Chapter 17Scene 5

The same. Philoctetes, Thoas, Leosthenes, Eunice.

LEOSTHENES Surely this is the change that comes on men Who are to die.

PHILOCTETES

O me! it is, it is.

THOAS Princess Eunice, what think you of it?

EUNICE Thoas, what matters what we think? We follow Our king; it is his to choose our paths for us. Lead they to death? Then we can die with him.

THOAS That’s nobly spoken.

PHILOCTETES

But too like a woman.

Antiochus enters with Rodogune.

ANTIOCHUS To Antioch! Is all ready for our march?

PHILOCTETES Antiochus, my king, I think in Egypt We loved each other.

ANTIOCHUS

Less here, my Philoctetes?

PHILOCTETES Then by that love, dear friend, go not to Antioch. Let us await the Parthian in his march. What do you seek at Antioch? A mother angry? A jealous brother at whose ear a fatal knave Sits always whispering? lords inimical? What can you hope from these? Go not to Antioch. I see Death smiling, waving you to go, But do not.

ANTIOCHUS

Dearest comrade, Philoctetes, Fate calls to me and shall I shrink from her? I know my little brother Timocles, I feel his clasp already, see his smile. But there’s Phayllus! Shall I fall so low As to fear him? Forgive me, friend; I go to Antioch.

PHILOCTETES It was decreed!

ANTIOCHUS

But you, my friends, who have no love To shield you and perhaps great enemies, Will you fall back until I make your peace, To Egypt or Phraates?

THOAS

Not a man Will leave your side who followed your victorious sword. We follow always.

ANTIOCHUS

Beat then the drums and march.

But let an envoy ride in front to Timocles And tell him that Antiochus comes to lay His victor sword between a brother’s knees And fight for him with Parthia. Let us march.

All go except Philoctetes.

PHILOCTETES (looking after him) O sun, thou goest rushing to the night Which shall engulf thee!