Philoctetes Hateful life, why, why do you keep me in the light of day, instead of letting me go to Hades’ domain? Ah, me, what shall I do? How can I ignore this man’s words, when he has advised me with good will? But shall I yield, then? How, after doing that, shall I, ill-fated, come into men’s sight? Whom will I be able to talk to? You orbs that have watched my every suffering, how could you endure to see me consorting with the sons of Atreus, who caused my ruin, or with the accursed son of Laertes? It is not my resentment for what has already been done that stings me, rather it is the many troubles which I seem to foresee I must suffer at the hands of these men in the future. For when the mind of men has once mothered wrongdoing, it trains those men to be wrongdoers in all else thereafter. And in you, too, I wonder at this. You should never yourself revisit Troy, and should prevent me from going there, seeing that those men have done you outrage by stripping you of your father’s arms. After that, will you go to fight at their side, and compel me to do the same? No, do not do it, son, but, as you swore to me, escort me home. You yourself remain in Scyros, and leave those evil men to their evil doom. So shall you win double thanks from me, as from your father, and you will not appear through your service to bad men to be like them in your nature.
Neoptolemus Your recommendation is reasonable, but nevertheless, I wish that you would put your trust in the gods and in my words, and sail from this land with me, your friend.
Philoctetes What! To the plains of Troy and to the abhorred son of Atreus, with this miserable foot?
Neoptolemus No, rather to those who will free you and your pus-filled limb from pain, and will save you from your sickness.
Philoctetes You giver of frightening advice, what have you said?
Neoptolemus I recognize what will be best in the end for you and for me.
Philoctetes Have you no shame before the gods for saying that?
Neoptolemus Why should a man be ashamed of benefiting his friends?
Philoctetes Do you mean a benefit to the Atreids, or for me?
Neoptolemus For you, certainly, since I am your friend and speak in friendship.
Philoctetes How can that be, when you would give me up to my enemies?
Neoptolemus Please, sir, learn to be less defiant in misfortune.
Philoctetes You will ruin me—I know it—with these words.
Neoptolemus Not I. But you, I say, will not understand.
Philoctetes Do I not know already that the Atreids cast me away?
Neoptolemus They cast you out, yes, but look if they will not in turn restore you.
Philoctetes Never—if I must first consent to see Troy.
Neoptolemus What can I do, then if my pleading fails to persuade you of anything that I recommend? The easiest course for me is to stop talking, and for you to live, just as you do now, without deliverance.
Philoctetes Let me bear the sufferings that are fated me. But what you promised me with your right hand in mine—to bring me home,—that promise fulfil for me, son, and do not delay, or remind me further of Troy. I have had my fill of grief and lamentations.
Neoptolemus If it is your will, let us go.
Philoctetes O noble words!
Neoptolemus Now lean your steps firmly upon mine.
Philoctetes As far as my strength allows.
Neoptolemus But how shall I escape blame from the Achaeans?
Philoctetes Disregard it.
Neoptolemus What if they ravage my country?
Philoctetes I will be there—
Neoptolemus And what aid will you render?
Philoctetes —And with the shafts of Heracles—
Neoptolemus What?
Philoctetes —I will keep them away.
Neoptolemus Then say your farewell to this island, and leave with me.
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