Stasimon 5
[Choral]
By Zeus who hears men’s curses, do not go, I implore you!
Philoctetes
Friends, in the name of the gods, stay!
Chorus
Why do you call?
1185
Philoctetes
Ayee, ayee! Doom, Doom! My suffering kills me! Foot, my foot, what shall I do with you in the days to come?
O friends, return, come back to me!
1190
Chorus
To do what that has a different spirit from that of your former commands?
Philoctetes
There is no reason for indignation when the words of one crazed
by a storm of pain are senseless.
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Chorus
Come with us, then, poor man, as we bid you.
Philoctetes
Never, never—of that be certain! Not even if the lord of the fiery lightning comes to wrap me in the blaze of his thunderbolts!
Ilium be damned, and as many of the men before its walls as dared reject this foot of mine! But oh, friends, grant me one wish!
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Chorus
What would you ask?
Philoctetes
A sword, if you can find one, or an axe, or any weapon—
please, pass it to me!
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Chorus
That you may execute what scheme?
Philoctetes
Mangle all this body, and sever limb from limb with my own hand! Death, death is my thought now!
Chorus
Why, why ever would you—
Philoctetes
I am seeking my father—
1210
Philoctetes
In Hades; he dwells in the sunlight no more. Ah, my city, city of my fathers! I crave to see you, unhappy man that I truly am
for leaving your sacred stream and going to help the Danaans, my enemies! I am nothing now, nothing anymore! Exit Philoctetes into the cave.
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