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1051–1200

νικᾶν γε . ἐκστήσομαι] 'However, while in all other cases I am certainly solicitous to overcome, I make an exception in regard to you. On the contrary, I am willing to let you have your way.' The paratactic structure ( cp. supr. 1043) assists the surprise in πλὴν εἰς σέ, which is thus brought in suddenly. σοί γ᾽] γε reaffirms εἰς σε with ironical courtesy.

ἄφετε] Cp. supr. 1003.

προσχρήζομεν] προσ-, 'in addition.'

μέν] 'If no one else.'

Cp. Od. 8. 219, where Odysseus boasts that he is second to none but Philoctetes in the use of the bow, and contrast Aj. 1120, ὁ τοξότης ἔοικεν οὐ σμικρὸν φρονεῖν. It is necessary to the plot of the Philoctetes that skill in archery should be spoken of with respect, as in heroic times, whereas Menelaus in the Ajax expresses the contempt of a hoplite of the time of Pericles for the light-armed bowman.

ἐγώ θ'] 'And I too.' 'Post πόρεστι μὲν Τεύκρος sequi dedebat πάρειμι δ' ἐγώ, pro quo mutata orationis forma ἐγώ τε illatum est, quia hoc sine verbo positum est.' Dindorf. E. on L. § 36. p. 65. Cp. infr. 1424-8. ὃς οἶμαι, κ.τ.λ.] The bow of Odysseus is not less famous than that of Heracles. See Introd. to Trachiniae.

οὐδὲν .. μηδ'] οὐ belongs strictly to οἶμαι, as in οὗ φημι, οὐ φαίνεται, etc. μή is to be taken closely with the infinitive, which receives an hypothetical turn from av preceding. Wunder quotes Plat. Prot. 319 Β, ὅθεν δὲ αὐτὸ ἡγοῦμαι οὐ διδακτὸν εἶναι μηδ' ὑπ᾿ ἀνθρώπων παρασκευστὸν ἀνθρώποις, δίκαιός εἰμι εἰπεῖν, but οὐ there rather adheres to διδακτόν. The repetition of the negative is here emphatic.

Cp. supr. 2, and note.

ἣν σ᾽ ἐχρῆν ἔχειν] Here, as above in 997, 8, Odysseus alludes to the prophecy, of which, however, Philoctetes has not been told. He was too impatient to listen to Neoptolemus, supr. 919, 20.

For the absence of caesura in this line, cp. infr. 1369.

φωνῆς .. προσφθεγκτός] The pleonasm is pathetic. 'Shall I no more hear your voice addressing me?' Philoctetes, who supr. 220 foll. was overjoyed at the sight of Greeks, and longed to hear them speak, is now being left in tenfold desolation. He still clings to his hope in Neoptolemus, and makes a last appeal to the mariners, who, 507 foll., 676 foll., had shown some pity for him.

'Odysseus will tell me that I am a victim of weak pity: but still, if Philoctetes craves it, go not yet.' ἀκούσομαι] · 'I shall be reviled.' Cp. supr. 607, and note. οἴκτου] Cp. O.C. 1636, οὐκ οἴκτου μέτα. πλέως is used in reproachful phrases, e.g. Aesch. Prom. 696, πρό γε στενάζεις καὶ φόβου πλέα τις εἶ.

εἰς ὅσον] Sc. χρόνον. Cp. O. C. 1701, El. 1075. and notes. τὰ ἐκ νεώς] 'Things on board.' For ἐκ, with the genitive denoting the whereabouts of a thing, cp. πρός with genitive, ἐγγύθεν, πόρρωθεν, etc. Cp. also supr. 630, and note.

ἡμῖν with λῴω. νώ] Neoptolemus and Odysseus. Some critics object to the form ὁρμώμεθον and read ὁρμώμεθα with Γ.

ὁρμᾶσθαι] Infin. for imper. ταχεῖς, predicative. Cp. supr. 526, ὁρμάσθω ταχύς: Thuc. 5. 9. § 7, σὺ δέ, ὦ Κλεαρίδα, . . αἰφνιδίως τὰς πύλας ἀνοίξας ἐπεκθεῖν.

Philoctetes now feels that he is left completely alone and helpless. For the shipmates of Neoptolemus are only to remain for a little while, in the vain hope that he will change his mind. The following commos may be divided into two chief portions. The first, 1081-1160, is in effect one long monody of Philoctetes from the stage, of which the pauses are filled with short recitatives addressed to him by single chorcutae. Without noticing these, he continues the strain of his lament. In the second part, 1161-1217, there is a real interchange of lyric numbers between the Chorus and the chief actor. Still chanting singly, the mariners renew their efforts to win his attention. When they succeed in this, he bids them depart. They make as if to go. Then he calls them back again and begs for means of self-destruction. The commos ends on the re-appearance of Neoptolemus followed by Odysseus. It is evident that the second part of it especially must have been accompanied with various gestures and movements to and fro in the orchestra. The 'melodramatic' character of this portion of the Philoctetes (ll. 730-1217) may be compared with the opening of the Oedipus Coloneus. The metrical scheme (in which again there are several doubtful points) is as follows :- α'.
(1.)
_ _ _ _ _UU_
__UU_U_ _
_ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _
_UU_UU_UU_UU_
(?)_U_U_U_
(2.)
_UU_UU_UU_U_ _
¹²
_ Iambic.
_UU_U_ Glyconic.
Glyconic _UU_U_
Dactylic { _UU_UU_
Iambic _U_U_ _ _
β'.
(1.)
_ _ _ _
__UU_U_ _
__UU_U_ _
_UU_UU_U_
_ _
10 _UU_UU_
(2) _U_U_ _
_U_UU_U_UU__
_U__UU_U_U_U_UU_
15 _UU_U_U_UU_UU_UU_U__³
(2.)
__UU_U_U__
_ _ _ _ _UU_
_ _ _ _ _UU_
_U_UU__
U_ _U_UU_U_U__
⁴⁵⁶

For the substitution of − ᴗ – for ᴗ ᴗ in Ionic verse, which is allowed by some writers on metre, see Christ's Metrik, § 521.

ἐπ. (ἀπολελυμένα).
(1.)
_U_U_
_ _U_U_U_U_U_U_U_
_U_U_U_
_ _ _ _
_U_UU__UU__UU__
_ _
_ _UU_UUUUUU⁷
_U_U_ _U_U_
_ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _UU_U_
__UU_U_U_
20 U_U_U_
U_UU_UU_
_U_U_U_U_U_U_U_U_
_UU_U_
(2.)
_UU_UU_U_
_ _ _U_UU__
_ _ _ _ _U__
_UU_U_U_UUUUU__
_ _ _
30 U_U_U_U_
_UU_U_
_ _U_U_U_U_
_U_U__U_U_
35 U_U_U_

If the irregularities of the above scheme are compared with those noticed in the note on O. C. 117-254, in vol. 1. p. 298, it will be found that they cannot be adequately accounted for by supposing extensive corruptions of the text. For (a) they are similar in kind to those in O. C., (b) they do not as a rule in either case violate the general laws of metre. While admitting some corruptions, it is reasonable also to suppose that in these later plays of Sophocles the severity of rhythm is relaxed in the lyric dialogue as well as in the senarii. This may be partly accounted for by the 'melodramatic' element encroaching on tragedy, and partly by contemporary innovations in the art of music.

In antistrophe _ _ _ _ _ _ _

2 Or, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Cp. β' (2), ll. 2, 3.

In antistrophe U_ _ _

2 In antistrophe U_UU_U__

3 In antistrophe _ _UU_U_UU_UU_U_U_

ὦ.. παγετῶδες] ‘Ο cavernous rocky cell, sultry and chill (by turns)!' This phrase presents the other side of the comfortable description given by Odysseus in supr. 17-19.

ἀλλὰ .. συνοίσει] ‘But in death also thou wilt be with me.' 'Comes eris,' Lamb. For συμφέρειν in a nearly neutral sense = συνεῖναι, cp. Hes. Op. and D. 300, λιμὸς γάρ τοι πάμπαν ἀεργῷ σύμφορος ἀνδρί. And for the future middle, cp. O. C. 641, τῇδε γὰρ ξυνοίσομαι. Porson's and Reiske's conjecture, συνείσει, ('Thou wilt know of me'), is therefore unnecessary.

πληρέστατον . . ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ] 'Overfull of my sorrow.' This refers not only to physical evils, supr. 38, 9.-but to the resonance of his cries and the remembrance of his moments of despair. For such clinging of association to a spot, cp. Tennyson's Elaine, 'A horror lived about the tarn, and clave | Like its own mists to all the mountain-side.' Also Maud, 'The red-ribbed ledges drip with a silent horror of blood, | And Echo there, whatever is ask'd her, answers, Death.'

τί ποτ᾿ αὐ μοι τὸ κατ᾿ ἀμαρ ἔσται] 'What henceforth shall be my daily portion?' Ср. O. С. 3. 4, τίς τὸν πλανήτην Οἰδίπουν καθ᾿ ἡμέραν τὴν νῦν σπανιστοῖς δέξεται δωρήμασιν ;

τοῦ . . σιτονόμου ἐλπίδος ;] 'What hope of obtaining food?' For τοῦ, attributive, see E. on L. § 21. p. 33. And for the double interrogation, cp. Trach. 421, τίς πόθεν μολών, κ.τ.λ. σιτονόμου = τοῦ νέμεσθαι σίτον. For this condensation of a phrase into an adjective, see Essay on L. § 43. p. 81 , and cp. especially El. 857, 8, ἐλπίδων . . κοινοτόκων | εὐπατρίδων τ᾽ ἀρωγαί.

εἴθ᾽.. ἕλωσι] 'I wish that from the skies aloft the cowering creatures there may cleave the shrilling winds to conquer me.' εἴθε is not elsewhere found with the conjunctive. Either (1) there is a confusion of ἕλωσι (conjunctive for imperative) with εἴθ' ἕλοιεν, or (2) the text is unsound. In the latter case a possible emendation is to read εἶ' (ela) for εἴθ'. Cp. Plat. Soph. 239 B, ἀλλ᾽ εἷα δή, νῦν ἐν σοὶ σκεψώμεθα. (Where however α is sometimes read.) Hermann conjectures ἴθ'.

ὀξύτονος, which elsewhere is descriptive of sound, may here suggest (1) the whistling of the wind amongst the rocks. But, possibly, (2) the meaning is simply 'Strong.'

The words οὐ γὰρ ἔτ᾿ ἰσχύω are unmetrical, and it seems probable that a marginal explanation has here supplanted the original words, which must have scanned like οὐκέτ᾽ ἀρκῶ. Cp. El. 186.

κατηξίωσας] Sc. τύχας τάσδε, which is absorbed into the following clause.

οὐκ ἄλλοθεν . . ἀπὸ μείζονος] 'And art not thus afflicted from without by the operation of a mightier will.' ἀπὸ μείζονος (masc.) is epexegetic of ἄλλοθεν. ἔχει * τύχαις = 'Thou art held fast in an evil fortune,' ( ἔχει, nearly = συνέχει.) Cp. Ant. 1140, 1, καὶ νῦν, ὡς βιαίας | ἔχεται πάνδαμος ἀμὰ πόλις ἐπὶ νόσου. And for the meaning of ἀπό, cp. Hdt. 8. 15, τὸ ἀπὸ Ξέρξεω δειμαίνοντες. Whatever may have been the origin of his calamity, Philoctetes himself is now responsible for its continuance. *τύχαις agrees with the antistrophe if we read χερός for χειρός.

φρονῆσαι] 'To adopt the wiser course.' Ср. O. T. 649, φρονήσας.

* αἰνεῖν, 'To be content with,' for ἑλεῖν (Herm.) involves a very slight change and restores the metre. Dind. conj. ἀντί. For the ellipse of μᾶλλον ('In preference to'), see Essay on L. § 39. p. 73. The v. r. πλέονος of the Schol. is preferred by some editors on the ground of metre. But it yields an inferior sense ('fuller' for 'better'), and the quantity of λῴόνος may be defended by the tendency, which is elsewhere observable, to shorten a long vowel or diphthong before another vowel in the same word. Cp. especially supr. 724, πατρῴαν : O. C. 117, ποῦ ναίει;

Philoctetes renews his complaint without noticing the interruption.

ὕστερον.. εἰσοπίσω] For the redundancy, cp. supr. 930, and note.

προσφέρων] Sc. ταῖς ἐνδείαις. Cp. supr. 718, προσενώμα, and note.

For the repetition of οὐ, see Essay on L. § 29. p. 48. κραταιαῖσιν] For the shortening of αι, cp. supr. 1100, λῴονος, and note. And for the Ionic rhythm, cp. O. C. 214. μετὰ χερσίν] Epicè.

ἴσχων] Sc. τὰ ὅπλα.

δολερᾶς.. φρενός] ‘From a guileful heart.' ὑπέδυ] Cp. supr. 1007, O. T. 386, 7.

τὸν ἴσον χρόνον] Cp. supr. 794, 5, πῶς ἂν ἀντ᾿ ἐμοῦ | τὸν ἴσον χρόνον τρέφοιτε τήνδε τὴν νόσον;

Considering the repetition of σύ τοὶ in l. 1096, the repetition of πότμος here (see v. rr.) is the most probable emendation of the defective line. The Chorus feel that the curse against Odysseus involves themselves also, who have been his instruments, and with apparent, but not real inconsistency, declare that the theft of the bow was a divinely appointed act. τάδε is accusative in apposition with the sentence. For ἔσχε, cp. supr. 331, and for ἔχε, see Essay on L. § 51. p. 96.

μὴ = ὅπως μή.

The sense is continued from l. 1115, again without any notice being taken of the intervening lines.

θινὸς ἐφήμενος] 'Sitting on the shore,' until all be ready for the departure. Cp. supr. 467, 1075 foll.

τροφάν] Cp. supr. 931.

ἐβάστασεν] Cp. supr. 657.

φίλων is not used here in the ordinary Epic sense = ἐμῶν, but φίλον and φίλων are reciprocal in meaning. 'Beloved bow, torn from my loving hand!' The bow, which Neoptolemus ( supr. 657) proposed to worship as a god, is here addressed by Philoctetes as a spiritual being, who is conscious of his condition, even though removed from him. By a bold personification, the captive weapon is imagined as looking back piteously on its old master, and grieving for the base uses which it must now subserve.

ἐλεινόν is an adverbial (or cognate) accusative neuter, meaning, 'With looks deserving pity' (not 'With compassionate gaze.') 'Piteous must be thy look, as thou beholdest me.'

τὸν.. μεθύστερον] 'Me thus destined no more to use thee in the Heraclean exercise.' The MS. reading affords no satisfactory meaning, and the alternative reading of the diorthotes of L is therefore adopted, with the addition of ἔμ', which makes the sense clearer, and may have dropped out after the preceding syllable ( ομεμ). The scholion τὸν Ἡρακλέους διάδοχον refers merely to τὸν Ἡράκλειον in the received reading.

'But thou art transferred to the different service of a man of many wiles, who wields thee now.' ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ = ἐν μετηλλαγμένῃ χρείᾳ. See Essay on L. § 43. p. 82. And, for the metaphorical use of ἐρέσσει, ib. § 58. p. 105. Something is amiss either here or in the corresponding line of the antistrophe, 1157. Hermann conjectures ἄλλου δ' ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ: Paley reads, with Dindorf, ἔτ', ἀλλ᾽ ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ: Cavallin conjectures ἀλλ᾽ αἰὲν μετ᾿ ἀγκάλαις.

φῶτ'] Cp. O. C. 1018, and note.

'Making countless issues to arise from all the shameful ills that he has devised against me.' In all the events that happened after this at Troy, the results of the present action would be conspicuous; all, in Philoctetes' view, would be evil, and Odysseus would be known as the author of all. Cp. 1061, 4. The word Ὀδυσσεύς in the text is a manifest instance of a gloss having been substituted for the true reading, which is consequently lost. Cp. supr. 1095. Perhaps ἐμήσαθ' οὗτος (the pronoun spoken with bitter emphasis) may be the true reading. That Odysseus is the subject appears both from the gloss in question, and from supr. 1114, τὸν τάδε μησάμενον. Others would read, ἐμήσατ᾽, ὦ Ζεῦ.

ἀνδρός τοι.. εἰπεῖν] ‘Truly, it is a man's part heedfully to assert what is right.' For δίκαιον without the article, cp. supr. 83, ἀναιδές: Thuc. 5. 18. § 4, δικαίῳ χρήσθων καὶ ὅρκοις. And for εὖ, modifying the whole clause, Plat. Legg. 9. 855 Α, ὡς εὖ τε καὶ ἀνδρείως εἰς ἀγαθὸν ἐκ κακοῦ διαπεφευγότων, and especially Aesch. Suppl. 78, εὖ τὸ δίκαιον ἰδόντες: Eum. 517. εἰπόντος δέ] · 'But having done so,'- agreeing with ἀνδρός. See Essay on L. § 35. p. 60.

μὴ φθονερὰν .. ὀδύναν] 'To abstain from thrusting forth malignant mischief from the tongue.' ὀδύναν, literally, 'Pain,' effect for cause. See Essay on L. § 42. p. 80, B. The poison of serpents was supposed to issue not only from the fang, but from the tongue. Ps. 140. 3, 'They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent, adders' poison is under their lips.' Shak. Mids. N. Dr. 3. 2, 'With doubler tongue | Than thine, thou serpent, never adder stung.' The soundness of the text here has been much questioned. But the three lines yield a good meaning, and the metres correspond exactly to those in the antistrophe. The former speaker (l. 1116 foll.) had cleared the Chorus from blame. He is followed by another, who defends Odysseus.

εἰς ἀπὸ πολλῶν | ταχθείς] Cp. O. C. 737 foll., οὐκ ἐξ ἑνὸς στείλαντος, ἀλλ᾽ ἀνδρῶν ὕπο | πάντων κελευσθείς: ib. 850. ἀπό is used here because Odysseus was selected from all the Achaeans as their representative.

τοῦδ᾽ ὑφημοσύνᾳ] 'Using Neoptolemus as his minister.' So Hermann, who rightly observes that the Triclinian εὐφημοσύνᾳ is a combination of the readings of L and V³. This is one of the places where the independence of the inferior MSS. is of importance. ὑφημοσύνᾳ is the harder reading, and also specially suited to the context. τοῦδ᾽ ἐφημοσύνᾳ would mean, 'Laying his commands on Neoptolemus.' τοῦδ᾽ ὑφημοσύνᾳ repeats in a softened form what Philoctetes had himself said supr. 1007, 8, and exactly describes the action of Odysseus, supr. 70-85.

κοινὰν ἀρωγάν] Either (1) 'Effected a public advantage for his friends:' or (2) 'In common with Neoptolemus performed towards his friends an act of succour.' Cp. supr. 25.

ὦ πταναὶ θῆραι] ‘Ο ye, my winged chase!' Supr. 288, 9, τὰς ὑποπτέρους | βάλλον πελείας. χαροπῶν τ᾽ ἔθνη | θηρῶν] ‘And ye tribes of wild-eyed creatures.' The bright eyes of the lynx, deer, etc. surrounding him, affect the sensitive Philoctetes in his solitude.

οὐρεσιβώτας is either (1) accusative plural, agreeing with οὓς (θῆρας), or (2) for οὐρεσιβώτης, nom. sing. masc., agreeing with χώρος. The latter is best. See Essay on L. § 55. p. 101. 'This region of rocky pasturage.'

φυγᾷ.. πελᾶτ'] 'No longer flying me from my cell, ye shall approach me there,' i. e. οὐκέτι με φεύγοντες ἀπ᾿ αὐλίων, πελᾶτέ μοι εἰς αὔλια. So the words are to be explained, with Bernhardy, if the text is sound. φυγᾷ = φεύγοντes, as supr. 1144, ὑφημοσύνᾳ = ὑφείς. με is governed, in the first instance, by the verb for which πελᾶτε is substituted; i. e. instead of saying οὐκέτι με φεύξεσθε ἀπ᾿ αὐλίων, or πελᾶτέ μοι εἰς αὐλία, the two expressions, the negative and the affirmative, are fused into one. (But cp. infr. 1163, 4.) For a somewhat similar confusion, cp. Εl. 1127, ὥς σ᾽ ἀπ᾿ ἐλπίδων οὐχ ὧνπερ ἐξέπεμπον εἰσεδεξάμην, and note. Herm. explained, 'Ye shall not draw me after you as you fly me.' Aur. conj. μηκέτι.

For ἀλκάν, corresponding to an iambus in the strophe, see on O. C. 1556 foll., 1570.

Some editors put a comma after ἐγώ, so as to connect τανῦν with ἔχω; but the language runs more simply as in the text.

ἀνέδην.. ἐρύκεται] 'Has no effective guard.' Lit. 'Is guarded by being abandoned,' an oxymoron. Cp. Aj. 1214, where ἀνίημι is used of the removal of a defence: Thuc. 4. 27, σφῶν ἀνέντων τὴν φυλακὴν περιγενήσεσθαι τοὺς ἄνδρας. The subject of the passive ἐρύκεται would have been in the dative after the active voice, ἐρύκειν θῆρας χώρῳ. Cp. Od. 5. 166, ἃ κέν τοι λιμὸν ἐρύκοι.

φοβητός is the verbal of φοβέομαι as a deponent verb = 'To be fled from.'

νῦν καλόν] 'Now is a golden time.'

ἀντίφονον . . πρὸς χαρίν] ‘Το glut your vengeful-gory jaws to heart's content.' For the compound ἀντίφονον, see Essay on L. § 54. p. 100, d. And for πρὸς χάριν, cp. πρὸς ἡδονήν. πρὸς χάριν, in Ant. 30, is in a different connection.

ἐμᾶς σαρκὸς αἰόλας] ‘On my discoloured flesh.' On the meaning of αἰόλος, see note on Trach. 834. Philoctetes is bitterly conscious that he is not as other men are. Cp. supr. 227.

The tmesis of ἀπό recurs infr. 1177, 1207; supr. 817.

ἐν αὔραις] i. e. With no surroundings but the 'casing' air.

πέμπει] 'Ministers,' 'Gives.' Cp. Hdt. 7. 106, τῷ μούνῳ Ξέρξης δῶρα πέμπεσκε. Τhe same notion is resumed in βιόδωρος, ‘Sustenance,' 'Ministering,' 'Sustaining.' For the refinement by which the simple verb is used for the compound ἀναπέμπει, which would be more usual in this connection, see Essay on L. § 55. p. 101, 4.

The reciter of these lines, who is probably the coryphaeus, feels hurt at the prolonged indifference of Philoctetes to the presence of the Chorus, and makes a further and successful effort to engage his attention. εἴ τι σέβει ξένον] 'If you reverence anything friendly,' i. e. 'If you have any respect for the kindness of a friend.' πέλασσον.. πελάταν] 'Draw near to him who draws near to thee with the best of good will.' πελάζω here clearly governs the accusative, as in О. С. 1060. The dative of manner follows the verbal noun. ἀλλὰ . . ἀποφεύγειν] 'Yet understand, and be well assured that it devolves on thee to make escape from this calamity.' ἀλλά, as elsewhere, emphasizes entreaty. σοί here, and in О. C. 721, νῦν σοὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ ταῦτα δὴ φαίνειν ἔπη, has an idiomatic force = σὸν ἔργον ἐστίν. The reading in both places has been unnecessarily suspected. For ἔχειν, ‘Το endure,' cp. El. 223, οὐ σχήσω ταύτας ἄτας. For ὅτι σοί Μ. Seyff. conjectures ἐπὶ σοί. 'It is one that is piteous to sustain, and supplies no means of bearing the uncounted sorrows in the midst of which it dwells.' The adjectives belong in meaning, not to the pain, but to the subject of the pain. Cp. Αj. 955, μαινομένοις ἄχεσιν, and note, and for βόσκειν, supr. 313, βόσκων τὴν ἀδηφάγον νόσον.

Similar astrophic passages in κομμοί occur in O. C. 207-253, Trach. 863-95. Cp. also El. 1273-87. There are three distinct changes in the rhythm, from iambo-dactylic to logaoedic at l. 1186, from this to dactylic at l. 1196, and again at l. 1210 to the iambo-dactylic. The iambics are plaintive and despairing, the logaoedic measures reflect the same feeling, contending against persuasion, while in the more energetic dactyls the contention rises to the height. For an attempt to distribute the parts amongst the various choreutae, see Chr. Muff's Chorische Technik des Sophocles, Halle, 1877.

ὦ λῷστε τῶν πρὶν ἐντόπων] Cp. supr. 317, 8. The παλαιὸν ἄλγημα is rather the threat of taking him to Troy ( supr. l. 915 foll.) than the wound at Chrysa.

'Why hast thou destroyed me? What hast thou done to me?'

τί τοῦτ᾽.. εἰ, κ.τ.λ.] 'Why speak you so?' '(For grief) to think that,' etc. See Essay on L. § 28. p. 46 , and cp. supr. 376.

κράτιστον] Sc. ὄν.

πράσσειν depends (1) on παρήγγειλας, (2) on φίλα, (3) on ἑκόντι: φίλα is predicative.

ναὸς .. τέτακται] 'To our station on board ship,' i. e. 'Each to his several station.' ναός is partitive genitive of place. The language shows that the moment of sailing is imminent.

Philoctetes has just bidden the mariners to depart. He now beseeches them to stay, as they would avoid his curse. They tell him to speak less wildly, and continue to withdraw. In gentler accents, he reiterates his prayer. ἔλθῃς = ἀπέλθῃς, E. on L. § 55. p. 101, 4.

δαίμων] Cp. O. T. 1311, ἰώ, δαῖμον, ἵν᾽ ἐξήλλου.

τί σ᾽.. τεύξω] 'What shall I make of thee?' i. e. 'How shall I tend, or how endure, my trouble?' τί is an accusative expressing the result of the action of the verb.

'To do what, according to a new purpose, strangely altered from the tone of your former words?' They profess to hope that Philoctetes is changing his mind. The construction is πρὸς τὸ σημαινόμενον, as if ῥέξοντες (ἔλθωμεν) had been (κελεύεις ἐλθεῖν) ῥέξοντας. See Essay on L. § 36. p. 64 , and for a similar irregularity, ср. O. T. 1154, 5, οὐχ ὡς τάχος τις τοῦδ᾽ ἀποστρέψει χέρας; ΘΕ. δύστηνος, ἀντὶ τοῦ; τί προσχρήζων μαθεῖν; (Sc. κελεύεις τοῦτο).

ἀλύοντα. θροεῖν] 'That one distracted with tempestuous grief, should utter what is at variance with his true interest.' He means that in bidding them depart he had spoken wildly, as grief, not reason, dictated.

* βροντᾶς αὐγαῖς] This reading is not certain. * βροντᾶς is confirmed by the absurd note of the Scholiast, γρ. καὶ αὐγαῖς, ταῖς βροντῶν αὐγαῖς, ταῖς κεραννίαις. ἔστι μέντοι λαβεῖν καὶ βροντᾶς, ἀντὶ τοῦ, βροντήσας. But βρονταῖς αὐταῖς is not impossible. For the plur. ср. O. C. 1514.

Philoctetes. Lewis Campbell. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.

Current edition Experimental

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (English) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (2)

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 1081 focus

ὦ κοίλας πέτρας γύαλον

θερμὸν καὶ θερμόν τε καὶ παγετῶδες, ὥς σ᾽ οὐκ ἔμελλον ἄρ᾽, ὦ τάλας ω' ταλασ ὦ τάλας,

λείψειν οὐδέποτ' οὐδέποτε, ἀλλά μοι

καὶ θνήσκοντι συνοίσει.

ὤμοι μοί μοι. ώι μοι μοι μοί οἱ μοι μοι μοι

1085

ὦ πληρέστατον αὔλιον αὐλίον αὔλιον

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΦΙ.

λύπας τᾶς ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ τάλαν,

τί ποτ᾽ αὖ μοὶ τὸ κατ᾽ καθ' ἁμαρ ἦμαρ

ἔσται; τοῦ ποτε τεύξομαι
1090

σιτονόμου μέλεος πόθεν ἐλπίδος ;

εἴθ᾽ αἰθέρος ἄνω

πτωκάδες ὀξυτόνου ὀξυτόνου διὰ πνεύματος

ἕλωσί ἐλῶσί μ᾽. †οὐ γὰρ ἔτ᾿ ἰσχύω.†

ΧΟ.
(2.)

σύ τοι σύ τοι κατηξίωσας κατηξίωσᾶς κατηξίωσασ,
1095

ὦ βαρύποτμ' βαρύποτμε βαρύποτμ', οὐκ ἄλλοθεν ἔχει τύχαις τύχᾳ τᾷδ᾽ τ. τώδε τ. τάδ' ἀπὸ μείζονος,

εὐτέ γε γάρ παρὸν φρονῆσαι

τοῦ λῴονος πλέονοσ δαίμονος εἵλου τὸ κάκιον αἰνεῖν ἑλεῖν.

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΦΙ.

ἀντ.α΄. (1.)

ὦ τλάμων τλάμων ἄρ᾽ ἐγὼ

καὶ μόχθῳ λωβατός, ὃς ἤδη μετ᾿ οὐδενὸς ὕστερον

1100

ἀνδρῶν εἰσοπίσω τάλας

ναίων ἐνθάδ᾽ ὀλοῦμαι,

αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, αἱ αἱ αἳ al αἱ αἱ αἱ αἱ

οὐ φορβὰν ἔτι προσφέρων,

οὐ πτανῶν ἀπ᾿ ἐμῶν ὅπλων

1105

κραταιαῖσιν κραταιαῖς μετὰ χερσὶν

ἴσχων· ἀλλά μοι ἄσκοπα

κρυπτά τ'᾽ ἔπη δολερᾶς ὑπέδυ φρενός·

ἰδοίμαν δέ νιν,

τὸν τάδε μησάμενον, τὸν ἴσον χρόνον

1110

ἐμὰς λαχόντ᾽ ἀνίας.

ΧΟ.
(2.)

πότμος, πότμος σε δαιμόνων τάδ',

οὐδὲ σέ γε δόλος ἔσχεν ὑπὸ χερὸς χείρος ἐμᾶς ἐμᾶς. στυγερὰν ἔχε

δύσποτμον δύσποτ'μον δύσποτμον ἀρὰν ἀρὰν ἀρὰν ἀρὰν ἐπ᾿ ἄλλοις.

καὶ γὰρ ἐμοὶ τοῦτο μέλει, μὴ φιλότητ᾽ φιλότητ(ι) φιλότητ᾿ ἀπώσῃ.
1115

ΦΙ.

στρ.β΄. (1.)

οἴμοι μοι οἴ μοι μοί, καί που πολιᾶς πουλιᾶς

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

πόντου θινὸς ἐφήμενος,

γελᾷ μου, χερὶ χειρὶ πάλλων

τὰν ἐμὰν μελέου τροφάν,

τὰν οὐδείς ποτ᾿ ἐβάστασεν.

1120

ὦ τόξον φίλον, ὦ φίλων

χειρῶν ἐκβεβιασμένον,

ἦ εἴ που ἐλεινὸν ἐλεεινὸν ὁρᾷς, φρένας εἴ τινας

ἔχεις ἔχεις, τὸν ῾Ηράκλειον

ἆθλον ἄθλιον γρ. ἆθλον ἆθλον ἔμ' ὧδέ σοι

1125

οὐκέτι χρησόμενον τὸ μεθύστερον μεθ' ὕστερον·

†ἀλλ᾽ ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ μεταλλαγῆ

πολυμηχάνου ἀνδρὸς ἐρέσσει ἐρέσσῃ ἐρέσσει,

ὁρῶν μὲν αἰσχρὰς ἀπάτας, στυγνόν τε φῶτ᾽ ἐχθοδοπόν,

μυρί᾽ ἀπ' αἰσχρῶν ἀνατέλλονθ᾽ ἀνατέλλοντα, ὅσ᾽ ἐφ᾽ ἡμῖν κάκ' ἐμήσατ᾿ Ὀδυσσεύς.

1130

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΧΟ.
(2.)

ἀνδρός τοι τὸ μὲν εὖ δίκαιον εἰπεῖν,

εἰπόντος δὲ μὴ φθονερὰν

ἐξῶσαι γλώσσας ὀδύναν.

κεῖνος δ᾽ εἰς ἀπὸ πολλῶν

ταχθείς, τοῦδ᾽ ὑφημοσύνᾳ ἐφημοσύνᾳ,
1135

κοινὰν ἤνυσεν ἐς φίλους ἀρωγάν.

ΦΙ.

ἀντ.β΄. (1.)

ὦ πταναὶ πτηναὶ πταναὶ θῆραι χαροπῶν τ᾽

ἔθνη θηρῶν, οὓς ου for ο ὅδ᾽ ἔχει

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

χῶρος οὐρεσιβώτας οὐρεσσιβώτας οὐρεσιβώτας,

φυγᾷ μ᾽ οὐκέτ᾽ ἀπ᾿ αὐλίων

1140

πελᾶτ᾽ πελά(ι)τ' πελάτ᾿· οὐ γὰρ ἔχω χεροῖν

τὰν πρόσθεν βελέων ἀλκάν,

ὦ δύστανος ἐγὼ τανῦν τὰ νῦν τανῦν,

ἀλλ᾽ ἀνέδην ἀναιδην ἀνέδην ὅδε χῶρος ἐρύκεται,

οὐκέτι φοβητὸς ὑμῖν.

1145

ἕρπετε ἔρπεται, νῦν καλὸν

ἀντίφονον κορέσαι στόμα πρὸς χάριν

ἐμᾶς σαρκὸς αἰόλας.

ἀπὸ γὰρ βίον αὐτίκα λείψω.

πόθεν γὰρ ἔσται βιοτά; τίς ὧδ᾽ ἐν αὔραις τρέφεται,

1150

μηκέτι μηδενὸς κρατύνων, ὅσα πέμπει βιόδωρος αἷα;

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΧΟ.
(2.)

πρὸς θεῶν, εἴ τι σέβει ξένον, πέλασσον πέλασσον πέλασσεν

εὐνοίᾳ πάσᾳ πελάταν·

ἀλλὰ γνῶθ᾽, εὐ γνῶθ᾽ ὅτι σοὶ σοι σοὶ

κῆρα τάνδ᾽ ἀποφεύγειν.
1155

οἰκτρὰ γὰρ βόσκειν, ἀδαὴς δ᾽

ἔχειν μυρίον ἄχθος, ᾧ ᾧ ξυνοικεῖ.

ΦΙ.

ἐπ. (1.)

πάλιν πάλιν παλαιὸν

ἄλγημ᾽ ὑπέμνασας, ὦ λῷστε τῶν πρὶν ἐντόπων.

τί μ᾽ ὤλεσας; τί μ' εἴργασαι;

1160

ΧΟ.

τί τοῦτ᾽ ἔλεξας;

ΦΙ.

εἰ σὺ τὰν ἐμοὶ ἐμοὶ στυγερὰν

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΦΙ.

Τρωάδα γᾶν γᾶν γᾶν γαῖαν μ᾽ ἤλπισας ἤλπισασ μ' ἄξειν.

ΧΟ.

τόδε γὰρ νοῶ κράτιστον.
1175

ΦΙ.

ἀπό νύν ἀπὸ νῦν με λείπετ᾽ μ' ἐλείπετ᾿ μελείπετ᾿ ἤδη.

ΧΟ.

φίλα μοι, φίλα ταῦτα παρήγγειλας ἑκόντι τε πράσσειν.

ἴωμεν ἴωμεν ἴομεν ἴομεν ἴωμεν ἴωμεν

ναὸς ἵν ἡμῖν τέτακται.

ΦΙ.

μή, πρὸς ἀραίου Διός, ἔλθῃς, ἱκετεύω.
1180

XO.

μετρίαζε.

ΦΙ.

ὦ ξένοι, μείνατε, πρὸς θεῶν.

ΧΟ.

τί θροεῖς;

ΦΙ.

αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, αἱ αἱ αἱ αἱ δαίμων δαίμων.

ἀπόλωλ᾽ ὁ τάλας·
1185

ὦ ποὺς πούς, τί σ᾽ τίσ ἔτ᾽ ἐν βίῳ

τεύξω τῷ μετόπιν τάλας;

ὦ ξένοι, ἔλθετ᾽ ἐπήλυδες αὖθις.

ΧΟ.

τί ῥέξοντες ἀλλοκότῳ

γνώμᾳ τῶν πάρος, ὧν προὔφαινες προὔφανες προὔφαινες ;
1190

ΦΙ.

οὔτοι οὔτι οὔτι νεμεσητόν νεμεσσητὸν,

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ἀλύοντα χειμερίῳ

λύπᾳ καὶ παρὰ νοῦν παράνουν θροεῖν.

ΧΟ.
(2.)

βᾶθί νυν, ὦ τάλαν, ὥς σε κελεύομεν.

ΦΙ.

οὐδέποτ᾽ οὐδέποτ'᾽, ἴσθι τόδ᾽ ἔμπεδον,
1195

οὐδ᾽ εἰ πυρφόρος υ from ο πυρφόρος ἀστεροπητὴς

βροντᾶς αὐγαῖς βρονταῖς αὐταῖς γρ. καὶ αὐγαῖς μ' εἶσι φλογίζων.

ἐρρέτω "Ιλιον, οἱ θ᾽ ὑπ᾿ ἐκείνῳ

πάντες ὅσοι τόδ᾽ ἔτλασαν ἐμοῦ ποδὸς ἄρθρον ἀπῶσαι.

ἀλλ᾽, ὦ ξένοι, ἕν γέ μοι εὖχος ὀρέξατε.
1200

ΧΟ.

ποῖον ἐρεῖς τόδ᾽ ἔπος;

ΦΙ.

ξίφος, εἴ ποθεν,

ἢ γένυν, ἢ βελέων τι, προπέμψατε.

ΧΟ.

ὡς τίνα δὴ ῥέξῃς ῥέξῃς ....χ ῥέξεις παλάμαν ποτέ;

ΦΙ.

κρᾶτ᾽ ἀπὸ πάντα ἀποπάντα ἀπὸ πάντα καὶ ἄρθρα τέμω χερί·
1205

φονᾷ φονᾷ νόος νός νόος νύσος ἤδη.

ΧΟ.

τί ποτε;

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΦΙ.

πατέρα ματεύων.

ΧΟ.

ποῖ γᾶς ;

ΦΙ.

ἐς εἰς ἐς "Αιδου. οὐ γάρ ἐστ᾽ ἐν φάει γ'᾽ ἔτι. ἐστ᾽ ἐν φάει γ' ἔτ'
1210

ὦ πόλις ὦ ὦ πόλις ὦ πόλις πατρία,

πῶς ἂν εἰσίδοιμ᾽ ἄθλιός σ᾽ ἀνήρ πῶς ἂν εἰσίδοιμί σ᾽ ἄθλιός γ᾽ ἀνὴρ εἰσίδοιμί σε ἄθλιός γ' ἀνήρ εἰσίδοιμί σε ἄθλιός ἀνήρ,

ὅς γε σὰν λιπὼν

ἱερὰν λιβάδ᾽ (η)λιβάδ' λιβάδ᾽, ἐχθροῖς ἔβαν Δαναοῖς δανοῖς δαναοῖς

ἀρωγός· ἔτ᾽ οὐδέν εἰμι.
1215

ΧΟ.

ἐγὼ μὲν ἤδη καὶ πάλαι νεὼς νεως νεῶς νεὼς ὁμοῦ ὁμοῦ ἐγγὺς

στείχων ἂν ἦ ἄνην ἂν ἦν σοι τῆς ἐμῆς, εἰ μὴ πέλας

Ὀδυσσέα στείχοντα τόν τ᾿ ᾿Αχιλλέως

γόνον πρὸς ἡμᾶς δεῦρ᾿ ἰόντ᾽ ἐλεύσσομεν ἐλεύσομεν ἐλεύσσομεν.

ΟΔ.

οὐκ ἂν οὐκ ἂν φράσειας ἥντιν᾽ αὖ παλίντροπος
1220

κέλευθον ἕρπεις ὧδε σὺν σπουδῇ συμπουδῆι συνσπουδῆι σὺν σπουδῇ ταχύς;

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΝΕ.

λύσων ὅσ᾽ ἐξήμαρτον ἐν τῷ πρὶν χρόνῳ.

ΟΔ.

δεινόν γε φωνεῖς· ἡ δ᾽ ἁμαρτία τίς ἦν;

ΝΕ.

ἣν σοὶ πιθόμενος πειθόμενος τῷ τε σύμπαντι στρατῷ

ΟΔ.

ἔπραξας ἔργον ποῖον ὧν οὐ σοι πρέπον;
1225

ΝΕ.

ἀπάταισιν αἰσχραῖς ἄνδρα καὶ δόλοις ἑλών.

ΟΔ.

τὸν ποῖον; ὤμοι· μῶν τι βουλεύει νέον ;

ΝΕ.

νέον μὲν οὐδέν, τῷ δὲ Ποίαντος τόκῳ

ΟΔ.

τί χρῆμα τί χρῆμα τί τί χρῆμα δράσεις; ὥς μ᾽ ὑπῆλθέ τις ὑπῆλθ᾽ ἔτι ὑπῆλθέ τις φόβος.

ΝΕ.

παρ' οὗ περ ἔ παρέ.λαβον τάδε τὰ τόξ᾽, αὖθις πάλιν
1230

ΟΔ.

ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξεις; οὔ τί που δοῦναι νοεῖς;

ΝΕ.

αἰσχρῶς γὰρ αὐτὰ κοὐ δίκῃ λαβὼν ἔχω.

ΟΔ.

πρὸς θεῶν, πότερα δὴ δὴ κερτομῶν λέγεις τάδε;

ΝΕ.

εἰ κερτόμησίς ἐστι τἀληθῆ λέγειν.

ΟΔ.

τί φής, ᾿Αχιλλέως ἀχιλλέω ἀχιλλέως παῖ; τίν εἴρηκας λόγον ;
1235

ΝΕ.

δὶς ταὐτὰ βούλει καὶ τρὶς ἀναπολεῖν ἀναπολεῖ ἀναπολεῖν μ' ἔπη;

ΟΔ.

ἀρχὴν κλύειν ἂν οὐδ᾽ ἅπαξ ἐβουλόμην.

ΝΕ.

εὖ νῦν ἐπίστω πάντ᾽ ἀκηκοὼς ἀκήκοας λόγον.

ΟΔ.

ἔστιν τις, ἔστιν, ὅς σε κωλύσει τὸ δρᾶν.

ΝΕ.

τί φής; τίς ἔσται μ' οὑπικωλύσων τάδε;
1240

ΟΔ.

ξύμπας ᾿Αχαιῶν λαός, ἐν δὲ τοῖσδ᾽ ἐγώ.

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΝΕ.

σοφὸς πεφυκὼς οὐδὲν ἐξαυδᾷς σοφόν.

ΟΔ.

σὺ δ᾽ οὔτε φωνεῖς οὔτε δρασείεις δρασειας ? δρασείεις δρασείης σοφά σοφόν.

ΝΕ.

ἀλλ᾽ εἰ δίκαια, τῶν σοφῶν κρείσσω κρείσω κρείσσω τάδε.

ΟΔ.

καὶ πῶς δίκαιον, ἅ γ᾽ ἔλαβες βουλαῖς ἐμαῖς,
1245

πάλιν μεθεῖναι μεθεῖ.. ναι μεθεῖναι ταῦτα;

NE.

τὴν ἁμαρτίαν

αἰσχρὰν ἁμαρτὼν ἀναλαβεῖν πειράσομαι.

ΟΔ.

στρατὸν δ᾽ ᾿Αχαιῶν οὐ φοβεῖ, πράσσων τάδε;

ΝΕ.

ξὺν τῷ δικαίῳ τὸν σὸν οὐ ταρβῶ φόβον.
1250

ΝΕ.

ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ τοι σῇ χειρὶ πείθομαι τὸ δρᾶν.

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΟΔ.

οὔ τἄρα Τρωσίν, ἀλλὰ σοὶ μαχούμεθα.

ΝΕ.

ἔστω τὸ μέλλον.

ΟΔ.

χεῖρα δεξιὰν ὁρᾷς

κώπης ἐπιψαύουσαν ;

NE.

ἀλλὰ κἀμέ καὶ ἐμέ τοι

ταὐτὸν τόδ᾽ ὄψει δρῶντα κοὐ μέλλοντ᾽ ἔτι.
1255

ΟΔ.

Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 1081-1216 focus

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ κοίλας πέτρας γύαλον

θερμὸν καὶ παγετῶδες, ὥς σʼ οὐκ ἔμελλον ἄρʼ, ὦ τάλας,

λείψειν οὐδέποτʼ, ἀλλά μοι καὶ θνῄσκοντι συνείσει.

ὤμοι μοί μοι.

ὦ πληρέστατον αὔλιον

λύπας τᾶς ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ τάλαν,

τίπτʼ αὖ μοι τὸ κατʼ ἆμαρ

ἔσται; τοῦ ποτε τεύξομαι
1090

σιτονόμου μέλεος πόθεν ἐλπίδος;

πέλειαι δʼ ἄνω

πτωκάδες ὀξυτόνου διὰ πνεύματος

ἐλῶσιν· οὐκέτʼ ἴσχω.

Χορός

σύ τοι σύ τοι κατηξίωσας,
1095

ὦ βαρύποτμε, κοὐκ

ἄλλοθεν ἔχει τύχᾳ τᾷδʼ ἀπὸ μείζονος,

εὖτέ γε παρὸν φρονῆσαι

τοῦ λῴονος δαίμονος εἵλου τὸ κάκιον αἰνεῖν.
1100

1101

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ τλάμων τλάμων ἄρʼ ἐγὼ

καὶ μόχθῳ λωβατός, ὃς ἤδη μετʼ οὐδενὸς ὕστερον

ἀνδρῶν εἰσοπίσω τάλας ναίων ἐνθάδʼ ὀλοῦμαι,

αἰαῖ αἰαῖ,

οὐ φορβὰν ἔτι προσφέρων,

οὐ πτανῶν ἀπʼ ἐμῶν ὅπλων

κραταιαῖς μετὰ χερσὶν
1110

ἴσχων· ἀλλά μοι ἄσκοπα

κρυπτά τʼ ἔπη δολερᾶς ὑπέδυ φρενός·

ἰδοίμαν δέ νιν,

τὸν τάδε μησάμενον, τὸν ἴσον χρόνον

ἐμὰς λαχόντʼ ἀνίας.
1115

Χορός

πότμος, πότμος σε δαιμόνων τάδʼ,

οὐδὲ σέ γε δόλος,

ἔσχεν ὑπὸ χειρὸς ἀμᾶς. στυγερὰν ἔχε

δύσποτμον ἀρὰν ἐπʼ ἄλλοις.
1120

καὶ γὰρ ἐμοὶ τοῦτο μέλει, μὴ φιλότητʼ ἀπώσῃ.

1123

Φιλοκτήτης

οἴμοι μοι, καί που πολιᾶς

πόντου θινὸς ἐφήμενος

ἐγγελᾷ, χερὶ πάλλων
1125

τὰν ἐμὰν μελέου τροφάν,

τὰν οὐδείς ποτʼ ἐβάστασεν.

ὦ τόξον φίλον, ὦ φίλων

χειρῶν ἐκβεβιασμένον,

ἦ που ἐλεινὸν ὁρᾷς, φρένας εἴ τινας
1130

ἔχεις, τὸν Ἡράκλειον

ἄρθμιον ὧδέ σοι

οὐκέτι χρησόμενον τὸ μεθύστερον,

ἄλλου δʼ ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ

πολυμηχάνου ἀνδρὸς ἐρέσσει,
1135

ὁρῶν μὲν αἰσχρὰς ἀπάτας, στυγνὸν δὲ φῶτʼ ἐχθοδοπόν,

μυρίʼ, ἀπʼ αἰσχρῶν ἀνατέλλονθʼ, ὃς ἐφʼ ἡμῖν κάκʼ ἐμήσατʼ, ὦ Ζεῦ.

Χορός

ἀνδρός τοι τὰ μὲν ἔνδικʼ αἰὲν εἰπεῖν,
1140

εἰπόντος δὲ μὴ φθονερὰν

ἐξῶσαι γλώσσας ὀδύναν.

κεῖνος δʼ εἷς ἀπὸ πολλῶν

ταχθεὶς τῶνδʼ ἐφημοσύνᾳ

κοινὰν ἤνυσεν ἐς φίλους ἀρωγάν.
1145

1146

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ πταναὶ θῆραι χαροπῶν τʼ

ἔθνη θηρῶν, οὓς ὅδʼ ἔχει

χῶρος οὐρεσιβώτας,

μηκέτʼ ἀπʼ αὐλίων φυγᾷ

πηδᾶτʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἔχω χεροῖν
1150

τὰν πρόσθεν βελέων ἀλκάν,

ὦ δύστανος ἐγὼ τανῦν,

ἀλλʼ ἀνέδην, ὁ δὲ χῶρος ἄρʼ οὐκέτι

φοβητὸς οὐκέθʼ ὑμῖν,

ἕρπετε· νῦν καλὸν
1155

ἀντίφονον κορέσαι στόμα πρὸς χάριν

ἐμᾶς σαρκὸς αἰόλας·

ἀπὸ γὰρ βίον αὐτίκα λείψω.

πόθεν γὰρ ἔσται βιοτά; τίς ὧδʼ ἐν αὔραις τρέφεται,
1160

μηκέτι μηδενὸς κρατύνων ὅσα πέμπει βιόδωρος αἶα;

Χορός

πρὸς θεῶν, εἴ τι σέβει ξένον, πέλασσον,

εὐνοίᾳ πάσᾳ πελάταν·

ἀλλὰ γνῶθʼ, εὖ γνῶθʼ ἐπὶ σοὶ
1165

κῆρα τάνδʼ ἀποφεύγειν.

οἰκτρὰ γὰρ βόσκειν, ἀδαὴς δʼ

ἔχειν μυρίον ἄχθος, ὃ ξυνοικεῖ.

1170

Φιλοκτήτης

πάλιν πάλιν παλαιὸν ἄλγημʼ ὑπέμνασας, ὦ
1170

λῷστε τῶν πρὶν ἐντόπων.

τί μʼ ὤλεσας; τί μʼ εἴργασαι;

Χορός

τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας;

Φιλοκτήτης

εἰ σὺ τὰν ἐμοὶ στυγερὰν

Τρῳάδα γᾶν μʼ ἤλπισας ἄξειν.
1175

Χορός

τόδε γὰρ νοῶ κράτιστον.

Φιλοκτήτης

ἀπό νύν με λείπετʼ ἤδη.

Χορός

φίλα μοι, φίλα ταῦτα παρήγγειλας ἑκόντι τε πράσσειν.

ἴωμεν ἴωμεν

ναὸς ἵνʼ ἡμῖν τέτακται.
1180

Φιλοκτήτης

μή, πρὸς ἀραίου Διός, ἔλθῃς, ἱκετεύω.

Χορός

μετρίαζʼ.

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ ξένοι, μείνατε, πρὸς θεῶν.

Χορός

τί θροεῖς;

Φιλοκτήτης

αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, δαίμων δαίμων·
1185

ἀπόλωλʼ ὁ τάλας·

ὦ ποὺς πούς, τί σʼ ἔτʼ ἐν βίῳ

τεύξω τῷ μετόπιν τάλας;

ὦ ξένοι, ἔλθετʼ ἐπήλυδες αὖθις.
1190

Χορός

τί ῥέξοντες ἀλλοκότῳ

γνώμᾳ τῶν πάρος, ὧν προύφαινες;

Φιλοκτήτης

οὔτοι νεμεσητόν,

ἀλύοντα χειμερίῳ

λύπᾳ καὶ παρὰ νοῦν θροεῖν.
1195

Χορός

βᾶθί νυν, ὦ τάλαν, ὥς σε κελεύομεν.

Φιλοκτήτης

οὐδέποτʼ οὐδέποτʼ, ἴσθι τόδʼ ἔμπεδον,

οὐδʼ εἰ πυρφόρος ἀστεροπητὴς

βροντᾶς αὐγαῖς μʼ εἶσι φλογίζων.

ἐρρέτω Ἴλιον οἵ θʼ ὑπʼ ἐκείνῳ
1200

πάντες ὅσοι τόδʼ ἔτλασαν ἐμοῦ ποδὸς ἄρθρον ἀπῶσαι.

ἀλλʼ, ὦ ξένοι, ἕν γέ μοι εὖχος ὀρέξατε.

Χορός

ποῖον ἐρεῖς τόδʼ ἔπος;

Φιλοκτήτης

ξίφος, εἴ ποθεν,

ἢ γένυν ἢ βελέων τι προπέμψατε.

Χορός

ὡς τίνα δὴ ῥέξῃς παλάμαν ποτέ;
1205

Φιλοκτήτης

χρῶτʼ ἀπὸ πάντα καὶ ἄρθρα τέμω χερί·

φονᾷ φονᾷ νόος ἤδη.

Χορός

τί ποτε;

Φιλοκτήτης

πατέρα ματεύων.

Χορός

ποῖ γᾶς;
1210

Φιλοκτήτης

ἐς Ἅιδου·

οὐ γάρ ἐστʼ ἐν φάει γʼ ἔτι.

ὦ πόλις, ὦ πατρία,

πῶς ἂν εἰσίδοιμʼ ἄθλιός σʼ ἀνήρ,

ὅς γε σὰν λιπὼν ἱερὰν

λιβάδʼ ἐχθροῖς ἔβαν Δαναοῖς
1215

ἀρωγός· ἔτʼ οὐδέν εἰμι.

Χορός

ἐγὼ μὲν ἤδη καὶ πάλαι νεὼς ὁμοῦ

στείχων ἂν ἦ σοι τῆς ἐμῆς, εἰ μὴ πέλας

Ὀδυσσέα στείχοντα τόν τʼ Ἀχιλλέως

γόνον πρὸς ἡμᾶς δεῦρʼ ἰόντʼ ἐλεύσσομεν.
1220

Ὀδυσσεύς

οὐκ ἂν φράσειας ἥντινʼ αὖ παλίντροπος

κέλευθον ἕρπεις ὧδε σὺν σπουδῇ ταχύς;

Νεοπτόλεμος

λύσων ὅσʼ ἐξήμαρτον ἐν τῷ πρὶν χρόνῳ.

Ὀδυσσεύς

δεινόν γε φωνεῖς· ἡ δʼ ἁμαρτία τίς ἦν;

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἣν σοὶ πιθόμενος τῷ τε σύμπαντι στρατῷ
1225

Ὀδυσσεύς

ἔπραξας ἔργον ποῖον ὧν οὔ σοι πρέπον;

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀπάταισιν αἰσχραῖς ἄνδρα καὶ δόλοις ἑλών.

Ὀδυσσεύς

τὸν ποῖον; ὤμοι· μῶν τι βουλεύει νέον;

Νεοπτόλεμος

νέον μὲν οὐδέν, τῷ δὲ Ποίαντος τόκῳ,
1230

Ὀδυσσεύς

τί χρῆμα δράσεις; ὥς μʼ ὑπῆλθέ τις φόβος.

Νεοπτόλεμος

παρʼ οὗπερ ἔλαβον τάδε τὰ τόξʼ, αὖθις πάλιν

Ὀδυσσεύς

ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξεις; οὔ τί που δοῦναι νοεῖς;

Νεοπτόλεμος

αἰσχρῶς γὰρ αὐτὰ κοὐ δίκῃ λαβὼν ἔχω.

Ὀδυσσεύς

πρὸς θεῶν, πότερα δὴ κερτομῶν λέγεις τάδε;
1235

Νεοπτόλεμος

εἰ κερτόμησίς ἐστι τἀληθῆ λέγειν.

Ὀδυσσεύς

τί φής, Ἀχιλλέως παῖ; τίνʼ εἴρηκας λόγον;

Νεοπτόλεμος

δὶς ταὐτὰ βούλει καὶ τρὶς ἀναπολεῖν μʼ ἔπη;

Ὀδυσσεύς

ἀρχὴν κλύειν ἂν οὐδʼ ἅπαξ ἐβουλόμην.

Νεοπτόλεμος

εὖ νῦν ἐπίστω πάντʼ ἀκηκοὼς λόγον.
1240

Ὀδυσσεύς

ἔστιν τις, ἔστιν ὅς σε κωλύσει τὸ δρᾶν.

Νεοπτόλεμος

τί φής; τίς ἔσται μʼ οὑπικωλύσων τάδε;

Ὀδυσσεύς

ξύμπας Ἀχαιῶν λαός, ἐν δὲ τοῖς ἐγώ.

Νεοπτόλεμος

σοφὸς πεφυκὼς οὐδὲν ἐξαυδᾷς σοφόν.

Ὀδυσσεύς

σὺ δʼ οὔτε φωνεῖς οὔτε δρασείεις σοφά.
1245

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀλλʼ εἰ δίκαια, τῶν σοφῶν κρείσσω τάδε.

Ὀδυσσεύς

καὶ πῶς δίκαιον, ἅ γʼ ἔλαβες βουλαῖς ἐμαῖς, πάλιν μεθεῖναι ταῦτα;

Νεοπτόλεμος

τὴν ἁμαρτίαν

αἰσχρὰν ἁμαρτὼν ἀναλαβεῖν πειράσομαι.

Ὀδυσσεύς

στρατὸν δʼ Ἀχαιῶν οὐ φοβεῖ, πράσσων τάδε;
1250

Νεοπτόλεμος

ξὺν τῷ δικαίῳ τὸν σὸν οὐ ταρβῶ φόβον.

Ὀδυσσεύς

ξὺν τῷ δικαίῳ χεὶρ ἐμή σʼ ἀναγκάσει.

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀλλʼ οὐδέ τοι σῇ χειρὶ πείθομαι τὸ δρᾶν.

Ὀδυσσεύς

οὔ τἄρα Τρωσίν, ἀλλὰ σοὶ μαχούμεθα.

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἴτω τὸ μέλλον.

Ὀδυσσεύς

χεῖρα δεξιὰν ὁρᾷς

κώπης ἐπιψαύουσαν;
1255

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀλλὰ κἀμέ τοι

ταὐτὸν τόδʼ ὄψει δρῶντα κοὐ μέλλοντʼ ἔτι.

1257

Ὀδυσσεύς

καίτοι σʼ ἐάσω· τῷ δὲ σύμπαντι στρατῷ

λέξω τάδʼ ἐλθών, ὅς σε τιμωρήσεται.

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἐσωφρόνησας· κἂν τὰ λοίφʼ οὕτω φρονῇς,

ἴσως ἂν ἐκτὸς κλαυμάτων ἔχοις πόδα.
1260

σὺ δʼ, ὦ Ποίαντος παῖ, Φιλοκτήτην λέγω,

ἔξελθʼ, ἀμείψας τάσδε πετρήρεις στέγας.

Φιλοκτήτης

τίς αὖ παρʼ ἄντροις θόρυβος ἵσταται βοῆς;

τί μʼ ἐκκαλεῖσθε; τοῦ κεχρημένοι, ξένοι;

ὤμοι· κακὸν τὸ χρῆμα. μῶν τί μοι νέα
1265

πάρεστε πρὸς κακοῖσι πέμποντες κακά;

Νεοπτόλεμος

θάρσει· λόγους δʼ ἄκουσον οὓς ἥκω φέρων.

Φιλοκτήτης

δέδοικʼ ἔγωγε· καὶ τὰ πρὶν γὰρ ἐκ λόγων

καλῶν κακῶς ἔπραξα, σοῖς πεισθεὶς λόγοις.

Νεοπτόλεμος

οὔκουν ἔνεστι καὶ μεταγνῶναι πάλιν;
1270

Φιλοκτήτης

τοιοῦτος ἦσθα τοῖς λόγοισι χὤτε μου

τὰ τόξʼ ἔκλεπτες, πιστός, ἀτηρὸς λάθρᾳ.

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀλλʼ οὔ τι μὴν νῦν· βούλομαι δέ σου κλύειν,

πότερα δέδοκταί σοι μένοντι καρτερεῖν

ἢ πλεῖν μεθʼ ἡμῶν;
1275

Φιλοκτήτης

παῦε, μὴ λέξῃς πέρα·

μάτην γὰρ ἃν εἴπῃς γε πάντʼ εἰρήσεται.

Νεοπτόλεμος

οὕτω δέδοκται;

Φιλοκτήτης

καὶ πέρα γʼ ἴσθʼ ἢ λέγω.

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀλλʼ ἤθελον μὲν ἄν σε πεισθῆναι λόγοις

ἐμοῖσιν· εἰ δὲ μή τι πρὸς καιρὸν λέγων

κυρῶ, πέπαυμαι.
1280

Φιλοκτήτης

πάντα γὰρ φράσεις μάτην.

οὐ γάρ ποτʼ εὔνουν τὴν ἐμὴν κτήσει φρένα,

ὅστις γʼ ἐμοῦ δόλοισι τὸν βίον λαβὼν

ἀπεστέρηκας, κᾆτα νουθετεῖς ἐμὲ

ἐλθών, ἀρίστου πατρὸς αἴσχιστος γεγώς.

ὄλοισθʼ, Ἀτρεῖδαι μὲν μάλιστʼ, ἔπειτα δὲ ὁ Λαρτίου παῖς καὶ σύ.
1285

Νεοπτόλεμος

μὴ ʼπεύξῃ πέρα·

δέχου δὲ χειρὸς ἐξ ἐμῆς βέλη τάδε.

1288

Φιλοκτήτης

πῶς εἶπας; ἆρα δεύτερον δολούμεθα;

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀπώμοσʼ ἁγνὸν Ζηνὸς ὑψίστου σέβας.

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ φίλτατʼ εἰπών, εἰ λέγεις ἐτήτυμα.
1290

Νεοπτόλεμος

τοὔργον παρέσται φανερόν· ἀλλὰ δεξιὰν

πρότεινε χεῖρα, καὶ κράτει τῶν σῶν ὅπλων.

Ὀδυσσεύς

ἐγὼ δʼ ἀπαυδῶ γʼ, ᾧ θεοὶ ξυνίστορες,

ὑπέρ τʼ Ἀτρειδῶν τοῦ τε σύμπαντος στρατοῦ.

Φιλοκτήτης

τέκνον, τίνος φώνημα, μῶν Ὀδυσσέως,
1295

ἐπῃσθόμην;

Ὀδυσσεύς

σάφʼ ἴσθι· καὶ πέλας γʼ ὁρᾷς,

ὅς σʼ ἐς τὰ Τροίας πεδίʼ ἀποστελῶ βίᾳ,

ἐάν τʼ Ἀχιλλέως παῖς ἐάν τε μὴ θέλῃ·

Φιλοκτήτης

ἀλλʼ οὔ τι χαίρων, ἢν τόδʼ ὀρθωθῇ βέλος.

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἆ, μηδαμῶς, μή, πρὸς θεῶν, μεθῇς βέλος.
1300

Φιλοκτήτης

μέθες με, πρὸς θεῶν, χεῖρα, φίλτατον τέκνον.

Νεοπτόλεμος

οὐκ ἂν μεθείην.

Φιλοκτήτης

φεῦ· τί μʼ ἄνδρα πολέμιον

ἐχθρόν τʼ ἀφείλου μὴ κτανεῖν τόξοις ἐμοῖς;

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀλλʼ οὔτʼ ἐμοὶ τοῦτʼ ἐστὶν οὔτε σοὶ καλόν.

Φιλοκτήτης

ἀλλʼ οὖν τοσοῦτόν γʼ ἴσθι, τοὺς πρώτους στρατοῦ,
1305

τοὺς τῶν Ἀχαιῶν ψευδοκήρυκας, κακοὺς

ὄντας πρὸς αἰχμήν, ἐν δὲ τοῖς λόγοις θρασεῖς.

Νεοπτόλεμος

εἶεν· τὰ μὲν δὴ τόξʼ ἔχεις, κοὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅτου

ὀργὴν ἔχοις ἂν οὐδὲ μέμψιν εἰς ἐμέ.

Φιλοκτήτης

ξύμφημι· τὴν φύσιν δʼ ἔδειξας, ὦ τέκνον,
1310

ἐξ ἧς ἔβλαστες, οὐχὶ Σισύφου πατρός,

ἀλλʼ ἐξ Ἀχιλλέως, ὃς μετὰ ζώντων ὅτʼ ἦν

ἤκουʼ ἄριστα, νῦν δὲ τῶν τεθνηκότων.

1314

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἥσθην πατέρα τὸν ἀμὸν εὐλογοῦντά σε

αὐτόν τʼ ἔμʼ· ὧν δέ σου τυχεῖν ἐφίεμαι,
1315

ἄκουσον. ἀνθρώποισι τὰς μὲν ἐκ θεῶν

τύχας δοθείσας ἔστʼ ἀναγκαῖον φέρειν·

ὅσοι δʼ ἑκουσίοισιν ἔγκεινται βλάβαις,

ὥσπερ σύ, τούτοις οὔτε συγγνώμην ἔχειν

δίκαιόν ἐστιν οὔτʼ ἐποικτίρειν τινά.
1320

σὺ δʼ ἠγρίωσαι, κοὔτε σύμβουλον δέχει,

ἐάν τε νουθετῇ τις εὐνοίᾳ λέγων,

στυγεῖς, πολέμιον δυσμενῆ θʼ ἡγούμενος.

ὅμως δὲ λέξω· Ζῆνα δʼ ὅρκιον καλῶ·

καὶ ταῦτʼ ἐπίστω καὶ γράφου φρενῶν ἔσω.
1325

σὺ γὰρ νοσεῖς τόδʼ ἄλγος ἐκ θείας τύχης,

Χρύσης πελασθεὶς φύλακος, ὃς τὸν ἀκαλυφῆ

σηκὸν φυλάσσει κρύφιος οἰκουρῶν ὄφις·

καὶ παῦλαν ἴσθι τῆσδε μή ποτʼ ἂν τυχεῖν

νόσου βαρείας, ἕως ἂν αὑτὸς ἥλιος
1330

ταύτῃ μὲν αἴρῃ, τῇδε δʼ αὖ δύνῃ πάλιν,

πρὶν ἂν τὰ Τροίας πεδίʼ ἑκὼν αὐτὸς μόλῃς,

καὶ τοῖν παρʼ ἡμῖν ἐντυχὼν Ἀσκληπίδαιν

νόσου μαλαχθῇς τῆσδε, καὶ τὰ πέργαμα

ξὺν τοῖσδε τόξοις ξύν τʼ ἐμοὶ πέρσας φανῇς.
1335

ὡς δʼ οἶδα ταῦτα τῇδʼ ἔχοντʼ ἐγὼ φράσω.

ἀνὴρ γὰρ ἡμῖν ἐστιν ἐκ Τροίας ἁλούς,

Ἕλενος ἀριστόμαντις, ὃς λέγει σαφῶς

ὡς δεῖ γενέσθαι ταῦτα· καὶ πρὸς τοῖσδʼ ἔτι

ὡς ἔστʼ ἀνάγκη τοῦ παρεστῶτος θέρους
1340

Τροίαν ἁλῶναι πᾶσαν· ἢ δίδωσʼ ἑκὼν

κτείνειν ἑαυτόν, ἢν τάδε ψευσθῇ λέγων.

ταῦτʼ οὖν ἐπεὶ κάτοισθα, συγχώρει θέλων.

καλὴ γὰρ ἡ ʼπίκτησις, Ἑλλήνων ἕνα

κριθέντʼ ἄριστον τοῦτο μὲν παιωνίας
1345

ἐς χεῖρας ἐλθεῖν, εἶτα τὴν πολύστονον

Τροίαν ἑλόντα κλέος ὑπέρτατον λαβεῖν.

1348

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ στυγνὸς αἰών, τί με, τί δῆτʼ ἔχεις ἄνω

βλέποντα κοὐκ ἀφῆκας εἰς Ἅιδου μολεῖν;

οἴμοι, τί δράσω; πῶς ἀπιστήσω λόγοις
1350

τοῖς τοῦδʼ, ὃς εὔνους ὢν ἐμοὶ παρῄνεσεν;

ἀλλʼ εἰκάθω δῆτʼ; εἶτα πῶς ὁ δύσμορος

εἰς φῶς τάδʼ ἔρξας εἶμι; τῷ προσήγορος;

πῶς, ὦ τὰ πάντʼ ἰδόντες ἀμφʼ ἐμοὶ κύκλοι,

ταῦτʼ ἐξανασχήσεσθε, τοῖσιν Ἀτρέως
1355

ἐμὲ ξυνόντα παισίν, οἵ μʼ ἀπώλεσαν;

πῶς τῷ πανώλει παιδὶ τῷ Λαερτίου;

οὐ γάρ με τἄλγος τῶν παρελθόντων δάκνει,

ἀλλʼ οἷα χρὴ παθεῖν με πρὸς τούτων ἔτι

δοκῶ προλεύσσειν· οἷς γὰρ ἡ γνώμη κακῶν
1360

μήτηρ γένηται, τἄλλα παιδεύει κακούς.

καὶ σοῦ δʼ ἔγωγε θαυμάσας ἔχω τόδε.

χρῆν γάρ σε μήτʼ αὐτόν ποτʼ ἐς Τροίαν μολεῖν

ἡμᾶς τʼ ἀπείργειν, οἵ γέ σου καθύβρισαν,

πατρὸς γέρας συλῶντες, εἶτα τοῖσδε σὺ
1365

εἶ ξυμμαχήσων, κἄμʼ ἀναγκάζεις τόδε;

μὴ δῆτα, τέκνον· ἀλλʼ ἅ μοι ξυνώμοσας,

πέμψον πρὸς οἴκους· καὐτὸς ἐν Σκύρῳ μένων

ἔα κακῶς αὐτοὺς ἀπόλλυσθαι κακούς.

χοὔτω διπλῆν μὲν ἐξ ἐμοῦ κτήσει χάριν,
1370

διπλῆν δὲ πατρός, κοὐ κακοὺς ἐπωφελῶν

δόξεις ὁμοῖος τοῖς κακοῖς πεφυκέναι.

Νεοπτόλεμος

λέγεις μὲν εἰκότʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅμως σε βούλομαι

θεοῖς τε πιστεύσαντα τοῖς τʼ ἐμοῖς λόγοις

φίλου μετʼ ἀνδρὸς τοῦδε τῆσδʼ ἐκπλεῖν χθονός.
1375

Φιλοκτήτης

ἦ πρὸς τὰ Τροίας πεδία καὶ τὸν Ἀτρέως

ἔχθιστον υἱὸν τῷδε δυστήνῳ ποδί;

Νεοπτόλεμος

πρὸς τοὺς μὲν οὖν σε τήνδε τʼ ἔμπυον βάσιν

παύσοντας ἄλγους κἀποσώσοντας νόσου.

1380

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ δεινὸν αἶνον αἰνέσας, τί φής ποτε;
1380

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἃ σοί τε κἀμοὶ λῷσθʼ ὁρῶ τελούμενα.

Φιλοκτήτης

καὶ ταῦτα λέξας οὐ καταισχύνει θεούς;

Νεοπτόλεμος

πῶς γάρ τις αἰσχύνοιτʼ ἂν ὠφελῶν φίλους·

Φιλοκτήτης

λέγεις δʼ Ἀτρείδαις ὄφελος ἢ ʼπʼ ἐμοὶ τόδε;

Νεοπτόλεμος

σοί που, φίλος γʼ ὤν, χὠ λόγος τοιόσδε μου.
1385

Φιλοκτήτης

πῶς, ὅς γε τοῖς ἐχθροῖσί μʼ ἐκδοῦναι θέλεις;

Νεοπτόλεμος

ὦ τᾶν, διδάσκου μὴ θρασύνεσθαι κακοῖς.

Φιλοκτήτης

ὀλεῖς με, γιγνώσκω σε, τοῖσδε τοῖς λόγοις.

Νεοπτόλεμος

οὔκουν ἔγωγε· φημὶ δʼ οὔ σε μανθάνειν.

Φιλοκτήτης

ἐγὼ οὐκ Ἀτρείδας ἐκβαλόντας οἶδά με;
1390

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀλλʼ ἐκβαλόντες εἰ πάλιν σώσουσʼ ὅρα.

Φιλοκτήτης

οὐδέποθʼ ἑκόντα γʼ ὥστε τὴν Τροίαν ἰδεῖν.

Νεοπτόλεμος

τί δῆτʼ ἂν ἡμεῖς δρῷμεν, εἰ σέ γʼ ἐν λόγοις

πείσειν δυνησόμεσθα μηδὲν ὧν λέγω;

ὡς ῥᾷστʼ ἐμοὶ μὲν τῶν λόγων λῆξαι, σὲ δὲ
1395

ζῆν, ὥσπερ ἤδη ζῇς, ἄνευ σωτηρίας.

Φιλοκτήτης

ἔα με πάσχειν ταῦθʼ ἅπερ παθεῖν με δεῖ·

ἃ δʼ ᾔνεσάς μοι δεξιᾶς ἐμῆς θιγών,

πέμπειν πρὸς οἴκους, ταῦτά μοι πρᾶξον, τέκνον,

καὶ μὴ βράδυνε μηδʼ ἐπιμνησθῇς ἔτι
1400

Τροίας· ἅλις γάρ μοι τεθρήνηται γόοις.

1402

Νεοπτόλεμος

εἰ δοκεῖ, στείχωμεν.

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ γενναῖον εἰρηκὼς ἔπος.

Νεοπτόλεμος

ἀντέρειδε νῦν βάσιν σήν.

Φιλοκτήτης

εἰς ὅσον γʼ ἐγὼ σθένω.

Νεοπτόλεμος

αἰτίαν δὲ πῶς Ἀχαιῶν φεύξομαι;

Φιλοκτήτης

μὴ φροντίσῃς.

Νεοπτόλεμος

τί γάρ, ἐὰν πορθῶσι χώραν τὴν ἐμήν;
1405

Φιλοκτήτης

ἐγὼ παρὼν

Νεοπτόλεμος

τίνα προσωφέλησιν ἔρξεις;

Φιλοκτήτης

βέλεσι τοῖς Ἡρακλέους

Νεοπτόλεμος

πῶς λέγεις;

Φιλοκτήτης

εἴρξω πελάζειν.

Νεοπτόλεμος

στεῖχε προσκύσας χθόνα.

1408

Ἡρακλῆς

μήπω γε, πρὶν ἂν τῶν ἡμετέρων

ἀίῃς μύθων, παῖ Ποίαντος·

φάσκειν δʼ αὐδὴν τὴν Ἡρακλέους
1410

ἀκοῇ τε κλύειν λεύσσειν τʼ ὄψιν.

τὴν σὴν δʼ ἥκω χάριν οὐρανίας

ἕδρας προλιπών,

τὰ Διός τε φράσων βουλεύματά σοι
1415

κατερητύσων θʼ ὁδὸν ἣν στέλλει·

σὺ δʼ ἐμῶν μύθων ἐπάκουσον.

καὶ πρῶτα μέν σοι τὰς ἐμὰς λέξω τύχας,

ὅσους πονήσας καὶ διεξελθὼν πόνους

ἀθάνατον ἀρετὴν ἔσχον, ὡς πάρεσθʼ ὁρᾶν.
1420

καὶ σοί, σάφʼ ἴσθι, τοῦτʼ ὀφείλεται παθεῖν,

ἐκ τῶν πόνων τῶνδʼ εὐκλεᾶ θέσθαι βίον.

ἐλθὼν δὲ σὺν τῷδʼ ἀνδρὶ πρὸς τὸ Τρωικὸν

πόλισμα, πρῶτον μὲν νόσου παύσει λυγρᾶς,

ἀρετῇ τε πρῶτος ἐκκριθεὶς στρατεύματος,
1425

Πάριν μέν, ὃς τῶνδʼ αἴτιος κακῶν ἔφυ,

τόξοισι τοῖς ἐμοῖσι νοσφιεῖς βίου,

πέρσεις τε Τροίαν, σκῦλά τʼ εἰς μέλαθρα σὰ

πέμψεις, ἀριστεῖʼ ἐκλαβὼν στρατεύματος,

Ποίαντι πατρὶ πρὸς πάτρας Οἴτης πλάκα.
1430

ἃ δʼ ἂν λάβῃς σὺ σκῦλα τοῦδε τοῦ στρατοῦ,

τόξων ἐμῶν μνημεῖα πρὸς πυρὰν ἐμὴν

κόμιζε. καὶ σοὶ ταῦτʼ, Ἀχιλλέως τέκνον,

παρῄνεσʼ· οὔτε γὰρ σὺ τοῦδʼ ἄτερ σθένεις

ἑλεῖν τὸ Τροίας πεδίον οὔθʼ οὗτος σέθεν.
1435

ἀλλʼ ὡς λέοντε συννόμω φυλάσσετον

οὗτος σὲ καὶ σὺ τόνδʼ· ἐγὼ δʼ Ἀσκληπιὸν

παυστῆρα πέμψω σῆς νόσου πρὸς Ἴλιον.

τὸ δεύτερον γὰρ τοῖς ἐμοῖς αὐτὴν χρεὼν

τόξοις ἁλῶναι. τοῦτο δʼ ἐννοεῖθʼ, ὅταν
1440

πορθῆτε γαῖαν, εὐσεβεῖν τὰ πρὸς θεούς·

ὡς τἄλλα πάντα δεύτερʼ ἡγεῖται πατὴρ

Ζεύς· οὐ γὰρ εὐσέβεια συνθνῄσκει βροτοῖς·

κἂν ζῶσι κἂν θάνωσιν, οὐκ ἀπόλλυται.

1445

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ φθέγμα ποθεινὸν ἐμοὶ πέμψας
1445

χρόνιός τε φανείς,

οὐκ ἀπιθήσω τοῖς σοῖς μύθοις.

Νεοπτόλεμος

κἀγὼ γνώμην ταύτῃ τίθεμαι.

Ἡρακλῆς

μή νυν χρόνιοι μέλλετε πράσσειν·

καιρὸς καὶ πλοῦς
1450

ὅδʼ ἐπείγει γὰρ κατὰ πρύμνην.

Φιλοκτήτης

φέρε νυν στείχων χώραν καλέσω.

χαῖρʼ, ὦ μέλαθρον ξύμφρουρον ἐμοί,

νύμφαι τʼ ἔνυδροι λειμωνιάδες,

καὶ κτύπος ἄρσην πόντου προβολῆς,
1455

οὗ πολλάκι δὴ τοὐμὸν ἐτέγχθη

κρᾶτʼ ἐνδόμυχον πληγαῖσι νότου,

πολλὰ δὲ φωνῆς τῆς ἡμετέρας

Ἑρμαῖον ὄρος παρέπεμψεν ἐμοὶ

στόνον ἀντίτυπον χειμαζομένῳ.
1460

νῦν δʼ, ὦ κρῆναι Λύκιόν τε ποτόν,

λείπομεν ὑμᾶς, λείπομεν ἤδη

δόξης οὔ ποτε τῆσδʼ ἐπιβάντες.

χαῖρʼ, ὦ Λήμνου πέδον ἀμφίαλον,

καί μʼ εὐπλοίᾳ πέμψον ἀμέμπτως,
1465

ἔνθʼ ἡ μεγάλη Μοῖρα κομίζει

γνώμη τε φίλων χὠ πανδαμάτωρ

δαίμων, ὃς ταῦτʼ ἐπέκρανεν.

Χορός

χωρῶμεν δὴ πάντες ἀολλεῖς,

νύμφαις ἁλίαισιν ἐπευξάμενοι
1470

νόστου σωτῆρας ἱκέσθαι.

Translations (5)

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 1081 focus

O cavern of the hollow rock,

Frosty and stifling in the seasons’ change!

How I seem fated never more to range

From thy sad covert, that hath felt the shock

Of pain on pain, steeped with my wretchedness.
1085

Now thou wilt be my comforter in death!

Grief haunted harbour, choked with my distress!

Tell me, what hope is mine of daily food,

Who will be careful for my good?
1090

I fail. Ye cowering creatures of the sky,

Oh, as ye fly,

Snatch me, borne upward on the blast’s sharp breath!

CH. 1

Thou child of misery!
1095

No mightier power hath this decreed,
1095

But thine own will and deed

Hath bound thee thus in grief,

Since, when kind Heaven had sent relief

And shown the path of wisdom firm and sure,

Thou still hast chosen this evil to endure.

PHI

O hapless life, sore bruised with pain!

No more with living mortal may I dwell,
1100

But ever pining in this desert cell

With lonely grief, all famished must remain

And perish; for what food is mine to share,

When this strong arm no longer wields my bow,

Whose fleet shafts flew to smite the birds of air
1105

I was o’erthrown by words, words dark and blind,

Low-creeping from a traitorous mind!

O might I see him, whose unrighteous thought

This ruin wrought,

Plagued for no less a period with like woe!

CH. 2

Not by our craft thou art caught,

But Destiny divine hath wrought

The net that holds thee bound.

Aim not at us the sound

Of thy dread curse with dire disaster fraught.

On others let that light! ’Tis our true care

Thou should’st not scorn our love in thy despair.
1115

PHI

Now, seated by the shore

Of heaving ocean hoar,

He mocks me, waving high

The sole support of my precarious being,

The bow which none e’er held but I.

O treasure of my heart, torn from this hand,
1120

That loved thy touch,—if thou canst understand,

How sad must be thy look in seeing

Thy master destined now no more,

Like Heracles of yore,

To wield thee with an archer’s might!
1125

But in the grasp of an all-scheming wight,

O bitter change! thou art plied;

And swaying ever by his side,

Shalt view his life of dark malignity,

Teeming with guileful shames, like those he wrought on me.
1130

CH. 3

Nobly to speak for the right

Is manly and strong;

But not with an envious blight

To envenom the tongue;

He to serve all his friends of the fleet,

One obeying a many-voiced word,

Through the minist’ring craft of our lord
1135

Hath but done what was meet.

PHI

Come, legions of the wild,

Of aspect fierce or mild,

Fowl from the fields of air,

And beasts that roam with bright untroubled gaze,

No longer bounding from my lair
1140

Fly mine approach! Now freely without fear

Ye may surround my covert and come near,

Treading the savage rock-strewn ways.

The might I had is no more mine,

Stolen with those arms divine.
1145

This fort hath no man to defend.

Come satisfy your vengeful jaws, and rend

These quivering tainted limbs!

Already hovering death bedims

My fainting sense. Who thus can live on air,
1150

Tasting no gift of earth that breathing mortals share?

CH. 4

Ah! do not shrink from thy friend,

If love thou reverest,

But know ’tis for thee to forfend

The fate which thou fearest.

The lot thou hast here to deplore,
1155

Is sad evermore to maintain,
1155

And hardship in sickness is sore,

But sorest in pain.

PHI

Kindest of all that e’er before

Have trod this shore,

Again thou mind’st me of mine ancient woe!

Why wilt thou ruin me? What wouldst thou do?
1160

CH. 5

How mean’st thou?

PHI

If to Troy, of me abhorred

Thou e’er hast hoped to lead me with thy lord.

CH. 6

So I judge best.
1175

PHI

Begone at once, begone!

CH. 7

Sweet is that word, and swiftly shall be done!

Let us be gone, each to his place on board.

PHI

Nay, by dear Zeus, to whom all suppliants moan
1180

Leave me not yet!
1180

CH. 8

Keep measure in thy word.

PHI

Stay, by Heaven, stay!

CH. 9

What wilt thou say?

PHI

O misery! O cruel power

That rul’st this hour!

I am destroyed. Ah me!
1185

O poor torn limb, what shall I do with thee

Through all my days to be?

Ah, strangers, come, return, return!

CH. 10

What new command are we to learn

Crossing thy former mind?
1190

PHI

Ah! yet be kind.

Reprove not him, whose tongue, with grief distraught,

Obeys not, in dark storms, the helm of thought!

CH. 11

Come, poor friend, the way we call.

PHI

Never, learn it once for all!
1195

Not though he, whom Heaven obeys,
1195

Blast me with fierce lightning’s blaze!

Perish Troy, and all your host,

That have chosen, to their cost,

To despise and cast me forth,

Since my wound obscured my worth!

Ah, but, strangers, if your sense

Hath o’er-mastered this offence,

Yield but one thing to my prayer!
1200

CH. 12

What wouldst thou have?

PHI

Some weapon bare,

Axe or sword or sharpened dart,

Bring it to content my heart.

CH. 13

What is thy new intent?

PHI

To sever point by point
1205

This body, joint from joint.
1205

On bloody death my mind is bent.

CH. 14

Wherefore?

PHI

To see my father’s face.

CH. 15

Where upon earth?

PHI

He hath no place
1210

Where sun doth shine, but in the halls of night.
1210

O native country, land of my delight,

Would I were blest one moment with thy sight!

Why did I leave thy sacred dew

And loose my vessels from thy shore,

To join the hateful Danaän crew

And lend them succour? Oh, I am no more!
1215

LEADER OF CH

Long since thou hadst seen me nearing yonder ship,

Had I not spied Odysseus and the son

Of great Achilles hastening to our side.

OD

Wilt thou not tell me why thou art hurrying
1220

This backward journey with reverted speed?

NEO

To undo what I have wrongly done to-day.

OD

Thy words appal me. What is wrongly done?

NEO

When in obeying thee and all the host—

OD

Thou didst what deed that misbecame thy life?
1225

NEO

I conquered with base stratagem and fraud—

OD

Whom? What new plan is rising in thy mind?

NEO

Not new. But to the child of Poeas here—

OD

What wilt thou do? I quake with strange alarm.

NEO

From whom I took these weapons, back again——
1230

OD

O Heaven! thou wilt not give them! Mean’st thou this?

NEO

Yea, for I have them through base sinful means.

OD

I pray thee, speak’st thou thus to anger me?

NEO

If the truth anger thee, the truth is said.

OD

Achilles’ son! What word is fallen from thee?
1235

NEO

Must the same syllables be thrice thrown forth?

OD

Once was too much. Would they had ne’er been said!

NEO

Enough. Thou hast heard my purpose clearly told.

OD

I know what power shall thwart thee in the deed.

NEO

Whose will shall hinder me?
1240

OD

The Achaean host

And I among them.

NEO

Thou’rt sharp-witted, sure!

But little wit or wisdom show’st thou here.

OD

Neither thy words nor thy design is wise.

NEO

But if ’tis righteous, that is better far.

OD

How righteous, to release what thou hast ta’en
1245

By my device?

NEO

I sinned a shameful sin,

And I will do mine utmost to retrieve it.

OD

How? Fear’st thou not the Achaeans in this act?

NEO

In doing right I fear not them nor thee.

OD

I call thy power in question.

NEO

Then I’ll fight,

Not with Troy’s legions, but with thee.

OD

Come on!

Let fortune arbitrate.

NEO

Thou seest my hand

Feeling the hilt.
1255

OD

German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 1081 focus

tiefhöhliges Felsgemach,

Warmes, kühles Gewölbe du,

Also werd' ich Gequälter dich

Nie mehr lassen, du wirst dereinst

Auch im Tode mir beisteh'n!
1055

weh, weh mir!

Unglückselige Grotte du,

Meiner bittersten Klagen voll!

Was soll fürder mich nähren?

Wo vermag ich zu hoffen, daß
1060

Einer mit Speisen erquicke mich Darbenden?

daß hoch empor

Vögel mit sausendem Schwung in die Lüfte mich

Entrafften! Nicht mehr wehr' ich's.

Zweite Strophe.

Der Chor.

Du selbst, du selbst erkorst dir dieses,
1065

Unseliger; ja, kein Andrer sonst,

Kein Größerer band dich an dieses Geschick.

Dein war die Wahl des Bessern;

Aber das Heil hast du verschmäht, und dir erwählt das Schlimm're.

Erste Gegenstrophe.

Weh, weh über mich Elenden,
1070

Abgemüht von des Leidens Hohn!

Der verlassen hinfort, und nie

Einem Sterblichen mehr gesellt,

Hier dem Tode zum Raub wird,

(weh, wehe!)
1075

Der nicht Speise nach Hause mehr

Schafft, nicht durch die beschwingte Wehr

Sie mit kräftigen Armen

Hascht; denn nimmer geahnt beschlich

Mich das betrügliche Wort des Verschlagenen!
1080

Ha, wohl möcht' ich ihn,

Der es ersonnen, an gleiche Bekümmerniß

Gleich lange Zeit gebannt seh'n!

Zweite Gegenstrophe.

Die Götter thaten dir's, die Götter;

Kein täuschender Trug von meiner Hand
1085

Umfing dich: o wirf den verwünschenden Fluch

Des Mißgeschicks auf Andre!

Bangt es mir doch, daß du den wohlwollenden Sinn verscherzest.

Dritte Strophe.

Philoktetes.

Weh mir, weh! An der grauen See

Strande sizt er und spottet wohl
1090

Mein und schwingt in den Händen

Meine lebenerhaltende

Wehr, die noch kein Sterblicher trug.

Trauter Bogen, der trauten Hand

Durch schamlose Gewalt entrückt!
1095

Wurde Gefühl dir verlichen, so siehest du

Mitleidig auf mich armen

Diener des Herakles,

Welcher hinfort dich nimmer bedienen wird!

Den Herrn wechselnd, wirst du jezt
1100

Von dem listigen Frevler gehandhabt;

Du siehst den schmachvollen Betrug,

Siehst ihn, den haßwürdigen Feind,

Der zu dem Leid, das er zuvor schon mir ersann, zahllose Schmach hinzufügt.

Vierte Strophe.

Der Chor.

Männern ziemt es, das Gute recht zu nennen;
1105

Thust du dies, dann stoße den Groll

Nicht in Worten des Hasses aus.

Er bringt, Einer von Vielen

Ausgesandt, auf ihren Befehl

Seinen Freunden die langersehnte Hülse.
1110
Dritte Gegenstrophe.

Philoktetes.

Ihr hochschwebenden Vögel, ihr

Thiergeschlechter mit wildem Blick,

Weidend hier in den Bergen,

Niemals naht ihr aus Höhlen mir

Mehr, um wieder zu flieh'n; dem Arm
1115

Fehlt des alten Geschosses Kraft:

Weh mir! Iammer umringt mich nun!

Kommet (ihr dürft euch nicht vor dem Lahmen mehr,

Der hier zurückbleibt, fürchten,)

Kommet herbei, nach Lust
1120

Euch mit dem Morde der Rache zu sättigen

Am bleich abgezehrten Fleisch;

Bald werd' ich ja scheiden vom Leben:

Denn wo gelangt Speise zu mir?

Wen kann die Luft sättigen, wenn
1125

Aller Genuß stets ihm gebricht, welchen der Erd' heiliger Schooß heraufschickt?

Vierte Gegenstrophe.

Der Chor.

Bei Zeus, wenn du den Fremdling ehrst, o nah' ihm,

Der dir naht, mit gütigem Sinn,

Wiss' es wohl, zum Heile dir selbst,

Dieser Dual zu entrinyen!
1130

Graunvoll schwelgt sie; wen sie befiel,

Nimmer lernt er die Pein ohn' Ende tragen.

Philoktetes.

Schon wieder, wieder rufst du mein altes Leid mir zurück,

Du Bester, der mir je genaht!

Was quälst du, was verderbst du mich?
1135

Der Chor.

Wie meinst du dieses?

Philoktetes.

Weil du mich in's troische Land

Willst, in das mir feindselige, führen.

Dies acht' ich für das Beste.

So verlaßt mich ohne Säumen!
1140

Der Chor.

Gern hör' ich, was du mich thun heißest, und folge dir willig.

Wir gehen, wir gehen,

Nehmen im Schiff unsern Plaz ein!

(will gehen.)

Philoktetes.

Bleibet, o bleibt, fleh' ich, bei Zeus, welcher den Fluch schrecklich erfüllt!

Mäßige dich!
1145

Fremdlinge, weh! Fliehet mich nicht!

Der Chor.

Welches Geschrei?

Philoktetes.

Ach, ach, ach, ach! Geschick, o Geschick!

Ich vergeh' in der Qual!

Fuß, o Fuß, was soll ich hinfort

Noch mit dir in dem Leben thun?
1150

Kommet, o Fremdlinge, wendet zurück euch!

Der Chor.

Was zu thun? Um wieder zu geh'n,

Wie du früher mir schon bedeutet?

Philoktetes.

Nicht scheltet den Mann, der

Trauernd irrt in stürmischer Qual,
1155

Sprach er wider Vernunft ein Wort!

Der Chor.

Geh, wir gebieten es dir, Unseliger!

Nie, sei dessen gewiß, nie folg' ich dir,

Nie, und käme der Donnerer flammend,

Sengte mich hin mit den Gluten des Donners!
1160

Nieder mit Ilion, nieder mit Allen

Dort, die frech das Gelenke des Fußes mir

Stießen in's Elend! Aber, o Fremdlinge,

Eins, nur Eines gewährt dem Verlangenden!

Welches Begehr? Sprich!
1165

Philoktetes.

Habt ihr ein Beil wo,
1165

Oder ein Schwert, ein Geschoß, o bringt es mir!

Der Chor.

Was zu beginnen damit, Unglücklicher?

Philoktetes.

Abhau'n will ich das Haupt und die Glieder mir:

Nach Mord, Mord steht mir der Sinn jezt.

Der Chor.

Warum?
1170

Philoktetes.

Den Vater such' ich.

Der Chor.

Und wo?

Philoktetes.

Im Hades;

Denn er lebt nicht mehr im Licht.

Theures, geliebtes Vatergebiet,

Könnt' ich doch dich wiederseh'n, ich armer Mann,

Welcher deinen heiligen Strom
1175

Verließ, mit den Verhaßten zog

Als Helfer, und jezt ein Nichts ist!

(er geht in die Höhle.)

Der Chor.

Von hinnen eilend würden wir jezt lange schon

In unfres Schiffes Nähe sein, erblickten wir

Nicht hier Odysseus, dort Achilleus' edlen Sohn,
1180

Die gegen uns die raschen Schritte zugewandt.

Odysseus. Neoptolemos. Der Chor.

Odysseus.

Du mußt mir sagen, was du diesen Weg so schnell,

Mit solchem Eifer wiederum zurückgekehrt.

Neoptolemos.

Den Fehl zu sühnen, welchen ich zuvor beging.

Odysseus.

Ein schweres Wort, ich staune: was war dein Vergeh'n?
1185

Neoptolemos.

Daß dir ich folgend und Achäa's ganzem Heer

Odysseus.

Welch eine That begingst du, die dir nicht geziemt?

Neoptolemos.

Mit schnöden Listen, mit Betrug den Mann umstrickt.

Odysseus.

Wen? Weh mir! Doch nichts Unbedachtes sinnst du da?

Neoptolemos.

Nichts Unbedachtes! Pöas' Sohne wollt' ich nur
1190

Odysseus.

Was willst du thun? Der Schrecken übermannte mich -

Neoptolemos.

Den ihm geraubten Bogen hier jezt wiederum

Odysseus.

Was hör' ich! Zeus! Ihn wiedergeben, willst du das?

Neoptolemos.

Ich habe schmählich, ohne Recht, ihn mir geraubt.

Odysseus.

Bei allen Göttern! Mich zu kränken, sagst du dies?
1195

Neoptolemos.

Wenn dir, die Wahrheit sagen, eine Kränkung ist.

Odysseus.

Wie, Sohn Achillens? Welches Wort vernahm ich da?

Neoptolemos.

Zweimal und dreimal soll ich Eins wohl wiederkäu'n?

Odysseus.

Ich wollte, daß ich's nicht gehört das eine Mal.

Neoptolemos.

So sei versichert: Alles hast du klar gehört.
1200

Odysseus.

Er lebt, er lebt noch, der es dir zu thun verwehrt.

Neoptolemos.

Was sagst du? Wer ist, der mir das verwehren will?

Odysseus.

Das ganze Heer von Argos, und in diesem ich.

Neoptolemos.

So klugen Sinnes, sprichst du da kein kluges Wort.

Odysseus.

Du bist in Worten weder klug, noch klug im Thun.
1205

Neoptolemos.

Wohl, wenn gerecht nur: besser dies, als kluge List.

Odysseus.

Und kann's gerecht sein, was dir erst mein Rath erwarb,

Nun wieder hinzugeben?

Neoptolemos.

Ich versuche mur

Das gutzumachen, was ich schnöd vorhin gefehlt.

Odysseus.

Das Heer Achäa's scheust du nicht bei solcher That?
1210

Neoptolemos.

Hab' ich das Recht zur Seite, schreckt dein Droh'n mich nicht,

Und mein Entschluß wankt nimmer, brauchst du auch Gewalt.

Odysseus.

Nicht also Troja's Söhne, dich bekämpfen wir.

Neoptolemos.

Es komme, was da wolle!

Odysseus.

Siehst du meine Hand
1215

Neoptolemos.

Auch mich sollst du gleich

Den Griff des Schwertes fassen?
1215

Dasselbe hier thun sehen, und ich zögre nicht.

Odysseus.

English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 1081 focus

O my poor hut ! and is it then decreed

Again I come to theo to part no more,

To end my wretched days in this sad cave,

The scene of all my woes ? For whither now

Can I betake me 1 Who will feed, support,

Remains for me. Oh ! that th' impetuous storms
1090

Would bear me with them to some distant clime !

For I must perish here.

Chorus

Unhappy man !
1095

Thou hast provoked thy fate ; thyself alone

Art to thyself a foe, to scorn the good,

Which wisdom bids thee take, and choose misfortune.

Philoctetes

Wretch that I am, to perish here alone !

Oh ! I shall see the face of man no more,

Nor shall my arrows pierce their winged prey,

And bring me sustenance 1 Such vile delusions

Used to betray me ! Oh I that pains like those

I feel might reach the author of my woes 1

Chorus

The gods decreed it ; we are not to blame.

Heap not thy curses therefore on the guiltless,

But take our friendship.

Philoctetes

[pointing to the sea-shore.] 1 behold him there;

E'en now I see him laughing me to scorn

On yonder shore, and in his hands the darts

Ho waves triumphant, which no arms but these

Had ever borne. O my dear glorious trea.sure !

Hadst thou a mind to feel th' indignity.

How wouldst thou grieve to change thy noble master,

The friend of great Alcides, for a wretch

So vile, so base, so impious as Ulysses !

Chorus

Justice will ever rule the good man's tongue,

Nor from his lips reproach and bitterness

Invidious flow. Ulysses, by the voice

Of Greece appointed, only sought a friend

To join the common cause, and serve his country.

Philoctetes

Hear me, ye winged inhabitants of air,

And you, who on these mountains love to feed,

My savage prey, whom once I could pursue ;
1140

This hollow rock — I cannot hurt you now ;

You need not dread to enter here. Alas !

You now may come, and in your turn regale

On these poor limbs, when I shall be no more.

Where can I hope for food? or who can breathe

This vital air, when life-preserving earth

No longer will assist him ?

Chorus

By the gods !

Let me entreat thee, if thou dost regard

Our master, and thy friend, come to him now,

Whilst thou mayst 'scape this sad calamity ;
1155

Who but thyself would choose to be unhappy

That could prevent it ?

Philoctetes

Oh ! you have brought back

Once more the sad remembrance of my griefs ;

Why, why, my friends, would you afflict me thus ?
1160

Chorus

Afflict thee —how ?

Philoctetes

Think you I'll e'er return

To hateful Troy ?

Chorus

We would advise thee to it.
1175

Philoctetes

I'll hear no more. Go, leave me !

Chorus

That we shal.1

Most gladly. To the ships, my friends ; away ! \Goincj,

Obey your orders.

Philoctetes

\sto'ps them]. By protecting Jove,
1180

Who hears the suppliant's prayer, do not forsake me !
1180

Chorus

[returning]. Be calm then.

Philoctetes

O my friends ! will you then stay ?

Do, by the gods I beg you.

Chorus

Why that groan ?

Philoctetes

Alas ! I die. My wound, my wound ! Hereafter

What can I do 1 You will not leave me ! Hear

Chorus

What canst thou say we do not know already 1

Philoctetes

O'erwhelmed by such a storm of griefs as I am,

You should not thus resent a madman's ifrenzy.

Chorus

Comply then and be happy.

Philoctetes

Never, never I
1195

Be sure of that. Tho' thunder- bearing Jove

Should with liis lightnings blast me, would I go ?

No ! Let Troy perish, perish all the host

Who sent me hero to die ; but, O my friends !

Grant me this last request.
1200

Chorus

What is it ? Speak.

Philoctetes

A sword, a daH, some instrument of death.

Chorus

What wouldst thou do?

Philoctetes

I'd hack off every limb.
1205

Deaths my soul longs for death.

Chorus

But wherefore is it ?

Philoctetes

I'll seek my father.

Chorus

Whither ?

Philoctetes

In the tomb ;
1210

There he must be. O Scyi-os' ! O my country !

How could I bear to see thee as I am —

I who had left thy sacred shores to aid

The hateful sons of Greece? O misery !

Ulysses
\Goes into the, cave,. Exeunt. ACT V. Scene I.

Neoptolemus, Chorus.

Chorus

Ere now we should have taken thee to our

ships,

But that advancing this way I behold

Ulysses

and with him Achilles' son.

Ulysses

Why this return ? Wherefore this haste ?

Neoptolemus

I come

To purge me of my crimes.

Ulysses

Indeed ! What crimes '#
1225

Neoptolemus

My blind obedience to the Grecian host

And to thy counsels.

Ulysses

Hast thou practised auglit

Base or unworthy of thee?

Neoptolemus

' Yes ; by art

And vile deceit betrayed th' unhappy.
1230

Ulysses

Whom ?

Alas ! what mean you?

I'J'eo. Nothing. But the son

Of Pfxian

Ulysses

Ha ! what wouldst thou do? My heart

Misgives me. [ Aside.

Neoptolemus

I have ta'en his arms, and now

Ulysses

Thou wouldst restore them ! Speak ! Is that

thy purpose?

Almighty Jove !

Neoptolemus

Unjustly should I keep

Another's right ?

Ulysses

Now, by the gods, thou meanst
1235

To mock me ! Dost thou not?
1235

Neoptolemus

If to speak truth

Be mockery.

Ulysses

And does Achilles' son

Say this to me ?

Neoptolemus

Why force me to repeat

My words so often to thee ?

Ulysses

Once to hear them

Is once indeed too much.

Neoptolemus

Doubt then no more,
1240

For I have told thee all.
1240

Ulysses

There are, remember,

There are who may prevent thee.

Neoptolemus

Who shall dare

To thwart my purpose?

Ulysses

All the Grecian host,

And with them, I.

Neoptolemus

Wise as thou art, Ulysses,

Thou talkst most idly.

Ulysses

Wisdom is not thine
1245

Either in word or deed.

Neoptolemus

Know, to be just

Is better far than to be wise.

Ulysses

But where,

Where is the justice, tlius unauthorized,

To give a treasure back thou ow'st to me,

And to my counsels ?

Neoptolemus

I have done a wrong,
1250

And I will try to make atonement for it.
1250

Ulysses

Dost thou not fear the power of Greece ?
1250

Neoptolemus

I fear

Nor Greece nor thee, wlien I am doing right.

Ulysses

'Tis not with Troy then we contend, but thee.

Neoptolemus

I know not that.

Ulysses

Seest thou this hand ? behold.

It gi'a.sps my sword.

Neoptolemus

Mine is alike prepared.

Nor seeks delay.
1255

Ulysses

English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 1081 focus

Will you forsake me, and not pity me?

Chorus

Thou rocky cave, now warm with summer suns,

Now cold with winter's frosts, I shall not leave,
1100

No, I shall never leave thee; e'en in death.

Thou shalt be still my mansion. Poor abode,

Thou witness of my woes, what day by day

Will now betide me? Whence shall I derive)

My food, or whence my soul-supporting hope ?

Oh, might the whirlwinds through the howling air

Bear me aloft; their force were welcome now !

Chorus

These woes, ill-fated man, these woes by choice
1095

Hast thou drawn on thee; by no other hand,

No foreign force art thou involved in ills.

A better fortune in thy reach was placed,

Hadst thou been wise: thou hast preferred the worse.

Philoctetes

I am a wretch, a wretch, oppress'd with woes;

And never, never from this hour with man

Shall have my dwelling, but shall perish here.

My food no more shall I procure, no more

Bend my strong bow, and pierce the flying birds;

For dark and treacherous words, that ever smooth

The tongue of fraud, have robbed me of my arms.

Oh, might I see the base betrayer rack'd

For such a length of time with pains like mine!

Chorus

This is the fate assign'd thee by the gods;

This is their work, not fraud by us devised.

Thy dire and hateful imprecations spare,

Spare them: to thee benevolent my heart;

Reject not thou our friendship with disdain.

Philoctetes

Now on the margin of the hoary deep

Laughing he sits, and poizes in his hands

My life's support, which none hath ever borne.

O my dear bow, from these unhappy hands

Wrested by force, if thou hast sense, how grieved

Dost thou behold the toils of Hercules

No more employ thee ! Changed thy noble lord,
1145

Thou seest a vile deceiver guide thy shafts;

Thou seest his hateful and detested arts

Hostile to me, and all the thousand wiles

Which to ensnare me he hath basely forged.

Chorus

What in a man is virtuous, justice wills

We speak; nor while we speak it should thy tongue

A torrent of malignant envy pour.

Call'd forth from all the Chiefs of Greece our lord,
1155

Guided by his wise councils, hath achieved

A charge of highest import to his friends..

Philoctetes

Ye winged birds, ye tribes of tawny beasts,

That o'er these rugged mountains roam, no more,

When from your coverts you come near me, fly:

These hands no more the forceful arrows bear,

(Such now is my ill fortune) but this place

Is now no more destructive, and by you

No longer to be fear'd; an happy change:

For you: come, in your turn your hunger glut,

And gorge my spotted flesh; I soon shall leave
1160

My life; for whence shall food be now supplied ?
1160

Who lives on air, deprived of strength'ning food,
1160

Whate'er the life-sustaining earth affords ?
1160

Chorus

Now by the gods, if strangers thou revere,

Meet us with all benevolence; we come

Benevolent to thee: and know, know well.

Thou hast the pow'r to fly this wretched state:

But to feed grief, to force a thousand woes

To dwell with us, denotes a mind unwise.

Philoctetes

Again, again hast thou recall'd the sense

Of my old grief, thou kindest of all those

That ever visited this drear abode.

Chorus

Why wilt thou talk thus?
1175

Philoctetes

Forming yet an hope

To lead me to the hated land of Troy.

Chorus

That I esteem thy best and wisest choice.

Philoctetes

No more of this: away, and leave me here.
1180

Chorus

This thy command with pleasure I receive,

And willingly obey it. Let us go,

As we are order'd, to our vessel go.

Philoctetes

By Jove, that hears the suppliant, do not go!

Chorus

Learn moderation.

By the gods I beg,

Stay, strangers, stay.

Why these lamenting cries?

Philoctetes

Ah me, my fate, my fate! Ah wretched me!

O misery, misery! How shall I sustain;
1185

Henceforth the anguish of my wound, and live?

Come back, O strangers, come to me again.

Chorus

What wou'dst thou now? Already hast thou shown

The settled purpose of a wayward mind.
1190

Philoctetes

Forgive a wretch that sinks beneath a storm

Of raging anguish, which distracts his sense.

Chorus

Go with us now: let our advice prevail.

Philoctetes

Oh never, never: know my fix'd resolve :
1195

Not if the thunderer from the flaming sky

Hurl his red lightenings on me. Perish Troy,

And all that sit beneath its walls in arms,

All, whose hard hearts an outcast left me here.

But, generous strangers, grant me one request.
1200

Chorus

And what is thy request?

Philoctetes

Give me a sword,

An axe, or any weapon of keen edge.

Chorus

What deed wou'dst thou attempt?

I would hew off

My head, and all these wretched limbs. My mind

Philoctetes

Calls me, it calls aloud.

Chorus

Calls thee to what?

Philoctetes

To seek my father.

Chorus

Seek thy father! Where?

Philoctetes

In the dark realms below; for he no more
1210

Views heav'n's fair light. How, O my country, how

O city of my fathers, could I bear

To show you, wretched as I am, these ills,

Who left your sacred streams to aid the arms

Of hated Greece! Ah, I am nothing now.
1215

Chorus

Hence to our bark we all long since had gone,

But that I saw Ulysses and our lord

This way advancing to us; they are nigh.

Philoctetes retires into the cave.

Ulysses
ULYSSES, NEOPTOLEMUS, CHORUS.

Wilt thou not tell me why with eager pace
1220

Thy steps so soon returning tread this path?

Neoptolemus

To make atonement for my former deed

At thy words I stand amazed:

Of baseness.

Ulysses

What was this deed of baseness?
1225

Neoptolemus

What with thee

Complying, and th' united host of Greece,

I have effected.

Ulysses

What, that ill becomes

Thy honour, hast thou done?

Neoptolemus

A deed of fraud,

And base deceit.

Ulysses

'Gainst whom? Ah, hast thou form'd

Some new design?

Neoptolemus

Not new; but to the son
1230

Of Poeas—
1230

Ulysses

What thy purpose? How thy words

Alarm my fears!

Neoptolemus

The bow from him received

To him again-

Ulysses

Jove, what wilt thou say?

Thou wouldst not give it back?:

Neoptolemus

It was obtain'd

By baseness and injustice.

Ulysses

Thou speak'st this
1235

But in a sportive mood.
1235

Neoptolemus

If to speak truth

Be sportive.

Ulysses

What means this? What hast thou said,

Son of Achilles ?

Neoptolemus

Hast thou then a wish

That twice I speak these words?

Ulysses

I had no wishG

To hear them once.

Neoptolemus

Know then my purpose now:
1240

Thou hast heard all.
1240

Ulysses

There is, be thou assured

There is who will prevent thy purpose.'

Neoptolemus

Who shall prevent me?

Ulysses

The united host

Of Greece, and with them I.

Neoptolemus

Wise though thou art,

Thy words no wisdom show.

Ulysses

endeleh Nor wise thy words,
1245

Nor would thy deeds be wise.

Neoptolemus

If they are just,

They have an excellence beyond the wise.

Ulysses

Where is the justice to return the arms

Won by my counsels?

Neoptolemus

I have done a deed
1250

Of baseness, and will expiate the guilt.

Ulysses

Thus acting, fear'st thou not the troops of Greece? M

Neoptolemus

By justice guided thy suggested fearstie ab il

I scorn; nor shall thy hand my actions rule. m

Ulysses

No more 'gainst Troy, but thee, our arms are turn'd.

Neoptolemus

Let come what will come.

My sword.

See my hand, it grasps, buf
1255

See mine, my sword as prompt to grasp.
1255

Ulysses

English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 1081-1215 focus

Philoctetes

Hollow in the caverned rock, now hot, now frosty, how true it seems, then, that I was sadly fated never to leave you!

No, you will witness my death, too. Ah, ah, me! Sad dwelling, so long filled with the pain welling from my flesh, what will be my daily portion hereafter?
1085

Where, from what provision, shall I, unhappy, find any hope of sustenance? Above my head the tremulous doves will go on their way through the whistling wind. I can stop their flight no more.
1090

Chorus

It was you, you, I say, doomed one, that chose this fate; and this fortune to which you are captive comes from no other source, nor from a stronger man’s compulsion. For when in fact it was in your power to show sense,
1095

you chose to reject the better fate, and to accept the worse.
1100

1101

Philoctetes

Ah, miserable, miserable, then, am I, and shamed by hardship, who next must hereafter dwell in my misery here,

with no man for companion in the days to come, and waste away. I can no longer bring food to my home, no
1105

longer gain it by the winged weapons held in my strong hands. But the unsuspected and stealthy fictions of a treacherous mind deceived me. If only I could watch him, the contriver of this plot, doomed to endure my anguish for as long a time!
1110

Chorus

Doom, god-sent doom constrained you to suffer this, not, I tell you, any treachery to which my hand was lent.
1115

Aim your hate-filled, baneful curse elsewhere, since I prefer that you not reject my friendship.
1120

1123

Philoctetes

Alas! No doubt sitting on the white ocean shore

he mocks me, brandishing the weapon that nourished my unhappy life, the weapon which no one else had carried! Cherished bow, ah, friend forced from my loving hands,
1125

if you have the power to feel, surely you see with pity that the comrade of Heracles will now no longer use you anymore!
1130

Now you are handled by another, a man of craftiness; you see the shameless deceptions and the face of that hated enemy by whom countless wrongs, springing from shameless designs, have been contrived against me. O Zeus!
1135

Chorus

A man must always assert what is right. But, when he has done so, he must not let loose malignant, stinging taunts. The man was the sole representative of the whole army, and at their mandate
1140

he achieved a universal benefit for his friends.
1145

1146

Philoctetes

Ah, my winged prey, and you tribes of bright-eyed creatures held by this place in its upland pastures, leap no more

in flight from your lairs, for I do not grasp in my hands those shafts which were once my strength—but now, gone, are my undoing! Roam at will now; the place has no more terrors—for you!
1150

The time is ripe for you to take blood for blood, to sate yourselves to your heart’s desire on my discolored flesh! Soon I will leave life, for from what source can I find the means to live? Who can feed, as I will have to,
1155

on the winds, when he no longer owns any of the bounty that the life-giving earth supplies?
1160

Chorus

In the name of the gods, if you have any reverence for a friend who approaches you in all kindness, approach him!

But know this, and know it well: it is in your power to escape this plague. Cruel is it that you feed it with your own flesh, and that there is no way for you to learn to endure the countless torments that dwell with it.
1165

1170

Philoctetes

Again, again, you have recalled the old agony to my thoughts—kindest though you are of all who have visited before! Why have you ruined me? What have you done to me?
1170

Chorus

What do you mean?

Philoctetes

That it was your hope to take

me to that Trojan land I abhor.
1175

Chorus

Yes, I believe that to be the best course.

Philoctetes

Leave me, then—immediately!

Chorus

Pleasant, pleasant, indeed, is the task you set me, and I am ready to obey.

Come, let us be going, each to his station in the ship!
1180

Philoctetes

By Zeus who hears men’s curses, do not go, I implore you!

Chorus

Be moderate.

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.
1195

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!
1200

Chorus

What would you ask?

Philoctetes

A sword, if you can find one, or an axe, or any weapon—

please, pass it to me!
1205

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

Chorus

In what land?

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.
1215

Chorus

Long ago I would have left you to go to my ship, had I not seen

Odysseus approaching, and the son of Achilles, too, coming here for us.
1220

Enter Neoptolemus and Odysseus.

Odysseus

Will you not tell me why you make this return journey with such eager speed?

Neoptolemus

I come to undo the mistake that I made earlier.

Odysseus

Your words alarm me—what mistake was that?
1225

Neoptolemus

The one I made when I obeyed you and all the army.

Odysseus

What did you do that was unworthy of you?

Neoptolemus

I captured a man by disgraceful deceits and treachery.

Odysseus

What man? Oh! Can you be planning something rash?

Neoptolemus

Rash, no. But to Poeas’ son—
1230

Odysseus

What are you going to do? Suddenly a certain fear comes over me.

Neoptolemus

—From whom I took this bow, back to him—

Odysseus

Zeus! What will you say? Certainly you do not intend to give it back?

Neoptolemus

Yes, I do, because disgracefully and unjustly I got hold of it.

Odysseus

In the name of the gods, are you saying this to mock me?
1235

Neoptolemus

If it is mockery to speak the truth.

Odysseus

What do you mean, Neoptolemus? What are you saying?

Neoptolemus

Must I repeat the same words twice and three times?

Odysseus

I would not have wished to hear them even once.

Neoptolemus

Know for certain that I have nothing more to say.
1240

Odysseus

There is someone, I tell you, who will prevent your deed.

Neoptolemus

What do you mean? Who will oppose me in this?

Odysseus

The whole host of the Achaeans, and I for one.

Neoptolemus

Wise though you were born, your threats are void of wisdom.

Odysseus

And your words are not wise, nor is that which you want to do.
1245

Neoptolemus

And yet if they are just, they are better than wise.

Odysseus

And how is it just for you to give up what was won by means of my plans?

Neoptolemus

My error was to my dishonor, and now I must try to retrieve it.

Odysseus

The army of the Achaeans causes you no fear, when you do this?
1250

Neoptolemus

With justice on my side, I do not tremble at the terrors you name.

Odysseus

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.

1257

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
Within.

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.

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!

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.

1288

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!

Philoctetes

Son, whose voice was that? Do I hear Odysseus?
1295

Odysseus

Be sure of it, and you see him at your side, who will carry you to the plains of Troy by force, whether or not the son of Achilles is willing.

Philoctetes

But it will bring you no joy, if this arrow fly straight. Odysseus flees from the stage.

Neoptolemus

Wait—by the gods, no! Do not let it fly!
1300

Philoctetes

Let go of me, in the name of the gods, dear boy!

Neoptolemus

I will not.

Philoctetes

Alas! Why did you take from me the chance to kill my hated enemy with my bow?

Neoptolemus

It would have been honorable neither for me, nor for you.

Philoctetes

Well, you may be sure of one thing, at least: the army’s chiefs, the lying heralds of the Greeks, though bold with words, are cowards in the fight.
1305

Neoptolemus

Good; the bow is yours, and you have no cause for anger or complaint against me.

Philoctetes

Agreed. You have revealed the true stock, my son, from which you spring. You are no child of Sisyphus, but of Achilles, whose fame was the fairest when he was among the living, as it is now with the dead.
1310

1314

Neoptolemus

I delight at your praise of my father,

and of myself. But hear what I desire to gain from you. It is true that men are compelled to bear the fortunes given by the gods; but when they cling to self-inflicted miseries, as you do,
1315

no one can justly excuse or pity them. You have become savage: you welcome no counsellor, and if someone admonishes you, even if he speaks in all good will, you detest him and consider him an enemy who wishes you ill. All the same I will speak to you, calling Zeus who guards oaths to witness.
1320

And you remember these words and write them in your heart: you suffer this plague’s affliction in accordance with god-sent fate, because you came near to Chryse ’s guardian, the serpent who secretly watches over her home and guards her roofless sanctuary. Know also that you will never gain relief from this grave sickness,
1325

as long as the sun still rises in the east and sets in the west, until of your own free will you come to the plains of Troy , find there the sons of Asclepius, our comrades, be relieved of this infection, and, with this bow’s
1330

aid and mine, be hailed as the sacker of Troy ’s towers. How I know these things are so ordained, I will tell you. We have a Trojan prisoner, Helenus, foremost among seers, who says plainly that all this must come to pass, and further,
1335

that this very summer must see the complete capture of Troy . Otherwise he willingly gives himself over for execution, if these prophecies of his prove false. Therefore, now that you understand everything, give way graciously. It is a glorious addition to your gain to be singled out
1340

as best of the Greeks—first, for coming into healing hands, and then for taking Troy rich in tears, and so winning a matchless renown.
1345

1348

Philoctetes

Hateful life, why, why do you keep me in the light of day, instead of letting me go to Hades’ domain?

Ah, me, what shall I do? How can I ignore this man’s words, when he has advised me with good will? But shall I yield, then? How, after doing that, shall I, ill-fated, come into men’s sight? Whom will I be able to talk to? You orbs that have watched my every suffering,
1350

how could you endure to see me consorting with the sons of Atreus, who caused my ruin, or with the accursed son of Laertes ? It is not my resentment for what has already been done that stings me, rather it is the many troubles which I seem to foresee I must suffer at the hands of
1355

these men in the future. For when the mind of men has once mothered wrongdoing, it trains those men to be wrongdoers in all else thereafter. And in you, too, I wonder at this. You should never yourself revisit Troy , and should prevent me from going there, seeing that those men have done you outrage
1360

by stripping you of your father’s arms when, in the suit for the weapons, they judged unhappy Ajax inferior to Odysseus. After that, will you go to fight at their side, and compel me to do the same? No, do not do it, son, but, as you swore to me, escort me home. You yourself remain in Scyros, and leave those evil men to their evil doom.
1365

So shall you win double thanks from me, as from your father, and you will not appear through your service to bad men to be like them in your nature.
1370

Neoptolemus

Your recommendation is reasonable, but nevertheless, I wish that you would put your trust in the gods and in my words,

and sail from this land with me, your friend.
1375

Philoctetes

What! To the plains of Troy and to the abhorred son of Atreus, with this miserable foot?

Neoptolemus

No, rather to those who will free you and your pus-filled limb from pain, and will save you from your sickness.

1380

Philoctetes

You giver of frightening advice, what have you said?
1380

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

1402

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—

Neoptolemus

And what aid will you render?

Philoctetes

—And with the shafts of Heracles—

Neoptolemus

What?

Philoctetes

—I will keep them away.

Neoptolemus

Then say your farewell to this island, and leave with me.

1408 Heracles appears above the stage.

Heracles

Not yet, not until you have heard my commands,

son of Poeas. Know that your ears perceive the voice of Heracles, and that you look upon his face. For your sake I have left my divine seat and come
1410

to reveal to you the purposes of Zeus, and to halt the journey on which you are departing. Hearken to my words.
First I would tell you of my own fortunes—how, by toiling through and enduring so many toils to the end, I have won the glory of deathlessness, as you witness.
1415

And for you, be sure, this fate is ordained, that through these toils of yours you will make your life far-famed.
You shall go with this man to the Trojan city, where, first, you shall be healed of your cruel sickness,
1420

and then, chosen out as foremost among the warriors in prowess, with my bow you shall sever Paris , the author of these evils, from life. You shall sack Troy and shall receive from the army the spoils of supreme valor to carry home
1425

to the heights of your native Oeta for the delight of your father Poeas. And whatever spoils you receive from that army, from them carry to my pyre a thank-offering for my bow. And these counsels hold for you also, son of Achilles,
1430

for you have not the might to subdue the Trojan realm without him, nor he without you. Rather, like twin lions with the same quarry, each of you must guard the other’s life. For the healing of your sickness, I will send Asclepius to Troy , since it is doomed to fall a second time
1435

before my arrows. But of this be mindful, when you plunder the land—that you show reverence towards the gods. Do this because Father Zeus regards all else as of less account, and because Piety does not die along with mortals. Whether they are alive or dead, their piety does not perish.
1440

1445

Philoctetes

Ah, friend whose voice I have longed to hear, whose shape I see at long last, I will not disobey your commands!
1445

Neoptolemus

I, too, consent.

Heracles

Then do not long delay,

for the occasion and the fair wind there at your stern urge you forward.
1450

Philoctetes

Come, then, let me hail this land as I depart. Farewell, chamber that shared my watches. Farewell,

nymphs of stream and meadow, and you, strong pounding of the sea-lashed cape, where often in the cavern’s inmost recess my head was wetted by the south wind’s blasts, and where many times the Hermaean mount sent an echo
1455

to my sad groans in the gale of my sorrow! But now, clear springs and Lycian fount, I am leaving you, leaving you at last, though such a hope had never buoyed me! Farewell, sea-wrapped Lemnos ,
1460

and send me off with sailing fair to my heart’s content, send me to the destination appointed me by mighty Fate and the will of my friends, and by the all-taming god who has brought these things to pass.
1465

Chorus

Now let us all leave together,

once we have prayed to the nymphs of the sea to come be the guides of our safe return.
1470

Notes on the current edition

Philoctetes

1. In antistrophe _ _ _ _ _ _ _

2. 2 Or, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Cp. β' (2), ll. 2, 3.

3. 3

4. In antistrophe U_ _ _

5. 2 In antistrophe U_UU_U__

6. 3 In antistrophe _ _UU_U_UU_UU_U_U_

7. 10

Commentary

Commentary (R. C. Jebb) (OCR draft) (Commentary (R. C. Jebb))

mvp-comment-250-1 ποῦ χρὴ τίθεσθαι ¹

mvp-comment-250-2 ποῦ δ’ αἰνεῖν ²

mvp-comment-250-3 ὅταν ³ ἐπαινῶν ⁴

mvp-comment-250-4 Theognis, in a similar strain, asks how a mortal is to revere the gods when he sees good men afflicted and bad men prosperous (743—752).

mvp-comment-251-1 ἐγὼ μὲν ⁵

mvp-comment-251-2 Οἰταίου ⁶

mvp-comment-252-1 τηλόθεν … εἰσορῶν ⁷

mvp-comment-252-2 φυλάξομαι ⁸

mvp-comment-253-1 ὅπου ⁹ τούτους ¹⁰

mvp-comment-253-2 δειλὸς ¹¹ δεινὸς ¹² δεινός ¹³

mvp-comment-254-1 Σκῦρος ¹⁴

mvp-comment-254-2 ἐξαρκοῦσά μοι … ὥστε ¹⁵ τέρπεσθαι δόμῳ ¹⁶

mvp-comment-255-1 χαῖρε ¹⁷ ὡς μέγιστα ¹⁸

mvp-comment-255-2 μεταστήσειαν ¹⁹

mvp-comment-255-3 ὡς αὐτὸς θέλεις ²⁰

mvp-comment-256-1 πλοῦν ἡμὶν εἴκῃ ²¹ πλοῦν ²² πλεῖν ²³

mvp-comment-257-1 καιρὸς ²⁴ καλεῖ ²⁵

mvp-comment-258-1 πλοῦν … σκοπεῖν ²⁶

mvp-comment-258-2 μὴ )ξ ἀπόπτου ²⁷

mvp-comment-259-1 πρός νύν σε πατρὸς ²⁸ πρός τ’ εἴ τι ²⁹

mvp-comment-260-1 ἱκέτης ³⁰ ἱκνοῦμαι ³¹

mvp-comment-261-1 οἵοις ὁρᾷς … ἐνναίοντα ³² ὅσοισί τ’ ἐξήκουσας ³³

mvp-comment-262-1 ἐν παρέργῳ θοῦ με ³⁴

mvp-comment-262-2 ἐν παρέργῳ ³⁵

mvp-comment-262-3 δυσχέρεια ³⁶

mvp-comment-263-1 ἔξοιδα ³⁷

mvp-comment-263-2 φορήματος ³⁸

mvp-comment-264-1 τό τ’ αἰσχρὸν ³⁹ εὐκλεές ⁴⁰ εὐκλεές ⁴¹ τοῖσι γενναίοισι ⁴²

mvp-comment-265-1 ἐκλιπόντι τοῦτ’ ⁴³

mvp-comment-265-2 ὄνειδος ⁴⁴ οὐ καλόν ⁴⁵

mvp-comment-266-1 πλεῖστον ⁴⁶

mvp-comment-266-2 μόλω )γὼ ⁴⁷

mvp-comment-267-1 ἴθ’ ⁴⁸

mvp-comment-267-2 ἡμέρας … μιᾶς ⁴⁹

mvp-comment-268-1 τόλμησον ⁵⁰

mvp-comment-268-2 ὅπῃ ⁵¹ ὅποι ⁵² ἐμβαλοῦ ⁵³ ἄγων ⁵⁴

mvp-comment-269-1 ἀντλίαν ⁵⁵

mvp-comment-269-2 πρῷραν … πρύμνην ⁵⁶

mvp-comment-269-3 ὅπου ⁵⁷ ὅποι ⁵⁸ υ ⁵⁹ ι ⁶⁰

mvp-comment-269-4 μέλλω … ἀλγυνεῖν ⁶¹

mvp-comment-270-1 ἱκεσίου ⁶²

mvp-comment-270-2 γόνασι ⁶³

mvp-comment-271-1 ἀκράτωρ ⁶⁴

mvp-comment-272-1 ἢ πρὸς οἶκον τὸν σὸν ⁶⁵

mvp-comment-272-2 τὰ Χαλκώδοντος Εὐβοίας σταθμά ⁶⁶

mvp-comment-272-3 Schneidewin remarks that Philoctetes, the former comrade of Heracles, might naturally name Chalcodon, who had been the companion of Heracles in an expedition against the Eleans ( Paus. 8. 15. 6 ). But that was merely a local Arcadian myth; and Pausanias finds it inconsistent with the better-known Theban tradition, according to which Chalcodon was slain by Amphitryon in a war between the Euboeans and Thebans (9. 19. 3). At any rate the Attic poet might think of the Attic legend, according to which Theseus had sent his sons for protection to Chalcodon's son Elephenor, before retiring from Athens to Scyros ( Plut. Thes. 35 ).

mvp-comment-273-1 εἰς Οἴτην ⁶⁷

mvp-comment-274-1 Τραχινίαν … δειράδα ⁶⁸

mvp-comment-274-2 All MSS. have δειράδα καὶ τὸν ⁶⁹ δεράδα ⁷⁰

mvp-comment-274-3 I am more disposed to think that δειράδα ⁷¹ καὶ τὸν ⁷²

mvp-comment-274-4 εὔροον ⁷³

mvp-comment-274-5 Like the Homeric

ἐΰρροος, ἐυ·ρρείτης

, the epithet refers simply to the beauty of the river, not to that swiftness (

σπέρχομαι

) from which it takes its name ( Il. 16. 176

Σπερχειῷ ἀκάμαντι

: Lucan 6. 366 Ferit amne citato | Maliacas Spercheus aquas). Rising at the foot of Typhrestus, and fed by affluents from Othrys and Oeta, the Spercheius has a considerable volume of water even in the hot season (Tozer, Geo. of Greece, p. 81).

mvp-comment-275-1 ὃν ⁷⁴ δέδοικ’ ⁷⁵

mvp-comment-275-2 παλαιὸν ⁷⁶ ἐξ ὅτου ⁷⁷ παλαἴ ἂν ⁷⁸

mvp-comment-276-1 μή μοι βεβήκῃ ⁷⁹

mvp-comment-276-2 τοῖς ἱγμένοις ⁸⁰ ἔστελλον ⁸¹

mvp-comment-277-1 αὐτόστολον πέμψαντα ⁸² αὐτόστολον ⁸³ πέμψαντα ⁸⁴ ἐκσῶσαι ⁸⁵ πλεύσαντα ⁸⁶

mvp-comment-277-2 δόμους ⁸⁷ δόμοις ⁸⁸

mvp-comment-277-3 497 ff. After τὰ τῶν διακόνων ⁸⁹ ποιούμενοι ⁹⁰ τὸ ⁹¹ τὰ ⁹²

mvp-comment-277-4 ὡς εἰκός ⁹³ οἶμαι ⁹⁴ οἴμοι ⁹⁵

mvp-comment-277-5 ἐν σμικρῷ ⁹⁶

mvp-comment-277-6 μέρος ⁹⁷ μέρει ⁹⁸

mvp-comment-277-7 ἤπειγον ⁹⁹

mvp-comment-278-1 πομπόν τε καὐτὸν ἄγγελον ¹⁰⁰

mvp-comment-278-2 ἥκω ¹⁰¹

mvp-comment-279-1 δεινὰ κἀπικινδύνως … κεῖται ¹⁰² παθεῖν ¹⁰³ παθεῖν μὲν εὖ, παθεῖν δὲ θάτερα ¹⁰⁴

mvp-comment-279-2 θάτερα ¹⁰⁵

mvp-comment-280-1 ἐκτὸς ὄντα ¹⁰⁶ τὰ δείν’ ὁρᾶν ¹⁰⁷

mvp-comment-281-1 εὖ ζῇ ¹⁰⁸

mvp-comment-281-2 τὸν βίον ¹⁰⁹ λάθῃ ¹¹⁰

mvp-comment-282-1 : antistrophe to 391—402. The pity expressed by the Chorus may well be sincere; but in this utterance of it, their first aim is to aid their master's design. Verse 510 shows this.

mvp-comment-282-2 πόνων ἆθλα ¹¹¹

mvp-comment-282-3 οἷα ¹¹² οἷα ¹¹³ ἅσσα ¹¹⁴ τύχοι ¹¹⁵ λάχοι ¹¹⁶

mvp-comment-283-1 πικρούς ¹¹⁷

mvp-comment-284-1 ἐγὼ μὲν ¹¹⁸ πορεύσαιμ’ ἂν ¹¹⁹

mvp-comment-284-2 τὸ κείνων κακὸν ¹²⁰

mvp-comment-284-3 μετατιθέμενος ¹²¹

mvp-comment-284-4 ἐπιμέμονεν ¹²²

mvp-comment-285-1 εὐστόλου ¹²³

mvp-comment-286-1 τὰν θεῶν νέμεσιν ¹²⁴

mvp-comment-287-1 νῦν μὲν … ὅταν δὲ ¹²⁵

mvp-comment-287-2 εὐχερὴς ¹²⁶ τις ¹²⁷ παρῇς ¹²⁸

mvp-comment-288-1 τῆς νόσου ¹²⁹ πλησθῇς· ξυνουσίᾳ ¹³⁰

mvp-comment-288-2 αὑτὸς τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις ¹³¹

mvp-comment-289-1 οὐκ ἔσθ’ ὅπως ¹³²

mvp-comment-290-1 ἀλλὰ … μέντοι ¹³³

mvp-comment-290-2 αἰσχρὰ ¹³⁴

mvp-comment-290-3 σοῦ γέ μ’ ¹³⁵ σοῦ γ’ ἔμ’ ¹³⁶

mvp-comment-290-4 πρὸς τὸ καίριον ¹³⁷

mvp-comment-290-5 πονεῖν ¹³⁸

mvp-comment-291-1 ὁρμάσθω ¹³⁹ ταχύς ¹⁴⁰ χἡ ναῦς ¹⁴¹

mvp-comment-291-2 ἀπαρνηθήσεται ¹⁴²

mvp-comment-292-1 μόνον ¹⁴³

mvp-comment-292-2 βουλοίμεσθα ¹⁴⁴

mvp-comment-293-1 ὦ φίλτατον μὲν ¹⁴⁵

mvp-comment-293-2 πῶς ἂν … γενοίμην ¹⁴⁶

mvp-comment-294-1 ἴωμεν ¹⁴⁷ ἴωμεν ¹⁴⁸ ἴωμεν ¹⁴⁹ εἰσοίκησιν ¹⁵⁰ προσκύσαντε ¹⁵¹ εἰς οἴκησιν ¹⁵² προσκύσαντε ¹⁵³

mvp-comment-294-2 ὡς … καὶ ¹⁵⁴

mvp-comment-295-1 ἀφ’ ὧν ¹⁵⁵

mvp-comment-295-2 διέζων ¹⁵⁶

mvp-comment-296-1 οἶμαι γὰρ ¹⁵⁷

mvp-comment-296-2 μόνην ¹⁵⁸ μόνον ¹⁵⁹ τάδε ¹⁶⁰ θέαν λαβόντα ¹⁶¹ τλῆναι ¹⁶²

mvp-comment-297-1 προὔμαθον ¹⁶³

mvp-comment-298-1 ἐπίσχετον ¹⁶⁴ μάθωμεν ¹⁶⁵

mvp-comment-298-2 ἀλλόθρους ¹⁶⁶

mvp-comment-298-3 ὧν μαθόντες ¹⁶⁷

mvp-comment-298-4 αὖθις ¹⁶⁸ εἴσιτον ¹⁶⁹

mvp-comment-298-5 542 Odysseus said that he would send back the

σκοπός

, disguised as a merchant captain, if N. seemed to be tarrying too long (126 ff.). The actor who now comes on as

ἔμπορος

would not, however, be the same who played the

σκοπός

(a mute person), but the tritagonist, who played Odysseus. The sailor who accompanies him is a mute person; and that part may have been taken by the former representative of the

σκοπός

mvp-comment-298-6 As N. has already ensnared Ph. , and is on the point of starting with him, there is no actual need for the intervention of the

ἔμπορος

. But Odysseus, at the ship, could not know this; and we are to suppose that he had become impatient. The scene which follows heightens the dramatic interest by bringing out the horror with which Ph. regards the idea of returning to Troy.

mvp-comment-298-7 ξυνέμπορον ¹⁷⁰

mvp-comment-299-1 φράσαι σε, ποῦ ¹⁷¹

mvp-comment-299-2 κυρῶν εἴης ¹⁷²

mvp-comment-300-1 δοξάζων μὲν οὔ ¹⁷³

mvp-comment-300-2 ὁρμισθεὶς ¹⁷⁴ ταὐτὸν … πέδον ¹⁷⁵

mvp-comment-301-1 οὐ πολλῷ στόλῳ ¹⁷⁶

mvp-comment-302-1 Πεπάρηθον ¹⁷⁷ εὔβοτρυν ¹⁷⁸

mvp-comment-302-2 ἤκουσα τοὺς ναύτας ὅτι ¹⁷⁹ πάντες ¹⁸⁰ συννεναυστοληκότες ¹⁸¹ οἱ νεναυστοληκότες ¹⁸² σοὶ ¹⁸³

mvp-comment-303-1 ἔδοξέ μοι ¹⁸⁴ προστυχόντι ¹⁸⁵ ποεῖσθαι ¹⁸⁶ μὴ σῖγα, πρὶν φράσαιμι ¹⁸⁷ προστυχόντι ¹⁸⁸ προστυχόντι ¹⁸⁹

mvp-comment-303-2 τῶν ἴσων ¹⁹⁰ προστυχόντι ¹⁹¹ σοι ¹⁹²

mvp-comment-304-1 ἃ τοῖσιν ¹⁹³

mvp-comment-304-2 vέα ¹⁹⁴

mvp-comment-305-1 οὐκέτ’ ἐξαργούμενα ¹⁹⁵ ἔργα ¹⁹⁶ δρώμενα ¹⁹⁷

mvp-comment-306-1 ἀλλ’ ¹⁹⁸ ἡ χάρις … τῆς προμηθίας ¹⁹⁹ προμηθίας ²⁰⁰

mvp-comment-306-2 εἰ μὴ κακὸς πέφυκα ²⁰¹

mvp-comment-306-3 προσφιλὴς ²⁰² χάρις ²⁰³

mvp-comment-307-1 ἅπερ γ’ ²⁰⁴ ἅπερ κἄλεξας ²⁰⁵ γε ²⁰⁶ ἅπερ ²⁰⁷

mvp-comment-308-1 νεώτερον ²⁰⁸

mvp-comment-308-2 ἀπ’ Ἀργείων ²⁰⁹ βούλευμα ²¹⁰ ἔχεις ²¹¹ μοι ²¹²

mvp-comment-309-1 φοῖνιξ ²¹³

mvp-comment-309-2 οἵ τε Θησέως κόροι ²¹⁴

mvp-comment-310-1 ἐκ βίας ²¹⁵

mvp-comment-310-2 λόγοις ²¹⁶ δόλοις ²¹⁷

mvp-comment-311-1 καθ’ ὁρμὴν ²¹⁸

mvp-comment-312-1 ὡς ταῦτ’ ἐπίστω δρώμεν’ ²¹⁹

mvp-comment-313-1 πρὸς τάδ’ ²²⁰

mvp-comment-313-2 αὐτάγγελος ²²¹

mvp-comment-314-1 κεῖνός γ’ ²²²

mvp-comment-314-2 ὁ Τυδέως παῖς ²²³ ἔστελλον ²²⁴

mvp-comment-315-1 πρὸς ποῖον αὖ τόνδ’ … ἔπλει ²²⁵ αὖ ²²⁶ αὖ ²²⁷ ἂν ²²⁸

mvp-comment-315-2 If ἂν ²²⁹

mvp-comment-316-1 σοι ²³⁰

mvp-comment-317-1 τὰ πλείον’ ²³¹

mvp-comment-317-2 σεαυτὸν ξυλλαβὼν ²³²

mvp-comment-318-1 τί με ²³³ διεμπολᾷ … πρός σε ²³⁴ τί με ²³⁵ τί δὲ ²³⁶ διεμπολᾷ ²³⁷

mvp-comment-319-1 εἰς φῶς ²³⁸ καί … τε ²³⁹

mvp-comment-320-1 σπέρμ’ ²⁴⁰

mvp-comment-320-2 στρατῷ ²⁴¹

mvp-comment-320-3 ἃ μὴ δεῖ ²⁴²

mvp-comment-320-4 δρῶν ἀντιπάσχω ²⁴³ οἷ’ ἀνὴρ πένης ²⁴⁴

mvp-comment-320-5 χρηστά θ’ ²⁴⁵

mvp-comment-321-1 ἐγώ εἰμ’ ²⁴⁶

mvp-comment-321-2 φίλος μέγιστος ²⁴⁷

mvp-comment-322-1 λόγων ²⁴⁸ λόγον ²⁴⁹ ὧν ²⁵⁰

mvp-comment-323-1 ὅρα ²⁵¹

mvp-comment-323-2 πάλαι ²⁵²

mvp-comment-324-1 ποιοῦ ²⁵³

mvp-comment-324-2 λέγων ²⁵⁴

mvp-comment-325-1 λέγω ²⁵⁵

mvp-comment-325-2 )πὶ τοῦτον ²⁵⁶

mvp-comment-325-3 τοῦτον ²⁵⁷

mvp-comment-325-4 592 Although Odysseus and Diomedes had been named in 570, it is obviously natural that their names should be repeated in this more explicit statement.

mvp-comment-326-1 διώμοτοι ²⁵⁸

mvp-comment-326-2 ἦ μὴν ²⁵⁹

mvp-comment-327-1 πείσαντες ²⁶⁰ πρὸς ²⁶¹

mvp-comment-328-1 πλέον ²⁶²

mvp-comment-328-2 θατέρου ²⁶³

mvp-comment-329-1 τίνος … πράγματος χάριν ²⁶⁴

mvp-comment-329-2 χρόνῳ τοσῷδε ²⁶⁵

mvp-comment-329-3 ἐπεστρέφοντο ²⁶⁶

mvp-comment-329-4 ἄγαν οὕτω ²⁶⁷

mvp-comment-329-5 The order of the words is remarkable, not only because τίνος ²⁶⁸ πράγματος ²⁶⁹ τοῦδ’ ²⁷⁰

mvp-comment-330-1 εἶχον … ἐκβεβληκότες ²⁷¹

mvp-comment-330-2 χρόνιον ²⁷²

mvp-comment-331-1 τίς ὁ πόθος ²⁷³

mvp-comment-331-2 ἵκετ’ ²⁷⁴

mvp-comment-331-3 θεῶν βία ²⁷⁵

mvp-comment-331-4 νέμεσις ²⁷⁶

mvp-comment-331-5 ἀμύνουσιν ²⁷⁷

mvp-comment-332-1 ὄνομα δ’ ὠνομάζετο ²⁷⁸

mvp-comment-333-1 Ἕλενος ²⁷⁹

mvp-comment-333-2 The statement of the

ἔμπορος

is only part of the truth. Helenus had indeed been captured, and had said that Troy could not be taken without Philoctetes. But he had also said that Troy was destined to be taken that summer,—as if he knew that fate had decreed the return of Philoctetes,—who was then to be healed by the Asclepiadae, and to share with Neoptolemus the glory of the victory (1329—1342). Odysseus, however, believed that Philoctetes would not listen to persuasion, but must be brought back by a stratagem (103). And so the object of the

ἔμπορος

in referring to Helenus is merely to convince Philoctetes that Odysseus is coming, in order that the sufferer may become still more anxious to depart with Neoptolemus for Greece, as he supposes.

mvp-comment-334-1 ἀκούων ²⁸⁰

mvp-comment-334-2 λωβητὰ ἔπη ²⁸¹

mvp-comment-335-1 ἐς μέσον ²⁸² ἔδειξ’ ²⁸³

mvp-comment-336-1 τά τ’ ἄλλα … πάντα ²⁸⁴ καὶ ²⁸⁵

mvp-comment-337-1 τἀπὶ Τροίᾳ πέργαμ’ ²⁸⁶

mvp-comment-337-2 οὐ μή ποτε πέρσοιεν ²⁸⁷ οὐ μή ²⁸⁸

mvp-comment-337-3 οὐ δηποτε πέρσοιεν ²⁸⁹

mvp-comment-338-1 ἄγοιντο ²⁹⁰ ἀγάγοιντο ²⁹¹ ἄξοιντο ²⁹² ἄγοιντο ²⁹³

mvp-comment-338-2 νήσου ²⁹⁴

mvp-comment-338-3 617 The words οἴοιτο μὲν μάλιστα ²⁹⁵

mvp-comment-338-4 μάλιστα ²⁹⁷ οἴοιτο ²⁹⁸

mvp-comment-339-1 τούτων ²⁹⁹ μὴ τυχών ³⁰⁰

mvp-comment-339-2 κάρα τέμνειν ³⁰¹ ἐφεῖτο ³⁰²

mvp-comment-340-1 τὸ σπεύδειν ³⁰³

mvp-comment-340-2 σοι καὐτῷ ³⁰⁴ πέρι ³⁰⁵

mvp-comment-341-1 ἡ πασα βλάβη ³⁰⁶

mvp-comment-342-1 πεισθήσομαι ³⁰⁷

mvp-comment-342-2 γὰρ ³⁰⁸

mvp-comment-342-3 ὧδε ³⁰⁹

mvp-comment-342-4 πρὸς φῶς ἀνελθεῖν ³¹⁰

mvp-comment-342-5 οὑκείνου πατήρ ³¹¹

mvp-comment-343-1 συμφέροι ³¹²

mvp-comment-344-1 τάδε ³¹³

mvp-comment-345-1 ἂν ³¹⁴ δεῖξαι ³¹⁵

mvp-comment-345-2 νεὼς ἄγοντ’ ³¹⁶

mvp-comment-346-1 οὔ· ³¹⁷

mvp-comment-346-2 πλεῖστον ἐχθίστης ³¹⁸

mvp-comment-347-1 ἄπουν ³¹⁹

mvp-comment-348-1 πάντα λεκτά ³²⁰

mvp-comment-349-1 ὡς … ὁρίζῃ ³²¹ ὁρίζει ³²²

mvp-comment-350-1 τοὐκ πρῴρας ³²³

mvp-comment-350-2 ἀνῇ ³²⁴

mvp-comment-350-3 στελοῦμεν ³²⁵

mvp-comment-351-1 οὔκ, ἀλλὰ ³²⁶ οὐκ ³²⁷ οἶδ)· ³²⁸ ἀλλ’ οὐχὶ ³²⁹

mvp-comment-352-1 ἀλλ’ ³³⁰

mvp-comment-352-2 χωρῶμεν … λαβὼν ³³¹ λαβόνθ’ ³³²

mvp-comment-353-1 καίπερ οὐ πολλῶν ἄπο ³³³

mvp-comment-354-1 νεώς γε τῆς ἐμῆς ἔπι ³³⁴ ἔνι ³³⁵ ἔπι ³³⁶ ἔνι ³³⁷ νεώς ³³⁸ ἔνι ³³⁹ ἔνι ³⁴⁰

mvp-comment-355-1 πάνυ ³⁴¹

mvp-comment-356-1 τί γὰρ ἔτ’ ³⁴²

mvp-comment-356-2 γάρ ³⁴³

mvp-comment-357-1 εἴ μοί τι τόξων ³⁴⁴ τόξα ³⁴⁵

mvp-comment-357-2 ἀπημελημένον ³⁴⁶

mvp-comment-357-3 παρερρύηκεν ³⁴⁷

mvp-comment-357-4 ὡς λίπω μή ³⁴⁸ λαβεῖν ³⁴⁹

mvp-comment-358-1 οὐ γὰρ ἄλλ’ ἔστ’, ἀλλ’ ἃ κ.τ.λ. ³⁵⁰ ἀλλ’ ³⁵¹ ἄλλ’ ³⁵² ἄλλος ³⁵³ ἃ βαστάζω ³⁵⁴ ταῦτ’ ³⁵⁵ ἄλλα γ’ ἔσθ’ ἃ ³⁵⁶

mvp-comment-359-1 ὥστε ³⁵⁷ ἔστιν ³⁵⁸

mvp-comment-359-2 θεόν ³⁵⁹ θεός ³⁶⁰

mvp-comment-360-1 ξυμφέρῃ ³⁶¹ ἐρῶ ³⁶²

mvp-comment-361-1 καὶ μὴν … γε ³⁶³ πάρες ³⁶⁴

mvp-comment-362-1 ὅσια … θέμις ³⁶⁵

mvp-comment-363-1 ὅς γ’ ³⁶⁶

mvp-comment-363-2 φάος ³⁶⁷

mvp-comment-363-3 δέδωκας ³⁶⁸

mvp-comment-363-4 χθόν’ Οἰταίαν ³⁶⁹

mvp-comment-364-1 ἀνέστησας πέρα ³⁷⁰ πέρα ³⁷¹ πέρα ³⁷² ἔνερθεν ³⁷³ πέρα ³⁷⁴ μ’ ὕ ³⁷⁵ περ ³⁷⁶ ἀναστήσας πάρει ³⁷⁷ πέρα ³⁷⁸

mvp-comment-365-1 ταῦτα ³⁷⁹ παρέσται σοι ³⁸⁰ καὶ θιγγάνειν ³⁸¹

mvp-comment-366-1 καὶ δόντι δοῦναι ³⁸² δοῦναι ³⁸³ ἐπεύξασθαι ³⁸⁴ θιγγάνειν ³⁸⁵

mvp-comment-366-2 669 The acc. μόνον ³⁸⁶ δόντι ³⁸⁷ μόνῳ ³⁸⁸ μόνον ³⁸⁹ ς’ ³⁹⁰ ἀρετῆς ³⁹¹

mvp-comment-367-1 εὐεργετῶν ³⁹²

mvp-comment-368-1 These three verses, called ‘manifesto spurii’ by Dindorf, are clearly genuine. If they are rejected, then Neoptolemus deigns no reply beyond

χωροῖς ἂν εἴσω

to the gracious and cordial speech of Philoctetes. In proof that the verses are pointless, Dindorf says:—‘Neque enim quidquam beneficii a Philocteta accepit Neoptolemus, ut

εὖ παθών

dici possit.’ Blaydes, though he does not bracket the verses, assents to this argument:—‘Certainly

εὖ παθὼν

cannot well apply to Neoptolemus.’ But

εὖ παθών

refers, of course, to Philoctetes. Neoptolemus means:—‘I am not sorry that chance drove me to Lemnos, and thus enabled me to gain your friendship. One who is ready to requite a benefit (viz., conveyance to Greece) by such a kindness as this (the promised loan of the bow), must indeed prove to be a priceless friend.’

mvp-comment-369-1 εὖ δρᾶν εὖ παθὼν ³⁹³

mvp-comment-369-2 κτήματος ³⁹⁴

mvp-comment-370-1 χωροῖς ἂν εἴσω ³⁹⁵ καὶ σέ γ’ εἰσάξω ³⁹⁶ γε ³⁹⁷ σέ ³⁹⁸ χωροῖς ἂν εἴσω ³⁹⁹

mvp-comment-370-2 τὸ γὰρ ⁴⁰⁰ νοσοῦν ⁴⁰¹ τὸ … νοσοῦν ⁴⁰²

mvp-comment-371-1 ἐξήκους’ ⁴⁰³

mvp-comment-371-2 ὄπωπα δ’ οὐ μάλα ⁴⁰⁴

mvp-comment-372-1 τὸν πελάταν ⁴⁰⁵

mvp-comment-372-2 The comparison with Ixion is the more forcible here, since reference has just been made to the gratitude shown by Philoctetes (672). Ixion was the great example of ingratitude. Cp. Pind. P. 2. 21

θεῶν δ’ ἐφετμαῖς Ἰξίονα φαντὶ ταῦτα βροτοῖς

λέγειν ἐν πτερόεντι τροχῷ

παντᾷ κυλινδόμενον·

τὸν εὐεργέταν ἀγαναῖς ἀμοιβαῖς ἐποιχομένους τίνεσθαι

mvp-comment-372-3 λέκτρων … τῶν Διὸς ⁴⁰⁶ τῶν ⁴⁰⁷

mvp-comment-373-1 κατὰ δρομάδ’ ἄμπυκα … Κρόνου παῖς ⁴⁰⁸ Ἰξίονα ⁴⁰⁹ δέσμιον ⁴¹⁰ Ἰξίονα ⁴¹¹ δέσμιον ⁴¹² Ἰξίονα ⁴¹³

mvp-comment-373-2 (1) The poet's tendency to omit the proper name in mythical allusion, when the context made his meaning clear, might be illustrated from Ant, 133, where Capaneus is described, yet not named; and from 966—987 of the same play, where Cleopatra—whose fate is being compared with Antigone's—is only indicated as the mother of the Phineidae (980) and the daughter of Boreas (985).

mvp-comment-373-3 (2) δέσμιον ⁴¹⁴ κατ’ ἄμπυκα … ἔβαλεν ⁴¹⁵ δέσμιον ⁴¹⁶ κατ’ ⁴¹⁷ ἀν’ ⁴¹⁸

mvp-comment-373-4 Ἰξίον’ ἀν’ ἄμπυκα δὴ δρομάδ’ ὡς ἔβαλεν ⁴¹⁹ δέσμιον ⁴²⁰

mvp-comment-373-5 ἄμπυκα ⁴²¹ δρομάδα ⁴²²

mvp-comment-373-6 Cp. Hesych.,

ἄμπυκες, τροχοί· οὕτω Σοφοκλῆς ἐν Φιλοκτήτη

. Musgrave's ἄντυγα ⁴²³

mvp-comment-374-1 τοῦδ’ ⁴²⁴

mvp-comment-375-1 οὔτ’ ἔρξας τιν’, οὔ τι νοσφίσας ⁴²⁵ οὔ τι ⁴²⁶ οὔτε ⁴²⁷ οὐκ ⁴²⁸ νοσφίσας ⁴²⁹ ἔρξας ⁴³⁰ νοσφίσας ⁴³¹

mvp-comment-376-1 ἴσος ὢν ἴσοις ⁴³² ἴσος ὢν ἴσοις ⁴³³ ἴσος ⁴³⁴

mvp-comment-376-2 L has ἴσως ⁴³⁵ ἐν ἴσοις ⁴³⁶ ἔν γ’ ⁴³⁷

mvp-comment-377-1 ὤλλυθ’ ⁴³⁸

mvp-comment-377-2 The MS. text here is ὤλλυθ’ ὧδ’ ἀναξίως· τόδε θαῦμ’ ἔχει με ⁴³⁹ τόδε τοι θαῦμά μ’ ἔχει ⁴⁴⁰ τότ’ ἂν εἰλυόμενος ⁴⁴¹ ὤλλυθ’ ὧδ’ ἀναξίως ⁴⁴² εἷρπε γὰρ ⁴⁴³ εἷρπε δ’ ⁴⁴⁴ ὤλλυθ’ ⁴⁴⁵ ὠλέκεθ’ ⁴⁴⁶ ὤλλυτο τῇδ’ ⁴⁴⁷ ἀναξίως ⁴⁴⁸ ἄλλᾳ ⁴⁴⁹ ἀλλ ⁴⁵⁰ αχ ⁴⁵¹ ᾷ ⁴⁵²

mvp-comment-378-1 ἀμφιπλάκτων ⁴⁵³ κλύζων ⁴⁵⁴

mvp-comment-379-1 βιοτὰν κατέσχεν ⁴⁵⁵

mvp-comment-380-1 ἵν’ αὐτὸς ἦν πρόσουρος ⁴⁵⁶ ἦν ⁴⁵⁷ οἱ ⁴⁵⁸ πρόσουρος ⁴⁵⁹

mvp-comment-380-2 οὐκ ἔχων βάσιν ⁴⁶⁰ πρόσουρον οὐκ ἔχων βάσιν ⁴⁶¹ πρόδουλον … βάσιν ⁴⁶² οὔτιν’ ἐς ἔγχωρον ⁴⁶³

mvp-comment-381-1 κακογείτονα ⁴⁶⁴

mvp-comment-381-2 Compounds to which

κακός

gives the first part are of two classes, according as the

κακο‐

element is (1) adj. or (2) subst. In class (1) there are again two types. ( a) The commonest is that of

κακόβιος

, =

κακὸν βίον ἔχων

: i.e., the compound denotes ‘possessing’ the subst. as qualified by

κακός

. ( b) A rarer, chiefly poet., type is that of

Κακοΐλιος

as simply=

κακὴ Ἴλιος

. In class (2) ( a) the

κακο‐

is most often equiv. to the subst.

κακόν

κακά

in the acc., governed by a verb: as

κακοποιός

κακὰ ποιῶν

. ( b) But sometimes this

κακο‐

represents a gen. or dat., depending on another noun: thus

κακόμαντις

, ‘prophet of evil’ ( Aesch. Pers. 10 etc.)=

κακῶν μάντις

. Cratinus used

κακόδουλος

as =

κακὸς δούλοις

(‘cruel to slaves’),

Θρᾷτται

fr. 7. And so

κακογείτων

could belong either to (1) b,=

κακὸς γείτων

: or, as it actually does here, to (2) b,

κακῶν γείτων

. Cp.

ἁλιγείτων, ἀστρογείτων, ἀστυγείτων

mvp-comment-381-3 The schol. joined κακογείτονα ⁴⁶⁵ στόνον ⁴⁶⁶ κακογείτονα ⁴⁶⁷

mvp-comment-382-1 παρ’ ᾧ ⁴⁶⁸ ἀποκλαύσειεν ⁴⁶⁹

mvp-comment-382-2 ἀντίτυπον ⁴⁷⁰

mvp-comment-382-3 βαρυβρῶτα … αἱματηρόν ⁴⁷¹ στόνον ⁴⁷²

mvp-comment-383-1 ὃς τὰν ⁴⁷³ οὐδ’ ὃς τὰν ⁴⁷⁴ οὐδ’ ⁴⁷⁵ τὰν ⁴⁷⁶ ὃς τὰν ⁴⁷⁷ οὐδ’ ὃς ⁴⁷⁸

mvp-comment-383-2 αἱμάδα ⁴⁷⁹ κηκι—ομέναν ⁴⁸⁰

mvp-comment-383-3 ἑλκέων ⁴⁸¹

mvp-comment-383-4 ἐνθήρου ⁴⁸²

mvp-comment-384-1 εἴ τις ἐμπέσοι ⁴⁸³ ἑλών ⁴⁸⁴ ἑλεῖν ⁴⁸⁵

mvp-comment-384-2 Some read εἴ τιν’ ἐμπέσοι ⁴⁸⁶ εἵ τι ⁴⁸⁷ συμπέσοι ⁴⁸⁸ ἑλεῖν ⁴⁸⁹

mvp-comment-384-3 φορβάδος ⁴⁹⁰

mvp-comment-385-1 εἷρπε ⁴⁹¹ ἂν ⁴⁹² εἷρπε ⁴⁹³ εἰλυόμενος ⁴⁹⁴

mvp-comment-386-1 παῖς … ὡς ⁴⁹⁵

mvp-comment-387-1 ὅθεν ⁴⁹⁶ ὅθεν ὑπάρχοι ⁴⁹⁷

mvp-comment-387-2 εὐμάρεια … πόρου ⁴⁹⁸ πόρων ⁴⁹⁹ πόρον ⁵⁰⁰

mvp-comment-387-3 ἐξανείη ⁵⁰¹

mvp-comment-387-4 δακέθυμος ⁵⁰²

mvp-comment-388-1 ἱερᾶς ⁵⁰³

mvp-comment-388-2 αἴρων ⁵⁰⁴

mvp-comment-388-3 ἄλλων ⁵⁰⁵ φορβὰν ⁵⁰⁶ τῶν ⁵⁰⁷

mvp-comment-388-4 ἀλφησταί ⁵⁰⁸

mvp-comment-388-5 ἀνέρες ⁵⁰⁹ α— ⁵¹⁰

mvp-comment-389-1 πτανοῖς ⁵¹¹

mvp-comment-389-2 ἰοῖς ⁵¹²

mvp-comment-390-1 ψυχά, ὃς ⁵¹³

mvp-comment-390-2 ὃς μηδ’ ⁵¹⁴

mvp-comment-390-3 ἥσθη ⁵¹⁵

mvp-comment-390-4 οἰνοχύτου ⁵¹⁶

mvp-comment-390-5 δεκέτει χρόνῳ ⁵¹⁷ δεκέτη χρόνον ⁵¹⁸

mvp-comment-391-1 λεύσσων ⁵¹⁹ ὅπου γνοίη ⁵²⁰ προσενώμα ⁵²¹ εἰς στατὸν ὕδωρ ⁵²² γνοίη ⁵²³ προσενώμα ⁵²⁴ στατὸν … ὕδωρ ⁵²⁵

mvp-comment-392-1 ἀνδρῶν ἀγ ⁵²⁶

mvp-comment-392-2 ὑπαντήσας ⁵²⁷

mvp-comment-393-1 ἀνύσει εὐδαίμων ⁵²⁸

mvp-comment-393-2 ἐκ κείνων ⁵²⁹

mvp-comment-394-1 ποντοπόρῳ ⁵³⁰

mvp-comment-394-2 δούρατι ⁵³¹

mvp-comment-394-3 πλήθει … μηνῶν ⁵³²

mvp-comment-395-1 πατρίαν ⁵³³ πατρῴαν ⁵³⁴

mvp-comment-395-2 Μαλιάδων ⁵³⁵ αὐλὰν ⁵³⁶ ὄχθας ⁵³⁷

mvp-comment-395-3 παρ’ ὄχθας ⁵³⁸ Σπερχειοῦ τε ⁵³⁹ Σπερχειοῖο ⁵⁴⁰ ὄχθαις ⁵⁴¹

mvp-comment-396-1 ὁ χάλκασπις ἀνὴρ ⁵⁴²

mvp-comment-396-2 In this play Heracles figures especially as the former possessor of the invincible bow. Why, then, has Soph. here chosen an epithet, χάλκασπις ⁵⁴³

mvp-comment-397-1 πλάθει ⁵⁴⁴ πλάθη ⁵⁴⁵ θείῳ πυρὶ παμφαής ⁵⁴⁶

mvp-comment-397-2 *

πατρὸς

is my emendation of the corrupt πᾶσι ⁵⁴⁷ ὅπου ⁵⁴⁸ πᾶσι ⁵⁴⁹ πλάθει ⁵⁵⁰ θείῳ ⁵⁵¹ πᾶσι ⁵⁵² πατρὸς ⁵⁵³

mvp-comment-397-3 The burning of Heracles, and his apotheosis, are combined in some vase paintings. (1) A bowl (

κρατήρ

) of the 4th cent. B.C., now in the Collegio Rainone at Agata S. dei Goti: Milani, Mito di Filottete, p. 65: Baumeister, Denkm., p. 307, fig. 322. In the lower part of the picture is the still burning pyre, which a Nymph on the left is trying to quench by pouring water from a jug. The trunk of the hero's mortal body lies on the pyre. On the right, a bearded figure in a peaked cap is hastily receding. This is either Poeas or Philoctetes: at his side is the quiver given him by the hero for kindling the pyre. Above, a Doric portal represents the entrance to Olympus. Apollo, laurel-crowned, sits on the left of it; a four-horse chariot approaches him, preceded by Hermes. It is driven by a winged goddess (a

Νίκη

): on her left sits Heracles, crowned with laurel, his club in his left hand; a light garment (a sort of chlamys) floats round his shoulders. (2) A Lucanian vase, now at Munich: Baumeister, p. 669, fig. 734. Below is the pyre, with the trunk of Heracles on it: the fire is being quenched by two Nymphs on the right

ΑΠΕΘΟΣΑ

and

ΠΡΕΜΝΟΣΙΑ

(an Attic fountain). On the left are two Satyr figures. Above, Athena Nikè, with helmet, lance, and chequered aegis worn as a corslet, is driving Heracles to Olympus; his left hand holds the club, and round his left arm is wound his chlamys.—We notice how the participation of Nymphs in these scenes illustrates the poet's

Μαλιάδων νυμφᾶν

(v. 725).

mvp-comment-398-1 ὄχθων ⁵⁵⁴

mvp-comment-399-1 εἰ θέλεις ⁵⁵⁵

mvp-comment-400-1 ἀπόπληκτος ἔχει ⁵⁵⁶

mvp-comment-401-1 τί δ’ ἔστιν ⁵⁵⁷ τί ἔστιν ⁵⁵⁸

mvp-comment-402-1 τῆς παρεστώσης ⁵⁵⁹

mvp-comment-402-2 735 The intrans. κουφίζειν ⁵⁶⁰

mvp-comment-402-3 736 f. I follow A here (see cr. n.), for a reason which was felt by Hermann, but which has not been sufficiently considered by some other editors,—viz., that ἰὼ θεοί ⁵⁶¹ ἰὼ θεοί ⁵⁶²

mvp-comment-402-4 τί θεοὺς ἀναστένων καλεῖς ⁵⁶³ θεοὺς ⁵⁶⁴

mvp-comment-403-1 κυρῶν ⁵⁶⁵

mvp-comment-404-1 διέρχεται ⁵⁶⁶

mvp-comment-404-2 βρύκομαι ⁵⁶⁷

mvp-comment-404-3 746 Written as above, the exclamations represent three successive cries of pain, each longer than the last, as the agony becomes sharper; they seem to suggest the convulsive movement of the lips from which the sounds are wrung.

mvp-comment-405-1 εἴ τί σοι ξίφος πρόχειρον ⁵⁶⁸ χεροῖν ⁵⁶⁹

mvp-comment-405-2 πάταξον εἰς ἄκρον πόδα ⁵⁷⁰

mvp-comment-406-1 ἴθ’ ὦ παῖ ⁵⁷¹

mvp-comment-407-1 νεοχμὸν ἐξαίφνης ⁵⁷² σαυτοῦ ⁵⁷³ ἰυγήν ⁵⁷⁴ ποεῖ ⁵⁷⁵

mvp-comment-408-1 τί σοί ⁵⁷⁶ ἔστιν ⁵⁷⁷

mvp-comment-409-1 τοὐπίσαγμα ⁵⁷⁸ τοὐπείσαγμα ⁵⁷⁹ τοὐπίσιγμα ⁵⁸⁰

mvp-comment-410-1 γὰρ ⁵⁸¹

mvp-comment-410-2 δράσω ⁵⁸²

mvp-comment-411-1 ἥκει … ἐξεπλήσθη ⁵⁸³ αὕτη ⁵⁸⁴ διὰ χρόνου ⁵⁸⁵ ἥκει ⁵⁸⁶ διὰ χρόνου ⁵⁸⁷ πλάνοις ⁵⁸⁸ ἥκει ⁵⁸⁹ πλάνοις ⁵⁹⁰

mvp-comment-411-2 ἐξεπλήσθη. — ἰώ ⁵⁹¹ φεῦ ⁵⁹² ἰώ ⁵⁹³ ἐξέπλης ⁵⁹⁴ πλάνους ⁵⁹⁵

mvp-comment-411-3 760 There is an error in the traditional numbering here, as the fourth verse after this is called 765. The origin of this error is explained in the Appendix. To avoid changing the usual numeration throughout the rest of the play, I designate the next verse as 762.

mvp-comment-411-4 δῆτα ⁵⁹⁶

mvp-comment-411-5 δύστηνε … φανείς ⁵⁹⁷

mvp-comment-411-6 διὰ πόνων πάντων ⁵⁹⁸

mvp-comment-412-1 βούλει λάβωμαι ⁵⁹⁹ δῆτα ⁶⁰⁰

mvp-comment-413-1 μοι ⁶⁰¹

mvp-comment-414-1 ἕως ⁶⁰²

mvp-comment-414-2 ἀνῇ ⁶⁰³

mvp-comment-415-1 τὸ πῆμα … τῆς νόσου ⁶⁰⁴

mvp-comment-416-1 γὰρ οὖν ⁶⁰⁵

mvp-comment-416-2 ἐξίῃ ⁶⁰⁶

mvp-comment-417-1 λῆξαι ⁶⁰⁷

mvp-comment-418-1 ἕκηλον εὕδειν ⁶⁰⁸ τῷδε τῷ χρόνῳ ⁶⁰⁹

mvp-comment-418-2 ἐκεῖνοι ⁶¹⁰

mvp-comment-419-1 ἑκόντα μήτ’ ἄκοντα ⁶¹¹ μήτ’ ⁶¹² μηδ’ ⁶¹³

mvp-comment-419-2 μήτε τῳ τέχνῃ ⁶¹⁴ μηδέ ⁶¹⁵ μήτε ⁶¹⁶ τέχνῃ ⁶¹⁷

mvp-comment-420-1 πρόστροπον ⁶¹⁸

mvp-comment-420-2 κτείνας γένῃ ⁶¹⁹

mvp-comment-421-1 προνοίας οὕνεκ’ ⁶²⁰ γ’ ⁶²¹ οὕνεκα ⁶²² γε ⁶²³

mvp-comment-421-2 πλὴν σοί τε κἀμοί ⁶²⁴

mvp-comment-421-3 ξὺν τύχῃ ⁶²⁵

mvp-comment-422-1 τὸν φθόνον δὲ πρόσκυσον ⁶²⁶

mvp-comment-423-1 μή … γενέσθαι ⁶²⁷

mvp-comment-423-2 πολύπονα ⁶²⁸

mvp-comment-423-3 μηδ’ ὅπως ⁶²⁹

mvp-comment-424-1 θεοί ⁶³⁰

mvp-comment-424-2 γένοιτο … γένοιτο δὲ ⁶³¹ ταῦτα νῷν ⁶³²

mvp-comment-424-3 κεὐσταλής ⁶³³

mvp-comment-424-4 ὅποι ποτὲ ⁶³⁴

mvp-comment-425-1 ἀλλ’ Ὄκνος ⁶³⁵ ἀλλὰ δέδοικ’, ὦ παῖ, μή μ’ ἀτελὴς εὐχή ⁶³⁶ ὦ παῖ ⁶³⁷ ἀλλὰ ⁶³⁸ δέδοικ’ ⁶³⁹ μ’ ⁶⁴⁰ με ⁶⁴¹ εὔχῃ, μή μ’ ἀτελὴς ⁶⁴² ἀτελῶς ⁶⁴³ εὔχῃ ⁶⁴⁴ ἔχει ⁶⁴⁵ ἀτέλεστ’ ⁶⁴⁶

mvp-comment-425-2 For μὴ ⁶⁴⁷ α ⁶⁴⁸

mvp-comment-426-1 κηκῖον ⁶⁴⁹ νέον ⁶⁵⁰

mvp-comment-427-1 ἐργάσει ⁶⁵¹ προσέρπει ⁶⁵²

mvp-comment-428-1 τάλας ⁶⁵³

mvp-comment-428-2 ἔχετε ⁶⁵⁴

mvp-comment-428-3 μηδαμῇ ⁶⁵⁵

mvp-comment-429-1 Κεφαλλήν ⁶⁵⁶

mvp-comment-429-2 σοῦ ⁶⁵⁷ ἔχοιτο ⁶⁵⁸ διαμπερὲς στέρνων ⁶⁵⁹ σου ⁶⁶⁰

mvp-comment-430-1 μάλ’ αὖθις ⁶⁶¹

mvp-comment-430-2 ὦ διπλοῖ στρ. ⁶⁶²

mvp-comment-430-3 Ἀγάμεμνον, ὦ Μενέλαε ⁶⁶³ Μενέλαέ τ’ Ἀγάμεμνόν τε ⁶⁶⁴ πῶς ἄν ⁶⁶⁵ τρέφοιτε ⁶⁶⁶

mvp-comment-430-4 τὸν ἴσον χρόνον ⁶⁶⁷

mvp-comment-431-1 ὦ Θάνατε ⁶⁶⁸

mvp-comment-431-2 ἀεὶ … κατ’ ἦμαρ ⁶⁶⁹

mvp-comment-431-3 δύνᾳ ⁶⁷⁰

mvp-comment-432-1 ὦ τέκνον, ὦ γενναῖον ⁶⁷¹

mvp-comment-432-2 ἀλλὰ ⁶⁷²

mvp-comment-433-1 τῷ Λ. τῷδ’ ἀνακ. πυρὶ ⁶⁷³

mvp-comment-433-2 The volcanic mountain called

Μόσυχλος

appears to have been on the east coast of Lemnos, south of the rocky promontory (

Ἑρμαῖον ὄρος

, v. 1459) to which the cave of Philoctetes was adjacent. No volcanic crater can now be traced in Lemnos; and it is probable that the ancient Mosychlus has been submerged. See Appendix.

Λήμνιον πῦρ

was proverbial for ‘a fierce fire’ ( Ar. Lys. 299 ). Lycophron (227) has

τεφρώσας γυῖα Λημναίῳ πυρί

in this sense, and calls Ajax

ὁ Λήμνιος

πρηστὴρ Ἐνυοῦς

(462), ‘Lemnian thunderbolt of war.’ Cp. Hesych.

Λήμνιον βλέπειν· ἐπειδὴ τὸ πῦρ Λήμνιον

. The legendary association of Lemnos with fierce crime (

Λήμνια κακά

) may have helped to suggest such phrases.

mvp-comment-434-1 ἔμπρησον ⁶⁷⁴ πυρί μ’ ⁶⁷⁵ συλλαβὼν ⁶⁷⁶

mvp-comment-435-1 τὸν τοῦ Διὸς παῖδ’ ⁶⁷⁷

mvp-comment-435-2 σῴζεις ⁶⁷⁸

mvp-comment-435-3 τοῦτ’ ⁶⁷⁹

mvp-comment-435-4 ἐπηξίωσα ⁶⁸⁰

mvp-comment-435-5 δρᾶν ⁶⁸¹

mvp-comment-436-1 τί φής, παῖ ⁶⁸²

mvp-comment-436-2 ποῦ ποτ’ ὤν ⁶⁸³

mvp-comment-437-1 πάλαι δὴ ⁶⁸⁴

mvp-comment-437-2 τἀπὶ σοὶ … κακά ⁶⁸⁵

mvp-comment-438-1 καὶ θάρσος ἴσχε ⁶⁸⁶ καὶ ⁶⁸⁷ μοι. ⁶⁸⁸

mvp-comment-438-2 φοιτᾷ ⁶⁸⁹

mvp-comment-438-3 ὀξεῖα, ταχεῖα ⁶⁹⁰

mvp-comment-439-1 οὐ μήν ⁶⁹¹

mvp-comment-439-2 ἔνορκον … θέσθαι ⁶⁹²

mvp-comment-440-1 ὡς ⁶⁹³ θέμις ⁶⁹⁴ γε ⁶⁹⁵ θέμις ⁶⁹⁶

mvp-comment-440-2 ἐμοὔστι ⁶⁹⁷

mvp-comment-441-1 ἔμβαλλε ⁶⁹⁸

mvp-comment-442-1 ἐκεῖσε νῦν μ’ ⁶⁹⁹ ἐκεῖσε ⁷⁰⁰ ἐκεῖσε ⁷⁰¹ ἄνω ⁷⁰² παραφρονεῖς αὖ ⁷⁰³ τὸν ἄνω λεύσσεις κύκλον ⁷⁰⁴ εἴ τι δὴ πλέον φρονεῖς ⁷⁰⁵

mvp-comment-443-1 αὖ ⁷⁰⁶

mvp-comment-443-2 τὸν ἄνω κύκλον ⁷⁰⁷

mvp-comment-444-1 ποτέ ⁷⁰⁸

mvp-comment-444-2 ἀπό μ’ ὀλεῖς ⁷⁰⁹

mvp-comment-445-1 καὶ δὴ μεθίημ’ ⁷¹⁰

mvp-comment-445-2 εἴ τι δὴ ⁷¹¹

mvp-comment-445-3 πλέον φρονεῖς ⁷¹² εἰ ⁷¹³

mvp-comment-446-1 θανάσιμον ⁷¹⁴

mvp-comment-446-2 ὅπως ἔχω ⁷¹⁵

mvp-comment-446-3 ὀρθοῦσθαι ⁷¹⁶

mvp-comment-447-1 οὐ μακροῦ χρόνου ⁷¹⁷

mvp-comment-448-1 γέ τοι ⁷¹⁸

mvp-comment-449-1 ἄκρον … ποδὸς ⁷¹⁹ φλέψ ⁷²⁰

mvp-comment-450-1 ὄμμασι δ’ ἀντίσχοις ⁷²¹ τάνδ’ αἴγλαν ἃ τέταται τανῦν ⁷²² τάνδε ⁷²³ αἴγλαν ⁷²⁴ τέταται ⁷²⁵

mvp-comment-450-2 The words could not mean, ‘keep off this sunlight from his eyes.’ ὄμμασι ⁷²⁶ ἀντίσχοις ⁷²⁷ αἴγλαν ⁷²⁸ ἀντίσχοις ⁷²⁹ τάνδ’ αἴγλαν ⁷³⁰

mvp-comment-451-1 ἴθι ἴθι ⁷³¹

mvp-comment-452-1 ποῦ στάσει ⁷³²

mvp-comment-453-1 The MSS. give here ποῖ δὲ βάσει πῶς δέ μοι τἀντεῦθεν ⁷³³ κεῖνό μοι, κεῖνο λάθρᾳ ⁷³⁴ ποῖ δέ μοι τἀνθένδε βάσει ⁷³⁵ ποῖ ⁷³⁶ φροντίδος ⁷³⁷

mvp-comment-453-2 τἀνθένδε ⁷³⁸

mvp-comment-454-1 ὁρᾷς ἤδη ⁷³⁹ ὁρᾷς, εὕδει ⁷⁴⁰

mvp-comment-455-1 πρὸς τί μενοῦμεν ⁷⁴¹ πράσσειν ⁷⁴²

mvp-comment-456-1 καιρός ⁷⁴³ πάντων γνώμαν ἴσχων ⁷⁴⁴

mvp-comment-456-2 < πολύ τι > πολὺ ⁷⁴⁵

mvp-comment-456-3 παρὰ πόδα ⁷⁴⁶

mvp-comment-457-1 ἀλλ’ ὅδε μὲν ⁷⁴⁷

mvp-comment-457-2 θήραν … ἔχομεν ⁷⁴⁸

mvp-comment-458-1 τοῦδε … τοῦτον ⁷⁴⁹

mvp-comment-458-2 ὁ στέφανος ⁷⁵⁰

mvp-comment-459-1 κομπεῖν δ’ ⁷⁵¹ ἀτελῆ σὺν ψεύδεσιν ⁷⁵²

mvp-comment-460-1 ἀλλά, τέκνον ⁷⁵³

mvp-comment-460-2 ὀψεται ⁷⁵⁴

mvp-comment-461-1 ὧν ⁷⁵⁵ λόγων ⁷⁵⁶ ἀμείβῃ ⁷⁵⁷

mvp-comment-462-1 πάντων ⁷⁵⁸ λεύσσειν ⁷⁵⁹ εὐδρακὴς ⁷⁶⁰

mvp-comment-463-1 ἀλλ’ ὅτι δύνᾳ ⁷⁶¹ λάθρᾳ ⁷⁶²

mvp-comment-463-2 δύνᾳ ⁷⁶³

mvp-comment-463-3 κεῖνο … κεῖνο ⁷⁶⁴ δή ⁷⁶⁵

mvp-comment-463-4 μοι ⁷⁶⁶

mvp-comment-463-5 ὅτι δ. μάκιστον ⁷⁶⁷ ἐξιδοῦ ⁷⁶⁸

mvp-comment-463-6 ὅπᾳ ⁷⁶⁹ ὅπως ⁷⁷⁰

mvp-comment-464-1 οἶσθα γὰρ ἃν … πάθη ⁷⁷¹ ἃν ⁷⁷² ὧν ⁷⁷³ ὃν ⁷⁷⁴ γνώμαν ⁷⁷⁵ οἶσθα γὰρ ἃν αὐδῶμαι ⁷⁷⁶ ταύταν ⁷⁷⁷ κεῖνο ⁷⁷⁸ τούτῳ ⁷⁷⁹ πυκινοῖς ⁷⁸⁰ ἐνιδεῖν ⁷⁸¹ ἄπορα πάθη ⁷⁸²

mvp-comment-465-1 οὖρος ⁷⁸³

mvp-comment-466-1 οὐδ’ ἔχων ἀρωγὰν ⁷⁸⁴ νύχιος ⁷⁸⁵

mvp-comment-467-1 ἀλεὴς ὕπνος ἐσθλός ⁷⁸⁶ ἀλεής ⁷⁸⁷ ἀλέας ⁷⁸⁸ ἀδεὴς ⁷⁸⁹ δ’ ⁷⁹⁰ ἀλεὴς ⁷⁹¹

mvp-comment-467-2 Some reject ἀλεὴς ὕπνος ἐσθλός ⁷⁹² ἀδεὴς ⁷⁹³ ἀδεὴς πόνος ἐσθλός ⁷⁹⁴ πόνος ὁ μὴ φοβῶν κράτιστος ⁷⁹⁵ ἀδεὴς πόνος ἐσθλός ⁷⁹⁶

mvp-comment-468-1 οὔ τινος ⁷⁹⁷

mvp-comment-469-1 Ἀΐδᾳ πάρα κείμενος ⁷⁹⁸ παρακείμενος ⁷⁹⁹

mvp-comment-470-1 ὅρα, βλέπ’ ⁸⁰⁰ ὅρα ⁸⁰¹ ὁρᾷ ⁸⁰²

mvp-comment-470-2 εἰ καίρια φθέγγει ⁸⁰³

mvp-comment-471-1 τὸ δ’ ἁλώσιμον ἐμᾷ φρ. ⁸⁰⁴

mvp-comment-471-2 πόνος ὁ μὴ φοβῶν κράτιστος ⁸⁰⁵ ὁ μὴ φοβῶν ⁸⁰⁶ πόνος ⁸⁰⁷

mvp-comment-472-1 μηδ’ ἀφεστάναι φρενῶν ⁸⁰⁸

mvp-comment-473-1 ὦ φέγγος ⁸⁰⁹ τό τ’ ⁸¹⁰

mvp-comment-473-2 ἐλπίδων ἄπιστον ⁸¹¹ οἰκούρημα ⁸¹²

mvp-comment-474-1 τοῦτ’ ⁸¹³ ἐξηύχης’ ⁸¹⁴ τλῆναι ⁸¹⁵ ἂν ⁸¹⁶ τλῆναι ⁸¹⁷ ἐξηύχης’ ⁸¹⁸

mvp-comment-474-2 μεῖναι ⁸¹⁹ τἀμὰ πήματα ⁸²⁰

mvp-comment-474-3 ξυνωφελοῦντά μοι ⁸²¹

mvp-comment-475-1 οὔκουν ⁸²²

mvp-comment-475-2 εὐφόρως ⁸²³ εὐπόρως ⁸²⁴

mvp-comment-476-1 κἀξ εὐγενῶν ⁸²⁵ ἐν εὐχερεῖ ἔθου ⁸²⁶

mvp-comment-476-2 γέμων ⁸²⁷

mvp-comment-477-1 λήθη ⁸²⁸

mvp-comment-477-2 δή ⁸²⁹

mvp-comment-478-1 σύ μ’ αὐτὸς … ποτέ ⁸³⁰ κόπος ⁸³¹ ού μ’ αὐτὸς ἆρον, σύ με κατάστησον ⁸³²

mvp-comment-478-2 νῦν δ’ αἶρε σαυτόν ⁸³³ ἵν’, ἡνίκ’ ἂν κόπος μ’ ἀπαλλάξῃ ποτέ ⁸³⁴

mvp-comment-478-3 ZippmannA. , whom Nauck and Cavallin follow in their texts, deletes both v. 880 and v. 889 as spurious, and transposes 879 to a place between 888 and 890. His two main objections to the traditional text are:—Why should Ph. , formerly so eager to start, now wish to wait till his

κόπος

has passed off? (880). And why should he desire to rise before that moment, instead of resting on the ground? The view of the whole situation which I have given above will show why I believe the traditional text to be sound.

mvp-comment-479-1 ἐπίσχωμεν ⁸³⁵ τὸ πλεῖν ⁸³⁶

mvp-comment-480-1 ἀλλ’ ἥδομαι μέν ⁸³⁷ μέν ⁸³⁸

mvp-comment-480-2 ἀνώδυνον ⁸³⁹

mvp-comment-480-3 βλέποντα ⁸⁴⁰

mvp-comment-480-4 κἀμπνέοντ’ ⁸⁴¹

mvp-comment-481-1 ὡς οὐκέτ’ ὄντος ⁸⁴² συμβόλαια ⁸⁴³ τὰς παρούσας ξυμφορὰς ⁸⁴⁴ πρὸς ⁸⁴⁵ τὰς παρ. ξυμφοράς ⁸⁴⁶ πρὸς τὰς παρ. ξυμφορὰς ⁸⁴⁷

mvp-comment-481-2 συμβόλαια ⁸⁴⁸

mvp-comment-482-1 νῦν δ’ αἶρε σαυτόν ⁸⁴⁹

mvp-comment-482-2 εἰ δέ σοι μᾶλλον φίλον ⁸⁵⁰

mvp-comment-482-3 τοῦ πόνου γὰρ ⁸⁵¹

mvp-comment-483-1 αἰνῶ τάδ’, ὦ παῖ ⁸⁵² αἰνῶ τάδε ⁸⁵³

mvp-comment-484-1 ἔασον ⁸⁵⁴

mvp-comment-484-2 ὀσμῇ ⁸⁵⁵

mvp-comment-484-3 συνναίειν ⁸⁵⁶

mvp-comment-485-1 ἔσται τάδ’ ⁸⁵⁷

mvp-comment-485-2 ἵστω ⁸⁵⁸

mvp-comment-485-3 καὐτὸς ἀντέχου ⁸⁵⁹

mvp-comment-486-1 σύνηθες … ἔθος ⁸⁶⁰

mvp-comment-487-1 τί δῆτ’ ἂν δρῷμ’ ⁸⁶¹

mvp-comment-487-2 δρῷμ’ ⁸⁶²

mvp-comment-487-3 τοὐνθένδε γε ⁸⁶³ γε ⁸⁶⁴

mvp-comment-488-1 ἐξέβης ⁸⁶⁵

mvp-comment-488-2 λόγῳ ⁸⁶⁶ λόγων ⁸⁶⁷

mvp-comment-489-1 οὐκ οἶδ’ ὅποι χρὴ ⁸⁶⁸ στρέφειν ⁸⁶⁹ τρέπειν ⁸⁷⁰

mvp-comment-490-1 ἀπορεῖς δὲ τοῦ σύ ⁸⁷¹

mvp-comment-491-1 ἐνθάδε … τοῦδε τοῦ πάθους ⁸⁷²

mvp-comment-492-1 οὐ δή ⁸⁷³ ὥστε ⁸⁷⁴ ἔπεισεν ⁸⁷⁵

mvp-comment-492-2 ναύτην ⁸⁷⁶

mvp-comment-493-1 ἅπαντα δυσχέρεια ⁸⁷⁷

mvp-comment-493-2 τὴν αὑτοῦ φύσιν ⁸⁷⁸ λιπών ⁸⁷⁹ τὰ μὴ προσεικότα ⁸⁸⁰

mvp-comment-494-1 οὐδὲν ἔξω τοῦ φυτεύσαντος ⁸⁸¹ φυτεύσαντος ⁸⁸² προσεικότος ⁸⁸³ τοὐμφυτευθέντος ⁸⁸⁴

mvp-comment-494-2 ἐσθλὸν ⁸⁸⁵

mvp-comment-495-1 πάλαι ⁸⁸⁶

mvp-comment-496-1 οὔκουν ⁸⁸⁷ ἐν οἷς γε δρᾷς ⁸⁸⁸ ἐν οἷς δὲ αὐδᾷς ⁸⁸⁹

mvp-comment-496-2 ὀκνῶ ⁸⁹⁰ δρᾷς ⁸⁹¹

mvp-comment-497-1 δράσω ⁸⁹² λέγων αἴσχιστ’ ἐπῶν ⁸⁹³ κρύπτων ἃ μὴ δεῖ ⁸⁹⁴

mvp-comment-498-1 ἁνὴρ ὅδ’ ⁸⁹⁵

mvp-comment-498-2 εἰ μὴ )γὼ ⁸⁹⁶ γνώμην ⁸⁹⁷ γνώμων ⁸⁹⁸

mvp-comment-498-3 τὸν πλοῦν στελεῖν ⁸⁹⁹

mvp-comment-499-1 λιπὼν ⁹⁰⁰

mvp-comment-499-2 πέμπω ⁹⁰¹ πέμπων ⁹⁰² τοῦτ’ ⁹⁰³ τοῦτ’ ἀνιῶμαι πάλαι ⁹⁰⁴

mvp-comment-500-1 οὐδέν σε κρύψω ⁹⁰⁵

mvp-comment-500-2 γὰρ ⁹⁰⁶

mvp-comment-501-1 τί <δ)> εἶπας ⁹⁰⁷ δ’ ⁹⁰⁸ τί εἶπας ⁹⁰⁹ τί μ’ εἶπας ⁹¹⁰ τί γ’ εἶπας ⁹¹¹

mvp-comment-501-2 πρὶν μάθῃς ⁹¹²

mvp-comment-501-3 ποῖον μάθημα ⁹¹³

mvp-comment-501-4 δρᾶσαι ⁹¹⁴

mvp-comment-502-1 σῶσαι κακοῦ ⁹¹⁵

mvp-comment-502-2 ξὺν σοὶ ⁹¹⁶

mvp-comment-503-1 καὶ ταῦτ’ ⁹¹⁷

mvp-comment-503-2 ἀληθῆ ⁹¹⁸

mvp-comment-503-3 κρατεῖ τούτων ⁹¹⁹

mvp-comment-504-1 ὦ ξένε ⁹²⁰

mvp-comment-505-1 ἀλλ’ οὐχ οἷόν τε ⁹²¹

mvp-comment-505-2 τῶν ἐν τέλει ⁹²²

mvp-comment-505-3 927 ff. While Philoctetes makes this appeal, Neoptolemus stands with averted face (935), still holding the bow. Despairing anguish could not be more pathetically expressed than by the transitions from imprecation to entreaty, and from entreaty to the half-soliloquy in which he imagines the future (952).

mvp-comment-506-1 πῦρ ⁹²³ πῦρ ⁹²⁴ δεῖμα ⁹²⁵

mvp-comment-506-2 πᾶν δεῖμα ⁹²⁶ δεῖμα ⁹²⁷

mvp-comment-506-3 πανουργίας … τέχνημα ⁹²⁸ τέχνημα ⁹²⁹

mvp-comment-507-1 εἰργάσω ⁹³⁰

mvp-comment-508-1 τὸν προστρόπαιον ⁹³¹

mvp-comment-509-1 τὸν βίον ⁹³²

mvp-comment-509-2 932 A dactyl is here followed by a tribrach, as in 1029 we have two tribrachs. In both verses the rhythm marks agitation.

mvp-comment-510-1 θεῶν πατρῴων ⁹³³

mvp-comment-510-2 με μὴ ἀφέλῃ ⁹³⁴

mvp-comment-511-1 προσφωνεῖ ⁹³⁵

mvp-comment-511-2 ὡς μεθήσων μήποθ’ ⁹³⁶ ὁρᾷ πάλιν ⁹³⁷

mvp-comment-512-1 λιμένες ⁹³⁸ προβλῆτες ⁹³⁹

mvp-comment-512-2 ξυνουσίαι θηρῶν ⁹⁴⁰

mvp-comment-512-3 καταρρῶγες ⁹⁴¹

mvp-comment-513-1 λέγω ⁹⁴²

mvp-comment-513-2 ἀνακλαίομαι ⁹⁴³

mvp-comment-513-3 παροῦσι ⁹⁴⁴ τοῖς εἰωθόσιν ⁹⁴⁵ παροῦσι ⁹⁴⁶

mvp-comment-514-1 ὀμόσας ⁹⁴⁷

mvp-comment-514-2 προσθείς ⁹⁴⁸ προθείς ⁹⁴⁹

mvp-comment-515-1 ἱερὰ ⁹⁵⁰ τοῦ Ζηνὸς Ἡρακλέους ⁹⁵¹ ἱερὰ ⁹⁵² τοῦ Ζ. Ἡρ ⁹⁵³ τοῦ Ζ. Ἡρακλ. ⁹⁵⁴

mvp-comment-516-1 φήνασθαι ⁹⁵⁵ φήνασθαι ⁹⁵⁶ φήνασθαι ⁹⁵⁷

mvp-comment-516-2 Seyffert, placing only a comma after θέλει ⁹⁵⁸ κοὐχ ὡς ⁹⁵⁹ κοὐκ οἶδ’ ⁹⁶⁰ ὡς ⁹⁶¹ κοὐχ ὡς ⁹⁶² ὡς ⁹⁶³ θέλει ⁹⁶⁴ ὡς ἑλὼν ⁹⁶⁵

mvp-comment-517-1 κοὐκ οἶδ’ ⁹⁶⁶

mvp-comment-517-2 ἐναίρων νεκρὸν ⁹⁶⁷

mvp-comment-517-3 καπνοῦ σκιάν ⁹⁶⁸

mvp-comment-517-4 εἴδωλον ἄλλως ⁹⁶⁹ ἄλλως ⁹⁷⁰

mvp-comment-518-1 ἐπεὶ οὐδ’ ⁹⁷¹

mvp-comment-519-1 ἀλλ’ ⁹⁷²

mvp-comment-519-2 ἀλλὰ νῦν ⁹⁷³

mvp-comment-519-3 ἐν σαυτῷ γενοῦ ⁹⁷⁴ ἔτι ⁹⁷⁵ ἐν σαυτοῦ ⁹⁷⁶

mvp-comment-520-1 σιωπᾷς ⁹⁷⁷ οὐδέν εἰμ’ ⁹⁷⁸

mvp-comment-521-1 ὦ σχῆμα πέτρας δίπυλον ⁹⁷⁹ σχῆμα ⁹⁸⁰

mvp-comment-521-2 αὖθις αὖ πάλιν ⁹⁸¹

mvp-comment-521-3 953 The MSS. and edd. give πρὸς σὲ ⁹⁸² πρός σε ⁹⁸³

mvp-comment-521-4 ψιλός ⁹⁸⁴

mvp-comment-522-1 αὐανοῦμαι ⁹⁸⁵

mvp-comment-523-1 πτηνὸν ⁹⁸⁶ ὀρειβάτην ⁹⁸⁷

mvp-comment-523-2 τοισίδ’ ⁹⁸⁸ τοισίδ’ ⁹⁸⁹ τοῖσδ’ ἔτ’ ⁹⁹⁰

mvp-comment-524-1 παρέξω δαῖτα ⁹⁹¹ ὑφ’ ὧν ἐφερβ ⁹⁹²

mvp-comment-524-2 Wunder proposes

ἀφ’ ὧν

, objecting that

ὑφ’ ὧν

implies active ministration, ‘as by a nurse.’ It is true that

τρέφομαι ὑπό τινος

properly refers to the nurse, while the source of nourishment is denoted by

τινί, ἀπό τινος

, or

ἔκ τινος

( cp. 535 ). But here Ph. is poetically saying that he had forced the beasts to become his

τροφεῖς

,—as he will now be theirs; and so ὑπό ⁹⁹³ ἀπό ⁹⁹⁴

mvp-comment-525-1 καί μ’ ⁹⁹⁵ κἄμ’ ⁹⁹⁶ ἐθήρων ⁹⁹⁷ θηράσουσι ⁹⁹⁸

mvp-comment-526-1 ῥύσιον ⁹⁹⁹ φόνον φόνου … ῥύσιον τείσω ¹⁰⁰⁰ φόνου ¹⁰⁰¹

mvp-comment-526-2 τοῦ δοκοῦντος ¹⁰⁰²

mvp-comment-526-3 οὐδὲν εἰδέναι κακόν ¹⁰⁰³

mvp-comment-527-1 ὄλοιο ¹⁰⁰⁴

mvp-comment-527-2 μήπω ¹⁰⁰⁵ μήπω ¹⁰⁰⁶

mvp-comment-527-3 πρὶν μάθοιμ’ ¹⁰⁰⁷

mvp-comment-527-4 εἰ καὶ πάλιν ¹⁰⁰⁸ καὶ ¹⁰⁰⁹ εἰ ¹⁰¹⁰ καὶ ¹⁰¹¹ εἰ καὶ πάλιν ¹⁰¹²

mvp-comment-527-5 καὶ ¹⁰¹³ πάλιν ¹⁰¹⁴ μετοίσεις ¹⁰¹⁵ πάλιν μετοίσεις ¹⁰¹⁶

mvp-comment-528-1 δρῶμεν ¹⁰¹⁷

mvp-comment-528-2 ἐν σοὶ ¹⁰¹⁸

mvp-comment-528-3 προσχωρεῖν ¹⁰¹⁹

mvp-comment-529-1 ἐμοὶ μὲν ¹⁰²⁰

mvp-comment-529-2 ἐμπέπτωκε ¹⁰²¹ οὐ νῦν πρῶτον ¹⁰²²

mvp-comment-530-1 ἐλἐησον ¹⁰²³

mvp-comment-530-2 παρῇς σαυτοῦ βρ. ὄνειδος ¹⁰²⁴

mvp-comment-530-3 ἐκκλέψας ¹⁰²⁵

mvp-comment-531-1 μήποτ’ ¹⁰²⁶ λιπεῖν ¹⁰²⁷ ὤφελον ¹⁰²⁸

mvp-comment-531-2 Σκῦρον ¹⁰²⁹

mvp-comment-532-1 νῦν δ’ ἄλλοισι δοὺς ¹⁰³⁰ οἷς εἰκός ¹⁰³¹ οὐκ εἶ κακὸς σύ ¹⁰³² ἄλλοισι ¹⁰³³

mvp-comment-532-2 Other interpretations are: (1) δοὺς ¹⁰³⁴ ἄλλοις σε δοὺς ¹⁰³⁵ οἷα ¹⁰³⁶ ἄλλοισι ¹⁰³⁷

mvp-comment-532-3 974 We are to suppose that Odysseus,—disquieted when he found that the

ἔμπορος

(627) was not quickly followed by N.,—had set out to inquire into the cause of the delay. From a place of concealment close to the scene he has overheard the last part of the conversation, and now, at the critical moment, he springs forward. The abruptness of his entrance is marked by the divided verse (

ἀντιλαβή

mvp-comment-532-4 975 Join εἶ … πάλιν ¹⁰³⁸

mvp-comment-533-1 πέπραμαι ¹⁰³⁹

mvp-comment-534-1 ἅμ’ αὐτοῖς ¹⁰⁴⁰ στελοῦσί σε ¹⁰⁴¹ αὐτοῖς ¹⁰⁴²

mvp-comment-535-1 τολμήστατε ¹⁰⁴³

mvp-comment-536-1 οἵδ’ ¹⁰⁴⁴

mvp-comment-536-2 μὴ ἕρπῃς ¹⁰⁴⁵ η ¹⁰⁴⁶ ε ¹⁰⁴⁷ α ¹⁰⁴⁸ γ’ ¹⁰⁴⁹ ἕρπῃς ¹⁰⁵⁰

mvp-comment-536-3 986 f. For the voc. combined with nom., cp. 867 n.

mvp-comment-536-4 τὸ παγκρατὲς σέλας Ἡφαιστότευκτον ¹⁰⁵¹

mvp-comment-536-5 The Lemnians had an early repute as workers in iron: Tzetzes on Lycophr. 460

Λήμνιοι, ὡς φησὶν Ἑλλάνικος, εὗρον ὁπλοποιΐαν

. The local cult and the local industry of Lemnos were both expressed by its name

Αἰθάλεια

(‘sooty’), acc. to Polybius ap. Byz. Steph. s. v.

Αἰθάλη

. The same name was given to Ilva (Elba), on account of its iron-stone.

mvp-comment-537-1 εἰ … ἀπάξεται ¹⁰⁵²

mvp-comment-537-2 τῶν σῶν ¹⁰⁵³

mvp-comment-538-1 Ζεύς ¹⁰⁵⁴ ἵν’ εἰδῇς ¹⁰⁵⁵

mvp-comment-539-1 μῖσος ¹⁰⁵⁶

mvp-comment-539-2 καὶ ἐξανευρίσκεις ¹⁰⁵⁷ λέγειν ¹⁰⁵⁸ λέγων ¹⁰⁵⁹

mvp-comment-540-1 προτείνων ¹⁰⁶⁰ ψευδεῖς τίθης ¹⁰⁶¹

mvp-comment-541-1 ἀληθεῖς ¹⁰⁶²

mvp-comment-541-2 ἡ δ’ ὁδὸς ¹⁰⁶³

mvp-comment-542-1 οὐ φήμ’ ¹⁰⁶⁴

mvp-comment-542-2 ἐγὼ δὲ φημί ¹⁰⁶⁵

mvp-comment-542-3 πειστέον τάδε ¹⁰⁶⁶

mvp-comment-543-1 ἡμᾶς μὲν ¹⁰⁶⁷

mvp-comment-544-1 τοῖς ἀρίστοισιν ¹⁰⁶⁸

mvp-comment-544-2 κατασκάψαι ¹⁰⁶⁹

mvp-comment-545-1 οὐδέποτέ γ’ ¹⁰⁷⁰

mvp-comment-545-2 πᾶν … κακόν ¹⁰⁷¹

mvp-comment-545-3 γῆς τόδ’ αἰπεινὸν βάθρον ¹⁰⁷²

mvp-comment-546-1 ἐργασείεις ¹⁰⁷³

mvp-comment-547-1 πέτρᾳ ¹⁰⁷⁴ αἱμάξω ¹⁰⁷⁵

mvp-comment-547-2 πέτρας ¹⁰⁷⁶ πεσών ¹⁰⁷⁷ ἄνωθεν ¹⁰⁷⁸

mvp-comment-548-1 ξυλλάβετον αὐτόν ¹⁰⁷⁹ ξυλλάβετ’ αὐτόν ¹⁰⁸⁰ γε ¹⁰⁸¹ ξυλλάβετε ¹⁰⁸²

mvp-comment-548-2 μὴ )πὶ τῷδ’ ¹⁰⁸³

mvp-comment-549-1 ὦ χεῖρες ¹⁰⁸⁴

mvp-comment-549-2 ἐν χρείᾳ ¹⁰⁸⁵

mvp-comment-549-3 συνθηρώμεναι ¹⁰⁸⁶

mvp-comment-550-1 ὦ μηδὲν ὑγιὲς … φρονῶν ¹⁰⁸⁷

mvp-comment-550-2 μηδὲν ὑγιές ¹⁰⁸⁸

mvp-comment-550-3 ἐλεύθερον ¹⁰⁸⁹

mvp-comment-551-1 οἷ’ αὖ μ’ ὑπῆλθες ¹⁰⁹⁰

mvp-comment-551-2 ὑπῆλθες ¹⁰⁹¹

mvp-comment-552-1 πρόβλημα ¹⁰⁹²

mvp-comment-553-1 ἀνάξιον μὲν σοῦ ¹⁰⁹³ σοῦ ¹⁰⁹⁴

mvp-comment-553-2 οὐδὲν ᾔδει πλὴν ¹⁰⁹⁵

mvp-comment-554-1 καὶ νῦν ¹⁰⁹⁶

mvp-comment-554-2 οἷς ¹⁰⁹⁷

mvp-comment-555-1 διὰ μυχῶν βλέπους’ ¹⁰⁹⁸

mvp-comment-555-2 ἀφυᾶ ¹⁰⁹⁹ ‐εα ¹¹⁰⁰ ε ¹¹⁰¹ ‐εᾶ ¹¹⁰² ι ¹¹⁰³ υ ¹¹⁰⁴ ‐ιᾶ ¹¹⁰⁵ ‐λῆ; ‐υᾶ ¹¹⁰⁶ ‐υῆ ¹¹⁰⁷ ᾶ ¹¹⁰⁸ ῆ ¹¹⁰⁹

mvp-comment-555-3 προὐδίδαξεν ¹¹¹⁰

mvp-comment-556-1 συνδήσας ¹¹¹¹ ἄγειν ¹¹¹²

mvp-comment-556-2 προὐβάλου ¹¹¹³

mvp-comment-556-3 ἄπολιν ¹¹¹⁴

mvp-comment-557-1 θεοὶ ¹¹¹⁵

mvp-comment-557-2 1022 ff. Seyffert puts a comma after ζῶ ¹¹¹⁶ σὺν κακοῖς πολλοῖς ¹¹¹⁷ γελώμενος ¹¹¹⁸ σὺν κακοῖς πολλοῖς ¹¹¹⁹ ζῶ ¹¹²⁰ σὺν κακοῖς πολλοῖς ¹¹²¹ ζῶ ¹¹²²

mvp-comment-557-3 τῶν Ἀτρέως … στρατηγῶν ¹¹²³

mvp-comment-558-1 κλοπῇ τε κἀνάγκῃ ζυγεὶς ¹¹²⁴ ζυγεὶς ¹¹²⁵

mvp-comment-559-1 ἑπτὰ ναυσὶ ¹¹²⁶

mvp-comment-560-1 ἔβαλον ¹¹²⁷ ὡς σὺ φής ¹¹²⁸

mvp-comment-561-1 ἄγετε ¹¹²⁹ ἀπάγεσθε ¹¹³⁰

mvp-comment-561-2 οὐδέν εἰμι ¹¹³¹ τέθνηχ’ ὑμῖν ¹¹³²

mvp-comment-562-1 σοι ¹¹³³

mvp-comment-562-2 δυσώδης ¹¹³⁴

mvp-comment-562-3 πῶς … ἔξεσθ’, ὁμοῦ ¹¹³⁵ πῶς … εὔξεσθ’, ἐμοῦ ¹¹³⁶ εὔξεσθ’ ¹¹³⁷ εὔξεσθ’ ¹¹³⁸ ἔξεσθ’ ¹¹³⁹ ὁμοῦ ¹¹⁴⁰ ἐμοῦ ¹¹⁴¹ εὔξεσθ’ ἐμοῦ ¹¹⁴² ἔξεστ’ ἐμοῦ ¹¹⁴³ ἔξεσθ’ ὁμοῦ ¹¹⁴⁴ θ’ ¹¹⁴⁵ θεοῖς ¹¹⁴⁶

mvp-comment-562-4 Against ἔξεσθ’ ¹¹⁴⁷

mvp-comment-563-1 ὄλοισθ)· ὀλεῖσθε δ’ ¹¹⁴⁸

mvp-comment-564-1 μέλει γ’ ¹¹⁴⁹

mvp-comment-564-2 ἐπεὶ οὔποτ’ ¹¹⁵⁰ ἀνδρὸς ἀθλίου ¹¹⁵¹

mvp-comment-564-3 1039 For the place of τι ¹¹⁵²

mvp-comment-564-4 κέντρον … ἐμοῦ ¹¹⁵³

mvp-comment-565-1 θεοί τ’ ἐπόψιοι ¹¹⁵⁴

mvp-comment-565-2 Thus the invocation of πατρῴα γῆ ¹¹⁵⁵ ἐπόψιοι ¹¹⁵⁶

mvp-comment-566-1 τείσασθε ¹¹⁵⁷

mvp-comment-566-2 ἀλλὰ τῷ χρόνῳ ¹¹⁵⁸

mvp-comment-567-1 κἄμ’ ¹¹⁵⁹

mvp-comment-568-1 τῆς vόσου ¹¹⁶⁰

mvp-comment-569-1 βαρύς ¹¹⁶¹

mvp-comment-569-2 κοὐχ ὑπείκ. ¹¹⁶²

mvp-comment-570-1 παρείκοι ¹¹⁶³

mvp-comment-570-2 ἑνὸς κρατῶ λόγου ¹¹⁶⁴

mvp-comment-571-1 γὰρ ¹¹⁶⁵

mvp-comment-571-2 τοιούτων ¹¹⁶⁶ τοιούτων ¹¹⁶⁷ πανούργων ¹¹⁶⁸

mvp-comment-571-3 κρίσις ¹¹⁶⁹

mvp-comment-571-4 μου ¹¹⁷⁰

mvp-comment-572-1 νικᾶν ¹¹⁷¹

mvp-comment-572-2 γε μέντοι ¹¹⁷²

mvp-comment-572-3 εἰς σέ ¹¹⁷³

mvp-comment-572-4 ἐκστήσομαι ¹¹⁷⁴

mvp-comment-573-1 ἄφετε γὰρ αὐτόν ¹¹⁷⁵ γὰρ ¹¹⁷⁶

mvp-comment-573-2 οὐδὲ σοῦ ¹¹⁷⁷ οὐδέ σου ¹¹⁷⁸ προσχρῄζομεν ¹¹⁷⁹ σοῦ ¹¹⁸⁰ τά γ’ ὅπλ’ ¹¹⁸¹

mvp-comment-574-1 Τεῦκρος ¹¹⁸² τήνδ’ ἐπιστήμην ¹¹⁸³

mvp-comment-574-2 παρ’ ἡμῖν ¹¹⁸⁴ πάρεστι ¹¹⁸⁵

mvp-comment-575-1 ἐγώ θ’ ¹¹⁸⁶

mvp-comment-575-2 μηδ’ ἐπιθύνειν ¹¹⁸⁷

mvp-comment-575-3 After a verb of thinking or saying,

οὐ

is the ordinary negative with the inf.: but

μή

sometimes occurs ( O. T. 1455 n., 2nd ed.). Here the question is, why the second inf. should have μηδ’ ¹¹⁸⁸ οὐδὲν ¹¹⁸⁹ οὐδὲν ¹¹⁹⁰ κάκιον ¹¹⁹¹ κρατύνειν ¹¹⁹²

mvp-comment-575-4 (2) The less probable view is that οὐδὲν ¹¹⁹³ κρατύνειν ¹¹⁹⁴ μηδ’ ¹¹⁹⁵ ἐπιθύνειν ¹¹⁹⁶ οἶμαι ¹¹⁹⁷ οὐ ¹¹⁹⁸ μηδέ ¹¹⁹⁹ οὐ … μηδέ ¹²⁰⁰ οὐ … οὐδέ ¹²⁰¹

mvp-comment-575-5 Nauck's conjecture, ἠδ’ ἐπευθύνειν ¹²⁰²

mvp-comment-576-1 τὴν Αῆμνον ¹²⁰³

mvp-comment-577-1 γέρας ¹²⁰⁴

mvp-comment-577-2 ἣν σὲ χρῆν ¹²⁰⁵ ἣν σ’ ἐχρῆν ¹²⁰⁶

mvp-comment-577-3 1064 Since ἐν ¹²⁰⁷ Ἀργείοις ¹²⁰⁸ ὅπλοισι κοσμηθεὶς ¹²⁰⁹

mvp-comment-578-1 μή μ’ ἀντιφώνει ¹²¹⁰

mvp-comment-578-2 δή ¹²¹¹

mvp-comment-579-1 προσφθεγκτός ¹²¹²

mvp-comment-579-2 οὕτως ¹²¹³

mvp-comment-580-1 γενναῖός περ ὤν ¹²¹⁴ τὴν τύχην διαφθερεῖς ¹²¹⁵

mvp-comment-580-2 ὅπως μὴ ¹²¹⁶

mvp-comment-581-1 ναυκράτωρ ¹²¹⁷

mvp-comment-582-1 ἀκούσομαι ¹²¹⁸

mvp-comment-583-1 εἰς ὅσον ¹²¹⁹

mvp-comment-583-2 τά … ἐκ νεὼς στείλωσι ¹²²⁰ στείλωσι ¹²²¹

mvp-comment-583-3 θεοῖς εὐξώμεθα ¹²²²

mvp-comment-584-1 ὁρμώμεθον ¹²²³

mvp-comment-585-1 ὁρμᾶσθαι ¹²²⁴ ταχεῖς ¹²²⁵

mvp-comment-586-1 γύαλον ¹²²⁶ κοίλας πέτρας ¹²²⁷

mvp-comment-586-2 θερμὸν καὶ παγετῶδες ¹²²⁸

mvp-comment-587-1 θνῄσκοντι συνείσει ¹²²⁹ συνοίσει ¹²³⁰ συνοίσει ¹²³¹ συνοίσει ¹²³² συνοίσεις ¹²³³ συνοίσει ¹²³⁴ συνείσει ¹²³⁵

mvp-comment-588-1 αὔλιον ¹²³⁶

mvp-comment-588-2 λύπας τᾶς ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ ¹²³⁷ πληρέστατον ¹²³⁸

mvp-comment-589-1 τίπτ’ αὖ ¹²³⁹

mvp-comment-589-2 τὸ κατ’ ἆμαρ ¹²⁴⁰

mvp-comment-590-1 σιτονόμου … ἐλπίδος ¹²⁴¹

mvp-comment-590-2 τοῦ … πόθεν ¹²⁴²

mvp-comment-590-3 1092 ff. A discussion of this passage, and a notice of conjectures, will be found in the Appendix. Here I briefly give the results.

mvp-comment-590-4 πέλειαι δ’ ἄνω ¹²⁴³ εἴθ’ ¹²⁴⁴ μ’ ἕλοιεν ¹²⁴⁵ ἕλωσί μ’ ¹²⁴⁶ ἐλῶσιν ¹²⁴⁷ ἕλωσί μ’ ¹²⁴⁸ ἴσχω ¹²⁴⁹ ἰσχύω ¹²⁵⁰ αἰθέρος ¹²⁵¹ εἴθ’ ¹²⁵² πτωκάδες ¹²⁵³ αἰθίρος ¹²⁵⁴

mvp-comment-590-5 But if so, the corruption has been a deep one; i.e., εἴθ’ αἰθέρος ¹²⁵⁵

mvp-comment-590-6 ὀξυτόνου … πνεύματος ¹²⁵⁶

mvp-comment-590-7 οὐκέτ’ ἴσχω ¹²⁵⁷ οὐ γὰρ ἔτ’ ἰσχύω ¹²⁵⁸ ἐλῶς)· ἔτ’ οὐ γὰρ ἴσχω ¹²⁵⁹ γὰρ ¹²⁶⁰

mvp-comment-591-1 σύ τοι … ἀπὸ μείζονος ¹²⁶¹ κοὐκ ¹²⁶² οὐκ ¹²⁶³ ἄλλοθεν ἔχει τύχᾳ τᾷδ’ ¹²⁶⁴ ἔσχ’ ὑπὸ χειρὸς ἐμᾶς ¹²⁶⁵ ἔχει ¹²⁶⁶

mvp-comment-591-2 κατηξίωσας ¹²⁶⁷

mvp-comment-591-3 ἔχει τύχᾳ τᾷδ’ ¹²⁶⁸

mvp-comment-591-4 ἀπὸ μείζονος ¹²⁶⁹ ἄλλοθεν ¹²⁷⁰

mvp-comment-592-1 παρὸν ¹²⁷¹

mvp-comment-592-2 φρονῆσαι ¹²⁷²

mvp-comment-592-3 The gen. τοῦ … δαίμονος ¹²⁷³ εἵλον ¹²⁷⁴ εἵλου τὸ κάκιον αἰνεῖν ¹²⁷⁵ αἰνεῖν ¹²⁷⁶

mvp-comment-592-4 τοῦ λῴονος δαίμονος ¹²⁷⁷ ωι ¹²⁷⁸ ο ¹²⁷⁹ αι ¹²⁸⁰ οι ¹²⁸¹

mvp-comment-592-5 Are we, then, to admit the v. l. τοῦ πλέονος ¹²⁸² τοῦ ¹²⁸³ λωΐονος ¹²⁸⁴ λωϊτέρου ¹²⁸⁵

mvp-comment-592-6 I should like to read

εὖτέ γε παρὸν κυρῆσαι λῴονος αὖ δαίμονος εἵλου τὸ κάκιον αἰνεῖν

. The loss of

αὖ

might have led to

τοῦ

being added by some one who thought that the first syll. of

λῴονος

could be short.

mvp-comment-593-1 ἤδη ¹²⁸⁶ ὕστερον … εἰσοπίσω ¹²⁸⁷ ὕστερον ¹²⁸⁸

mvp-comment-594-1 προσφέρων ¹²⁸⁹

mvp-comment-595-1 οὐ πτανῶν … ἴσχων ¹²⁹⁰ πτανῶν ἀπ’ ἐμῶν ὅπλων ¹²⁹¹ ἴσχων ¹²⁹² πτανῶν ¹²⁹³ κραταιαῖς ¹²⁹⁴

mvp-comment-596-1 ἄσκοπα ¹²⁹⁵ ὑπέδυ ¹²⁹⁶

mvp-comment-597-1 ἰδοίμαν ¹²⁹⁷

mvp-comment-598-1 πότμος … δαιμόνων ¹²⁹⁸ τάδε ¹²⁹⁹ σε πότμος … ἔσχεν ¹³⁰⁰ πότμος σε τάδε ¹³⁰¹ ἔσχεν ¹³⁰² ἔσχεν ¹³⁰³

mvp-comment-598-2 οὐδὲ σέ γε ¹³⁰⁴

mvp-comment-598-3 ἀμᾶς ¹³⁰⁵

mvp-comment-599-1 στυγερὰν ¹³⁰⁶

mvp-comment-599-2 ἐπ’ ἄλλοις ¹³⁰⁷

mvp-comment-600-1 καὶ γὰρ ἐμοὶ ¹³⁰⁸ τοῦτο ¹³⁰⁹ μέλει ¹³¹⁰ μὴ … ἀπώσῃ ¹³¹¹ τοῦτο ¹³¹²

mvp-comment-601-1 πολιᾶς ¹³¹³ ἐφημένος ¹³¹⁴ που ¹³¹⁵

mvp-comment-601-2 1125 *

ἐγγελᾷ

is my emendation of γελᾷ μου ¹³¹⁶ ἐγ ¹³¹⁷ ἐγγελᾷ ¹³¹⁸ μου ¹³¹⁹

mvp-comment-602-1 τὰν ἐμὰν μελέου ¹³²⁰

mvp-comment-602-2 τροφάν ¹³²¹

mvp-comment-603-1 ἦ που ¹³²²

mvp-comment-603-2 τὸν Ἡράκλειον ἄρθμιον ¹³²³ ἄρθμιον ¹³²⁴ ἄθλιον ¹³²⁵ Ἡράκλειον ¹³²⁶

mvp-comment-604-1 ἄλλου δ’ ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ ¹³²⁷ ἀλλ’ ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ ¹³²⁸ ἐν ¹³²⁹ μεταλλαγᾷ ¹³³⁰ ἄλλου ¹³³¹

mvp-comment-604-2 ἐρέσσει ¹³³²

mvp-comment-604-3 Cavallin's conject., ἀλλ’ αἰὲν μετ’ ἀγκάλαις ¹³³³

mvp-comment-605-1 ὁρῶν μὲν ¹³³⁴

mvp-comment-605-2 στυγνόν τε ¹³³⁵

mvp-comment-605-3 φῶτ’ ἐχθοδοπόν ¹³³⁶

mvp-comment-605-4 ὦ Ζεῦ ¹³³⁷ Ὀδυσσεύς ¹³³⁸ ὦ Ζεῦ ¹³³⁹ ὃς ¹³⁴⁰ ὅς’ ¹³⁴¹ ἀνατέλλονθ’ ¹³⁴²

mvp-comment-605-5 Next to ὦ Ζεῦ ¹³⁴³ οὐδείς ¹³⁴⁴ ἀνατέλλονθ’ ¹³⁴⁵ ὅς’ ¹³⁴⁶

mvp-comment-606-1 ἀνδρός τοι τὰ μὲν ἔνδικ’ αἰὲν εἰπεῖν ¹³⁴⁷ ἀνδρός τοι τὸ μὲν εὖ δίκαιον εἰπεῖν ¹³⁴⁸

mvp-comment-606-2 τὰ ¹³⁴⁹ τὸ, ν ¹³⁵⁰ υ ¹³⁵¹ ε ¹³⁵² ο ¹³⁵³ αἰὲν ¹³⁵⁴ λέγειν ¹³⁵⁵ αἰὲν εἰπεῖν ¹³⁵⁶

mvp-comment-606-3 The only sound version of the vulgate, ἀνδρός τοι τὸ μὲν εὖ δίκαιον εἰπεῖν ¹³⁵⁷ τὸ εὖ ¹³⁵⁸ τὸ εὖ ¹³⁵⁹ εἰπόντος δὲ ¹³⁶⁰

mvp-comment-607-1 εἰπόντος δὲ … ὀδύναν ¹³⁶¹

mvp-comment-607-2 ἐξῶσαι ¹³⁶²

mvp-comment-607-3 γλώσσας ὀδύναν ¹³⁶³

mvp-comment-608-1 κεῖνος δ’ ¹³⁶⁴

mvp-comment-608-2 εἷς ἀπὸ πολλῶν ταχθεὶς ¹³⁶⁵ ὑπὸ ¹³⁶⁶

mvp-comment-608-3 ἐφημοσύνᾳ ¹³⁶⁷ τῶνδ’ ¹³⁶⁸ τοῦδ’ ¹³⁶⁹

mvp-comment-608-4 ἐς φίλους ¹³⁷⁰

mvp-comment-609-1 χαροπῶν ¹³⁷¹

mvp-comment-610-1 οὐρεσιβώτας ¹³⁷²

mvp-comment-610-2 1149 f. *

μηκέτ’ ἀπ’ αὐλίων φυγ<*>

| *

μηδᾶτ’

. The MSS. give φυγᾷ μ’ οὐκέτ<*> ἀπ’ αὐλίων ¹³⁷³ πελᾶτ’ ¹³⁷⁴ πελᾶτ’ ¹³⁷⁵

mvp-comment-610-3 Auratus and Canter saw that μ’ οὐκέτ’ ¹³⁷⁶ μηκέτ’ ¹³⁷⁷ ἐλᾶτ’ ¹³⁷⁸ πηδᾶτ’ ¹³⁷⁹ πηδᾶτ’ ¹³⁸⁰ πελᾶτ’ ¹³⁸¹ μηκέτ’ ¹³⁸² μ’ οὐκέτ’ ¹³⁸³

mvp-comment-610-4 The metre would be restored by reading

μὴ φυγαῖς ἔτ’ ἀπ’ αὐλίων

. But a simpler remedy is to place φυγᾷ ¹³⁸⁴

mvp-comment-611-1 ἀλλ’ ἀνέδην ¹³⁸⁵ ἀνέδην ¹³⁸⁶ ἐρύκεται ¹³⁸⁷

mvp-comment-611-2 In the Journ. Phil. II. p. 80 (1869) I proposed the emendation which I believe to be true. ἐρύκεται ¹³⁸⁸ ἄρ’ οὐκέτι ¹³⁸⁹ χῶρος ¹³⁹⁰ α ¹³⁹¹ ἀνέδην ¹³⁹² ἄρα ¹³⁹³ οὐκέτι ¹³⁹⁴

mvp-comment-611-3 The simple transposition, φοβητός, οὐκέθ’ ¹³⁹⁵

mvp-comment-612-1 νῦν καλὸν ¹³⁹⁶

mvp-comment-612-2 ἀντίφονον ¹³⁹⁷

mvp-comment-612-3 πρὸς χάριν ¹³⁹⁸

mvp-comment-612-4 αἰόλας ¹³⁹⁹

mvp-comment-613-1 ἀπὸ … λείψω ¹⁴⁰⁰

mvp-comment-614-1 ἐν αὔ, ιις τρέφεται ¹⁴⁰¹ ἐν ¹⁴⁰²

mvp-comment-615-1 μηκέτι ¹⁴⁰³

mvp-comment-615-2 μηδενὸς ¹⁴⁰⁴ ὅσα ¹⁴⁰⁵

mvp-comment-615-3 πέμπει ¹⁴⁰⁶

mvp-comment-615-4 βιόδωρος ¹⁴⁰⁷

mvp-comment-616-1 εἴ τι σέβει ξένον ¹⁴⁰⁸ εὐνοίᾳ πάσᾳ πελάταν ¹⁴⁰⁹ πέλασσον ¹⁴¹⁰

mvp-comment-616-2 Philoctetes is at the mouth of his cave, as if about to enter it (952): the Chorus now advance a little towards him, as they make this earnest appeal. The position of πέλασσον ¹⁴¹¹ εὐν. π. πελάταν ¹⁴¹²

mvp-comment-616-3 Arndt conjectures:

εἴ τι σέβει ξένον γ’ ἔλασσον,...ἀλλὰ γνῶθ’ κ.τ.λ.

: ‘if thou hast too little respect for a guest-friend, at least (

ἀλλὰ

) think’ of thine own interest. Such a use of

ἔλασσον

would be obscure; and the supposed antithesis of ideas seems forced; since, even if he did ‘revere the stranger,’ that feeling would not be his only motive for leaving Lemnos.

mvp-comment-617-1 ἐπὶ σοὶ ¹⁴¹³ ὅτι σοι ¹⁴¹⁴ σοί ¹⁴¹⁵ ὅτι σόν ¹⁴¹⁶

mvp-comment-618-1 βόσκειν ¹⁴¹⁷ μέν ¹⁴¹⁸

mvp-comment-618-2 ἀδαὴς δ’ ἔχειν ¹⁴¹⁹ ὀχεῖν ¹⁴²⁰

mvp-comment-618-3 ὃ ξυνοικεῖ ¹⁴²¹ ὃ ¹⁴²² ᾧ ¹⁴²³

mvp-comment-619-1 παλαιὸν ἄλγημ’ ¹⁴²⁴

mvp-comment-619-2 ὑπέμνασας ¹⁴²⁵

mvp-comment-619-3 τῶν πρὶν ἐντόπων ¹⁴²⁶

mvp-comment-620-1 ὤλεσας ¹⁴²⁷

mvp-comment-620-2 εἴργασαι ¹⁴²⁸

mvp-comment-621-1 τί τοῦτ’ ἔλεξας ¹⁴²⁹ εἰ … ἤλπισας ¹⁴³⁰

mvp-comment-621-2 ἄξειν ¹⁴³¹

mvp-comment-622-1 ἀπό … λείπετ’ ¹⁴³²

mvp-comment-622-2 νυν ¹⁴³³ νοῶ ¹⁴³⁴

mvp-comment-623-1 φίλα μοι … παρήγγειλας ἑκόντι τε πράσσειν ¹⁴³⁵ τε ¹⁴³⁶ ἑκόντι ¹⁴³⁷ ἑκόντα ¹⁴³⁸ τε ¹⁴³⁹

mvp-comment-624-1 ναὸς ¹⁴⁴⁰ ἵν’ ἡμῖν τέτακται ¹⁴⁴¹

mvp-comment-625-1 ἀραίου Διός ¹⁴⁴²

mvp-comment-625-2 ἔλθῃς ¹⁴⁴³

mvp-comment-625-3 1183 The older edd. give μετρίαζε ¹⁴⁴⁴ μετρίαζ’ ¹⁴⁴⁵

mvp-comment-626-1 δαίμων ¹⁴⁴⁶

mvp-comment-627-1 ὦ ποὺς πούς ¹⁴⁴⁷

mvp-comment-627-2 τί σε τεύξω ¹⁴⁴⁸

mvp-comment-627-3 μετόπιν ¹⁴⁴⁹

mvp-comment-628-1 ἔλθετ’ ἐπήλυδες ¹⁴⁵⁰ αὖθις ¹⁴⁵¹

mvp-comment-629-1 τί ῥέξοντες ¹⁴⁵² γνώμᾳ ἀλλοκότῳ τῶν πάρος ¹⁴⁵³ ὧν ¹⁴⁵⁴ προὔφαινες ¹⁴⁵⁵

mvp-comment-629-2 The objection to the plausible conjecture ῥέξοντος ¹⁴⁵⁶

mvp-comment-630-1 οὔτοι νεμεσητόν ¹⁴⁵⁷

mvp-comment-630-2 ἀλύοντα ¹⁴⁵⁸

mvp-comment-630-3 χειμερίῳ ¹⁴⁵⁹

mvp-comment-630-4 καὶ παρὰ νοῦν θροεῖν ¹⁴⁶⁰

mvp-comment-631-1 οὐδ’ εἰ πυρφόρος ἀστεροπητὴς ¹⁴⁶¹

mvp-comment-631-2 βροντᾶς αὐγαῖς ¹⁴⁶²

mvp-comment-631-3 εἶσι φλογίζων ¹⁴⁶³

Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Commentary (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) focus

391-402;507-518. mvp-comment-280-1 The Chorus show their interest and support Neoptolemus by these strains, which are interwoven with the action, like those in O. T. 660 foll., 689 foll., О. С. 1447-1456, 1477-1485. They wish to assist their master by simulating hatred of the Atreidae and sympathy with Philoctetes. That both feelings are merely assumed, and that the Chorus really understand the situation, is obvious from the exaggerated strength of expression in 510, εἰ δὲ πικρούς, ἄναξ, ἔχθεις ᾿Ατρείδας. Their feigned excitement, to which the mixture of dochmiac and iambo-bacchic metre is well suited, was no doubt expressed with gestures accompanying the recitation, by the two half-choruses, of strophe and antistrophe severally.

447. mvp-comment-319-1 εὐ περιστέλλουσιν αὐτά] ‘Carefully defend them from harm.' αὐτά] Sc. τὰ κακά, which, like τὰ .. πανούργα καὶ παλιντριβῆ refers to persons. Cp. τὰ μέσα τῶν πολιτῶν and similar expressions.

448. mvp-comment-320-1 καί πως] Cp. Eur. Med. 119. παλιντριβή] • Froward.' The notion in παλιντριβής is that of something which resists treatment: cp. ἀντίτυπος.

449. mvp-comment-321-1 ἀναστρέφοντες ἐξ "Αιδου] “In turning back, i. e. when on their way thither. Like his father Sisyphus, who intrigued himself out of Hades (infr. 625), Odysseus bears a charmed life.

451. mvp-comment-322-1 ποῦ χρὴ τίθεσθαι ταῦτα] · What is one to make of these things? What place assign to them in thought?' i. e. how bring them into harmony with our other thoughts? ποῦ δ᾽ αἰνεῖν] ποῦ is used for πῶς by attraction, or the tendency to repeat the same expression (οἷον ῥυμή τις τοῦ λόγου), for which, see E. on L. § 35. p 60. What place can we find for their approval? i. e. How can we acquiesce in them? Cp. Eur. Heracl. 369, ποῦ ταῦτα καλῶς ἂν εἴη;

452. mvp-comment-323-1 Since, in seeking to approve the doings of the gods, I find that the gods are evil doers; i. e. In praising the gods I must call them wise and good, but this experience shows them to be either malignant or weak. The tense in ἐπαινῶν has an inceptive or conative force.

453-465. mvp-comment-324-1 Neoptolemus, while still professing hatred of Troy, uses language that is calculated to excite to the utmost the desire of Philoctetes to be taken home. He addresses him with reference to his father and the sacred hill (infr. 729), where he saw the last of Heracles. He speaks of his own isle of Scyros by name, and affects to look forward to the happiness of an unambitious home. He points to the departure of his vessel as imminent.

454-455. mvp-comment-325-1 τηλόθεν εἰσορῶν φυλάξομαι] Will avoid, beholding afar off.' For the indirect expression, see E. on L. § 42. p. 79, and cp. esp. Ο. Τ. 795. ἄστροις. . ἐκμετρούμενος χθόνα, and note: Eur. Hippol. 102, πρόσωθεν αὐτὴν ἁγνὸς ὢν ἀσπάζομαι.

457. mvp-comment-326-1 χώ δεινὸς κρατεῖ] 'And power is in the hands of clever rogues.' For this dislike of δεινότης, cp. Thuc. 8. 68, ὑπόπτως τῷ πλήθει διὰ δόξαν δεινότητος διακείμενος: Isocr. Panathen. p. 242, C, ἐπαινεῖν μὲν . . τὴν . . ἀγαθῶν αἰτίαν γεγενημένην, δεινὴν δὲ νομίζειν τὴν αὑτῇ τὰ συμφέροντα διαπραττομένην. Many have preferred δειλός, which involves a very slight change.

460. mvp-comment-327-1 ὥστε τέρπεσθαι δόμῳ] ‘And I shall have full contentment in my home.' Cp. Od. 13. 61, σὺ δὲ τέρπεο τῷδ᾽ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ, | παισί τε καὶ λαοῖσι καὶ ᾿Αλκινόῳ βασιλῆϊ.

461. mvp-comment-328-1 He again reminds Philoctetes of his father, this time by name.

462. mvp-comment-329-1 ὡς μέγιστα] The slight exaggeration shows Neoptolemus' feeling of the hollowness of this farewell.

463. mvp-comment-330-1 ὡς αὐτὸς θέλεις] Cp. Od. 6. 180, σοὶ δὲ θεοὶ τόσα δοῖεν, ὅσα φρεσὶ σῇσι μενοινᾷς.

464-465. mvp-comment-331-1 ὡς .. ὁρμώμεθα] 'That we may sail at whatever moment Heaven vouchsafes to yield us a fair voyage.' Cp. Od. 9. 138, 9, εἰσόκε ναυτέων | θυμὸς ἐποτρύνῃ καὶ ἐπιπνεύσωσιν ἀῆται. The wind is favourable for the voyage to Troy, but not for that to Scyros. Cp. infr. 639, 40, 855, 1450, 1.

466. mvp-comment-332-1 καιρός] 'The moment calls upon us,' cp. infr. 1450; καιρός here probably refers to the time of day. Should the wind now shift, he might hope to reach Scyros before night-fall. It cannot mean, 'The chance of a favouring breeze invites us.' Cp. infr. 639, 40.

467. mvp-comment-333-1 πλοῦν.. σκοπεῖν] ‘Τo watch the opportunity of sailing not from far off but close at hand.' Cp. Thuc. 4. 23, σκοποῦντες καιρόν, εἴ τις παραπέσοι, ὥστε τοὺς ἄνδρας σῶσαι: Eur. Hec. 901, μένειν ἀνάγκη πλοῦν ὁρῶντας ἡσύχους. We have here another instance of indirect expression. See Essay on L. § 42. p. 79. Οη ἐξ ἀπόπτου, see Aj. 15, and note.

468ff. mvp-comment-334-1 The moment, for which the preceding scene has prepared the spectator, is now come. Philoctetes' agony of supplication is made more pathetic by our knowledge that he is 'working against his own desire,' and running thus eagerly 'to meet what he would most avoid.' πρός ... προσφιλές] Cp. О. С. 250, πρός σ' ὅ τι σοι φίλον ἐκ σέθεν ἄντομαι, and note: Od. 10. 66, πατρίδα σὴν καὶ δῶμα καὶ εἴ πού τοι φίλον ἐστίν.

472. mvp-comment-335-1 ὅσοισί τ᾽ ἐξήκουσας] Viz. supr. 263-313; cp. infr. 591, ἅπερ κλύεις.

473. mvp-comment-336-1 ἀλλ᾽ ἐν παρέργῳ θοῦ με] (1) 'But stow me away' (or 'dispose of me') * as a supernumerary. θοῦ, sc. ἐν τῇ νηΐ: cp. infr. 481, ἐμβαλοῦ μ᾿ ὅπῃ θέλεις (sc. τῆς νεώς). ἐν παρέργῳ, sc. τῶν φορουμένων: cp. Eur. El. 63, πάρεργ Ορέστην κἀμὲ ποιεῖται δόμων.

474. mvp-comment-337-1 'Indeed, as I well know, much annoyance is involved in such a freight.' δυσχέρεια contains the chief predicate. For the genitive, see E. on L. § 9. p. 12, 1a. This line is strangely suspected by Nauck, It exactly expresses the humbleness of Philoctetes in his extreme need.

475-476. mvp-comment-338-1 τοῖσι . . εὐκλεές] Surely the noble heart hates what is base, and appreciates the glory of kindness.' εὐκλεές, while opposed to ἐχθρόν, is partly suggested by αἰσχρόν, so that the whole argument, if drawn out at length, would be τὸ μὲν αἰσχρὸν ἐχθρόν, τὸ δὲ εὐκλεὲς φίλον, τὸ δέ γε χρηστὸν εὐκλεές. Philoctetes perceives that a noble youth like Neoptolemus must be ambitious of the purest renown.

477. mvp-comment-339-1 οὐ καλόν] Full of disgrace.' Cp. Trach. 454, κὴρ πρόσεστιν οὐ καλή.

478. mvp-comment-340-1 πλεῖστον εὐκλείας γέρας] 'An abundant meed of fair renown.' πλεῖστον rather than μέγιστον, which would agree better with γέρας, because πλεῖστον γέρας εὐκλείας = γέρας πλείστης εὐκλείας. See E. on L. § 42. γ. p. 80. Philoctetes thinks of the gratitude of Poeas and his Melian friends as enough to satisfy any man's ambition.

480. mvp-comment-341-1 The expression is modified as the sentence proceeds: "Tis the labour of a day, nay, not of one whole day.'

481. mvp-comment-342-1 τόλμησον] 'Take heart to do it.' Cp. Ο. C. 184, τόλμα, κ.τ.λ., and note.

478-481. mvp-comment-343-1 ὅπῃ θέλεις] In what part (of the ship) you will.' ἄγων] 'If you will but take me.' Cp. infr. 590, ποιοῦ λέγων. And see E. on L. § 36. р. 63.

482. mvp-comment-344-1 ὅποι, sc. βεβλημένος, or = ἐκεῖσε ὅπου. The construction is attracted to that of the preceding words. See Essay on L. § 35, a. p. 59.

483. mvp-comment-345-1 ξυνόντας] Cp. infr. 520, τῆς νόσου ξυνουσίᾳ.

484. mvp-comment-346-1 πρὸς αὐτοῦ Ζηνός] Wishing to add something to his previous adjuration, supr. 468, 9, he can only think of Ζεὺς ἱκέσιος himself, whom he now brings forward, ὡς ἐπὶ τούτοις τὸν κολοφῶνα.

485. mvp-comment-347-1 γόνασι] (1) 'By falling on my knees,' (instrum. dat.). Or, (2) 'On my knees,' (locative). Cp. γονυπετής. Philoctetes kneels as far as his lameness will allow, and in the same act calls attention to the pitiable weakness which hinders even the posture of supplication.

487. mvp-comment-348-1 χωρὶς ἀνθρώπων στίβου] 'Apart from track of men,' i. e. where no man comes. Cp. Ant. 773, ἔρημος ἔνθ᾽ ἂν ᾖ βροτῶν στίβος.

488-489. mvp-comment-349-1 Philoctetes longs to be taken home (492), but, in order to obtain his petition, he limits it to what is easiest of performance. ἄγων is here unemphatic; not as supr. 481.

489. mvp-comment-350-1 Χαλκώδοντος Εὐβοίας σταθμά] To the Euboean dwelling of Chalcodon, i. e. Chalcis. Chalcodon is the father of Elephenor, who led the Euboeans to Troy; Il. 2. 536-541, οἱ δ' Εὔβοιαν ἔχον ... | τῶν αὖθ᾽ ἡγεμόνευ Ελεφήνωρ όζος ῎Αρηος | Χαλκωδοντιάδης, μεγαθύμων ἀρχὸς ᾿Αβάντων. The thoughts of Philoctetes are with the older generation (Poeas, Peleus, Telamon, Lycomedes, Chalcodon), who had known Heracles, and were still vigorous when Philoctetes left home for Troy. According to a tradition, which is here ignored, Chalchodon had long since been slain by Amphitryon.

491. mvp-comment-351-1 The correction of δειράδα καί (see v.rr.) is very uncertain. δεράς does not occur elsewhere. Other corrections are δειράδ᾽ ἤ (Porson), πρῶνα καί (Wunder), δειράδ' ἐπί (Hermann in one edition), δειράδ' ἀνά (Seyffert). Philoctetes imagines the features of his native land as they would successively disclose themselves in the homeward voyage in l. 488.

492. mvp-comment-352-1 πατρὶ . . φίλῳ] 'That so thou mayest give me to my dear father's sight.' ὡς δείξῃς depends on ἔκσωσον in l. 488.

493. mvp-comment-353-1 παλαί᾽ ἂν ἐξότου = παλαιὸς χρόνος ἂν εἴη ἐξ ὅτον, is to be joined as an adverbial expression with βεβήκῃ. Cp. Thuc. 1. 6, where οὐ πολὺς χρόνος ἐπειδὴ ἐπαύσαντο φοροῦντες = ἔναγχος ἐφόρουν καὶ οὐ πολὺς χρόνος γέγονεν ἐπειδὴ ἐπαύσαντο. Others read παλαιὸν ἐξ ὅτου. If this is adopted, the phrase is still to be joined to βεβήκη, and not το δέδοικα.

494. mvp-comment-354-1 μὴ . · βεβήκη] 'Who, my fears tell me, may be long since gone.' Βεβήκοι might be defended as continuing the construction with ἄν; but this is improbable. μοι is ethical dative. πολλά, adv. τοῖς ἱγμένοις] 'By means of those who had come,' (supr. 301 fol.). Cp. Ant. 164, 5, πομποῖσιν . . ἔστειλα.

495. mvp-comment-355-1 ἔστελλον] 'I urged him.' Cp. infr. 623. The imperfect tense represents an endeavour.

496. mvp-comment-356-1 αὐτόστολον] 'With a ship and crew of his own providing.' Agreeing with αὐτόν. δόμοις] Wund. conjectured δόμους, perhaps rightly; but for the dative, see Essay on L. § 11. p. 18, 3.

497-499. mvp-comment-357-1 τὰ τῶν διακόνων .. ποιούμενοι] Either (1) τὰ τῶν διακόνων simply = οἱ διάκονοι, with which ποιούμενοι agrees. Or (2) the mode of expression is altered from 'the service of my messengers failed me' (ἐξαπώλετο ἤ τι τοιοῦτον), to 'my messengers cared little for what concerned me, but pushed their homeward voyage, etc.'

498. mvp-comment-358-1 ὡς εἰκός] Philoctetes attributes to such involuntary visitants the homesickness which he himself feels. τοὐμὸν . . ποιούμενοι] He says this as feeling bitterly his insignificance. Cp. supr. 254,5.

500. mvp-comment-359-1 Seyffert rightly omits the comma after νῦν δ'. Cp. supr. 144, 5. εἰς σὲ .. ἥκω) · I am come to thee,' i e. My fate has brought me to you in the succession of those who come. For the transference of words of place to time, see E. on L. § 24. p. 41, 7. πομπόν τε καὐτὸν ἄγγελον] Who wilt be my guide at the same time that thou dost thyself report concerning me.' αὐτόν belongs to both nouns, i. e. not only to transmit news of me, but to announce me yourself in person; not only to announce me, but to take me home. Philoctetes still clings to the hope that Neoptolemus will bring him all the way to Trachis.

501. mvp-comment-360-1 εἰσορῶν] 'Seeing,' in the example now present before you.

502-503. mvp-comment-361-1 δεινά] Sc. ἐστί. How to mortals all things are beset with peril and hazard; there is a chance of good and a chance of the opposite.' Philoctetes has deeply learnt the lesson: 'It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, And that craves wary walking. Neoptolemus must show mercy, and thus avoid provoking the gods. For πάντα δεινά, Wakefield conjectured πάντ' ἄδηλα.

504. mvp-comment-362-1 ὁρᾶν] Το be ware of. Schol. εὐλαβεῖσθαι. Cp. Aj. 1313, ὅρα μὴ τοὐμόν, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ σόν.

506. mvp-comment-363-1 διαφθαρείς] Sc. ὁ βίος. Cp. Thuc. 8. 91, λήσειν διαφθαρέντας (sc. ἔφη Θηραμένης τοὺς τειχίζοντας τὴν Ἠετιώνειαν τοῖς ᾿Αθηναίοις).

507-518. mvp-comment-364-1 In the strophe supr. 391-402, the one half-chorus echoed the falsehood of Neoptolemus. The other half-chorus now in similar measures professedly responds to the appeal of Philoctetes, and recommends him to the kindness of Neoptolemus. L. 510 is equivalent, although not identical in metre, with l. 395: Each consists of two dochmiacs.

508-509. mvp-comment-365-1 πόνων ἆθλ'] Cp. Trach. 506, ἄεθλ᾽ ἀγώνων. ὅσσα] Porson's conjecture, οἷα, has been adopted by several editors. Other proposed corrections are ἄσσα and ἄθλους ἅ (Dobree). ὅσσα is at once, So many as,' and 'So great as.' τύχοι] λάχοι, which Nauck reads, would be in a more usual construction. But the change is unnecessary.

510. mvp-comment-366-1 πικρούς] Cp. supr. 320-3, 363, 369, 396.

511. mvp-comment-367-1 τὸ κείνων μετατιθέμενος] Converting their evil deed into a benefit for him.' According to the pretended situation, the same iniquity which cast Philoctetes forth has sent Neoptolemus from Troy, and Neoptolemus has now the opportunity of taking Philoctetes home. Thus evil may be made the occasion of good. The middle voice in μετατιθέμενος is subjective='On your own part.'

515. mvp-comment-368-1 ἐπιμέμονεν] Sc. πορεύεσθαι. Cp. Εl. 1435, ᾗ νοεῖς ἔπειγέ νυν.

516. mvp-comment-369-1 ἐπ᾿ εὐστόλου ταχείας νεώς] Οn your trim swift bark.' For the double epithet, see Essay on L. § 23. P. 37.

517. mvp-comment-370-1 τὰν *θεῶν] ἐκ (see v.rr.) is required by the same metrical reason which led to Λαερτίου being changed το Λαρτίου in l. 401.

518. mvp-comment-371-1 νέμεσιν] The possibility of some Divine retribution following refusal was gently hinted at the conclusion of Philoctetes' speech, ll 501-506.

519. mvp-comment-372-1 Consider, lest you who now stand there so goodnaturedly, may show a different spirit from your present words when you are wearied through contact with the disease.' For the 'paratactic' structure, see Essay on L. § 36. p. 68. τις is added to a predicative word as in Ο. Τ. 618, 9, ὅταν ταχύς τις οὑπιβουλεύων λάθρα χωρῇ. The slight redundancy of the expression, for which, cp. Εl. 506, ὡς ἔμολες αἰανή, κ.τ.λ., has suggested an unnecessary doubt whether παρῆς may not be from παρίημι (‘You grant permission').

521. mvp-comment-373-1 For αὑτὸς τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις, ср. О. Т. 557, καὶ νῦν ἔθ᾽ αὑτός εἰμι τῷ βουλεύματι, and note.

522-523. mvp-comment-374-1 are spoken by the coryphaeus.

524-525. mvp-comment-375-1 'It were shame if I were found more backward than you are to serve a stranger in his need.' ξένῳ either = τῷ ξένῳ, i. e. ‘Τo Philoctetes,' or, with a slight difference, (2) more generally, 'To a stranger-friend,' -as Philoctetes is. The dative depends on ἐνδεέστερον φανῆναι (= γενέσθαι) and is to be resumed with πονεῖν.

525. mvp-comment-376-1 πρὸς τὸ καίριον is an adverbial expression, like πρὸς τὸ κάρτερον, πρὸς τὸ λιπαρές, etc., and the infinitive depends on ἐνδεέστερον.

527. mvp-comment-377-1 οὐκ ἀπαρνηθήσεται] (1) He shall not be denied.' This suits the feeling of the passage better than (2) the impersonal sense (The favour shall not be denied'), which, however, is also possible.

529. mvp-comment-378-1 The emphatic position of ἡμᾶς at the beginning of the line shows that Neoptolemus deliberately includes Philoctetes in his prayer. βουλοίμεσθα is optative because of the preceding optative (cp. 325, 961) and partakes of the indefiniteness of the wish. Neoptolemus feels that when they leave the shore the intention of his voyage will not be that which he now professes, and he trusts that by that time the wish of Philoctetes may be the same with his own.

533. mvp-comment-379-1 *προσκύσαντε εἰσοίκησιν] Schndw. threw suspicion on these words because of the ἅπαξ λεγόμενον εἰσοίκησις, and various modes of alteration have been suggested. But it is idle to object to every ἅπαξ λεγόμενον. And these words give an excellent sense. If ἐξοικεῖν, a rare word, means ἔξω οἰκεῖν (Lys. 187. 29, Dem. 845. 19), why may not εἰσοικεῖν mean ἔσω οἰκεῖν? (It is so used in Anth. P. 7. 320, according to the MS. reading.) Cp. εἰσίδρυμαι, εἰσίζομαι, εἰσοικίζω. In that case ἡ εἰσοίκησις is ἡ ἔσω οἴκησις, and τὴν ἔσω.. εἰσοίκλησιν is merely a common instance of pleonasm, much as when we speak of the interior of a cave. If εἰς οἴκησιν is read, it becomes necessary to suppose a lacuna, for ἴωμεν here can only mean, 'Let us depart.' For the participial expression (προσκύσαντε = ' but first let us pay a farewell visit to'), ср. О. Т. 680, μαθοῦσά γ' ἥτις ἡ τύχη. Philoctetes'attachment to his bare and comfortless dwelling-place shows itself here, together with the longing expressed supr. 251 foll, that the extent of his misery and endurance might be known.

535. mvp-comment-380-1 ἀφ᾽ ὧν] ἀπο- as in ἀποζῆν. διέζων] 'I kept life afoot.' δια- of a persevering effort, as in διαμάχεσθαι.

536. mvp-comment-381-1 μόνην θέαν] 'Even the mere sight.' The adjective has the force of the adverb μόνον.

538. mvp-comment-382-1 προὔμαθον] Either (1) ‘I long since learned,' or (2) 'I learnt by degrees,' i.e. conquering each evil as it met me. Cp. προδιδάσκειν.

539-541. mvp-comment-383-1 These lines are spoken by the coryphaeus. The Σκοπός of supr. 125 is seen approaching, disguised as a ship-master, and accompanied by another of Neoptolemus's crew.

540. mvp-comment-384-1 ἀλλόθρους is simply a stranger, 'Not one of ourselves.' The word ξένος (infr. 557) would not apply to the man until they knew whether he was of Scyros or not. He professes afterwards to come from Peparethus.

541. mvp-comment-385-1 αὖθις] Blaydes conjectures αὐτίκ'. But αὖθις is 'afterwards,' as αὖτις in Il. 1. 140, ταῦτα μεταφρασόμεσθα καὶ αὖτις. After that, ye shall go in'

542. mvp-comment-386-1 τόνδε τὸν ξυνέμπορον] 'This companion of my way,' viz. from the mooring place to before the cave.

544. mvp-comment-387-1 ποῦ κυρῶν εἴης] • Where you were at this moment to be found.' A conversational pleonasm.

545. mvp-comment-388-1 ἀντέκυρσα] Sc. σοί. ‘Our paths have crossed.' δοξάζων μὲν οὔ] 'Not that I had any thought of such a thing.' For the combination of aorist and imperfect (δοξάζων = ὅτε ἐδόξαζον), cp. Ο. Τ. 1457, θνήσκων ἐσώθην.

546. mvp-comment-389-1 ὁρμισθείς] 'Brought to anchor.' He has been baffled by the headwind mentioned infr. 639.

547. mvp-comment-390-1 ὡς ναύκληρος, οὐ πολλῷ στόλῳ] 'With the modest outfit of a merchant-man.' This accounts for his approach not having been descried. He is supposed to be a purveyor (infr. 583, 4) of provisions to the army, perhaps of wine from his own vine-clad (εὔβοτρυν) island. Cp. ΙΙ. 7. 467, νῆες δ᾽ ἐκ Λήμνοιο παρέστασαν οἶνον ἄγουσαι. Peparethus is midway between Scyros and the entrance to the Maliac gulf. The same wind that is pretended to have detained Neoptolemus would also delay the merchantman on his homeward voyage.

549-550. mvp-comment-391-1 ὡς νεναυστοληκότες] 'When I had ascertained in the course of conversation that the mariners who had manned the vessel were one and all your men' (σοί, possessive pronoun). So Hermann, Opusc. 8. p. 190, rightly, although the reason which he gives ('Nam sic demum nauclerus tuto referre poterat, quae erat narraturus'), is not required. Dobree conjectured συννεναυστοληκότες (‘That they had all accompanied you in your voyage').

552. mvp-comment-392-1 προστυχόντι τῶν ἴσων depends οη τὸν πλοῦν ποιεῖσθαι as an affirmative expression: i. e. ἔδοξέ μοι, φράσαντι καὶ τῶν ἴσων προστυχόντι, οὕτω τὸν πλοῦν ποιεῖσθαι. · When first I had received fair recompense.' For the naiveté of this parenthetical demand, as not unbefitting the relations of the sea-captain to Neoptolemus (who is no less careful to assure him of his gratitude, infr. 557, 8), ср. О. Τ. 1005, 6, καὶ μὴν μάλιστα τοῦτ᾽ ἀφικόμην ὅπως | σοῦ πρὸς δόμους ἐλθόντος εὖ πράξαιμί τι: Trach. 190, 1, ὅπως τοι πρῶτος ἀγγείλας τάδε πρὸς σοῦ τι κερδάναιμι.

553. mvp-comment-393-1 οὐδὲν σύ που] The asyndeton marks the urgency of the intelligence.

554. mvp-comment-394-1 ἀμφὶ σοῦ * νέα] This emendation of Auratus has been generally received. And although the MS. reading may be possibly defended by the comparison of such phrases as τίνος δὴ χάριν ἕνεκα, etc. (see especially Thuc. 8. 92, ὅσον καὶ ἀπὸ βοῆς ἕνεκα), the meaning as well as the grammar is distinctly improved by the change.

556. mvp-comment-395-1 δρώμεν', οὐκέτ᾽ ἐξαργούμενα] Ιn act, no longer left undone.' Cp. Aesch. Ag. 1359, τοῦ δρῶντός ἐστι καὶ τὸ βουλεῦσαι πέρι.

559. mvp-comment-396-1 φράσον . . ἔλεξας] Declare at full what you have now mentioned.'

560. mvp-comment-397-1 ἀπ᾿ ᾿Αργείων] Sc. φαινόμενον. ἔχεις] Cp. Trach. 318, οὐδ᾽ ὄνομα πρὸς του τῶν ξυνεμπόρων ἔχεις; Ο. C. 1451, μάτην γὰρ οὐδὲν ἀξίωμα δαιμόνων ἔχω φράσαι.

562. mvp-comment-398-1 οἱ.. Θησέως κόροι] Acamas and Demophon, said to have been first mentioned in the Ἰλίου πέρσις of Arctinus. These names help to commend the lie to the fancy of the Athenian audience.

563. mvp-comment-399-1 λόγοις] By persuasion.' Cp. infr. 612, 623 foll., 629, 30.

563,565. mvp-comment-400-1 These vague replies show that Neoptolemus has not yet seized his cue. Cp. 570, 1 foll.

566. mvp-comment-401-1 οὕτω καθ' ὁρμήν] ‘Thus incontinently' (in the old sense); referring to supr. 555. 6.

567. mvp-comment-402-1 ὡς ταῦτ᾽ ἐπίστω δρώμεν] i. e. ἐπίστασο, ὡς ταῦτα δρώμενα (sc. ἐστίν). For ἐπίστασο ταῦτα ὡς δρώμενα this would be too violent an inversion.

568. mvp-comment-403-1 πρὸς τάδε] 'Hereupon,' i. e. 'When such was the counsel of the Argives.' αὐτάγγελος] ‘'Bringing the message in person;' i. e. αὐτὸς καὶ μὴ δι᾽ ἄλλων ἀγγέλων. Phoenix and the Theseidae were ἄγγελοι of the resolution of the chieftains to Neoptolemus.

569. mvp-comment-404-1 ἢ.. νιν] Neoptolemus assumes a spirited tone, and suggests a mean motive in Odysseus, in order to gratify Philoctetes.

570. mvp-comment-405-1 ἐπ᾿ ἄλλον ἄνδρα] ‘With designs upon another person.'

571. mvp-comment-406-1 When I left the harbour, they were making ready.'

572. mvp-comment-407-1 'Who could this be. with a view to whom Odysseus himself was setting forth?' i e. ποῖος ἂν εἴη πρὸς ὃν ἔπλει; So the unusual insertion of ἄν may be explained. See Essay on L. § 27. p. 45. And the meaning is so appropriate, that it seems better to retain the particle, although πρὸς ποῖον αὖ τόν δ' is a conjectural reading involving only a slight change.

575. mvp-comment-408-1 'Sir, you have the privilege of seeing here the famous Philoctetes.' Thus Neoptolemus humours the feeling which Philoctetes had shown supra 261, 2, ὅδ᾽ εἴμ᾽ ἐγώ σοι κεῖνος, ὃν κλύεις ἴσως | τῶν Ἡρακλείων ὄντα δεσπότην ὅπλων.

576. mvp-comment-409-1 τὰ πλείον'] For the article, cp. Trach. 731, and note.

577. mvp-comment-410-1 ἔκπλει σεαυτὸν ξυλλαβών] 'Snatch yourself up and sail away.' Cp. Eur. H. F. 833 foll., ἄλλ' εἶ', ἄτεγκτον ξυλλαβοῦσα καρδίαν . . ἔλαυνε, κίνει, κ.τ.λ.: also Plat. Rep. 1. 336 В, συστρέψας ἑαυτὸν ἧκεν ἐφ' ἡμᾶς. The Ἔμπορος speaks low, as he had charged Neoptolemus to do. This awakens the lively suspicion of Philoctetes, who hears enough to understand that there is a danger of his being left behind. Mr. Paley conjectures, ἔκπλευσον αὐτὸν συλλαβών, comparing infr. 621. But there the case is altered by Neoptolemus having avowed his friendship for Philoctetes in ll. 585, 6.

578. mvp-comment-411-1 κατὰ σκότον] 'In secret.' So infr. 581, εἰς φῶς, Openly."

579. mvp-comment-412-1 διεμπολᾷ λόγοισι πρός σε] Is treating me dishonestly in his talk with thee.' Cp. Ant. 1036, ἐξημπόλημαι κἀκπεφόρτισμαι.

581. mvp-comment-413-1 εἰς φῶς = 'Openly.' Cp. О. Т. 93, ἐς πάντας αύδα. τούσδε τε] The Chorus.

582-583. mvp-comment-414-1 μή με.. ἃ μὴ δεῖ] 'Bring me not into discredit with the army, through my telling what I should keep close; i. e. Do not make me tell, and so make them angry with me. λέγοντα = διὰ τὸ λέγειν, cp. Thuc. 8.87, ἣν εἶπε πρόφασιν οὐ κομίσας (i. e. δι᾽ ὅ, τι οὐκ ἐκόμισεν).

583-584. mvp-comment-415-1 'I. being poor, receive much kindness from them for service which I do.' For γε, which modifies the sentence, to which it gives a pleading tone, see Essay on L. § 26. p. 41. οἱ᾿ ἀνὴρ πένης] (1) As is natural in the case of one who is poor: rather than, (2) 'Such service as a poor man may do.' Cp. supr. 273, and note.

585ff. mvp-comment-416-1 Neoptolemus professes to demand that, if there is danger, the Ἔμπορος should risk it for his and Philoctetes' sake. The Ἔμπορος in his reply insinuates that the danger, if he is made to speak, is common to them all three, and that Neoptolemus will be responsible for the consequences.

589. mvp-comment-417-1 καί belongs in meaning to the whole sentence = καὶ δὴ σκοπῶ. ἐγώ] 'Of myself,' without this caution from you.

590. mvp-comment-418-1 ποιοῦ λέγων] 'Make me so, if you will but speak. For this emphatic use of the participle, cp. especially O. C. 1038, χωρῶν ἀπείλει νυν, -also supr. 481, and note.

591. mvp-comment-419-1 ἅπερ κλύεις] Supr. 570, 1.

592. mvp-comment-420-1 ἥ τ᾿ Ὀδυσσέως βία] Cp. supr. 314, 321.

593. mvp-comment-421-1 διώμοτοι] 'Expressly sworn.' Cp. Trach. 378, ὥσπερ οὑπάγων διώμνυτο: Ο. Τ. 834, διεῖπε χρῆναι, κ.τ.λ. For the meaning, cp. infr. 618, 9, 623.

594. mvp-comment-422-1 ἢ . . κράτος] Or were they to prevail by force.'

597. mvp-comment-423-1 δράσειν τάδε is added as a resumption of ταῦτα, depending on λέγοντος (not on θάρσος εἶχε).

598-599. mvp-comment-424-1 i. ε. τίνος δὲ πράγματος χάριν ᾿Ατρείδαι, χρόνῳ τοσῷδε, οὕτως ἄγαν ἐπεστρέφοντο τοῦδε. For the order of the words, see Essay on L. § 41. p. 78, 8.

600. mvp-comment-425-1 εἶχον . . *ἐκβεβληκότες] Cp. El. 590, ἐκβαλοῦσ᾽ ἔχεις. The periphrasis serves to fix on the agent the responsibility of the consequences of his act.

601-602. mvp-comment-426-1 'Whence came they thus to wish him back again? Or were they moved by a mighty impulse from the angry gods: the gods, who requite evil deeds?' For θεῶν βία, cp. Aesch. Suppl. 97, βίαν . . τὰν ἄπονον δαιμονίαν (?).

603. mvp-comment-427-1 ἴσως . . ἀκήκοας] 'For I dare say you have not heard of it.' The important share of Neoptolemus in the prophecy of Helenus is studiously concealed, and it is assumed that in his short stay at Troy the circumstance may have escaped him altogether. The true account is given by Neoptolemus afterwards, infr. 1337 foll. He himself in supr. 344 foll. had professed to attach slight importance to the assertion that he was destined to take Troy.

607. mvp-comment-428-1 ἀκούων] 'Called by,' i.e. deserving. αἰσχρὰ.. ἔπη] 'Names of disgrace and contumely.' On the meaning of the verbal adjective, see Essay on L. § 53. p. 98.

609. mvp-comment-429-1 ἔδειξ᾽.. ἐς μέσον] Displayed publicly to the Achaeans. ἔδειξε marks Odysseus' pride at bringing in his captive. Cp. infr. 616, δηλώσειν : 630, δεῖξαι: 944, φήνασθαι.

610. mvp-comment-430-1 The part of the prophecy which relates to Neoptolemus is thus slurred over.

611. mvp-comment-431-1 τἀπὶ Τροίᾳ πέργαμα] Cp.supr. 353.

612. mvp-comment-432-1 πέρσοιεν (as being the oratio obliqua of πέρσετε) seems to be an exception to the rule that οὐ μή takes after it not the future indicative, but the aorist subjunctive. But this is not a sufficient ground for altering the reading. Paley compares Plat. Crito, p. 44 B, οὐδένα μήποτε εὑρήσω.

613. mvp-comment-433-1 ἄγοιντο] The middle voice implies, 'Should bring for their purpose.' νήσου τῆσδ'] For the genitive of place, see Essay on L. § 8. p. 11, a. Observe the alliteration in νήσου .. ναίει .. νῦν.

614. mvp-comment-434-1 ταῦτα] Governed of ἤκουσε and resumed with τὸν μάντιν εἰπόντα, which is added to complete the sentence.

615ff. mvp-comment-435-1 The statement in supr. 593-7 is here repeated with some additional circumstances.

617. mvp-comment-436-1 οἴοιτο] The optative is used in turning the parenthetical οἴομαι into the oratio obliqua, as if ὅτι had preceded. Cp. Lys p. 130, Θηραμένης ἀναστὰς λέγει ὅτι ποιήσει ὥστε τὴν πόλιν ἐλαττῶσαι μηδέν· οἴοιτο δὲ καὶ ἄλλο τι ἀγαθὸν εὑρήσεσθαι.

618-619. mvp-comment-437-1 'And if he failed in this, he offered his head to any who chose, to cut it off.' For the order of words, see Essay on L. § 41, α. p. 77. κάρα governed (1) of ἐφεῖτο, and (2) οἱ τέμνειν, which is epexegetic inf. μὴ τυχών = εἰ μὴ τύχοι. For the sense, cp. II. 2. 259, μηκέτ᾽ ἔπειτ᾽ Ὀδυσῆϊ κάρη ὤμοισιν ἐπείη, κ.τ.λ.: Od. 16. 102 αὐτίκ᾽ ἔπειτ' ἀπ᾿ ἐμεῖο κάρη τάμοι ἀλλότριος φώς, εἰ μή, κ.τ.λ. τέμνειν = ἀποτέμνειν. Cp. καράτομος.

620. mvp-comment-438-1 τὸ σπεύδειν] The article probably refers to supr. 576, 7.

621. mvp-comment-439-1 κεἴ τινος κήδει πέρι] Sc. παραινῶ ἐκείνῳ τὸ αὐτό. The supposed stranger does not venture to compromise himself by giving this advice directly to Philoctetes. He alludes to supr. 585, 6.

622. mvp-comment-440-1 Οι ἡ πᾶσα βλάβη, ‘That utter pest.' see Essay on L. § 51. p. 95; and cp. El. 301.

624-625. mvp-comment-441-1 'The persuasion that has force to bring me back to Troy, would fetch me from the dead.'

626. mvp-comment-442-1 οὐκ οἶδ᾽ ἐγὼ ταῦτ] The professed Ἔμπορος is too discreet to mix further than he can help in such a hazardous business. Cp. O. Τ. 530, οὐκ οἶδ᾽· ὁ γὰρ δρῶσ᾽ οἱ κρατοῦντες οὐχ ὁρῶ. The purpose of his coming has been accomplished, and he retires. For the synaphea, cp. especially O. T. 555, ὡς χρείη μ᾽ ἐπὶ | τὸν σεμνόμαντιν, κ.τ.λ.

627. mvp-comment-443-1 σφῶν.. θεός] 'May heaven be with you both for your best good!' συμφέρειν is used nearly as συμφέρεσθαι in O. C. 641, τῇδε γὰρ ξυνοίσομαι (‘Your choice shall have my concurrence').

628ff. mvp-comment-444-1 Should have imagined it possible ever with cajoling words to bring and show me on his ship amongst the Argives.' Philoctetes has hitherto had his attention fixed on the Ἔμπορος, and has said ll. 622-5 half to himself. But as the stranger departs he turns to Neoptolemus with these indignant words.

629. mvp-comment-445-1 ποτ᾿ ἄν with δεῖξαι = ὅτι δείξειεν ἄν ποτε. λόγοισι μαλθακοῖς] Cp. O. С. 774, σκληρὰ μαλθακῶς λέγων.

630. mvp-comment-446-1 δείξαι] Cp. supr. 616, δηλώσειν. δεῖξαι νεὼς ἄγοντα = δεῖξαι ἐκ νεὰς ἄγοντα ἐπὶ νηΐ. Or, in other words, the phrase, On ship-board,' which should depend on ἄγοντα, is attracted into a new construction with δεῖξαι. See Essay on L. § 35. p. 60, and cp. О. Т. 808, ὄχου . . τηρήσας. κ.τ.λ. : Εl. 900. Herm. and Schndw. take νεὼς ἄγοντα to mean, 'Bringing ashore.' Cp. supr. 355-7. But ἄγειν is continually used elsewhere in the play for conveyance by sea; and the instrumental dative λόγοισι μαλθακοῖς connects more naturally with ἄγοντα than with δεῖξαι. Moreover, the meaning obtained by so joining νεὼς ἄγοντ' is wanting in simplicity.

631. mvp-comment-447-1 οὔ] Those who have suspected this reading have not observed the frequency of asyndeton in the language of Philoctetes (Essay on L. § 34. p. 58). The proposed readings, οὗ θᾶσσον (Welcker), ἢ θᾶσσον (Schndw.), are less forcible than the MS. text. Schndw. imagined οὔ to be a marginal gloss on ἢ. For the double superlative in πλεῖστον ἐχθίστης, see Essay on L. § 40. p. 76.

632. mvp-comment-448-1 ἄπουν = οὐκ ἔχοντα βάσιν, infr. 692.

633. mvp-comment-449-1 ἐκείνῳ.. λεκτά] 'He is capable of saying anything.' Cp. O. С. 495, ἐμοὶ μὲν οὐχ ὁδωτά : ibid. 1000, 1, εἶ γὰρ οὐ δίκαιος, ἀλλ᾽ ἅπαν καλὸν | λέγειν νομίζων, ῥητὸν ἄρρητόν τ᾽ ἔπος.

635-636. mvp-comment-450-1 ὡς.. ὁρίζῃ] • That wide seas may part us.'

637. mvp-comment-451-1 ἥ τοι.. ἤγαγεν] Cp. Aj. 674,5, ἐκοίμισε . . πόντον, and note.

639. mvp-comment-452-1 ἐπειδὰν πνεῦμα τοὐκ πρώρας ἀνῇ] When this head wind (1) ceases' (ἀνῇ absolute), or (2) 'lets us go' (ἀνῇ ἡμᾶς, sc.). The same doubt occurs in Hdt. 2. 113, οὐ γὰρ ἀνίει τὰ πνεύματα (sc. μιν?) Cp. Od. 19. 199, ἔνθα δυώδεκα μὲν μένον ἤματα δίοι ᾿Αχαιοί, | εἴλει γὰρ βορέης ἄνεμος μέγας, κ.τ.λ. | τῇ τρισκαιδεκάτῃ δ' ἄνεμος πέσε, τοὶ δ᾽ ἀνάγοντο. The correction of Pierson here is all but certain.

641. mvp-comment-453-1 Cp. Il. 14. 80, οὐ γάρ τις νέμεσις φυγέειν κακόν, οὐδ᾽ ἀνὰ νύκτα,

642. mvp-comment-454-1 οὔκ· ἀλλά] 'Nay, but -.' οὐ denies the general drift of the preceding line; i. e. The evil is not so imminent that you need fly from it with such haste. Cp. Plat. Rep. 6. 491 Ε, οὔκ, ἀλλά, ἢ δ᾽ ὅς, οὕτως, where there is a nearly similar inexactness of response. There is no sufficient ground for transposing 643, 4, 2, 1, with Prof. Paley. The order is far more natural as it stands.

643-644. mvp-comment-455-1 'Robbers feel not any contrary wind when it is a time to steal and take by force.'

645. mvp-comment-456-1 χωρῶμεν, ἔνδοθεν λαβών] 'Let us depart, when you have taken from within.' The participle agrees with part of the subject, and the second person has been implied in εἰ δοκεῖ, SC. σοι. For the limitation of subject, see Essay on L. § 33. p. 56, and cp. Trach. 205, ὀλολύξατε δόμοις, | ὁ μελλόνυμφος, ἐν δὲ κοινὸς ἀρσένων | ἴτω κλάγγα, κ.τ.λ. : ib. 333: Aesch. Eum. 141.

648. mvp-comment-457-1 What, that is not somewhere on board my ship?' νεώς, partitive genitive. Essay on L. § 10. p. 15. Ср. Αj. 659, γαίας ὀρύξας ἔνθα, κ.τ.λ.: Ο. C. 694, γᾶς ᾿Ασίας οὐκ ἐπακούω. τοῦθ᾽ ὅ is singular, though ὧν in 647 is plural. Essay on L. § 20, B. p. 31.

649. mvp-comment-458-1 φύλλον . . πάρεστιν] 'There is a leaf which I have.' Cp. infr. 704, ὅθεν εὐμάρει᾽ ὑπάρχοι: supr. 44: Ο.Τ. 766.

650. mvp-comment-459-1 πραΰνειν] 'To assuage its violence.' There is no example of πραΰνειν being used intransitively. πρᾷος is opposed to ἄγριος, cp. supr. 265. Philoctetes is eager to assure Neoptolemus that the evil is not intractable. Cp. infr. 733 foll.

651. mvp-comment-460-1 τί γὰρ ἔτ᾽ ἄλλ᾽ ἐρᾷς λαβεῖν] Philoctetes shows by his manner that the herb is not the only thing that he requires. To this look of longing hesitation γάρ refers.

652. mvp-comment-461-1 εἰ.. παρερρύηκεν] This is said to explain his unsatisfied look (' I would make search,' implied in ἐρᾷς λαβεῖν), * in case some of these my arrows may have slipped from my side.' Cp. Il. 13. 256, ἔρχομαι, εἴ τί τοι ἔγχος ἐνὶ κλισίῃσι λέλειπται, | οἰσόμενος.

653. mvp-comment-462-1 ὡς λίπω μή] For the order, see Essay on L. § 41, γ. p. 78.

655. mvp-comment-463-1 οὐ γὰρ ἄλλα γ᾽ ἔσθ'] 'For indeed there is no other.' These words have been commonly taken as equivalent to ἐκεῖνα καὶ οὐκ ἄλλα: whence Blaydes conjectures ταῦτ᾽ οὐ γὰρ οὖν ἔστ᾿ ἄλλ'. But the meaning given above is more in point. Cp. Morris' Story of Sigurd, That hath not the like in the heavens, nor hath earth of its fellow told.'

656. mvp-comment-464-1 ἆρ᾿ ἔστιν ὥστε] 'Is it possible that one might?' ὥστε as after verbs of permission asked or obtained. The periphrasis is expressive of modesty. κἀγγύθεν] From close at hand, as well as from a distance. For με added in the second clause, cp. supr. 257.

657. mvp-comment-465-1 For the sacredness of the bow, cp. infr. 943.

658. mvp-comment-466-1 τῶν ἐμῶν] Of things within my power.'

659. mvp-comment-467-1 ὁποῖον. ξυμφέρῃ] 'That is of a nature to accord with your desires.' Cp. supr. 627, and note. γενήσεται] 'Shall be granted.'

661. mvp-comment-468-1 πάρες] 'Let it go by;' i.e. Take no more notice of my wish.

662. mvp-comment-469-1 ὅσια .. φωνεῖς] 'Your words are blameless.' 'You speak innocently.'

663. mvp-comment-470-1 For the suppressed antecedent in the expression of strong feeling, see Essay on L. § 39. p. 72, 2. And for the emphatic repetition of ὅς, cp. O. C. 610, φθίνει μὲν ἰσχὺς γῆς, φθίνει δὲ σώματος, and see E. on L. § 44. p. 83.

664. mvp-comment-471-1 μόνος] Supr. 500.

665. mvp-comment-472-1 πέρα] 'Above their reach.' 'Where they cannot come.' ἀνιστάναι here is not merely 'To raise upright,' but To set up on high.' Cр. O. С. 661-3, κείνοις δ᾽ ἴσως κεὶ δείν᾽ ἐπερρώσθη λέγειν | τῆς σῆς ἀγωγῆς, οἶδ᾽ ἐγώ, φανή- | σεται | μακρὸν τὸ δεῦρο πέλαγος, οὐδὲ πλώσιμον: Aesch. Cho. 789.

666. mvp-comment-473-1 θιγγάνειν] ‘To handle for a while.’ This word, expressing a lingering process, is rightly in the continuous tense, although δόντι . . ἐξεπεύξασθαι are aorists. Cp. Il. 6. 322, τόξ᾽ ἁφόωντα.

667. mvp-comment-474-1 καὶ δόντι δοῦναι] This illogical addition is singularly expressive of the nervous anxiety of Philoctetes at the thought of giving the bow out of his hands: 'You shall have it in your grasp; I will give it you, and you will give it me again; and then you shall freely boast, etc.' While saying this, Philoctetes does not at once give the bow to Neoptolemus. Cp. infr. 762 foll.

669. mvp-comment-475-1 Cp. infr. 801-3.

670-672. mvp-comment-476-1 These three lines seem out of place. Either there is a lacuna after 670, or they have crept into the text out of the margin, where some hand had inserted them as an apposite quotation from some other play. They have not the appearance of a deliberate interpolation, nor is the difficulty obviated by assigning them to Neoptolemus. If they are retained, they can only mean, 'I do not feel this generous action burdensome, now that I have seen and found a friend in you. For no possession can be equal to a friend who knows (as I am sure you do) how to return kindness for kindness done to him.' In other words, to secure so true a friend as Neoptolemus, even the effort of relinquishing the bow for a moment is not too much. But ἄχθομαι has no object; and the promised kindness of Neoptolemus was not conditional on his being allowed to handle the bow.

675-714. mvp-comment-477-1 The preceding scene was calculated to deepen the feeling of compassion for Philoctetes, which had already been awakened both in Neoptolemus and in the Chorus. His generous willingness to trust them with his all, contrasted with their felt dissimulation, has intensified the sympathy which Neoptolemus afterwards avows, 905, 965, 6. Yet the Chorus do not imagine for a moment that their master will relinquish his purpose. Hence, while sincerely pouring forth their lament over Philoctetes' innocent sufferings (which they can only compare with the torment of the guilty Ixion), and really rejoicing in the prospect of his deliverance, they maintain, as in duty bound (since they are within hearing of the cave), the deceptive notion of the voyage to Trachis, and make no mention of Troy. But it must be borne in mind that from the prophecy of Helenus, of which they knew, they had every reason to suppose that the return to Troy, though Philoctetes was averse to it, would be for his good. While this stasimon is being sung (whether by half-choruses or by the whole together), Neoptolemus is with Philoctetes in the cave, and is finding still more cogent evidence of his misery. This stasimon consists of two strophes and antistrophes, of which the first are chiefly logaoedic, the second chiefly choriambic.

675-714. mvp-comment-477-2 α'.
1 _uu_u_u_
_uu__uu_u_
_uu_uu_
_uu_u_u_u_
5 _u_u_u_
10 __u_u_u__
_u_u_

1 Cp. Aesch. Suppl. 550. 2 Ion. anacl., infr. p. 451, β' 15 and note 3.

β'.
_uu_u_ _
_uu_u_ _
_uu_u_uu__
_uu_uu__
5 __u_ _
_uu_u_uu_u_uu_u_
_u_uu___u_uu_u_
_uu__

675. mvp-comment-478-1 ὄπωπα δ᾽ οὐ μάλα] ‘Though I never actually saw.' μάλα emphasizes οὐκ ὄπωπα, because seeing is more than hearing. The sorrow of Philoctetes is patent to the eye.

676. mvp-comment-479-1 ποτέ belongs to the verbal notion in πελάταν. Cp. supr. 147.

677. mvp-comment-480-1 Ιξίονα (see v. rr.) is omitted in the text as possibly arising from a gloss. Cp. Trach. 840.

678. mvp-comment-481-1 ἄμπυξ is (a) a frontlet; hence (b) may be here understood to mean the convex external surface of a wheel. ἄμπυκα δρομάδα = 'A rolling rim.' A conjectural reading, ἄντυγα, was proposed by Musgrave. But ἄντυξ, in the literal sense, is no more 'a wheel' than ἄμπυξ.

679. mvp-comment-482-1 ἔβαλεν] Although ἔλαβε, the MS. reading, is not impossible, if we suppose δέσμιον proleptic ('seized bound' for 'seized and bound'), ἔβαλεν gives a better sense. Cp. O. C. 475. Mr. Paley reads, κατ᾿ ἄμπυκα δὴ δρομάδ᾽ ὡς βάλε δέσμιον ὁ π. Κ. π. For the metre of this, cp. infr. 863, 4, 1114, 5; О. С. 253, 4.

680. mvp-comment-483-1 For ἐσίδον, which is the reading of the first hand of L. and of Par. A, cp. El. 205.

681. mvp-comment-484-1 τοῦδ᾽ ἐχθίονι] See Essay on L. § 10. p. 15, 2 a.

682. mvp-comment-485-1 'Who having neither harmed nor defrauded any.' Cp. Od. 4. 690, οὔτε τινὰ ῥέξας ἐξαίσιον, οὔτε τι εἰπών. The use of ἔρδειν absolutely for ἔρδειν τι κακόν is singular, but is assisted by νοσφίσας following. Cp. the frequent use of παθεῖν τι for παθεῖν τι κακόν. Mr. Paley strangely interprets, 'Having imprisoned any' (as if from ἔργω).

683. mvp-comment-486-1 ἔν *γ᾽ ἴσοις] This, Hermann's, emendation of ἐν ἴσοις is adopted as the most probable. 'Just, at least amongst the just; i.e. One sure to have been esteemed righteous, if he had lived amongst righteous men. Cp. (for the form of expression, not for the meaning οἱ ἴσος) O. T. 677, ἐν δὲ τοῖσδ᾽ ἴσος. The force of ye is to throw blame by implication on the Argives at Troy, who treated Philoctetes as if he had been a malefactor.

684. mvp-comment-487-1 The metre requires some change. Dindorf reads ὠλέκεθ᾽ ὧδ᾽. But τῇδε has more point than ὧδε, and connects better with what follows.

685. mvp-comment-488-1 τόδε. . ἔχει] 'At this I marvel.' τόδε is accusative after θαῦμ᾽ ἔχει με = θαυμάζω. Cp. Od. 20. 217, αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ τόδε θυμὸς .. πόλλ᾽ ἐπιδινεῖται.

686. mvp-comment-489-1 'How then he retained his hold of a life so steeped in tears.' Cp. supr. 535, διέζων and note, infr. 1158-60.

687. mvp-comment-490-1 ἵν᾿ αὐτὸς ἦν πρόσουρος] Sc. ἑαυτῷ. Schndw. cp. Lucian. Timon. θεοῖς θυέτω καὶ εὐωχείσθω μόνος ἑαυτῷ γείτων καὶ ὅμορος. The phrase is an oxymoron. Cp. Aesch. Cho. 866, μόνος ὢν ἔφεδρος, (‘Having none to second him'). οὐκ ἔχων βάσιν] 'Without power of movement.' Cp. supr. 632, ἄπουν, and, for the meaning of the verbal noun, supr. 18, ἐνθάκησις, and note. Bothe's ingenious correction, ἵν᾽ αὐτὸς ἦν, πρόσουρον οὐκ ἔχων βάσιν ( cp. supr. 171, μηδὲ σύντροφον ὄμμ᾽ ἔχων), is inadmissible, (1) as too diffuse, and (2) because αὐτός εἶμι, “I am by myself,' is not a poetical expression for the misery of solitude. This and the following lines are an echo and expansion of Philoctetes' complaint, supr. 280 foll. ἄνδρα δ᾽ οὐδέν᾽ ἔντοπον, | οὐχ ὅστις ἀρκέσειεν, οὐδ᾽ ὅστις νόσου | κάμνοντι συλλάβοιτο. Lambinus gives an odd explanation of πρόσ-ουρος, 'expositus ventis.'

688. mvp-comment-491-1 κακογείτονα] ‘To be a neighbour to his misery.’ This, as Lessing saw (Laoc. p. 37), = γείτονα κακῶν οἱ ἐν κακοῖς.

689-691. mvp-comment-492-1 By bringing *τάν from before θερμοτάταν, where it injures the metre, to before βαρυβρῶτ', where a syllable is required, we obtain a possible construction for these lines. In whose ear he might lament, with groaning that had response (ἀντίτυπον), the disease (τάν, sc. νόσον) so cruelly gnawing, so dripping with gore.

689. mvp-comment-493-1 στόνον ἀντίτυπον is thus cognate accusative with ἀποκλαύσειεν, i.e. So as to receive groan for groan.' Cp. Ant. 592, ἀντιπλῆγες ἀκταί.

692. mvp-comment-494-1 ἐνθήρου] ( Cp. supr. 226, ἀπηγριωμένον) 'That has lost the human shape,' no longer recognizable as that of a human being. Cp. Aesch. Ag. 562, τιθέντες ἔνθηρον τρίχα. The etymological analysis of the word is difficult, perhaps = θηρσὶν ἐναριθμούμενος.

693. mvp-comment-495-1 εἴ τις ἐμπέσοι (sc. αἱμάς)] 'If any attacked him;' i.e. If the bleeding at any time came on.

694. mvp-comment-496-1 φορβάδος.. ἑλεῖν] ‘Or to take them' (the herbs) 'from the sustaining earth.' There is a slight change of construction; i. e ἑλεῖν = ὅστις ἕλοι, and the order of language, as elsewhere ( Essay on L. § 41, B. p. 77 ) reverses the order of fact. This passage has given needless trouble. Mr. Paley reads ἕλοι.

695. mvp-comment-497-1 *εἶρπε.. ἄν] Cp. supr. 290 foll. *ἀλλαχά] This is the simplest change (see v.rr.), which restores correspondence of strophe and antistrophe. Others read ἀτίμως for ἀναξίως in supr. 686. So τότε is antecedent to ἁνίκα in 704.

696. mvp-comment-498-1 εἰλυόμενος . . τιθήνας] 'Crawling, like a child without the kindly nurse.' So the Chorus expand the suggestive word εἰλυόμην in 291; i.e. He needed the support of hands as well as feet in the rocky paths.

697. mvp-comment-499-1 ὅθεν εὐμάρει᾽ ὑπάρχοι] 'To the place where a supply for his wants (the herb for his pain, the birds for his hunger) was to be found.' πόρον.. ἐξανείη] 'Left him the power of motion; i. e. Allowed him to move again. As the pain might be said ἐμποδίζειν πόρον, so when it ceases it is said ἐξανιέναι πόρον. Cp. Aj.674-6. This seems the most likely interpretation of a difficult passage. For other suggestions, see Herm., Schndw., Nauck, Dindorf, Paley.

699-700. mvp-comment-500-1 (1) 'Not lifting for his sustenance the sown-produce' ( cp. Hdt. 4.53) 'of the sacred earth, nor sustenance afforded by other things which we, industrious men, enjoy.' If this is right, φορβάν, which in l. 706 is in apposition to σπόρον ( cp. Plat. Legg. 12. 958 E, ὅσα τροφὴν μήτηρ οὖσα ἡ γῆ πέφυκε βούλεσθαι φέρειν), is to be resumed in l. 707 as the immediate object of αἴρων. (2) Another way is to take σπορόν (sic) as an adjective. Cp. τορός, τομός. 'Not taking up the sown sustenance afforded by the sacred earth, nor the sustenance afforded by other things, etc.'

702. mvp-comment-501-1 πτανῶν πτανοῖς] (1) 'From his winged arrows by means of winged birds' (ὀρνέοις, Scholiast). Cp. supr. 288, 9, τὰς ὑποπτέρους | βάλλον πελείας. Or (2) 'With winged shafts (instrum. dat.) he contrived a sustenance consisting of winged birds' (gen. of material). There is no sufficient ground for suspecting the reading. Perhaps, however, πτανάν, agreeing with φορβάν, would be better than πτανῶν. Cp. infr. 1146, πταναὶ θῆραι. For the tautology in φορβάδος, φορβάν, φορβάν, see Essay on L. § 44. pp. 83, 4.

703. mvp-comment-502-1 ψυχά] Cp. supr. 55 and note.

704. mvp-comment-503-1 For the genitive with ἥσθη, see Essay on L. § 10. p. 16, 5 , and, for the dative χρόνῳ, ibid. § 11. p. 18, b.

705. mvp-comment-504-1 λεύσσων . . εἰς] 'Looking to,' in dependence. Cp. El. 925, μηδὲν ἐς κεῖνόν γ᾽ ὅρα. στατόν] The remark of Odysseus, supr. 21, εἴπερ ἐστὶ σῶν, showed that the fountain was not an abundant one, such as would afford a perennial stream of living water.

706. mvp-comment-505-1 αἰεὶ προσενώμα] 'Fetched it for his daily need.' He had the labour of fetching it continually as he required it.

707. mvp-comment-506-1 ἀνδρῶν ἀγαθῶν] ‘Of a brave hero,' i. e. Achilles. Poetical plural. παιδὶ συναντήσας is a good conjecture of Fröhlich.

708. mvp-comment-507-1 'He shall win happiness and glory after being so low.' εὐδαίμων is predicative and proleptic-ἐς τὸ εὐδαίμων εἶναι. Cp. Ο. Τ. 166, ἠνύσατ' ἐκτοπίαν φλόγα πήματος, i. e. ὥστε ἐκτοπίαν γενέσθαι. κείνων refers to 691-718.

709. mvp-comment-508-1 πλήθει πολλῶν μηνῶν] 'In the fulness of many months.' Cр. О. Т. 156, περιτελλομέναις ὥραις : Aesch. Ag. 504, δεκάτῳ σε φέγγει τῷδ᾽ ἀφικόμην ἔτους: Trach. 824, 5, ὁπότε τελεόμηνος ἐκφέροι | δωδέκατος ἄροτος.

710. mvp-comment-509-1 πατρώαν.. αὐλάν] ‘Τo his father's hall.’ The change to πατρίαν, adopted by most editors- cp. supr. τὰ πάτρια τεύχεα seems to be required for the metre, _uu_u_uu_u_uu_u_ (ἀνύσειε γαστρὶ φορβάν, supr. 712). But see l. 1100, λῳονος.

711-712. mvp-comment-510-1 'Beside the banks of the Spercheius, that are haunted by the Melian nymphs' (literally, 'Belonging to the Melian nymphs and (the river-god) Spercheius'). This is a more natural connection for the words Μηλιάδων νυμφᾶν than when they are joined with the preceding line.

712. mvp-comment-511-1 ὁ χάλκασπις ἀνήρ] Heracles. The epithet is picturesque. The orbed shield reflecting the sunlight from the top of Oeta suggests the glory which the hero has amongst the gods, and the fire which consumed his mortality.

713. mvp-comment-512-1 †πᾶσιν] If this is retained, it is necessary to read εἴ που for ὅπου in the strophe, with Brunck. But Hermann's correction, πάλαι, is not improbable. The passage is to be differently interpreted according as πλάθει is regarded: whether as a literal, or as an historical present. If the latter is correct, then θείῳ πυρί may refer to the golden cloud that descended to take up Heracles from the pyre. If the former, we must suppose a natural confusion between Heracles on Oeta and Heracles in Olympus.

715-716. mvp-comment-513-1 The last antistrophe was intended for the hearing of Philoctetes, and it is probable that, before it ended, he and Neoptolemus had already appeared from the cave. He now suddenly becomes motionless and speechless. εἰ θέλεις] 'Will you?' Neoptolemus professes unconsciousness of the cause of Philoctetes' apparent change of purpose. ἐξ οὐδενὸς λόγου] 'With no apparent cause.' 'Without assigning a reason.' Cp. O. C. 620, ἐκ σμικροῦ λόγου.

716. mvp-comment-514-1 ἀπόπληκτος . . ἔχει] 'Stand stupefied and caught.' Cp. Aj. 1144, 5, ἡνίκ᾽ ἐν κακῷ | χειμῶνος εἴχετο.

717. mvp-comment-515-1 The agony which he has in vain endeavoured to suppress forces a cry from Philoctetes against his will. Presently (ll. 733-5), he again assumes indifference, but is again overpowered, and cries to the gods for help.

719. mvp-comment-516-1 οὐδὲν δεινόν] 'No matter for alarm.' Cp. Trach. 459, τὸ δ᾽ εἰδέναι τί δεινόν; and cp. esp. O. C. 1200.

720. mvp-comment-517-1 τῆς παρεστώσης νόσου] i. e. τῆς νόσου παρεστώσης σοι. Cp. infr. 765.

721. mvp-comment-518-1 κουφίζειν] Sc. τὴν νόσον.

723. mvp-comment-519-1 In some MSS. οὕτως is read after θεούς, and Seidler and others have suggested that ὦ θεοί· τί τοὺς θεοὺς ὧδ᾽ ἀναστένων καλεῖς; should be read. But cp. Aj. 588, 9. It must be admitted however that the want of caesura is a reason for suspecting something wrong.

724. mvp-comment-520-1 'That they should interpose mercifully to save us.' (αὐτούς unemphatic.) Even here the suffering of Philoctetes is not merely physical. This attack of pain is threatening him with the frustration of his hopes.

727. mvp-comment-521-1 This passage, like El. 610, 1, O. T. 746, indicates the use of significant action by the person who is not speaking.

728. mvp-comment-522-1 For the omission of the article before κακόν, cp. supr. 83, and note, and see E. on L. § 21. p. 33, b.

729. mvp-comment-523-1 διέρχεται] 'It pierces.' Cp. infr. 791, 2.

731. mvp-comment-524-1 βρύκομαι] 'I am torn as with teeth.' Cp. Trach. 987, ἡ δ᾽ αὖ μιαρὰ βρύκει.

732. mvp-comment-525-1 παπαῖ] This exclamation of pain expresses the effort to close the lips alternating with the utterance of an involuntary cry.

733. mvp-comment-526-1 πρόχειρον] 'Ready to your hand.' πρόχειρος is one of the words which are used etymologically' in tragedy. ( Essay on L. § 54. pp. 99, 100. ) Cp. Eur. Hel. 1563, 4, φάσγανόν θ᾽ ἅμα | πρόχειρον ὤθει.

734. mvp-comment-527-1 εἰς ἄκρον πόδα] The force of ἄκρος in such phrases is not to be pressed. But cp. infr. 824.

736. mvp-comment-528-1 ἴθ᾽, ὦ παῖ] 'Do so, I pray thee, my son.' (Not, as supr. 733, where ἴθι is, 'Go on.')

737. mvp-comment-529-1 ἐξαίφνης is joined with veοχμόν as = νεωστί γενόμενον. ὅτου] «Wherefore.' Genitive of cause. Essay on L. § 10. p. 14.

738. mvp-comment-530-1 σαυτοῦ] 'Over thyself,' is genitive of the object after στόνον.

743. mvp-comment-531-1 Hermann in 1841 defended the MS. distribution of the persons (see v. rr.), supposing Philoctetes to evade inquiry first by saying οἶσθα, ‘You know as well as I do,' and then οὐκ οἶδα, ‘I do not know,' with the inconsistency of one distracted by pain and avoiding question. And there is nothing unnatural in this. But the words πῶς οὐκ οἶσθα are very clumsy in the mouth of Neoptolemus, whereas, if uttered by Philoctetes, they convey a touching expostulation against the cruelty of pressing him with questions when the case is so obvious. According to Bothe's arrangement, which is here retained, Neoptolemus at first affects ignorance, but is presently overcome with pity. For τί σοί, · What is the matter with you?' Hermann conjectured τί τοι;

745. mvp-comment-532-1 ἀλλ᾽ οἴκτειρέ με] The mental anxiety of the sufferer is greater than his pain.

747. mvp-comment-533-1 ταρβήσας] According to the story of the supposed Έμπορος, Neoptolemus was in twofold danger in Lemnos, both from Phoenix and the Theseidae, who were pursuing himself ( supr. 561,2), and still more from Odysseus and Diomed, who were on their way to fetch Philoctetes, and if they fled together would pursue them both.

748-749. mvp-comment-534-1 ἥκει.. ἐξεπλήσθη] (1) ‘For this plague in its wanderings is come after an interval in no less strength than when it sated itself.' A recurrent malady is imagined as going out of a man, making a circuit, and returning. Cp. infr. 808: Tennyson, Aylmer's field, p. 80. For ἥκειν in a somewhat similar connection, cp. Plat. Gorg 518 D, ὅταν δὴ αὐτοῖς ἥκῃ ἡ τότε πλησμονὴ νόσον φέρουσα συχνῷ ὕστερον χρόνῳ. For the dative πλάνοις (almost = πλανωμένη, Aesch. Prom. 275), see Essay on L. § 14. p. 20, 2 . ἴσως = οὐχ ἧττον ἰσχυρῶς. See Essay on L. § 24, α. p. 40 . ὡς ἐξεπλήσθη, i. e. ὡς τὸ πρὶν ἥκουσα ἐξεπλήσθη. It might be thought to have exhausted itself, or to have satisfied its hunger; but no, it returns with all its former violence. (2) The Scholiast explains, π. ἴ. ὡ. ἐ., 'I suppose when it has had enough of wandering. For other interpretations, see Ellendt's Lexicon, and Blaydes and Paley in loco. Arndt's emendation, ὡς ἐξεπλήσθη φλέψ. ΝΕ. ἰὼ δ. σ., is worth recording for its prosaic oddity.

751. mvp-comment-535-1 διὰ πόνων πάντων] ‘In passing through all (i. e. extreme) woe.' πάντων is virtually intensive. Others would render, 'Beyond all sufferings' that have been.

754. mvp-comment-536-1 ἕως ἀνῇ] For the omission of av, see Essay on L. § 27, 1. p. 45.

755. mvp-comment-537-1 τὸ πῆμα .. παρόν] ‘This present fit of pain.’ Cp. O. C. 78, 9, for the epexegesis.

756-757. mvp-comment-538-1 λαμβάνει γὰρ οὖν | ὕπνος μ᾽] 'For, you must know, sleep is wont to seize me.' For the present tense, cp. supr. 308, ἐλεοῦσι μέν.

757. mvp-comment-539-1 ἐξίῃ] · Is passing off.'

758. mvp-comment-540-1 λῆξαι] Sc. τὸ κακόν.

758-759. mvp-comment-541-1 ἀλλ᾽ . . εὕδειν] με is easily supplied: see v. rr. Cp. infr. 801: О. Т. 461, κἂν λάβῃς ἐψευσμένον.

759. mvp-comment-542-1 τῷδε τῷ χρόνῳ] 'While I am asleep.' Essay on L. § 11. pp. 17, 18.

761. mvp-comment-543-1 Several editors prefer μηδ' ἄκοντα. μηδέ τῳ τέχνη] Hdt. 1. 112, έχρῇζε μηδεμιῇ τέχνῃ ἐκθεῖναί μιν.

763. mvp-comment-544-1 πρόστροπον] This word has an especially sacred and compelling force. Cp. O. Τ. 41, ἱκετεύομέν σε πάντες οἵδε πρόστροποι. κτείνας γένῃ] Cp. especially Aj. 588, μὴ προδοὺς ἡμᾶς γένῃ.

765. mvp-comment-545-1 οὐ δοθήσεται .. κάμοί] 'They shall be given to no one (and no one shall have them) besides us two.' Neoptolemus has in mind the real ground for this. Supr. 115.

766. mvp-comment-546-1 Philoctetes, even amidst his pain, feels the gravity of the moment when he gives the bow out of his hands. The common feeling about the Divine envy appears also in El. 1466.

767. mvp-comment-547-1 μηδ' ὅπως] For the disjunctive form of expression, cp. supr. 80, τοιαῦτα φωνεῖν, μηδὲ τεχνᾶσθαι κακά.

768. mvp-comment-548-1 Heracles and Philoctetes, both owners of the bow, had both had more than the usual share of trouble. The troubles of Heracles might even be traced to the weapon with which he had slain Nessus and provoked the sons of Eurytus to strife.

769-771. mvp-comment-549-1 Neoptolemus also feels the gravity of the moment, but dissembles his gladness under the cover of a heart-felt though ambiguous prayer.

770. mvp-comment-550-1 εὐσταλής] 'Happily conducted' = εὐτυχῶς ἐσταλμένος : said with reference to other dangers than those of winds and waves; e. g. a mutiny arising from Philoctetes' malady. Cp. supr. 520, 1, infr. 890 foll.

771. mvp-comment-551-1 ὅποι ποτέ, κ.τ.λ.] The formality of the prayer renders its ambiguous vagueness less suspicious. Neoptolemus trusts that, in spite of apparent difficulties, the will of the gods, as expressed in prophecy, is on the side of his ambition.

772. mvp-comment-552-1 The appearance of a single dochmiac line amongst the senarii is not of itself a sufficient reason for suspicion in a passage which is naturally interrupted by physical as well as by mental suffering. Cp. Trach. 1185, 6. Indeed the regularity of the dochmiac structure is rather in favour of the verse. But, in the vulgate reading (see v. rr.), the ellipse of the subjunctive mood and the accusative με-μ' cannot = μοι-are difficult to explain. The former objection may be removed by conjecturing μή μ' ἀτελὴς (οι ἀτελῶς) εὔχῃ, and the accusative may then be defended. See Essay on L. § 16. p. 23.

783. mvp-comment-553-1 ἐκ βυθοῦ] 'From hidden depths.' Men in pain naturally exaggerate the dimensions of the part affected.

784. mvp-comment-554-1 τι.. νέον] 'Some violent change.' Ср. O. С. 1447, and note.

786. mvp-comment-555-1 παπαῖ μάλ] Cp. O. C. 1462, ἴδε μάλα, and note. ἐργάσει] 'A great evil perpetually recurrent is most in apprehension.' But Philoctetes is also thinking of the danger to his new-found hopes.

789. mvp-comment-556-1 ἔχετε τὸ πρᾶγμα] 'You know all now.' He has made known to them what he had sought to hide, l. 742 foll. and they are aware both of his need and his danger, 776 foll. He implores them therefore to stand by him. μηδαμή = μηδεμιᾷ τέχνῃ. Cp. supr. 771.

790. mvp-comment-557-1 ἀτταταῖ] Perhaps *ἰατταταῖ should be read so as to keep up the iambic rhythm.

791-792. mvp-comment-558-1 εἴθε.. ἥδε] 'Would that this pang might pierce thy breast and cling there!' For ξένε, cp. Aj.817. Philoctetes and Odysseus had been bound by a common oath,

793-795. mvp-comment-559-1 For the repeated interjection, cp. Eur. Alc. 235, βόασον ὦ, στέναξον ὦ Φεραία χθών: ib. 460, ὦ μόνα, ὦ φίλα γυναικῶν : Cycl. 266.

794. mvp-comment-560-1 ὦ Μενέλαε: 795, τὸν ἴσον: 797, ὦ θάνατε, θάνατε. The freeer handling of the senarius, which marks the Philoctetes, and which belongs to the later manner of Greek tragedy, is most observable in this speech, where it expresses agitation ( cp. O. T. 967). For other instances, see ll. 651, 665, 879, 923, 4, 950, 1029, 1315, 1327, mostly in speeches of Philoctetes.

797-798. mvp-comment-561-1 Cp. Aj. 854, ὦ θάνατε, θάνατε, νῦν μ᾿ ἐπίσκεψαι μολών: Aesch. Phil. fr. 250, ὦ θάνατε Παιάν, μή μ' ἀτιμάσῃς μολεῖν.

798. mvp-comment-562-1 οὐ δύνᾳ μολεῖν] 'Why can you not come?' i. e. 'Why is it impossible to bring you?” πῶς οὐ δυνατόν ἐστί σε μολεῖν;

800. mvp-comment-563-1 ἀνακαλουμένῳ] (1) ‘Generally invoked,' or (2) 'Celebrated by this name.' Cp. Ar. Lys. 299. The volcano on Mount Mosychlos would be a god-prepared pyre for Philoctetes, whose end would then resemble that of his master Heracles.

803. mvp-comment-564-1 After l. 803 there is a pause, during which Neoptolemus is lost in thought. Philoctetes, who is already losing consciousness, is visited with a sudden fear lest his friend may have left him. Every word which he utters gives him a fresh hold on Neoptolemus' compassion.

806. mvp-comment-565-1 τἀπὶ σοί] 'That afflict thee.' Cp. Trach. 981, ἀλλ᾽ ἐπί μοι μελέῳ βάρος ἄπλετον ἐμμέμονε φρήν.

807. mvp-comment-566-1 The tripartite division of this line is very unusual. But it is modified by the elision in ἴσχ' for ἴσχε, and the rhythm of this whole passage is broken.

808. mvp-comment-567-1 'As it comes impetuously, so it leaves me speedily.' For the paratactic structure, cp. Ant. 1112, αὐτός τ᾽ ἔδησα καὶ παρὼν ἐκλύσομαι.

809. mvp-comment-568-1 θάρσει, μενούμεν] Neoptolemus says this with mingled feelings, and the eagerness of Philoctetes is made pathetic by his unconsciousness of the situation.

810. mvp-comment-569-1 σαφῶς φρόνει] Sc. με ὡς μενοῦντα.

811. mvp-comment-570-1 Ср. О. C. 650, 1, and note. Philoctetes desires the confirmation for which he will not ask. Neoptolemus makes a solemn asseveration (ὡς .. γε = 'At any rate be assured that'), in which the hidden intention of fate ( cp. ξυμφορᾶς ξύνθημα, Ο. C. 46) is again ambiguously conveyed. Philoctetes still requires the assurance of the right hand. Cр. О. С. 1632, δός μοι χερὸς σῆς πίστιν ἀρχαίαν, and note: Trach. 1181. Neoptolemus gives it with the safe promise of remaining, which to Philoctetes at the moment is quite sufficient. (He afterwards, infr. 1398, interprets the promise differently, as a confirmation of the original engagement, supr. 527). On receiving this satisfaction, he relapses into a semi-conscious state, and dreaming apparently of Oeta, Olympus, and the Lemnian fire in one, begs to be carried 'yonder,' 'upwards.' But immediately afterwards, when Neoptolemus comes near to hold him, he cries out to be let alone. (Prof. Paley interprets 813, 4, ἐκεῖσε.. ἄνω, as referring to the cave. But the vagueness of 815 is against this.)

815. mvp-comment-571-1 τὸν ἄνω κύκλον] 'The circle of the heavens.' Cp. Aj. 672, νυκτὸς αἰανῆς κύκλος.

817. mvp-comment-572-1 The tmesis of ἀπό occurs again infr. 1158, 1177.

818. mvp-comment-573-1 *εἴ τι δὴ πλέον φρονεῖς] 'Supposing that you must know best.' πλέον, sc. ἐμοῦ. Cp. Plat. Hipp. Min. 371 A, τοῦ Ὀδυσσέως φαίνεται φρονεῖν πλέον πρὸς τὸ ῥᾳδίως λανθάνειν: Thuc. 5. 29. § 2, νομίσαντες πλέον τέ τι εἰδότας μεταστῆναι αὐτούς, κ.τ.λ. Neoptolemus feels like an inexperienced nurse, and perceives that the sickness is beyond his treatment. He begins to think that the sick man must know what is best for his own state. Cp. Trach. 1017-22.

820. mvp-comment-574-1 Philoctetes throws himself on the ground.

822. mvp-comment-575-1 τόδε] See Essay on L. § 22, 1. P.34.

823. mvp-comment-576-1 'Sweat certainly is bathing him over all his frame.' γέ τοι calls attention to the sign which helps to confirm supr. 821, 2.

824. mvp-comment-577-1 ἄκρου.. ποδός] Cp. supr. 748, and note. παρέρρωγεν] 'Has burst from the side of (i. e. from the place of the wound)'. For the repetition of the same root in the compound, see Essay on L. § 40. p. 75, § 55. p. 101.

827-862. mvp-comment-578-1 Odysseus ( supr. 77, 115), whose words appear in some way to have reached the Chorus ( supr. 136 foll.), spoke only of the necessity of obtaining the bow. For this the Chorus now see the opportunity, and cannot understand the inaction of Neoptolemus, who is better informed (839-42, cp. infr. 1329-43), and is moreover chained to the spot by remorseful sympathy with Philoctetes. This passage, which does the work of a stasimon in separating two episodia, is in so far of the nature of a commos that it contains a lyrical interchange between the Chorus and one of the persons on the stage. The text is imperfect in several places, and Bergk conjectures that four lines of Neoptolemus', answering to 839-42, have dropped out between 854, 5. It seems most probable that ll. 827-32 were sung by one half-chorus, and ll. 843-48 by the other, in subdued tones; that 833-8, 849-54 were recited severally by two of the chief choreutae, and that 855-64 were recited by the coryphaeus, or, possibly, sung by the whole Chorus. The metres of this irregular strain are dactylic, anapaestic, trochaic, iambic, and choriambic. The following is an approximate scheme of them :- στρ. and ἀντ.
Logaoedic 1 _UU_UU_UU_U_
(?)
Anapaestic { __ | __
Choriambic _UU_ __
Logaoedic 5 __UU_U_
Iambic U_U_ __
Iambic U_U_U_
Trochaic
Iambic U_ U_U_ __
Iambic 10 U_ U_U_ __
Iambic U_U_U_U_
Paracelèusmatic, { _ UU _ UU _
with logaoedic close (?)

The strophe is followed by four dactylic hexameters, the antistrophe by an epode, of which this is the scheme:-

Logaoedic {: __
Dactylic {: _UU_UU__ | _UU_UU_ _ (?)
Iambo-trochaic 5 _U_U_U_ _ (?)
Dactylic _UU_UU_UU_UU_
Iambic U_U_U_

For νύχιος, l. 858, cp. Eur. Hel. 1479, Suppl. 280.

827-829. mvp-comment-579-1 It is seldom that we can at all realise the euphonic effects of Greek lyric verse. But the effect of the vowelly assonance of εὐαὴς .. εὐαίων, accompanied by low breathings of the flute, may be partly imagined.

827. mvp-comment-580-1 ῞Υπν'.. Ὑπνε] Cp. supr. 663 foll. ὃς .. ὅς, κ.τ.λ., and note. ὀδύνας] ‘Pain.' ἀλγέων] 'Grief.' Herm. (1841) preferred ἄλγεος for the metre. Cp. Il.14.164, ὕπνον ἀπήμονά τε λιαρόν τε: Od. 13. 92, δὴ τότε γ᾽ ἀτρέμας εὔδε, λελασμένος, ὅσσ᾽ ἐπεπόνθει.

828-829. mvp-comment-581-1 The metre of these lines is different from that of 844, 5, which should correspond to them in the antistrophe. But the effect of the two spondaic (anapaestic) lines ( cp. 837, 853) resembles El. 88, 9, 105, 6, 153, 173, 213-6, 233-6, and the antistrophe is possibly corrupt. See note on infr. 844. Others read εὐǎές, in which the vocative would resemble ἁλίπλαγκτε in Aj. 695. But the a is probably long. εὐαής] The first strain of the Chorus, ll. 827-32, is intended at once to lull Philoctetes to sleep, and darkly to express their own wishes. Thus εὐαής is at once 'With kindly breath' ( cp. supr. 18, 19, ἐν θέρει δ᾽ ὕπνον | δι᾽ ἀμφιτρῆτος αὐλίου πέμπει πνοή), and 'As with favouring gale' (to further our design).

829. mvp-comment-582-1 εὐαίων] 'Bringing happiness.' For the repetition, which depends on the Triclinian MSS., cp. Eur. Or. 174, πότνια, πότνια νύξ. Sleep is invoked, as the Lord of happiest life. Cp. Fr. 372, ὡς τοῖς κακῶς πράσσουσιν ἡδὺ καὶ βραχὺν | χρόνον λαθέσθαι τῶν παρεστώτων κακῶν: Plat. Apol. 39 D. Others explain εὐαίων, 'Lasting,' 'Not soon over.'

830. mvp-comment-583-1 ὄμμασι δ᾽ ἀντίσχοις τάνδ᾽ αἴγλαν .. τανῦν] 'And hold before his eyes this brightness that is now spread over them.' There is difficulty in the interpretation of αἴγλαν. Hermann was at one time satisfied with explaining it by a simple oxymoron, 'This light' = the light the eyes now have, i.e. darkness. Lobeck, Hermann in 1841, and, I believe, Prof. E. L. Lushington, would take αἴγλαν literally of the light of day, and explain ὄμμασι as a dativus commodi. ἀντέχειν then means 'To hold away, Fend off.' 'And defend his eyes from this brightness that is now spread forth.' But the explanatory clause ( ἃ τέταται τανῦν), according to this interpretation, appears weak and motiveless. Welcker's suggestion that αἴγλη here means a head-band ( αἴγλη, χλιδών, Fr. 524), satisfies some interpreters. A modification of Hermann's first interpretation seems to afford a possible meaning. The Chorus, gazing on Philoctetes' closed eyelids, see an expression of peaceful repose in his countenance that was previously absent. They pray that this boon of sleep may be continued. 'Light' is a familiar image of relief and safety. But in speaking of repose as light, the Chorus think again of their design, and add, 'This light which his eyes now have on them,' and not the light of waking. Or τάνδ' αἴγλαν may mean more simply, 'This soothing light:' the relief which slumber brings to Philoctetes being associated with the cheerful sunshine. (Burges conj. ἀμπίσχοις; Auratus conj. ἀχλύν.) τέταται, sc. τοῖς ὄμμασι. For a somewhat similar expression, cp. Aj. 706, ἔλυσεν αἰνὸν ἄχος ἀπ᾿ ὀμμάτων ῎Αρης.

832. mvp-comment-584-1 ἴθι, ἴθι] The hiatus here is one of those irregularities which suggest the doubt spoken of in the Introduction, p. 364. It may be accounted for by the ictus, U_U_ __, Cp. 859. Cp. with this invocation to Sleep (in its second intention), Shak. Cymb. 2, 2, 'O Sleep, thou ape of death, lie dull upon her! And be her sense but as a monument, | Thus in a chapel lying.'

833. mvp-comment-585-1 For the frequent form of expression, cp. especially Eur. Alc. 864, ποῖ βῶ; πᾶ στῶ; τί λέγω; τί δὲ μή;

834. mvp-comment-586-1 πῶς δέ μοι. . φροντίδος] Sc. ἔσται. ' And how are matters from this point to proceed with me in respect of thought?' i.e. What course is my design to take? Cp. infr. 895.

835. mvp-comment-587-1 ὁρᾷς ἤδη] 'You see (how things are) now;' viz. that Philoctetes is fast asleep. For the short abrupt sentences, ср. О. С. 117-22, ib. 162-5.

836. mvp-comment-588-1 πρὸς τί . . πράσσειν] ‘For what are we waiting, to do it?' i.e. What practical advantage is to be gained by our delay? πράσσειν is epexegetic of πρὸς τί. μενοῦμεν is the MS. reading, but the short vowel gives a more probable rhythm.

837. mvp-comment-589-1 καιρός, κ.τ.λ.] 'Opportunity, which holds the clue of everything, by following closely, wins much advantage.' The Chorus hint the unwisdom of adhering to one fixed plan, when a good opportunity occurs of suddenly executing another. A conjectural reading is ῥώμαν. But γνώμαν is confirmed by the echo of the phrase in the antistrophe. Cavallin, comparing πολλά in 305 supr., explains πολύ as = πολλάκις. γνώμαν ἴσχων nearly = γνῶμα παρέχων. Cp. Εl. 75, καιρὸς γάρ, ὅσπερ ἄνδρασιν | μέγιστος ἔργου παντός ἐστ᾽ ἐπιστάτης: Pind. Pyth. 9. 78, ὁ δὲ καιρὸς ὁμοίως | παντὸς ἔχει κορυφάν. Others join πάντων κράτος = 'Opportunity, combined with judgment, carries a decided superiority in all cases.' A word is lost of the quantity of αἴσιον (C.) or ἄνδρασιν (Hermann).

839-842. mvp-comment-590-1 Hexameters occur similarly in the commos of Trachiniae, ll. 1017-23, where solemn reflections are intermingled with the more excited lyric strains. Cp. also ib. 1009-13, 1031-1040.

839. mvp-comment-591-1 θήραν | τήνδ'] 'This capture,' accomplished supr. 779.

841. mvp-comment-592-1 τοῦδε γὰρ ὁ στέφανος] Cp. infr. 1344-7, Ἑλλήνων ἕνα | κριθέντ᾽ ἄριστον.. κλέος ὑπέρτατον λαβεῖν. ‘The prize was to be his.' Others (Paley) render, 'In him was the prize.' εἶπε] Sc. δεῖν.

842. mvp-comment-593-1 'To have an unaccomplished work to boast of, and that with the help of falsehood, is a reproach that carries deep disgrace.' To bring away the bow, as if performing a great feat, would only expose them to the reproach of not having brought Philoctetes. And this, when Neoptolemus had lied for the purpose.

843. mvp-comment-594-1 τάδε.. θεὸς ὄψεται] The completion of the work achieved so far may be left to Divine providence, notwithstanding what is mysterious in the oracle. Cp. Aj. 1165, κοίλην κάπετόν τιν᾿ ἰδεῖν, and note: O. C. 1454, ὁρᾷ, ὁρᾷ ταῦτ᾽ ἀεὶ χρόνος : Thuc. 5. 27, ὁρᾶν τοὺς ᾿Αργείους ὅπως σωθήσεται ἡ Πελοπόννησος.

844. mvp-comment-595-1 ὧν .. αὖθις] The metre of the MS. reading ὧν δ᾽ ἂν ἀμείβῃ μ᾽ αὖθις (U_U_U_U) does not correspond to the strophe, and is not very probable. Possibly ἀμείβῃ was a gloss explaining προσφωνῇ.. αὖθις, and we might read, ὧν δ᾽ ἂν προσφωνῇ μ᾽ αὖθις. Cp. ll. 1. 223, Πηλείδης δ᾽ ἐξαῦτις ἀταρτηροῖς ἐπέεσσιν | ᾿Ατρείδην προσέειπε, κ.τ.λ. Hermann's conjecture is provisionally adopted in the text.

847. mvp-comment-596-1 ὡς .. λεύσσειν] 'Since ever in disease Sleep, which slumbers not, is quick to perceive.' πάντων ἐν νόσῳ, sc. ὄντων. ' Of all men, when they are sick.' (Others join πάντων εὐδρακής, ‘Having quick sight of all things.") λεύσσειν is epexegetic of εὐδρακής. Sleep is personified, and 'sight' used for perception in general. Cp. Trach. 1019.

850. mvp-comment-597-1 The text is defective, as the metre shows. κεῖνο is opposed to τάδε in 843, and means, therefore, not the abduction of Philoctetes, but the carrying away of the bow and arrows. The Chorus urge Neoptolemus not to be absorbed in gazing on Philoctetes, but to take a wider survey of the situation, that he may secure the object set before him by Odysseus. For λάθρα, σκοπῶν λαθραίως might be substituted to complete the line, which answers to supr. 834.

852. mvp-comment-598-1 The reading ὧν, which would answer to μενοῦμεν in 836, gives no satisfactory meaning. For the comparison of supr. 240, 1, αὐδῶμαι.. παῖς Ἀχιλλέως ('I call Achilles father') does not justify ὧν αὐδῶμαι = ' Whom I call master,' even if this were clearly in point. And if ὃν is read, the metre is the same as that of ll. 6 and 9. In this case αὐδῶμαι is active, as in Ο. Τ. 846. The question remains whether Philoctetes or Odysseus is the antecedent to ὃν. It seems necessary that τούτῳ in 853 should be the antecedent, and τούτῳ is Philoctetes. The Chorus may be supposed to speak vaguely of him, in order to avoid the possibility of awakening his suspicions, should he overhear them. 'If this be your mind towards him you wot of;' i. e. 'If you allow yourself to be so affected with pity, as you manifestly are, towards Philoctetes.' The Chorus thus gently warn their master of what follows in the ensuing scene. Prof. Jebb conjectures ὃν αἰδοῦμαι, 'Whose fear is before my eyes,' viz. Odysseus'. Others read ταὐτὸν . . γνώμας.

854. mvp-comment-599-1 ἐνιδεῖν = SC. ἐστὶν or ἔνεστιν, (1) 'The prudent may see therein inextricable harm.' Or, possibly, (2) 'One may see therein perplexing trouble for the wise' (i. e. for Odysseus).

855-862. mvp-comment-600-1 It is probable that Neoptolemus answered here; and to this the words βλέπ᾽ εἰ καίρια φθέγγει may be referred :- 'Whether you speak seasonably,' viz. in hinting that we must take him away. Else they must allude to supr. 826, 6, which is far off. οὖρος, κ.τ.λ.] This is to be taken literally, not figuratively with the Scholiast. Cp. supr. 639, 40, and note. Schndw. quotes Theocr. 13. 52, κουφότερ', ὦ παῖδες, ποιεῖσθ᾽ ὅπλα· πλευστικὸς οὖρος.

856. mvp-comment-601-1 οὐκ ἔχων ἀρωγάν] ‘Helpless, in sleep, disease and solitude, and in the loss of his arms.' For ἀνόμματος, 'Without use of eyes,' cp. supr. 632, ἄπουν, 'Lame.'

859. mvp-comment-602-1 νύχιος resumes ἀνόμματος with greater intensity. 'Sightless, as if steeped in night.' ἐκτέταται, ' Lies prostrate,' is stronger than κεῖται. ἀλεὴς ὕπνος ἐσθλός] ‘How kind is sleep, warm sleep!' A parenthesis like supr. 400, 1. To suppose a commonplace γνώμη, 'A man sleeps soundly in the sun,' is hardly adequate in feeling. It is rather an exclamation of joy that their invocation ( supr. 827 foll.) has been heard by the God of Sleep. For ἐσθλός, meaning propitious, cp. Od. 24. 311, ἢ τέ οἱ ἐσθλοὶ ἔσαν ὄρνιθες ἰόντι: ib. 19. 547, οὐκ ὄναρ, ἀλλ᾽ ὕπαρ ἐσθλόν: Ελ. 1093, μοίρᾳ μὲν οὐκ ἐν ἐσθλᾷ βεβῶσαν. If ἀλεής is suspected, ἀδαής rather than ἀδεής should be read, although the latter might be connected with l. 864. But it is rash to reject ἀλεής, when λιαρός is an Homeric epithet of ὕπνος: ΙΙ. 14. 164, ὕπνον ἀπήμονά τε λιαρόν τε. The notion of 'Sleep in the sun' agrees with αἴγλαν, supr. 831.

860. mvp-comment-603-1 οὔ τινος] An enumeration of this kind often ends with a general expression. Cp. O. Τ. 1284, 5. They are perhaps thinking of the bow, which they dare not name.

861. mvp-comment-604-1 'But sees no more than the dead.' Cp. O. Τ. 972, κεῖται παρ' "Αιδῃ Πόλυβος, and see Essay on L. § 54. P 99. Dindorf reads ἀλλ' ὡς τίς τ', 'formula epica.' But cp. l. 859.

862. mvp-comment-605-1 βλέπ᾽ εἰ] This is the easiest correction of a faulty text, and affords a possible meaning. Cp. supr. note on 855 foll. But it is doubtful whether βλέπε can mean 'See to it,' in classical Greek; and βλέπει may be a gloss on ὁρᾷ. φθέγγει is also open to suspicion.

862. mvp-comment-605-2 Blaydes conjectures βλέπει· καίρια φώνει. But Neoptolemus is the first to perceive the signs of waking in Philoctetes. Others, βλέπ᾽ εἰ καίρια φωνῶ.

863-864. mvp-comment-606-1 τὸ δ᾽ ἁλώσιμον *ἀμᾷ.. κράτιστος] 'So far as our minds can grasp, young sir, the toil that frightens not is best.' Cp. O. Τ. 1234, 5, ὃ μὲν τάχιστος τῶν λόγων εἰπεῖν τε καὶ μαθεῖν, τέθνηκε θεῖον Ἰοκάστης κάρα : Plat. Rep. 7.517 B, τὰ δ᾽ οὖν ἐμοὶ φαινόμενα οὕτω φαίνεται, ἐν τῷ γνωστῷ τελευταία ἡ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ ἰδέα καὶ μόγις ὁρᾶσθαι. ἀμᾷ seems to be required by the indications of the metre (dactylic with anacrusis.) πόνος ὁ μὴ φοβῶν] The Chorus are probably using the language of fishermen, meaning that if Philoctetes is once alarmed, the capture of the bow will be more difficult. See above, l. 839, θήραν, and cp. Plato, Lys. 206 B, ποιός τις οὖν ἄν σοι δοκοί θηρευτὴς εἶναι, εἰ ἀνασοβοῖ θηρεύων καὶ δυσαλωτοτέραν τὴν ἄγραν ποιοῖ; Δῆλον ὅτι φαῦλος. For πόνος in this connection, cp. Pind. Pyth. 2. 79, ἅτε γὰρ εἰνάλιον πόνον ἐχοίσας βαθὺ | σκευᾶς ἑτέρας, ἀβάπτιστός εἰμι, φελλὸς ὡς ὑπὲρ ἕρκος, ἅλμας : Theocr. 21. 14, οὗτος τοῖς ἁλιεῦσιν ὁ πᾶς πόνος. The common interpretation, from the Scholiast downwards, has been, 'The labour that causes no fear,' i.e. that is not attended with danger.

865. mvp-comment-607-1 μηδ᾽ ἀφεστάναι φρενών] ‘And not take leave of your senses.' Cp. El. 1326, ὦ πλεῖστα μῶροι καὶ φρενῶν τητώμενοι, κ.τ.λ.

866. mvp-comment-608-1 For ἀνάγει, ‘Uplifts again,' cp. Αj. 131, κλίνει τε κἀνάγει πάλιν,

867-871. mvp-comment-609-1 Just when the plot against his peace is being urged most vehemently, Philoctetes awakes, and pours out touching words of unsuspecting thankfulness for the patient care, of which he little knows the motive. He throws himself afresh on Neoptolemus, and will have no support but his.

867-868. mvp-comment-610-1 ὦ φέγγος.. ξένων] 'Light after sleep, how welcome! And how surpassing fondest hope, the patient tendance of these friends!" For the construction of φέγγος and οἰκούρημα, cp. Trach. 1046, 7, ὦ πολλὰ . . μοχθήσας ἐγώ. διάδοχον] 'Succeeding, taking the place of (in my experience). ἐλπίδων ἄπιστον] 'Beyond the belief of expectation,' i.e. which I could not have believed beforehand. οἰκούρημα] More concrete than οἰκουρία = 'Act of keeping watch.' οἰκουρεῖν is, ‘Το keep watch over a person's property and interests in his absence.' So Neoptolemus has guarded the bow and the person of Philoctetes during his prostration, from the thievish attempt which he most feared.

869. mvp-comment-611-1 οὐκ ἂν ἐξηύχησα] 'I could not once have vaunted.' The aorist implies 'for a single moment,' and is thus more forcible here than the imperfect would have been.

871. mvp-comment-612-1 μεῖναι has been unreasonably suspected. Cavallin conjectures ἰδεῖν.

872. mvp-comment-613-1 οὔκουν ᾿Ατρείδαι] 'It was not the Atreidae, who-.' οὖν marks the reasonableness of Philoctetes' doubt, which was in accordance with the conduct of the Atreidae. *εὐφόρως] This seems the simplest correction of εὐπόρως. See Essay on L. § 55. p. 101. Others prefer εὐπετῶς, comparing Fr. 523, χρεὼν | τὰ θειᾶ θνητοὺς ὄντας εὐπετῶς φέρειν. Οr, εὐλόφως. Paley retains εὐπόρως.

874. mvp-comment-614-1 κἀξ εὐγενῶν] The frequent allusions to his father have a constraining power over the heart of Neoptolemus.

875. mvp-comment-615-1 ἐν εὐχερεῖ ἔθου] ‘Took as a light burden.'

876. mvp-comment-616-1 βοῆς] This reference of Philoctetes to his own cries makes us feel how involuntary they were. He knew them as an inseparable accompaniment of his presence anywhere.

877. mvp-comment-617-1 καὶ νῦν] Cp. O. T. 52, 3, ὄρνιθι γὰρ καὶ τὴν τότ᾽ αἰσίῳ τύχην | παρέσχες ἡμῖν, καὶ τανῦν ἴσος γενοῦ.

879. mvp-comment-618-1 Nauck, following A. Zippmann, transposes this line to before 890 and rejects 880 and 889. The apparent coldness of Neoptolemus, who in 886 ignores this appeal of Philoctetes to him, may, however, be accounted for by supposing that his consciousness of acting a part makes him less forward with the show of sympathy, now that his emotions are really stirred.

880. mvp-comment-619-1 Philoctetes is not yet confident that his powers are fully returned. The habit of lying perdu after each attack makes him less prompt to move. But he feels that he must be ready to start as soon as he can. (But qy. ἡ. ἀ. τὸ πνεῦμ᾽ ἀπ. ποτέ? Cp. supr. 639, 40.)

882. mvp-comment-620-1 μέν prepares for the narrative in νῦν δ᾽ αἷρε σαὐτόν.

883. mvp-comment-621-1 ἀνώδυνον βλέποντα] 'Opening thine eyes without the look of pain.' βλέποντα is sometimes put simply as an equivalent for ζῶντα, e.g. Aesch. Ag. 677, καὶ ζῶντα καὶ βλέποντα. But here the expression is modified by the addition of ἀνώδυνον as an adverbial accusative (i. e. not only seeing the light but free from the look of pain). Others take ἀνώδυνον as a masculine adjective, and make ἀνώδυνον βλέποντα = 'Living in freedom from pain.'

884. mvp-comment-622-1 τὰ συμβόλαιά σοι. . ἐφαίνετο] Either (1) 'Your commerce with the circumstances surrounding you: i.e. Your behaviour in the present juncture:' a figurative use of the ordinary meaning of συμβόλαια: or (2) 'Your symptoms, when regarded in the light of your affliction:' i. e. 'Considering your peculiar case your appearance suggested the inference that you were dead.' The latter meaning (2) receives some confirmation from Hdt. 5. 92, 7, and, more doubtfully, from Eur. Ion 411, quoted by L. and S. But the former is better on the whole, and agrees with σοι, the reading of the chief MS. See v. rr.

887-888. mvp-comment-623-1 Cp. supr. 522, 3. Neoptolemus professes to be encouraged by these words of the Chorus to assume that they will not spare pains in helping Philoctetes, whose wishes are seconded by their prince.

889. mvp-comment-624-1 ὥσπερ νοεῖς] 'As you really mean.' Philoctetes does not take the refusal of Neoptolemus to lift him with his own hands. He is too much impressed with his actual kindness to be at once affected by the coldness and reserve of his language.

892. mvp-comment-625-1 συνναίειν] For the infinitive, see Essay on L. § 33. p. 57 , and cp. especially O. C. 1211, 2, ὅστις τοῦ πλέονος μέρους χρήζει . . ζώειν.

893. mvp-comment-626-1 Neoptolemus gives Philoctetes his hand, but bids him exert himself, and put forth his strength in using the support. He is roused by this and makes the necessary exertion.

894. mvp-comment-627-1 'Fear not. Long habit will enable me to rise.'

895. mvp-comment-628-1 If Neoptolemus had followed the course marked out for him, he would have taken Philoctetes on board, and only when out at sea have let him discover the destination of the voyage. But now that the decisive moment is arrived, he cannot deceive the unfortunate who has trusted him. For the optative (potential) without av, see E. on L. § 27. p. 45. Others read δῆτ᾽ ἄν.

896. mvp-comment-629-1 'What mean such words, my son? Whither tends this sudden diversion?'

897. mvp-comment-630-1 'I know not which way to express what is so full of perplexity.' τάπορον . . ἔπος is the word that can neither be spoken nor kept silent.

898. mvp-comment-631-1 Philoctetes cannot bear that doubts should rise just when his hopes are on the point of being fulfilled.

899. mvp-comment-632-1 (1) 'But I am at such a point of difficulty (that I must speak).' τοῦδε πάθους, sc. τῆς ἀπορίας, from ἀπορεῖς, supr. Or (2) simply, 'I am in a difficulty.' Cp. Aesch. Choeph. 891, ἐνταῦθα γὰρ δὴ τοῦδ᾽ ἀφικόμην κακοῦ.

900. mvp-comment-633-1 οὐ δή] 'Surely it cannot be-;' i.e. 'I trust it is not.' Cp. Trach. 668, and note.

901. mvp-comment-634-1 ναύτην] 'On board your ship.' ναύτης here = πλωτήρ. The word is used predicatively. For both, cp. Aesch. Pers. 719, πεζὸς ἡ ναύτης δὲ πεῖραν τήνδ' ἐμώρανεν τάλας;

902. mvp-comment-635-1 ἅπαντα δυσχέρεια] ‘There is nothing but unpleasantness.' For this use of the abstract noun, cp. O. C. 883, ἆρ᾽ οὐχ ὕβρις τάδ';

903. mvp-comment-636-1 ὅταν is postponed to give greater emphasis to τὴν αὐτοῦ φύσιν. λιπών] Cp. supr. 865, ἀφεστάναι.

904. mvp-comment-637-1 ἔξω τοῦ φυτεύσαντος] 'From (i. e. 'alien to') your father's strain.' ἔξω is suggested by λιπών and φυτεύσαντος by φύσιν. Mollweide very ingeniously conjectured τοῦ προσεικότος (which, as Nauck observes, might be corrupted to τοῦ πατρὸς εἰκότος), but his conjecture is less forcible than the text.

907. mvp-comment-638-1 'There is certainly no baseness in what you are doing. But for what your speech may imply, I feel afraid.' For ὀκνῶ, describing a state of vague, but painful apprehension, cp. O. T. 746, 749. For the ellipse, ὀκνῶ (μὴ αἰσχρὸς φανῇς), see Essay on L. § 39, 6. p. 74. Nauck unnecessarily conjectured ἐφ᾽ οἷς.

908. mvp-comment-639-1 δεύτερον] 'A second time.' He is already convicted of baseness in his own mind for having concealed his intention, and he foresees the reproach which the avowal of this same intention will draw down upon him.

910. mvp-comment-640-1 The idea of the homeward voyage is so vividly present to Philoctetes' mind, that the only evil intention he can imagine in Neoptolemus is that of leaving him behind.

912. mvp-comment-641-1 λιπών.. ἔγωγε] Sc. στελῶ τὸν πλοῦν.

912-913. mvp-comment-642-1 μὴ | πέμπω] The position of the words has the effect of throwing a strong emphasis on πέμπω.

914. mvp-comment-643-1 τί ποτε] The trisyllablic foot marks increasing agitation. Cp. infr. 923, 4.

915-916. mvp-comment-644-1 'Ex his tantum abest ut posterior versus ejiciendus sit, ut ejus adjectione eximie ostenderit Sophocles, quam penitus perspectam haberet animi humani naturam. Nam ubi quis semel ab se impetravit ut proferat quod celare jussus erat, jam, quasi expiaturus non recte factum, non aliquid, sed omnia cupit effundere.' (Hermann.) It may be observed here that the στιχομυθίαι in the Philoctetes are, like the style generally, less severely regular than in any of the other plays.

917. mvp-comment-645-1 πρὶν μάθης] 'Till you understand the case.' Neoptolemus indulges the hope, which he only abandons at the last moment ( infr. 1391), that Philoctetes may see that it is for his advantage to go to Troy.

919-920. mvp-comment-646-1 He here states briefly that which at a more favourable moment ( infr. 1326-47) he explains at full.

920. mvp-comment-647-1 τὰ .. πεδία] A periphrasis for Τροίαν. Cp. infr. 1332. The extent of the Trojan plain struck the imagination of the Greeks who lived in a broken, uneven country.

921. mvp-comment-648-1 ἀληθῆ] 'In very deed.' For the adverbial predicate, see Essay on L. § 23. p. 38.

922. mvp-comment-649-1 πολλή.. ἀνάγκη] ‘This is ruled by strong necessity.' κρατεῖ τούτων, sc. ὥστε οὕτω γενέσθαι. καί] 'And therefore.' καί with imperatives has often a slightly illative force. Cp. Plat. Gorg. 449 C, τούτου μὴν δεῖ, ὦ Γοργία· καί μοι ἐπίδειξιν αὐτοῦ τούτου ποίησαι.

923. mvp-comment-650-1 ὦ ξένε] This change in the manner of address, from ὦ τέκνον, supr. 914, marks the transition from confidence to estrangement on the part of Philoctetes.

926. mvp-comment-651-1 τό τ᾽ ἔνδικόν.. ποιεῖ] 'Duty and interest alike compel me.' Cp. supr. 50 foll., 111 foll.

927-962. mvp-comment-652-1 In this passionate outburst Philoctetes first reproaches Neoptolemus, then appeals to his feelings of honour and compassion, then meekly supplicates him. Then (934), when Neoptolemus turns away to hide the impression thus made on him, Philoctetes, thinking him obdurate, complains to the unconscious companions of his solitude. His speech insensibly returns to Neoptolemus, with whom he again pleads, first indirectly, then with one brief direct appeal (l.950). When this is answered by silence, he yields to despair, and turns his face and his complaint towards the lonesome cave. Once more (961) his mind reverts to him who has been so cruel, but had seemed so guileless, and before cursing him, he waits to know whether Neoptolemus will even yet repent.

927. mvp-comment-653-1 πῦρ] Cp. O. T. 190, 1, and note. πᾶν δεῖμα] In this and similar expressions ( supr. 622) it is doubted whether πᾶς is distributive or intensive, attributive or predicative. (1) πᾶν distributive: i. e. 'terror of every kind' (not only πῦρ). (2) πᾶν intensive, 'entire' or 'utter terror.' The latter is more probable. 'Thou that art fire and terror unrelieved.' πανουργίας . . ἔχθιστον] · 'Most hateful piece of knavish villany.' For the abstract neuter substantive applied to persons in expressing dislike, cp. λάλημα, μίσος, λῆμα, etc. So φθέγμα in expressing affection.

929-930. mvp-comment-654-1 οὐδ᾽ ἐπαισχύνει.. σχέτλιε] This is more forcible when taken interrogatively as a separate sentence. It is otherwise with the brief clause οὐδ' ἐπαισχύνει λέγων in Αj. 1307.

930-932. mvp-comment-655-1 The iteration and the broken rhythm (l.932 has three trisyllabic feet) are expressive of distracted feeling.

935. mvp-comment-656-1 ὧδ'] 'Even so.' For the emphatic resumption of the antecedent, see E. on L. § 40. p. 75. πάλιν] 'The opposite way.' 'Avertit vultum.' Brunck. Cp. Eur. Med. 411, καὶ δίκα καὶ πάντα πάλιν στρέφεται.

936. mvp-comment-657-1 προβλῆτες] The substantive is more easily omitted with πέτραι following in the next line.

936-937. mvp-comment-658-1 ξυνουσίαι θηρῶν ὀρείων] 'Wild comrades of the hills.' Cp. supr. 184, 5, στικτῶν ἢ λασίων μετὰ θηρῶν, and for the abstract word, Eur. Alc. 606, ἀνδρῶν Φεραίων εὐμενὴς παρουσία.

939. mvp-comment-659-1 ἀνακλαίομαι] 'I complain in my own behalf.' Such is the force of the middle voice. Cp. Antiphon, 119, 24, ἀποστερούμενος δὲ ὑπ᾿ αὐτῶν μηδὲ τὰς παρούσας ἀτυχίας ἀνακλαύσασθαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἀπορῶ εἰς ἥντινα ἄλλην σωτηρίαν χρή με καταφυγεῖν, Trach. 153. εἰωθόσιν] Sc. παρεῖναι.

940. mvp-comment-660-1 Cp. supr. 260, and note.

942. mvp-comment-661-1 χεῖρα δεξιάν] Cp. supr. 813, and note. And for προστίθημι in a similar connection, cp. El. 47, ὅρκῳ προστιθείς: Fr. 428, ὅρκου δὲ προστεθέντος ἐπιμελεστέρα | ψυχὴ κατέστη.

943. mvp-comment-662-1 For the slight transposition of the order of the words = ἱερὰ τοῦ .. Ἡρακλέους, λαβὼν ἔχει, see Essay on L. § 41. p. 77. Ιn τοῦ Ζηνὸς Ἡρακλέους the second genitive has become a sort of epithet. Cp. Ant. 154, ὁ Θήβας . Βάκχιος.

944. mvp-comment-663-1 φήνασθαι] 'To show them as his own.'

945. mvp-comment-664-1 ἐκ βίας μ' ἄγει] ‘He seeks to carry me away by force.' In taking the bow, Neoptolemus tries to force Philoctetes to depart. Philoctetes feels this, though he prefers to die.

946-947. mvp-comment-665-1 Ср. О. C. 109, 10, οἰκτείρατ᾿ ἀνδρὸς Οἰδίπου τόδ᾽ ἄθλιον | εἴδωλον, οὐ γὰρ δὴ τὸ γ' ἀρχαῖον δέμας.

947-948. mvp-comment-666-1 οὐ γὰρ.. δόλῳ] These words are especially calculated to wound the pride of Neoptolemus.

949. mvp-comment-667-1 τί . . δρᾶν] He returns upon himself for a moment, but, finding no resource, makes one more effort to reach the heart of Neoptolemus. He is met with silence.

950. mvp-comment-668-1 Cp. Ant. 552, τί δῆτ᾽ ἂν ἀλλὰ νῦν σ᾽ ἔτ᾿ ὠφελοῖμ᾽ ἐγώ; For ἐν σαυτῷ γενοῦ, 'Return to thy true self,' cp. Xen. An. 1. 5. 17, ἀκούσας ταῦτα ὁ Κλέαρχος ἐν ἑαυτῷ ἐγένετο : Aj. 639,40, οὐκέτι συντρόφοις ὀργαῖς ἔμπεδος. The other idiom, ἐν σαυτοῦ, read in Par. A. ('esto apud te,' Lamb.), is a humorous expression unsuited for tragedy.

952. mvp-comment-669-1 σχῆμα πέτρας δίπυλον] 'Rock formed with twofold doorway,' i.e. πέτρα δίπυλος ἐσχηματισμένη. For a similar periphrasis, cp. Eur. Alc. 911, ὦ σχῆμα δύμων, πῶς εἰσέλθω ; ‘A common periphrasis for any object that presents itself to the eye in a familiar form.' Paley. αὖθις αὖ πάλιν] Supr. 930, 932.

953. mvp-comment-670-1 ψιλός .. τροφήν] 'Without means of defence or sustenance.' Cp. Αj. 1123, κἂν ψιλὸς ἀρκέσαιμι σοί γ' ὡπλισμένῳ : infr. 1125, 6, χερὶ πάλλων | τὰν ἐμὰν μελέου τροφάν.

954. mvp-comment-671-1 αὐανοῦμαι] There can be no doubt about this reading, though the notion of a 'second death' (see v. rr. and cp. νεκρόν, supr. 946) has infected the MSS. τῷδ᾽ ἐν αὐλίῳ] Cp. supr. 19, infr. 1087.

957. mvp-comment-672-1 For the suppressed antecedent (τοῖς οἱ ἐκείνοις), cp. Εl. 1060, τροφᾶς κηδομένους ἀφ᾽ ὧν . . βλάστωσιν.

959. mvp-comment-673-1 ῥύσιον] 'In requital.' ῥύσιον is (a) that which is rescued from plunder, (b) what is taken in reprisal, (c) an act of reprisal or requital.

960. mvp-comment-674-1 For πρός, κ.τ.λ. after a verb in the active voice, see Essay on L. § 36. p. 64.

961. mvp-comment-675-1 ὄλοιο μή πω] 'Perish-not yet!' The curse already on his lips ( ὅλοιο) is suspended by the addition of the negative and changed to ὄλοιο μή πω, κ.τ.λ. then finally resumed in θάνοις. πρὶν μάθοιμ᾽] Cp. supr. 325, and note.

962. mvp-comment-676-1 καί] Cp. infr. 1270, οὔκουν ένεστι καὶ μεταγῶναι πάλιν;

963. mvp-comment-677-1 δρῶμεν] Conjunctive mood.

964. mvp-comment-678-1 ἤδη is to be joined with πλεῖν, 'To sail at once.' Cp. supr. 466, ἤδη · στέλλεσθε;

968. mvp-comment-679-1 σαυτοῦ] Some editors prefer σαυτῷ, the reading of I, i.e. 'Do not let thy name become a reproach amongst men.' But the reading of L is sound. 'Suffer not this reproach against thee to go forth amongst men.' ἐκκλέψας ἐμέ] 'Through your deceiving me.' Cp supr. 55.

969. mvp-comment-680-1 δράσω] Aor. conjunctive.

972. mvp-comment-681-1 ἔοικας ἥκειν] For this conversational periphrasis, see Essay on L. § 41. p. 77, a , and cp. Ant. 1279 foll. For δούς used like ἐνδούς, ‘yielding' ( cp. the intransitive use of 'give' in English), see Essay on L. § 55. p. 101, 4. Cp. also the turn of expression in Aj. 483, 4, παῦσαί γε μέντοι καὶ δὸς ἀνδράσιν φίλοις | γνώμης κρατῆσαι, τάσδε φροντίδας μεθείς : Eur. Phoen. 21, ἡδονῇ δούς.

979. mvp-comment-682-1 ξυλλαβών] Cp. supr. 945, and note.

981. mvp-comment-683-1 παῖ] Cp. supr. 967. The hateful sight of Odysseus drives Philoctetes once again to throw himself on the mercy of Neoptolemus. Cp. Lear, 2. 4, 'Those wicked creatures yet do look well-favoured, When others are more wicked; not being the worst | Stands in some rank of praise. I'll go with thee.'

982. mvp-comment-684-1 For the situation, cp. О. С. 858 foll.

983. mvp-comment-685-1 στείχειν ἅμ᾿ αὐτοῖς] ‘Το march along with them.' The pronoun αὐτοῖς refers to Neoptolemus and his attendants. Here, as infr. 1003, the language is assisted by the scene. Others refer αὐτοῖς to the bow, but in this case some other verb than στείχειν would be required.

986-988. mvp-comment-686-1 Cp. supr. 800, infr. 1464.

987. mvp-comment-687-1 Cp. supr. 376, and note.

988. mvp-comment-688-1 τῶν σῶν] Sc. χωρίων. The pron. refers to Λημνία χθών, the words καὶ.. Ἡφαιστότευκτον being διὰ μέσου.

989. mvp-comment-689-1 ἵν᾽ εἰδῇς] 'I tell you!' Cp. Aesch. Cho. 439, ἐμασχαλίσθη δ᾽ ἔθ᾽ ὡς τόδ' εἰδῇς. In such expressions there is an ellipse of λέγω. τῆσδε γῆς] Lemnos.

992. mvp-comment-690-1 Ср. О. С. 277. Zeus is false to Heracles if he favours the design against his friend.

993. mvp-comment-691-1 The removal of Philoctetes fulfils the prophecy of Helenus, and thus establishes the truthfulness of the gods.

994. mvp-comment-692-1 'I say, No! for my part.' 'But I say, Yes! you must be ruled.' Gernhard conjectured, ΦΙ. οὔ φημ'. ΟΔ. ἐγὼ δέ φημι

997. mvp-comment-693-1 ἄρα is postponed because of the energy with which the first words of the sentence are spoken. See Essay on L. § 26. p. 44.

998. mvp-comment-694-1 τοῖς ἀρίστοισιν] Neoptolemus.

1000. mvp-comment-695-1 γῆς .. βάθρον] 'This Lemnian steep.' Cp. Aj. 859, ὦ γῆς ἱερὸν οἰκείας πέδον | Σαλαμίνος. For the descriptive pleonasm of γῆς, cp. Aesch. Prom. 433, * Αϊδος.. μυχὸς γᾶς.

1002. mvp-comment-696-1 πέτρᾳ] 'On the rock;' i.e. ἐν πέτρα = εἰς πέτραν (rather than instrum. dat.), to be joined with αἱμάξω. πέτρας is ablative genitive with πεσών.

1003. mvp-comment-697-1 ξυλλάβετέ γ' αὐτόν] ‘Ay, apprehend him.' ye may be explained by supposing the attendants to have advanced of their own accord on seeing the intention of Philoctetes. Recent editors have adopted G. Bernhardy's conjecture, ξυλλάβετον αὐτόν, supposing Odysseus to address his two attendants, the usual δύ' ἀμφίπολοι of Epic poetry. But if this were right the same dual form of command would have been found elsewhere, e.g. in O. С. 840, 847.

1005. mvp-comment-698-1 ἀνδρὸς τοῦδε] 'Odysseus,' said with bitter emphasis. Cp. supr. 376, εἰ τἀμὰ κεῖνος ὅπλ᾽ ἀφαιρήσοιτό με. συνθηρώμεναι is at once 'caught' and 'bound.'

1007. mvp-comment-699-1 οἷ᾽ αὖ] This seems a more probable correction of οἷα than οἷον, which, though found in some MSS., may have arisen from a gloss. *αὖ] 'Again,' as you did ten years ago, when you took advantage of me sleeping; supr. 271 foll.

1008. mvp-comment-700-1 πρόβλημα σαυτοῦ] ‘As your stalking-horse.' πρόβλημα is in apposition to παῖδα. For προβάλλεσθαι, as a word of blame, cp. Thuc. 1. 37, τὸ εὐπρεπὲς ἄσπονδον . . προβέβληνται.

1009. mvp-comment-701-1 ἀνάξιον.. ἐμοῦ] 'Who does not deserve to be thy minister, but well deserves to be my friend.'

1012. mvp-comment-702-1 For the dative after ἀλγεινῶς φέρων = ἀχθόμενος, see Essay on L. § 14. p. 21, and § 36. p. 64.

1013. mvp-comment-703-1 διὰ μυχῶν βλέπουσ᾽] This is differently explained, (1) 'Spying into hidden places' (so Musgrave, who compares Philo J. 2. p. 78, τὸν ἀεὶ βλέποντα καὶ τὰ ἐν μυχοῖς τῆς διανοίας). For this cp. Αj. 11, καί σ᾽ οὐδὲν εἴσω τῆσδε παπταίνειν πύλης | ἔτ᾽ ἔργον ἐστίν. Or (2) 'Spying out of hiding holes' ('per latebras prospiciens,' Schndw.). The latter (2) is preferable. For the point here is, not that Philoctetes was hidden in his cave, but that Odysseus himself keeps out of sight, while he watches the proceedings of Neoptolemus. This also gives a better meaning. ‘By διά is meant looking through the intervening darkness.' (Paley.) Cp. Aj. 381, κακοπινέστατόν τ᾿ ἄλημα στρατοῦ: ib. 390, and note.

1014. mvp-comment-704-1 ἀφυῆ] ‘Unapt,' sc. πρὸς τὸ τοιοῦτὸν τι ποιεῖν: or, as Seyffert puts it, ἐπὶ τὸ σοφὸν εἶναι ἐν κακοῖς. Cp. supr. 79, 80, ἔξοιδα καὶ φύσει σε μὴ πεφυκότα τοιαῦτα φωνεῖν, μηδὲ τεχνᾶσθαι κακά.

1015. mvp-comment-705-1 προὐδίδαξεν] ‘Has instructed him.' Cp. supr. 538, προϋμαθον, and note.

1016. mvp-comment-706-1 δύστηνε] Cp. Aj. 1290, δύστηνε, ποῖ βλέπων ποτ' αὐτὰ καὶ θροεῖς; συνδήσας agrees with the subject of ἄγειν. The intention here mentioned is spoken of in the more passionate phrase, supr. 979, as a finished act; cp. Aj. 1126, δίκαια γὰρ τόνδ᾽ εὐτυχεῖν κτείναντά με;

1017. mvp-comment-707-1 ἀκτῆς] Supr. 1, 272. προὐβάλου] • You contrived to cast me forth.' The (subjective) middle throws on Odysseus the prime responsibility of the act.

1018. mvp-comment-708-1 ἄπολιν] 'Outcast.' Cp. the Homeric ἀφρήτωρ, ἀθέμιστος, ἀνέστιος. ἐν ζῶσιν νεκρόν] 'Among the living, but not alive.'

1019. mvp-comment-709-1 καί] 'And indeed.' For the stress on καί, cp. Εl. 597 ( ὡς τὴν μητέρα | κακοστομοῦμεν.) καί σ᾽ ἔγωγε δεσπότιν | ἢ μητέρ᾽ οὐκ ἔλασσον εἰς ἡμᾶς νέμω. Philoctetes adds this, not correcting himself, but as feeling painfully the impotence of his curse.

1022. mvp-comment-710-1 τοῦτ᾽ αὐτό is cognate accusative, expressing the cause. The pronoun refers both to ζῶν preceding, and to ὅτι following. Cp. supr. 797, Ant. 463, 4, ὅστις γὰρ ἐν πολλοῖσιν ὡς ἐγὼ κακοῖς | ζῇ, πῶς ὅδ᾽ οὐχὶ κατθανὼν κέρδος φέρει;

1025. mvp-comment-711-1 κλοπῇ τε κἀνάγκῃ ζυγείς] 'Through being kidnapped, and bound under compulsion.' Cp. supr. 73, and note. For the metaphor in ζυγείς, cp. Αj. 24, κἀγὼ ᾿θελοντὴς τῷδ᾽ ὑπεζύγην πόνῳ.

1027. mvp-comment-712-1 ἑπτὰ ναυσί] ΙΙ. 2. 718, τῶν δὲ Φιλοκτήτης ἦρχεν, τόξων εὖ εἰδώς, ἑπτὰ νεῶν.

1028. mvp-comment-713-1 ἄτιμον ἔβαλον] ‘Flung away dishonoured.' For the use of the simple verb = ἐξέβαλον, see E. on L. § 55. p. 101, 4. κεῖνοι δὲ σέ] Sc. ἐκβαλεῖν μέ φασιν. Dindorf wrongly quotes ἔκβαλον as the reading of L.

1029. mvp-comment-714-1 'And now why take me, why force me away?' For the repetition and redundancy, cp. supr. 236. and note. ἀπάγειν is the word for taking a criminal to execution, and the middle voice conveys more of personal feeling. ( Cp. supr. 613.) The agitation of Philoctetes is again marked by two tribrachs following each other. Cp. supr. 932.

1030. mvp-comment-715-1 τέθνηχ᾽ ὑμῖν] Cp. O. C. 1366, ἢ τὰν οὐκ ἂν ἢ τὸ σὸν μέρος. And for the dative, ib. 444, φυγάς σφιν ἔξω πτωχὸς ἠλώμην ἀεί.

1032-1033. mvp-comment-716-1 πῶς θεοῖς εὔξεσθ' . . ἔτι] 'How shall ye declare to Heaven that ye will sacrifice or pour libation to the gods any more?' εὔχεσθαι is properly to say aloud in presence of a god, and so (a) 'To pray,' (b) 'To vow,' (c) 'To glory.' Here the meaning is somewhere between (c) and (b), 'To vaunt' and 'To promise.' Cp. Eur. Alc. 334, where eὔχομαι is, 'I thankfully profess.' θεοῖς is (a) dative after εὔξεσθε, (b) in a secondary construction with the infinitives αἴθειν ἱερά and σπένδειν. 'How shall ye vaunt before the gods that ye will burn sacrifice to them, or make drink-offerings?' There is no ground whatever for suspecting the reading.

1034. mvp-comment-717-1 αὕτη .. ἐμέ] Cp. supr. 8. It may be observed that Philoctetes here knows what he had not suspected at the time described by him, supr. 271. ἐκβαλεῖν] Sc. ὥστε ἐκβαλεῖν. See Essay on L. § 36. p. 62.

1039. mvp-comment-718-1 εἰ μή τι .. ἐμοῦ] 'Were ye not pricked to it by some divine power reminding you of me.' κέντρον is (a) literally, 'The prick of a goad.' (b) metaphorically, 'A sharp thought' ( θεῖον, ‘implanted by a god'); in which sense ἐμοῦ is joined to it as an objective genitive. The religious feeling of these lines is very similar to Oed. Col. 96-105. Philoctetes' hope in the gods, which at supr. 1020 had sunk very low, is revived by the reflection that some Divine Providence must have caused the wish for his return to Troy. But he appeals only in the first instance to the gods of his fatherland, and to the gods of vengeance. The θεοὶ ἐπόψιοι are either (1) the Ερινύες. Cp. Aj. 835, 6, τὰς ἀεί τε παρθένους | ἀεί θ᾽ ὁρώσας πάντα τὰν βροτοῖς πάθη Or (2), as elsewhere, Zeus and Apollo. Cp. Εl. 175, Ζεύς, ὃς ἐφορᾷ πάντα καὶ κρατύνει.

1042. mvp-comment-719-1 κἄμ᾽] καί belongs to the verb. Cp. Ant. 280, παῦσαι, πρὶν ὀργῆς κἀμὲ μεστῶσαι λέγων, and note.

1044. mvp-comment-720-1 τῆς νόσου] Sc. ἐκ. See Essay on L. § 8. p. 11. Cp. Od. 1. 18, πεφυγμένος ἦεν ἀέθλων: Ant. 488, 9, οὐκ ἀλύξετον | μόρου κακίστου. For the relief afforded by vengeance, cp. Εl. 939, τῆς νῦν παρούσης πημονῆς λύσεις βάρος: ib. 1489, 90, ὡς ἐμοὶ τύδ᾽ ἂν κακῶν | μόνον γένοιτο τῶν πάλαι λυτήριον.

1045. mvp-comment-721-1 Cp. Ant. 471, 2, δηλοῖ τὸ γέννημ' ὠμὸν ἐξ ὠμοῦ πατρὸς | τῆς παιδός· εἴκειν δ᾽ οὐκ ἐπίσταται κακοῖς. For the hypallage in φάτιν.. ὑπείκουσαν, cp. O. C. 977, πῶς *δἂν τὸ γ' ἶκον πρᾶγμ᾽ ἂν εἰκότως ψέγοις;

1048. mvp-comment-722-1 εἴ μοι παρείκοι] Sc. τὸ πρᾶγμα ὥστε πολλὰ λέγειν. 'Did but my leisure serve me.' νῦν δ᾽ ἑνὸς κρατῶ λόγου] 'But, as it is, I have only one thing to say.' This refers to infr. 1054 foll. 'All I can now say is that we need not take him, if he will not come. The bow is enough.' Odysseus means that this is not the time for justifying his act. He will do and say only what is necessary for his end. When the plea of justice is required, arguments will not fail him. κρατῶ has been suspected. The nearest parallel to it is O. T. 409, τοῦδε γὰρ κἀγὼ κρατῶ.

1049. mvp-comment-723-1 τοιούτων .. τοιοῦτος have here a general meaning, and τοιούτων may be either (1) neuter, or (2) masculine. (1) 'Where this or that line of conduct is required, I follow that course;' or (2) 'Where this or that character is needed, I am of that character.' Cp. Plato, Rep. 4.429 B, 437 E, Phaedr. 271 D; Eur. Or. 1680 ( ΜΕ. πείθεσθαι χρεών.) ΟΡ. κἀγὼ τοιοῦτος (sc. τῇ γνώμῃ εἰμὶ ὥστε πείθεσθαι). Others suppose a vague reference to the accusation of injustice in Philoctetes' speech.

1050-1051. mvp-comment-724-1 Cp. supr. 83-5.

1052-1053. mvp-comment-725-1 νικᾶν γε . ἐκστήσομαι] 'However, while in all other cases I am certainly solicitous to overcome, I make an exception in regard to you. On the contrary, I am willing to let you have your way.' The paratactic structure ( cp. supr. 1043) assists the surprise in πλὴν εἰς σέ, which is thus brought in suddenly. σοί γ᾽] γε reaffirms εἰς σε with ironical courtesy.

1054. mvp-comment-726-1 ἄφετε] Cp. supr. 1003.

1055. mvp-comment-727-1 προσχρήζομεν] προσ-, 'in addition.'

1056. mvp-comment-728-1 μέν] 'If no one else.'

1057. mvp-comment-729-1 Cp. Od. 8. 219, where Odysseus boasts that he is second to none but Philoctetes in the use of the bow, and contrast Aj. 1120, ὁ τοξότης ἔοικεν οὐ σμικρὸν φρονεῖν. It is necessary to the plot of the Philoctetes that skill in archery should be spoken of with respect, as in heroic times, whereas Menelaus in the Ajax expresses the contempt of a hoplite of the time of Pericles for the light-armed bowman.

1058. mvp-comment-730-1 ἐγώ θ'] 'And I too.' 'Post πόρεστι μὲν Τεύκρος sequi dedebat πάρειμι δ' ἐγώ, pro quo mutata orationis forma ἐγώ τε illatum est, quia hoc sine verbo positum est.' Dindorf. E. on L. § 36. p. 65. Cp. infr. 1424-8. ὃς οἶμαι, κ.τ.λ.] The bow of Odysseus is not less famous than that of Heracles. See Introd. to Trachiniae.

1058-1059. mvp-comment-731-1 οὐδὲν .. μηδ'] οὐ belongs strictly to οἶμαι, as in οὗ φημι, οὐ φαίνεται, etc. μή is to be taken closely with the infinitive, which receives an hypothetical turn from av preceding. Wunder quotes Plat. Prot. 319 Β, ὅθεν δὲ αὐτὸ ἡγοῦμαι οὐ διδακτὸν εἶναι μηδ' ὑπ᾿ ἀνθρώπων παρασκευστὸν ἀνθρώποις, δίκαιός εἰμι εἰπεῖν, but οὐ there rather adheres to διδακτόν. The repetition of the negative is here emphatic.

1060. mvp-comment-732-1 Cp. supr. 2, and note.

1062. mvp-comment-733-1 ἣν σ᾽ ἐχρῆν ἔχειν] Here, as above in 997, 8, Odysseus alludes to the prophecy, of which, however, Philoctetes has not been told. He was too impatient to listen to Neoptolemus, supr. 919, 20.

1064. mvp-comment-734-1 For the absence of caesura in this line, cp. infr. 1369.

1066-1067. mvp-comment-735-1 φωνῆς .. προσφθεγκτός] The pleonasm is pathetic. 'Shall I no more hear your voice addressing me?' Philoctetes, who supr. 220 foll. was overjoyed at the sight of Greeks, and longed to hear them speak, is now being left in tenfold desolation. He still clings to his hope in Neoptolemus, and makes a last appeal to the mariners, who, 507 foll., 676 foll., had shown some pity for him.

1074-1075. mvp-comment-736-1 'Odysseus will tell me that I am a victim of weak pity: but still, if Philoctetes craves it, go not yet.' ἀκούσομαι] · 'I shall be reviled.' Cp. supr. 607, and note. οἴκτου] Cp. O.C. 1636, οὐκ οἴκτου μέτα. πλέως is used in reproachful phrases, e.g. Aesch. Prom. 696, πρό γε στενάζεις καὶ φόβου πλέα τις εἶ.

1076. mvp-comment-737-1 εἰς ὅσον] Sc. χρόνον. Cp. O. C. 1701, El. 1075. and notes. τὰ ἐκ νεώς] 'Things on board.' For ἐκ, with the genitive denoting the whereabouts of a thing, cp. πρός with genitive, ἐγγύθεν, πόρρωθεν, etc. Cp. also supr. 630, and note.

1079. mvp-comment-738-1 ἡμῖν with λῴω. νώ] Neoptolemus and Odysseus. Some critics object to the form ὁρμώμεθον and read ὁρμώμεθα with Γ.

1080. mvp-comment-739-1 ὁρμᾶσθαι] Infin. for imper. ταχεῖς, predicative. Cp. supr. 526, ὁρμάσθω ταχύς: Thuc. 5. 9. § 7, σὺ δέ, ὦ Κλεαρίδα, . . αἰφνιδίως τὰς πύλας ἀνοίξας ἐπεκθεῖν.

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-1 Philoctetes now feels that he is left completely alone and helpless. For the shipmates of Neoptolemus are only to remain for a little while, in the vain hope that he will change his mind. The following commos may be divided into two chief portions. The first, 1081-1160, is in effect one long monody of Philoctetes from the stage, of which the pauses are filled with short recitatives addressed to him by single chorcutae. Without noticing these, he continues the strain of his lament. In the second part, 1161-1217, there is a real interchange of lyric numbers between the Chorus and the chief actor. Still chanting singly, the mariners renew their efforts to win his attention. When they succeed in this, he bids them depart. They make as if to go. Then he calls them back again and begs for means of self-destruction. The commos ends on the re-appearance of Neoptolemus followed by Odysseus. It is evident that the second part of it especially must have been accompanied with various gestures and movements to and fro in the orchestra. The 'melodramatic' character of this portion of the Philoctetes (ll. 730-1217) may be compared with the opening of the Oedipus Coloneus. The metrical scheme (in which again there are several doubtful points) is as follows :- α'.
(1.)
_ _ _ _ _UU_
__UU_U_ _
_ _
_ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _
_UU_UU_UU_UU_
(?)_U_U_U_
(2.)
_UU_UU_UU_U_ _
¹²
_ Iambic.
_UU_U_ Glyconic.
Glyconic _UU_U_
Dactylic { _UU_UU_
Iambic _U_U_ _ _
β'.
(1.)
_ _ _ _
__UU_U_ _
__UU_U_ _
_UU_UU_U_
_ _
10 _UU_UU_
(2) _U_U_ _
_U_UU_U_UU__
_U__UU_U_U_U_UU_
15 _UU_U_U_UU_UU_UU_U__³
(2.)
__UU_U_U__
_ _ _ _ _UU_
_ _ _ _ _UU_
_U_UU__
U_ _U_UU_U_U__
⁴⁵⁶

For the substitution of − ᴗ – for ᴗ ᴗ in Ionic verse, which is allowed by some writers on metre, see Christ's Metrik, § 521.

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-2 In antistrophe _ _ _ _ _ _ _

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-3 2 Or, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. Cp. β' (2), ll. 2, 3.

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-4 3

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-5 In antistrophe U_ _ _

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-6 2 In antistrophe U_UU_U__

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-7 3 In antistrophe _ _UU_U_UU_UU_U_U_

1081-1217. mvp-comment-740-8 10

1081-1082. mvp-comment-741-1 ὦ.. παγετῶδες] ‘Ο cavernous rocky cell, sultry and chill (by turns)!' This phrase presents the other side of the comfortable description given by Odysseus in supr. 17-19.

1084-1085. mvp-comment-742-1 ἀλλὰ .. συνοίσει] ‘But in death also thou wilt be with me.' 'Comes eris,' Lamb. For συμφέρειν in a nearly neutral sense = συνεῖναι, cp. Hes. Op. and D. 300, λιμὸς γάρ τοι πάμπαν ἀεργῷ σύμφορος ἀνδρί. And for the future middle, cp. O. C. 641, τῇδε γὰρ ξυνοίσομαι. Porson's and Reiske's conjecture, συνείσει, ('Thou wilt know of me'), is therefore unnecessary.

1087-1088. mvp-comment-743-1 πληρέστατον . . ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ] 'Overfull of my sorrow.' This refers not only to physical evils, supr. 38, 9.-but to the resonance of his cries and the remembrance of his moments of despair. For such clinging of association to a spot, cp. Tennyson's Elaine, 'A horror lived about the tarn, and clave | Like its own mists to all the mountain-side.' Also Maud, 'The red-ribbed ledges drip with a silent horror of blood, | And Echo there, whatever is ask'd her, answers, Death.'

1089. mvp-comment-744-1 τί ποτ᾿ αὐ μοι τὸ κατ᾿ ἀμαρ ἔσται] 'What henceforth shall be my daily portion?' Ср. O. С. 3. 4, τίς τὸν πλανήτην Οἰδίπουν καθ᾿ ἡμέραν τὴν νῦν σπανιστοῖς δέξεται δωρήμασιν ;

1090-1091. mvp-comment-745-1 τοῦ . . σιτονόμου ἐλπίδος ;] 'What hope of obtaining food?' For τοῦ, attributive, see E. on L. § 21. p. 33. And for the double interrogation, cp. Trach. 421, τίς πόθεν μολών, κ.τ.λ. σιτονόμου = τοῦ νέμεσθαι σίτον. For this condensation of a phrase into an adjective, see Essay on L. § 43. p. 81 , and cp. especially El. 857, 8, ἐλπίδων . . κοινοτόκων | εὐπατρίδων τ᾽ ἀρωγαί.

1092. mvp-comment-746-1 εἴθ᾽.. ἕλωσι] 'I wish that from the skies aloft the cowering creatures there may cleave the shrilling winds to conquer me.' εἴθε is not elsewhere found with the conjunctive. Either (1) there is a confusion of ἕλωσι (conjunctive for imperative) with εἴθ' ἕλοιεν, or (2) the text is unsound. In the latter case a possible emendation is to read εἶ' (ela) for εἴθ'. Cp. Plat. Soph. 239 B, ἀλλ᾽ εἷα δή, νῦν ἐν σοὶ σκεψώμεθα. (Where however α is sometimes read.) Hermann conjectures ἴθ'.

1093. mvp-comment-747-1 ὀξύτονος, which elsewhere is descriptive of sound, may here suggest (1) the whistling of the wind amongst the rocks. But, possibly, (2) the meaning is simply 'Strong.'

1095. mvp-comment-748-1 The words οὐ γὰρ ἔτ᾿ ἰσχύω are unmetrical, and it seems probable that a marginal explanation has here supplanted the original words, which must have scanned like οὐκέτ᾽ ἀρκῶ. Cp. El. 186.

1096. mvp-comment-749-1 κατηξίωσας] Sc. τύχας τάσδε, which is absorbed into the following clause.

1097. mvp-comment-750-1 οὐκ ἄλλοθεν . . ἀπὸ μείζονος] 'And art not thus afflicted from without by the operation of a mightier will.' ἀπὸ μείζονος (masc.) is epexegetic of ἄλλοθεν. ἔχει * τύχαις = 'Thou art held fast in an evil fortune,' ( ἔχει, nearly = συνέχει.) Cp. Ant. 1140, 1, καὶ νῦν, ὡς βιαίας | ἔχεται πάνδαμος ἀμὰ πόλις ἐπὶ νόσου. And for the meaning of ἀπό, cp. Hdt. 8. 15, τὸ ἀπὸ Ξέρξεω δειμαίνοντες. Whatever may have been the origin of his calamity, Philoctetes himself is now responsible for its continuance. *τύχαις agrees with the antistrophe if we read χερός for χειρός.

1098. mvp-comment-751-1 φρονῆσαι] 'To adopt the wiser course.' Ср. O. T. 649, φρονήσας.

1100. mvp-comment-752-1 * αἰνεῖν, 'To be content with,' for ἑλεῖν (Herm.) involves a very slight change and restores the metre. Dind. conj. ἀντί. For the ellipse of μᾶλλον ('In preference to'), see Essay on L. § 39. p. 73. The v. r. πλέονος of the Schol. is preferred by some editors on the ground of metre. But it yields an inferior sense ('fuller' for 'better'), and the quantity of λῴόνος may be defended by the tendency, which is elsewhere observable, to shorten a long vowel or diphthong before another vowel in the same word. Cp. especially supr. 724, πατρῴαν : O. C. 117, ποῦ ναίει;

1101. mvp-comment-753-1 Philoctetes renews his complaint without noticing the interruption.

1102. mvp-comment-754-1 ὕστερον.. εἰσοπίσω] For the redundancy, cp. supr. 930, and note.

1108. mvp-comment-755-1 προσφέρων] Sc. ταῖς ἐνδείαις. Cp. supr. 718, προσενώμα, and note.

1110. mvp-comment-756-1 For the repetition of οὐ, see Essay on L. § 29. p. 48. κραταιαῖσιν] For the shortening of αι, cp. supr. 1100, λῴονος, and note. And for the Ionic rhythm, cp. O. C. 214. μετὰ χερσίν] Epicè.

1111. mvp-comment-757-1 ἴσχων] Sc. τὰ ὅπλα.

1112. mvp-comment-758-1 δολερᾶς.. φρενός] ‘From a guileful heart.' ὑπέδυ] Cp. supr. 1007, O. T. 386, 7.

1114. mvp-comment-759-1 τὸν ἴσον χρόνον] Cp. supr. 794, 5, πῶς ἂν ἀντ᾿ ἐμοῦ | τὸν ἴσον χρόνον τρέφοιτε τήνδε τὴν νόσον;

1116. mvp-comment-760-1 Considering the repetition of σύ τοὶ in l. 1096, the repetition of πότμος here (see v. rr.) is the most probable emendation of the defective line. The Chorus feel that the curse against Odysseus involves themselves also, who have been his instruments, and with apparent, but not real inconsistency, declare that the theft of the bow was a divinely appointed act. τάδε is accusative in apposition with the sentence. For ἔσχε, cp. supr. 331, and for ἔχε, see Essay on L. § 51. p. 96.

1122. mvp-comment-761-1 μὴ = ὅπως μή.

1123. mvp-comment-762-1 The sense is continued from l. 1115, again without any notice being taken of the intervening lines.

1124. mvp-comment-763-1 θινὸς ἐφήμενος] 'Sitting on the shore,' until all be ready for the departure. Cp. supr. 467, 1075 foll.

1126. mvp-comment-764-1 τροφάν] Cp. supr. 931.

1127. mvp-comment-765-1 ἐβάστασεν] Cp. supr. 657.

1128. mvp-comment-766-1 φίλων is not used here in the ordinary Epic sense = ἐμῶν, but φίλον and φίλων are reciprocal in meaning. 'Beloved bow, torn from my loving hand!' The bow, which Neoptolemus ( supr. 657) proposed to worship as a god, is here addressed by Philoctetes as a spiritual being, who is conscious of his condition, even though removed from him. By a bold personification, the captive weapon is imagined as looking back piteously on its old master, and grieving for the base uses which it must now subserve.

1130. mvp-comment-767-1 ἐλεινόν is an adverbial (or cognate) accusative neuter, meaning, 'With looks deserving pity' (not 'With compassionate gaze.') 'Piteous must be thy look, as thou beholdest me.'

1131-1132. mvp-comment-768-1 τὸν.. μεθύστερον] 'Me thus destined no more to use thee in the Heraclean exercise.' The MS. reading affords no satisfactory meaning, and the alternative reading of the diorthotes of L is therefore adopted, with the addition of ἔμ', which makes the sense clearer, and may have dropped out after the preceding syllable ( ομεμ). The scholion τὸν Ἡρακλέους διάδοχον refers merely to τὸν Ἡράκλειον in the received reading.

1134-1135. mvp-comment-769-1 'But thou art transferred to the different service of a man of many wiles, who wields thee now.' ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ = ἐν μετηλλαγμένῃ χρείᾳ. See Essay on L. § 43. p. 82. And, for the metaphorical use of ἐρέσσει, ib. § 58. p. 105. Something is amiss either here or in the corresponding line of the antistrophe, 1157. Hermann conjectures ἄλλου δ' ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ: Paley reads, with Dindorf, ἔτ', ἀλλ᾽ ἐν μεταλλαγᾷ: Cavallin conjectures ἀλλ᾽ αἰὲν μετ᾿ ἀγκάλαις.

1136. mvp-comment-770-1 φῶτ'] Cp. O. C. 1018, and note.

1138-1139. mvp-comment-771-1 'Making countless issues to arise from all the shameful ills that he has devised against me.' In all the events that happened after this at Troy, the results of the present action would be conspicuous; all, in Philoctetes' view, would be evil, and Odysseus would be known as the author of all. Cp. 1061, 4. The word Ὀδυσσεύς in the text is a manifest instance of a gloss having been substituted for the true reading, which is consequently lost. Cp. supr. 1095. Perhaps ἐμήσαθ' οὗτος (the pronoun spoken with bitter emphasis) may be the true reading. That Odysseus is the subject appears both from the gloss in question, and from supr. 1114, τὸν τάδε μησάμενον. Others would read, ἐμήσατ᾽, ὦ Ζεῦ.

1140. mvp-comment-772-1 ἀνδρός τοι.. εἰπεῖν] ‘Truly, it is a man's part heedfully to assert what is right.' For δίκαιον without the article, cp. supr. 83, ἀναιδές: Thuc. 5. 18. § 4, δικαίῳ χρήσθων καὶ ὅρκοις. And for εὖ, modifying the whole clause, Plat. Legg. 9. 855 Α, ὡς εὖ τε καὶ ἀνδρείως εἰς ἀγαθὸν ἐκ κακοῦ διαπεφευγότων, and especially Aesch. Suppl. 78, εὖ τὸ δίκαιον ἰδόντες: Eum. 517. εἰπόντος δέ] · 'But having done so,'- agreeing with ἀνδρός. See Essay on L. § 35. p. 60.

1141. mvp-comment-773-1 μὴ φθονερὰν .. ὀδύναν] 'To abstain from thrusting forth malignant mischief from the tongue.' ὀδύναν, literally, 'Pain,' effect for cause. See Essay on L. § 42. p. 80, B. The poison of serpents was supposed to issue not only from the fang, but from the tongue. Ps. 140. 3, 'They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent, adders' poison is under their lips.' Shak. Mids. N. Dr. 3. 2, 'With doubler tongue | Than thine, thou serpent, never adder stung.' The soundness of the text here has been much questioned. But the three lines yield a good meaning, and the metres correspond exactly to those in the antistrophe. The former speaker (l. 1116 foll.) had cleared the Chorus from blame. He is followed by another, who defends Odysseus.

1143-1144. mvp-comment-774-1 εἰς ἀπὸ πολλῶν | ταχθείς] Cp. O. C. 737 foll., οὐκ ἐξ ἑνὸς στείλαντος, ἀλλ᾽ ἀνδρῶν ὕπο | πάντων κελευσθείς: ib. 850. ἀπό is used here because Odysseus was selected from all the Achaeans as their representative.

1144. mvp-comment-775-1 τοῦδ᾽ ὑφημοσύνᾳ] 'Using Neoptolemus as his minister.' So Hermann, who rightly observes that the Triclinian εὐφημοσύνᾳ is a combination of the readings of L and V³. This is one of the places where the independence of the inferior MSS. is of importance. ὑφημοσύνᾳ is the harder reading, and also specially suited to the context. τοῦδ᾽ ἐφημοσύνᾳ would mean, 'Laying his commands on Neoptolemus.' τοῦδ᾽ ὑφημοσύνᾳ repeats in a softened form what Philoctetes had himself said supr. 1007, 8, and exactly describes the action of Odysseus, supr. 70-85.

1145. mvp-comment-776-1 κοινὰν ἀρωγάν] Either (1) 'Effected a public advantage for his friends:' or (2) 'In common with Neoptolemus performed towards his friends an act of succour.' Cp. supr. 25.

1146. mvp-comment-777-1 ὦ πταναὶ θῆραι] ‘Ο ye, my winged chase!' Supr. 288, 9, τὰς ὑποπτέρους | βάλλον πελείας. χαροπῶν τ᾽ ἔθνη | θηρῶν] ‘And ye tribes of wild-eyed creatures.' The bright eyes of the lynx, deer, etc. surrounding him, affect the sensitive Philoctetes in his solitude.

1148. mvp-comment-778-1 οὐρεσιβώτας is either (1) accusative plural, agreeing with οὓς (θῆρας), or (2) for οὐρεσιβώτης, nom. sing. masc., agreeing with χώρος. The latter is best. See Essay on L. § 55. p. 101. 'This region of rocky pasturage.'

1149-1150. mvp-comment-779-1 φυγᾷ.. πελᾶτ'] 'No longer flying me from my cell, ye shall approach me there,' i. e. οὐκέτι με φεύγοντες ἀπ᾿ αὐλίων, πελᾶτέ μοι εἰς αὔλια. So the words are to be explained, with Bernhardy, if the text is sound. φυγᾷ = φεύγοντes, as supr. 1144, ὑφημοσύνᾳ = ὑφείς. με is governed, in the first instance, by the verb for which πελᾶτε is substituted; i. e. instead of saying οὐκέτι με φεύξεσθε ἀπ᾿ αὐλίων, or πελᾶτέ μοι εἰς αὐλία, the two expressions, the negative and the affirmative, are fused into one. (But cp. infr. 1163, 4.) For a somewhat similar confusion, cp. Εl. 1127, ὥς σ᾽ ἀπ᾿ ἐλπίδων οὐχ ὧνπερ ἐξέπεμπον εἰσεδεξάμην, and note. Herm. explained, 'Ye shall not draw me after you as you fly me.' Aur. conj. μηκέτι.

1151. mvp-comment-780-1 For ἀλκάν, corresponding to an iambus in the strophe, see on O. C. 1556 foll., 1570.

1152. mvp-comment-781-1 Some editors put a comma after ἐγώ, so as to connect τανῦν with ἔχω; but the language runs more simply as in the text.

1153. mvp-comment-782-1 ἀνέδην.. ἐρύκεται] 'Has no effective guard.' Lit. 'Is guarded by being abandoned,' an oxymoron. Cp. Aj. 1214, where ἀνίημι is used of the removal of a defence: Thuc. 4. 27, σφῶν ἀνέντων τὴν φυλακὴν περιγενήσεσθαι τοὺς ἄνδρας. The subject of the passive ἐρύκεται would have been in the dative after the active voice, ἐρύκειν θῆρας χώρῳ. Cp. Od. 5. 166, ἃ κέν τοι λιμὸν ἐρύκοι.

1154. mvp-comment-783-1 φοβητός is the verbal of φοβέομαι as a deponent verb = 'To be fled from.'

1155. mvp-comment-784-1 νῦν καλόν] 'Now is a golden time.'

1156. mvp-comment-785-1 ἀντίφονον . . πρὸς χαρίν] ‘Το glut your vengeful-gory jaws to heart's content.' For the compound ἀντίφονον, see Essay on L. § 54. p. 100, d. And for πρὸς χάριν, cp. πρὸς ἡδονήν. πρὸς χάριν, in Ant. 30, is in a different connection.

1157. mvp-comment-786-1 ἐμᾶς σαρκὸς αἰόλας] ‘On my discoloured flesh.' On the meaning of αἰόλος, see note on Trach. 834. Philoctetes is bitterly conscious that he is not as other men are. Cp. supr. 227.

1158. mvp-comment-787-1 The tmesis of ἀπό recurs infr. 1177, 1207; supr. 817.

1159. mvp-comment-788-1 ἐν αὔραις] i. e. With no surroundings but the 'casing' air.

1160. mvp-comment-789-1 πέμπει] 'Ministers,' 'Gives.' Cp. Hdt. 7. 106, τῷ μούνῳ Ξέρξης δῶρα πέμπεσκε. Τhe same notion is resumed in βιόδωρος, ‘Sustenance,' 'Ministering,' 'Sustaining.' For the refinement by which the simple verb is used for the compound ἀναπέμπει, which would be more usual in this connection, see Essay on L. § 55. p. 101, 4.

1161-1168. mvp-comment-790-1 The reciter of these lines, who is probably the coryphaeus, feels hurt at the prolonged indifference of Philoctetes to the presence of the Chorus, and makes a further and successful effort to engage his attention. εἴ τι σέβει ξένον] 'If you reverence anything friendly,' i. e. 'If you have any respect for the kindness of a friend.' πέλασσον.. πελάταν] 'Draw near to him who draws near to thee with the best of good will.' πελάζω here clearly governs the accusative, as in О. С. 1060. The dative of manner follows the verbal noun. ἀλλὰ . . ἀποφεύγειν] 'Yet understand, and be well assured that it devolves on thee to make escape from this calamity.' ἀλλά, as elsewhere, emphasizes entreaty. σοί here, and in О. C. 721, νῦν σοὶ τὰ λαμπρὰ ταῦτα δὴ φαίνειν ἔπη, has an idiomatic force = σὸν ἔργον ἐστίν. The reading in both places has been unnecessarily suspected. For ἔχειν, ‘Το endure,' cp. El. 223, οὐ σχήσω ταύτας ἄτας. For ὅτι σοί Μ. Seyff. conjectures ἐπὶ σοί. 'It is one that is piteous to sustain, and supplies no means of bearing the uncounted sorrows in the midst of which it dwells.' The adjectives belong in meaning, not to the pain, but to the subject of the pain. Cp. Αj. 955, μαινομένοις ἄχεσιν, and note, and for βόσκειν, supr. 313, βόσκων τὴν ἀδηφάγον νόσον.

1170-1172. mvp-comment-791-1 Similar astrophic passages in κομμοί occur in O. C. 207-253, Trach. 863-95. Cp. also El. 1273-87. There are three distinct changes in the rhythm, from iambo-dactylic to logaoedic at l. 1186, from this to dactylic at l. 1196, and again at l. 1210 to the iambo-dactylic. The iambics are plaintive and despairing, the logaoedic measures reflect the same feeling, contending against persuasion, while in the more energetic dactyls the contention rises to the height. For an attempt to distribute the parts amongst the various choreutae, see Chr. Muff's Chorische Technik des Sophocles, Halle, 1877.

1171. mvp-comment-792-1 ὦ λῷστε τῶν πρὶν ἐντόπων] Cp. supr. 317, 8. The παλαιὸν ἄλγημα is rather the threat of taking him to Troy ( supr. l. 915 foll.) than the wound at Chrysa.

1172. mvp-comment-793-1 'Why hast thou destroyed me? What hast thou done to me?'

1173. mvp-comment-794-1 τί τοῦτ᾽.. εἰ, κ.τ.λ.] 'Why speak you so?' '(For grief) to think that,' etc. See Essay on L. § 28. p. 46 , and cp. supr. 376.

1176. mvp-comment-795-1 κράτιστον] Sc. ὄν.

1178. mvp-comment-796-1 πράσσειν depends (1) on παρήγγειλας, (2) on φίλα, (3) on ἑκόντι: φίλα is predicative.

1180. mvp-comment-797-1 ναὸς .. τέτακται] 'To our station on board ship,' i. e. 'Each to his several station.' ναός is partitive genitive of place. The language shows that the moment of sailing is imminent.

1181. mvp-comment-798-1 Philoctetes has just bidden the mariners to depart. He now beseeches them to stay, as they would avoid his curse. They tell him to speak less wildly, and continue to withdraw. In gentler accents, he reiterates his prayer. ἔλθῃς = ἀπέλθῃς, E. on L. § 55. p. 101, 4.

1186. mvp-comment-799-1 δαίμων] Cp. O. T. 1311, ἰώ, δαῖμον, ἵν᾽ ἐξήλλου.

1188-1189. mvp-comment-800-1 τί σ᾽.. τεύξω] 'What shall I make of thee?' i. e. 'How shall I tend, or how endure, my trouble?' τί is an accusative expressing the result of the action of the verb.

1191-1192. mvp-comment-801-1 'To do what, according to a new purpose, strangely altered from the tone of your former words?' They profess to hope that Philoctetes is changing his mind. The construction is πρὸς τὸ σημαινόμενον, as if ῥέξοντες (ἔλθωμεν) had been (κελεύεις ἐλθεῖν) ῥέξοντας. See Essay on L. § 36. p. 64 , and for a similar irregularity, ср. O. T. 1154, 5, οὐχ ὡς τάχος τις τοῦδ᾽ ἀποστρέψει χέρας; ΘΕ. δύστηνος, ἀντὶ τοῦ; τί προσχρήζων μαθεῖν; (Sc. κελεύεις τοῦτο).

1194-1195. mvp-comment-802-1 ἀλύοντα. θροεῖν] 'That one distracted with tempestuous grief, should utter what is at variance with his true interest.' He means that in bidding them depart he had spoken wildly, as grief, not reason, dictated.

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ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΦΙ. ἀντ.α΄. (1.)

ΦΙ. στρ.β΄. (1.)

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΦΙ. ἀντ.β΄. (1.)

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΦΙ. ἐπ. (1.)

ΧΟ. τί τοῦτ᾽ ἔλεξας;

ΦΙ. εἰ σὺ τὰν ἐμοὶ ἐμοὶ στυγερὰν

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΦΙ. Τρωάδα γᾶν γᾶν γᾶν γαῖαν μ᾽ ἤλπισας ἤλπισασ μ' ἄξειν.

ΧΟ. τόδε γὰρ νοῶ κράτιστον. 1175

ΦΙ. ἀπό νύν ἀπὸ νῦν με λείπετ᾽ μ' ἐλείπετ᾿ μελείπετ᾿ ἤδη.

ΧΟ. φίλα μοι, φίλα ταῦτα παρήγγειλας ἑκόντι τε πράσσειν. ἴωμεν ἴωμεν ἴομεν ἴομεν ἴωμεν ἴωμεν ναὸς ἵν ἡμῖν τέτακται.

ΦΙ. μή, πρὸς ἀραίου Διός, ἔλθῃς, ἱκετεύω. 1180

XO. μετρίαζε.

ΦΙ. ὦ ξένοι, μείνατε, πρὸς θεῶν.

ΧΟ. τί θροεῖς;

ΦΙ. αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, αἱ αἱ αἱ αἱ δαίμων δαίμων. ἀπόλωλ᾽ ὁ τάλας· 1185 ὦ ποὺς πούς, τί σ᾽ τίσ ἔτ᾽ ἐν βίῳ τεύξω τῷ μετόπιν τάλας; ὦ ξένοι, ἔλθετ᾽ ἐπήλυδες αὖθις.

ΧΟ. τί ῥέξοντες ἀλλοκότῳ γνώμᾳ τῶν πάρος, ὧν προὔφαινες προὔφανες προὔφαινες ; 1190

ΦΙ. οὔτοι οὔτι οὔτι νεμεσητόν νεμεσσητὸν,

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΧΟ. (2.) βᾶθί νυν, ὦ τάλαν, ὥς σε κελεύομεν.

ΧΟ. ποῖον ἐρεῖς τόδ᾽ ἔπος;

ΦΙ. ξίφος, εἴ ποθεν, ἢ γένυν, ἢ βελέων τι, προπέμψατε.

ΧΟ. ὡς τίνα δὴ ῥέξῃς ῥέξῃς ....χ ῥέξεις παλάμαν ποτέ;

ΦΙ. κρᾶτ᾽ ἀπὸ πάντα ἀποπάντα ἀπὸ πάντα καὶ ἄρθρα τέμω χερί· 1205 φονᾷ φονᾷ νόος νός νόος νύσος ἤδη.

ΧΟ. τί ποτε;

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΦΙ. πατέρα ματεύων.

ΧΟ. ποῖ γᾶς ;

ΧΟ.

ΟΔ. οὐκ ἂν οὐκ ἂν φράσειας ἥντιν᾽ αὖ παλίντροπος 1220 κέλευθον ἕρπεις ὧδε σὺν σπουδῇ συμπουδῆι συνσπουδῆι σὺν σπουδῇ ταχύς;

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΝΕ. λύσων ὅσ᾽ ἐξήμαρτον ἐν τῷ πρὶν χρόνῳ.

ΟΔ. δεινόν γε φωνεῖς· ἡ δ᾽ ἁμαρτία τίς ἦν;

ΝΕ. ἣν σοὶ πιθόμενος πειθόμενος τῷ τε σύμπαντι στρατῷ

ΟΔ. ἔπραξας ἔργον ποῖον ὧν οὐ σοι πρέπον; 1225

ΝΕ. ἀπάταισιν αἰσχραῖς ἄνδρα καὶ δόλοις ἑλών.

ΟΔ. τὸν ποῖον; ὤμοι· μῶν τι βουλεύει νέον ;

ΝΕ. νέον μὲν οὐδέν, τῷ δὲ Ποίαντος τόκῳ

ΟΔ. τί χρῆμα τί χρῆμα τί τί χρῆμα δράσεις; ὥς μ᾽ ὑπῆλθέ τις ὑπῆλθ᾽ ἔτι ὑπῆλθέ τις φόβος.

ΝΕ. παρ' οὗ περ ἔ παρέ.λαβον τάδε τὰ τόξ᾽, αὖθις πάλιν 1230

ΟΔ. ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξεις; οὔ τί που δοῦναι νοεῖς;

ΝΕ. αἰσχρῶς γὰρ αὐτὰ κοὐ δίκῃ λαβὼν ἔχω.

ΟΔ. πρὸς θεῶν, πότερα δὴ δὴ κερτομῶν λέγεις τάδε;

ΝΕ. εἰ κερτόμησίς ἐστι τἀληθῆ λέγειν.

ΟΔ. τί φής, ᾿Αχιλλέως ἀχιλλέω ἀχιλλέως παῖ; τίν εἴρηκας λόγον ; 1235

ΝΕ. δὶς ταὐτὰ βούλει καὶ τρὶς ἀναπολεῖν ἀναπολεῖ ἀναπολεῖν μ' ἔπη;

ΟΔ. ἀρχὴν κλύειν ἂν οὐδ᾽ ἅπαξ ἐβουλόμην.

ΝΕ. εὖ νῦν ἐπίστω πάντ᾽ ἀκηκοὼς ἀκήκοας λόγον.

ΟΔ. ἔστιν τις, ἔστιν, ὅς σε κωλύσει τὸ δρᾶν.

ΝΕ. τί φής; τίς ἔσται μ' οὑπικωλύσων τάδε; 1240

ΟΔ. ξύμπας ᾿Αχαιῶν λαός, ἐν δὲ τοῖσδ᾽ ἐγώ.

ΦΙΛΟΚΤΗΤΗΣ.

ΝΕ. σοφὸς πεφυκὼς οὐδὲν ἐξαυδᾷς σοφόν.

ΟΔ. σὺ δ᾽ οὔτε φωνεῖς οὔτε δρασείεις δρασειας ? δρασείεις δρασείης σοφά σοφόν.

ΝΕ. ἀλλ᾽ εἰ δίκαια, τῶν σοφῶν κρείσσω κρείσω κρείσσω τάδε.

ΟΔ. καὶ πῶς δίκαιον, ἅ γ᾽ ἔλαβες βουλαῖς ἐμαῖς, 1245 πάλιν μεθεῖναι μεθεῖ.. ναι μεθεῖναι ταῦτα;

NE. τὴν ἁμαρτίαν αἰσχρὰν ἁμαρτὼν ἀναλαβεῖν πειράσομαι.

ΟΔ. στρατὸν δ᾽ ᾿Αχαιῶν οὐ φοβεῖ, πράσσων τάδε;

ΝΕ. ξὺν τῷ δικαίῳ τὸν σὸν οὐ ταρβῶ φόβον. 1250

ΝΕ. ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ τοι σῇ χειρὶ πείθομαι τὸ δρᾶν.

ΣΟΦΟΚΛΕΟΥΣ

ΟΔ. οὔ τἄρα Τρωσίν, ἀλλὰ σοὶ μαχούμεθα.

ΝΕ. ἔστω τὸ μέλλον.

ΟΔ. χεῖρα δεξιὰν ὁρᾷς κώπης ἐπιψαύουσαν ;

NE. ἀλλὰ κἀμέ καὶ ἐμέ τοι ταὐτὸν τόδ᾽ ὄψει δρῶντα κοὐ μέλλοντ᾽ ἔτι. 1255

ΟΔ.

Φιλοκτήτης πάλιν πάλιν παλαιὸν ἄλγημʼ ὑπέμνασας, ὦ 1170 λῷστε τῶν πρὶν ἐντόπων. τί μʼ ὤλεσας; τί μʼ εἴργασαι;

Χορός τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας;

Φιλοκτήτης εἰ σὺ τὰν ἐμοὶ στυγερὰν Τρῳάδα γᾶν μʼ ἤλπισας ἄξειν. 1175

Χορός τόδε γὰρ νοῶ κράτιστον.

ΦΙ.

ἀντ.α΄. (1.)

ΦΙ.

στρ.β΄. (1.)

ΦΙ.

ἀντ.β΄. (1.)

ΦΙ.

ἐπ. (1.)

ΧΟ.

τί τοῦτ᾽ ἔλεξας;

ΦΙ.

εἰ σὺ τὰν ἐμοὶ ἐμοὶ στυγερὰν

ΦΙ.

Τρωάδα γᾶν γᾶν γᾶν γαῖαν μ᾽ ἤλπισας ἤλπισασ μ' ἄξειν.

ΧΟ.

τόδε γὰρ νοῶ κράτιστον.
1175

ΦΙ.

ἀπό νύν ἀπὸ νῦν με λείπετ᾽ μ' ἐλείπετ᾿ μελείπετ᾿ ἤδη.

ΧΟ.

φίλα μοι, φίλα ταῦτα παρήγγειλας ἑκόντι τε πράσσειν.

ἴωμεν ἴωμεν ἴομεν ἴομεν ἴωμεν ἴωμεν

ναὸς ἵν ἡμῖν τέτακται.

ΦΙ.

μή, πρὸς ἀραίου Διός, ἔλθῃς, ἱκετεύω.
1180

XO.

μετρίαζε.

ΦΙ.

ὦ ξένοι, μείνατε, πρὸς θεῶν.

ΧΟ.

τί θροεῖς;

ΦΙ.

αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, αἱ αἱ αἱ αἱ δαίμων δαίμων.

ἀπόλωλ᾽ ὁ τάλας·
1185

ὦ ποὺς πούς, τί σ᾽ τίσ ἔτ᾽ ἐν βίῳ

τεύξω τῷ μετόπιν τάλας;

ὦ ξένοι, ἔλθετ᾽ ἐπήλυδες αὖθις.

ΧΟ.

τί ῥέξοντες ἀλλοκότῳ

γνώμᾳ τῶν πάρος, ὧν προὔφαινες προὔφανες προὔφαινες ;
1190

ΦΙ.

οὔτοι οὔτι οὔτι νεμεσητόν νεμεσσητὸν,

ΧΟ.
(2.)

βᾶθί νυν, ὦ τάλαν, ὥς σε κελεύομεν.

ΧΟ.

ποῖον ἐρεῖς τόδ᾽ ἔπος;

ΦΙ.

ξίφος, εἴ ποθεν,

ἢ γένυν, ἢ βελέων τι, προπέμψατε.

ΧΟ.

ὡς τίνα δὴ ῥέξῃς ῥέξῃς ....χ ῥέξεις παλάμαν ποτέ;

ΦΙ.

κρᾶτ᾽ ἀπὸ πάντα ἀποπάντα ἀπὸ πάντα καὶ ἄρθρα τέμω χερί·
1205

φονᾷ φονᾷ νόος νός νόος νύσος ἤδη.

ΧΟ.

τί ποτε;

ΦΙ.

πατέρα ματεύων.

ΧΟ.

ποῖ γᾶς ;

ΟΔ.

οὐκ ἂν οὐκ ἂν φράσειας ἥντιν᾽ αὖ παλίντροπος
1220

κέλευθον ἕρπεις ὧδε σὺν σπουδῇ συμπουδῆι συνσπουδῆι σὺν σπουδῇ ταχύς;

ΝΕ.

λύσων ὅσ᾽ ἐξήμαρτον ἐν τῷ πρὶν χρόνῳ.

ΟΔ.

δεινόν γε φωνεῖς· ἡ δ᾽ ἁμαρτία τίς ἦν;

ΝΕ.

ἣν σοὶ πιθόμενος πειθόμενος τῷ τε σύμπαντι στρατῷ

ΟΔ.

ἔπραξας ἔργον ποῖον ὧν οὐ σοι πρέπον;
1225

ΝΕ.

ἀπάταισιν αἰσχραῖς ἄνδρα καὶ δόλοις ἑλών.

ΟΔ.

τὸν ποῖον; ὤμοι· μῶν τι βουλεύει νέον ;

ΝΕ.

νέον μὲν οὐδέν, τῷ δὲ Ποίαντος τόκῳ

ΟΔ.

τί χρῆμα τί χρῆμα τί τί χρῆμα δράσεις; ὥς μ᾽ ὑπῆλθέ τις ὑπῆλθ᾽ ἔτι ὑπῆλθέ τις φόβος.

ΝΕ.

παρ' οὗ περ ἔ παρέ.λαβον τάδε τὰ τόξ᾽, αὖθις πάλιν
1230

ΟΔ.

ὦ Ζεῦ, τί λέξεις; οὔ τί που δοῦναι νοεῖς;

ΝΕ.

αἰσχρῶς γὰρ αὐτὰ κοὐ δίκῃ λαβὼν ἔχω.

ΟΔ.

πρὸς θεῶν, πότερα δὴ δὴ κερτομῶν λέγεις τάδε;

ΝΕ.

εἰ κερτόμησίς ἐστι τἀληθῆ λέγειν.

ΟΔ.

τί φής, ᾿Αχιλλέως ἀχιλλέω ἀχιλλέως παῖ; τίν εἴρηκας λόγον ;
1235

ΝΕ.

δὶς ταὐτὰ βούλει καὶ τρὶς ἀναπολεῖν ἀναπολεῖ ἀναπολεῖν μ' ἔπη;

ΟΔ.

ἀρχὴν κλύειν ἂν οὐδ᾽ ἅπαξ ἐβουλόμην.

ΝΕ.

εὖ νῦν ἐπίστω πάντ᾽ ἀκηκοὼς ἀκήκοας λόγον.

ΟΔ.

ἔστιν τις, ἔστιν, ὅς σε κωλύσει τὸ δρᾶν.

ΝΕ.

τί φής; τίς ἔσται μ' οὑπικωλύσων τάδε;
1240

ΟΔ.

ξύμπας ᾿Αχαιῶν λαός, ἐν δὲ τοῖσδ᾽ ἐγώ.

ΝΕ.

σοφὸς πεφυκὼς οὐδὲν ἐξαυδᾷς σοφόν.

ΟΔ.

σὺ δ᾽ οὔτε φωνεῖς οὔτε δρασείεις δρασειας ? δρασείεις δρασείης σοφά σοφόν.

ΝΕ.

ἀλλ᾽ εἰ δίκαια, τῶν σοφῶν κρείσσω κρείσω κρείσσω τάδε.

ΟΔ.

καὶ πῶς δίκαιον, ἅ γ᾽ ἔλαβες βουλαῖς ἐμαῖς,
1245

πάλιν μεθεῖναι μεθεῖ.. ναι μεθεῖναι ταῦτα;

NE.

τὴν ἁμαρτίαν

αἰσχρὰν ἁμαρτὼν ἀναλαβεῖν πειράσομαι.

ΟΔ.

στρατὸν δ᾽ ᾿Αχαιῶν οὐ φοβεῖ, πράσσων τάδε;

ΝΕ.

ξὺν τῷ δικαίῳ τὸν σὸν οὐ ταρβῶ φόβον.
1250

ΝΕ.

ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ τοι σῇ χειρὶ πείθομαι τὸ δρᾶν.

ΟΔ.

οὔ τἄρα Τρωσίν, ἀλλὰ σοὶ μαχούμεθα.

ΝΕ.

ἔστω τὸ μέλλον.

ΟΔ.

χεῖρα δεξιὰν ὁρᾷς

κώπης ἐπιψαύουσαν ;

NE.

ἀλλὰ κἀμέ καὶ ἐμέ τοι

ταὐτὸν τόδ᾽ ὄψει δρῶντα κοὐ μέλλοντ᾽ ἔτι.
1255

Φιλοκτήτης

πάλιν πάλιν παλαιὸν ἄλγημʼ ὑπέμνασας, ὦ
1170

λῷστε τῶν πρὶν ἐντόπων.

τί μʼ ὤλεσας; τί μʼ εἴργασαι;

Χορός

τί τοῦτʼ ἔλεξας;

Φιλοκτήτης

εἰ σὺ τὰν ἐμοὶ στυγερὰν

Τρῳάδα γᾶν μʼ ἤλπισας ἄξειν.
1175

Χορός

τόδε γὰρ νοῶ κράτιστον.

Φιλοκτήτης

ἀπό νύν με λείπετʼ ἤδη.

Χορός

φίλα μοι, φίλα ταῦτα παρήγγειλας ἑκόντι τε πράσσειν.

ἴωμεν ἴωμεν

ναὸς ἵνʼ ἡμῖν τέτακται.
1180

Φιλοκτήτης

μή, πρὸς ἀραίου Διός, ἔλθῃς, ἱκετεύω.

Χορός

μετρίαζʼ.

Φιλοκτήτης

ὦ ξένοι, μείνατε, πρὸς θεῶν.

Χορός

τί θροεῖς;

Φιλοκτήτης

αἰαῖ αἰαῖ, δαίμων δαίμων·
1185

ἀπόλωλʼ ὁ τάλας·

ὦ ποὺς πούς, τί σʼ ἔτʼ ἐν βίῳ

τεύξω τῷ μετόπιν τάλας;

ὦ ξένοι, ἔλθετʼ ἐπήλυδες αὖθις.
1190

Χορός

τί ῥέξοντες ἀλλοκότῳ

γνώμᾳ τῶν πάρος, ὧν προύφαινες;

Φιλοκτήτης

οὔτοι νεμεσητόν,

ἀλύοντα χειμερίῳ

λύπᾳ καὶ παρὰ νοῦν θροεῖν.
1195

Χορός

βᾶθί νυν, ὦ τάλαν, ὥς σε κελεύομεν.

Χορός

ποῖον ἐρεῖς τόδʼ ἔπος;

Φιλοκτήτης

ξίφος, εἴ ποθεν,

ἢ γένυν ἢ βελέων τι προπέμψατε.

Χορός

ὡς τίνα δὴ ῥέξῃς παλάμαν ποτέ;
1205

Φιλοκτήτης

χρῶτʼ ἀπὸ πάντα καὶ ἄρθρα τέμω χερί·

φονᾷ φονᾷ νόος ἤδη.

Χορός

τί ποτε;

Φιλοκτήτης

πατέρα ματεύων.

Χορός

ποῖ γᾶς;
1210

Ὀδυσσεύς

οὐκ ἂν φράσειας ἥντινʼ αὖ παλίντροπος

κέλευθον ἕρπεις ὧδε σὺν σπουδῇ ταχύς;