Page:Sophocles (Collins).djvu/115

Rh he intends presently to scourge him to death. Then he re-enters the tent to complete his vengeance.

The real Ulysses, whom Minerva has hidden in a cloud from his rival's sight, cannot resist expressing his pity that so stout a warrior should have been brought so low; but the goddess has no such compassion. It is his impious pride that has brought these evils on the victim of her wrath. Let his fate be a warning to all, and let Ulysses himself take heed:—

And with these parting words the goddess is borne upwards by some ingenious mechanism, and Ulysses departs, having learnt the object of his quest, and marvelling much at the strange frenzy which had come upon his unsuccessful rival.

Music in the "Dorian mode" is heard, and the Chorus, here composed of Salaminian sailors, the faithful comrades of Ajax, enter in search of their chieftain. They have been much perplexed and disquieted by an evil rumour, tending to the dishonour of their much-loved prince.

Tis said that, rushing to the plain,

By thee the captured herds were slain

To Grecian valour due;