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558—582] if I be not unworthy, shall live in my grateful thoughts. But tell me just what it is whereof thou hast spoken,—that I may learn what strange design on the part of the Greeks thou announcest to me.

. Pursuers have started in quest of thee with ships,—the aged Phoenix and the sons of Theseus.

. To bring me back by force, or by fair words?

. I know not; but I have come to tell thee what I have heard.

. Can Phoenix and his comrades be showing such zeal on such an errand, to please the Atreidae?

. The errand is being done, I can assure thee,—and without delay.

. Why, then, was not Odysseus ready to sail for this purpose, and to bring the message himself? Or did some fear restrain him?

. Oh, he and the son of Tydeus were setting forth in pursuit of another man, as I was leaving port.

. Who was this other in quest of whom Odysseus himself was sailing?

. There was a man… But tell me first who that is yonder,—and whatever thou sayest, speak not loud.

. Sir, thou seest the renowned Philoctetes.

. Ask me no more, then, but convey thyself with all speed out of this land.

. What is he saying, my son? Why is the sailor trafficking with thee about me in these dark whispers?

. I know not his meaning yet; but whatever he would say he must say openly to thee and me and these.

. Seed of Achilles, do not accuse me to the army