Odysseus
However, I will let you be. But I will go report this to all the army, and by them you will be punished.
Neoptolemus
You have come to your senses. And if you are so prudent hereafter,
[1260]
perhaps you may steer clear of trouble.Odysseus feigns departure, but conceals himself nearby.
But you, son of Poeas, Philoctetes, come out! Leave the shelter of your rocky home!
Philoctetes
Within.
What is this disruptive cry once more rising beside my cave? Why do you call me? What do you want of me?He appears at the mouth of the cave, and sees Neoptolemus.
Oh, no! This business will bring me no good. Have you come bringing me new misery on top of the old?
Neoptolemus
Take heart and listen to my words.
Philoctetes
I am afraid. Beautiful words did me evil once before, when I believed your promises.
Neoptolemus
[1270]
Is there no room, then, for repentance?
Philoctetes
You spoke just like this, when you were seeking to steal my bow—a professed friend, with my destruction in his treacherous heart.
Neoptolemus
I assure you, I am not so now. I merely wish to know whether you have resolved to stay here and endure, or to sail with us.
Philoctetes
[1275]
Stop, not another word! Whatever you may say will be said in vain.
Neoptolemus
You are so resolved?
Philoctetes
More firmly, believe me, than words can say.
Neoptolemus
Well, I could have wished that you had listened to my words, but if nothing that I say will help,
[1281]
then I am finished.
Philoctetes
Yes, all your pleas will be in vain. You will never gain my mind's good will, since first you fraudulently seized my means of life and robbed me of it, and then you have come here to admonish me, you most hateful descendant of so noble a father!
[1285]
Ruin seize you all, the Atreids first, and next the son of Laertes, and you!
Neoptolemus
Speak no more curses, and instead receive these weapons from my hand.
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Sophocles. The Philoctetes of Sophocles. Edited with introduction and notes by Sir Richard Jebb. Sir Richard Jebb. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. 1898.
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