winning words they should bring this man from the island whereon he now dwells.
And the son of Laertes, when he heard the seer speak thus, straightway promised that he would bring this man and show him to the Achaeans,—most likely, he thought, as a willing captive,—but, if reluctant, then by force; adding that, should he fail in this, whoso wished might have his head.—Thou hast heard all,620 my son, and I commend speed to thee, and to any man for whom thou carest.
Ph. Hapless that I am! Hath he, that utter pest, sworn to bring me by persuasion to the Achaeans? As soon shall I be persuaded, when I am dead, to come up from Hades to the light, as his father came!
Me. I know nothing about that:—but I must go to ship, and may Heaven be with you both for all good.
[Exit Merchant.
Ph. Now is not this wondrous, my son, that the offspring of Laertes should have hoped, by means of soft words, to lead me forth from his ship and show me630 amidst the Greeks? No! sooner would I hearken to that deadliest of my foes, the viper which made me the cripple that I am! But there is nothing that he would not say, or dare; and now I know that he will be here. Come, my son, let us be moving, that a wide sea may part us from the ship of Odysseus. Let us go: good speed in good season brings sleep and rest, when toil is o'er.
Ne. We will sail, then, as soon as the head-wind640 falls; at present it is adverse.
Ph. 'Tis ever fair sailing, when thou fleest from evil.
