Part 23

Be still.

PHILOKTETES

I beg you, stay with me.

CHORUS

Why do you beseech us now?

PHILOKTETES

I am destroyed. My foot, what will I do with you for what remains of my life? Come back to me, friends.

CHORUS

Come back to do what? Have you changed your mind?

PHILOKTETES

It is not just to be angry when a man driven mad by stormy anguish speaks thoughtlessly.

CHORUS

Come with us, poor man, as we have asked.

PHILOKTETES

Never. Not even if the lord of lightning devours me in thunderous fire! Let Troy be ruined and all those before its walls who cast me away here in my lameness! Friends, grant me one last request.

CHORUS

What is it?

PHILOKTETES

If you have a sword, or an axe, or a knife, then bring it to me.

CHORUS

What will you do with it?

PHILOKTETES

I will cut off my head, cut off my foot, cut myself apart with my own hand. My mind wants nothing but death.

CHORUS

Why?

PHILOKTETES

I want to find my father.

CHORUS