NEO. To bring me back with reasons or perforce?
MER. I know not. What I heard, I am here to tell.
NEO. How? And is this in act? Are they set forth
To please the Atridae, Phoenix and the rest?
MER. The thing is not to do, but doing now.
NEO. What kept Odysseus back, if this be so,
From going himself? Had he some cause for fear?
MER. He and the son of Tydeus, when our ship
Hoist sail, were gone to fetch another man.
NEO. For whom could he himself be sailing forth?
[page 233][573-607] MER. For some one,—but first tell me, whispering low
Whate’er thou speakest,—who is this I see?
NEO. (speaking aloud).
This, sir, is Philoctetes the renowned.
MER. (aside to NEOPTOLEMUS).
Without more question, snatch thyself away
And sail forth from this land.