Philoctetes
Sophocles
Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 4: The Philoctetes. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1898.
- 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.
- I will hold you accountable.
- Do so, but speak.
- I will. It is after this man that those two whom I named to you, Diomedes and forceful Odysseus, are sailing. They are oath-bound to retrieve him, either by winning words or by overpowering might.
- And all the Achaeans heard this clearly from the mouth Odysseus, for his confidence of success in this action was higher than his comrade’s.