THE BOOK WAS DRENCHED - OUDL Home

A welcome spoil. Much he foretold to all,
And added last that Troy should never fall
Till Philoctetes from this isle returned.
Ulysses heard, and instant promise gave
To fetch him hence; he hoped by gentle means
To gain him; those successless, force at last
Could but compel him. He would go, he cried,
And if he failed his head should pay th' forfeit.
I've told thee all, and warn thee to be gone,
Thou and thy friend, if thou wouldst wish to save him.
PHILOCTETES
And does the traitor think he can persuade me?
As well might he persuade me to return
From death to life, as his base father did.
SPY
Of that 1 know not: I must to my ship.
Farewell, and may the gods protect you both!
(The SPY departs.)
PHILOCTETES
Lead me—expose me to the Grecian host!
And could the insolent Ulysses hope
With his soft flatteries e'er to conquer me?
No! Sooner would I listen to the voice
Of that fell serpent, whose envenomed tongue
Hath lamed me thus. But what is there he dare not
Or say or do? I know he will be here
E'en now, depend on't. Therefore, let's away!
Quick let the sea divide us from Ulysses.
Let us be gone; for well-timed expedition,
The task performed, brings safety and repose.
NEOPTOLEMUS
Soon as the wind permits us we embark,
But now 'tis adverse.
PHILOCTETES
Every wind is fair
When we are flying from misfortune.
And 'tis against them too.
NEOPTOLEMUS
True;