Stasimon 2
[Choral 1]
Ah, good sailors, you alone of my friends
Ajax
who alone still abide by the true bond of friendship, see how great a wave has just now crested over and broken around me, set on by a murderous storm!
350
Chorus
Ah, lady, too true, it seems, was your testimony!
The fact proves that he is not sane.
355
Ajax
Ah, you clan staunch in maritime skill, who embarked and stroked the oar-blade upon the brine, in you, in you alone
I see a defense against suffering. Come, slay me on top of these!
360
Chorus
Hush! Speak words of better omen! Do not cure evil by prescribing evil; do not increase the anguish of your mad disaster.
[Choral 2]
Do you see the bold, the strong of heart,
Ajax
the dauntless in battles with the enemy—do you see me now, terrible in the force of my hands against beasts unformidable? Oh, the mockery! How I have been violated!
365
Tecmessa
Ajax, my lord, I beg you, do not talk this way!
Ajax
Away with you! Will you not take yourself outside!
Chorus
By the gods I plead, give way and acquire good sense!
Ajax
My rotten fortune!—I let slip from my grasp those men who were begging for punishment,
and fell instead on cattle with twisted horns and fine goats, making their dark blood flow!
375
Chorus
Why grieve when the deed is past recall? These things can never be but as they are.
Ajax
Ah, you who spy out all things,
you ready tool of every crime, ah, son of Laertes, you filthiest sneak in all the army, I am sure you laugh loud and long for joy!
380
Chorus
It is at the god’s dispensation that every man both laughs and mourns.
Ajax
Yet if only I could see him, even shattered as I am!
