FortheoverweeningandunprofitableFallcrushedbyheaven—sentcalamities（Sotheseerspoke），whene’eronebornamanHasconceivedthoughtstoohighforman’sestate：
Andthisman，whenhefirstsetforthfromhome，Showedhimselffoolish，whenhisfatherspoketohimWisely：\"Myson，seekvictorybythespear；
Butseekitalwayswiththehelpofheaven。\"
Thenboastfullyandwitlesslyheanswered：
\"Father，withheaven’shelpameremanofnoughtMightwinvictory：butI，albeitwithoutTheiraid，trusttoachieveavictor’sglory。\"
Suchwashisproudvaunt。ThenasecondtimeAnsweringdivineAthena，whensheurgedhimToturnaslaughteroushanduponhisfoes，Hegavevoicetothisdire，blasphemousboast：
\"Goddess，standthoubesidetheotherGreeks。
WhereIamstationed，nofoeshallbreakthrough。\"
BysuchwordsandsuchthoughtstoogreatformanDidheprovokeAthena’spitilesswrath。
Butifhelivesthroughthisoneday，perchance，Shouldheavenbewilling，wemaysavehimyet。
Sospoketheseer；andTeucerfromhisseatNosoonerrisen，sentmewiththismandateForyoutoobserve。Butifwehavebeenforestalled，Thatmanlivesnot，orCalchasisnoprophet。
LEADER（calling）
WofulTecmessa，womanborntosorrow，ComeforthandhearthismanwhotellsofaperilThatgrazesustoocloseforourmind’sease。
（TECMESSAentersfromthetent。）
TECMESSA
WhyalasdoyoubreakmyrestagainAfterbriefrespitefromrelentlesswoes？
LEADER
Givehearingtothismessenger，whobringsTidingsthatgrievemeofhowAjaxfares。
TECMESSA
Ahme，whatsayestthou，man？Areweundone？
MESSENGER
Iknownotofthyfortune；butforAjax，Ifhebegoneabroad，mymindmisgives。
TECMESSA
Yes，heisgone。Iamrackedtoknowthymeaning。
MESSENGER
Teucercommandsyoutokeephimwithindoors，Andnottolethimleavehistentalone。
TECMESSA
AndwhereisTeucer，andwhyspeakshethus？
MESSENGER
Hehasbutnowreturned，andheforebodesThatthisgoing—forthwillprovefataltoAjax。
TECMESSA
Woe’sme，alas！Fromwhomhashelearnedthis？
MESSENGER
Fromtheseer，Thestor’sson，thisveryday，Whichisfraughteitherwithhisdeathorlife。
TECMESSA
Ahme，myfriends，avertthisthreateningdoomSpeedsomeofyoutohastenTeucerhither：
Othersgosearchthebays，somewest，someeast，Andtrackmylord’sill—omenedgoing—forth。
Yes，nowIknowIhavebeendeceivedbyhim，Andfromhisformerfavourquitecastout。
Alas，child，whatshallIdo？SitstillImustnot：
ButfarasIhavestrengthItoowillgo。
Letusstartquickly—’tisnotimeforloitering，Ifwewouldsaveonewhoisinhastetodie。
LEADER
Iamready，asnotwordsaloneshallprove，Butspeedofactandfoottomakewordsgood。
（TheCHORUS，TECMESSAandMESSENGERgoout。Thescenechangestoalonelyplacebythesea—shore。Bushesandunder—
brushareinthebackground。AJAXentersalone。）
AJAX
TheslayerstandssothathisedgemaycleaveMostsurely（iftherebeleisureforsuchthought），BeingthegiftofHector，ofallfriendsMostunloved，andmosthatefultomysight。
ThenitisplantedinTroy’shostilesoil，New—sharpenedontheiron—bitingwhet。
AndheedfullyhaveIplantedit，thatsoWithaswiftdeathitprovetomemostkind。
ThushaveImadeallready。NextbethouThefirst，OZeus，toaidme，asisright。
ItisnomightyboonthatIshallcrave。
SendsomeannounceroftheevilnewsToTeucer，thathefirstmayliftmeup，WhenIhavefallenuponthisreekingsword，LesterehecomesomeenemyshouldespymeAndcastmeforthtodogsandbirdsaprey。
This，OZeus，Ientreatthee，andlikewisecallOnHermes，guidetotheunderworld，tolaymeAsleepwithoutastruggle，atoneswiftbound，WhenIhavethrustmyheartthroughwiththissword。
NextIcallonthosemaidensever—livingAndeverwatchfulofallhumanmiseries，Thedreadswift—stridingErinyes，thattheymarkHowbytheAtreidaeIhavebeendestroyed：
AndthesevilemenbyaviledoomutterlyMaytheycutoff，evenastheyseemehere。
Come，OyeswiftavengingErinyes，Sparenot，touchwithafflictionthewholehost。
Andthou，whosechariotmountsupthesteepsky，ThouSun，whenonthelandwhereIwasbornThoushaltlookdown，checkthygold—spangledrein，AndannouncemydisastersandmydoomTomyagedsireandherwhonurturedme。
She，wofulwoman，whenshehearsthesetidingsWillwailoutalouddirgethroughallthetown。
ButIwastelabourwiththisidlemoan。
Theactmustnowbedone，andthatwithspeed。
ODeath，Death，comenowandlookuponme。—
No，’tisthereIshallmeetandspeaktothee。
Butthee，brightdaylightwhichInowbehold，AndHeliosinhischariotIaccostForthislasttimeofall，andthennomore。
Osunlight！Othouhallowedsoil，myownSalamis，stablishedseatofmysire’shearth，AndfamousAthens，withthykindredrace，Andyou，yespringsandstreams，andTrojanplains，Farewell，allyewhohavesustainedmylife。
ThisisthelastwordAjaxspeakstoyou。
AllelseinHadestothedeadwillIsay。
（Hefallsonhissword。Hisbodyliespartiallyconcealedbytheunderbrush。SEMI—CHORUS1enters。）
SEMI—CHORUS1（chanting）
’Tistoilontoil，andtoilagain。
Where！where！
Wherehavenotmyfootstepsbeen？
Andstillnoplacerevealsthesecretofmysearch。
Buthark！
ThereagainIhearasound。
（SEMI—CHORUS2enters。）
SEMI—CHORUS2（chanting）
’Tiswe，theship—companionsofyourvoyage。
SEMI—CHORUS1（chanting）
Wellhownow？
SEMI—CHORUS2（chanting）
Wehavesearchedthewholecoastwestwardfromtheship。
SEMI—CHORUS1（chanting）
Youhavefoundnought？
SEMI—CHORUS2（chanting）
Adealoftoil，butnothingmoretosee。
SEMI—CHORUS1（chanting）
NeitherhashebeenfoundalongthepathThatleadsfromtheeasternglancesofthesun。
CHORUS（singing）
stropheFromwhom，ohfromwhom？whathardsonofthewaves，Plyinghiswearytaskwithoutthoughtofsleep，OrwhatOlympiannymphofhillorstreamthatflowsDowntotheBosporus’shore，MightIhavetidingsofmylordWanderingsomewhereseenFierceofmood？GrievousitisWhenIhavetoiledsolong，andrangedfarandwideThustofail，thustohavesoughtinvain。
StilltheafflictedheronowheremayIfind。
（TECMESSAentersanddiscoversthebody。）
TECMESSA
Alas，woe，woe！
CHORUS（chanting）
Whosecrywasitthatbrokefromyondercopse？
TECMESSA
Alas，woeisme！
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Itisthehaplessspear—wonbrideIsee，Tecmessa，steepedinthatwail’sagony。
TECMESSA
Iamlost，destroyed，madedesolate，myfriends。
LEADER
Whatisit？Speak。
TECMESSA
Ajax，ourmaster，newlyslaughteredliesYonder，ahiddenswordsheathedinhisbody。
CHORUS（chanting）
Woeformylosthopesofhome！
Woe’sme，thouhastslainme，myking，Methyshipmate，haplessman！
Woful—souledwomantoo！
TECMESSA
Sincethusitiswithhim，’tisminetowail。
LEADER
Bywhosehandhashewroughtthislucklessdeed？
TECMESSA
Byhisownhand，’tisevident。ThisswordWhereonhefell，plantedinearth，convictshim。
CHORUS（chanting）
Woeformyblindfolly！Loneinthybloodthouliest，fromfriends’
helpafar。
AndIthewhollywitless，theallunwary，Forboretowatchthee。Where，whereLieththefatallynamed，intractableAjax？
TECMESSA
Nonemustbeholdhim。IwillshroudhimwhollyInthisenfoldingmantle；fornomanWholovedhimcouldenduretoseehimthusThroughnostrilsandthroughredgashspoutingupThedarkenedbloodfromhisself—strickenwound。
Ahme，whatshallIdo？Whatfriendshallliftthee？
WhereisTeucer？Timelyindeedwouldhenowcome，Tocomposedulyhisslainbrother’scorpse。
OhaplessAjax，whowastoncesogreat，Noweventhyfoesmightdaretomournthyfall。
CHORUS（chanting）
antistrophe’Twasfate’swill，alas，’twasfatethenforthouStubbornofsoulatlengthtoworkoutadarkDoomofineffablemiseries。SuchthedireFuryofpassionatehateIheardtheeutterfierceofmoodRailingatAtreus’sonsNightbynight，daybyday。
VerilythenitwasthesequenceofwoesFirstbegan，whenastheprizeofworthFatallywasproclaimedthegoldenpanoply。
TECMESSA
Alas，woe，woe！
CHORUS（chanting）
Aloyalgriefpiercesthyheart，Iknow。
TECMESSA
Alas，woe，woe！
CHORUS（chanting）
Woman，ImarvelnotthatthoushouldstwailAndwailagain，reftofafriendsodear。
TECMESSA
’Tisthinetosurmise，minetofeel，toosurely。
CHORUS（chanting）
’Tisevenso。
TECMESSA
Ah，mychild，towhatbondagearewecome，Seeingwhatcrueltaskmasterswillbeours。
CHORUS（chanting）
Ahme，atwhatdostthouhint？
Whatruthless，unspeakablewrongFromtheAtreidaefearestthou？
Butmayheavenavertthatwoe！
TECMESSA
Ne’erhaditcometothissavebyheaven’swill。
CHORUS（chanting）
Yes，toogreattobebornethisheaven—sentburden。
TECMESSA
YetsuchthewoewhichthedreadchildofZeus，Pallas，hasgenderedforOdysseus’sake。
CHORUS（chanting）
Doubtlessthemuch—enduringheroinhisdarkspy’ssoulexultsmockingly，AndlaughswithmightylaughterattheseagoniesOfafrenziedspirit。Shame！Shame！
SharersingleeatthetalearetheroyalAtreidae。
TECMESSA
Well，letthemmockandgloryinhisruin。
Perchance，thoughwhilehelivedtheywishednotforhim，Theyyetshallwailhimdead，whenthespearfailsthem。
MenofilljudgmentoftignorethegoodThatlieswithintheirhands，tilltheyhavelostit。
Moretotheirgriefhediedthantotheirjoy，Andtohisowncontent。AllhisdesireHenowhaswon，thatdeathforwhichhelonged。
Whythenshouldtheyderidehim？’TisthegodsMustanswerforhisdeath，notthesemen，no。
ThenletOdysseusmockhimwithemptytaunts。
Ajaxisnomorewiththem；buthasgone，Leavingtomedespairandlamentation。
TEUCER（fromwithout）
Alas，woe，woe！
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Keepsilence！IsitTeucer’svoiceIhearLiftingadirgeoverthistragicsight？
（TEUCERenters。）
TEUCER
ObrotherAjax，tomineeyesmostdear，Canitbethouhastfaredasrumourtells？
LEADER
Yes，heisdead，Teucer：ofthatbesure。
TEUCER
Alas，howthencanIenduremyfate！
LEADER
Sincethusitis……
TEUCER
Owretched，wretchedme！
LEADER
Thouhastcausetomoan。
TEUCER
Oswiftandcruelwoe！
LEADER
Toocruel，Teucer！
TEUCER
Woeisme！Butsay—
Hischild—whereshallIfindhim？Tellmewhere。
LEADER
Alonewithinthetent。
TEUCER（toTECMESSA）
ThenwithallspeedGo，bringhimthither，lestsomefoeshouldsnatchhimLikeawhelpfromalionessbereaved。
Away！Seeitdonequickly！AllmenarewontToinsultoverthedead，oncetheylielow。
（TECMESSAdeparts。）
LEADER
Yes，Teucer，whilehelived，didhenotchargetheeToguardhissonfromharm，asnowthoudost？
TEUCER
OsightmostgrievoustomeofallsightsThateverIhavelookedonwithmyeyes！
AndhatefullestofallpathstomysoulThispaththatnowhasledmetothyside，OdearestAjax，whenIheardthyfate，WhileseekingtheeItrackedthyfootstepsout。
Foraswiftrumour，asfromsomegod，ranThroughtheGreekhostthatthouwastdeadandgone。
WhileyetfaroffIheardit，andgroaneddeepInanguish；nowIsee，andmylifedies。
Ayme！
Uncover。Letmebeholdwoe’sveryworst。
（Thecoverisliftedfromthebody。）
Oghastlysight！victimofruthlesscourage！
Whatmiserieshastthoudyingsownforme！
Whither，amongwhatpeople，shallIgo，Whointhytroublesfailedtogivetheesuccour？
OhdoubtlessTelamon，thysireandmine，Withkindandgraciousfaceisliketogreetme，Returnedwithoutthee：howelse？—hewhoiswontEvenatgoodnewstosmilenonethesweeter。
Whatwillhekeepback？WhattauntnothurlforthAgainstthebastardofaspear—wonslave，HimwhothroughcravencowardicebetrayedThee，belovedAjax—orbyguile，thatsoImightinheritthykingdomandthyhouse。
Sowillhespeak，apassionateman，grownpeevishInoldage，quicktowrathwithoutacause。
ThenshallIbecastoff，abanishedman，Proclaimednomoreafreemanbutaslave。
Suchisthehomethatwaitsme；whileatTroyMyfoesaremany，mywell—wishersfew。
Allthiswillbemyportionthroughthydeath。
Ahme，whatshallIdo？Howdrawthee，brother，Fromthisfellsword，onwhosebrightmurderouspointThouhastbreathedoutthysoul？SeehowatlastHector，thoughdead，wasfatedtodestroythee！
Consider，Ipray，thedoomofthesetwomen。
Hector，withthatsamegirdleAjaxgavehimWaslashedfasttoAchilles’chariotrailAndmangledtillhehadgaspedforthhislife。
And’twasfromhimthatAjaxhadthisgift，Thebladebywhichheperishedandliesdead。
WasitnotsomeErinysforgedthissword，AndHadesthegrimcraftsmanwroughtthatgirdle？
IatleastwouldmaintainthatthegodsplanThesethingsandallthingseverformankind。
Butwhosoever’sjudgmentlikesnotthis，LethimupholdhisdoctrineasImine。
LEADER
Speaknomore，buttakecounselhowtointerOurdearlord，andwhatnowitwerebesttosay：
For’tisafoeIsee。PerchancehecomesTomockourmisery，villainthatheis。
TEUCER
Whatchieftainofthehostdoyoubehold？
LEADER
Menelaus，forwhosesakewevoyagedhither。
TEUCER
’Tishe。Iknowhimwell，nowheisnear。
（MENELAUSenterswithhisretinue。）
MENELAUS
You，Sir，Iwarnyou，raisenotyondercorpseForburial，butleaveitasitlies。
TEUCER
Forwhatcausedoyouwastesuchswellingwords？
MENELAUS
’Tismywill，andhiswillwhorulesthehost。
TEUCER
Letusknowthenwhatpretextyouallege。
MENELAUS
WehopedthatwehadbroughtthismanfromhomeTobeafriendandchampionfortheGreeks：
ButaworsethanPhrygianfoeontrialwefoundhim。
Devisingdeathforthewholehost，bynightHesalliedforthagainstus，armedforslaughter。
Andhadnotsomegodbaffledthisexploit，Ourswouldhavebeenthelotwhichnowishis：
Whilewelayslainbyamostshamefuldoom，Hewouldhavestillbeenliving。Buthisoutrage，Foiledbyagod，hasfallenonsheepandherds。
WhereforetherelivesnomansopowerfulThatheshalllaythiscorpsebeneathatomb；
ButcastforthsomewhereupontheyellowsandsItshallbecomefoodforthesea—shorebirds。
Thenliftnotupyourvoiceinthreateningfury。
Ifwhilehelivedwecouldnotmasterhim，Yetindeathwillwerulehim，inyourdespite，Guidinghimwithourhands，sinceinhislifeAtnotimewouldhehearkentomywords。
Yet’tisasignofwickedness，whenasubjectDeignsnottoobeythoseplacedinpowerabovehim。
FornevercanthelawsbeprosperouslyStablishedincitieswhereaweisnotfound；
NormayacampbeprovidentlyruledWithouttheshieldofdreadandreverence。
Yea，thoughamanbegrowntomightybulk，Lethimlooklestsomeslightmischanceo’erthrowhim。
Hewithwhomaweandreverenceabide，Doubtnot，willflourishinsecurity。
Butwhereoutrageandlicencearenotchecked，Besurethatstate，thoughspedbyprosperouswinds，Somedayatlastwillfounderindeepseas。
Yes，fearshouldbeestablishedindueseason。
Dreamnotthatwecanactaswedesire，Yetavoidpaymentofthepriceinpain。
Well，fortunegoesbyturns。ThismanwasfieryAndinsolentonce：’tisminenowtoexult。
Ichargethee，buryhimnot，lestbythatactThouthyselfshouldstbediggingthineowngrave，LEADER
Menelaus，donotfirstlaydownwiseprecepts，Thenthyselfofferoutragetothedead。
TEUCER（totheCHORUS）
Never，friends，shallImarvelanymore，Ifoneoflowbirthactsinjuriously，WhentheywhoareaccountednoblybornCanuttersuchinjuriouscalumnies。
（ToMENELAUS）
Come，oncemorespeak。Yousayyoubroughthimhither？
TookhimtobeachampionoftheGreeks？
Didhenotsailashisownmaster，freely？
Howareyouhischieftain？HowhaveyoutherightTolordito’erthefolkhebroughtfromhome？
AsSparta’slordyoucame，notasourmaster。
InnowaywasityourprerogativeTorulehim，anymorethanhecouldyou。
Asvassalofothersyousailedhither，notAscaptainofusall，stilllessofAjax。
Go，rulethosewhomyoumayrule：chastisethemWithproudwords。Butthisman，thoughyouforbidme，Aye，andyourfellow—captain，byjustrightWillIlayinhisgrave，scorningyourthreats。
ItwasnotforthesakeofyourlostwifeHecametoTroy，likeyourtoil—brokenserfs，Butforthesakeofoathsthathehadsworn，Notforyours。Whatcaredhefornobodies？
Thencomeagainandbringmoreheraldshither，Andthecaptainofthehost。ForsuchasyouIwouldnotturnmyhead，forallyourbluster。
LEADER
SuchspeechIlikenot，either，inperil’smidst：
Forharshwordsrankle，betheyne’ersojust。
MENELAUS
Thisbowman，itseems，hasprideenoughtospare。
TEUCER
Yes，’tisnomeancraftIhavemademyown。
MENELAUS
Howbigwouldbeyourboasts，hadyouashield！
TEUCER
Shieldless，Iwouldoutmatchyoupanoplied。
MENELAUS
Howterribleacouragedwellswithinyourtongue！
TEUCER
Hemaybeboldofheartwhosesiderightfavours。
MENELAUS
Isitrightthatmyassassinshouldbehonoured？
TEUCER
Assassin？Howstrange，if，thoughslain，youlive！
MENELAUS
Heavensavedme：Iwasslaininhisintent。
TEUCER
Donotdishonourthenthegodswhosavedyou。
MENELAUS
What，Irebelagainstthelawsofheaven？
TEUCER，Yes，ifyoucometorobthedeadofburial。
MENELAUS
Myownfoes！HowcouldIenduresuchwrong？
TEUCER
DidAjaxeverconfrontyouasyourfoe？
MENELAUS
Heloathedme，andIhim，aswellyouknow。
TEUCER
Becausetodefraudhimyouintriguedforvotes。
MENELAUS
Itwasthejudgescasthim，andnotI。
TEUCER
Muchsecretvillainyyoucouldmakeseemfair。
MENELAUS
Thatsayingwillbringsomeoneintotrouble。
TEUCER
Notgreatertroublethanwemeantoinflict。
MENELAUS
Myonelastword：thismanmustnothaveburial。
TEUCER
Thenhearmyanswer：burialheshallhave。
MENELAUS
OncedidIseeafellowboldoftongue，Whohadurgedacrewtosailintimeofstorm；
Yetnovoicehadyoufoundinhim，whenwindsBegantoblow；buthiddenbeneathhiscloakThemarinersmighttrampleonhimatwill。
Andsowithyouandyourfiercerailleries，Perchanceagreatstorm，thoughfromalittlecloudItsbreathproceed，shallquenchyourblatantoutcry。
TEUCER
AndIoncesawafellowfilledwithfolly，Whogloriedscornfullyinhisneighbour’swoes。
Soitcametopassthatsomeonelikemyself，Andoflikemood，beholdinghimspokethus。
\"Man，actnotwickedlytowardsthedead；
Or，ifthoudost，besurethatthouwiltrueit。\"
Thusdidhemonishthatinfatuateman。
Andlo！yonderIseehim；andasIthink，Heisnoneelsebutthou。DoIspeakriddles？
MENELAUS
Igo。ItweredisgraceshouldanyknowIhadfallentochidingwhereImightchastise。
TEUCER
Begonethen。Fortome’twereworstdisgraceThatIshouldlistentoafool’sidleblustering。
（MENELAUSandhisretinuedepart。）
CHORUS（chanting）
Soonmightyandfellwillthestrifebebegun。
Butspeedilynow，Teucer，Ipraythee，Seeksomefitplaceforhishollowgrave，Whichmen’smemoriesevermoreshallpraise，Asheliestheremoulderingatrest。
（TECMESSAenterswithEURYSACES。）
TEUCER
Lookyonder，wherethechildandwifeofAjaxArehasteninghitheringoodtimetotendThefuneralritesofhisunhappycorpse。
Mychild，comehither。StandnearandlaythyhandAsasuppliantonthyfatherwhobegatthee。
AndkneelimploringlywithlocksofhairHeldinthyhand—mine，andhers，andlastthine—
Thesuppliant’streasure。ButifanyGreekByviolenceshouldteartheefromthiscorpse，ForthatcrimefromthelandmayhebecastUnburied，andhiswholeracefromtherootCutoff，evenasIseverthislock。
There，takeit，boy，andkeepit。LetnoneseekTomovethee；butstillkneelthereandclingfast。
Andyou，likemen，nowomen，byhissideStandanddefendhimtillIcomeagain，WhenIhavedughisgrave，thoughallforbid。
（TEUCERgoesout。）
CHORUS（singing）
strophe1
Whenwillthisagonydrawtoaclose？
Whenwillitcease，thelastofouryearsofexile？
Yearsthatbringmelabouraccurstofhurtlingspears，Woethathathnorespiteorend，Butwide—spreadovertheplainsofTroyWorkssorrowandshameforHellas’sons。
antistrophe1
Wouldhehadvanishedawayfromtheearth，Rapttotheskies，orsunktodevouringHades，HewhofirstrevealedtotheGreekstheuseofarmsLeaguedinfierceconfederatewar！
Ah，toilseternallybreedingtoils！
Yea，hewasthefiendwhowroughtman’sruin。
strophe2
Thewretchaccurst，whatwerehisgifts？
Neithertheglad，festivalwreath，Northedivine，mirth—givingwine—cup；
Nomusicofflutes，soothingandsweet：
Slumberbynight，blissfulandcalm，Nonehebequeathedus。
Andlove’sjoys，alas！lovedidhebanishfromme。
Herecouchingaloneneglected，Withhairbyunceasingdewsdrenchedevermore，wecurseThyshores，OcruelIlium。
antistrophe2
Erewhileagainstterrorbynight，javelinorsword，firmwasourtrust：
Hewasourshield，valiantAjax。
ButnowamaligndemonoffateClaimshim。Alas！When，whenagainShalljoybefallme？
Ohoncemoretostand，whereonthewoodedheadlandTheoceanisbreaking，underTheshadowofSunium’sheight；thencecouldIgreetfromfarThedivinecityofAthens。
（TEUCERenters，followedbyAGAMEMNONandhisretinue。）
TEUCER
InhasteIcome；forthecaptainofthehost，Agamemnon，Ihaveseenhurryinghither。
Toaperversetonguenowwillhegiverein。
AGAMEMNON
Isityou，theytellme，havedaredtostretchyourlipsInsavagerailleryagainstus，unpunished？
’TisyouImean，thecaptivewoman’sson。
Verilyofwell—bornmotherhadyoubeenbred，Superbhadbeenyourboastsandhighyourstrut，Sinceyou，beingnought，havechampionedonewhoisnought，VowingthatnoauthorityisoursByseaorlandtoruletheGreeksoryou。
Arenotthesemonstroustauntstohearfromslaves？
Whatwasthismanwhosepraiseyouvauntsoloudly？
Whitherwenthe，orwherestoodhe，whereIwasnot？
AmongtheGreeksaretherenomenbuthe？
Inevilhour，itseems，didweproclaimThecontestforAchilles’panoply，IfcomewhatmayTeuceristocallusknaves，Andifyouneverwillconsent，thoughworsted，Toaccepttheawardthatseemedjusttomostjudges，Buteithermustkeeppeltinguswithfoulwords，Orstabuscraftilyinyourrageatlosing。
Wheresuchdiscordsarecustomary，neverCouldanylawbestablishedandmaintained，Ifweshouldthrusttherightfulwinnersby，Andbringtherearmosttotheforemostplace。
Butsuchwrongmustbechecked。’TisnotthebigBroad—shoulderedmenonwhomwemostrely；
No，’tisthewisewhoaremasterseverywhere。
Anox，howeverlargeofrib，mayyetBekeptstraightontheroadbyalittlewhip。
Andthiscorrective，Iperceive，willsoonDescendonyou，unlessyouacquiresomewisdom，Who，thoughthismanisdead，amereshadenow，Canwagyourinsolentlipssofreelyandboldly。
Cometoyoursenses：thinkwhatyouarebybirth。
Bringhithersomeoneelse，amanbornfree，Whoinyoursteadmaypleadyourcausebeforeus。
Forwhenyouspeak，thesenseescapesmequite：
Icomprehendnotyourbarbariantongue。
LEADEROFTHECHORUS
Wouldthatyoubothmightlearnwisdomandtemperance。
ThereisnobettercounselIcangiveyou。
TEUCER
Alas！howsoongratitudetothedeadProvestreacherousandvanishesfrommen’sminds，Ifforthee，Ajax，thismanhasnomoreTheleastwordofremembrance，heforwhomoftToilinginbattlethoudidstriskthylife。
Butallthatisforgottenandflungaside。
Thouwhobutnowwastutteringsomuchfolly，Hastthounomemoryleft，howinthathourWhen，pentwithinyourlines，youwerealreadyNomorethanmenofnought，routedinbattle，Healonestoodforthtosaveyou，whiletheflamesWereblazingroundthestern—decksoftheshipsAlready，andwhileHector，leapinghighAcrossthetrench，chargeddownuponthehulls？
Whocheckedthisruin？Wasitnothe，whonowhereSomuchasstoodbesidethee，sothousayest？
Wouldyoudenyheactednoblythere？
Orwhenagainchosenbylot，unbidden，AloneinsinglecombathemetHector？
Fornorunaway’slotdidhecastin，Nolumpofclammyearth，butsuchthatfirstItshouldleaplightlyfromthecrestedhelm？
Hisweretheseexploits；andbesidehimstoodItheslave，thebarbarianmother’sson。
Wretch，withwhatfacecanyouflingforthsuchtaunts？
Knowyounotthatofoldyourfather’sfatherWasPelops，abarbarian，andaPhrygian？
ThatyoursireAtreussetbeforehisbrotherAfeastmostimpiousofhisownchildren’sflesh？
AndfromaCretanmotheryouwereborn，Whomwhenherfatherfoundherwithaparamour，Hedoomedherfordumbfishestodevour。
Beingsuch，doyoureproachmewithmylineage？
Telamonisthefatherwhobegatme，Who，astheforemostchampionoftheGreeks，Wonashisbridemymother，aprincesBybirth，Laomedon’sdaughter：achosenspoilShehadbeengivenhimbyAlcmena’sson。
Thusoftwonobleparentsnoblyborn，HowshouldIshameoneofmyblood，whomnow，Laidlowbysuchcalamity，youwouldthrustUnburiedforth，andfeelnoshametosayit？
Butofthisbesure：wheresoeveryoumaycasthim，Usthreealsowithhimwillyoucastforth。
ForitbeseemsmeinhiscausetodieInsightofall，ratherthanforthesakeOfyourwife—oryourbrother’sshouldIsay？
Lookthennottomyinterest，butyourown。
Forifyouassailme，youshallsoonwishratherTohavebeenacowardthantooboldagainstme。
（ODYSSEUSenters。）
LEADER
Ingoodtime，KingOdysseus，hastthoucome，If’tisthypurposenottoembroilbutreconcile。
ODYSSEUS
Whatisit，friends？FaroffIheardhighwordsFromtheAtreidaeoverthishero’scorpse。
AGAMEMNON
RoyalOdysseus，butnowfromthismanWehavebeenlisteningtomostshamefultaunts。
ODYSSEUS
Howshameful？IcouldfindexcuseforoneWho，whenreviled，retortswithbitterwords。
AGAMEMNON
Yes，Irepaidhisviledeedswithreviling。
ODYSSEUS
Whathashedonetheewherebythouartwronged？
AGAMEMNON
HesayshewillnotleaveyoncorpseunhonouredBysepulture，butwillburyitinmyspite。
ODYSSEUS
Maynowafriendspeakoutthetruth，yetstillAseverplyhisoarinstrokewiththine？
AGAMEMNON
Speak：Ishouldbewitlesselse；fortheeOfalltheGreeksIcountthegreatestfriend。
ODYSSEUS
Thenlisten。Forthegods’sakeventurenotThusruthlesslytocastforththismanunburied：
AndinnowiseletviolencecompeltheeTosuchdeephatethatthoushouldsttreaddownjustice。
Onceformetoothismanwasmyworstfoe，FromthathourwhenIwonAchilles’arms；
Yet，thoughhewassuchtowardsme，IwouldnotsoRepayhimwithdishonourastodenyThatofallGreekswhocametoTroy，noheroSovaliantsaveAchilleshaveIseen。
Soitisnotjustthoushouldstdishonourhim。
Nothimwouldstthoubewronging，butthelawsOfheaven。ItisnotrighteousnesstooutrageAbravemandead，noteventhoughthouhatehim。
AGAMEMNON
Thou，Odysseus，championhimthusagainstme？
ODYSSEUS
Yes；butIhatedhimwhilehatewashonourable。
AGAMEMNON
Shouldstthounotalsotrampleonhimwhendead？
ODYSSEUS
Atreides，glorynotindishonouringtriumphs。
AGAMEMNON
’Tishardforakingtoactwithpiety。
ODYSSEUS
Yetnothardtorespectafriend’swisecounsel。
AGAMEMNON
Agoodmanshouldobeythosewhobearrule。
ODYSSEUS
Relent。’Tisnodefeattoyieldtofriends。
AGAMEMNON
Reflectwhoitistowhomthoudostthisgrace。
ODYSSEUS
Thismanwasoncemyfoe，yetwashenoble。
AGAMEMNON
Canitbethouwiltreverenceadeadfoe？
ODYSSEUS
Hisworthwithmefaroutweighsenmity。
AGAMEMNON
Unstableofimpulsearesuchmenasthou。
ODYSSEUS
Manyarefriendsnowandhereafterfoes。
AGAMEMNON
Doyouthenpraisesuchfriendsasworththewinning？
ODYSSEUS
Iamnotwonttopraiseastubbornsoul。
AGAMEMNON
Cowardsyouwouldhaveusshowourselvesthisday。
ODYSSEUS
Notso，butjustmenbeforealltheGreeks。
AGAMEMNON
Youbidmethenpermitthesefuneralrites？
ODYSSEUS
Evenso：forImyselfshallcometothis。
AGAMEMNON
Alikeinallthingseachworksforhimself。
ODYSSEUS
AndforwhomshouldIwork，ifnotmyself？
AGAMEMNON
Letitbeknownthenasyourdoing，notmine。
ODYSSEUS
Sobeit。Atleastyouwillhaveactednobly。
AGAMEMNON
Nay，butofthisbecertain，thattotheeWillinglywouldIgrantagreaterboon。
Yethe，inthatworldasinthis，shallbeMosthatefultome。Butactasyoudeemfit。
（AGAMEMNONandhisretinuegoout。）
LEADER
Aftersuchproof，Odysseus，afoolonlyCouldsaythatinbornwisdomwasnotthine。
ODYSSEUS
LetTeucerknowthatIshallbehenceforthHisfriend，nolessthanIwasoncehisfoe。
AndIwilljoininburyingthisdeadman，Andshareinallduerites，omittingnoneWhichmortalmentonoblestheroesowe。
TEUCER
NobleOdysseus，forthywordsIpraisetheeWithoutstint。Whollyhastthoubeliedmyfears。
Thou，hisworstfoeamongtheGreeks，hastyetAlonestoodbyhimstaunchly，northoughtfitTogloryandexultoverthedead，Likethatchiefcrazedwitharrogance，whocame，Heandhisbrother，hopingtocastforthThedeadmanshamefullywithoutburial。
MaythereforethesupremeOlympianFather，TherememberingFuryandfulfillingJusticeDestroythesevilemenvilely，evenastheySoughttocastforththisherounjustlyoutraged。
Butpardonme，thousonofoldLaertes，ThatImustscrupletoallowthineaidIntheserites，lestIsodispleasethedead。
Inallelseshareourtoil；andwouldstthoubringAnymanfromthehost，wegrudgetheenot。
Whatelseremains，Iwillprovide。AndknowThatthoutowardsushastactedgenerously。
ODYSSEUS
Itwasmywish。ButifmyhelphereinPleasesyounot，sobeit，Idepart。
（ODYSSEUSgoesout。）
TEUCER
’Tisenough。ToolongisthetimewehavewastedIntalk。Hastesomewithspadestothegrave：
Speedilyhollowit。SomesetthecauldronOnhighamidwreathingflamesreadyfilledForpiousablution。
Thenathirdbandgo，fetchforthfromthetentAllthearmourheonceworeunderhisshield。
Thoutoo，child，lovinglylaythyhandOnthyfather’scorpse，andwithallthystrengthHelpmetolifthim：forthedarkblood—tideStillupwardisstreamingwarmthroughthearteries。
AllthenwhoopenlynowwouldappearFriendstothedead，come，hastenforwards。
Toourvaliantlordthislabourisdue。
Wehaveservednonenobleramongmen。
CHORUS（chanting）
UntohimwhohasseenmaymanifoldknowledgeCome；butbeforehesees，nomanMaydivinewhatdestinyawaitshim。
