reminding them of the annoyance which the close companionsliip of such a wretch is sure to prove to them throughout their voyage, he strives for a while to conceal his anguish. "'Tis but a trifle" — "he is better again." Eut at last the trial is too much for him. Maddened by the pain, be begs of his friend to draw his sword and smite ofi" the miserable limb, — nay, if it cost him his life, the deed will be a charity. But no, — these paroxysms are terrible while they last, but after a while, having run their course, they will sub- side. He cannot bear even the touch of the hand v/hich K'eoptolemus extends to support him:—
"Nay, not so:
But take my bow and arrows, which but now
Thou askedst for, and keep them till the force
Of the sharp pain be spent; yea, guard them well,
For slumber takes me when this evil ends,
Nor can it cease before; but thou must leave me
To sleep in peace; and should they come meanwhile
Of whom we have heard, by all the gods I charge thee
Nor with thy will, nor yet against it, give
These things to them, by any art entrapped,
Lest thou shouldst deal destruction on thyself
And me who am thy suppliant.
Neop. Take good heart,
If forethought can avail. To none but thee
And me shall they be given. Hand them to me,
And good luck come with them!
Phil. (giving the bow and arrows.) Lo there, my son!
Receive thou them; but first adore the power
Whose name is Jealousy, that they may prove
To thee less full of trouble than they were
To me, and him who owned them ere I owned.
