Stasimon 5
[Choral 2]
In the name of the gods, if you have any reverence for a friend who approaches you in all kindness, approach him!
Chorus
But know this, and know it well: it is in your power to escape this plague. Cruel is it that you feed it with your own flesh, and that there is no way for you to learn to endure the countless torments that dwell with it.
1165
[Choral]
Again, again, you have recalled the old agony to my thoughts—kindest though you are of all who have visited before! Why have you ruined me? What have you done to me?
1170
Philoctetes
That it was your hope to take
me to that Trojan land I abhor.
1175
Chorus
Yes, I believe that to be the best course.
Philoctetes
Leave me, then—immediately!
Chorus
Pleasant, pleasant, indeed, is the task you set me, and I am ready to obey.
Come, let us be going, each to his station in the ship!
1180
Philoctetes
By Zeus who hears men’s curses, do not go, I implore you!
Philoctetes
Friends, in the name of the gods, stay!
Chorus
Why do you call?
1185
Philoctetes
Ayee, ayee! Doom, Doom! My suffering kills me! Foot, my foot, what shall I do with you in the days to come?
O friends, return, come back to me!
1190
Chorus
To do what that has a different spirit from that of your former commands?
Philoctetes
There is no reason for indignation when the words of one crazed
by a storm of pain are senseless.
1195
Chorus
Come with us, then, poor man, as we bid you.
