17. The Fourth Episode, Teucer
The arrival of Teucer, and his mourning.
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
Teucer arrives, and, after bidding Tekmessa to bring her child from camp, mourns over Ajax. The Chorus warns of the approach of King Menelaus.
Lyrics
16. The Fourth Episode
Teucer appears.
Teucer
(approaching)
Ajax, Beloved blood! Has the light from his eyes really been extinguished?
Chorus
Yes, Teucer, he is dead; there is nothing more certain.
Teucer
Oh, grief! I surrender to unhappiness. How hard is this blow of fate!
Chorus
Everything is finished. Let there be tears!
Teucer
O day of misfortune! How quickly unhappiness arrives.
Coryphaeus
Yes. Quickly.
Teucer
(Seeing Tekmessa)
Where is your son? In what corner of the Trojan earth does he hide?
Chorus
He is alone in the tent.
Teucer
(To Tekmessa)
Bring him here. Quickly. It is not difficult to seize a cub from the liona019s den left alone. I do not wish to suffer outrage from enemy searches.
(Tekmessa leaves.)
Chorus
While he lived, Teucer, He entrusted you with the child. His confidence was in you.
Teucer
(Approaching the body of Ajax)
The rumors about your death quickly flew about the whole Greek camp like a god's voice in prayer. I moaned when I first heard them from afar. I see now, and, seeing, perish. O fate!
Uncover him, let the worst present itself.
(The body of Ajax is uncovered)
Unforgettable Ajax....What have you done?... Perhaps, General Telamon, your father, will accept me tenderly, when I return without you?... That is not going to happen. A free man in name, I will be pronounced a slave.
Such is the greetings of the homeland. While here, at Troy, hostile enemies are many, and friends few -- your death leaves me weak, without strength. What is to be done?
By your death the sword's cold steel heart has torn me pitifully. Truly, from his tomb, Hector's will has been honored. How similar their fates: Ajax gave Hector his belt girdle, and this gift was used to fasten Hector to the chariot, which dragged his body, with tormented spirits in frenzied pursuit, breathing their last. To Ajax he gave a sword, and impaled on this gift my brother writhed his last agony on earth.
Cherish what is true for you, as I do, mine. Our death is in the hands of the gods, who weave our fates to tell a story.
Chorus
Speak further, and your own grave will honor him, hold in silence...I see an enemy; truly, he brings no honor.
Teucer
Who is coming? From our country?
Chorus
Menelaus, guilty of everything possible in war.
Teucer
Yes, I see him close by, He is not difficult to recognize.
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