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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.

Philoctetes. Sophocles. Richard Jebb (Translator). Cambridge. 1898.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Experimental

Philoctetes (English) (Sophocles the plays and fragments, Part 4: The Philoctetes. Jebb, Richard Claverhouse, Sir, translator. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1898. (Modernized by Perseus.))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (2)

Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879) (OCR draft) Experimental (Greek (Lewis Campbell, 1879)) — 1217 focus

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)) — 1217 focus

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.

Translations (4)

English (Lewis Campbell, 1906) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Lewis Campbell, 1906)) — 1217 focus

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)) — 1217 focus

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)) — 1217 focus

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)) — 1217 focus

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

Commentary

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

mvp-comment-641-1 Much suspicion has fallen upon these verses. Some critics, indeed, hold that the only resource is to write them anew (see cr. n.). The points to which objection is made are the following.

mvp-comment-641-2 (1) ὁμοῦ ¹

mvp-comment-641-3 (2) στείχων ²

mvp-comment-641-4 (3) στείχοντα ³

mvp-comment-641-5 (4) πρὸς ἡμᾶς δεῦρ’ ἰόντ’ ⁴ ἰόντ’ ⁵

mvp-comment-641-6 On the whole, I incline to think that these four vv. are sound, though (like vv. 265 ff.) they are somewhat carelessly written.

mvp-comment-642-1 στείχων ἂν ἦ σοι ⁶

mvp-comment-643-1 ἐλεύσσομεν ⁷ ἦ ⁸

mvp-comment-644-1 οὐκ ἂν φράσειας ⁹

mvp-comment-644-2 παλίντροπος ¹⁰

mvp-comment-644-3 κέλευθον ¹¹

mvp-comment-644-4 σὺν σπουδῇ ταχύς ¹²

mvp-comment-645-1 λύσων ¹³

mvp-comment-646-1 δεινόν γε φωνεῖς ¹⁴

mvp-comment-647-1 ἣν σοὶ πιθόμενος ¹⁵

mvp-comment-648-1 ὧν οὔ σοι πρέπον ¹⁶

mvp-comment-649-1 ἑλών ¹⁷ ποῖον ¹⁸ ἣν ¹⁹ ἑλών ²⁰

mvp-comment-650-1 νέον ²¹

mvp-comment-651-1 ὥς μ’ ὑπῆλθέ τις φόβος ²² ὡς ²³ τοι ²⁴ ὑπήλυθεν ²⁵

mvp-comment-652-1 παρ’ οὗπερ ἔλαβον ²⁶

mvp-comment-653-1 τί λέξεις ²⁷ οὔ τί που ²⁸

mvp-comment-654-1 πότερα δὴ ²⁹ δὲ ³⁰ πότερα ³¹

mvp-comment-654-2 κερτομῶν ³²

mvp-comment-655-1 εἰ κερτόμησις ³³ γ’ ³⁴

mvp-comment-656-1 ἀναπολεῖν ³⁵

mvp-comment-657-1 ἀρχὴν ³⁶

mvp-comment-657-2 ἂν ³⁷ ἐβουλόμην ³⁸

mvp-comment-658-1 εὖ νῦν ³⁹

mvp-comment-658-2 ἀκηκοὼς ⁴⁰ ἀκήκοας ⁴¹

mvp-comment-659-1 τὸ δρᾶν ⁴²

mvp-comment-659-2 τίς ἔσται μ’ οὑπικωλύσων τάδε ⁴³ μ’ ⁴⁴ ἐπικωλύσων ⁴⁵ κωλύσει ⁴⁶ τάδε ⁴⁷

mvp-comment-660-1 ἐν δὲ τοῖς ⁴⁸ τοῖσδ’ ⁴⁹

mvp-comment-661-1 δρασείεις ⁵⁰

mvp-comment-661-2 σοφά ⁵¹ δίκαια ⁵² σοφόν ⁵³

mvp-comment-662-1 ἅ γ’ ἔλαβες ⁵⁴

mvp-comment-663-1 τὴν ἁμαρτίαν ⁵⁵

mvp-comment-663-2 ἀναλαβεῖν ⁵⁶

mvp-comment-664-1 ξὺν τῷ δικαίῳ ⁵⁷

mvp-comment-664-2 τὸν σὸν οὐ ταρβῶ φόβον ⁵⁸ τὸν σὸν ⁵⁹

mvp-comment-665-1 Hermann's earlier view (see cr. n.) seems clearly the true one. Verse 1252, ἀλλ’ οὐδέ τοι ⁶⁰

mvp-comment-665-2 (1) To transpose vv. 1252 and 1253. This was Hermann's later theory. The objection to it is that N. then says,

ἀλλ’ οὐδέ τοι σῇ χειρὶ πείθομαι τὸ δρᾶν

. |

ἔστω τὸ μέλλον

,—when the last three words lose the force which they now possess as a short and direct reply to a threat. Further, the verbal echoes in this dialogue (

τῶν σοφῶν

in 1246,

δίκαιον

in 1247,

φόβον

in 1251) make it probable that σῇ χειρὶ ⁶¹ μαχούμεθα ⁶²

mvp-comment-665-3 (2) To remove v. 1252. Wunder proposes to delete it: Todt, to place it after v. 1290. Neither course is warrantable.

mvp-comment-665-4 (3) To assume that vv. 1251, 1252 were spoken consecutively by N., and that v. 1252 alludes to a menacing gesture of Odysseus. This is Wecklein's view. But it appears scarcely consonant with the character and practice of Greek Tragedy that words spoken by one person should require the dumb action of another to make them clear.

mvp-comment-665-5 If, then—as seems hardly doubtful—a verse has dropped out, its loss may have been due to the fact that it began with the same words as one of its next neighbours. In dialogue of this kind, anger is sometimes marked by derisive repetition: cp. O. T. 547

ΚΡ. τοῦτ’ αὐτὸ νῦν μου πρῶτ’ ἄκουσον ὡς ἐρῶ

. |

ΟΙ. τοῦτ’ αὐτὸ μή μοι φράζ’

etc. (with n. there). Odysseus—who asserts a

δίκαιον

of his own (1247)—may have replied to N.'s words, ξὺν τῷ δικαίῳ τὸν σὸν οὐ ταρβῶ φόβον ⁶³ ἀλλ’ ⁶⁴ οὐδέ τοι ⁶⁵

mvp-comment-665-6 The textual history of this passage is parallel with that of O. T. 622 —626, where the loss of one verse led to a similar confusion of persons in the MSS.

mvp-comment-665-7 ἀλλ’ οὐδέ τοι ⁶⁶ οὐδέ ⁶⁷ σῇ χειρὶ ⁶⁸ τὸ δρᾶν ⁶⁹ πείθομαι ⁷⁰

mvp-comment-666-1 ἔστω ⁷¹

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

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.

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.

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

1217. mvp-comment-812-1 ἔτ᾿ οὐδέν εἰμι] For the order of words, cp. Trach. 161, ὡς ἔτ᾽ οὐκ ὤν, and see E. on L. § 41. p. 78, γ. The Chorus have made but little way with Philoctetes, when Neoptolemus reappears. No sooner has he come in sight of the vessel than his repentance becomes complete, and he desires only to restore the bow.

1218-1219. mvp-comment-813-1 ἐγὼ .. ἐμῆς] 'Long since you would have seen me' ( σοι, Essay on L. § 13. p. 19 ) 'moving off to rejoin my vessel, had we not descried the advance this way of Odysseus and Achilles' son approaching us.' For στείχοντα with στείχων, supr., see Essay on L. § 44. p. 84. For ὁμοῦ after the verb of motion, cp. supr. 256, μηδαμοῦ, and note.

1221. mvp-comment-814-1 δεῦρ᾿ ἰόντ'] Viz. ἰόντα. There is a slight difference between πέλας στείχοντα and δεῦρ᾿ ἰόντα. Odysseus is seen moving not far off, within hearing. Neoptolemus is manifestly directing his steps towards Philoctetes. On being told of their approach, Philoctetes withdraws into his cave.

1222. mvp-comment-815-1 οὐκ ἂν φράσειας is slightly less peremptory than οὐ φράσεις. ‘Do you not mean to tell me?'

1223. mvp-comment-816-1 ὧδε .. ταχύς] 'With such eager haste.' The youth has outstripped Odysseus.

1225. mvp-comment-817-1 δεινόν γε φωνεῖς] 'That sounds alarmingly indeed!' Cp. O. С. 860, 1, ΚΡ. τόνδ᾽ ἀπάξομαι λαβών. ΧΟ. δεινὸν λέγεις.

1227. mvp-comment-818-1 ὧν οὐ σοι πρέπον] i.e. τῶν ἅπερ οὔ σοι πρέπον ἐστὶ πρᾶξαι.

1228. mvp-comment-819-1 ἑλών] Sc. ἐξήμαρτον.

1230. mvp-comment-820-1 νέον μὲν οὐδέν] Cp. supr. 966, οὐ νῦν πρῶτον, ἀλλὰ καὶ πάλαι.

1233. mvp-comment-821-1 οὐ τί που] Cp. supr. 900: Trach. 668 οὐ δή τι, and note.

1238. mvp-comment-822-1 δίς.. ἔπη] 'Would you have me go over and over the same ground in speaking?' ἀναπολεῖν, literally = 'novare agros.' Cp. Pind. Nem. 7. 104, ταὐτὰ δὲ τρὶς τετράκι τ᾽ ἀμπολεῖν ἀπορία τελέθει.

1239. mvp-comment-823-1 ἀρχήν] 'At all.' Cp. Ant. 92, El. 439, and note.

1240. mvp-comment-824-1 Here the Laurentian and Triclinian MSS. agree in reading ἀκηκοώς, while the rest give ἀκήκοας, with Par. A. The difference of meaning is slight, but the reading of L. is at once smoother and more forcible.

1242. mvp-comment-825-1 οὑπικωλύσων] Post futurum ἔσται satis erat οὑπικωλύων dicere, sed praetulit οὑπικωλύσων, ut argute responderet precedenti κωλύσει.' Dindorf. For the variation of simple and compound, ср. O. T. 566, 7, ἔσχετε; | παρέσχομεν. ἐπικωλύειν is, “To interfere to prevent.'

1243. mvp-comment-826-1 ἐν δὲ τοῖς is read in a recent MS. (Lc. of Dindorf: Laur. 31. 1).

1244. mvp-comment-827-1 'Though you are wise, there is no wisdom in what you have now said.' For the force of the pronoun here, see Essay on L. § 22. p. 36.

1245. mvp-comment-828-1 σοφά] Although the change is not absolutely necessary, σοφά agrees best with the context, and the reading σοφόν here may be due to σοφόν in the preceding line. Cp. infr. 1266.

1246. mvp-comment-829-1 τάδε] τὰ δίκαια.

1247. mvp-comment-830-1 καὶ πῶς δίκαιον] Not only the opposition between justice and expediency, but also that between conflicting principles of justice, appears in the age of Sophocles and Thucydides. Odysseus claims obedience to his own commands and those of the army. Against this Neoptolemus sets up the higher claims of sincerity and faithfulness. Cp. El. 1037, τῷ σῷ δικαίῳ δῆτ᾽ ἐπισπέσθαι με δεῖ; ἅ γ᾽ ἔλαβες] On the metrical irregularities of which this division of the tribrach is an example, see above, note on l. 795.

1248. mvp-comment-831-1 ταῦτα] The antecedent is emphatically resumed. E. on L. § 40. p. 75.

1251. mvp-comment-832-1 τὸν.. φόβον] ‘I fear not the intimidation with which you threaten me.' The possessive pronoun of the second person has a sarcastic force. Cp. Eur. Heracl. 284, τὸ σὸν γὰρ ᾿Αργος οὐ δέδοικ᾽ ἐγώ. For φόβον, Hermann conjectures στρατόν, Fröhlich, ψόφον.

1252-1257. mvp-comment-833-1 In the text this line is given to Neoptolemus, and follows a threat of personal violence from Odysseus. Some editors would omit it altogether. χειρί is opposed to φόβον, supra. Either therefore (1) a line is dropped after 1251 ( cp. O. T. 624); and the sense runs as follows: 'Ne. I tremble not before your intimidation. (Od. But I will compel you on the spot.) Ne. Neither do I yield to your compulsion to do this. Od. Then you, and not the Trojans, will be our adversary. Ne. Let come what will. Od. You see my hand upon the hilt. Ne. Nor will mine linger long, as you will see. Od. And yet I will leave you.' Or (2) 1252, 3 may be inverted, and ἔστω τὸ μέλλον given to Odysseus, together with the following words. Or (3) inverting 1252, 3 as before, we may read as follows: ΟΔ. ἔστω τὸ μέλλον. ΝΕ. χεῖρα .. ἐπιψαύουσαν. ΟΔ. ἀλλὰ .. τιμωρήσεται. It is hardly worth while to suggest a fourth alternative, (4) to leave the lines as they stand, and to suppose l. 1252 in Odysseus' mouth to mean, 'But, on the other hand, I do not credit you with force enough to effect your object.' That (1) is right appears from this, that Odysseus is in this case the aggressor throughout, and Neoptolemus stands wholly on the defensive. Cp. infr. 1300-4. The Scholiast on l. 1252 explains ἀλλ᾽ οὐδὲ πεισθήσομαι, whence Bothe conjectures πείσομαι. For the unintentional tautology in τὸ μέλλον.. κοὐ μέλλοντ᾽ ἔτι, see Essay on L. § 44. p. 83.

1254. mvp-comment-834-1 ἔστω, Wecklein conjectures ἴτω.

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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

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.

Current edition Experimental

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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