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 TECMESSA

See, I have opened. You may now behold

What he has done, and in what plight he lies.

AIAS

Alas!

My shipmates and friends, you that alone to me

Loyal and true remain, of all friends alone,

Behold how great a billow lately rising from the storm of blood

Surging around engulphs me!

CHORUS

Ah me, too true, it seems, was thy report.

This sight reveals the work of no sane mind.

AIAS

Alas!

My mates, skilled and tried in brave seamanship,

Ye who embarking drove the wave-cleaving oar,

In you, in you alone I see a help and refuge from despair.

Smite me, and spill my blood too.

CHORUS.

Keep silence from dread words; nor curing ill

By ill, so swell the misery of this curse.

AIAS

Behold now the bold, the man stout of heart,

Who ne'er shrank in fight agáinst fóes—behold

How I have spent my rage on beasts that feared no harm

Ah me, the mockery! To what shame am I brought low!

TECMESSA

Aias, my master, I entreat thee, speak not so.

AIAS

Away hence, I command thee! Take thyself elsewhere.

Aiai! Aiai!