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. 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 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.
NEO. Then I'll fight, Not with Troy's legions, but with thee.
NEO. Thou seest my hand Feeling the hilt.
OD. And me thou soon shalt see Doing the like and dallying not!--And yet I will not touch thee, but will go and tell The army, that shall wreak this on thy head. [_Exit_
NEO. Thou show'st discretion: which if thou preserve, Thou may'st maintain a path exempt from pain. Ho! son of Poeas, Philoctetes, come And leave thy habitation in the rock.
PHI. What noise again is troubling my poor cave? Why do ye summon me? What crave ye, sirs? Ha! 'tis some knavery. Are ye come to add Some monster evil to my mountainous woe?
NEO. Fear not, but hearken to what now I speak.
PHI. I needs must fear thee, whose fair words erewhile Brought me to bitter fortune.
PHI. Such wast thou in thy talk, When thou didst rob me of my bow,--so bright Without, so black within.
NEO. Ah, but not now, Assure thee! Only let me hear thy will, Is 't constant to remain here and endure, Or to make voyage with us?
PHI. Stop, speak no more! Idle and vain will all thine utterance be.
NEO. I would I might have brought thee to my mind, But since my words are out of tune, I have done.
PHI. Thou wert best. No word of thine can touch my soul Or win me to thy love, who by deceit Hast reft my life away. And then thou com'st To school me,--of noblest father, basest son! Perish, the Atridae first of all, and then Laërtes' child, and thou!
NEO. Curse me no more, But take this hallowed weapon from my hand.
PHI. What words are these? Am I again deceived?
NEO. No, by the holiest name of Zeus on high!
PHI. O voice of gladness, if thy speech be true!