Stasimon 1
[Episode]
One that fits my task and furtive steps.
205
Chorus Leader
One should ever learn wisdom from the wise; tell me, what will be your equipment?
Dolon
I will fasten a wolf-skin about my back, and over my head put the brute’s gaping jaws;
then fitting its fore-feet to ny hands and its hind-feet to my legs, I will go on all-fours in imitation of a wolf’s gait to puzzle the enemy, when I approach their trenches and barriers round the ships. Rut whenever I come to a deserted spot,
210
I will walk on two feet; such is the ruse I have decided on.
215
Chorus Leader
May Hermes, Maia’s child, escort you safely there and back, prince of tricksters as he is! You know what you have to do; good luck is all you need now.
Dolon
I shall return in safety, and bring to you the head of Odysseus
when I have slain him, or the son of Tydeus, and with this clear proof before you you shall assert that Dolon went to the Argive fleet; for, before the dawn, I will come back home with bloodstained hand. Exit Dolon.
220
[Choral 1]
Lord of Thymbra and of Delos, who haunt
Chorus
your temple in Lycia, Apollo, O divine head, come with all your archery, appear this night, and by your guidance save this man,
225
and aid the Dardanians, O almighty god whose hands in days of old built the walls of Troy.
230
May he come to the ships! May he reach the army of Hellas and spy it out, then turn again and reach the altars of his father’s
May he mount the chariot drawn by Phthia’s horses, when our master has sacked Achaea’s camp,
those horses that the sea-god gave to Peleus, son of Aeacus.
240
[Choral 2]
For he alone had heart enough for home and country to go and spy on the naval station; I admire
Chorus
his spirit; how few stout hearts there are, when on the sea the sunlight dies and the city labors in the surge.
245
Phrygia yet has left a valiant few, and bold hearts in the battle’s press; it is only Mysia’s sons who scorn us as allies.
250
Which of the Achaeans will the earth-treading murderer slay
in their beds, as he pretends to be a four-footed beast on the ground? May he lay Menelaus low, slay Agamemnon and bring his head
255
