Eksodos
Neoptolemus
No, not even at the threat of your hand do I yield obedience.
Odysseus
Then our battles shall be not with the Trojans, but with you.
Neoptolemus
So be it, if that is what the future holds.
Odysseus
Do you see my right hand
clasping my sword hilt?
1255
Neoptolemus
You will see me do the same, and not slowly.
1255
Odysseus
However, I will let you be. But I will go report this to all the army, and by them you will be punished.
Neoptolemus
You have come to your senses. And if you are so prudent hereafter,
perhaps you may steer clear of trouble. Odysseus feigns departure, but conceals himself nearby.
1260
But you, son of Poeas, Philoctetes, come out! Leave the shelter of your rocky home!
Philoctetes
What is this disruptive cry once more rising beside my cave? Why do you call me? What do you want of me? He appears at the mouth of the cave, and sees Neoptolemus.
Oh, no! This business will bring me no good. Have you come bringing me new misery on top of the old?
1265
Neoptolemus
Take heart and listen to my words.
Philoctetes
I am afraid. Beautiful words did me evil once before, when I believed your promises.
Neoptolemus
Is there no room, then, for repentance?
1270
Philoctetes
You spoke just like this, when you were seeking to steal my bow—a professed friend, with my destruction in his treacherous heart.
Neoptolemus
I assure you, I am not so now. I merely wish to know whether you have resolved to stay here and endure, or to sail with us.
Philoctetes
Stop, not another word! Whatever you may say will be said in vain.
1275
Neoptolemus
You are so resolved?
Philoctetes
More firmly, believe me, than words can say.
Neoptolemus
Well, I could have wished that you had listened to my words, but if nothing that I say will help,then I am finished.
Philoctetes
Yes, all your pleas will be in vain.
You will never gain my mind’s good will, since first you fraudulently seized my means of life and robbed me of it, and then you have come here to admonish me, you most hateful descendant of so noble a father!
1280
Ruin seize you all, the Atreids first, and next the son of Laertes, and you!
1285
Neoptolemus
Speak no more curses, and instead receive these weapons from my hand.
Philoctetes
What did you say? Am I being tricked a second time?
Neoptolemus
No, I swear it by the pure majesty of Zeus most high!
Philoctetes
O welcome words—if your words are true!
1290
Neoptolemus
The deed will soon make it plain. Come, stretch out your right hand and be master of your bow! As he hands the bow and arrows to Philoctetes, Odysseus suddenly appears.
Odysseus
But I forbid it, as the gods are my witnesses, in the name of the Atreids and the entire army!
