16. The Second Parode, Part B
Tekmessa discovers the body of Ajax.
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
Tekmessa discovers the body of Ajax, and the Salaminians mourn and grieve.
Lyrics
16. The Second Parode, Part B
Tekmessa
Alas, alas to me! Oh, woe, Ajax, is here!
Chorus
Who shouts from the near thicket?
Tekmessa
Ah, sorrow to me!
Chorus
The ill starred captive Tekmessa,- Her cry a shower of despair.
Tekmessa
I am gone, lost, I die...
Chorus
But what has happened?
Tekmessa
Ajax...He lays there...pierced through, his body impaled on a sword
Chorus
Where now, is our return home?
Tekmessa
Finished. It is only necessary to prepare the path of tears...
Chorus
...Ill-fated leader. We, your friends of the sea, have been killed with you. Poor woman!From whose hands was he lost?
Tekmessa
Undoubtedly his own, the sword dug into the ground Proves.
Chorus
Ahh…my guilt. Not without solitude could you spill your blood. But I, blind, unreasonable, neglected you!...Where, where has fallen the bitter name of Ajax, our unyielding leader?
Tekmessa
Lower your eyes; I cover him. His appearance is unbearable. Blood oozing from the mouth and from the nose, and streams of black blood begin to set from the crimson wound, self-inflicted. My cloak covers the body of Ajax. What am I to do?...Who from your friends will lift you?
(Several Salaminians instantly respon, to lift and place the covered body of Ajax from the hidden place, to a place more downstage, in sight on stage).
You are thus a champion, unhappy Ajax? And your enemies will now honor your death with tears?
Chorus
ANTISTANZA
To know your fate, to know, that, judgment was to destroy the rock of your strong spirit is immense in bitter grief! You swore abuse at the sons of Atrues day and night, full of severe enmity, and menacing passion. Trouble after trouble began, after the dispute flared up over who was to be awarded the armour of Achilles.
Tekmessa
Alas, alas to me! A faithful heart suffers! Alax, my child, -- what slavery threatens us!
Chorus
New untold grief truly you speak of!...the way of the Atreidae kings is severe, their custom rigid….Gods avert trouble!
Tekmessa
Let it not be the Gods, if misfortune is not to be.
Chorus
True, we bear an excessive cargo of burden.
Tekmessa
The cruel sovereign daughter of Zeus has brought woes down upon us to please the glory of Odysseus. Ajax is no longer; only I remain, crying with despair.
Comments
The artist currently doesn't allow comments.
