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

Neoptolemus
I recognize what will be best in the end for you and for me.

Philoctetes
Have you no shame before the gods for saying that?

Neoptolemus
Why should a man be ashamed of benefiting his friends?

Philoctetes
Do you mean a benefit to the Atreids, or for me?

Neoptolemus
[1385] For you, certainly, since I am your friend and speak in friendship.

Philoctetes
How can that be, when you would give me up to my enemies?

Neoptolemus
Please, sir, learn to be less defiant in misfortune.

Philoctetes
You will ruin me—I know it—with these words.

Neoptolemus
Not I. But you, I say, will not understand.

Philoctetes
[1390] Do I not know already that the Atreids cast me away?

Neoptolemus
They cast you out, yes, but look if they will not in turn restore you.

Philoctetes
Never—if I must first consent to see Troy.

Neoptolemus
What can I do, then if my pleading fails to persuade you of anything that I recommend? [1395] The easiest course for me is to stop talking, and for you to live, just as you do now, without deliverance.

Philoctetes
Let me bear the sufferings that are fated me. But what you promised me with your right hand in mine—to bring me home,—that promise fulfil for me, son, [1400] and do not delay, or remind me further of Troy. I have had my fill of grief and lamentations.

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load focus Notes (Sir Richard C. Jebb, 1932)
load focus English (Robert Torrance)
load focus Greek (Francis Storr, 1913)
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