Philoktetes Part 12

NEOPTOLEMOS

Stand up, then. Hold on to me.

PHILOKTETES

No need. I am used to it.

Once I am up, I can manage.

 

NEOPTOLEMOS

It is time.

What must I do?

PHILOKTETES

Your words stray off course. What is it, boy?

NEOPTOLEMOS

I do not know where to turn my powerless words.

PHILOKTETES

Powerless? Do not say such things.

NEOPTOLEMOS

But I am mired in powerless thoughts.

PHILOKTETES

Does this come from nausea at the sight of my illness?

Does this push you not to take me?

NEOPTOLEMOS

Everything is nauseating to one who casts off his nature to do things that are out of character.

PHILOKTETES

It would not have been out of character for your father, the man who gave you your nature, to help a good man, both in word and in deed.

NEOPTOLEMOS

I will be shown to be evil.

The very thought of it frightens me.

PHILOKTETES

The things you do now are not ign.o.ble.

The words you speak, though, give me pause.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Zeus, what will I do? Will I twice be proven evil, hiding what I should not, saying the worst?

PHILOKTETES

If I am not a poor judge, it seems to me that this man will abandon me, and sail away.

NEOPTOLEMOS

I will not abandon you. It's the trip you'll be making that will be ample cause for grief.

PHILOKTETES

I do not follow you. What are you saying?

NEOPTOLEMOS

I won't keep it from you any longer. You must sail to Troy, to the Achaeans, to the armies of the Atreids.

PHILOKTETES

Ah! What are you saying?

NEOPTOLEMOS

Do not groan until you learn.

PHILOKTETES

What must I learn?

What are you planning to do with me?

NEOPTOLEMOS

First, to cure you of this misery. Then you and I will destroy the Trojan nation.

PHILOKTETES

Is this the truth? Is this what you wanted?

NEOPTOLEMOS

A great need forces these things upon us.

Quell your anger.