NEO. Nay, but to those that will relieve the pain Of thy torn foot and heal thee of thy plague. PHI. Thy words are horrible. What mean'st thou, boy? NEO. The act I deem the noblest for us both. PHI. Wilt thou speak so? Where is thy fear of Heaven? NEO. Why should I fear, when I see certain gain? PHI. Gain for the sons of Atreus, or for me? NEO. Methinks a friend should give thee friendly counsel. PHI. Friendly, to hand me over to my foes? NEO. Ah, be not hardened in thy misery! PHI. I know thou wilt ruin me by what thou speakest. NEO. Not I. The case is dark to thee, I see. PHI. I know the Atreidae cast me on this rock. NEO. But how, if they should save thee afterward? PHI. They ne'er shall make me see Troy with my will. NEO. Hard is my fortune, then, if by no sleight Of reasoning I can draw thee to my mind. For me, 'twere easiest to end speech, that thou Might'st live on as thou livest in hopeless pain. PHI. Then leave me to my fate!--But thou hast touched My right hand with thine own, and given consent To bear me to my home. Do this, dear son! And do not linger to take thought of Troy. Enough that name hath echoed in my groans. NEO. If thou wilt, let us be going. PHI. Nobly hast thou said the word. NEO. Lean thy steps on mine. PHI. As firmly as my foot will strength afford. NEO. Ah! but how shall I escape Achaean anger? PHI. Do not care! NEO. Ah! but should they spoil my country! PHI. I to shield thee will be there. NEO. How to shield me, how to aid me? PHI. With the shafts of Heracles I will scare them. NEO. Give thy blessing to this isle, and come in peace. HERACLES _appears from above._