Eksodos
Neoptolemus
I recognize what will be best in the end for you and for me.
Philoctetes
Have you no shame before the gods for saying that?
Neoptolemus
Why should a man be ashamed of benefiting his friends?
Philoctetes
Do you mean a benefit to the Atreids, or for me?
Neoptolemus
For you, certainly, since I am your friend and speak in friendship.
1385
Philoctetes
How can that be, when you would give me up to my enemies?
Neoptolemus
Please, sir, learn to be less defiant in misfortune.
Philoctetes
You will ruin me—I know it—with these words.
Neoptolemus
Not I. But you, I say, will not understand.
Philoctetes
Do I not know already that the Atreids cast me away?
1390
Neoptolemus
They cast you out, yes, but look if they will not in turn restore you.
Philoctetes
Never—if I must first consent to see Troy.
Neoptolemus
What can I do, then if my pleading fails to persuade you of anything that I recommend?
The easiest course for me is to stop talking, and for you to live, just as you do now, without deliverance.
1395
Philoctetes
Let me bear the sufferings that are fated me. But what you promised me with your right hand in mine—to bring me home,—that promise fulfil for me, son,
and do not delay, or remind me further of Troy. I have had my fill of grief and lamentations.
1400
Neoptolemus
If it is your will, let us go.
Philoctetes
O noble words!
Neoptolemus
Now lean your steps firmly upon mine.
Philoctetes
As far as my strength allows.
Neoptolemus
But how shall I escape blame from the Achaeans?
Philoctetes
Disregard it.
Neoptolemus
What if they ravage my country?
1405
Philoctetes
I will be there—
1405
Neoptolemus
And what aid will you render?
Philoctetes
—And with the shafts of Heracles—
Philoctetes
—I will keep them away.
Neoptolemus
Then say your farewell to this island, and leave with me.
Heracles
Not yet, not until you have heard my commands,
