Ajax

Menelaus enters, warning Teucer to stay away from the body, which is to remain unburied. Ajax would have murdered the entire Greek army if Athena had not intervened. Neither a city nor a military camp can be run effectively in the absence of fear and respect. Teucer rejects Menelaus’s authority over Ajax, who came to Troy not for Menelaus but because of the oath he swore. Calling Menelaus a “nobody,” Teucer insists that he will bury his brother (76).

The Chorus tries to defuse the tension, but the men exchange insults, Menelaus insisting that Ajax will remain unburied and Teucer insisting that he will bury him. Warning Teucer that he has the power to “compel you by force,” Menelaus exists (78). The Chorus warns Teucer to dig a grave quickly, as the quarrel will likely escalate. 

Tecmessa and Eurysaces enter. Teucer instructs the boy to kneel as a suppliant, “pray for protection,” hold onto his father, and let no one move him from his side. Instructing the Chorus to protect Eurysaces, Teucer exits to prepare Ajax’s grave (78). The Chorus sings of their thankless toils at Troy, their loss of Ajax who shielded them, and their desire “[t]o see sacred Athens once again” (79).