Epeisodion 3
Neoptolemus
Then why was Odysseus not ready to sail on this mission, and bring the message himself? Or did some fear hold him back?
Merchant
Oh, he and the son of Tydeus were readying for pursuit of another man, just as I was leaving port.
570
Neoptolemus
Who is this other after whom Odysseus himself was sailing?
Merchant
There was a man. . . . But tell me first who that is over there. And whatever you say, do speak quietly.
Neoptolemus
There, sir, before your eyes is the renowned Philoctetes.
575
Merchant
Then do not question me further, but get yourself out of here as quickly as possible and sail away.
Philoctetes
What is he saying, boy? Why does the sailor traffic with you about me in these dark whispers?
Neoptolemus
His meaning yet eludes me. But, whatever he will say, he must say openly—to you, me and my men here.
580
Merchant
Seed of Achilles, do not stir the army’s resentment against me for saying what I should not. I receive many benefits for what services I do them, as a poor man may.
Neoptolemus
I am the enemy of the Atreids, and this man is my closest friend precisely because he hates them. Since, then, you have come kindly disposed towards me, you must not hide from us any part of their plans that you have heard.
585
Merchant
Beware of what you are doing, boy.
Neoptolemus
I am well aware.
Merchant
I will hold you accountable.
590
Neoptolemus
Do so, but speak.
590
Merchant
I will. It is after this man that those two whom I named to you, Diomedes and forceful Odysseus, are sailing. They are oath-bound to retrieve him, either by winning words or by overpowering might.
And all the Achaeans heard this clearly from the mouth Odysseus, for his confidence of success in this action was higher than his comrade’s.
595
Neoptolemus
And for the sake of what did the Atreids after so long a time turn their thoughts so urgently towards this man,
whom they were long since keeping an outcast? What was the desire that came over them, or what force? What avenging spirit sent by the gods to exact payment for evil deeds?
600
Merchant
I will inform you of all that, since it seems that you have not heard. There was a seer of noble birth,
a son of Priam, called Helenus, whom that man, out on a solitary night raid—that deceitful Odysseus, whose repute is all shame and dishonor—captured. Leading him back in bonds, he displayed him publicly to the Achaeans as his glorious prey.
605
