Prologos
Odysseus
No, by the gods, let it content you that he stay inside.
Athena
What is the danger? Was he not a man before?
Odysseus
Yes, a man hostile to me in the past, and especially now.
Athena
And is not the sweetest mockery the mockery of enemies?
Odysseus
I am content that he stay within his tent.
80
Athena
Do you fear to see a madman right before your eyes?
Odysseus
I would not shrink from him in fear, if he were sane.
Athena
But he will not see you now, even though you stand nearby.
Odysseus
How could that be, if he still sees with the same eyes?
Athena
I shall darken them, though their sight is keen.
85
Odysseus
It is true: all is possible when a god contrives.
Athena
Stand silent, then, and stay where you are.
Odysseus
I must stay. But I would prefer to be far from here!
Athena
You there, Ajax, once again I call you! Why do you show so little regard for your ally?
Ajax
Welcome, Athena! Welcome, daughter sprung from Zeus! How well have you stood by me! I will crown you with trophies of pure gold in gratitude for this quarry!
Athena
A fine pledge. But tell me this—have you dyed your sword well in the Greek army?
Ajax
I can make that boast. I do not deny it.
Athena
And have you launched your armed hand against the Atreidae?
Ajax
Yes, so that never again will they dishonor Ajax.
Athena
The men are dead, as I interpret your words.
Ajax
Dead they are. Now let them rob me of my arms!
100
Athena
I see. And the son of Laertes, how does his fortune with respect to you? Has he escaped you?
Ajax
That blasted fox! You ask me where he is?
Athena
Yes, I do. I mean Odysseus, your adversary.
Ajax
My most pleasing prisoner, mistress, he sits inside. I do not wish him to die just yet.
105
Athena
Until you do what? Or win what greater advantage?
Ajax
Until he be bound to a pillar beneath my roof—
Athena
What evil, then, will you inflict on the poor man?
Ajax
—and have his back crimsoned by the lash, before he dies.
110
Athena
Do not abuse the poor man so cruelly!
