Enter Messenger.
Messenger. Friends, my first news is Teucer’s presence here,
Fresh from the Mysian heights; who, as he came
Right toward the generals’ quarter, was assailed
With outcry from the Argives in a throng:
For when they knew his motion from afar
They swarmed around him, and with shouts of blame
From each side one and all assaulted him
As brother to the man who had gone mad
And plotted ’gainst the host,—threatening aloud,
Spite of his strength, he should be stoned, and die.
—So far strife ran, that swords unscabbarded
Crossed blades, till as it mounted to the height
Age interposed with counsel, and it fell.
But where is Aias to receive my word?
Tidings are best told to the rightful ear.
Ch. Not in the hut, but just gone forth, preparing
New plans to suit his newly altered mind.
Mess. Alas!
Too tardy then was he who sped me hither;
Or I have proved too slow a messenger.
Ch. What point is lacking for thine errand’s speed?
Mess. Teucer was resolute the man should bide
Close held within-doors till himself should come.
Ch. Why, sure his going took the happiest turn
And wisest, to propitiate Heaven’s high wrath.
Mess. The height of folly lives in such discourse,
If Calchas have the wisdom of a seer.
Ch. What knowest thou of our state? What saith he? Tell.
Mess. I can tell only what I heard and saw.
Whilst all the chieftains and the Atridae twain
Were seated in a ring, Calchas alone
Rose up and left them, and in Teucer’s palm
Laid his right hand full friendly; then out-spake
With strict injunction by all means i’ the world
To keep beneath yon covert this one day
