though late,—if in my lot ye see aught to pity! Yes, a piteous life is mine; but, if I saw those men overthrown, I could dream that I was delivered from my plague.
Ch. Bitter with his soul's bitterness are the stranger's words, Odysseus; he bends not before his woes.
Od. I could answer him at length, if leisure served; but now I can say one thing only. Such as the time needs, such am I.1050 Where the question is of just men and good, thou wilt find no man more scrupulous. Victory, however, is my aim in every field,—save with regard to thee: to thee, in this case, I will gladly give way.
Yes, release him, lay no finger upon him more,—let him stay here.—Indeed we have no further need of thee, now that these arms are ours; for Teucer is there to serve us, well-skilled in this craft, and I, who deem that I can wield this bow no whit worse than thou, and point it with as true a hand.1060 What need, then, of thee? Pace thy Lemnos, and joy be with thee! We must be going. And perchance thy treasure will bring to me the honour which ought to have been thine own.
Ph. Ah, unhappy that I am, what shall I do? Shalt thou be seen among the Argives graced with the arms that are mine?
Od. Bandy no more speech with me—I am going.
Ph. Son of Achilles, wilt thou, too, speak no more to me, but depart without a word?
Od. (to Ne.). Come on! Do not look at him, generous though thou art, lest thou mar our fortune.
Ph. (to Chorus).1070 Will ye also, friends, indeed leave me thus desolate, and show no pity?
