Ajax

The Chorus sings longingly about Salamis in contrast to their present position, languishing on the plain of Troy. Afflicted with madness, their mighty leader, Ajax, descends into despair, having lost everything for the sake of “the worthless sons of Atreus” (63). His mother will grieve at home, his death the worst disaster his father’s ancestral line has ever experienced.

Ajax and Tecmessa enter. Ajax claims that Tecmessa’s words have softened his heart. He will purify himself and bury the “hateful” sword he acquired from Hector, since an enemy’s gift “brings no good” (64). Though he finds shifting loyalties difficult, he accepts that humans must learn restraint. He sends Tecmessa inside to pray to the gods and assures his comrades that they will soon “hear that I have found peace” (65). He exits, and the Chorus sings joyfully to Pan and Apollo that Ajax “has put his troubles behind him” and returned to the gods, honoring their laws with sacrifices (65).

A messenger arrives looking for Ajax. Teucer has arrived and been met by abuse from the Greeks, some of whom threaten him with death for being Ajax’s brother. The Chorus replies that he has left “with new purpose,” but the messenger is adamant that a prophecy of Calchas convinced Teucer that Ajax must not be left alone (66).