Ho, thou who art binding with cords the back-bent arms of thy captives, I call thee, come hither! Ajax, what ho! come forth from the house!
Od. What dost thou, Athena? Never call him forth.
Ath. Hold thy peace! Do not earn the name of coward!
Od. Forbear, I pray thee; be content that he stay within.80
Ath. What is the danger? Was he not a man before?
Od. Yea, a foeman to thy servant, and still is.
Ath. And to mock at foes—is not that the sweetest mockery?
Od. Enough for me that he abide within his doors.
Ath. Thou fearest to see a madman in full view?
Od. No fear had made me shun him, if he were sane.
Ath. Nay, even now, he shall not see thee, though thou art near.
Od. How so, if he still sees with the same eyes?
Ath. I will darken them, though they are open.
Od. Well, all is possible when a god contrives.
Ath. Stand silent, then, and stay where thou art.
Od. I must stay.—Would that I were far from here!
Ath. What ho, Ajax, once again I call thee!90 is this thy scanty regard for thine ally?
