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.
[Enter Tecmessa.]
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.
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