ἥκιστα. τοῦτ᾽ οὐκ ἔσθ᾽ ὅπως ποτ᾽ εἰς ἐμὲ
515
Philoctetes. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
Table of Contents
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Νεοπτόλεμος
ὅρα σὺ μὴ νῦν μέν τις εὐχερὴς παρῇς,
ὅταν δὲ πλησθῇς τῆς νόσου ξυνουσίᾳ,
520
τότʼ οὐκέθʼ αὑτὸς τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις φανῇς.
ὅρα σὺ μὴ νῦν μέν τις εὐχερὴς παρῇς,
ὅταν δὲ πλησθῇς τῆς νόσου ξυνουσίᾳ,
520
τότʼ οὐκέθʼ αὑτὸς τοῖς λόγοις τούτοις φανῇς.
Χορός
ἥκιστα· τοῦτʼ οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως ποτʼ εἰς ἐμὲ
τοὔνειδος ἕξεις ἐνδίκως ὀνειδίσαι.
ἥκιστα· τοῦτʼ οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅπως ποτʼ εἰς ἐμὲ
τοὔνειδος ἕξεις ἐνδίκως ὀνειδίσαι.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἀλλʼ αἰσχρὰ μέντοι σοῦ γέ μʼ ἐνδεέστερον
ξένῳ φανῆναι πρὸς τὸ καίριον πονεῖν.
525
ἀλλʼ εἰ δοκεῖ, πλέωμεν, ὁρμάσθω ταχύς·
χἠ ναῦς γὰρ ἄξει κοὐκ ἀπαρνηθήσεται.
μόνον θεοὶ σῴζοιεν ἔκ τε τῆσδε γῆς
ἡμᾶς ὅποι τʼ ἐνθένδε βουλοίμεσθα πλεῖν.
ἀλλʼ αἰσχρὰ μέντοι σοῦ γέ μʼ ἐνδεέστερον
ξένῳ φανῆναι πρὸς τὸ καίριον πονεῖν.
525
ἀλλʼ εἰ δοκεῖ, πλέωμεν, ὁρμάσθω ταχύς·
χἠ ναῦς γὰρ ἄξει κοὐκ ἀπαρνηθήσεται.
μόνον θεοὶ σῴζοιεν ἔκ τε τῆσδε γῆς
ἡμᾶς ὅποι τʼ ἐνθένδε βουλοίμεσθα πλεῖν.
Φιλοκτήτης
ὦ φίλτατον μὲν ἦμαρ, ἥδιστος δʼ ἀνήρ,
530
φίλοι δὲ ναῦται, πῶς ἂν ὑμὶν ἐμφανὴς
ἔργῳ γενοίμην, ὥς μʼ ἔθεσθε προσφιλῆ;
ἴωμεν, ὦ παῖ, προσκύσαντε τὴν ἔσω
ἄοικον εἰσοίκησιν, ὥς με καὶ μάθῃς
ἀφʼ ὧν διέζων ὥς τʼ ἔφυν εὐκάρδιος.
535
οἶμαι γὰρ οὐδʼ ἂν ὄμμασιν μόνην θέαν
ἄλλον λαβόντα πλὴν ἐμοῦ τλῆναι τάδε·
ἐγὼ δʼ ἀνάγκῃ προύμαθον στέργειν κακά.
ὦ φίλτατον μὲν ἦμαρ, ἥδιστος δʼ ἀνήρ,
530
φίλοι δὲ ναῦται, πῶς ἂν ὑμὶν ἐμφανὴς
ἔργῳ γενοίμην, ὥς μʼ ἔθεσθε προσφιλῆ;
ἴωμεν, ὦ παῖ, προσκύσαντε τὴν ἔσω
ἄοικον εἰσοίκησιν, ὥς με καὶ μάθῃς
ἀφʼ ὧν διέζων ὥς τʼ ἔφυν εὐκάρδιος.
535
οἶμαι γὰρ οὐδʼ ἂν ὄμμασιν μόνην θέαν
ἄλλον λαβόντα πλὴν ἐμοῦ τλῆναι τάδε·
ἐγὼ δʼ ἀνάγκῃ προύμαθον στέργειν κακά.
Χορός
ἐπίσχετον, μάθωμεν· ἄνδρε γὰρ δύο,
ὁ μὲν νεὼς σῆς ναυβάτης, ὁ δʼ ἀλλόθρους,
540
χωρεῖτον, ὧν μαθόντες αὖθις εἴσιτον.
ἐπίσχετον, μάθωμεν· ἄνδρε γὰρ δύο,
ὁ μὲν νεὼς σῆς ναυβάτης, ὁ δʼ ἀλλόθρους,
540
χωρεῖτον, ὧν μαθόντες αὖθις εἴσιτον.
Ἔμπορος
Ἀχιλλέως παῖ, τόνδε τὸν ξυνέμπορον,
ὃς ἦν νεὼς σῆς σὺν δυοῖν ἄλλοιν φύλαξ,
ἐκέλευσʼ ἐμοί σε ποῦ κυρῶν εἴης φράσαι,
ἐπείπερ ἀντέκυρσα, δοξάζων μὲν οὔ,
545
τύχῃ δέ πως πρὸς ταὐτὸν ὁρμισθεὶς πέδον.
πλέων γὰρ ὡς ναύκληρος οὐ πολλῷ στόλῳ
ἀπʼ Ἰλίου πρὸς οἶκον ἐς τὴν εὔβοτρυν
Πεπάρηθον, ὡς ἤκουσα τοὺς ναύτας ὅτι
σοὶ πάντες εἶεν συννεναυστοληκότες,
550
ἔδοξέ μοι μὴ σῖγα, πρὶν φράσαιμί σοι,
τὸν πλοῦν ποεῖσθαι, προστυχόντι τῶν ἴσων.
οὐδὲν σύ που κάτοισθα τῶν σαυτοῦ πέρι,
ἃ τοῖσιν Ἀργείοισιν ἀμφὶ σοῦ νέα
βουλεύματʼ ἐστί, κοὐ μόνον βουλεύματα,
555
ἀλλʼ ἔργα δρώμενʼ, οὐκέτʼ ἐξαργούμενα.
557
Ἀχιλλέως παῖ, τόνδε τὸν ξυνέμπορον,
ὃς ἦν νεὼς σῆς σὺν δυοῖν ἄλλοιν φύλαξ,
ἐκέλευσʼ ἐμοί σε ποῦ κυρῶν εἴης φράσαι,
ἐπείπερ ἀντέκυρσα, δοξάζων μὲν οὔ,
545
τύχῃ δέ πως πρὸς ταὐτὸν ὁρμισθεὶς πέδον.
πλέων γὰρ ὡς ναύκληρος οὐ πολλῷ στόλῳ
ἀπʼ Ἰλίου πρὸς οἶκον ἐς τὴν εὔβοτρυν
Πεπάρηθον, ὡς ἤκουσα τοὺς ναύτας ὅτι
σοὶ πάντες εἶεν συννεναυστοληκότες,
550
ἔδοξέ μοι μὴ σῖγα, πρὶν φράσαιμί σοι,
τὸν πλοῦν ποεῖσθαι, προστυχόντι τῶν ἴσων.
οὐδὲν σύ που κάτοισθα τῶν σαυτοῦ πέρι,
ἃ τοῖσιν Ἀργείοισιν ἀμφὶ σοῦ νέα
βουλεύματʼ ἐστί, κοὐ μόνον βουλεύματα,
555
ἀλλʼ ἔργα δρώμενʼ, οὐκέτʼ ἐξαργούμενα.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἀλλʼ ἡ χάρις μὲν τῆς προμηθίας, ξένε,
εἰ μὴ κακὸς πέφυκα, προσφιλὴς μενεῖ·
φράσον δʼ ἅπερ, γʼ ἔλεξας, ὡς μάθω τί μοι
νεώτερον, βούλευμʼ ἀπʼ Ἀργείων ἔχεις.
560
ἀλλʼ ἡ χάρις μὲν τῆς προμηθίας, ξένε,
εἰ μὴ κακὸς πέφυκα, προσφιλὴς μενεῖ·
φράσον δʼ ἅπερ, γʼ ἔλεξας, ὡς μάθω τί μοι
νεώτερον, βούλευμʼ ἀπʼ Ἀργείων ἔχεις.
560
Ἔμπορος
φροῦδοι διώκοντές σε ναυτικῷ στόλῳ
Φοῖνιξ ὁ πρέσβυς οἵ τε Θησέως κόροι.
φροῦδοι διώκοντές σε ναυτικῷ στόλῳ
Φοῖνιξ ὁ πρέσβυς οἵ τε Θησέως κόροι.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ὡς ἐκ βίας μʼ ἄξοντες ἢ λόγοις πάλιν;
ὡς ἐκ βίας μʼ ἄξοντες ἢ λόγοις πάλιν;
Ἔμπορος
οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἀκούσας δʼ ἄγγελος πάρειμί σοι.
οὐκ οἶδʼ· ἀκούσας δʼ ἄγγελος πάρειμί σοι.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἦ ταῦτα δὴ Φοῖνίξ τε χοἰ ξυνναυβάται
565
οὕτω καθʼ ὁρμὴν δρῶσιν Ἀτρειδῶν χάριν;
ἦ ταῦτα δὴ Φοῖνίξ τε χοἰ ξυνναυβάται
565
οὕτω καθʼ ὁρμὴν δρῶσιν Ἀτρειδῶν χάριν;
Ἔμπορος
ὡς ταῦτʼ ἐπίστω δρώμενʼ, οὐ μέλλοντʼ ἔτι.
ὡς ταῦτʼ ἐπίστω δρώμενʼ, οὐ μέλλοντʼ ἔτι.
Νεοπτόλεμος
πῶς οὖν Ὀδυσσεὺς πρὸς τάδʼ οὐκ αὐτάγγελος
πλεῖν ἦν ἕτοιμος; ἢ φόβος τις εἶργέ νιν;
πῶς οὖν Ὀδυσσεὺς πρὸς τάδʼ οὐκ αὐτάγγελος
πλεῖν ἦν ἕτοιμος; ἢ φόβος τις εἶργέ νιν;
Ἔμπορος
κεῖνός γʼ ἐπʼ ἄλλον ἄνδρʼ ὁ Τυδέως τε παῖς
570
ἔστελλον, ἡνίκʼ ἐξανηγόμην ἐγώ.
κεῖνός γʼ ἐπʼ ἄλλον ἄνδρʼ ὁ Τυδέως τε παῖς
570
ἔστελλον, ἡνίκʼ ἐξανηγόμην ἐγώ.
Νεοπτόλεμος
πρὸς ποῖον αὖ τόνδʼ αὐτὸς Οὑδυσσεὺς ἔπλει;
πρὸς ποῖον αὖ τόνδʼ αὐτὸς Οὑδυσσεὺς ἔπλει;
Ἔμπορος
ἦν δή τις—ἀλλὰ τόνδε μοι πρῶτον φράσον
τίς ἐστίν· ἃν λέγῃς δὲ μὴ φώνει μέγα.
ἦν δή τις—ἀλλὰ τόνδε μοι πρῶτον φράσον
τίς ἐστίν· ἃν λέγῃς δὲ μὴ φώνει μέγα.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ὅδʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ κλεινός σοι Φιλοκτήτης, ξένε.
575
ὅδʼ ἔσθʼ ὁ κλεινός σοι Φιλοκτήτης, ξένε.
575
Ἔμπορος
μή νύν μʼ ἔρῃ τὰ πλείονʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅσον τάχος
ἔκπλει σεαυτὸν ξυλλαβὼν ἐκ τῆσδε γῆς.
μή νύν μʼ ἔρῃ τὰ πλείονʼ, ἀλλʼ ὅσον τάχος
ἔκπλει σεαυτὸν ξυλλαβὼν ἐκ τῆσδε γῆς.
Φιλοκτήτης
τί φησιν, ὦ παῖ; τί με κατὰ σκότον ποτὲ
διεμπολᾷ λόγοισι πρός σʼ ὁ ναυβάτης;
τί φησιν, ὦ παῖ; τί με κατὰ σκότον ποτὲ
διεμπολᾷ λόγοισι πρός σʼ ὁ ναυβάτης;
Νεοπτόλεμος
οὐκ οἶδά πω τί φησι· δεῖ δʼ αὐτὸν λέγειν
580
εἰς φῶς ὃ λέξει, πρὸς σὲ κἀμὲ τούσδε τε.
οὐκ οἶδά πω τί φησι· δεῖ δʼ αὐτὸν λέγειν
580
εἰς φῶς ὃ λέξει, πρὸς σὲ κἀμὲ τούσδε τε.
Ἔμπορος
ὦ σπέρμʼ Ἀχιλλέως, μή με διαβάλῃς στρατῷ
λέγονθʼ ἃ μὴ δεῖ· πόλλʼ ἐγὼ κείνων ὕπο
δρῶν ἀντιπάσχω χρηστά θʼ, οἷʼ ἀνὴρ πένης.
ὦ σπέρμʼ Ἀχιλλέως, μή με διαβάλῃς στρατῷ
λέγονθʼ ἃ μὴ δεῖ· πόλλʼ ἐγὼ κείνων ὕπο
δρῶν ἀντιπάσχω χρηστά θʼ, οἷʼ ἀνὴρ πένης.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἐγώ εἰμʼ Ἀτρείδαις δυσμενής· οὗτος δέ μοι
585
φίλος μέγιστος, οὕνεκʼ Ἀτρείδας στυγεῖ.
δεῖ δή σʼ ἔμοιγʼ ἐλθόντα προσφιλῆ, λόγων
κρύψαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς μηδένʼ ὧν ἀκήκοας.
ἐγώ εἰμʼ Ἀτρείδαις δυσμενής· οὗτος δέ μοι
585
φίλος μέγιστος, οὕνεκʼ Ἀτρείδας στυγεῖ.
δεῖ δή σʼ ἔμοιγʼ ἐλθόντα προσφιλῆ, λόγων
κρύψαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς μηδένʼ ὧν ἀκήκοας.
Ἔμπορος
ὅρα τί ποιεῖς, παῖ.
ὅρα τί ποιεῖς, παῖ.
Νεοπτόλεμος
σκοπῶ κἀγὼ πάλαι.
σκοπῶ κἀγὼ πάλαι.
Ἔμπορος
σὲ θήσομαι τῶνδʼ αἴτιον.
590
σὲ θήσομαι τῶνδʼ αἴτιον.
590
Νεοπτόλεμος
ποιοῦ λέγων.
591
ποιοῦ λέγων.
Ἔμπορος
λέγω. ʼπὶ τοῦτον ἄνδρε τώδʼ ὥπερ κλύεις,
ὁ Τυδέως παῖς ἥ τʼ Ὀδυσσέως βία,
διώμοτοι πλέουσιν ἦ μὴν ἢ λόγῳ
πείσαντες ἄξειν ἢ πρὸς ἰσχύος κράτος.
καὶ ταῦτʼ Ἀχαιοὶ πάντες ἤκουον σαφῶς
595
Ὀδυσσέως λέγοντος· οὗτος γὰρ πλέον
τὸ θάρσος εἶχε θατέρου δράσειν τάδε.
λέγω. ʼπὶ τοῦτον ἄνδρε τώδʼ ὥπερ κλύεις,
ὁ Τυδέως παῖς ἥ τʼ Ὀδυσσέως βία,
διώμοτοι πλέουσιν ἦ μὴν ἢ λόγῳ
πείσαντες ἄξειν ἢ πρὸς ἰσχύος κράτος.
καὶ ταῦτʼ Ἀχαιοὶ πάντες ἤκουον σαφῶς
595
Ὀδυσσέως λέγοντος· οὗτος γὰρ πλέον
τὸ θάρσος εἶχε θατέρου δράσειν τάδε.
Νεοπτόλεμος
τίνος δʼ Ἀτρεῖδαι τοῦδʼ ἄγαν οὕτω χρόνῳ
τοσῷδʼ ἐπεστρέφοντο πράγματος χάριν,
ὅν γʼ εἶχον ἤδη χρόνιον ἐκβεβληκότες;
600
τίς ὁ πόθος αὐτοὺς ἵκετʼ; ἢ θεῶν βία
καὶ νέμεσις, οἵπερ ἔργʼ ἀμύνουσιν κακά;
τίνος δʼ Ἀτρεῖδαι τοῦδʼ ἄγαν οὕτω χρόνῳ
τοσῷδʼ ἐπεστρέφοντο πράγματος χάριν,
ὅν γʼ εἶχον ἤδη χρόνιον ἐκβεβληκότες;
600
τίς ὁ πόθος αὐτοὺς ἵκετʼ; ἢ θεῶν βία
καὶ νέμεσις, οἵπερ ἔργʼ ἀμύνουσιν κακά;
Ἔμπορος
ἐγώ σε τοῦτʼ, ἴσως γὰρ οὐκ ἀκήκοας,
πᾶν ἐκδιδάξω. μάντις ἦν τις εὐγενής,
Πριάμου μὲν υἱός, ὄνομα δʼ ὠνομάζετο
605
Ἕλενος, ὃν οὗτος νυκτὸς ἐξελθὼν μόνος,
ὁ πάντʼ ἀκούων αἰσχρὰ καὶ λωβήτʼ ἔπη
δόλιος Ὀδυσσεὺς εἷλε· δέσμιόν τʼ ἄγων
ἔδειξʼ Ἀχαιοῖς ἐς μέσον, θήραν καλήν·
ὃς δὴ τά τʼ ἄλλʼ αὐτοῖσι πάντʼ ἐθέσπισεν
610
καὶ τἀπὶ Τροίᾳ πέργαμʼ ὡς οὐ μή ποτε
πέρσοιεν, εἰ μὴ τόνδε πείσαντες λόγῳ
ἄγοιντο νήσου τῆσδʼ ἐφʼ ἧς ναίει τανῦν.
καὶ ταῦθʼ ὅπως ἤκουσʼ ὁ Λαέρτου τόκος
τὸν μάντιν εἰπόντʼ, εὐθέως ὑπέσχετο
615
τὸν ἄνδρʼ Ἀχαιοῖς τόνδε δηλώσειν ἄγων·
οἴοιτο μὲν μάλισθʼ ἑκούσιον λαβών,
εἰ μὴ θέλοι δʼ, ἄκοντα· καὶ τούτων κάρα
τέμνειν ἐφεῖτο τῷ θέλοντι μὴ τυχών.
ἤκουσας, ὦ παῖ, πάντα· τὸ σπεύδειν δέ σοι
620
καὐτῷ παραινῶ κεἴ τινος κήδει πέρι.
ἐγώ σε τοῦτʼ, ἴσως γὰρ οὐκ ἀκήκοας,
πᾶν ἐκδιδάξω. μάντις ἦν τις εὐγενής,
Πριάμου μὲν υἱός, ὄνομα δʼ ὠνομάζετο
605
Ἕλενος, ὃν οὗτος νυκτὸς ἐξελθὼν μόνος,
ὁ πάντʼ ἀκούων αἰσχρὰ καὶ λωβήτʼ ἔπη
δόλιος Ὀδυσσεὺς εἷλε· δέσμιόν τʼ ἄγων
ἔδειξʼ Ἀχαιοῖς ἐς μέσον, θήραν καλήν·
ὃς δὴ τά τʼ ἄλλʼ αὐτοῖσι πάντʼ ἐθέσπισεν
610
καὶ τἀπὶ Τροίᾳ πέργαμʼ ὡς οὐ μή ποτε
πέρσοιεν, εἰ μὴ τόνδε πείσαντες λόγῳ
ἄγοιντο νήσου τῆσδʼ ἐφʼ ἧς ναίει τανῦν.
καὶ ταῦθʼ ὅπως ἤκουσʼ ὁ Λαέρτου τόκος
τὸν μάντιν εἰπόντʼ, εὐθέως ὑπέσχετο
615
τὸν ἄνδρʼ Ἀχαιοῖς τόνδε δηλώσειν ἄγων·
οἴοιτο μὲν μάλισθʼ ἑκούσιον λαβών,
εἰ μὴ θέλοι δʼ, ἄκοντα· καὶ τούτων κάρα
τέμνειν ἐφεῖτο τῷ θέλοντι μὴ τυχών.
ἤκουσας, ὦ παῖ, πάντα· τὸ σπεύδειν δέ σοι
620
καὐτῷ παραινῶ κεἴ τινος κήδει πέρι.
Φιλοκτήτης
οἴμοι τάλας· ἦ κεῖνος, ἡ πᾶσα βλάβη,
ἔμʼ εἰς Ἀχαιοὺς ὤμοσεν πείσας στελεῖν;
πεισθήσομαι γὰρ ὧδε κἀξ Ἅιδου θανὼν
πρὸς φῶς ἀνελθεῖν, ὥσπερ οὑκείνου πατήρ.
625
οἴμοι τάλας· ἦ κεῖνος, ἡ πᾶσα βλάβη,
ἔμʼ εἰς Ἀχαιοὺς ὤμοσεν πείσας στελεῖν;
πεισθήσομαι γὰρ ὧδε κἀξ Ἅιδου θανὼν
πρὸς φῶς ἀνελθεῖν, ὥσπερ οὑκείνου πατήρ.
625
Ἔμπορος
οὐκ οἶδʼ ἐγὼ ταῦτʼ· ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ μὲν εἶμʼ ἐπὶ
ναῦν, σφῷν δʼ ὅπως ἄριστα συμφέροι θεός.
628
οὐκ οἶδʼ ἐγὼ ταῦτʼ· ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ μὲν εἶμʼ ἐπὶ
ναῦν, σφῷν δʼ ὅπως ἄριστα συμφέροι θεός.
Φιλοκτήτης
οὔκουν τάδʼ, ὦ παῖ, δεινά, τὸν Λαερτίου
ἔμʼ ἐλπίσαι ποτʼ ἂν λόγοισι μαλθακοῖς
δεῖξαι νεὼς ἄγοντʼ ἐν Ἀργείοις μέσοις;
630
οὔ· θᾶσσον ἂν τῆς πλεῖστον ἐχθίστης ἐμοὶ
κλύοιμʼ ἐχίδνης, ἥ μʼ ἔθηκεν ὧδʼ ἄπουν.
ἀλλʼ ἔστʼ ἐκείνῳ πάντα λεκτά, πάντα δὲ
τολμητά· καὶ νῦν οἶδʼ ὁθούνεχʼ ἵξεται.
ἀλλʼ, ὦ τέκνον, χωρῶμεν, ὡς ἡμᾶς πολὺ
635
πέλαγος ὁρίζῃ τῆς Ὀδυσσέως νεώς.
ἴωμεν· ἥ τοι καίριος σπουδὴ πόνου
λήξαντος ὕπνον κἀνάπαυλαν ἤγαγεν.
οὔκουν τάδʼ, ὦ παῖ, δεινά, τὸν Λαερτίου
ἔμʼ ἐλπίσαι ποτʼ ἂν λόγοισι μαλθακοῖς
δεῖξαι νεὼς ἄγοντʼ ἐν Ἀργείοις μέσοις;
630
οὔ· θᾶσσον ἂν τῆς πλεῖστον ἐχθίστης ἐμοὶ
κλύοιμʼ ἐχίδνης, ἥ μʼ ἔθηκεν ὧδʼ ἄπουν.
ἀλλʼ ἔστʼ ἐκείνῳ πάντα λεκτά, πάντα δὲ
τολμητά· καὶ νῦν οἶδʼ ὁθούνεχʼ ἵξεται.
ἀλλʼ, ὦ τέκνον, χωρῶμεν, ὡς ἡμᾶς πολὺ
635
πέλαγος ὁρίζῃ τῆς Ὀδυσσέως νεώς.
ἴωμεν· ἥ τοι καίριος σπουδὴ πόνου
λήξαντος ὕπνον κἀνάπαυλαν ἤγαγεν.
Νεοπτόλεμος
οὐκοῦν ἐπειδὰν πνεῦμα τοὐκ πρῴρας ἀνῇ,
τότε στελοῦμεν· νῦν γὰρ ἀντιοστατεῖ.
640
οὐκοῦν ἐπειδὰν πνεῦμα τοὐκ πρῴρας ἀνῇ,
τότε στελοῦμεν· νῦν γὰρ ἀντιοστατεῖ.
640
Φιλοκτήτης
ἀεὶ καλὸς πλοῦς ἔσθʼ, ὅταν φεύγῃς κακά.
ἀεὶ καλὸς πλοῦς ἔσθʼ, ὅταν φεύγῃς κακά.
Νεοπτόλεμος
οὔκ, ἀλλὰ κἀκείνοισι ταῦτʼ ἐναντία.
οὔκ, ἀλλὰ κἀκείνοισι ταῦτʼ ἐναντία.
Φιλοκτήτης
οὐκ ἔστι λῃσταῖς πνεῦμʼ ἐναντιούμενον,
ὅταν παρῇ κλέψαι τι χἀρπάσαι βίᾳ.
οὐκ ἔστι λῃσταῖς πνεῦμʼ ἐναντιούμενον,
ὅταν παρῇ κλέψαι τι χἀρπάσαι βίᾳ.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἀλλʼ εἰ δοκεῖ, χωρῶμεν, ἔνδοθεν λαβὼν
645
ὅτου σε χρεία καὶ πόθος μάλιστʼ ἔχει.
ἀλλʼ εἰ δοκεῖ, χωρῶμεν, ἔνδοθεν λαβὼν
645
ὅτου σε χρεία καὶ πόθος μάλιστʼ ἔχει.
Φιλοκτήτης
ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ὧν δεῖ, καίπερ οὐ πολλῶν ἄπο.
ἀλλʼ ἔστιν ὧν δεῖ, καίπερ οὐ πολλῶν ἄπο.
Νεοπτόλεμος
τί τοῦθʼ ὃ μὴ νεώς γε τῆς ἐμῆς ἔπι;
τί τοῦθʼ ὃ μὴ νεώς γε τῆς ἐμῆς ἔπι;
Φιλοκτήτης
φύλλον τί μοι πάρεστιν, ᾧ μάλιστʼ ἀεὶ
κοιμῶ τόδʼ ἕλκος, ὥστε πραΰνειν πάνυ.
650
φύλλον τί μοι πάρεστιν, ᾧ μάλιστʼ ἀεὶ
κοιμῶ τόδʼ ἕλκος, ὥστε πραΰνειν πάνυ.
650
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἀλλʼ ἔκφερʼ αὐτό. τί γὰρ ἔτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐρᾷς λαβεῖν;
ἀλλʼ ἔκφερʼ αὐτό. τί γὰρ ἔτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐρᾷς λαβεῖν;
Φιλοκτήτης
εἴ μοί τι τόξων τῶνδʼ ἀπημελημένον
παρερρύηκεν, ὡς λίπω μή τῳ λαβεῖν.
εἴ μοί τι τόξων τῶνδʼ ἀπημελημένον
παρερρύηκεν, ὡς λίπω μή τῳ λαβεῖν.
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἦ ταῦτα γὰρ τὰ κλεινὰ τόξʼ ἃ νῦν ἔχεις;
ἦ ταῦτα γὰρ τὰ κλεινὰ τόξʼ ἃ νῦν ἔχεις;
Φιλοκτήτης
ταῦτʼ, οὐ γὰρ ἄλλʼ ἔστʼ, ἀλλʼ ἃ βαστάζω χεροῖν.
655
ταῦτʼ, οὐ γὰρ ἄλλʼ ἔστʼ, ἀλλʼ ἃ βαστάζω χεροῖν.
655
Νεοπτόλεμος
ἆρʼ ἔστιν ὥστε κἀγγύθεν θέαν λαβεῖν
καὶ βαστάσαι με προσκύσαι θʼ ὥσπερ θεόν;
ἆρʼ ἔστιν ὥστε κἀγγύθεν θέαν λαβεῖν
καὶ βαστάσαι με προσκύσαι θʼ ὥσπερ θεόν;
Φιλοκτήτης
σοί γʼ, ὦ τέκνον, καὶ τοῦτο κἄλλο τῶν ἐμῶν
ὁποῖον ἄν σοι ξυμφέρῃ γενήσεται.
σοί γʼ, ὦ τέκνον, καὶ τοῦτο κἄλλο τῶν ἐμῶν
ὁποῖον ἄν σοι ξυμφέρῃ γενήσεται.
Νεοπτόλεμος
καὶ μὴν ἐρῶ γε, τὸν δʼ ἔρωθʼ οὕτως ἔχω·
660
εἴ μοι θέμις, θέλοιμʼ ἄν· εἰ δὲ μή, πάρες.
καὶ μὴν ἐρῶ γε, τὸν δʼ ἔρωθʼ οὕτως ἔχω·
660
εἴ μοι θέμις, θέλοιμʼ ἄν· εἰ δὲ μή, πάρες.
Φιλοκτήτης
ὅσιά τε φωνεῖς ἔστι τʼ, ὦ τέκνον, θέμις,
ὅς γʼ ἡλίου τόδʼ εἰσορᾶν ἐμοὶ φάος
μόνος δέδωκας, ὃς χθόνʼ Οἰταίαν ἰδεῖν,
ὃς πατέρα πρέσβυν, ὃς φίλους, ὃς τῶν ἐμῶν
665
ἐχθρῶν μʼ ἔνερθεν ὄντʼ ἀνέστησας πέρα.
θάρσει, παρέσται ταῦτά σοι καὶ θιγγάνειν
καὶ δόντι δοῦναι κἀξεπεύξασθαι βροτῶν
ἀρετῆς ἕκατι τῶνδʼ ἐπιψαῦσαι μόνον·
εὐεργετῶν γὰρ καὐτὸς αὔτʼ ἐκτησάμην.
670
ὅσιά τε φωνεῖς ἔστι τʼ, ὦ τέκνον, θέμις,
ὅς γʼ ἡλίου τόδʼ εἰσορᾶν ἐμοὶ φάος
μόνος δέδωκας, ὃς χθόνʼ Οἰταίαν ἰδεῖν,
ὃς πατέρα πρέσβυν, ὃς φίλους, ὃς τῶν ἐμῶν
665
ἐχθρῶν μʼ ἔνερθεν ὄντʼ ἀνέστησας πέρα.
θάρσει, παρέσται ταῦτά σοι καὶ θιγγάνειν
καὶ δόντι δοῦναι κἀξεπεύξασθαι βροτῶν
ἀρετῆς ἕκατι τῶνδʼ ἐπιψαῦσαι μόνον·
εὐεργετῶν γὰρ καὐτὸς αὔτʼ ἐκτησάμην.
670
Νεοπτόλεμος
οὐκ ἄχθομαί σʼ ἰδών τε καὶ λαβὼν φίλον·
ὅστις γὰρ εὖ δρᾶν εὖ παθὼν ἐπίσταται,
παντὸς γένοιτʼ ἂν κτήματος κρείσσων φίλος. χωροῖς ἂν εἴσω.
οὐκ ἄχθομαί σʼ ἰδών τε καὶ λαβὼν φίλον·
ὅστις γὰρ εὖ δρᾶν εὖ παθὼν ἐπίσταται,
παντὸς γένοιτʼ ἂν κτήματος κρείσσων φίλος. χωροῖς ἂν εἴσω.
Φιλοκτήτης
καὶ σέ γʼ εἰσάξω· τὸ γὰρ
νοσοῦν ποθεῖ σε ξυμπαραστάτην λαβεῖν.
675
καὶ σέ γʼ εἰσάξω· τὸ γὰρ
νοσοῦν ποθεῖ σε ξυμπαραστάτην λαβεῖν.
675
Translations (2)
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 519 focus
Sieh, daß du jezt nicht allzuleicht dich willig zeigst,
505
Und, wann der Krankheit Nähe dich mit Ekel füllt,
Nicht als derselbe mehr erscheinst, der dieses sprach.
Sieh, daß du jezt nicht allzuleicht dich willig zeigst,
505
Und, wann der Krankheit Nähe dich mit Ekel füllt,
Nicht als derselbe mehr erscheinst, der dieses sprach.
Der Chor.
Mit nichten: niemals soll der Tag erscheinen, wo
Du solchen Vorwurf wider mich mit Grund erhebſt.
Mit nichten: niemals soll der Tag erscheinen, wo
Du solchen Vorwurf wider mich mit Grund erhebſt.
Neoptolemos.
Traun, Schande wär' es, fände man mich säumiger,
510
Als euch, dem Fremdling beizusteh'n zur guten Zeit.
Drum wenn's gefällt, so geh'n wir; schnell bereit' er sich;
Auch wird das Schiff ihn tragen ohne Weigerung.
Daß nur die Götter rettend uns aus diesem Land
Dorthin an unsrer Wünsche Ziel geleiteten!
515
Traun, Schande wär' es, fände man mich säumiger,
510
Als euch, dem Fremdling beizusteh'n zur guten Zeit.
Drum wenn's gefällt, so geh'n wir; schnell bereit' er sich;
Auch wird das Schiff ihn tragen ohne Weigerung.
Daß nur die Götter rettend uns aus diesem Land
Dorthin an unsrer Wünsche Ziel geleiteten!
515
Philoktetes.
meiner Tage schönster, du mein bester Mann,
Ihr theuren Schiffer, könnt' ich euch doch durch die That
Darthun, wie eure Liebe mich verpflichtet hat!
Wir geh'n, o Jüngling, wenn wir mein unwohnliches
Wohnhaus zuvor begrüßten, daß dir Kunde wird,
520
Wovon ich lebte, wie beherzt mein Leben trug.
Ein Andrer, glaub' ich, außer mir, ertrüg' es nicht,
Auch nur mit Augen dieses Elend anzuseh'n:
Der Noth mich fügen, lehrte mich die strenge Noth.
meiner Tage schönster, du mein bester Mann,
Ihr theuren Schiffer, könnt' ich euch doch durch die That
Darthun, wie eure Liebe mich verpflichtet hat!
Wir geh'n, o Jüngling, wenn wir mein unwohnliches
Wohnhaus zuvor begrüßten, daß dir Kunde wird,
520
Wovon ich lebte, wie beherzt mein Leben trug.
Ein Andrer, glaub' ich, außer mir, ertrüg' es nicht,
Auch nur mit Augen dieses Elend anzuseh'n:
Der Noth mich fügen, lehrte mich die strenge Noth.
Der Chor.
Verweilt, wir wollen hören: denn zwei Männer nah'n,
525
Ein Schiffer deines Schiffes und der Andre fremd;
Die mögt ihr hören, eh' ihr euch hinein verfügt.
Der Späher, als Schiffsherr verkleidet. Ein Schiffer.
Die Vorigen.
Verweilt, wir wollen hören: denn zwei Männer nah'n,
525
Ein Schiffer deines Schiffes und der Andre fremd;
Die mögt ihr hören, eh' ihr euch hinein verfügt.
Der Späher, als Schiffsherr verkleidet. Ein Schiffer.
Der Schiffsherr.
O Sohn Achillens, diesem Fahrtgenossen hier,
Der deines Schiffes Wächter mit zwei andern war,
Gebot ich, mir zu sagen, wo du selbst verweilst,
530
Nachdem ich euch begegnet, nicht mit Willen zwar,
Nein, wohl vom Zufall hergelenkt zum gleichen Strand.
Ich bin ein Schiffsherr, segle, nicht mit großem Zug,
Von Troja heim zu Peparethos' Nebenland;
1
Und weil ich hörte, daß die Schiffer allzumal
535
Dir angehören, welche hier gelandet sind,
Schien mir's, ich dürfe schweigend, eh' ich sprach mit dir,
Nicht weiter segeln, müss' empfah'n des Boten Lohn.
Wohl hast du nicht erfahren, was dich nah berührt,
Welch neuen Anschlag über dich die Danaer
540
Ersonnen haben, aber nicht Anschläge bloß,
Vielmehr bereits vollbrachte, nicht verschob'ne That.
O Sohn Achillens, diesem Fahrtgenossen hier,
Der deines Schiffes Wächter mit zwei andern war,
Gebot ich, mir zu sagen, wo du selbst verweilst,
530
Nachdem ich euch begegnet, nicht mit Willen zwar,
Nein, wohl vom Zufall hergelenkt zum gleichen Strand.
Ich bin ein Schiffsherr, segle, nicht mit großem Zug,
Von Troja heim zu Peparethos' Nebenland;
1
Und weil ich hörte, daß die Schiffer allzumal
535
Dir angehören, welche hier gelandet sind,
Schien mir's, ich dürfe schweigend, eh' ich sprach mit dir,
Nicht weiter segeln, müss' empfah'n des Boten Lohn.
Wohl hast du nicht erfahren, was dich nah berührt,
Welch neuen Anschlag über dich die Danaer
540
Ersonnen haben, aber nicht Anschläge bloß,
Vielmehr bereits vollbrachte, nicht verschob'ne That.
Neoptolemos.
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 519-675 focus
Neoptolemus
Though now as a casual spectator you are compliant,
beware lest later, when filled with his disease by its constant company, you prove no longer constant to these sentiments.
520
Though now as a casual spectator you are compliant,
beware lest later, when filled with his disease by its constant company, you prove no longer constant to these sentiments.
520
Chorus
That will not happen. You will never have just cause to rebuke me for that!
That will not happen. You will never have just cause to rebuke me for that!
Neoptolemus
Well, then, it would shame me if the stranger were to find
me less ready than you are to toil for his good. Come, if it pleases you, let us sail. Let the man set out at once; our ship, for her part, will carry him, and will not refuse. Only may the gods give us safe passage from this land, and from here to whatever destination we choose!
525
Well, then, it would shame me if the stranger were to find
me less ready than you are to toil for his good. Come, if it pleases you, let us sail. Let the man set out at once; our ship, for her part, will carry him, and will not refuse. Only may the gods give us safe passage from this land, and from here to whatever destination we choose!
525
Philoctetes
O day of joy unsurpassed! Most delightful man, and you good sailors! If only I could show you in deeds what a true friend you have made in me! Let us be going, my son, when we two have made a solemn farewell to my homeless home inside, so that you may also learn
530
by what means I sustained my life, and how stout of heart I was born. For I believe that the mere sight would have deterred any other man but me from enduring these sufferings. But I have been slowly schooled by necessity to endure misery.
Neoptolemus is about to follow Philoctetes into the cave.
535
O day of joy unsurpassed! Most delightful man, and you good sailors! If only I could show you in deeds what a true friend you have made in me! Let us be going, my son, when we two have made a solemn farewell to my homeless home inside, so that you may also learn
530
by what means I sustained my life, and how stout of heart I was born. For I believe that the mere sight would have deterred any other man but me from enduring these sufferings. But I have been slowly schooled by necessity to endure misery.
Neoptolemus is about to follow Philoctetes into the cave.
535
Chorus
Wait, let us listen to the two men who are coming!
One is a crewman of your ship, the other a stranger. Go in after you hear their report.
540
Enter the Merchant, on the spectators’ left, accompanied by a Sailor.
Wait, let us listen to the two men who are coming!
One is a crewman of your ship, the other a stranger. Go in after you hear their report.
540
Merchant
Son of Achilles, I asked my companion here, when he was guarding your ship with two others, to tell me where you might be found,
since I have chanced upon you unexpectedly by the good fortune of coming to anchor off this very coast. With no great company I am homeward bound on my trader’s voyage from
Ilium
to Peparethus with its cluster-laden vines, but when I heard that the sailors
545
were all of your crew, I resolved not to continue my voyage in silence, without first giving you my news and getting the due reward. You know nothing, I suspect, of your own affairs: the new designs the Greeks
550
have regarding you, and not only designs, but deeds in progress and no longer postponed.
555
557
Son of Achilles, I asked my companion here, when he was guarding your ship with two others, to tell me where you might be found,
since I have chanced upon you unexpectedly by the good fortune of coming to anchor off this very coast. With no great company I am homeward bound on my trader’s voyage from
Ilium
to Peparethus with its cluster-laden vines, but when I heard that the sailors
545
were all of your crew, I resolved not to continue my voyage in silence, without first giving you my news and getting the due reward. You know nothing, I suspect, of your own affairs: the new designs the Greeks
550
have regarding you, and not only designs, but deeds in progress and no longer postponed.
555
Neoptolemus
The service you have done me by your forethought, sir, unless I am unworthy, will remain in my grateful thoughts. But tell me just what the designs are that you mentioned, so that I may understand
what is the strange plan of the Greeks that you know.
560
The service you have done me by your forethought, sir, unless I am unworthy, will remain in my grateful thoughts. But tell me just what the designs are that you mentioned, so that I may understand
what is the strange plan of the Greeks that you know.
560
Merchant
Pursuers are on the way in search of you with a fleet. They are the aged Phoenix and the sons of Theseus.
Pursuers are on the way in search of you with a fleet. They are the aged Phoenix and the sons of Theseus.
Neoptolemus
To bring me back by force, or through persuasion?
To bring me back by force, or through persuasion?
Merchant
I do not know; but I have come to tell you what I did hear.
I do not know; but I have come to tell you what I did hear.
Neoptolemus
Are Phoenix and his comrades really so eager to do this favor for the Atreids?
565
Are Phoenix and his comrades really so eager to do this favor for the Atreids?
565
Merchant
Be sure that it is being done, and without delay.
Be sure that it is being done, and without delay.
Neoptolemus
Then why was Odysseus not ready to sail on this mission, and bring the message himself? Or did some fear hold him back?
Then why was Odysseus not ready to sail on this mission, and bring the message himself? Or did some fear hold him back?
Merchant
Oh, he and the son of Tydeus were readying for pursuit of another man, just as I was leaving port.
570
Oh, he and the son of Tydeus were readying for pursuit of another man, just as I was leaving port.
570
Neoptolemus
Who is this other after whom Odysseus himself was sailing?
Who is this other after whom Odysseus himself was sailing?
Merchant
There was a man. . . . But tell me first who that is over there. And whatever you say, do speak quietly.
There was a man. . . . But tell me first who that is over there. And whatever you say, do speak quietly.
Neoptolemus
There, sir, before your eyes is the renowned Philoctetes.
575
There, sir, before your eyes is the renowned Philoctetes.
575
Merchant
Then do not question me further, but get yourself out of here as quickly as possible and sail away.
Then do not question me further, but get yourself out of here as quickly as possible and sail away.
Philoctetes
What is he saying, boy? Why does the sailor traffic with you about me in these dark whispers?
What is he saying, boy? Why does the sailor traffic with you about me in these dark whispers?
Neoptolemus
His meaning yet eludes me. But, whatever he will say, he must say openly—to you, me and my men here.
580
His meaning yet eludes me. But, whatever he will say, he must say openly—to you, me and my men here.
580
Merchant
Seed of Achilles, do not stir the army’s resentment against me for saying what I should not. I receive many benefits for what services I do them, as a poor man may.
Seed of Achilles, do not stir the army’s resentment against me for saying what I should not. I receive many benefits for what services I do them, as a poor man may.
Neoptolemus
I am the enemy of the Atreids, and this man is my closest friend precisely because he hates them. Since, then, you have come kindly disposed towards me, you must not hide from us any part of their plans that you have heard.
585
I am the enemy of the Atreids, and this man is my closest friend precisely because he hates them. Since, then, you have come kindly disposed towards me, you must not hide from us any part of their plans that you have heard.
585
Merchant
Beware of what you are doing, boy.
Beware of what you are doing, boy.
Neoptolemus
I am well aware.
I am well aware.
Merchant
I will hold you accountable.
590
I will hold you accountable.
590
Neoptolemus
Do so, but speak.
591
Do so, but speak.
Merchant
I will. It is after this man that those two whom I named to you, Diomedes and forceful Odysseus, are sailing. They are oath-bound to retrieve him, either by winning words or by overpowering might.
And all the Achaeans heard this clearly from the mouth Odysseus, for his confidence of success in this action was higher than his comrade’s.
595
I will. It is after this man that those two whom I named to you, Diomedes and forceful Odysseus, are sailing. They are oath-bound to retrieve him, either by winning words or by overpowering might.
And all the Achaeans heard this clearly from the mouth Odysseus, for his confidence of success in this action was higher than his comrade’s.
595
Neoptolemus
And for the sake of what did the Atreids after so long a time turn their thoughts so urgently towards this man,
whom they were long since keeping an outcast? What was the desire that came over them, or what force? What avenging spirit sent by the gods to exact payment for evil deeds?
600
And for the sake of what did the Atreids after so long a time turn their thoughts so urgently towards this man,
whom they were long since keeping an outcast? What was the desire that came over them, or what force? What avenging spirit sent by the gods to exact payment for evil deeds?
600
Merchant
I will inform you of all that, since it seems that you have not heard. There was a seer of noble birth,
a son of Priam, called Helenus, whom that man, out on a solitary night raid—that deceitful Odysseus, whose repute is all shame and dishonor—captured. Leading him back in bonds, he displayed him publicly to the Achaeans as his glorious prey.
605
Helenus then prophesied for them whatever matter they asked, and, pertaining to
Troy
, he foretold that they would never sack its towers, unless by winning words they should bring Philoctetes here from the island where he now dwells. And, as soon as he heard the seer prophecy this,
Laertes
’ son
610
immediately promised that he would bring the man and show him to the Achaeans. He thought it most likely that he would get him willingly, but, if unwilling, then by force, and he added that, were he to fail in this, whoever wished it might sever his head.
615
You have heard everything, boy, and I advise speed for you, and for any man for whom you care.
620
I will inform you of all that, since it seems that you have not heard. There was a seer of noble birth,
a son of Priam, called Helenus, whom that man, out on a solitary night raid—that deceitful Odysseus, whose repute is all shame and dishonor—captured. Leading him back in bonds, he displayed him publicly to the Achaeans as his glorious prey.
605
Helenus then prophesied for them whatever matter they asked, and, pertaining to
Troy
, he foretold that they would never sack its towers, unless by winning words they should bring Philoctetes here from the island where he now dwells. And, as soon as he heard the seer prophecy this,
Laertes
’ son
610
immediately promised that he would bring the man and show him to the Achaeans. He thought it most likely that he would get him willingly, but, if unwilling, then by force, and he added that, were he to fail in this, whoever wished it might sever his head.
615
You have heard everything, boy, and I advise speed for you, and for any man for whom you care.
620
Philoctetes
Alas! Has he, the utter plague, sworn to fetch me back to the Achaeans by persuasion? For if that were to happen, I could be persuaded, when dead, to come back up
from Hades into the light, as his father did!
625
Alas! Has he, the utter plague, sworn to fetch me back to the Achaeans by persuasion? For if that were to happen, I could be persuaded, when dead, to come back up
from Hades into the light, as his father did!
625
Merchant
I know nothing about that. But for my part I must return to ship, while for you I pray that god may help you in every possible way.
Exit Merchant.
628
I know nothing about that. But for my part I must return to ship, while for you I pray that god may help you in every possible way.
Exit Merchant.
Philoctetes
Now is it not astounding, boy, that Odysseus would ever have expected by means of soft words
to lead me from his ship and show me in the middle of the Greeks? No! I would sooner listen to that greatest and worst of my enemies, the viper which made me crippled as I am! But there is nothing that he would not say or dare. And now I know that he is coming here.
630
Come, son, let us be moving, so that a wide sea may part us from the ship of Odysseus. Let us go! Good speed in good season brings sleep and rest when toil is finished.
635
Now is it not astounding, boy, that Odysseus would ever have expected by means of soft words
to lead me from his ship and show me in the middle of the Greeks? No! I would sooner listen to that greatest and worst of my enemies, the viper which made me crippled as I am! But there is nothing that he would not say or dare. And now I know that he is coming here.
630
Come, son, let us be moving, so that a wide sea may part us from the ship of Odysseus. Let us go! Good speed in good season brings sleep and rest when toil is finished.
635
Neoptolemus
Then as soon as the wind is not at our prow,
we will sail. At present it blows against us.
640
Then as soon as the wind is not at our prow,
we will sail. At present it blows against us.
640
Philoctetes
The sailing is always fair, when you flee trouble.
The sailing is always fair, when you flee trouble.
Neoptolemus
Not so; this weather is against them also.
Not so; this weather is against them also.
Philoctetes
No wind stands in the way of pirates who sense a chance to steal and plunder by force.
No wind stands in the way of pirates who sense a chance to steal and plunder by force.
Neoptolemus
Well, if you are so resolved, let us go, once you have taken from the cave whatever you need or desire most.
645
Well, if you are so resolved, let us go, once you have taken from the cave whatever you need or desire most.
645
Philoctetes
Yes, there are some things that I need, though the choice is not large.
Yes, there are some things that I need, though the choice is not large.
Neoptolemus
What is there that will not be available on board my ship?
What is there that will not be available on board my ship?
Philoctetes
I have a store of a certain herb, whereby I can always
best lull this wound, until it is wholly tamed.
650
I have a store of a certain herb, whereby I can always
best lull this wound, until it is wholly tamed.
650
Neoptolemus
Fetch it, then. Now, what else do you wish to take?
Fetch it, then. Now, what else do you wish to take?
Philoctetes
Any of these arrows that may have been forgotten, and may have slipped away from me, so that I not leave it for another to take.
Any of these arrows that may have been forgotten, and may have slipped away from me, so that I not leave it for another to take.
Neoptolemus
Is that indeed the famous bow which you hold?
Is that indeed the famous bow which you hold?
Philoctetes
This, and no other, that I carry in my hand.
655
This, and no other, that I carry in my hand.
655
Neoptolemus
Is there any way that I might have a closer view of it—and handle it, and salute it as divine?
Is there any way that I might have a closer view of it—and handle it, and salute it as divine?
Philoctetes
To you alone, my son, this shall be granted, along with anything else in my power that is in your interest.
To you alone, my son, this shall be granted, along with anything else in my power that is in your interest.
Neoptolemus
I do indeed crave to touch it, but my craving takes this form: if it is lawful, I would be glad. If not, think no more of it.
660
I do indeed crave to touch it, but my craving takes this form: if it is lawful, I would be glad. If not, think no more of it.
660
Philoctetes
Your words are reverent, son, and your wish is lawful. For you alone have given to my eyes the light of life and the hope of seeing the land of Oeta, of seeing
my aged father and my friends; and you alone, when I lay beneath the feet of my enemies, have lifted me beyond their reach. Be bold. The bow shall be yours to handle and to return to the hand that gave it, and you will be able to boast aloud that in reward for your goodness, you alone of mortals have touched it.
665
Yes, it was by a good deed that I myself won it.
670
Your words are reverent, son, and your wish is lawful. For you alone have given to my eyes the light of life and the hope of seeing the land of Oeta, of seeing
my aged father and my friends; and you alone, when I lay beneath the feet of my enemies, have lifted me beyond their reach. Be bold. The bow shall be yours to handle and to return to the hand that gave it, and you will be able to boast aloud that in reward for your goodness, you alone of mortals have touched it.
665
Yes, it was by a good deed that I myself won it.
670
Neoptolemus
I am not sorry that I found you and have gained your friendship, since whoever knows how to render benefit for a benefit received must prove a friend more valuable than any possession. Please, do go inside.
I am not sorry that I found you and have gained your friendship, since whoever knows how to render benefit for a benefit received must prove a friend more valuable than any possession. Please, do go inside.
Philoctetes
Agreed, and I will bring you also.
My sickness craves the comfort of your presence.
Philoctetes and Neoptolemus enter the cave.
675
Agreed, and I will bring you also.
My sickness craves the comfort of your presence.
Philoctetes and Neoptolemus enter the cave.
675
Commentary
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.
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.