Page:Sophocles - Seven Plays, 1900.djvu/97

719–754]

. Friends, my first news is Teucer’s presence here,

Fresh from the Mysian heights; who, as he came

Right toward the generals’ quarter, was assailed

With outcry from the Argives in a throng:

For when they knew his motion from afar

They swarmed around him, and with shouts of blame

From each side one and all assaulted him

As brother to the man who had gone mad

And plotted ’gainst the host,—threatening aloud,

Spite of his strength, he should be stoned, and die.

—So far strife ran, that swords unscabbarded

Crossed blades, till as it mounted to the height

Age interposed with counsel, and it fell.

But where is Aias to receive my word?

Tidings are best told to the rightful ear.

. Not in the hut, but just gone forth, preparing

New plans to suit his newly altered mind.

. Alas!

Too tardy then was he who sped me hither;

Or I have proved too slow a messenger.

. What point is lacking for thine errand’s speed?

. Teucer was resolute the man should bide

Close held within-doors till himself should come.

. Why, sure his going took the happiest turn

And wisest, to propitiate Heaven’s high wrath.

. The height of folly lives in such discourse,

If Calchas have the wisdom of a seer.

. What knowest thou of our state? What saith he? Tell.

. I can tell only what I heard and saw.

Whilst all the chieftains and the Atridae twain

Were seated in a ring, Calchas alone

Rose up and left them, and in Teucer’s palm

Laid his right hand full friendly; then out-spake

With strict injunction by all means i’ the world

To keep beneath yon covert this one day

Your hero, and not suffer him to rove,