Philoktetes | Page 5

cast endless sorrow and suffering on the Greeks. If we do not return with this poor man's bow, you will not take the holy city of Troy. You may wonder whether you can do this safely, and why he would trust you. I'll tell you why: you have come here willingly, without having been forced, and you had nothing to do with what happened before. I cannot say the same. If Philoktetes, bow in hand, should see me, I would be dead in an instant. So would you, being in my company. We must come up with a scheme. You must learn to be cunning, and steal away his invincible bow.
I know, son, that by nature you are unsuited to tell such lies and work such evil. But the prize of victory is a sweet thing to have. Go through with it. The end justifies the means, they'll say. For a few short, shameless hours, yield to me. From then on you'll be hailed as the most virtuous of men.
NEOPTOLEMOS
Son of Laertes, what pains me to hear pains me more to do. It is not my nature, as you say, to take what I want by tricks and schemes. My father, as I hear it, was of the same mind. I will gladly fight Philoktetes, capture him, and make him our hostage, but not like this. How can a one-legged man, alone, win against us? I know I was sent to carry out these orders. I do not want to make things hard for you. But I far prefer failure, if it is honest, to victory earned by treachery.
ODYSSEUS
You are the son of a great and noble man. When I was young, I held my tongue back and let my hand do my work. Now, as you're tested by life--as men live it-- you will see as I have that everywhere it is our words that win, and not our deeds.
NEOPTOLEMOS
What are your orders, apart from telling lies?
ODYSSEUS
I order you to capture him, to take him with trickery, however deceitful.
NEOPTOLEMOS
And why not by persuasion after telling him the truth?
ODYSSEUS
Persuasion is impossible. So is force.
NEOPTOLEMOS
Is he so sure of his strength?
ODYSSEUS
Yes, if he carries his unswerving arrows, black death's escorts.
NEOPTOLEMOS
Even to meet him, then, is unsafe.
ODYSSEUS
Not if you win him over by guile, as I have said.
NEOPTOLEMOS
And you do not find such lying disgusting?
ODYSSEUS
Not if a lie ends with our salvation.
NEOPTOLEMOS
How could one say such things and keep a straight face?
ODYSSEUS
What you do is for our gain. He who hesitates is lost.
NEOPTOLEMOS
What good would it do me for him to come to Troy?
ODYSSEUS
Only Philoktetes can conquer the city.
NEOPTOLEMOS
Then I will not take it after all, as I have been promised.
ODYSSEUS
Not without his arrows, nor they without you.
NEOPTOLEMOS
Then I must have them, if what you say is true.
ODYSSEUS
You will bring back two prizes, if only you'll act.
NEOPTOLEMOS
What are they? If I know, I will not refuse the deed.
ODYSSEUS
You will be called wise because of your trick, and brave for the sack of Troy.
NEOPTOLEMOS
Then let it be so. I will do what you order, putting aside my sense of shame.
ODYSSEUS
Do you remember all the counsel I have given?
NEOPTOLEMOS
Every word of it. I will follow it all.
ODYSSEUS
Stay here at the cave and wait for him. I will leave so he doesn't know I have been here. I will take the guard and go back to the ship; if I think you're in trouble I will send him back, disguised as a merchant sailor, a captain. Whatever story he tells you, use it to advantage. I am going now. The rest is up to you. May our guides be Hermes, who instructs us in guile, and Athena, goddess of victory, goddess of our cities, who aids me at all times.
CHORUS
I am a stranger in a foreign land. What shall I say to Philoktetes? What shall I hide? Tell me. Knowledge that surpasses all others' knowledge and greatest wisdom falls to him who rules with Zeus's divine scepter. To you, child, this ancient strength has come, all the power of your ancestors. Tell me what must be done to serve you well.
NEOPTOLEMOS
Look now, without any fear: he sleeps on the seacliff, so take courage. When he awakes it will be terrible. Muster up your courage, and aid me then. Follow my lead. Help as you can.
CHORUS
As you command, my lord Neoptolemos. My duty to you is always first in my thoughts. My eye is fixed on your best interests. Now show me the place that he inhabits, and where he sleeps. I should know this lest he take me in ambush. I am frightened and yet fascinated, as though by a snake or a scorpion's lair. Where does he live? Where does he sleep? Where does he walk? Is he inside or outside?
NEOPTOLEMOS
Look. You will see