Chorus
Poor Tecmessa, born to misery,
[785]
come out and see this man and his news. The razor lies close at our throat, poised to cut off all joy.
Enter Tecmessa, with Eurysaces.
Tecmessa
Why do you stir me from my place of rest, when I have just found peace from those relentless troubles?
Chorus
Listen to this man, and
[790]
hear the news of Ajax that he has brought us—news at which I felt sudden grief.
Tecmessa
Oh, no, what is your news, man? Surely we are not ruined?
Messenger
I have no clue of your condition, but know only that, if Ajax is away, I have little hope for him.
Tecmessa
But he is away, so I am in agony to know what you mean.
Messenger
[795]
Teucer strictly commands that you keep Ajax under shelter of his tent and not allow him to go out alone.
Tecmessa
But where is Teucer? And why these orders?
Messenger
He has just now returned, and he suspects that such a departure carries death for Ajax.
Tecmessa
[800]
Oh, misery! From whom can he have learned this?
Messenger
From Thestor's son, the prophet. His prophecy applies to today, when the issue is one of life or death for Ajax.
Tecmessa
Ah, me! My friends, protect me from the doom threatened by fate! Hurry, some of you, to speed Teucer's coming;
[805]
let others go to the westward bays, and others to the eastward, and there seek the man's disastrous path. I see now that I have been deceived by my husband and cast out of the favor that I once had with him. Ah, my child, what shall I do? I must not sit idle.
[810]
I too will go as far as my strength will carry me. Move, let us be quick, this is no time to sit still, if we wish to save a man who is eager for death.
Chorus
I am ready to help, and I will show it in more than word. Speed of action and speed of foot will follow together.Exeunt Tecmessa and the Chorus. A Servant takes Eurysaces into the tent. The scene changes to a lonely place on the shore. Enter Ajax, still with sword.
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Sophocles. The Ajax of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1893.
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