Epeisodion 4
Neoptolemus
Please, come on. Why so silent with no apparent cause? And why are you paralyzed?
730
Neoptolemus
What is the matter?
Philoctetes
Nothing serious—go on, son.
Neoptolemus
Are you in pain from the disease that frequents you?
Philoctetes
No, indeed no. I think it is better now.—Gods, oh!
735
Neoptolemus
Why do you groan like this and call on the gods?
Philoctetes
That they may come to me with power to save and soothe.—Ai! Ai!
Neoptolemus
What troubles you? Speak, do not keep so silent. It is plain enough that you are suffering somehow.
740
Philoctetes
I am destroyed, boy—I can never conceal my suffering when you are close. Ah! Ah! It shoots through me, shoots straight through! Oh, the pain,the misery!
I am destroyed, boy—I am devoured! Ah, by the gods I beg you, if you have a sword ready to hand, strike at my ankle—cut it off now! Do not spare my life!
745
Neoptolemus
What new thing has come on you so suddenly that you wail for yourself with these loud shrieks?
Philoctetes
You know, son.
Philoctetes
You know, boy.
Neoptolemus
What ails you? I do not know.
Philoctetes
How could you not know? Oh, oh!
Neoptolemus
Yes, terrible is the burden of your disease.
755
Philoctetes
Terrible beyond telling! Oh, pity me!
