Sophocles' PHILOCTETES Complete

Translated by Th. Francklin.

Sophocles Bilingual Anthology  Studies  Sophocles in Print

82 Pages

Page 23

Neoptolemus: Oh! 'tis a subtle foe; but deepest plans
May sometimes fail.

Philoctetes: Where was Patroclus then,
Thy father's dearest friend?

Neoptolemus: He too was dead.
In war, alas- so fate ordains it ever-
The coward 'scapes, the brave and virtuous fall.

Philoctetes: It is too true; and now thou talkst of cowards,

Where is that worthless wretch, of readiest tongue,
Subtle and voluble?

Neoptolemus: Ulysses?

Philoctetes: No;
Thersites, ever talking, never heard.

Neoptolemus: I have not seen him, but I hear he lives.

Philoctetes: I did not doubt it: evil never dies;
The gods take care of that. If aught there be
Fraudful and vile, 'tis safe; the good and just
Perish unpitied by them. Wherefore is it?
When gods do ill, why should we worship them?

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