Philoktetes Part 7

I sail as captain of a cargo vessel from Ilium, to a place not far away--- Peparethos, rich in grapes and wine.

I learned that these men are your companions and decided to stay until I'd spoken with you and received my reward.

Perhaps you do not know your own concerns, the new things the Greeks have in store for you, no longer mere plans, but onrus.h.i.+ng actions.

NEOPTOLEMOS

A blessing on you for thinking of me.

If I do not grow evil, your concern will keep you my friend.

Tell me more of what you said: I want to know more of these new Greek tricks.

TRADER

Phoenix and Theseus's sons have sailed from Troy and are following you with an armed flotilla.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Do they plan to take me with violence or persuade me to return with them?

TRADER

I do not know. I tell you only what I have heard.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Are Phoenix and his friends so eager to jump when the Atreids tell them to?

TRADER

They have already jumped.

They're not wasting a second.

NEOPTOLEMOS

And Odysseus would not bring the message himself?

Does some fear now act upon his spirit?

TRADER

When I left, he and Tydeus's son were off chasing down another man.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Who is the man they now pursue?

TRADER

He is---wait. First tell me who that man is, and tell me quietly.

NEOPTOLEMOS

The man is great Philoktetes, friend.

TRADER

Then ask no more questions. Get out of here, and quickly. Run away from this place.

PHILOKTETES

What is he saying to you, boy?

Why does he bargain in the shadows, hiding his words from me?

NEOPTOLEMOS

I'm not sure what he means by all this.

But he'll have to speak openly to all of us.

TRADER

Son of Achilles, do not upbraid me before your men. I do much for them and get much in return, as a poor man must.

NEOPTOLEMOS

I am the Atreids' enemy.

He also hates them and so is my greatest friend.

You have come in friends.h.i.+p, and you must speak openly.

Do not hide what you have heard.

TRADER

Think of what you're doing, boy.

NEOPTOLEMOS

I have been thinking.

TRADER

Then I will make this your responsibility.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Very well. Now speak.

TRADER

The two men you have heard of, Tydeus's son and Odysseus, hunt for Philoktetes.

They are bound by oath to bring him back by persuasion or naked violence.

And all the Greeks heard Odysseus swear to this, since he loudly boasted of sure success.

NEOPTOLEMOS