τοιαῦτα φωνεῖν μηδὲ τεχνᾶσθαι κακά.
80
Philoctetes. Sophocles. ed. Lewis Campbell. Oxford. 1879.
Table of Contents
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Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) (Greek) (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879))
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Editions (1)
Greek (F. Storr, 1912) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (F. Storr, 1912)) — 135-217 focus
Χορός
τί χρὴ τί χρή με, δέσποτʼ, ἐν ξένᾳ ξένον
135
στέγειν ἢ τί λέγειν πρὸς ἄνδρʼ ὑπόπταν;
φράζε μοι. τέχνα γὰρ
τέχνας ἑτέρας προύχει
καὶ γνώμα παρʼ ὅτῳ τὸ θεῖον
Διὸς σκῆπτρον ἀνάσσεται.
140
σὲ δʼ, ὦ τέκνον, τόδʼ ἐλήλυθεν
πᾶν κράτος ὠγύγιον· τό μοι ἔννεπε
τί σοι χρεὼν ὑπουργεῖν.
τί χρὴ τί χρή με, δέσποτʼ, ἐν ξένᾳ ξένον
135
στέγειν ἢ τί λέγειν πρὸς ἄνδρʼ ὑπόπταν;
φράζε μοι. τέχνα γὰρ
τέχνας ἑτέρας προύχει
καὶ γνώμα παρʼ ὅτῳ τὸ θεῖον
Διὸς σκῆπτρον ἀνάσσεται.
140
σὲ δʼ, ὦ τέκνον, τόδʼ ἐλήλυθεν
πᾶν κράτος ὠγύγιον· τό μοι ἔννεπε
τί σοι χρεὼν ὑπουργεῖν.
Νεοπτόλεμος
νῦν μέν, ἴσως γὰρ τόπον ἐσχατιαῖς
προσιδεῖν ἐθέλεις ὅντινα κεῖται,
145
δέρκου θαρσῶν· ὁπόταν δὲ μόλῃ
δεινὸς ὁδίτης, τῶνδʼ οὑκ μελάθρων
πρὸς ἐμὴν αἰεὶ χεῖρα προχωρῶν
πειρῶ τὸ παρὸν θεραπεύειν.
νῦν μέν, ἴσως γὰρ τόπον ἐσχατιαῖς
προσιδεῖν ἐθέλεις ὅντινα κεῖται,
145
δέρκου θαρσῶν· ὁπόταν δὲ μόλῃ
δεινὸς ὁδίτης, τῶνδʼ οὑκ μελάθρων
πρὸς ἐμὴν αἰεὶ χεῖρα προχωρῶν
πειρῶ τὸ παρὸν θεραπεύειν.
Χορός
μέλον πάλαι μέλημά μοι λέγεις, ἄναξ,
150
φρουρεῖν ὄμμʼ ἐπὶ σῷ μάλιστα καιρῷ·
νῦν δέ μοι λέγʼ, αὐλὰς
ποίας ἔνεδρος ναίει
καὶ χῶρον τίνʼ ἔχει. τὸ γάρ μοι
μαθεῖν οὐκ ἀποκαίριον,
155
μὴ προσπεσών με λάθῃ ποθέν·
τίς τόπος ἢ τίς ἕδρα; τίνʼ ἔχει στίβον,
ἔναυλον ἢ θυραῖον;
μέλον πάλαι μέλημά μοι λέγεις, ἄναξ,
150
φρουρεῖν ὄμμʼ ἐπὶ σῷ μάλιστα καιρῷ·
νῦν δέ μοι λέγʼ, αὐλὰς
ποίας ἔνεδρος ναίει
καὶ χῶρον τίνʼ ἔχει. τὸ γάρ μοι
μαθεῖν οὐκ ἀποκαίριον,
155
μὴ προσπεσών με λάθῃ ποθέν·
τίς τόπος ἢ τίς ἕδρα; τίνʼ ἔχει στίβον,
ἔναυλον ἢ θυραῖον;
Νεοπτόλεμος
οἶκον μὲν ὁρᾷς τόνδʼ ἀμφίθυρον
πετρίνης κοίτης.
160
οἶκον μὲν ὁρᾷς τόνδʼ ἀμφίθυρον
πετρίνης κοίτης.
160
Χορός
ποῦ γὰρ ὁ τλήμων αὐτὸς ἄπεστιν;
ποῦ γὰρ ὁ τλήμων αὐτὸς ἄπεστιν;
Νεοπτόλεμος
δῆλον ἔμοιγʼ ὡς φορβῆς χρείᾳ
στίβον ὀγμεύει τῇδε πέλας που.
ταύτην γὰρ ἔχειν βιοτῆς αὐτὸν
λόγος ἐστὶ φύσιν, θηροβολοῦντα
165
πτηνοῖς ἰοῖς στυγερὸν στυγερῶς,
οὐδέ τινʼ αὐτῷ
παιῶνα κακῶν ἐπινωμᾶν.
δῆλον ἔμοιγʼ ὡς φορβῆς χρείᾳ
στίβον ὀγμεύει τῇδε πέλας που.
ταύτην γὰρ ἔχειν βιοτῆς αὐτὸν
λόγος ἐστὶ φύσιν, θηροβολοῦντα
165
πτηνοῖς ἰοῖς στυγερὸν στυγερῶς,
οὐδέ τινʼ αὐτῷ
παιῶνα κακῶν ἐπινωμᾶν.
Χορός
οἰκτίρω νιν ἔγωγʼ, ὅπως,
μή του κηδομένου βροτῶν
170
μηδὲ ξύντροφον ὄμμʼ ἔχων,
δύστανος, μόνος ἀεί,
νοσεῖ μὲν νόσον ἀγρίαν,
ἀλύει δʼ ἐπὶ παντί τῳ
χρείας ἱσταμένῳ. πῶς ποτε πῶς δύσμορος ἀντέχει;
175
ὦ παλάμαι θεῶν,
ὦ δύστανα γένη βροτῶν,
οἷς μὴ μέτριος αἰών.
οἰκτίρω νιν ἔγωγʼ, ὅπως,
μή του κηδομένου βροτῶν
170
μηδὲ ξύντροφον ὄμμʼ ἔχων,
δύστανος, μόνος ἀεί,
νοσεῖ μὲν νόσον ἀγρίαν,
ἀλύει δʼ ἐπὶ παντί τῳ
χρείας ἱσταμένῳ. πῶς ποτε πῶς δύσμορος ἀντέχει;
175
ὦ παλάμαι θεῶν,
ὦ δύστανα γένη βροτῶν,
οἷς μὴ μέτριος αἰών.
Χορός
οὗτος πρωτογόνων ἴσως
180
οἴκων οὐδενὸς ὕστερος,
πάντων ἄμμορος ἐν βίῳ
κεῖται μοῦνος ἀπʼ ἄλλων,
στικτῶν ἢ λασίων μετὰ
θηρῶν, ἔν τʼ ὀδύναις ὁμοῦ
185
λιμῷ τʼ οἰκτρός, ἀνήκεστα μεριμνήματʼ ἔχων· ὀρεί-
α δʼ ἀθυρόστομος
Ἀχὼ τηλεφανὴς πικραῖς
οἰμωγαῖς ὑπακούει.
190
οὗτος πρωτογόνων ἴσως
180
οἴκων οὐδενὸς ὕστερος,
πάντων ἄμμορος ἐν βίῳ
κεῖται μοῦνος ἀπʼ ἄλλων,
στικτῶν ἢ λασίων μετὰ
θηρῶν, ἔν τʼ ὀδύναις ὁμοῦ
185
λιμῷ τʼ οἰκτρός, ἀνήκεστα μεριμνήματʼ ἔχων· ὀρεί-
α δʼ ἀθυρόστομος
Ἀχὼ τηλεφανὴς πικραῖς
οἰμωγαῖς ὑπακούει.
190
Νεοπτόλεμος
οὐδὲν τούτων θαυμαστὸν ἐμοί·
θεῖα γάρ, εἴπερ κἀγώ τι φρονῶ,
καὶ τὰ παθήματα κεῖνα πρὸς αὐτὸν
τῆς ὠμόφρονος Χρύσης ἐπέβη,
καὶ νῦν ἃ πονεῖ δίχα κηδεμόνων,
195
οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὡς οὐ θεῶν του μελέτῃ
τοῦ μὴ πρότερον τόνδʼ ἐπὶ Τροίᾳ
τεῖναι τὰ θεῶν ἀμάχητα βέλη,
πρὶν ὅδʼ ἐξήκοι χρόνος, ᾧ λέγεται
χρῆναί σφʼ ὑπὸ τῶνδε δαμῆναι.
200
οὐδὲν τούτων θαυμαστὸν ἐμοί·
θεῖα γάρ, εἴπερ κἀγώ τι φρονῶ,
καὶ τὰ παθήματα κεῖνα πρὸς αὐτὸν
τῆς ὠμόφρονος Χρύσης ἐπέβη,
καὶ νῦν ἃ πονεῖ δίχα κηδεμόνων,
195
οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὡς οὐ θεῶν του μελέτῃ
τοῦ μὴ πρότερον τόνδʼ ἐπὶ Τροίᾳ
τεῖναι τὰ θεῶν ἀμάχητα βέλη,
πρὶν ὅδʼ ἐξήκοι χρόνος, ᾧ λέγεται
χρῆναί σφʼ ὑπὸ τῶνδε δαμῆναι.
200
Χορός
εὔστομʼ ἔχε, παῖ.
εὔστομʼ ἔχε, παῖ.
Νεοπτόλεμος
τί τόδε;
τί τόδε;
Χορός
προυφάνη κτύπος,
φωτὸς σύντροφος ὡς τειρομένου του,
ἤ που τῇδʼ ἢ τῇδε τόπων.
βάλλει βάλλει μʼ ἐτύμα
205
φθογγά του στίβον κατʼ ἀνάγκαν
ἕρποντος, οὐδέ με λάθει
βαρεῖα τηλόθεν αὐδὰ τρυσάνωρ· διάσημα γὰρ θρηνεῖ.
προυφάνη κτύπος,
φωτὸς σύντροφος ὡς τειρομένου του,
ἤ που τῇδʼ ἢ τῇδε τόπων.
βάλλει βάλλει μʼ ἐτύμα
205
φθογγά του στίβον κατʼ ἀνάγκαν
ἕρποντος, οὐδέ με λάθει
βαρεῖα τηλόθεν αὐδὰ τρυσάνωρ· διάσημα γὰρ θρηνεῖ.
Χορός
ἀλλʼ ἔχε, τέκνον,
210
ἀλλʼ ἔχε, τέκνον,
210
Νεοπτόλεμος
λέγʼ ὅ τι.
λέγʼ ὅ τι.
Χορός
φροντίδας νέας.
ὡς οὐκ ἔξεδρος, ἀλλʼ ἔντοπος ἁνήρ,
οὐ μολπὰν σύριγγος ἔχων,
ὡς ποιμὴν ἀγροβότας, ἀλλʼ ἤ που πταίων ὑπʼ ἀνάγκας
215
βοᾷ τηλωπὸν ἰωάν,
ἢ ναὸς ἄξενον αὐγάζων ὅρμον· προβοᾷ τι γὰρ δεινόν.
φροντίδας νέας.
ὡς οὐκ ἔξεδρος, ἀλλʼ ἔντοπος ἁνήρ,
οὐ μολπὰν σύριγγος ἔχων,
ὡς ποιμὴν ἀγροβότας, ἀλλʼ ἤ που πταίων ὑπʼ ἀνάγκας
215
βοᾷ τηλωπὸν ἰωάν,
ἢ ναὸς ἄξενον αὐγάζων ὅρμον· προβοᾷ τι γὰρ δεινόν.
Translations (5)
English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 80 focus
NEO
343
There came to fetch me, in a gallant ship,
Odysseus and the fosterer of my sire,
Saying, whether soothly, or in idle show,
That, since my father perished, it was known
None else but I should take Troy’s citadel.
Such words from them, my friend, thou may’st believe,
Held me not long from making voyage with speed,
Chiefly through longing for my father’s corse,
To see him yet unburied,—for I ne’er
Had seen him. Then, besides, ’twas a fair cause,
If, by my going, I should vanquish Troy.
One day I had sailed, and on the second came
To sad Sigeum with wind-favoured speed,
When straightway all the host, surrounding me
As I set foot on shore, saluted me,
And swore the dead Achilles was in life,
Their eyes being witness, when they looked on me.
He lay there in his shroud: but I, unhappy,
Soon ending lamentation for the dead,
Went near to those Atridae, as to friends,
To obtain my father’s armour and all else
That had been his. And then,—alas the while,
That men should be so hard!—they spake this word:
‘Seed of Achilles, thou may’st freely take
All else thy father owned, but for those arms,
Another wields them now, Laërtes’ son.’
Tears rushed into mine eyes, and in hot wrath
I straightway rose, and bitterly outspake:
‘O miscreant! What? And have ye dared to give
Mine arms to some man else, unknown to me?’
Then said Odysseus, for he chanced to be near,
‘Yea, child, and justly have they given me these.
345
I saved them and their master in the field.’
345
Then in fierce anger all at once I launched
345
All terms of execration at his head,
345
Bating no word, being maddened by the thought
345
That I should lose this heirloom,—and to him!
345
He, at this pass, though not of wrathful mood,
345
Stung by such utterance, made rejoinder thus:
345
‘Thou wast not with us here, but wrongfully
345
Didst bide afar. And, since thou mak’st so bold,
345
I tell thee, never shalt thou, as thou sayest,
345
Sail with these arms to Scyros.’—Thus reviled,
345
With such an evil echo in mine ear,
345
I voyage homeward, robbed of mine own right
345
By that vile offset of an evil tree.
345
Yet less I blame him than the men in power.
345
For every multitude, be it army or state,
Takes tone from those who rule it, and all taint
Of disobedience from bad counsel springs.
I have spoken. May the Atridae’s enemy
Be dear to Heaven, as he is loved by me!
Mother of mightiest Zeus,
Feeder of all that live,
Who from thy mountainous breast
Rivers of gold dost give!
To thee, O Earth, I cried that shameful day,
When insolence from Atreus’ sons went forth
Full on our lord: when they bestowed away
His father’s arms to crown Odysseus’ worth;
Thou, whom bull-slaughtering lions yoked bear,
O mighty mother, hear!
There came to fetch me, in a gallant ship,
Odysseus and the fosterer of my sire,
Saying, whether soothly, or in idle show,
That, since my father perished, it was known
None else but I should take Troy’s citadel.
Such words from them, my friend, thou may’st believe,
Held me not long from making voyage with speed,
Chiefly through longing for my father’s corse,
To see him yet unburied,—for I ne’er
Had seen him. Then, besides, ’twas a fair cause,
If, by my going, I should vanquish Troy.
One day I had sailed, and on the second came
To sad Sigeum with wind-favoured speed,
When straightway all the host, surrounding me
As I set foot on shore, saluted me,
And swore the dead Achilles was in life,
Their eyes being witness, when they looked on me.
He lay there in his shroud: but I, unhappy,
Soon ending lamentation for the dead,
Went near to those Atridae, as to friends,
To obtain my father’s armour and all else
That had been his. And then,—alas the while,
That men should be so hard!—they spake this word:
‘Seed of Achilles, thou may’st freely take
All else thy father owned, but for those arms,
Another wields them now, Laërtes’ son.’
Tears rushed into mine eyes, and in hot wrath
I straightway rose, and bitterly outspake:
‘O miscreant! What? And have ye dared to give
Mine arms to some man else, unknown to me?’
Then said Odysseus, for he chanced to be near,
‘Yea, child, and justly have they given me these.
345
I saved them and their master in the field.’
345
Then in fierce anger all at once I launched
345
All terms of execration at his head,
345
Bating no word, being maddened by the thought
345
That I should lose this heirloom,—and to him!
345
He, at this pass, though not of wrathful mood,
345
Stung by such utterance, made rejoinder thus:
345
‘Thou wast not with us here, but wrongfully
345
Didst bide afar. And, since thou mak’st so bold,
345
I tell thee, never shalt thou, as thou sayest,
345
Sail with these arms to Scyros.’—Thus reviled,
345
With such an evil echo in mine ear,
345
I voyage homeward, robbed of mine own right
345
By that vile offset of an evil tree.
345
Yet less I blame him than the men in power.
345
For every multitude, be it army or state,
Takes tone from those who rule it, and all taint
Of disobedience from bad counsel springs.
I have spoken. May the Atridae’s enemy
Be dear to Heaven, as he is loved by me!
Mother of mightiest Zeus,
Feeder of all that live,
Who from thy mountainous breast
Rivers of gold dost give!
To thee, O Earth, I cried that shameful day,
When insolence from Atreus’ sons went forth
Full on our lord: when they bestowed away
His father’s arms to crown Odysseus’ worth;
Thou, whom bull-slaughtering lions yoked bear,
O mighty mother, hear!
German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review) (OCR draft) Experimental (German (J. J. C. Donner, 1875; OCR review)) — 86 focus
Was immer ich nicht ohne Grauen hören kann,
Sohn Laertens, dieses hass' ich auch zu thun.
Denn nicht geschaffen bin ich, traun, für Hinterlist,
So wenig, als es (sagen sie) mein Vater war.
1
Ich bin bereit, ihn wegzuführen mit Gewalt,
90
Doch nie mit Arglist; denn mit Einem Fuße wird
Er uns, so Viele, nimmerdar bewältigen.
Zwar dir ein Helfer zog ich aus und möchte nicht
Verräther heißen; aber lieber wünsch' ich mir
Der edlen That Mißlingen, als unedlen Sieg.
95
Was immer ich nicht ohne Grauen hören kann,
Sohn Laertens, dieses hass' ich auch zu thun.
Denn nicht geschaffen bin ich, traun, für Hinterlist,
So wenig, als es (sagen sie) mein Vater war.
1
Ich bin bereit, ihn wegzuführen mit Gewalt,
90
Doch nie mit Arglist; denn mit Einem Fuße wird
Er uns, so Viele, nimmerdar bewältigen.
Zwar dir ein Helfer zog ich aus und möchte nicht
Verräther heißen; aber lieber wünsch' ich mir
Der edlen That Mißlingen, als unedlen Sieg.
95
Odysseus.
Mir, Sohn des edlen Vaters, war als Jüngling auch
Die Zunge langsam und die Hand zu Thaten schnell.
Jezt durch Erfahrung reifer, seh' ich wohl: es ist
Der Menschen Zunge, nicht die That, die Alles lenkt.
Mir, Sohn des edlen Vaters, war als Jüngling auch
Die Zunge langsam und die Hand zu Thaten schnell.
Jezt durch Erfahrung reifer, seh' ich wohl: es ist
Der Menschen Zunge, nicht die That, die Alles lenkt.
Neoptolemos.
Was trägst du mir nun Andres, Herr, als Lügen auf?
100
Was trägst du mir nun Andres, Herr, als Lügen auf?
100
Odysseus.
Mit List, verlang' ich, sollst du Philoktetes fahn.
Mit List, verlang' ich, sollst du Philoktetes fahn.
Neoptolemos.
Warum mit List ihn fangen, wenn's die Rede kann?
Warum mit List ihn fangen, wenn's die Rede kann?
Odysseus.
Nie folgt er Reden; auch Gewalt bezwingt ihn nicht.
Nie folgt er Reden; auch Gewalt bezwingt ihn nicht.
Neoptolemos.
So zuversichtlich trozt der Mann auf seine Kraft?
So zuversichtlich trozt der Mann auf seine Kraft?
Odysseus.
Der unentfliehbar'n Pfeile morderfüllte Wehr -
105
Der unentfliehbar'n Pfeile morderfüllte Wehr -
105
Neoptolemos.
Nicht ungefährlich wär' es denn, ihm nur zu nah'n?
Nicht ungefährlich wär' es denn, ihm nur zu nah'n?
Odysseus.
Nicht, außer wenn du, wie gesagt, mit List ihn fängst.
Nicht, außer wenn du, wie gesagt, mit List ihn fängst.
Neoptolemos.
Und eine Schande dünkte dir die Lüge nicht?
Und eine Schande dünkte dir die Lüge nicht?
Odysseus.
Nicht, wenn die Lüge Rettung mir zum Lohne bringt.
Nicht, wenn die Lüge Rettung mir zum Lohne bringt.
Neoptolemos.
Mit welcher Stirn erkühnt man solcher Rede sich?
110
Mit welcher Stirn erkühnt man solcher Rede sich?
110
Odysseus.
Bringt eine Handlung dir Gewinn, so zage nicht.
Bringt eine Handlung dir Gewinn, so zage nicht.
Neoptolemos.
Was bringt's Gewinn mir, wenn der Mann vor Troja kommt?
Was bringt's Gewinn mir, wenn der Mann vor Troja kommt?
Odysseus.
Die Pfeile nur erobern Troja, sie allein.
Die Pfeile nur erobern Troja, sie allein.
Neoptolemos.
Ich also nehme nicht die Stadt, wie ihr's verspracht?
Ich also nehme nicht die Stadt, wie ihr's verspracht?
Odysseus.
Du ohne sie nicht, und auch sie nicht ohne dich.
115
Du ohne sie nicht, und auch sie nicht ohne dich.
115
Neoptolemos.
Sie muß ich denn erjagen, wenn es also steht.
Sie muß ich denn erjagen, wenn es also steht.
Odysseus.
Zwiefachen Lohn gewinnst du, wenn du solches thust.
Zwiefachen Lohn gewinnst du, wenn du solches thust.
Neoptolemos.
Und welchen? Weiß ich diesen, weigr' ich nicht die That.
Und welchen? Weiß ich diesen, weigr' ich nicht die That.
Odysseus.
Nun, klug und tapfer würdest du zugleich genannt.
Nun, klug und tapfer würdest du zugleich genannt.
Neoptolemos.
Wohlan denn, ledig aller Scham, vollführ' ich es!
120
Wohlan denn, ledig aller Scham, vollführ' ich es!
120
Odysseus.
Gedenkst du nun auch dessen, was ich dir gebot?
Gedenkst du nun auch dessen, was ich dir gebot?
Neoptolemos.
Vertraue mir, nachdem ich's einmal dir gelobt.
Vertraue mir, nachdem ich's einmal dir gelobt.
Odysseus.
English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Francklin, 1758–1759)) — 80 focus
Philoctetes
My old and worthy friend
The Pylian sage, how is he ? He could see
Their arts, and would have given them better counsels.
My old and worthy friend
The Pylian sage, how is he ? He could see
Their arts, and would have given them better counsels.
English (Robert Potter, 1788) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Robert Potter, 1788)) — 80 focus
Neoptolemus
No more he views the sun's ethereal light.
I mourn his fate. But tell me lives the son
Of Tydeus? Lives that wretch, who ere his birth
By Sisyphus was to Laertes sold?
No more he views the sun's ethereal light.
I mourn his fate. But tell me lives the son
Of Tydeus? Lives that wretch, who ere his birth
By Sisyphus was to Laertes sold?
English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Sir Richard Jebb, 1904)) — 135-215 focus
Chorus
I am a stranger in a strange land, Master. What must I hide, what must I reveal to a man who will be swift to suspicion? Show me the way! His skill excels all other skill, his wisdom has no equal, whose hands govern the godlike
135
scepter given by Zeus. To you, my son, that sovereign power has descended from the dawn of time. Therefore tell me how I must serve you.
140
I am a stranger in a strange land, Master. What must I hide, what must I reveal to a man who will be swift to suspicion? Show me the way! His skill excels all other skill, his wisdom has no equal, whose hands govern the godlike
135
scepter given by Zeus. To you, my son, that sovereign power has descended from the dawn of time. Therefore tell me how I must serve you.
140
Neoptolemus
For the present—since perhaps you wish to see the place
on the island’s edge where he resides—survey it without fear. But when the dread traveler, who has left this dwelling, returns, step forward at my signal from time to time, and try to help as the moment may require.
145
For the present—since perhaps you wish to see the place
on the island’s edge where he resides—survey it without fear. But when the dread traveler, who has left this dwelling, returns, step forward at my signal from time to time, and try to help as the moment may require.
145
Chorus
Long have I been careful of this care, my prince: that my eyes should be watchful for your good above all else. And now tell me, in what manner of shelter does he keep his dwelling? In what region is he now? It is not inopportune for
150
me to learn so that he may not come upon me unawares from somewhere. In what place does he wander, or rest? Does he plant his steps within his shelter, or abroad?
155
Long have I been careful of this care, my prince: that my eyes should be watchful for your good above all else. And now tell me, in what manner of shelter does he keep his dwelling? In what region is he now? It is not inopportune for
150
me to learn so that he may not come upon me unawares from somewhere. In what place does he wander, or rest? Does he plant his steps within his shelter, or abroad?
155
Neoptolemus
Well, here you see his home with its two portals,
his rocky cell.
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Well, here you see his home with its two portals,
his rocky cell.
160
Chorus
And its wretched occupant, where is he gone to?
And its wretched occupant, where is he gone to?
Neoptolemus
It seems clear to me, anyway, that he is plowing his way along somewhere near here in search of food. For I know of a report that
this is his means of sustenance—a wretch wretchedly shooting prey with his feathered shafts—and that no one comes near to him to heal his misery.
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It seems clear to me, anyway, that he is plowing his way along somewhere near here in search of food. For I know of a report that
this is his means of sustenance—a wretch wretchedly shooting prey with his feathered shafts—and that no one comes near to him to heal his misery.
165
Chorus
For my part, I pity him when I think how,
with no one to care for him, and seeing no companion’s face, but suffering eternally alone, he is plagued by fierce disease and bewildered by each need as it arises.
170
How, how does he endure his bitter fate? Ah, contrivances of the gods! Ah, unhappy tribes of mortals, whose life-portion exceeds due measure!
175
For my part, I pity him when I think how,
with no one to care for him, and seeing no companion’s face, but suffering eternally alone, he is plagued by fierce disease and bewildered by each need as it arises.
170
How, how does he endure his bitter fate? Ah, contrivances of the gods! Ah, unhappy tribes of mortals, whose life-portion exceeds due measure!
175
Chorus
That man—inferior in no way, probably, to any man belonging to the oldest families—lies alone without companions and stripped of all life’s gifts
180
among the dappled or shaggy beasts. He is a man to be pitied for his torments and his hunger alike, enduring anguish that has no cure. But to his bitter cries the mountain nymph, babbling Echo, coming from afar,
185
gives answer.
190
That man—inferior in no way, probably, to any man belonging to the oldest families—lies alone without companions and stripped of all life’s gifts
180
among the dappled or shaggy beasts. He is a man to be pitied for his torments and his hunger alike, enduring anguish that has no cure. But to his bitter cries the mountain nymph, babbling Echo, coming from afar,
185
gives answer.
190
Neoptolemus
No part of this is a marvel to me. God-sent—if a man such as I may judge—are both those sufferings which attacked him from savage
Chryse
,
and those with which he now toils untended. Surely he toils by the plan of some god so that he may not bend against
Troy
the invincible arrows divine, until the time be fulfilled at which, men say,
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by those arrows
Troy
is fated to fall.
200
No part of this is a marvel to me. God-sent—if a man such as I may judge—are both those sufferings which attacked him from savage
Chryse
,
and those with which he now toils untended. Surely he toils by the plan of some god so that he may not bend against
Troy
the invincible arrows divine, until the time be fulfilled at which, men say,
195
by those arrows
Troy
is fated to fall.
200
Chorus
Hush,boy!
Hush,boy!
Neoptolemus
What is it?
What is it?
Chorus
I heard a sudden thud, one that might naturally come from a man worn by pain. From there it came, I think—or there.
It strikes, strikes hard on my ear, the sure sound of someone creeping along his way as if tortured. I cannot miss that grievous cry of a man hard-pressed, even from afar—its tone is too clear.
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I heard a sudden thud, one that might naturally come from a man worn by pain. From there it came, I think—or there.
It strikes, strikes hard on my ear, the sure sound of someone creeping along his way as if tortured. I cannot miss that grievous cry of a man hard-pressed, even from afar—its tone is too clear.
205
Chorus
But listen, son—
210
But listen, son—
210
Neoptolemus
To what? Tell me.
To what? Tell me.
Chorus
To my latest thoughts. For he is not far from his home, but nearby. And not with music of the flute, like a shepherd pasturing his flocks, does he come,—
no—but crying out a far-sounding howl as he stumbles, perhaps, from tortuous pain, or as he scans the haven unvisited by any ship. His cries are loud, and terrible.
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To my latest thoughts. For he is not far from his home, but nearby. And not with music of the flute, like a shepherd pasturing his flocks, does he come,—
no—but crying out a far-sounding howl as he stumbles, perhaps, from tortuous pain, or as he scans the haven unvisited by any ship. His cries are loud, and terrible.
215