEADER
Keepsilencefromdreadwords；norcuringillByill，soswellthemiseryofthiscurse。
AJAX（chanting）
Beholdnowthebold，themanstoutofheart，Whone’ershrankinfightagainstfoes—beholdHowIhavespentmyrageonbeaststhatfearednoharm！
Ahme，themockery！TowhatshameamIbroughtlowTECMESSA
Ajax，mymaster，Ientreatthee，speaknotso。
AJAX（chanting）
Awayhence，Icommandthee！Takethyselfelsewhere。
Aiai！Aiai！
LEADER
Oh，bytheGods，wepraythee，yieldtowisdom’svoice。
AJAX（chanting）
Oh，wretchthatIwastoallowThosecursedfoestoslipfrommyhands，andassaultingHornedkineandgoodlyflocks，madlytospillTheirlifeinstreamsofdarkblood！
LEADER
Whystillbeafflicted，nowthedeedisdonepastcure？
Nevercanthesethingsbeasthoughtheyhadnotbeen。
AJAX（chanting）
Thouall—spyingknave，ofalldeedsofshameTheprompt，easytool，Odysseusthewise！
Villain，ofallthecampthemostfoulandvile！
Hugelaughterdoubtlessshakestheenowforsheerdelight。
LEADER
AsGodappoints，soeverymanlaughsorlaments。
AJAX（chanting）
WouldImightmeethim，crushedandbrokenthoughIbe。
Alas！Woe，woe！
LEADER
Speaknoproudwords。Seestthounottowhatwoethouartsunk？
AJAX（chanting）
OZeus，ofmyfathersthesire，MightIbutkillthathatefulandcraftydissembler，Yea，andthosetwobrotherkings，partnersinpride，Thenlastmyselftooperish！
TECMESSA
Ifthusthouprayest，praytherewithforme，thatDiewiththee。Why，whenthouartdead，shouldIliveon？
AJAX（chanting）
Alas！
Shadowthatartmylight！
Erebus，ohtomeverilybrightasday！
Receive，receivemeyourhabitant。
Receivemenownomoreworthytoseekhelpofthegods，Noranymorefromfellowmortalmentoclaimkindness：
No，butshethestrongZeus—borndeityMiserablytorturesme。
WhithershouldIthenflee？
Whitherseekforrest？
Sincemyformergloryisgone，myfriends，Withyondervictims，yonderspoilsbyfrenzywon，SinceallthehostwithswordsupliftedSternlywouldslayme，TECMESSA
Ah，woeisme！fromsuchanoblewarriorTohearsuchwordsasoncehene’erhaddeignedtospeak！
AJAX（chanting）
Alas！
Billowypathsoffoam，Eddyingcaves，andyecoppicesbytheshore，Aweary，wearytimetarryinghereBeneaththewallsofTroymehaveyoukept，butfromthishourAliveyoushallnotkeepme。TruthIspeak：letnonedoubtit。
OScamander’swave，StreamwhoseneighbouringflowOfthavetheArgivesblest，Never，nevermoreMeshallyoubehold，Me（aproudwordwillIutternow）
WhosepeerinbattleTroyhasneverseenyetcomeFromHellas’land：butnowdishonouredThusamIprostrate。
LEADER
IntruthIknownothowtorestrainthyspeech，noryetTosufferit；sogrievousisthycouchofwoe。
AJAX
Aiai！WhoeverwouldhavethoughtmynameWouldharmonisesoaptlywithmywoes？
FornowwellmayIwailthatsoundouttwice，Yeathrice；suchwoefuldestiniesaremine，WhosefatherfromthislandofIdawonFame’snoblestguerdonoverthewholehost，Andcrownedwithpraisesonlysailedbackhome；
ButI，hisson，whototheself—sameTroyCameafterhim，inmightnolessthanhe，Norrenderingmeanerservicebymydeeds，DishonouredbytheArgivesperishthus。
YetthismethinksIknowfortruth，werenowAchilleslivingandcalledontoadjudgeAstheawardofvalourhisownarms，Noman’shandwouldhavegraspedthembeforemine。
ButnowtheAtreidaetoaschemingknaveHavedealtthem，thrustingbymyvaliantdeeds。
Andiftheseeyes，thesewitshadnotinfrenzySwervedfrommypurpose，neverwouldtheythusPervertjudgmentagainstanotherman。
Buttheirresistiblefierce—eyedgoddess，evenAsIwasarmingmyrighthandtoslaythem，Foiledme，smitingmewithamaddeningplague，SothatIstainedmyhandbutcheringthesecattle。
Thusmyfoesmockme，escapedbeyondmyreach，Throughnogoodwillofmine：butifagodThwartvengeance，eventhebasemayescapethenobler。
AndwhatshouldInowdo，whomanifestlyToHeavenamhateful；whomtheGreeksabhor，WhomeveryTrojanhates，andthiswholeland？
ShallIdesertthebeachedships，andabandoningTheAtreidae，sailhomeo’ertheAegeansea？
WithwhatfaceshallIappearbeforemyfatherTelamon？HowwillhefindhearttolookOnme，strippedofmychampionshipinwar，Thatmightycrownoffamethatoncewashis？
No，thatIdarenot。ShallIthenassaultTroy’sfortress，andaloneagainstthemallAchievesomegloriousexploitandthendie？
No，ImightgratifytheAtreidaethus。
Thatmustnotbe。SomeschemeletmedeviseWhichmayprovetomyagedsirethatI，Hisson，atleastbynatureamnocoward。
For’tisbaseforamantocravelonglifeWhoenduresnever—varyingmisery。
Whatjoycanbeindaythatfollowsday，Bringingusclosethensnatchingusfromdeath？
AsofnoworthwouldIesteemthatmanWhowarmshimselfwithunsubstantialhopes。
Noblytolive，orelsenoblytodieBefitsproudbirth。Thereisnomoretosay。
LEADER
Thewordthouhastuttered，Ajax，noneshallcallBastard，butthetrueoffspringofthysoul。
Yetpause。LetthosewholovetheeoverruleThyresolution。Putsuchthoughtsaside。
TECMESSA
OmylordAjax，ofallhumanillsGreatestisfortune’swaywardtyranny。
OfafreefatherwasIbornthechild，OnerichandgreatasanyPhrygianelse。
NowamIaslave；forsothegods，orratherThywarrior’shand，wouldhaveit。ThereforesinceIamthybedfellow，Iwishtheewell，AndIentreattheebydomesticZeus，Andbytheembracesthathavemademethine，DoommenottothecrueltauntsofthoseWhohatethee，leftabond—slaveinstrangehands。
Forshouldstthouperishandforsakemeindeath，ThatverydayassuredlyItoShallbeseizedbytheArgives，withthysonToendurehenceforththeportionofaslave。
ThenoneofmynewmasterswithbarbedwordsShallwoundmescoffing：\"SeetheconcubineOfAjax，whowasmightiestofthehost，Whatserviletasksareherswholivedsodaintily！\"
Thuswillmenspeak，embitteringmyhardlot，Butwordsofshamefortheeandforthyrace。
Nay，pietyforbidtheetoforsakeThyfatherinhisdrearoldage—thymotherWithhersadweightofyears，whomanyatimePraystothegodsthatthoucomehomealive。
Andpity，Oking，thyson，whowithouttheeTofosterhisyouth，mustlivetheorphanedwardOflovelessguardians。ThinkhowgreatasorrowDyingthouwiltbequeathtohimandme。
ForIhavenothinglefttolooktomoreSavethee。Bythyspearwasmycountryravaged；
AndbyanotherstrokedidfatelaylowMymotherandmysiretodwellwithHades。
Withouttheethenwhatfatherlandweremine？
Whatwealth？Ontheealonerestsallmyhope。
Otakethoughtformetoo。DowenotoweRemembrance，wherewehavemetwithanyjoy？
ForkindnessbegetskindnessevermoreButhewhofromwhosemindfadesthememoryOfbenefits，nobleishenomore。
LEADER
Ajax，wouldthatthysoulwouldfeelcompassion，Asminedoes；sowouldstthouapproveherwords。
AJAX
Verilymyapprovalshallshewin，Ifonlyshefindhearttodomybidding。
TECMESSA
DearAjax，inallthingswillIobey。
AJAX
Thenbringmeheremyson，forIwouldseehim。
TECMESSA
Nay，butIsenthimfrommeinmyfears。
AJAX
Duringmylateaffliction，isthatthymeaning？
TECMESSA
Lestbyillchanceheshouldmeettheeandsoperish。
AJAX
Yes，thatwouldhavebeenworthyofmyfate。
TECMESSA
ThatatleastIwaswatchfultoavert。
AJAX
Ipraisethineactandtheforesightthouhastshown。
TECMESSA
Sincethatisso，whatshallIdotoservethee？
AJAX
Letmespeaktohimandbeholdhisface。
TECMESSA
Heisclosebyintheattendants’charge。
AJAX
Whyishiscomingthensolongdelayed？
TECMESSA（calling）
Myson，thyfathercallsthee。—BringhimthitherWhicheverofyouisguidingthechild’ssteps。
AJAX
Isthemancoming？Hasheheardthycall？
TECMESSA
See，heisherealreadywiththechild。
（Anattendantenters，leadingthechild，EURYSACES。）
AJAX
Lifthimup，lifthimhither。HewillnotshrinkInterroratsightofyondernew—spiltblood，Ifheberightlymine，hisfather’sson。
Earlymusthebebrokentohissire’sSternruggedcode，andgrowlike—naturedwithhim。
Oson，maystthouprovehappierthanthyfather，Inallelselikehim，andthou’ltprovenotbase。
YetevennowmightIenvytheeherein，Thatofthesewoesthouhastnosenseatall。
Forthelifethatisunconsciousismostsweet—
Untilwelearnwhatjoyandsorroware。
Butthatoncelearnt，thenmidstthyfather’sfoesThoumustshowwhatthouart，andofwhatbreed。
Tillthenbenurturedonsoftairs，cherishingThytenderlife，andbethymother’sjoy。
NoneoftheGreeks，Iknow，willdotheewrongWithcrueloutrage，eventhoughIbegone。
SotrustyaguardianwillIleavethee，Teucer，Whowillnotstinthislovingcare，thoughnowHeisgonefaraway，inchaseoffoes。
Butyou，mywarriors，comradesinseafaring，OnyoutooIimposethistaskoflove；
AndfailnottoannouncemywilltoTeucer，ThattomyhomehetakethechildandshowhimToTelamonandmymotherEriboea，Thathenceforthhemaycomforttheiroldage。
Andchargehimthatnogame—stewardmakemyarmsAprizefortheGreeks—norhewhoruinedme。
Butthistakethou，mysonEurysaces；
Holditandwielditbyitsfirm—stitchedthong，Thissevenfoldspear—proofshield，whencecomesthyname。
Butelsewithmemyarmsshallbeinterred。
（SpeakingnowtoTECMESSA）
Come，takethechildhencequickly，andboltthedoors：
AndlettherebenoweepingandlamentingBeforethehut。Womenlovetearstoowell。
Closequickly。ItisnotforaskilfulleechTodronecharmso’erawoundthatcravestheknife。
LEADER
Iamfearful，listeningtothiseagermood。
Thesharpedgeofthytongue，Ilikeitnot。
TECMESSA
OmylordAjax，whatartthoupurposing？
AJAX
Questionmenot。Tobediscreetisbest。
TECMESSA
Ahme，heavyismyheart。Nowbythychild，Bythegods，Ientreat，forsakeusnot。
AJAX
Vexmenofurther。Know’stthounotthatI
Tothegodsowenodutyanymore？
TECMESSA
Utternoproudwords。
AJAX
Speaktothosewholisten。
TECMESSA
Wiltthounotheed？
AJAX
Toomuchthouhastspokenalready。
TECMESSA
Yes，throughmyfears，Oking。
AJAX
Closethedoorsquickly。
TECMESSA
Forthegods’love，relent。
AJAX
’Tisafoolishhope，Ifthoushouldstnowproposetoschoolmymood。
（ThedoorsarecloseduponAJAX。TECMESSAgoesoutwithEURYSACES。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
OfamedSalamis，thouamidstBreakingsurgesabidesteverBlissful，ajoytotheeyesofallmen。
ButIthewhilelongandwearilytarryingThroughcountlessmonthsstillencampedonthefieldsofIdaInmiseryherehavemademycouch，Bytimebrokenandworn，IndreadwaitingthehourWhenIshallenteratlasttheterribleshadowabodeofHades。
antistrophe1
Nowdismaysmeanewdespair，Thisincurablefrenzy（woe，ahWoe’sme！）castbythegodsonAjax，Whomthouofoldsentestforthfromthyshores，astrongAndvaliantchief；butnow，tohisfriendsasoregrief，Devouringhislonelyhearthesits。
HisoncegloriousdeedsArenowfallenandscorned，FallentodeathwithoutlovefromthelovelessandpitilesssonsofAtreus。
strophe2
Hismother，’tismostlike，burdenedwithmanydays，Andwhitenedwitholdage，whensheshallhearhowfrenzyHassmittenhissoultoruin，Ailinon！ailinon！
Willbreakforthherdespair，notasthenightingale’sPlaintive，tenderlament，no，butinpassion’swailingShrill—tonedcries；andwithfiercestrokesWildlysmitingherbosom，Ingrief’sanguishherhandswillrendhergreylocks。
antistrophe2
Yea，betterHellshouldhideonewhoissickinsoul，ThoughtherebenonethanhesprungfromanoblerlineageOfthewar—wearyGreeks，yetStrayedfromhisinbredmoodNowamidstalienthoughtsdwellsheastranger。
Haplessfather！alas，bitterthetalethatwaitsthee，Thyson’sgrievousaffliction。
NolifesavehisaloneOfAeacidkingssuchacursehaseverhaunted。
（AJAXenters，carryingasword。Ashespeaks，TECMESSAalsoenters。）
AJAX
AllthingsthelongandcountlesslapseoftimeBringsforth。displays，thenhidesoncemoreingloom。
Noughtistoostrangetolookfor；buttheeventMaymockthesternestoath，thefirmestwill。
ThusI，wholatesostrong，sostubbornseemedLikeirondipped，yetnowgrowsoftwithpityBeforethiswoman，whomIamloathtoleaveMidstfoesawidowwiththisorphanedchild。
ButIwillseekthemeadowsbytheshore：
TherewillIwashandpurgethesestains，ifsoImayappeaseAthena’sheavywrath。
ThenwillIfindsomelonelyplace，whereI
Mayhidethissword，beyondallotherscursed，Buriedwherenonemayseeit，deepinearth。
MaynightandHadeskeepittherebelow。
Forfromthathourmyhandacceptedit，ThegiftofHector，deadliestofmyfoes，NoughtfromtheGreekstowardsmehathspedwell。
SonowIfindthatancientproverbtrue，Foes’giftsarenogifts：profitbringtheynone。
ThereforehenceforthIstudytoobeyTheGods，andreverencethesonsofAtreus。
Ourrulersarethey：wemustyield。Howelse？
FortoauthorityyieldallthingsmostdreadAndmighty。ThusmustWinter’ssnowyfeetGiveplacetoSummerwithherwealthoffruits；
AndfromherwearyrounddothNightwithdraw，ThatDay’swhitesteedsmaykindleheavenwithlight。
AfterfiercetempestcalmwilleverlullThemoaningsea；andSleep，thatmastersall，Bindslifeawhile，yetloosenssoonthebond。
AndwhoamIthatIshouldnotlearnwisdom？
OfallmenI，whomproofhathtaughtoflateHowsofaronlyshouldwehateourfoesAsthoughwesoonmightlovethem，andsofarDoafriendservice，astoonemostlikeSomedaytoproveourfoe；sinceoftenestmenInfriendshipbutafaithlesshavenfind。
ThuswellamIresolved。（ToTECMESSA）Thou，woman，passWithin，andpraythegodsthatallthingssoMaybeaccomplishedasmyheartdesires。
Andyou，friends，heedmywishesasshedoth；
Andwhenhecomes，bidTeucerhemustguardMyrightsatneed，andwithalstandyourfriend。
FornowIgowhitherIneedsmustpass。
DoasIbid。Soonhaplyyoushallhear，Withme，forallthismisery，’tismostwell。
（AJAXdeparts。TECMESSAgoesintothetent。）
CHORUS（singing）
stropheIthrillwithrapture，flutteronwingsofecstasy。
Io，Io，Pan，Pan！
OPan，Pan！fromthestonyridge，Snow—bestrewnofCyllene’sheightAppearrovingacrossthewaters，Odance—orderingkingofgods，ThatthoumaystjoinmeinflingingfreeFancymeasuresofNysaandofCnossus。
YeaforthedanceInowameager。
AndoverthefarIcarianbillowscome，OkingApollo，FromDelosinhaste，comethou，Thykindlypowerhereinourmidstrevealing。
antistropheAreshathliftedhorrorandanguishfromoureyes。
Io，Io！Nowagain，Now，OZeus，canthebrightandblitheGloryofhappierdaysreturnToourswift—voyagingships，fornowHathAjaxwhollyforgothisgrief，AndallritesduetothegodshenowFainwouldmeetlyperformwithloyalworship。
Mightyistimetodwindleallthings。
NoughtwouldIcalltoostrangeforbelief，whenAjaxthusbeyondhopeHathlearnttorepenthisproudfeuds，AndlayasideangeragainsttheAtreidae。
（AMESSENGERenters。）
MESSENGER
Myfriends，thesetidingIwouldtellyoufirst：
Teucerispresent，fromtheMysianheightsButnowreturned，andinthecentralcampByalltheGreeksatonceisbeingreviled。
Ashedrewneartheyknewhimfromafar，ThengatheringaroundhimoneandallWithtauntsassailedhimfromthissideandthat，Callinghimkinsmanofthatmaniac，Thatplotteragainstthehost，sayingthatnoughtShouldsavehim；stonedandmangledhemustdie。
AndsotheyhadcometosuchapitchthatswordsPluckedfromtheirsheathsstoodnakedinmen’shands。
Yetwhenthestriferanhighest，itwasstayedBywordsfromtheeldersandsoreconciled。
ButwhereisAjax？Imustspeakwithhim。
Hewhomitmostconcernsmustbetoldall。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Heisnotwithin，buthasjustnowgoneforthWithanewpurposeyokedtoanewmood。
MESSENGER
Alas！Alas！
ThentoolateonthiserrandwasIspedByhimwhosentme；orIhaveprovedtooslow。
LEADER
Whaturgentneedhasbeenneglectedhere？
MESSENGER
TeucerforbadethatAjaxshouldgoforthOutsidehishut，tillhehimselfshouldcome。
LEADER
Well，heisgone。TowisestpurposenowHismindisturned，toappeaseheaven’swrath。
MESSENGER
Thesewordsofthinearefilledwithutterfolly，IftherewastruthinCalchas’prophecy。
LEADER
Whatprophecy？Andwhatknowyouofthisthing？
MESSENGER
ThusmuchIknow，forbychanceIwaspresent。
LeavingthecircleofconsultingchiefsWheresattheAtreidae，Calchaswentaside，AndwithkindpurposegraspingTeucer’shandEnjoinedhimthatbyeveryartificeHeshouldrestrainAjaxwithinhistentsThiswholeday，andnotleavehimtohimself，Ifhewishedevertobeholdhimalive。
Foronthisdayalone，suchwerehiswords，WouldthewrathofdivineAthenavexhim。
