News of our Aias that hath torn my heart.
Tec. Oh me! what is it, man? Am I undone?
Mess. Thy case I know not; but of Aias this,
That if he roam abroad, ’tis dangerous.
Tec. He is, indeed, abroad. Oh! tell me quickly!
Mess. ’Tis Teucer’s strong command to keep him close
Beneath this roof, nor let him range alone.
Tec. But where is Teucer? and what means his word?
Mess. Even now at hand, and eager to make known
That Aias, if he thus go forth, must fall.
Tec. Alas! my misery! Whence learned he this?
Mess. From Thestor’s prophet-offspring, who to-day
Holds forth to Aias choice of life or death.
Tec. Woe ’s me! O friends, this desolating blow
Is falling! Oh, stand forward to prevent!
And some bring Teucer with more haste, while some
Explore the western bays and others search
Eastward to find your hero’s fatal path!
For well I see I am cheated and cast forth
From the old favour. Child, what shall I do?
[Looking at Eurysakes
We must not stay. I too will fare along,
So far as I have power. Come, let us go.
Bestir ye! ’Tis no moment to sit still,
If we would save him who now speeds to die.
Ch. I am ready. Come! Fidelity of foot,
And swift performance, shall approve me true.
The scene changes to a lonely wooded spot.
Aias (discovered alone).
The sacrificer stands prepared,—and when
More keen? Let me take time for thinking, too!
This gift of Hector, whom of stranger men
I hated most with heart and eyes, is set
In hostile Trojan soil, with grinding hone
Fresh-pointed, and here planted by my care
