manage it. Then fire would be lacking; but by rubbing stone hard on stone I would at last reveal the hidden spark which preserves me from day to day. Indeed, a roof over my head and a fire inside provides all that I want—except release from my disease.Come now, son, you must understand what sort of island this is. No mariner approaches it by choice, since there is no anchorage or port where he can find a gainful market or a kindly host. This is not a place to which prudent men voyage. But suppose that some one has put in against his will, for such things may oftenhappen in the long course of a man’s life. These visitors, then, when they come, son, have compassionate words for me, and, perhaps moved by pity, they give me a little food or some clothing.But there is one thing that no one will do, whenever I mention it: take me home in safety. No, this is already the tenth year that I am wasted by misery from hunger and suffering, by feeding this gluttonous plague. This is what the Atreids and the forceful Odysseus have done to me, boy.May the gods on Olympus someday give them agonies as strong in requital for mine! ChorusI believe that I, too, pity you, son of Poeas, as much as your former visitors.NeoptolemusAnd I myself attest your accusations,for I know their truth through my own experience with the wickedness of the Atreids and the force of Odysseus.PhiloctetesWhat, do you also have a grievance against the accursed sons of Atreus, a cause for anger at some mistreatment?NeoptolemusIf only I might one day be allowed to fulfill my heart’s rage by the deeds of my hand,so that Mycenae might learn, and Sparta, that Scyros also is a mother of brave men!