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!
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