Enter the Messenger, from the Greek camp.
Messenger
Friends, my first news is this:
[720]
Teucer has just now returned from the Mysian heights. He has come to the generals' quarters mid-camp, and is being shouted at by all the Greeks at once. Recognizing him from a distance as he approached, they gathered around him
[725]
and then pelted him with jeers from every side—no one held back—calling him “the brother of the maniac, of the plotter against the army,” and saying that he would not be able to avoid entirely losing flesh and life before their flying stones. In this way they had come to the point where swords
[730]
had been plucked from sheaths and were drawn in their hands. But then the conflict, when it had nearly run its full course, was halted by the conciliatory words of the elders. But where shall I find Ajax, to tell him this? To our lord I must tell all.
Chorus
[735]
He is not inside, but is recently departed. He has yoked a new purpose to his new mood.
Messenger
No! Oh, no! Too late, then, was he who sent me on this errand, or I myself came too slowly.
Chorus
[740]
What is this urgent matter? What part of it has been neglected?
Messenger
Teucer declared that Ajax should not slip out of the house, until he himself arrives.
Chorus
Well, he is departed, I repeat, bent on the purpose that is best for him—to be rid of his anger at the gods.
Messenger
[745]
These words betray great foolishness, if there is any wisdom in the prophecies of Calchas.
Chorus
What does he prophesy? What knowledge of this affair do you bring?
