Eksodos
Agamemnon
In any case, be quite certain that to you I would grant a larger favor than this. To that man, however, as on earth, so below I give my hatred. But you can do what you will.
1370
Chorus
Whoever denies, Odysseus, that you were born wise in judgment
is a total fool since you have shown it just now.
1375
Odysseus
And now I announce that from this point on I am ready to be Teucer’s friend as much as I
was once his enemy. And I would like to join in the burying of your dead and
share your labors, omitting no service
which mortals should render to their best and bravest warriors.
1380
Teucer
Good Odysseus, I have only praise for your words. You have greatly belied my fears. Of all the Greeks you were his deadliest enemy, and yet you alone have stood by him with helping hand and did not come here and allow yourself in life
to violate the dead Ajax ruthlessly, as did the crazed general who came, since he and his brother wanted to cast out the outraged corpse without burial. Therefore may the Father supreme on Olympus above us,
1385
and the unforgetting Fury and Justice the Fulfiller destroy them for their wickedness with wicked deaths, just as they sought to cast this man out with unmerited, outrageous mistreatment.
But you, progeny of aged Laertes, I hesitate to permit you to touch the corpse in burial,
1390
lest I so offend the dead. In all other tasks do indeed be our partner. And if you wish to bring any soldier of the army with you, he shall be welcome. For the rest, I will make all things ready. But you, Odysseus, know that to us you have been a good and noble friend.
1395
Odysseus
It was my wish to help, but if it is not pleasing to you that I should assist here, I accept your decision and depart.
1400
