Ajax

Sophocles

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

  1. so that he may become the comfort of their age into eternity until they come to the deep hollows of the god below. And order him that no commissioners of games, nor he who is my destroyer, should make my arms a prize for the Greeks. No, you take this for my sake, Son, my broad shield from which you have your name.
  2. Hold it and wield it by the sturdy thong, this sevenfold, spear-proof shield! But the rest of my arms shall be my gravemates.
  3. Come, take the child right away, shut tight the doors and make no laments before the house.
  4. God, what a weepy thing is woman. Quick, close the house! It is not for a skilful doctor to moan incantations over a wound that craves the knife.
Chorus
  1. I am afraid when I hear this eager haste. Your tongue’s sharp edge does not please me.
Tecmessa
  1. Ajax, my lord, what can you have in mind?
Ajax
  1. Do not keep asking me, do not keep questioning. Self-restraint is a virtue.
Tecmessa
  1. Ah, how I despair! Now, by your child, by the gods, I implore you, do not betray us!