Philoctetes

Sophocles

Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 4: The Philoctetes. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1898.

  1. You have come to your senses. And if you are so prudent hereafter,
  2. perhaps you may steer clear of trouble.Odysseus feigns departure, but conceals himself nearby.
  1. But you, son of Poeas, Philoctetes, come out! Leave the shelter of your rocky home!
Philoctetes
  1. 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.
  2. Oh, no! This business will bring me no good. Have you come bringing me new misery on top of the old?
Neoptolemus
  1. Take heart and listen to my words.
Philoctetes
  1. I am afraid. Beautiful words did me evil once before, when I believed your promises.
Neoptolemus
  1. Is there no room, then, for repentance?
Philoctetes
  1. You spoke just like this, when you were seeking to steal my bow—a professed friend, with my destruction in his treacherous heart.
Neoptolemus
  1. 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
  1. Stop, not another word! Whatever you may say will be said in vain.