Ne. I will not; but I say that thou dost not understand.
Ph. Do I not know that the Atreidae cast me out?1390
Ne. They cast thee out, but look if they will not restore thee to welfare.
Ph. Never,—if I must first consent to visit Troy.
Ne. What am I to do, then, if my pleading cannot win thee to aught that I urge? The easiest course for me is that I should cease from speech, and that thou shouldest live, even as now, without deliverance.
Ph. Let me bear the sufferings that are my portion; but the promise which thou madest to me, with hand laid in mine,—to bring me home,—that promise do thou fulfil,1400 my son; and tarry not, nor speak any more of Troy; for the measure of my lamentation is full.
Ne. If thou wilt, let us be going. Ph. O generous word!
Ne. Now plant thy steps firmly. Ph. To the utmost of my strength.
Ne. But how shall I escape blame from the Achaeans? Ph. Heed it not.
Ne. What if they ravage my country? Ph. I will be there—
Ne. And what help wilt thou render? Ph. With the shafts of Heracles—
Ne. What is thy meaning?—Ph.—I will keep them afar. Ne. Take thy farewell of this land, and set forth.
Heracles appears above them.
