One Last Time
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0Odysseus returns to Ithaca. Years pass, Penelope dies off old age. Odysseus continues living. Years and years pass. He steps down as king and gives it to his son, Telemachus.
*Eurylochus and Polites enter Odysseus's chamber as requested, before any of them says a word Odysseus speaks.*
I wanna talk about neutrality.
*Eurylochus opens his mouth to protest.*
Sir, with Sparta and Carthage on the verge of war, is this the best time?
*Odysseus planly ignores the question.*
I want to warn against partisan fighting.
*Polites finally speeks.*
But—
*Odysseus cuts him off.*
Pick up a pen, start writing. I wanna talk about what I have learned. The hard-won wisdom I have earned.
*Eurylochus doesn't takes the hint and opens his mouth to protest again.*
As far as the people are concerned, You have to serve, you could continue to serve—,
*Odysseus shakes his head.*
No! One last time, The people will hear from me. One last time. And if we get this right, We’re gonna teach ‘em how to say Goodbye, both of You and I—,
*Polites timidly asks.*
My friend?
*Eurylochus crosses his arms.*
Your position is so unique.
*Odyseus nods.*
So I’ll use it to move them along.
*Polites asks.*
Why do you have to say goodbye?
*Odysseus considers the question.*
If I say goodbye, Ithaca learns to move on. It outlives me when I’m gone.
his letter:
(Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. I shall also carry with me the hope that Ithaca will view them with indulgence; And that After forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal The faults of incompetent abilities will be Consigned to oblivion, as I myself must soon be to the mansions of rest. I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I Promise myself to realize the sweet enjoyment of partaking. In the midst of my fellow-citizens.)
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