Odysseus: It was my wish. But if my help herein
Pleases you not, so be it, I depart. (Odysseus goes out.)
Teucer: 'Tis enough. Too long is the time we have wasted
In talk. Haste some with spades to the grave:
Speedily hollow it. Some set the cauldron
On high amid wreathing flames ready filled
For pious ablution.
Then a third band go, fetch forth from the tent
All the armour he once wore under his shield.
Thou too, child, lovingly lay thy hand
On thy father's corpse, and with all thy strength
Help me to lift him: for the dark blood-tide
Still upward is streaming warm through the arteries.
All then who openly now would appear
Friends to the dead, come, hasten forwards.
To our valiant lord this labour is due.
We have served none nobler among men.
Chorus: (chanting) Unto him who has seen may manifold knowledge
Come; but before he sees, no man
May divine what destiny awaits him.
Studies
