Prologos
Neoptolemus
I abhor acting on advice, son of Laertes, which causes pain in the hearing. It is not in my nature to achieve anything by means of evil cunning, nor was it, as I hear, in my father’s.
But I am ready to take the man by force and without treachery, since with the use of one foot only, he will not overcome so many of us in a struggle. And yet I was sent to assist you and am reluctant to be called traitor. Still I prefer, my king,
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to fail when doing what is honorable than to be victorious in a dishonorable manner.
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Odysseus
Son of a father so noble, I, too, in my youth once had a slow tongue and an active hand. But now that I have come forth to the test, I see that the tongue, not action, is what masters everything among men.
Neoptolemus
What, then, are your orders—apart from my lying?
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Odysseus
I command you to take Philoctetes by deceit.
Neoptolemus
And why by deceit rather than by persuasion?
Odysseus
He will never listen; and by force you cannot take him.
Neoptolemus
Has he strength so terrific to make him bold?
Odysseus
Yes, shafts inevitable, escorts of death.
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Neoptolemus
Then one does not dare even approach him?
Odysseus
No, unless he takes the man by deceit, as I prescribe.
Neoptolemus
Then you think it brings no shame to speak what is false?
Odysseus
No, not if the falsehood yields deliverance.
Neoptolemus
And with what expression on his face will anyone dare mouth those lies?
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Odysseus
When what you do promises gain, it is wrong to shrink back.
Neoptolemus
And what gain is it for me that he should come to Troy?
Odysseus
His arrows alone will capture Troy.
Neoptolemus
Then I am not to be the conqueror, as you said?
Odysseus
Neither will you be without them, nor they without you.
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Neoptolemus
It would seem, then, that we must track them down, if things stand as you say.
Odysseus
Know that by doing this task, you win two rewards.
Neoptolemus
What are they? If I knew, I would not refuse the deed.
Odysseus
You will be celebrated in the same breath as clever and as noble.
Neoptolemus
So be it! I will do it, and cast off all shame.
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Odysseus
Do you remember, then, the story that I recommended?
Neoptolemus
Be sure of it, since once and for all I have consented.
Odysseus
You stay here, then, to wait for him. Meanwhile I will go away, so as not to be observed here with you,
and I will send our lookout back to your ship. And, if in my view you seem to linger at all beyond the due time, I will send that same man back again, after disguising him as the captain of a merchant-ship, so that secrecy may be on our side.
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Then, son, as he tells his artful story, take whatever in his tale is from time to time helpful to you. Now I will go to the ship, leaving matters here to you. May escorting Hermes the Deceiver, lead us on, and divine Victory, Athena Polias, who saves me always! Exit Odysseus, on the spectators’ left.
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