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Chorus
[1045] Bitter is the stranger, and bitter his words, Odysseus. They do not bend before the storm of his troubles.

Odysseus
I could say much in answer to his claims, if time allowed; but now I can say one thing only. What kind of man the occasion demands, that kind of man am I. [1050] And accordingly, where the judgment at hand is of just and good men, you could find no man more pious than me. Victory, however, is my inborn desire in every field—save with regard to you. To you, in this case, I will gladly give way. Yes, release him, and lay not another finger upon him. [1055] Let him stay here. We have no further need of you, now that we have these weapons. For Teucer is there among our forces, well-skilled in this craft, as am I, and I believe that I can master this bow in no way worse than you, and point it with no worse a hand. [1060] So what need is there of you? Farewell! Enjoy your strolls on Lemnos! We must be going. And perhaps your onetime prize will bring me the honor which ought to have been your own.

Philoctetes
Ah, no, what shall I do? Are you to shine before the Argives graced with my arms?

Odysseus
[1065] Argue with me no more. I am going.

Philoctetes
Seed of Achilles, will you, too, grant me your voice no more, but leave without a word?

To Neoptolemus.

Odysseus
Come on! Do not look at him, kind and noble though you are. Do not obliterate our good fortune.

To the Chorus.

Philoctetes
[1070] And will you also, friends, leave me so desolate and show me no pity?

Chorus
The boy commands our ship. Whatever he says to you, that is our answer also.

To the Chorus.

Neoptolemus
I shall be told by Odysseus here that I am too [1075] soft-hearted; but remain here, if that one agrees, until the sailors have readied everything on board, and we have made our prayers to the gods. In the interval, perhaps, he will obtain a better attitude towards us. And so we two are going. [1080] And you, when we call you, be quick to come.Exeunt Odysseus and Neoptolemus.

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load focus English (Robert Torrance)
load focus Greek (Francis Storr, 1913)
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  • Commentary references to this page (2):
    • Sir Richard C. Jebb, Commentary on Sophocles: Oedipus Tyrannus, 513-862
    • Sir Richard C. Jebb, Commentary on Sophocles: Electra, 293
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