being reviled by all the Greeks at once. They knew him from afar as he drew near,—gathered around him,—and then assailed him with taunts from this side and from that, every man of them,—calling him 'that kinsman of the maniac, of the plotter against the host,'—saying that he should not save himself from being mangled to death by stoning. And so they had come to this,730 that swords plucked from sheaths were drawn in men's hands; then the strife, when it had run well-nigh to the furthest, was allayed by the soothing words of elders. But where shall I find Ajax, to tell him this? He whom most it touches must hear all the tale.
Ch. He is not within; he hath gone forth but now; for he hath yoked a new purpose to his new mood.
Me. Alas! Alas! Too late, then, was he who sent me on this errand,—or I have proved a laggard.
Ch. And what urgent business hath been scanted here?740
Me. Teucer enjoined that the man should not go forth from the house, until he himself should come.
Ch. Well, he is gone, I tell thee,—intent on the purpose that is best for him,—to make his peace with the gods.
Me. These are the words of wild folly, if there is wisdom in the prophecy of Calchas.
Ch. What doth he prophesy? And what knowledge of this matter dost thou bring?
Me. Thus much I know,—for I was present. Leaving the circle of chiefs who sat in council,750 Calchas drew apart from the Atreidae: then he put his right hand with all kindness in the hand of Teucer, and straitly charged