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Odysseus withdraws.
Neoptolemus
1260 Now you are showing wisdom; and if you
continue thus, you may stay clear of trouble.
Philoctetes, Poeas' son, I call upon you
to leave your rocky chamber and come forth.
Philoctetes emerges from the cave.
Philoctetes
What is this sound of shouting near my cave?
1265Why do you call? what can you want from me?
There must be something wrong: have you come to me
bringing new hardships to add to my others?
Neoptolemus
Take heart and listen to the words I speak.
Philoctetes
I am afraid. I suffered bitterly
1270from your fair words before, because I listened.
Neoptolemus
Is it not possible to change one's mind?
Philoctetes
Your words seemed just as true when you were
stealing my bow from me, and yet they were deceptive.
Neoptolemus
They are not now: I wish to learn from you
1275whether you will remain here and endure,
or sail with us
Philoctetes
Wait, say nothing more!
Every word that you speak will be in vain.
Neoptolemus
Are you resolved?
Philoctetes
Much more than I can say.
Neoptolemus
I wish you had been persuaded by my words;
but if I speak to no avail, then I will cease.
Philoctetes
All that you say will be in vain,
1280for you will never make my mind your friend.
You robbed me of my life and took my bow,
yet now you come to me to bring advice,
most hateful son of a most noble father!
Damn all of you - the sons of Atreus first,
1285and then Laertes' son: then you!
Neoptolemus
Do not curse me, but take your bow back from my hand.
Philoctetes
What do you mean? is this another trick?
The women of Trachis and Philoctetes. A new translation in verse by Robert Torrance. Houghton Mifflin. 1966.
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