Epeisodion 5
Neoptolemus
Quiet, I say, and do not abandon your wits—the man is opening his eyes and lifts his head.
865
Philoctetes
Ah, light succeeding upon sleep! Ah, friendly watchers, sight unlooked for even in my dreams! I could never have expected this, son—
that you would have the patience to wait so tenderly upon my sufferings by staying close beside me and helping to relieve me. The Atreids, certainly, those valiant generals, had no heart to bear this burden so lightly. But your nature is noble and drawn of a noble line,
870
and so you have made little of all this, though loud cries and stenches afflicted you. And now, since the plague seems to allow me a space of forgetfulness and peace at last, lift me up yourself and set me on my feet,
875
so that, when the faintness releases me at length, we may set out to the ship, and not hold back our sailing.
880
Neoptolemus
It pleases me to see you living unpained and breathing still, however contrary to my expectation. For in view of your persistent sufferings,
your symptoms seemed to speak of death. But now lift yourself, or, if you prefer, these men will carry you. The labor will not be grudged, since you and I are of one mind.
885
Philoctetes
Thank you, son, and help me up, as you will.
Yet do not trouble your men, so that they may not suffer from the foul stench before it is necessary. It will be trial enough for them to live on board with me.
890
Neoptolemus
So be it. Now stand up, and take hold of me.
Philoctetes
Do not worry, my habitual method will help me to my feet.
Neoptolemus
God! What am I to do next?
895
Philoctetes
What is the matter? Where strays your speech?
Neoptolemus
I do not know where to turn my tongue when my thoughts are so confused.
Philoctetes
Confused? How so? No, do not say it!
Neoptolemus
My mind is indeed brought to that condition.
Philoctetes
It cannot be that offense at my sickness has persuaded you not to take me aboard your ship?
900
Neoptolemus
All is offense when a man has abandoned his true nature and does what does not suit him.
Philoctetes
But you, at least, are not departing from your begetter’s
example either in word or deed, when you help a man who is noble.
905
Neoptolemus
I shall be found to have no honor—this is the thought that long torments me.
Philoctetes
Not because of your present deeds, at least. But because of your words, I worry.
Neoptolemus
O Zeus, what shall I do? Must I be twice found base—by disloyal silence, as well as by shameful speech?
Philoctetes
Unless I am lacking in judgment, he means to betray me, leave me behind and sail away!
910
Neoptolemus
Leave you? No, not I. Rather, to your pain, I will bring you along. That is my torment.
Philoctetes
What do you mean, son? I do not understand.
Neoptolemus
I will conceal nothing. You must sail to Troy, back to the Achaeans and the forces of the Atreids.
915
Philoctetes
Ah, no! What have you said?
Neoptolemus
Do not wail in grief, before you understand!
Philoctetes
Understand what? What do you intend to do to me?
