Part 17

NEOPTOLEMOS

Stand up, then. Hold on to me.

PHILOKTETES

No need. I am used to it. Once I am up, I can manage.

NEOPTOLEMOS

It is time. What must I do?

PHILOKTETES

Your words stray off course. What is it, boy?

NEOPTOLEMOS

I do not know where to turn my powerless words.

PHILOKTETES

Powerless? Do not say such things.

NEOPTOLEMOS

But I am mired in powerless thoughts.

PHILOKTETES

Does this come from nausea at the sight of my illness? Does this push you not to take me?

NEOPTOLEMOS

Everything is nauseating to one who casts off his nature to do things that are out of character.

PHILOKTETES

It would not have been out of character for your father, the man who gave you your nature, to help a good man, both in word and in deed.

NEOPTOLEMOS

I will be shown to be evil. The very thought of it frightens me.

PHILOKTETES

The things you do now are not ignoble. The words you speak, though, give me pause.

NEOPTOLEMOS

Zeus, what will I do? Will I twice be proven evil, hiding what I should not, saying the worst?

PHILOKTETES

If I am not a poor judge, it seems to me that this man will abandon me, and sail away.