Philoktetes Part 18

How can it be just to give away what you have won with my counsel?

NEOPTOLEMOS

I have committed injustice and strayed off course.

I must undo all that.

ODYSSEUS

 

And you have no fear of what the Greeks will do?

NEOPTOLEMOS

I am not afraid of any of you, since I act with justice. You will not force me.

ODYSSEUS

Then we will fight not Troy, but you.

NEOPTOLEMOS

So be it.

ODYSSEUS

Do you see my hand drawing out this sword?

NEOPTOLEMOS

You'll see me do the same, and right away.

ODYSSEUS

I will leave you to it, then.

I'll return to Troy and tell the Greeks, and they will come here to punish you.

NEOPTOLEMOS

It is a cautious thing you do. Remain as cautious, and perhaps you'll keep clear of future danger.

Philoktetes, son of Poias, come out of your cave. I call on you.

PHILOKTETES

What do you want? Why do you call me?

It bodes ill. Some new trouble is at hand, some new grief to heap on my miseries.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Be calm. I simply ask that you listen.

PHILOKTETES

I listened to you once, and you spoke well then.

My troubles came from sweet words, when I believed them.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Is it not possible, then, to apologize?

PHILOKTETES

You spoke as smoothly as you do now when you stole my bow, trustworthy on the surface, but treacherous below.

NEOPTOLEMOS

That is not the case now. Are you resolved to stay here as before, or will you come with us?

PHILOKTETES

Stop. Your words will be wasted on me.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Are you resolved?

PHILOKTETES

More resolved than words can say.

NEOPTOLEMOS

I wish that I could make you change your mind.

But if my words are pointless, then I am finished.

PHILOKTETES

Your words are useless. You will never win me with words to your friends.h.i.+p. You have destroyed me with deceitful talk, and then you come to make speeches, b.a.s.t.a.r.d son of a n.o.ble father. A curse on you, on the Atreids and Odysseus, but especially on you.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Curse no more. Take your bow.

I give it back to you now, Philoktetes.

PHILOKTETES

Is this yet another of your tricks?

NEOPTOLEMOS