Odysseus stands outside Ajax's tent in the forest, trying to determine if Ajax is inside. Athena appears, compliments him on having found who he was looking for, and asks why he is there. Odysseus explains he has come to find out if Ajax is guilty of viciously and senselessly slaughtering a herd of cattle. Athena confirms Odysseus' suspicions. Athena further explains that Ajax originally planned to kill Menelaus and Agamemnon in retaliation for giving Achilles's armor to Odysseus rather than to him. Athena makes Ajax kill the cattle instead. Athena then offers to bring Ajax forth, so Odysseus can judge Ajax' state of mind. The always-cautious Odysseus wonders whether it is a good idea, but Athena reassures him saying she'll make Odysseus invisible before summoning Ajax.
Ajax tells Athena that he has slaughtered Menelaus.....
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