8. Episode C, Ajax, Tekmessa, and Euryaces
Ajax asks for his son, Euryaces, who is brought before him, by a servant.
Opera in English, in two acts. Based on the original tragedy by Sophocles, and following the structural scenic form of the ancient Greek Drama.
Story behind the song
Ajax asks for his son, Euryaces, who is brought before him, by a servant. Ajax says Teucer, with his comrades in arms, shall lead Euryaces back home, to comfort his father and mother in their declining years. Ajax also leaves to Euryaces his unconquered shield. Ajax, Tekmessa, and Euryaces retire to the tent.
Lyrics
8. Episode C
Chorus
Ajax, I wish, only that you be as moved, as I was moved... Accept her pleas.
Ajax
If she will obey...
Tekmessa
I obey in all things!
Ajax
I wish to see my son... Bring him...
Tekmessa
He is close by, here, under the watchful care of faithful servants.
Ajax
So why does he hesitate to come?
Tekmessa
My son! Your father calls! (To servant) Bring him here, to his father!
Ajax
Why does he not come? Or was the call not heard?
Tekmessa
Yes the servant is here already.
(Enter the servant with Euryaces.)
Ajax
Bring him, come... He will not be frightened by the recent blood wash. Oh my son! Be happier, than your father, but similar to him in all else...and you will not be bad! No Greek will offend you nor wish you ill; your ward is Teucer, a trusty and true guardian, let me assure you! Let you, my fighters of sea stock, - Transmit my order, - that by my command, to my house, Teucer has brought this child; Let Telamon and my dear Mother Eriboea in him find support for their ancient years. And my armour - My child, you will take my impenetrable shield stitched seven layers strong, from whence you were named. Let other armour be burned with me.
(To Tekmessa.)
Take the child into the tent, do not mourn or stop to cry before the tent... Women are fond of tears ... Quickly!...Where there are only blood sucking leeches, there is no clever doctor when the knife is necessary.
Chorus
This passionate quickness and shower of words in their sharpness does not ease my mind.
Tekmessa
Lord Ajax...?
Ajax
Do not question my orders, be a trifle more modest.
Tekmessa
Oh grief!.. In the name of your child and all gods: do not betray us!
Ajax
You are vexing...I am not bound anymore by duty to the Gods.
Tekmessa
Do not blaspheme.
Ajax
Speak to another.
Tekmessa
You do not wish to listen?
Ajax
You speak too much.
Tekmessa
I fear...
Ajax (To servants)
Shut the tent! (Servants close the flap doors of the tent).
Tekmessa
Soften, I ask gods!
Ajax
You are foolish, to suggest I change my ways.
(Tekmessa enters tent, followed by Ajax.)
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