693-718.
mvp-comment-468-1
The following ode is the clearest instance in Sophocles of the hyporchema, or song accompanied with dancing. In substance it may be compared with Trach. 205-224, Ο. Τ. 1086-1109, Ant. 1115-1154. The metrical scheme of στρ. and ἀντ. is as follows:...
719.
mvp-comment-483-1
The proscenium has been vacant during the preceding ode. A single figure is now seen approaching from the opposite direction to that in which Ajax went forth. The man proves to be Teucer's forerunner. The effect of the following scene is twofold. On the one hand, the Chorus and Tecmessa are roused from their security, and go anxiously in search of Ajax. We are thus made aware that the crisis of the drama is approaching. But, on the other hand, the bearing of the prophet to Teucer, as reported by the messenger, and the tenor of his prophecy, assure the spectator that the anger of Athena against Ajax is not lasting, and hold forth a vague promise of final peace.
ἄνδρες φίλοι] The messenger, who is one of Teucer's men, thus assures the mariners of his continued friendship in their master's hour of need.
τὸ πρῶτον stands in apposition with the sentence,
Τεύκρος παρέστι, which, as Hermann says, must be held as equivalent to
Teῦκρον παρεῖναι. Ср. О. Т. 1234, 5,
ὁ μὲν τάχιστος τῶν λόγων εἰπεῖν τε καὶ | μαθεῖν, τέθνηκε θεῖον Ἰοκάστης κάρα. The abruptness of this gives some colour to Musgrave's conjecture,
ἄνδρες, φίλον τὸ πρῶτον ἀγγεῖλαι θέλω.
724-725.
mvp-comment-484-1
'For when they knew him from afar off as he approached, they surrounded him.'
Cp. infr. 1046,
μαθεῖν γὰρ ἐγγὺς ὧν οὐ δυσπετής.
