ajax transcribed

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SOPHOCLES' AJAX (TRANS. TIPTON) ATHENA Often, Odysseus, I have seen you on the hunt pressing an enemy. Now you come to Ajax' tent at the end of the line. So the trail leads you here with fresh tracks and you see they go in and come out. You bloodhound-snout to the ground! Yes, the man just went in, . his head sweating, his hands bloody. But no need to look inside - he is there. Tell me, why the hurry? Perhaps I can help. ODYSSEUS The voice of Athena-my goddess! I know you-can't see you but that voice in my head rings like a bright bronze horn. You know me too well-yes, I've been circling this soldier's tent. The trail leads here, no further . Last night something very strange happened. It looks like Ajax is responsible. No one saw clearly-only guesses - and I want to confirm it. We just cliscovered a bloody mess: Our captured cattle all dead, butchered along with the herdsmen watching them. Everyone suspects Ajax of it because a picket said he saw him running with a freshly bloodied weapon, moving fast. I came right away and picked up the trail along

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Page 1: AJAX Transcribed

SOPHOCLES' AJAX (TRANS. TIPTON)ATHENAOften, Odysseus, I have seen youon the hunt pressing an enemy.Now you come to Ajax' tentat the end of the line.So the trail leads you herewith fresh tracks and you seethey go in and come out.You bloodhound-snout to the ground!Yes, the man just went in, .his head sweating, his hands bloody.But no need to look inside -he is there.

Tell me, whythe hurry?

Perhaps I can help.ODYSSEUSThe voice of Athena-my goddess!I know you-can't see youbut that voice in my headrings like a bright bronze horn.

You know me too well-yes,I've been circling this soldier's tent.The trail leads here, no further .Last night something very strange happened.It looks like Ajax is responsible.No one saw clearly-only guesses -and I want to confirm it.We just cliscovered a bloody mess:Our captured cattle all dead, butcheredalong with the herdsmen watching them.Everyone suspects Ajax of it becausea picket said he saw himrunning with a freshly bloodied weapon,moving fast.

I came right awayand picked up the trail alongwith other tracks I don't recognize.As always you're just in time;you can steer me from here.

ATHENAYes, Odysseus, I watched the progressof your hunt with some interest.

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ODYSSEUSHow have I done, my goddess?

ATHENAHe is the man you want.

ODYSSEUSWhat stupidity drove him to it?

ATHENAAn uncontrollable anger over Achilles' arms.

ODYSSEUSThen why kill animals and shepherds?

ATHENAHe thought you stained his hands.

ODYSSEUSSo he planned to attack Greeks?

ATHENAAnd would have but for me.

ODYSSEUSHow could he be so bold?

ATHENAHe moved under cover of night.

ODYSSEUSThen why didn't he reach us?

ATHENAHe was just outside your tents.

ODYSSEUSWhat stopped him from murdering us?

ATHENAI stopped him, made him hallucinate,diverted his eyes from his desire.I turned him on the herdand the guards posted on watch.He jumped in striking at horns,severing spines in circles around him.

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He thought he killed the Atreidsand was attacking some other generals.I made him sick with rage,drew him tighter in the net,and soon the work exhausted him.He tied up anything still aliveand led them to his tentthinking oxen and rams were men.He has them trussed for torture.

Let me show you this sicknessso you can tell the Greeks.Stay calm. He cannot harm you.I will make his vision dim;he will not see your face.

You there, with the prisoners inside,put down those ropes a moment!Ajax, come! Step outside the tent!

ODYSSEUSWhat are you doing, Athena? Don't!

ATHENAQuiet-stop being such a coward.

ODYSSEUSNo, he's fine where he is.

ATHENAWhy? He is just a man.

ODYSSEUSYes, but I can't stand him.

ATHENAIsn't it sweet to mock him?

ODYSSEUSI'm happy enough with him inside.

ATHENAAre you afraid of his raving?

ODYSSEUSSure, I wouldn't be afraid otherwise.

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ATHENAHe cannot see you, even nearby.

ODYSSEUSHe still has eyes, doesn't be?

ATHENAI will wrap him in darkness.

ODYSSEUSI guess gods can work tricks.

ATHENANow be silent and stand still.

ODYSSEUSFine, but I'd rather be gone ...

ATHENAAjax! I have to call twice?This is how you treat friends?

AJAXHail, Athena! Hail, daughter of Zeus!My ally.

I'm just about tocrown your altar with these spoils .

ATHENA.Excellent news.

But tell me this:was your weapon aimed at Greeks?

AJAXYes! Proudly. I won't deny it.

ATHENAAnd did you attack the Atreids?

AJAXThey won't insult Ajax ever again.

ATHENASo I gather you killed them?

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A.JAXDead.

Let them steal weapons now.

ATHENAWell then, what about Laertes' son?Did he get away from you?

A.JAXWant to know about that bastard?

ATHENAYes-Odysseus, your nemesis-tell me.

A.JAXMy favorite prisoner is inside, goddess.I won't kill him just yet.

ATHENAWhy not? What are you doing?

A.JAXFirst, he's tied to a post ...

ATHENAAnd then? What will you do?

A.JAX... then whipped bloody ... then he dies.

ATHENAYou go a little too far.

A.JAXWhatever else pleases you I'll dobut he gets what he deserves.

ATHENASince you seem to enjoy yourself,go-let your mind run wild.

AJAXBack to work.Grant me this:that you fight beside me ... always.

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ATHENASee what gods can do, Odysseus?Who was more sane than Ajax?Did anyone act with better judgment?

ODYSSEUSNo.I feel sorry for himeven though he's still no friend.He's completely out of his mindand that could easily be me.

If you stare hard at lifeyou see we're nothing but shadows.

ATHENATake a good look and learn.Do not brag to the gods.

Never be arrogant because you thinkyourself stronger or richer than anyone.One day can change it all.This is human life.

Gods lovethe wise but hate a fool.

CHORUSa child

the oceanSalamis silt sea bed

if it were differentgod could strike againthe Greeks tell lieshe seems as waryas a dove's eye

the night now shotdawn astounds from tomorrow

while crazy horses wanderthe meadows kill Greeksroot and brancha breath draws underthe zodiac of firelistens to whispers billow

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Odysseus' necklace of earshears what he saystheJool will imaginehis own better endingin which you die

the price of fameeven the dead askwho won't believe it

he once was luckyseemed to rise upheld on the shouldersof his adoring enemies

buoyed by their screamsit's beyond you nowto make out voicesin all the noise

stop him from shoutingit can't hurt muchwhen the eye shutsyou'll hear birds callit will only opento a vulture's menaceand a silent throat

Artemis fond of bulls STROPHEthe story goesit's such a shamepushed on the millina herdshe's jealous that you cheated herof some prizefalse

ungiftedon the hunt

or was it branzebodied War?the spear lays blame nightlydisgrace makes its plan

out of your mind ANTISTROPHETelamon's good boy

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to hack at cattleinspired my boy really inspiredrumor and Zeus and Phoebus refuseif by shametwo kings allege you mythicthe image of Sisyphus' kindon't don't stay inside siror the rumor fits

on your feet EPODE you're off balancewhile you stagger on the sidelinesan idiot makes headlinesso easy and so arroganta walk in the porkmake them hysteric

you'll laugh someday ifyou survive the pain

TECMESSAFriends of Ajax, shipmates,tribe of earth born Erechtheus,all of you homesickfor Telamon's distant country,I have painful news:massive, powerful Ajaxis sick and troubled.

CHORUSwhat does day swapfor night's weight?Teleutas had a childyou're that shotgun concubineAjax took and favorswhat you could tell

TECMESSAWhere do I start?It hurts to say.

"The" Ajax is insane -he raved, all night.He's in the tentcaked in dried blood.His victims speak volumes.

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CHORUSis it starting to clear himself? STROPHEhe'll outrun you the brutal trutha story's as famous asthe men who tell itit's easy to see where this is headedkill him with frantic hands heapcattle and minders ina black stinking pile

TECMESSAFrom-there-he came,leading by tether animalswhose throats he cutand ribs stove in.He took two rams,severed tongue then headfrom one, the otherhe strung upand used a harnessto whip it senseless,cutting and cursing itlike a man possessed.

CHORUSnow it closes hoods the head ANTISTROPHEtheft of feet that can moveto thrash for an oardropped from a quick shipthe double Atreid plied threats mount and breakAres just a stone's throw offBet away from himhe'11 take you under

TECMESSAEnough-it's over now.The storm has calmed ,but sanity is painful.He sees the mess-no one else's fault.That's hard to take.

CHORUSbut if he's over it's goodthe spell passes and doesn't matter

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TECMESSAI don't know which I'd pick:hurting while my husband enjoys himselfor misery for both of us.

CHORUSdouble up woman it gets better

TECMESSAHe's no longer sick-he's worse.

CHORUShow is it what you say?

TECMESSAAt least while he was sickhe was happy in his havoc;I was the one in pain.But after he could breathe againthe ugly truth poured over him.I'm no better now than beforeand his problems have just doubled.

CHORUSyou're right

must be from godstruck so

even after it goeshe's no better off than crazy

TECMESSABut that's how things stand now.

CHORUSwhere does bad luck fly from?tell your Story share the ori1

TECMESSAHere's as much as 1 know:in the middle of the night,after the fires died, he rose,armed, and began to go out.I nagged him and I said,"What's the matter? There's no alarm,is there? Where are you going?The entire army is still asleep."

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He gave me that old line:"Woman, silence makes women more beautiful."He obviously wanted to be alone.I don't know what happened outsidebut he returned leading a mobof hobbled bulls, dogs, and sheep.

He began to break their necks ...slit their throats ...

cut their spines ...some he tied up and tortured.

He went outside ranting at phantoms,talking to nobody about the Atreidsand Odysseus, breaking into scary laughter,bragging how he'd make them pay.

But after he came back inhe slowly began to regain sense.He looked around, saw the wreck,started beating his head and shouting.He sat down among the carcassesand began pulling at his hair.

After he was silent a whilehe finally spoke and threatened meif I didn't tell what happened.He asked what he had done.Iwas afraid to say anythingbut told him what Iknew.He began to shake and cry.l've never seen him that way.He's always said that only cowardsand the weak show their emotions.The most I'd heard from himWas a bull's groan-heavy and low.

Now he sits in there dazed.He won't eat or drink. anything,surrounded by those butchered animals,

motionless.He's going to do something bad.He's moaning and muttering to himself.That's why I came out here.I need to get him help,friends who can calm him down.

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CHORUSTecmessa tells a terrible storythe man's been inspired by evil

A.JAXNo! No! No!

TECMESSAIt's going to get worse soon.Do you hear Ajax? That shouting?

AJAXNo! No! Noooooooo!

CHORUSeither he's sick or he's seenwhat he's done in the night

AJAXWhere's my son?

TECMESSAGod!

He's calling for you, Eurysaces.Where are you?

What's he want?AJAXTeucer!

Wbere is my brother, Teucer?!He's wasting time while I'm suffocating!

CHORUShe's in control let him outthe daylight will sober him up

TECMESSAOpen it. Look,

see for yourselfwhat he's done -

did to himself.

A.lAXHal STROPHESailors-my only friends -it's apt you're here.See how just now

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a wave of bloodbroke all around me.

CHORUSshe's got it right it seemsthe matter's out of his mind

AJAXAgh! ANTISTROPHEMy crew of sailorswho churned the water.You're the only oneswho can end this:please, just kill me.

CHURUSwell spoken

sensible pile it on

can't take it? then kill it

A.JAXLook at me: huge, STROPHEstrong, fearless in combat.I murdered farm animals.I'm nothing but a stupid joke.

TECMESSAStop it-don't talk that way.

AJAXStill here? Why haven't you left?

Fuck.FUCK!

TECMESSAIt's done.

Now stop talking nonsense.

A.JAXIdiot.

I releasedthe ones responsible,hacked at spiral hornsand pretty herds of goats.I'm drenched black.

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CHORUSwhy do you worry the past?it can't be what it isn't

A.JAXIt's all clear now. ANTISTROPHELaertes' son, the tool,the army's biggest bastard,enjoys a good laugh on me.

CHORUSon& god gives laughter and wailing

AJAXI'd just like to find him.

Damn it!

CHORUSkeep talking you'll make it worse

AJAXZeus, my ancestor,how can Ikill that fool andthe two brothers, OUrkings,and then die?

TECMESSAYou're asking for my death too.How could I Survive without you?

AJAXHeh. STROPHEBright oblivion-hell shines for me.Come take me home.Take me! I'm not fitto call on some godor even see another daynow that Zeus'daughter, harsh goddess,has ruined me.Where to run?

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Where to stay?My life ended,friends ...with these animalson a useless hunt.Now the entire armyclenches fists.

TECMESSAYou're pathetic.

You say things nowthat you would never tolerate before.

AJAXAgh! ANTISTROPHERushing water,tidal caves, and thicketsfor far too longhave COveredme at Troywithout once letting me breathe.Anyone with sense could see.By the Skamanderand nearby streamsmalignant to Greeksnot one manhas there been-write it down -of all thosearmed at Troy,no one matched me.And now I liein shame.

CHORUScan't stop what he can't tolkhe's fallen in a bad way

AJAXNow when people hear my namewhat will they think?

A catastrophe."Ajax' Catastrophe" has a nice ring.I'm a double, no, triple disaster.My father came here to Ida.He was decorated for his courage.He brought fame home with him.

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Here's his son, the same place,just as strong as he wasand I'm no less a soldier.I've become an embarrassment to Greeks.

But I do know this much:if Achilles had awarded his armshe would have picked the strongest;no one would have cheated me.The generals planned this with Odysseus;they pushed me to the side.If I'd kept my eyes openand hadn't been distracted , there wouldn't beawards like that with rigged votes.

Then Zeus' daughter, hard, glaring Athena,she took me by the handand led me stumbling into sickness.I washed hands in cow bloodwhile my enemies ran away laughing.

It wasn't by choice.But when

gods get involved, Winners become losers.

What now?The gods hate me.

That's obvious.So do the Greeks.

Even this Trojan dirt hates me.What if I leave the harbor,sail across the Aegean, go home?How will I look at him-Telamon?

How will he see me?I'll be naked without self-respect.He wears success like a badge.I couldn't take it.

Then what?Back to the front by myself?Do something heroic and get killed?But that would please the generals.No.

I can find something better,a way to show my father

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that his son's not a coward..Longevity is ugly for a manif life doesn't get any better.

What pleasure is there in daysthat just stretch out to death?I wouldn't give a single centfor a life filled with delusions.Either live well or die well;that's all there is to it.

CHORUSno longer the instrument of anotherAjax your mind is your mindso take some advice from friendsif you can't think they can

TECMESSAAjax, there's nothing you can do.There's never anything anyone can do.

I was born free, my fatheras powerful as anyone in Phrygia.Now you hold title to meand you make all my decisions.

You took me.I accepted you.

Please, Ajax, for our home's sakeand for the bed we share,don't leave me to your enemies.Don't make me follow another man.Because when you die or disappear,I know on that same dayI'll be dragged away by Greeksalongwith your son-into slavery.I can hear what they'll say:"Well, look at her-Ajax' woman.He was the army's champion once.Now she works for the competition."

They'll taunt me like that, yes,but Jour family will be shamed.You'll disgrace your father, growing oldback home.

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You'll disgrace your mother.

She's seen her share and oftenprayed that you would come back.

But think of your son, Ajax.He won't have a proper upbringing,an orphan without real family.

What's worse?That's What your death would do.

1don't have anyone but you.You took my father from me.Life dealt my mother different cards,but death caught her as well.I have no home but yours.No livelihood_my salvation is you.Please think of me.

A manshould remember if he enjoyed himself.Favors deserve a favor in return.But if he can't remember kindness,what kind of man is he?

CHORUSit's a pity Ajax a pityher ward wants its own approval

A.JAXYou can count on a favorif you do as I say.

TECMESSASay it, Ajax, I'll do it.

A.JAXI want to see my son.

TECMESSAHe's not here ... I was afraid ..

AJAXDuring the commotion? Is that it?

TECMESSAYes, I didn't want him burt.

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AJAXI would have done the same.

TECIMESSABut, just in case, he's safe.

AJAXGood.

You did a wise thing.

TECMESSAHow else can I help you?,AJAXNo, I want to see him.

TECMESSAHe's nearby.

A servant's watching him.

AJAXThen why don't you bring him?

TECMESSAEurysaces, your father's calling.

Bring himand put him into Ajax' hands.

AJAXIs he coming?

Didn't they hear?

TECMESSAHere they come.

Here he is.

AJAXBring him.

He won't be afraidof the weapon or the blood,not if he's truly my son.It's the rough rules I follow;he has to be broken in.

Hope you're luckier than I, boy.

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If you're like me otherwise, good.Right now I'm a little jealous:youl don't know what's going on.Life's Sweet when you know nothing,before learning to celebrate or regret.

When you reach manhood show them-our enemies-what you got from me.Until then breathe the clear air,grow up, be your mother's delight.Greeks won't do you any harmeven when I'm no longer around.I'll leave Teucer to guard you.He'll raise you, keep you safeonce he returns from the fighting.

All you soldiers and sailors here,I'll ask a favor of you.Give the following instructions to Teucer:take the boy to my home,show him to Telamon and Eriboeahave him care for my parentsuntil they meet the god below.

No judges will award my equipmentto others, not to my rivals.But you, son, take your namesake,Eurysaces: Broad Shield.

Hold the strap -seven unbroken folds of taut oxhide.Bury my other arms with me.

Here, quick, take this kid away.

Seal up the house. No crying.

Stop being so damn sentimental, woman.Cover up.

Good surgeons don't praywhen it's time to start cutting.

CHORUSdesire can be a deadly thinathe tongue's a blade that threatens

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TECMESSAWhat do you plan to do?

A.JAXDon't ask.

Self-control is best.

TECMESSAMy blood's cold.

For Eurysaces' sake,for god's sake, don't do this.

AJAXYou're starting to whine too much.And when have gods helped me?

TECMESSADon't blaspheme.

AJAXTell someone who cares.

TECMESSAWon't you listen?

A.JAX I've heard enough.

TECMESSAI'm afraid, Ajax.

A.JAXShut the doors!

TECMESSAGod, calm down.

A.JAX Don't be stupid.

You know me better than that .

START EDITING HERECHORUShome is somewhere elsethe good island beatsits head above water

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fir where the lang time absenceS'!fJering on the plain if Troythe monthsfiow byuncOunted and wornSTROPHEwithfalse hopesthat escape to the place the pitforgetsAjax gets in linebehind the other problemsthat room With madnesswas quick in the Wo/ bifOrenow his mind an empty fieldwherefriendsjind hUTtat his handshis best 8!finotfriends theyfill theyJell like kingsANTlSTROPHEWas old as 0 day isInyour mothers white head when .. PH........STROPHEthe mind eatsalone alone aloneis not the nightingale's bird anguishis her sharp-toned song <if unluckdrum the chestto kept timethump and tear her hair out-ROPHEthat hidden in hell is betterthan the best <if his race<if strugBling GreeksJed on angerstead)' it was but now wandersshamefather whenyou learn itthe disturbed childANTiSTROPHEHAll of e\'erything-;[ never ends.Secrets emerge and facts are buried.Eventually nothing should urprtse.Tim" br akswho's Brown schizophreniccome <if age in thefamilyOurpromises and Ourstrong will.

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Once I withstood anything that came,like steel. I've lost my edgethinking what would happen to her,widowed, orphaned child, left to enemies.I'll go wash by the shoreand clean this filth offmenow that the sickness has passed.I'll go to a trackless placeand I'll caver this ugly weapon,bury it where no one sees.Night and hell can have it.I took it with this handfrom jinxed Hector as a gut_Igot no prize from Greeks.But what they say is true:an enemy's offering is no gift.I'll give the gods the futureand learn respect for the Atreids.4664 6747ies.They rule-I submit.What else?Every strong thing has to fade:the coldest winter, thick with snow,makes way for a lush summer;the stretch of worst night endsin the white dazzle of day;there are winds that can calmany groaning ocean; and even sleepin time must release its prisoners.What else could we reasonably think?For me, I've learned well thatyou should hate only so muchenemiesbecome friends.And a friendyou should help only so much.No one stays by you forever.Companions will give you false shelter.In the end it works out.Go in, woman, and pray thatthe gods grant what I seek.And my friends, respect my wishes.TelJ my brother when he comesto care for me and you.

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I'm going where I have to.Do What I say.Soon you'l1hear that my problem is solved .•CHORUSprickle and shake nervaus and highyo-he Pan's here Panwalk on the waterclimb on the iceup OVer the rocksdance like a godMysio style Cnososstylelet go the mind and Spinhe dances he knowsSTROPHEOYer the Icarlan OceanTRCPHEcomes the lord Apollobe is made visiblebe is present he is gladAres draws dread from the eyeand now again yo- honow the sharp whitegleams in day's lightas afast aircniftAjax l!fis '!if weightlessand obeys natural selectionkills his victim by the booktime eats it alldon't repeat the unsaidit's such Q surpriseAjax altered in mindhefinds a path to peaceANTISTRCPHEESSEN lEAYou folks, I've got some news:Teucer, just come down from Mysia,49Eowas going back to the garrisonwhen the Greeks started insulting him.They recognized him as he approachedand formed a circle around him.When they had him completely surrounded

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they said his brother was crazy.No way he would have survived.They Were set to stone him,tear him apart.They would have.Weapons were drawn; they were ready.But at the very last secondsenior officers talked sense into them.MocWhere's Ajax?He needs to know.I have a message for him.C DRnot in there just went outlatched on to a new plansoESSEHGEROhno,Teucer was too late sending me ...or I didn't corne fast enough ...DRUSwhat could be all that bad?SSE BETeucer said he must stay inside.Don't go out until he arrives.departedhe picked his best aptiaota seeele up with aOSTy sodsMESSENG... the tupide t thing he could do ...if " hat Calchas says is true ...61CHDRUSwhat couldyou know about it?~E:SSENIii RHere's what I know so far:the generals had eaIled a meeting.Agamemnon, Menelaus_they were all there.But Calehas left to tell Teueerhe should do whatever he canfor the rest of the dayto keep Ajax inside his tent,otherwise he'd never see him again.He said Athena wouJd harass Ajax

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for just a single day-today.If you boast about your strengththe gods will knock you down.The prophet said Ajax is humanand he stepped Out of bounds,said when Ajax was leaving homehe ignored some good advice.His father said, "Plan to win524 J53with weapons, but god gives victory."And Ajax' answer, arrogant and asinine:"Father, with gods' help even nobodiescan be powerful. But I'm different.I can be famous without them."Bigwords.Then a second timein battle Athena came to himurging him to kill the enemy.He had the gall to say,"Queen, go help some other Greeks.I've got things under control here."Gods hate that kind of thing.11there.He's outrageous and she got angry.But if he can survive todaywe'll save him-with divine help.That's all the prophet could say.As soon as Calehas told him,Teucer sent me to warn Ajax.But it's over if he's right ...usTecmessaburns and is born unluckyshe'll see the threat he s'!Ysso close it shaves the skinTMTEOMESFAIt's been quiet [or a whilebut it isn't finished, is it?Tlisten to this man just arrivednews'?! Ajax that will sickenrEO SSYou have bad news for me?

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sDon't know about you ...jf he's Outside ...but Ajax ...I'm afraid so.What are you saying?CMESSAcky He's out.E",SENBEATeucer sent me to keep himinside and not let him out.sWhere's Teucer?AWhat did he say?He's coming.If Ajax goes out,Teucer thinks something bad will happen.SAOh no.How does he know?55ME SENliJEAThestor's psychic son.Calehas said todaybrings life or death to Ajax.TECMESS4Friends, you have to stop this.Quick, tell Teucer; bring him here.Split UP-go east and west.We've got to find Ajax.1shouldn't have let him go.He tricked me.He doesn't care.No, I won't just sit here.E\len I'Ij search where I can.Let's go.QuickJy, We're wasting time.. - and he's in a deadly hurry.SectodayCHDRUSreadf to 80taikins's a11donedown to business

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time to run•A..IAXThe killer is cocked and readyandif I think about it,a gift to me from Hectorwho was my most hated enemyplantedin the angry Trojan ground.It's armed.It's aimed.It's hungry.Everything rests on the trigger's edge.It'll do this last quick favor.It'san set-so am1.First, I pray to you, Zeus,but 1 won't ask for much.S7aeJust send word about what happensto Teucer so he finds me,fallen here over this bloody weapon,before my rivals get to meor dogs and birds eat me.Only that, Zeus-all I ask.Hermes, show me the way below.No struggle_just a gUick jump;finish this all in One shot.Next, Icall on the Furieswho See all of human pain,awful inescapable demons.Look at me:the Atreids destroyed me at last.Share Some of this with them.If they get to Watch melalled here by my Own weapon,let their families feed On them.Hurry and take re\enge, lightning Sisters.Enjoy them all .'>P.1,.cno one!is You,driver of the sheer sky,Sun,I, when you see my homeslow down just a little bit.and tell them my sad story.Tell my father and unhappy mother.My miserable mother ... when she hearsshe'll be screaming in the streets ...

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Enough daydreams.It's pointless to grieve.l've got a job to do.Death!Death, come look at me:)"OU and I have some business.And you, blinding fire of day,one last time I'll salute you,but this; it-ne>er again.The light,we land,th world ,aliSalamis,the place I called home,and Athensand all the people,springs and riversand even Troy,goodbye to everything that fed me.I've said my last to you;the rest I say in hell.60'z2CHDRUShurt heaps hurt herelift riahtlift where it willwill it learn the place?dropped itdropped can'tftnd it beJoundhalf a boat's oars in syncwith what?beach w the west is stippledby tracksthat Jade like soresjill eyeswhen stores the sun so muchu's plaw whatjollows lbe maD9'who can it seeblind fish in cavesor owls in the mOuntains orrivers infJood?wliere', a raw mindSTROPHE

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wanders and glances?the wishes the distancewho can escape ita raCe in the wastesasfieble as he is now?No, no, no!C DAUSwhat shrill callsjrom the dark?Ec sWhy did you_?cstare down t.he barrel ~ dearthe eapine accusation makes no sound62[ [$S ROPHE TEC"'ESSAIt's over.It's done.I'm dead.CHDRUSwhat's it over?TECMESSAAjax killed by his own weapon,his body wrapped around a secret.there's no home Boneyou've killed it sirthe sailinB the s4ferinBthe woman in painCHDRUSTEC SHow do I keep from screaming?63whose was the hand if disaster?, [TECMESSAHe killed himself_the weapon's buried,propped here under his slumped body.rash soaked in bloodand ignoredno one says or seesforget itwherewheredoes stubborn

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Ajax unluckily lie?TECMESSAHe can't be seen like this;l'lJ COverhim with my Coat.Noone should have to seethe blood coming fi-ornhis nose,the black weapon, and this wound.Who will help me lift you?64[ 0" '" )2CHDRUSbound he wos bound ANTI STROPHEWhere's Teucer?He should be here.He should bury his brother's body.Ajax, to end up this way ...even your enemies will stop short.to do somethinB stupidanarJ obsessed the fit wouldn't quitni8ht and dayeaten raw with hatredthe Atreids Boadedit's a deadly positiona Bood 10nB timesince he entered the struBBlethat had started a Bame aBOTEeM SSANO,DO, no!GS•CHDRUSyou fiel it inyour stomachTECMESSANo,no,no!50/ it again it won't changewhat you Jove is Bone womanTECM SSAYou can't imagine what I feel.C D LiSso it seemsT C SEverything's closing in On us, Eurysaces,no one to watch Over us.66c

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T[CHDRUSyes double the hurtyou echo the unspeakablean ache ifAtreidsif Bod won't protectTECMESSASomething supernatural took hold of him.CHDRUSit's heavy so heavy it isT eM SSAThe daughter of Zeus did this.She turned a favor for Odysseus.his intent is blackpatient manhe's crazy with successlaughs and laughs yeswith tWO kinasthere /jstenina67--------,he wanted.He got what,TEe ES AThey'll laugh, joke at this wrecksince they never wanted him alive.They'll call when the fighting starts.Fools.They'll soon learn the valueof this man they threw away.Bitter for me;for them-sweet;for him-peace.He Wanted to die.They can't take credit for this_the gods did H, not them.Odysseus can brag all he Wants.Ajax can't hear him.He's gone .. . . Grief is all he left me.Saas 7k•

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rve. TEUCEROh no! No!arts.CHDRUSue silenceTencer has somethina to sayhe shouts Q sona ifrecognitionTEUCEROh, Ajax, my brother.my brother.it's not a rumor ...it's true ...CHDRUSseefor yourselfthe mon destroyed.LoCEPWhy did this have to happen?88" l..CHORUSit just didIt's all Over.CHORUSgroan over againFinished so fast.C 0 Ustoo true TeucerGod, the mess.But his son-where is he?the baby's alone70TEUCERQuick, get him!Bring him here.The lion's gonedon'tlet someone steal the cub.Go! Get him!It's too temptingnow that his father is dead.c USit's what he wanted while aliveeverythins lVorkedout just as plannedsU EMy eyes have seen ugly things,

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but nothing as painful as this.Nothing else I've h.adto dohas made me feel so sick,Ajax, as when they told meI needed to lind )·our body.That news cullike god' voice.They said that you were dead.7'I started shaking from far off.Now seeing ...1 can't control it.Ohgod.Go aheadpullback the cover.The face of a determined man.N ow I payoff your debts.What man will help me since[ was no good to you?Or Telamon, your father and mine,think he'll look kindly at mecoming home without you?Not likely.He rarely smiles when he's happy.What name won't he call me?"The bastard he got by force;'720'3 J"Coward;'. the failure who abandoned you,Ajax ...Or that I planned itso I could take your inheritance.Or anything.Age makes him bitter.He just wants to argue anymore.He'll throw me into the streetbyrights-more slave than free.That's at home.Here at Troy,many enemies and very little help.That's what your death leaves me.How do I get you offthis fililiy weapon?The fucking thingopened you up.Who would expect

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73•zHector, who's dead, would kill you?Look how you both ended up:with the belt you gave rumHector was bound, dragged, and mangleduntil the corpse released his spirit.From him you took this giftthat delivered your own final annihilation.Didn't a Fury forge this weapon?Wasn't that belt made in hell?"1T1 say it's always the same:gods plan these things for humans.Whether you like it or not,I don't care.I'm done talking.C Adon~tcarry onCOver him upaet to the point 'ry boylook someone hatiful on the wayfull if Sthoder!freude and ill wishes74" ITEUCEAWho's the man coming from camp?CHORUSMenelaus whose problem launched 1,000 shipsTEUCEAI see who it is now.MENELAUSListen here, don't touch that body!Put it down.Leave it be.T UCEAOn whose authority are you acting?EL UMine ,on behalf of the army.EUThen tell me, on what pretext?75MENELAUSThis: when we launched we believed

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Ajax was an ally and friend.Evidently he's worse than the Trojans.He would've murdered the entire army,was armed, had itall planned .. Had not god quashed the attemptI'd be where he is now,lying there dead in public shame.He'd be alive.But god intervenedand turned his violence on sheep.Consequently, there's not a man alivewith the authority to bury him.He'll lie fallen on the beach,food for sea birds and crabs.That's that.Get used to it.Maybe we couldn't control him alive,but he'll follow Our orders now.Like it or not, he's OW·S.76[-_.._--------sJHe just wouldn't listen to me.It's typical of the common herdnever to listen to their superiors.Our cities would decay into anarchywithout the real threat of punishment.No army can be run wellwithout bulwarks of fear and shame.A big man ought to understandsmall vulnerabilities can bring him down.If you have awe and humilityyou know how to save yourself.Immorality and license in a cityare fine while the weather's fair,but over time it will decline.Give me reverence and order anytimeover indulgence in whatever gives pleasurewithout any regard for the consequences.But what goes around comes around.He burned hot-now J do.And I'm telling you, no burial... unless you'd like to join him.77(

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CHDRUSit sounds so sensible Menelaus butshow some respectJor the deadTEUCERGentlemen, why should I be surprisedthat an ordinary person makes mistakeswhen leaders_from good families apparentlycansay the most stupid things.Come on.You led Ajax hereand brought him as your ally?Didn't he come on his own?When did you ever command him?How do you rule his people?You rule the Spartans, not Us.Nothing gives you any more claimto order him than he you.You came second in command anyway,not general of the entire army.78c1[:Iy-Go yell at your own men.You and your brother can howl.I've got a funeral to prepare;I'm not afraid of your mouth.Ajax didn't fight for your womanlike the poor bastards you brought.He had an obligation under oathhewouldn't fight for just anybody.Come back with a bigger entourageand bring Agamemnon if you like.I'm not impressed by the noise.CHDRUSnot Bood to talk that waythe truth has teeth you knowMENELAUSMarksmen talk tough but stay hidden.TELoCERksA mar man 'ks ill houJdn't be underestimated. S s791107.. ---------~- -:;--:-,

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MENELAUSWhat you' II say from behind cover.TEUCEAI'll face you in the open.MENELAUSYour tongue stokes a good fire.TEUCERBecause I know when I'm right.MENELAUSIt was right to kill me?TEUCERKill?You manage to keep talking.MENELAUSGod saved me, despite Ajax' intentions.80TEUCERThen don't disrespect your divine savior.MENELAUSHow will I break divine laws?TEUCERIf you don't allow him burial.MENELAUSNo, he declared war against me.TEUCERWhen did Ajax ever confront you?MENELAUSYou know we hated each other.TEUCERYou rigged a vote against him.MENELAUSThe voters rejected him, not me.81[128 3S]TEUCEAYou Sure made it look legal.ENELAUSYou're starting to piss me ,off. ,TEUCEAOh really?Welcome to the club.MENELAUSI'll say one thing: no burial.TEUCEAHear this: he will be buried.MENELAUS

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f once knew a realloudrnouthwho wanted to sail in winter.When the Weather started getting rough,he didn't seem quite so tafkativeand Was much easier to tolerate.82Your yammering reminds me of him.We just need a little stormto get some quiet around here.TEUCERI once knew a fool myselfwho enjoyed seeing other people hurt.One day, somebody resembling me,with a temper like mine, said,"Don't insult the dead, my friend,if you do, you'll regret it."Right to the unfortunate man's face.You remind me of that manquite a bit.You get it?MENELAUSI'm leaving.I'm embarrassed to talkwhen I ought to beat you.83-------........B4TEUCERGet out of here.I'm embarrassedto listen to an idiot's bullshit.CHORUSnow you've done itifyou still conCover him up quicktime that a heroreturns to the dirtTEUCERHere they are, just in timethemanls woman and his Soncome to pay their last respects.Come here, boy, close hy him,kneel and pray by your father.Take my hair that I've cutand we' IJ cut some of yours-La-like a suppliant.

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If soldiers[liB 75Jrtry driving you from the body,may they die and lie exposed,uprooted and severed from their familieslike these strands of our hair.Stay and watch over him, boy.Kneel beside him and touch him.You men, stop acting like women.Fall in!I'm going to scouta gravesite... even if it's illegal.•C D LoSwhere will it endthe count <if the years "·anderinDthe toll we statistics <if misSilesin .flight thatJallback to the groundwhere a crater alcUSlS.. ...86=better hurled into spaceor into the crowd in hellthan to be a bomb makerand shareyour resultsthe Los Alamos boysknew what they'd doneANTISTROPHEthey ended the partythe glass is emptythe guests have goneand the music has just stoppednow he lies awake in bedalone, no one to hold himsatt in his clothesthe bed soakedhis hair mattedhe's got toforgetSTROPf-iEwhat sleeve slid back ANT STRO~HEto show the nightmareswhereAjax lay exposed?

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demons crawled Out oj the dreamand ale him ate his soul15 JTlSTROPHESTROPHETRCPH£21 1left his scattered remains on Greenland'stenthousand-vear-thick sheet of icehe's slowly meltinginto the oceanhome calls to himTEUCEAIthought Ibetter head backwhen I saw Agamemnon corning over.Get ready.He's going to unload.ABA E'" 0The courier brought a disturbing reportthat you were mouthing off disrespectfully.I'll remind )"ouof )"our rank:your mother was a war o-opny.You act Iik~she was royalty.You're nothing standing up for nobody.You claim we aren't the comm.mderof the Gr e or of )ou,that Ai"" ame on hi o"n?8"Big talk coming from a slave.Who's this man you're shouting about?Did he fight anywhere I didn't?Are there no Greeks but him?Iregret ever suggesting that contestto award the weapons of Achilles.Ihave to listen to you.You can't see that you've lostand just accept the majority's decision.Like every sore loser you insultand make excuses for your failure.If Ilet this go onwe' II lose aUrespect for order.If legal victories are always overturnedwhy not give everyone a prize?No.Not while I'm in command.The mosr powerful man is nothing

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\vithout self-Control and mental disdpline.aaAbig ox can be ledby a very small nose ring.I've got a remedy for youif you don't regain your senses.Ajax is just a shadow now,yet you talk like he thrives.He can't protect you anymore, son.Youbetter get yourself some helpif you want to face me.What's the use?Discussion is over.I don't understand your babble anyway.CHDRUSlOU both should Bet some wisdombest advice there isJOT youTEUCERH. kl a man's memory fades.ow qUlC YTh t he's earned deserts him.e respccBB2JsoHe has no regard for you,Ajax, with your memory still fresh.You risked your life in combat;that's all garbage to him now.What you say makes no sense.Do you remember anything?Remember whenyou were boxed behind your barricades?The enemy had Overrun your position;they poured in from a11sides;the stern decks of some shipshad already begun to catch fire;Hector himself had crossed the trench.Who turned them back?This man.Whom you say you stood beside?Did you approve of that behavior?Or when he faced Hector alone?In the lottery for that missionHe carefully picked

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one that jumped from the helmet.He wanted to go... with me,the slave son of a barbarian.he didn't use a heavy marker,some mud clod.whenAre you out of your mind?Perhaps you're not aware your grandfather,Pelops, Phrygian king, was a barbarian.And your own disgusting father, Atreus,fed his brother his own children.Your mother (from Crete) was caughtby your father with a foreigner.He drowned her with mute fish.And you talk about my family?J am the son of Telamonwho was highly decorated in combat.My mother, she was a queen,daughter of Laomedon.he was chosen8.aby Hera les as a special prize,I come from two good families,I'm not ashamed of my blood,blood which you forbid a burial,It's you who should be ashamed,listen carefully: if he lies herewe three will lie beside him.That's a better cause, I think,than to die for your wife_no, excuse me-your brother's wife.Do yourself a favor and listen.If you make trouble for meyou may regret being a hero,commander Odysseus come just in timeyour tonslins may still untie thisDDYSSEUSWhat is it? From way offI could hear your voice, Agamemnon,82[1:393AIiJAMEMNDDid you hear the insulting language

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this man was just using, Odysseus?DDYSSEUSHow's that?He's got a rightto respond if be's being abused.AGAMEMNDNHe only gets what he deserves.DDYSSEUSSo how has he offended you?AGAMEMNDNI forbid any funeral for Ajax.He threatens to bury him anyway.ODYSSEUSCan I speak frankly with youwithout doing harm to our friendship?[1320-29JABAMEMNDNGo ahead.I'd be a foolnot to listen to my friend.DDYSSEUSThen listen: for god's sake yield,Don't make this man lie unburied.Don't let your anger control youso hatred steps On what's right.Just like you, I've resented himsince we competed for Achilles' weapons.But even so, that's not enoughto defame him Or to denythat he was the best fighter_except for AchilleS-here at Troy.It's not right.You'd be violatingnot just him but divine law.It's wrong to dishonor a soldier,even if he did oppose you.84AGAMEMNDNSo you're on his side too?DDYSSEUSI hated when hate was justified.ABAMEMNDNBut dead, he doesn't deserve abuse?DDYSSEUSDon't gloat, Agamemnon, it's beneath you.IS.

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ABAMEMNDNIt's not easy to be commander.DDYSSEUSThen rely on a friend's advice.ABAMEMNDINMaybe lOU should do the listening.DDYSS usStop! Concede this-you'Ve already won.95-----------AGAMEMNDNDo you remember who you ,re he[pnimg.IDDYSSEUSA rival-but he was noble.AGAMEMNDNWhy then?You pity your enemy?DDYSSEUSThe man's valor trumps my hatred.AGAMEMNDNMen like this one are unstable.DDYSSEUSAnyone can turn fierce then friendly.AGAMEMNDNYou endorse this kind of friend?ss[1354 so]ODYSSEUSI don't endorse a hard head.ABAMEMI\iIDNYou'll make us look like weaklings.ODYSSEUSTo Greeks we'll be acting justly.AIiiAMEMNDNSo I should permit this funeral?ODYSSEUSYes. I'll need one myself someday.ABAMEMNDNIt's all the same.Suit yourself.ODySSEUSYes, I serve myself.Why not?97oJ [,AGAMEMNON

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It's your project-leave me out.OOYSSEUSHowever it happens, you deserve credit.AGAMEMNONFine.But understand: it's a favorI doyou because you asked.Either on earth or in hellI loathe him.Do your duty.who says you're not cunnina Odysseusmust be a very stupid manDDYSSEUSTeucer, I Want to make amends.I stand here as your friend.I've come to bury the dead,sa136 "7a]to help you with the funeralas is due to a soldier.eli\.TEUCEROdysseus, thank you for the offer.I didn't expect this at all.You hated him more than anyone.Yet you're the one who helps,who wants to honor his memory,unlike that shell-shocked general of oursand his loudmouth brother.They wantedAjax to lie without a tomb.I hope Zeus, who accomplishes all,and the Furies, who never forget,punish those bastards for this attemptto disgrace Ajax without good cause.But you, son of old Laertes,I'm reluctant to let you handlethe body or join the funeral.ss'7B]..Pay your respects in other ways.Anyone can-I have no problembutburial I'll arrange by myself.I see you're a decent man.DDYSSEUS

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Ijust wanted to help you,but Irespect that.I'll go.TEUCEREnough.Time is wasting.Go, dig a grave.Draw him a bathto wash him aswe ought.You, to the tent,go get his weapons.100[I "'6 140a]44Escort your father, boy,touch him Likeme;help us carry him.The wound still blackens ...Come, all you friends,stand to.Move out.Was a good man!There was none better,I say,than Ajax!CHORUSwho sees can knowbut no one seesnextaboutto be101