Ajax

Sophocles

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

  1. So much he boasted. Then once again in answer to divine Athena—at a time when she was urging him forward and telling him to turn a deadly hand against the enemy—he answered her with words terrible and blasphemous, Queen, stand beside the other Greeks; where Ajax stands, battle will never break our line. It was by such words, you must know, that he won for himself the intolerable anger of the goddess since his thoughts were too high for man. But if he survives this day, perhaps with the god’s help we may find means to save him.
  2. With those words the seer finished, and at once Teucer rose from his seat and sent me with these orders for you to follow. But if I have been cheated of success, Ajax does not live. Otherwise Calchas has no skill.
Chorus
  1. Poor Tecmessa, born to misery,
  2. come out and see this man and his news. The razor lies close at our throat, poised to cut off all joy.
    Tecmessa
    1. Why do you stir me from my place of rest, when I have just found peace from those relentless troubles?
    Chorus
    1. Listen to this man, and
    2. hear the news of Ajax that he has brought us—news at which I felt sudden grief.
    Tecmessa
    1. Oh, no, what is your news, man? Surely we are not ruined?