Epeisodion 5
Messenger
Friends, my first news is this:
Teucer has just now returned from the Mysian heights. He has come to the generals’
quarters mid-camp, and is being shouted at by all the Greeks at once.
Recognizing him from a distance as he approached, they gathered around
him
720
and then pelted him with jeers from every side—no one held back—calling him the brother of the maniac, of the plotter against the army, and saying that he would not be able to avoid entirely losing flesh and life before their flying stones. In this way they had come to the point where swords
725
had been plucked from sheaths and were drawn in their hands. But then the conflict, when it had nearly run its full course, was halted by the conciliatory words of the elders. But where shall I find Ajax, to tell him this? To our lord I must tell all.
730
Chorus
He is not inside, but is recently departed. He has yoked a new purpose to his new mood.
735
Messenger
No! Oh, no! Too late, then, was he who sent me on this errand, or I myself came too slowly.
Chorus
What is this urgent matter? What part of it has been neglected?
740
Messenger
Teucer declared that Ajax should not slip out of the house, until he himself arrives.
Chorus
Well, he is departed, I repeat, bent on the purpose that is best for him—to be rid of his anger at the gods.
Messenger
These words betray great foolishness, if there is any wisdom in the prophecies of Calchas.
745
Chorus
What does he prophesy? What knowledge of this affair do you bring?
Messenger
This much I know and witnessed on the spot. Leaving the royal circle of the chiefs who sat in council,
Calchas separated himself from the Atreidae and put his right hand with all kindness into the hand of Teucer. The prophet then addressed him and strictly commanded him to use every possible resource to keep Ajax inside his tent for the duration of this day that now shines on us, and to prevent him from moving about
750
if he wished ever to look on him alive. For this day alone will the anger of divine
Athena lash at him. That was the prophet’s warning. Yes, the seer went on
to explain, lives that have grown too proud and no longer yield good fall
on grave difficulties sent from the gods,
755
especially when someone born to man’s estate forgets that fact by thinking thoughts too
high for man. And Ajax, even at the time he first set out from home, showed
himself foolish, when his father advised him well. For Telamon told him, My
son, seek victory in arms, but always seek it with the help of god. Then with a tall boast and foolishly he replied, Father, with the help of the gods even a worthless man might achieve victory; but I, even without that help, fully trust to bring that glory within my grasp.
760
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.
770
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.
780
Chorus
Poor Tecmessa, born to misery,
come out and see this man and his news. The razor lies close at our throat, poised to cut off all joy.
785
Tecmessa
Why do you stir me from my place of rest, when I have just found peace from those relentless troubles?
Chorus
Listen to this man, and
hear the news of Ajax that he has brought us—news at which I felt sudden grief.
790
Tecmessa
Oh, no, what is your news, man? Surely we are not ruined?
Messenger
I have no clue of your condition, but know only that, if Ajax is away, I have little hope for him.
Tecmessa
But he is away, so I am in agony to know what you mean.
Messenger
Teucer strictly commands that you keep Ajax under shelter of his tent and not allow him to go out alone.
795
Tecmessa
But where is Teucer? And why these orders?
Messenger
He has just now returned, and he suspects that such a departure carries death for Ajax.
Tecmessa
Oh, misery! From whom can he have learned this?
800
Messenger
From Thestor’s son, the prophet. His prophecy applies to today, when the issue is one of
life or death for Ajax.
