Page:Tragedies of Sophocles (Plumptre 1878).djvu/401

Rh Surely thou laughest much in thy delight.

Chor. It is through God that man or laughs or mourns.

Aias. Would I could see him, smitten as I am.

Ah me! ah me!

Chor. Speak nothing vauntingly.

Dost thou not see what evil plight thou'rt in?

Aias. Ο Zeus! great Father of my sires of old,

Would that I might destroy

That crafty, scoundrel foe,

And those two kings that reign in partnership,

And then myself might die.

Tec. When thou pray'st this, pray that I die with thee:

What profits it to live, when thou art dead?

Aias. Ο dark, that art my light,

Ο gloom to me most clear,

Take me, yea, take me as your habitant:

Take me, for neither to the race of Gods,

Nor yet of men enduring but a day

Can I, as worthy, look

For any help in need.

But She, the child of Zeus,

Goddess of mightiest power,

Mocks at me unto death;

Where from her presence 'scape,

Where wandering shall I dwell?

Ah, friends! if all things fail,

For me, and those most near,

And we a dream pursue,

Then should the host, as spear by both hands swayed,

Smite me with one fell stroke.

Tec. Ah! wretched me! that one so good should speak

Such words, which once he had not dared to think!