No, by the gods, let it content you that he stay inside.AthenaWhat is the danger? Was he not a man before?OdysseusYes, a man hostile to me in the past, and especially now.AthenaAnd is not the sweetest mockery the mockery of enemies?OdysseusI am content that he stay within his tent.AthenaDo you fear to see a madman right before your eyes?OdysseusI would not shrink from him in fear, if he were sane.AthenaBut he will not see you now, even though you stand nearby.OdysseusHow could that be, if he still sees with the same eyes?AthenaI shall darken them, though their sight is keen.OdysseusIt is true: all is possible when a god contrives.AthenaStand silent, then, and stay where you are.OdysseusI must stay. But I would prefer to be far from here!AthenaYou there, Ajax, once again I call you! Why do you show so little regard for your ally?Enter Ajax, holding a blood-stained whip in his hand.AjaxWelcome, Athena! Welcome, daughter sprung from Zeus! How well have you stood by me! I will crown you with trophies of pure gold in gratitude for this quarry!AthenaA fine pledge. But tell me this—have you dyed your sword well in the Greek army?AjaxI can make that boast. I do not deny it.AthenaAnd have you launched your armed hand against the Atreidae?AjaxYes, so that never again will they dishonor Ajax.AthenaThe men are dead, as I interpret your words.AjaxDead they are. Now let them rob me of my arms!AthenaI see. And the son of Laertes, how does his fortune with respect to you? Has he escaped you?AjaxThat blasted fox! You ask me where he is?AthenaYes, I do. I mean Odysseus, your adversary.AjaxMy most pleasing prisoner, mistress, he sits inside. I do not wish him to die just yet.AthenaUntil you do what? Or win what greater advantage?AjaxUntil he be bound to a pillar beneath my roof—AthenaWhat evil, then, will you inflict on the poor man?Ajax—and have his back crimsoned by the lash, before he dies.AthenaDo not abuse the poor man so cruelly!