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Opera in English, in two acts. Based on the original tragedy by Sophocles, and following the structural scenic form of the ancient Greek Drama.
Song Info
Track Files
MP3
MP3 6.8 MB • 128 kbps • 7:28
Story behind the song
A messenger arrives. Ajax must be kept in his tent for a day, otherwise, he is in danger from the wrath of Athena. In confusion, a search begins immediately to recover Ajax, who has just left to bury the sword of Hector.
Lyrics
12. Third Episode
(The Messenger enters hurriedly, breathless. He is quickly offered water, which he fends off).
Messenger
First, friends I hasten to inform you Teucer has just returned from the Mysian Heights But Having learned, that he had just arrived from the altar of prophecy, all Greeks had him surrounded as he approached the tent of leaders, and began to taunt him with stinging insults, shouting That the brother of the evil madman, needed to be beaten with stones and executed with the traitor.
It had reached a point with swords drawn, but was pacified only by the judicious words of the elders.
(A little calmer, the Messenger accepts and sips some water).
But... where is Ajax?.. It is necessary to disclose this to him: He before all must know.
Chorus
He is not here. The feeling of reason revived in him, he just now has left.
Messenger
Alas, Oh, Grief! I am too late with my news! I have been too slow!
Chorus
But why are you troubled so?
Messenger
Teucer commanded that Ajax was not to leave his tent, until he returned.
Chorus
But he has left with a beautiful purpose: To placate the anger of a god.
Messenger
Your words are full of madness and not of the prophet Kalhunt.
Chorus
What about his prophesies?.. What do you know?
Messenger
Here, that I was a witness, is what I know: From a place where sat the leaders, Kalhunt left the circle, embraced Teucer, and persistently advised him to keep Ajax in his tent all day long by any means if he wished to see his brother alive; Divine Athena her anger will not be swayed, this day Athena pursues Ajax -- so the soothsayer said. Empty, self-confident people the Gods plunge into a chasm of heavy disasters -- the worth of man is forgotten and is not to judge on heavenly affairs. And so Ajax was reckless not to heed the suggestions of his father: "Son, be victorious with your spear, but always with divine help... " And the son replied, boasting:
"It is a pitiful coward who begs the gods to help overcome troubles -- I battle for glory without god!"
At another time, in the thick of bloody hand to hand combat, when divine Athena exhorted Ajax to destroy his enemies, his reply was terrible, blasphemy: " Queen, stand in the back of the others,- Where I stand and fight, the battle line will not be broken! " causing enmity and anger of the goddess.
But, maybe, if he lives the day, the god will relent, we shall still rescue him.
So has predicted the sooth sayer. Immediately Teucer has sent me to deliver To you his commands... But if the opportunity is missed, So he will be lost, - if the words of Kalhunt judge true.
Chorus
Unfortunate Tekmessa, the daughter of trouble! Come listen to the messenger's tale,- His words - as a heart to a knife.
(Tekmessa comes out from tent).
Tekmessa
It is bitter to be called again, who from long torments have hardly left crying.
Chorus
Come, listen to his story: He has brought a message about Ajax.
Tekmessa
Alas! That you speak... So we are lost?
Messenger
What waits for you, I do not know... But if truly Ajax has gone... Woe for it...
Tekmessa
Yes... he has left... And grief waits for me...
Messenger
Teucer has ordered to keep Ajax in his tent, - and not leave him alone.
Tekmessa
Where is Teucer?.. And why such order?
Messenger
He has just returned... He fears that leaving Ajax alone will prove fatal...
Tekmessa
O, my sorrow!...From who was this learned?
Messenger
Thestor's son, the soothsayer: this day,- He has told, - grants life or death.
Tekmessa
Awful fate!.. Ah, friends, help! Call Teucer, immediately!.. you To east bays, and you to western run, Search for a trace of Ajax, the Destroyer! I have understood... He has deceived me...and stopped loving me, he has pushed me away !...as much as we have strength... we go quickly - if we We wish to rescue one aspiring to death.
Chorus
I go and capable shall prove.
(End of Act One).
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