Philoktetes Part 20

Your words have merit. Still, you must trust the G.o.ds, and my word, and come as my friend.

PHILOKTETES

Come to the bitter plains of Troy, to the accursed Atreids with my foot like this?

NEOPTOLEMOS

No, not to enemies, but to those who can help, who can save you and your foot from this savage disease.

 

PHILOKTETES

What you urge is terrible.

Can I believe what you tell me?

NEOPTOLEMOS

It will be to our mutual benefit.

PHILOKTETES

Are you not ashamed to talk so, in full sight of the G.o.ds?

NEOPTOLEMOS

Why should I feel shame to do acts of good?

PHILOKTETES

Acts of good for me, or the Atreids?

NEOPTOLEMOS

I am your friend. My words are of friends.h.i.+p.

PHILOKTETES

How will you betray me to my enemies?

NEOPTOLEMOS

You must learn to extract yourself from this anguish.

PHILOKTETES

Your words are clear. You intend to destroy me.

NEOPTOLEMOS

No. You have not understood.

PHILOKTETES

Is it not true that the Atreids marooned me here?

NEOPTOLEMOS

Once they marooned you. Let us see if they'll save you.

PHILOKTETES

Not if salvation means going to Troy.

NEOPTOLEMOS

What will we do, then, since I cannot convince you?

It is better, it seems, that I stop talking, and you go on living without hope of a cure.

PHILOKTETES

Let me suffer the things I must.

But what you promised, touching my hand, you must do. Take me home without delay.

Forget Troy.

I am tired of lamenting here.

NEOPTOLEMOS

All right. Let us sail.

PHILOKTETES

You speak n.o.bly.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Plant your feet firmly, and arise.

PHILOKTETES

I will do so, as firmly as I am able.

NEOPTOLEMOS

How will I avoid the scorn of the Greeks?

PHILOKTETES

Pay it no mind.

NEOPTOLEMOS