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Neoptolemus
Stranger, if I have any seed of virtue
I will remember your concern for me.
Now, tell me what you mean, for I must learn
560about whatever plan the Greeks have made.
spy
The aged Phoenix and the sons of Theseus
have launched an expedition to pursue you.
Neoptolemus
To take me back by force or by persuasion?
spy
I only know what I have heard from others,
Neoptolemus
565 Are Phoenix and his fellow-sailors really
so anxious to appease the sons of Atreus?
spy
Be certain they are doing so - and now.
Neoptolemus
Why did Odysseus not set forth with them
and tell me this himself? Was he afraid?
spy
570 He and the son of Tydeus were sailing
after another man when I left port.
Neoptolemus
Who is it that Odysseus is seeking?
spy
There was a certain man - but tell me first
who he is; and speak softly when you say it.
Neoptolemus
575 This is the famous Philoctetes, stranger.
spy
Ask me no more, but sail from here as quickly
as possibly you can, and leave this island.
Philoctetes
What is he saying, child? what shadowy bargain
is this man making with you about me?
Neoptolemus
580 I am not certain yet; but he must speak
openly, to my sailors, and to you.
spy
Son of Achilles, do not charge me here
with saying what I should not: I am poor,
and these men are the means of my subsistence.
Neoptolemus
585 I hate the sons of Atreus, and he
is my best friend, because he hates them too.
You, if you come in friendship for me, must
not hide from us whatever you have heard.
spy
Watch yourself, son.
Neoptolemus
I know what I am doing.
spy
You are responsible.
Neoptolemus
I am: speak on.
spy
I will. The men I told you of before,
590the son of Tydeus and the strong Odysseus,
The women of Trachis and Philoctetes. A new translation in verse by Robert Torrance. Houghton Mifflin. 1966.
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