Stasimon 1
[Episode]
What other raiment wilt thou need than this?
DOLON.
A garb for work, for night; a thieving guise.
205
LEADER.
’Tis good to learn the wisdoms of the wise.
What will thy wrapping be?
DOLON.
A grey wolf’s hide
Shall wrap my body close on either side;
My head shall be the mask of gleaming teeth,
My arms fit in the forepaws, like a sheath,
210
My thighs in the hinder parts. No Greek shall tell
’Tis not a wolf that walks, half visible,
On four feet by the trenches and around
The ship-screen. When it comes to empty ground
It stands on two.—That is the plan, my friend!
215
LEADER.
Now Maian Hermes guide thee to thy end
And home safe! Well he loves all counterfeit . . .
Good work is there; may good luck go with it!
DOLON
There, and then back! . . . And on this belt shall bleed
Odysseus’ head—or why not Diomede?—
220
To prove my truth. Ere dawn can touch the land
I shall be here, and blood upon my hand.