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 ATHENA

Ho, Aias! Once again I summon thee.

So slight is thy regard for thine ally?

AIAS

Oh hail, Athena! Hail thou Zeus-born maid!

Nobly hast thou stood by me. Now will I crown thee

With trophies all of gold for this rich conquest.

ATHENA

Thy words are welcome. But now tell me this:

Hast thou dyed well thy sword in the Argive host?

AIAS

Such vaunt is mine. I disclaim not that glory.

ATHENA

Against the Atreidæ didst thou arm thy hand?

AIAS

So that Aias nevermore shall they insult.

ATHENA

The men are dead, if rightly I take thy meaning.

AIAS

Yes, dead. Now let them rob me of my arms.

ATHENA

'Tis well. And what then of Laertes' son?

In what plight does he stand? Or has he escaped thee?

AIAS

Wouldst thou know where is that accursed fox?

ATHENA

Even so—Odysseus, thine old adversary.

AIAS

Goddess, a most dear captive in my tent

He sits. I do not mean him to die yet.