The Oedipus Cycle: Oedipus Rex/Oedipus at Colonus/Antigone

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The Oedipus Cycle: Oedipus Rex/Oedipus at Colonus/Antigone Page 16

by Sophocles


  anyone else would’ve given up. Out of

  necessity, in time, I learned to live with it.

  PHILOKTETES and NEOPTOLEMOS turn to enter the cave.

  LEADER

  Wait! Hold on.

  Two men coming—a shipmate with a stranger.

  Before you go in, hear what they have to say.

  MERCHANT (disguised Sailor) and another of Odysseus’s Sailors appear.

  MERCHANT

  Son of Achilles? I asked this fellow here— 600

  he with two others guarding your ship—

  where I’d find you. Not that I expected

  to come across you. I just . . . happened by!

  Mine’s the usual merchant ship, small crew,

  returning home from Troy to the great vineyards

  of Peparethos. On hearing these were your sailors

  I decided not to sail away quietly—not without

  giving you my news . . . and getting a reasonable

  reward. I figured you know next to nothing

  about your own affairs—new plots the Greeks 610

  are mounting against you. Not idle talk

  but actual doings already in the works.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Really, sir, that’s thoughtful of you. If

  I’m not unworthy of this, I’ll remember you

  with gratitude. But what ‘doings’? What

  exactly are the Greeks scheming against me?

  MERCHANT

  Old Phoinix and the sons of Theseus

  are coming after you. In fully manned ships.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  To force me back? Or talk me into it?

  MERCHANT

  I don’t know. I’m just saying what I heard. 620

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Are Phoinix and his crew so anxious

  to get in good with the sons of Atreus?

  MERCHANT

  Believe it, they’re on their way. Right now.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Odysseus couldn’t sail himself, carrying

  his own message? Is he afraid to?

  MERCHANT

  Just as I was weighing anchor

  he and the son of Tydeus were setting out

  after someone else.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Who? Odysseus himself after what someone?

  MERCHANT

  There was a man who, ah . . . 630

  but first, who is that over there?

  and keep your voice down.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Sir, you’re looking at the famous Philoktetes.

  MERCHANT

  Then that’s all you’re getting from me.

  Better haul yourself out of here. Now.

  PHILOKTETES

  What’s he saying, boy? What’s

  your business, you two, haggling

  in dark whispers over me?

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  I’m not sure yet. Whatever, he has to say it

  openly, in the light, for everyone to hear. 640

  MERCHANT

  Son of Achilles, don’t report me to the Greek army

  for saying what I shouldn’t! I’m a poor man, I get by

  doing them favors. And getting a little something back.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  The sons of Atreus hate me! And as he hates them,

  that man is my best friend. Now you, coming here

  with friendly intentions—you must tell us everything.

  MERCHANT

  Watch yourself. Young man.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  I always have. And do so now.

  MERCHANT

  I’ll hold you responsible.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Do that. Now talk. 650

  MERCHANT raises his voice.

  MERCHANT

  OK. Right. . . . It’s this man

  those two are sailing after. The son of Tydeus

  and Lord Odysseus.

  They swore they’d bring him in—by talking him into it

  or by strong-arm arrest. All the Greeks heard Odysseus

  say this, loud and clear. He was more sure of himself

  than his partner was.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  But why now? What moved the sons of Atreus

  to think about this man? Years ago

  they threw him out! 660

  What now has possessed them? The gods

  demanding payback for their evil deeds?

  MERCHANT

  I’ll tell you. Surely you haven’t heard.

  There was a seer, noble, a son of Priam

  named Helenos. He was out and around

  one night, alone, when wily Odysseus

  (the creepy one none has a good word for)

  caught him, chained him, and paraded him

  before the Greeks. A prize catch.

  Whatever they asked, Helenos had 670

  a prophecy for. He said they’d never sack Troy

  with its towers—unless they could persuade

  this man to leave this island here and

  bring him back. Right then Odysseus swore

  he’d take him back and show him off

  to the Greeks. He expected the man would come

  willingly—if not, he’d be forced—and that if he,

  Odysseus, failed, anyone who wanted his head

  could have it. That’s the whole story, young man.

  You best get going now. You, and anyone 680

  you care for.

  PHILOKTETES

  That bottomless pit of a man!

  He’d persuade me

  back to the Greeks? That will be the day

  I’m dead. He can persuade me to rise

  out of Hades into the light of day,

  like his own father did.

  MERCHANT

  I know nothing of all that, but . . .

  good luck! Got to ship out now!

  Gods be with you! 690

  MERCHANT and Sailor leave.

  PHILOKTETES

  Horrifying, my boy, isn’t it? The son of Laertes

  dreams he’ll sweet-talk me onto his ship,

  lead me ashore, and show me off to the Greeks?

  No way! I’d sooner listen to my deadliest enemy,

  the snake that made my foot into a thing. Still

  there’s nothing that one wouldn’t say or do,

  and he’ll be here soon!

  Come on, son,

  let’s get going—put a stretch of open sea

  between his ship and us. Go let’s go! 700

  Making good speed at the right time means

  we can rest when the work is over.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  In time. The wind’s against us.

  When it lets up, we’ll go.

  PHILOKTETES

  Escaping evil, it’s always good sailing.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Sure, but the wind’s against them, too.

  PHILOKTETES

  To pirates looking for plunder

  no wind is an ill one.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Well, if you insist, let’s go—soon as you get

  whatever you need or want from in there. 710

  PHILOKTETES

  A few things I need. Out of so very little.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  What do you need that’s not already on board?

  PHILOKTETES

  A certain herb. To tame this vicious wound.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Then get it out here. What else?

  PHILOKTETES

  Stray arrows I maybe overlooked.

  Wouldn’t want anyone else to get

  their hands on them.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Is that really

  the famous bow you have there?

  PHILOKTETES

  The one and only. This, in my hand. 720

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  May I take a closer look? Hold it?

  Honor it as I would . . . a divine power?

  PH
ILOKTETES

  My boy, whatever’s good for you,

  anything I can give you, I will.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  I’d love to touch it, but only—if the gods

  think it right. Otherwise never mind.

  PHILOKTETES

  Son, as you’re respectful, sure it’s right.

  It’s you who put the gleam of sunlight

  back into my eye—the hope of seeing

  Oita again, my old father and friends— 730

  you who, from under my enemies’ feet,

  have raised me up beyond their reach!

  Take heart. The bow is yours to touch

  before you hand it back. Then, for your

  kindness to me, you’ll be able to say

  you alone of all mortal beings

  touched it! As I myself did that day

  I got it, by doing something kind.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  I don’t regret I happened on you—and found

  a friend! Whoever knows how to pay back 740

  kindness with kindness is worth more,

  friend, than any possession. Go in, please.

  PHILOKTETES

  I’ll show you in. My sickness wants you

  to stand by, and support me.

  PHILOKTETES and NEOPTOLEMOS go into the cave.

  CHORUS

  (severally)

  I’ve heard, but never seen,

  how the man who tried to slip into

  Zeus’ wife’s bed

  was caught, and bound on a whirling wheel

  by Zeus himself—

  but I’d never seen nor heard of 750

  a man with awfuller fate than this,

  who conned no one, harmed no one,

  who lived on good terms with everyone—

  yet was punished worse

  than anyone deserves.

  I’m stunned at how

  being so desolate here

  hearing nothing ever but pounding surf

  he yet

  clung to his wretched life. 760

  He himself was his only neighbor,

  unable to walk,

  with no one near to hear him suffer

  screaming agony, nor feel with him

  the disease eating his flesh, draining away his blood,

  no one

  to help gather healing herbs

  from the good earth

  —whenever a fit came over him—

  to ease the burning pus from his ulcerous foot, 770

  but went this way and that,

  when the disease let up,

  like a child with no nursemaid to steady it,

  crawling around anywhere for anything

  that might help somehow,

  not for the food men work for

  by seeding the blessed earth

  but only, as happened,

  with arrows shot from his quick-killing bow

  he got food to eat. 780

  A rotten life.

  Ten years, and not one savoring taste of wine,

  just

  winding round toward any stagnant pool

  he could find.

  As PHILOKTETES and NEOPTOLEMOS are about to emerge from the cave . . .

  LEADER

  But now, after all that, he’ll arrive at greatness

  and a happy end. He’s lucked out,

  having met face to face the son of good people

  who, in the fullness of so many moons, cutting across the sea

  will bring him to his own 790

  ancestral home

  where Melian nymphs linger by the Sperkheios,

  CHORUS

  where bronze-shielded Herakles

  rose in flames nearer the gods

  amidst the lightning crashes of his father Zeus

  high above Oita.

  NEOPTOLEMOS and PHILOKTETES, with herbs and arrows, emerge.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Come on . . .

  What’s wrong? Why so awful still all of a sudden?

  PHILOKTETES

  (swallowing his agony)

  Unh . . . Unh . . . Unh. . .

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  What’s the matter? 800

  PHILOKTETES

  Nothing, nothing. Keep going, son.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  You in pain? The usual?

  PHILOKTETES

  No, no. Think ’s getting better . . .

  Good gods!!

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Then why the groaning? Why call on the gods?

  PHILOKTETES

  So they’ll come . . . make better.

  Gd! gd!

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  What’s got into you? Speak! say something!

  I know something’s wrong.

  PHILOKTETES

  Son I’ve had it. I can’t hide the pain from you o 810

  gods it runs right through me through me I’m

  miserable damn done for! It’s eating me alive!

  Son, I’m gone!

  Buhh Bbuhh Buhhppuhpppuhppppuh

  O for the gods you have a sword handy

  at hand?? USE IT!

  Cut the heel OFF now now, no mind my life!

  Quick son quick quick!

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  What? Why all of a sudden now?

  what’s new 820

  all this screaming and hollering?

  PHILOKTETES

  You know.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  What?

  PHILOKTETES

  My boy, you know.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Know what? What is the matter with you?

  PHILOKTETES

  You have to know! Agaahh Agaaahhh

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Your disease. It’s unbearable.

  PHILOKTETES

  Unbearable beyond words. Pityme!

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  What should I do?

  PHILOKTETES

  Don’t let me down, 830

  don’t be afraid—

  this wandering disease

  comes to me

  when it’s tired wandering,

  and having had enough

  it goes away.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Luckless man. Every misery there is

  shows through you.

  Should I hold you?

  Give you a helping hand? 840

  PHILOKTETES

  No, don’t touch! But take the bow, please,

  like you asked to—watch it till the pain

  goes away. Guard it. I’ll pass out asleep

  when the fit passes, have to, or the pain

  won’t leave. Yet let me sleep in peace.

  And if those men come, by the gods above

  I beg you, don’t give them or anyone else

  the bow, willingly or unwillingly, or you’ll

  destroy yourself and kill me. Begging you.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Don’t worry. This passes into no hands but yours 850

  and mine. Give it here. And with it, good luck!

  PHILOKTETES

  Here, son, take it. Pray the gods don’t envy

  you—so the bow won’t destroy you the way

  it did me, and him who owned it before me.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Gods, give us this! Make it so we sail

  with a swift following wind wherever

  the heavens send us and our mission ends.

  PHILOKTETES

  My boy, I’m afraid

  you’re praying for nothing. Look!

  new dark blood oozing out 860

  from somewhere deep,

  dripping red again. I expect

  a fresh worse attack. Oooo

  my foot

  you excruciate me! The pain

  slithers up, near, here! Oooo

  OoooOooo

  NOW you know! Don’t go! O

  Oooodysseus my friend if only this

  agony! 870

  could stickstab through you

 
; godgodgod

  my generals general menelaos

  general agamemnon if only

  your flesh fed this sickness

  as long as mine has

  AAHHHHZZ!

  Death Death every day I beg you

  what’s keeping you

  why don’t you come? 880

  My boy, you’re a good boy

  whyn’t you

  pick me up burn me in that fire out there,

  Lemnian fire,

  I did the same for Herakles, son of Zeus,

  for that I got the arms

  you have there now. What say. What

  say, speak!

  Why so quiet? Where are you?

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Here, a long time here, heartsick 890

  over your crushing pain.

  PHILOKTETES

  No, be brave too, my boy. The thing drops in

  quickly yet goes quick too. Just please don’t

  leave me here alone.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Don’t worry. We’ll stay with you.

  PHILOKTETES

  You will?

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Absolutely.

  PHILOKTETES

  Not that I’d ask you to swear to that, my boy.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  Don’t worry. It’s not right to leave without you.

  PHILOKTETES

  Your hand on that! Give it. 900

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  I promise. We’ll stay.

  PHILOKTETES

  Now. Up there. Take me.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  What? Where there?

  PHILOKTETES

  (eyes rolling back into his head)

  Up up . . .

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  (grabbing PHILOKTETES’ arm)

  Another fit? Why’re you looking up . . . the sky?

  PHILOKTETES

  Let go me! Let go!

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  To go where?

  PHILOKTETES

  Let me go!

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  I won’t.

  PHILOKTETES

  You’ll kill me holding me like that. 910

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  (releases him)

  OK OK. Now that you’ve calmed down.

  PHILOKTETES

  O Earth, take my dying body.

  I can’t stand up under this pain.

  PHILOKTETES sinks to the earth.

  NEOPTOLEMOS

  I think . . . sleep will grip him soon. Look!

 

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