The shadow of a vapour. In my strength
He ne’er had vanquished me. Even as I am,
He could not, but by guile. Now, all forlorn,
I am abused, deceived. What must I do?
Nay, give it me. Nay, yet be thy true self!
Thou art silent. I am lost. O misery!
Rude face of rock, back I return to thee
And thy twin gateway, robbed of arms and food,
To wither in thy cave companionless:———
No more with these mine arrows to destroy
Or flying bird or mountain-roving beast.
But, all unhappy! I myself must be
The feast of those on whom I fed, the chase
Of that I hunted, and shall dearly pay
In bloody quittance for their death, through one
Who seemed all ignorant of sinful guile.
Perish,—not till I am certain if thy heart
Will change once more,—if not, my curse on thee!
Ch. What shall we do, my lord? We wait thy word
Or to sail now, or yield to his desire.
Neo. My heart is pressed with a strange pity for him,
Not now beginning, but long since begun.
Phi. Ay, pity me, my son! by all above,
Make not thy name a scorn by wronging me!
Neo. O! I am troubled sore. What must I do?
Would I had never left mine island home!
Phi. Thou art not base, but seemest to have learnt
Some baseness from base men. Now, as ’tis meet,
Be better guided—leave me mine arms, and go.
Neo. (to Chorus). What shall we do?
Enter Odysseus.
Odysseus. What art thou doing, knave?
Give me that bow, and haste thee back again.
Phi. Alas! What do I hear? Odysseus’ voice?
Od. Be sure of that, Odysseus, whom thou seest.
Phi. Oh, I am bought and sold, undone! ’Twas he
That kidnapped me, and robbed me of my bow.
Od. Yea. I deny it not. Be sure, ’twas I.
