Philoctetes
Sophocles
Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 4: The Philoctetes. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1898.
- have regarding you, and not only designs, but deeds in progress and no longer postponed.
- The service you have done me by your forethought, sir, unless I am unworthy, will remain in my grateful thoughts. But tell me just what the designs are that you mentioned, so that I may understand
- what is the strange plan of the Greeks that you know.
- Pursuers are on the way in search of you with a fleet. They are the aged Phoenix and the sons of Theseus.
- To bring me back by force, or through persuasion?
- I do not know; but I have come to tell you what I did hear.
- Are Phoenix and his comrades really so eager to do this favor for the Atreids?
- Be sure that it is being done, and without delay.
- Then why was Odysseus not ready to sail on this mission, and bring the message himself? Or did some fear hold him back?
- Oh, he and the son of Tydeus were readying for pursuit of another man, just as I was leaving port.
- Who is this other after whom Odysseus himself was sailing?
- There was a man. . . . But tell me first who that is over there. And whatever you say, do speak quietly.
- There, sir, before your eyes is the renowned Philoctetes.
- Then do not question me further, but get yourself out of here as quickly as possible and sail away.
- What is he saying, boy? Why does the sailor traffic with you about me in these dark whispers?
- His meaning yet eludes me. But, whatever he will say, he must say openly—to you, me and my men here.
- Seed of Achilles, do not stir the army’s resentment against me for saying what I should not. I receive many benefits for what services I do them, as a poor man may.
- I am the enemy of the Atreids, and this man is my closest friend precisely because he hates them. Since, then, you have come kindly disposed towards me, you must not hide from us any part of their plans that you have heard.
- Beware of what you are doing, boy.
- I am well aware.