Epeisodion 6
Menelaus
nor can a camp be ruled any more with moderation, if it lacks the guarding force of fear and reverence. A man, though he grow his body great and mighty, must expect to fall, even from a light blow. Whoever knows fear and shame both,
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you can be certain that he has found his salvation; but where there is license to attack others and act at will, do not doubt that such a State, though she has run before a favoring wind, will eventually sink with time into the depths.
No, let me see fear, too, established, where fear is fitting;
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let us not think that we can act on our desires without paying the price in pain. These things come by turns. He was once the hot attacker, now it is my hour to glory. And so I warn you not to bury him,
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so that you can avoid falling into your own grave.
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Chorus
Menelaus, after laying down wise precepts, do not then violate the dead.
Teucer
Never again, my fellow Salaminians, will I be amazed if some nobody by birth does wrong,
when those who are reputed to be born of noble blood employ such wrongful sentiments in their arguments.
Come, tell me from the first once more—do you really say that you brought Ajax here to the Greeks as an ally personally recruited by you? Did he not sail of his own accord? As his own master?
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On what grounds are you his commander? On what grounds have you a right to kingship over
the men whom he brought from home? It was as Sparta’s king that you came, not as master over us. Nowhere
was it established among your lawful powers that you should order him any
more than he you.
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You sailed here under the command of others, not as a supreme commander who might at any time exercise authority over Ajax.
No, rule the troops you rule, and use your reverend words to punish them! But this man, whether you or the other general forbid it, I will lay
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in the grave as justice demands, and I will not fear your tongue. It was not at all for
your wife’s sake that Ajax made this expedition, as did those toil-worn
drudges. No, it was for the sake of the oath by which he had sworn, and not
at all for you, since it was not his habit to value nobodies.
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And so when you come here again, bring more heralds, and the leader of the expedition, too. Your bluster could not make me turn to notice you, so long as you are what you are.
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Chorus
Again, I say, in these troubles I cannot approve of such a tone. Harsh words sting, however just they are.
Menelaus
The bowman seems to feel no little grandeur.
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Teucer
I do, since it is no lowly skill that I possess.
Menelaus
How you would boast, if you had a shield!
Teucer
Even without a shield I would be a match for you fully armed.
Menelaus
What a tongue you have! What dreadful anger it feeds!
Teucer
When right is with him, a man’s thoughts may be grand.
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Menelaus
What, is it right that the man who murdered me should prosper?
Teucer
Murdered you? It is truly a strange happening, if in fact you live after being killed.
