Epeisodion 6
Tecmessa
Then let them mock and rejoice at this man’s misery. Perhaps, even though they did not
cherish him while he lived, they will lament his death, when they meet with
the difficulties of war. Men of crooked judgment do not know what good
they have in their hands until they have thrown it away. His death is more bitter to me than it is sweet to the Greeks; but in any case to Ajax himself it is a joy, since he has accomplished all that he desired to get—his longed-for death. So why should they exult over him?
965
He died before the gods, not at all before them—no! And so let Odysseus toss his insults in empty glee. For them Ajax is no more; for me he is gone, abandoning me to anguish and mourning.
970
Chorus
Quiet—I think I hear the voice of Teucer striking a note that points to this disaster.
975
Teucer
Beloved Ajax, brother whose face was so dear to me, have you truly fared as the mighty rumor says?
Chorus
He is dead, Teucer. Take it as fact.
Teucer
Then I am destroyed by my heavy fortune!
980
Chorus
When things stand as they do—
Teucer
Ah, misery, misery!
Chorus
—you have cause to mourn.
Chorus
Yes, Teucer, far too rash.
Teucer
Ah, misery—what about the man’s child? Where in all of Troy can I find him?
Chorus
He is alone near the tent.
985
Teucer
Then bring him here right away, so that we may prevent some enemy from snatching him away, as a hunter snatches a cub from a lioness and leaves her barren! Go quickly; give me your help! It is the habit of men everywhere to laugh in triumph over the dead when they are mere corpses on the ground.
985
Chorus
Yes, while still alive, Teucer, Ajax ordered you to care for the child, just as you are in fact doing.
990
Teucer
This sight is truly most painful to me of all that my eyes have seen.
And the journey truly loathsome to my heart above all other journeys is this one that I have just now made while pursuing and scouting out your footsteps, dearest Ajax, once I learned of your fate! For a swift rumor about you, as if sent from some god, passed throughout all the Greek army, telling that you were dead and gone.
995
I heard the rumor while still far away from you, and I groaned quietly in sadness. But now that I see its truth, my heart is utterly shattered! Oh, god!
Come, uncover him; let me see the worst. The corpse of Ajax is uncovered.
O face painful to look upon and full of cruel boldness,
1000
