Ajax

Sophocles

Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 7: The Ajax. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1891.

  1. save you, and you are the reason. Your spear ravaged my country to nothingness, and another fate has brought down my mother and father, giving them a home in Hades in their death. What homeland, then, could I have without you? What wealth? My welfare is entirely in your hands.
  2. So remember me, too. A true man should cherish remembrance, if anywhere he takes some pleasure. It is kindness that always begets kindness. But whoever lets the memory of benefits seep from him, he can no longer be a noble man.
Chorus
  1. Ajax, I wish that pity touched your heart as it does mine. Then you would approve her words.
Ajax
  1. She will have approval as far as I am concerned, if only she takes heart and graciously does my bidding.
Tecmessa
  1. Dear Ajax, I will obey you in everything.
Ajax
  1. Then bring me my son, so that I may see him.
Tecmessa
  1. But in my fear I released him from my keeping.
Ajax
  1. Because of these troubles of mine? Or what do you mean?