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 But seek it always with the help of heaven."

Then boastfully and witlessly he answered:

"Father, with heaven's help a mere man of nought

Might win victory: but I, albeit without

Their aid, trust to achieve a victor's glory."

Such was his proud vaunt. Then a second time

Answering divine Athena, when she urged him

To turn a slaughterous hand upon his foes,

He gave voice to this dire, blasphemous boast:

"Goddess, stand thou beside the other Greeks.

Where I am stationed, no foe shall break through."

By such words and such thoughts too great for man

Did he provoke Athena's pitiless wrath.

But if he lives through this one day, perchance,

Should heaven be willing, we may save him yet.

So spoke the seer; and Teucer from his seat

No sooner risen, sent me with this mandate

For you to observe. But if we have been forestalled,

That man lives not, or Calchas is no prophet.

CHORUS

Woful Tecmessa, woman born to sorrow,

Come forth and hear this man who tells of a peril

That grazes us too close for our mind's ease.

TECMESSA

Why alas do you break my rest again

After brief respite from relentless woes?

CHORUS

Give hearing to this messenger, who brings

Tidings that grieve me of how Aias fares.

TECMESSA

Ah me, what sayest thou, man? Are we undone?

MESSENGER

I know not of thy fortune; but for Aias,

If he be gone abroad, my mind misgives.