payment page
Continue reading with a SparkNotes PLUS trial
Already have an account? Log in
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter AJAX, armed, ACHILLES, PATROCLUS, AGAMMEMNON, MENELAUS, ULYSSES, NESTOR, etc and Trumpeter.
|
Enter AJAX, armed, ACHILLES, PATROCLUS, AGAMMEMNON, MENELAUS, ULYSSES, NESTOR, etc and Trumpeter.
|
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to AJAX
Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair,
Anticipating time with starting courage.
Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy,
Thou dreadful Ajax, that the appallèd air
5
May pierce the head of the great combatant
And hale him hither.
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to AJAX
Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair,
Anticipating time with starting courage.
Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy,
Thou dreadful Ajax, that the appallèd air
And hale him hither.
|
|
AJAX
Thou, trumpet, there’s my purse.
|
AJAX
Thou, trumpet, there’s my purse.
|
|
He gives money to Trumpeter.
|
He gives money to Trumpeter.
|
|
Now crack thy lungs and split thy brazen pipe.
Blow, villain, till thy spherèd bias cheek
10
Outswell the colic of puffed Aquilon.
Come, stretch thy chest, and let thy eyes spout blood.
Thou blowest for Hector.
|
Now crack thy lungs and split thy brazen pipe.
Blow, villain, till thy spherèd bias cheek
Come, stretch thy chest, and let thy eyes spout blood.
Thou blowest for Hector.
|
|
Sound trumpet.
|
Sound trumpet.
|
|
ULYSSES
No trumpet answers.
|
ULYSSES
No trumpet answers.
|
|
ACHILLES
’Tis but early days.
|
ACHILLES
’Tis but early days.
|
|
Enter CRESSIDA and DIOMEDES.
|
Enter CRESSIDA and DIOMEDES.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
15
Is not yond Diomed with Calchas’ daughter?
|
AGAMEMNON
|
|
ULYSSES
’Tis he. I ken the manner of his gait.
He rises on the toe; that spirit of his
In aspiration lifts him from the earth.
|
ULYSSES
’Tis he. I ken the manner of his gait.
He rises on the toe; that spirit of his
In aspiration lifts him from the earth.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Is this the Lady Cressid?
|
AGAMEMNON
Is this the Lady Cressid?
|
|
DIOMEDES
20
Even she.
|
DIOMEDES
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady.
|
AGAMEMNON
Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady.
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
NESTOR
Our general doth salute you with a kiss.
|
NESTOR
Our general doth salute you with a kiss.
|
|
ULYSSES
Yet is the kindness but particular.
’Twere better she were kissed in general
|
ULYSSES
Yet is the kindness but particular.
’Twere better she were kissed in general
|
|
NESTOR
25
And very courtly counsel. I’ll begin.
|
NESTOR
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
So much for Nestor.
|
So much for Nestor.
|
|
ACHILLES
I’ll take that winter from your lips, fair lady.
Achilles bids you welcome.
|
ACHILLES
I’ll take that winter from your lips, fair lady.
Achilles bids you welcome.
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
MENELAUS
I had good argument for kissing once.
|
MENELAUS
I had good argument for kissing once.
|
|
PATROCLUS ,
stepping between MENELAUS and CRESSIDA
30
But that’s no argument for kissing now,
For thus popped Paris in his hardiment
And parted thus you and your argument.
|
PATROCLUS ,
stepping between MENELAUS and CRESSIDA
For thus popped Paris in his hardiment
And parted thus you and your argument.
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
ULYSSES
O deadly gall and theme of all our scorns,
For which we lose our heads to gild his horns!
|
ULYSSES
O deadly gall and theme of all our scorns,
For which we lose our heads to gild his horns!
|
|
PATROCLUS
35
The first was Menelaus’ kiss; this mine.
Patroclus kisses you.
|
PATROCLUS
Patroclus kisses you.
|
|
He kisses her again.
|
He kisses her again.
|
|
MENELAUS
O, this is trim!
|
MENELAUS
O, this is trim!
|
|
PATROCLUS
Paris and I kiss evermore for him.
|
PATROCLUS
Paris and I kiss evermore for him.
|
|
MENELAUS
I’ll have my kiss, sir.—Lady, by your leave.
|
MENELAUS
I’ll have my kiss, sir.—Lady, by your leave.
|
|
CRESSIDA
40
In kissing, do you render or receive?
|
CRESSIDA
|
|
MENELAUS
Both take and give.
|
MENELAUS
Both take and give.
|
|
CRESSIDA
I’ll make my match to live,
The kiss you take is better than you give.
Therefore no kiss.
|
CRESSIDA
I’ll make my match to live,
The kiss you take is better than you give.
Therefore no kiss.
|
|
MENELAUS
45
I’ll give you boot: I’ll give you three for one.
|
MENELAUS
|
|
CRESSIDA
You are an odd man. Give even, or give none.
|
CRESSIDA
You are an odd man. Give even, or give none.
|
|
MENELAUS
An odd man, lady? Every man is odd.
|
MENELAUS
An odd man, lady? Every man is odd.
|
|
CRESSIDA
No, Paris is not, for you know ’tis true
That you are odd, and he is even with you.
|
CRESSIDA
No, Paris is not, for you know ’tis true
That you are odd, and he is even with you.
|
|
MENELAUS
50
You fillip me o’ th’ head.
|
MENELAUS
|
|
CRESSIDA
No, I’ll be sworn.
|
CRESSIDA
No, I’ll be sworn.
|
|
ULYSSES
It were no match, your nail against his horn.
May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?
|
ULYSSES
It were no match, your nail against his horn.
May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?
|
|
CRESSIDA
You may.
|
CRESSIDA
You may.
|
|
ULYSSES
55
I do desire it.
|
ULYSSES
|
|
CRESSIDA
Why, beg two.
|
CRESSIDA
Why, beg two.
|
|
ULYSSES
Why, then, for Venus’ sake, give me a kiss
When Helen is a maid again and his.
|
ULYSSES
Why, then, for Venus’ sake, give me a kiss
When Helen is a maid again and his.
|
|
CRESSIDA
I am your debtor; claim it when ’tis due.
|
CRESSIDA
I am your debtor; claim it when ’tis due.
|
|
ULYSSES
60
Never’s my day, and then a kiss of you.
|
ULYSSES
|
|
DIOMEDES
Lady, a word. I’ll bring you to your father.
|
DIOMEDES
Lady, a word. I’ll bring you to your father.
|
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA talk aside.
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA talk aside.
|
|
NESTOR
A woman of quick sense.
|
NESTOR
A woman of quick sense.
|
|
ULYSSES
Fie, fie upon her!
There’s language in her eye, her cheek, her lip;
65
Nay, her foot speaks. Her wanton spirits look out
At every joint and motive of her body.
O, these encounterers, so glib of tongue,
That give accosting welcome ere it comes
And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts
70
To every tickling reader! Set them down
For sluttish spoils of opportunity
And daughters of the game.
|
ULYSSES
Fie, fie upon her!
There’s language in her eye, her cheek, her lip;
At every joint and motive of her body.
O, these encounterers, so glib of tongue,
That give accosting welcome ere it comes
And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts
For sluttish spoils of opportunity
And daughters of the game.
|
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA exit.
Flourish.
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA exit.
Flourish.
|
|
ALL
The Trojan’s trumpet.
|
ALL
The Trojan’s trumpet.
|
|
Enter all of Troy: HECTOR, armed, PARIS, AENEAS, HELENUS, TROILUS, and Attendants.
|
Enter all of Troy: HECTOR, armed, PARIS, AENEAS, HELENUS, TROILUS, and Attendants.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Yonder comes the troop.
|
AGAMEMNON
Yonder comes the troop.
|
|
AENEAS
75
Hail, all the state of Greece! What shall be done
To him that victory commands? Or do you purpose
A victor shall be known? Will you the knights
Shall to the edge of all extremity
Pursue each other, or shall they be divided
80
By any voice or order of the field?
Hector bade ask.
|
AENEAS
To him that victory commands? Or do you purpose
A victor shall be known? Will you the knights
Shall to the edge of all extremity
Pursue each other, or shall they be divided
Hector bade ask.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Which way would Hector have it?
|
AGAMEMNON
Which way would Hector have it?
|
|
AENEAS
He cares not; he’ll obey conditions.
|
AENEAS
He cares not; he’ll obey conditions.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
’Tis done like Hector.
|
AGAMEMNON
’Tis done like Hector.
|
|
ACHILLES
85
But securely done,
A little proudly, and great deal misprizing
The knight opposed.
|
ACHILLES
A little proudly, and great deal misprizing
The knight opposed.
|
|
AENEAS
If not Achilles, sir,
What is your name?
|
AENEAS
If not Achilles, sir,
What is your name?
|
|
ACHILLES
90
If not Achilles, nothing.
|
ACHILLES
|
|
AENEAS
Therefore Achilles. But whate’er, know this:
In the extremity of great and little,
Valor and pride excel themselves in Hector,
The one almost as infinite as all,
95
The other blank as nothing. Weigh him well,
And that which looks like pride is courtesy.
This Ajax is half made of Hector’s blood,
In love whereof half Hector stays at home;
Half heart, half hand, half Hector comes to seek
100
This blended knight, half Trojan and half Greek.
|
AENEAS
Therefore Achilles. But whate’er, know this:
In the extremity of great and little,
Valor and pride excel themselves in Hector,
The one almost as infinite as all,
And that which looks like pride is courtesy.
This Ajax is half made of Hector’s blood,
In love whereof half Hector stays at home;
Half heart, half hand, half Hector comes to seek
|
|
ACHILLES
A maiden battle, then? O, I perceive you.
|
ACHILLES
A maiden battle, then? O, I perceive you.
|
|
Enter DIOMEDES.
|
Enter DIOMEDES.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Here is Sir Diomed.—Go, gentle knight;
Stand by our Ajax. As you and Lord Aeneas
Consent upon the order of their fight,
105
So be it, either to the uttermost
Or else a breath. The combatants being kin
Half stints their strife before their strokes begin.
|
AGAMEMNON
Here is Sir Diomed.—Go, gentle knight;
Stand by our Ajax. As you and Lord Aeneas
Consent upon the order of their fight,
Or else a breath. The combatants being kin
Half stints their strife before their strokes begin.
|
|
HECTOR and AJAX enter the lists.
|
HECTOR and AJAX enter the lists.
|
|
ULYSSES
They are opposed already.
|
ULYSSES
They are opposed already.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy?
|
AGAMEMNON
What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy?
|
|
ULYSSES
110
The youngest son of Priam, a true knight,
Not yet mature, yet matchless firm of word,
Speaking in deeds, and deedless in his tongue,
Not soon provoked, nor being provoked soon calmed,
His heart and hand both open and both free.
115
For what he has, he gives; what thinks, he shows;
Yet gives he not till judgment guide his bounty,
Nor dignifies an impair thought with breath;
Manly as Hector, but more dangerous,
For Hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes
120
To tender objects, but he in heat of action
Is more vindicative than jealous love.
They call him Troilus, and on him erect
A second hope, as fairly built as Hector.
Thus says Aeneas, one that knows the youth
125
Even to his inches, and with private soul
Did in great Ilium thus translate him to me.
|
ULYSSES
Not yet mature, yet matchless firm of word,
Speaking in deeds, and deedless in his tongue,
Not soon provoked, nor being provoked soon calmed,
His heart and hand both open and both free.
Yet gives he not till judgment guide his bounty,
Nor dignifies an impair thought with breath;
Manly as Hector, but more dangerous,
For Hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes
Is more vindicative than jealous love.
They call him Troilus, and on him erect
A second hope, as fairly built as Hector.
Thus says Aeneas, one that knows the youth
Did in great Ilium thus translate him to me.
|
|
Alarum. The fight begins.
|
Alarum. The fight begins.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
They are in action.
|
AGAMEMNON
They are in action.
|
|
NESTOR
Now, Ajax, hold thine own!
|
NESTOR
Now, Ajax, hold thine own!
|
|
TROILUS
Hector, thou sleep’st. Awake thee!
|
TROILUS
Hector, thou sleep’st. Awake thee!
|
|
AGAMEMNON
130
His blows are well disposed.—There, Ajax!
|
AGAMEMNON
|
|
Trumpets cease.
|
Trumpets cease.
|
|
DIOMEDES
You must no more.
|
DIOMEDES
You must no more.
|
|
AENEAS
Princes, enough, so please you.
|
AENEAS
Princes, enough, so please you.
|
|
AJAX
I am not warm yet. Let us fight again.
|
AJAX
I am not warm yet. Let us fight again.
|
|
DIOMEDES
As Hector pleases.
|
DIOMEDES
As Hector pleases.
|
|
HECTOR
135
Why, then, will I no more.—
Thou art, great lord, my father’s sister’s son,
A cousin-german to great Priam’s seed.
The obligation of our blood forbids
A gory emulation ’twixt us twain.
140
Were thy commixtion Greek and Trojan so
That thou couldst say “This hand is Grecian all,
And this is Trojan; the sinews of this leg
All Greek, and this all Troy; my mother’s blood
Runs on the dexter cheek, and this sinister
145
Bounds in my father’s,” by Jove multipotent,
Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member
Wherein my sword had not impressure made
Of our rank feud. But the just gods gainsay
That any drop thou borrowd’st from thy mother,
150
My sacred aunt, should by my mortal sword
Be drained. Let me embrace thee, Ajax.
By him that thunders, thou hast lusty arms!
Hector would have them fall upon him thus.
Cousin, all honor to thee!
They embrace.
|
HECTOR
Thou art, great lord, my father’s sister’s son,
A cousin-german to great Priam’s seed.
The obligation of our blood forbids
A gory emulation ’twixt us twain.
That thou couldst say “This hand is Grecian all,
And this is Trojan; the sinews of this leg
All Greek, and this all Troy; my mother’s blood
Runs on the dexter cheek, and this sinister
Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member
Wherein my sword had not impressure made
Of our rank feud. But the just gods gainsay
That any drop thou borrowd’st from thy mother,
Be drained. Let me embrace thee, Ajax.
By him that thunders, thou hast lusty arms!
Hector would have them fall upon him thus.
Cousin, all honor to thee!
They embrace.
|
|
AJAX
155
I thank thee, Hector.
Thou art too gentle and too free a man.
I came to kill thee, cousin, and bear hence
A great addition earnèd in thy death.
|
AJAX
Thou art too gentle and too free a man.
I came to kill thee, cousin, and bear hence
A great addition earnèd in thy death.
|
|
HECTOR
Not Neoptolemus so mirable—
160
On whose bright crest Fame with her loud’st “Oyez”
Cries “This is he”—could promise to himself
A thought of added honor torn from Hector.
|
HECTOR
Not Neoptolemus so mirable—
Cries “This is he”—could promise to himself
A thought of added honor torn from Hector.
|
|
AENEAS
There is expectance here from both the sides
What further you will do.
|
AENEAS
There is expectance here from both the sides
What further you will do.
|
|
HECTOR
165
We’ll answer it;
The issue is embracement.—Ajax, farewell.
|
HECTOR
The issue is embracement.—Ajax, farewell.
|
|
They embrace again.
|
They embrace again.
|
|
AJAX
If I might in entreaties find success,
As seld I have the chance, I would desire
My famous cousin to our Grecian tents.
|
AJAX
If I might in entreaties find success,
As seld I have the chance, I would desire
My famous cousin to our Grecian tents.
|
|
DIOMEDES
170
’Tis Agamemnon’s wish; and great Achilles
Doth long to see unarmed the valiant Hector.
|
DIOMEDES
Doth long to see unarmed the valiant Hector.
|
|
HECTOR
Aeneas, call my brother Troilus to me,
And signify this loving interview
To the expecters of our Trojan part;
175
Desire them home.
|
HECTOR
Aeneas, call my brother Troilus to me,
And signify this loving interview
To the expecters of our Trojan part;
|
|
AENEAS speaks to Trojans, who exit; he then
returns with TROILUS.
|
AENEAS speaks to Trojans, who exit; he then
returns with TROILUS.
|
|
AENEAS ,
to AJAX
Give me thy hand, my cousin.
I will go eat with thee and see your knights.
|
AENEAS ,
to AJAX
Give me thy hand, my cousin.
I will go eat with thee and see your knights.
|
|
AGAMEMNON and the rest come forward.
|
AGAMEMNON and the rest come forward.
|
|
AJAX
Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here.
|
AJAX
Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here.
|
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
The worthiest of them tell me name by name;
180
But for Achilles, my own searching eyes
Shall find him by his large and portly size.
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
The worthiest of them tell me name by name;
Shall find him by his large and portly size.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Worthy all arms! As welcome as to one
That would be rid of such an enemy—
But that’s no welcome. Understand more clear:
185
What’s past and what’s to come is strewed with husks
And formless ruin of oblivion;
But in this extant moment, faith and troth,
Strained purely from all hollow bias-drawing,
Bids thee, with most divine integrity,
190
From heart of very heart, great Hector, welcome.
|
AGAMEMNON
Worthy all arms! As welcome as to one
That would be rid of such an enemy—
But that’s no welcome. Understand more clear:
And formless ruin of oblivion;
But in this extant moment, faith and troth,
Strained purely from all hollow bias-drawing,
Bids thee, with most divine integrity,
|
|
HECTOR
I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.
|
HECTOR
I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.
|
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to TROILUS
My well-famed lord of Troy, no less to you.
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to TROILUS
My well-famed lord of Troy, no less to you.
|
|
MENELAUS
Let me confirm my princely brother’s greeting:
You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither.
|
MENELAUS
Let me confirm my princely brother’s greeting:
You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither.
|
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
195
Who must we answer?
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
|
|
AENEAS
The noble Menelaus.
|
AENEAS
The noble Menelaus.
|
|
HECTOR
O, you, my lord? By Mars his gauntlet, thanks!
Mock not that I affect th’ untraded oath;
Your quondam wife swears still by Venus’ glove.
200
She’s well, but bade me not commend her to you.
|
HECTOR
O, you, my lord? By Mars his gauntlet, thanks!
Mock not that I affect th’ untraded oath;
Your quondam wife swears still by Venus’ glove.
|
|
MENELAUS
Name her not now, sir; she’s a deadly theme.
|
MENELAUS
Name her not now, sir; she’s a deadly theme.
|
|
HECTOR
O, pardon! I offend.
|
HECTOR
O, pardon! I offend.
|
|
NESTOR
I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft,
Laboring for destiny, make cruel way
205
Through ranks of Greekish youth; and I have seen
thee,
As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed,
Despising many forfeits and subduments,
When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i’ th’ air,
210
Not letting it decline on the declined,
That I have said to some my standers-by
“Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!”
And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath
When that a ring of Greeks have hemmed thee in,
215
Like an Olympian wrestling. This have I seen.
But this thy countenance, still locked in steel,
I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire
And once fought with him; he was a soldier good,
But, by great Mars, the captain of us all,
220
Never like thee! O, let an old man embrace thee;
And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents.
|
NESTOR
I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft,
Laboring for destiny, make cruel way
thee,
As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed,
Despising many forfeits and subduments,
When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i’ th’ air,
That I have said to some my standers-by
“Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!”
And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath
When that a ring of Greeks have hemmed thee in,
But this thy countenance, still locked in steel,
I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire
And once fought with him; he was a soldier good,
But, by great Mars, the captain of us all,
And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents.
|
|
AENEAS, to HECTOR
’Tis the old Nestor.
|
AENEAS, to HECTOR
’Tis the old Nestor.
|
|
HECTOR
Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle
That hast so long walked hand in hand with time.
225
Most reverend Nestor, I am glad to clasp thee.
|
HECTOR
Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle
That hast so long walked hand in hand with time.
|
|
They embrace.
|
They embrace.
|
|
NESTOR
I would my arms could match thee in contention
As they contend with thee in courtesy.
|
NESTOR
I would my arms could match thee in contention
As they contend with thee in courtesy.
|
|
HECTOR
I would they could.
|
HECTOR
I would they could.
|
|
NESTOR
Ha! By this white beard, I’d fight with thee tomorrow.
230
Well, welcome, welcome. I have seen the time!
|
NESTOR
Ha! By this white beard, I’d fight with thee tomorrow.
|
|
ULYSSES
I wonder now how yonder city stands
When we have here her base and pillar by us.
|
ULYSSES
I wonder now how yonder city stands
When we have here her base and pillar by us.
|
|
HECTOR
I know your favor, Lord Ulysses, well.
Ah, sir, there’s many a Greek and Trojan dead
235
Since first I saw yourself and Diomed
In Ilium, on your Greekish embassy.
|
HECTOR
I know your favor, Lord Ulysses, well.
Ah, sir, there’s many a Greek and Trojan dead
In Ilium, on your Greekish embassy.
|
|
ULYSSES
Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue.
My prophecy is but half his journey yet,
For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,
240
Yon towers, whose wanton tops do buss the clouds,
Must kiss their own feet.
|
ULYSSES
Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue.
My prophecy is but half his journey yet,
For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,
Must kiss their own feet.
|
|
HECTOR
I must not believe you.
There they stand yet, and modestly I think
The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost
245
A drop of Grecian blood. The end crowns all,
And that old common arbitrator, Time,
Will one day end it.
|
HECTOR
I must not believe you.
There they stand yet, and modestly I think
The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost
And that old common arbitrator, Time,
Will one day end it.
|
|
ULYSSES
So to him we leave it.
Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome.
250
After the General, I beseech you next
To feast with me and see me at my tent.
|
ULYSSES
So to him we leave it.
Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome.
To feast with me and see me at my tent.
|
|
ACHILLES
I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou!—
Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;
I have with exact view perused thee, Hector,
255
And quoted joint by joint.
|
ACHILLES
I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou!—
Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;
I have with exact view perused thee, Hector,
|
|
HECTOR
Is this Achilles?
|
HECTOR
Is this Achilles?
|
|
ACHILLES
I am Achilles.
|
ACHILLES
I am Achilles.
|
|
HECTOR
Stand fair, I pray thee. Let me look on thee.
|
HECTOR
Stand fair, I pray thee. Let me look on thee.
|
|
ACHILLES
Behold thy fill.
|
ACHILLES
Behold thy fill.
|
|
HECTOR
260
Nay, I have done already.
|
HECTOR
|
|
ACHILLES
Thou art too brief. I will the second time,
As I would buy thee, view thee limb by limb.
|
ACHILLES
Thou art too brief. I will the second time,
As I would buy thee, view thee limb by limb.
|
|
HECTOR
O, like a book of sport thou ’lt read me o’er;
But there’s more in me than thou understand’st.
265
Why dost thou so oppress me with thine eye?
|
HECTOR
O, like a book of sport thou ’lt read me o’er;
But there’s more in me than thou understand’st.
|
|
ACHILLES
Tell me, you heavens, in which part of his body
Shall I destroy him—whether there, or there, or
there—
That I may give the local wound a name
270
And make distinct the very breach whereout
Hector’s great spirit flew. Answer me, heavens!
|
ACHILLES
Tell me, you heavens, in which part of his body
Shall I destroy him—whether there, or there, or
there—
That I may give the local wound a name
Hector’s great spirit flew. Answer me, heavens!
|
|
HECTOR
It would discredit the blest gods, proud man,
To answer such a question. Stand again.
Think’st thou to catch my life so pleasantly
275
As to prenominate in nice conjecture
Where thou wilt hit me dead?
|
HECTOR
It would discredit the blest gods, proud man,
To answer such a question. Stand again.
Think’st thou to catch my life so pleasantly
Where thou wilt hit me dead?
|
|
ACHILLES
I tell thee, yea.
|
ACHILLES
I tell thee, yea.
|
|
HECTOR
Wert thou an oracle to tell me so,
I’d not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well,
280
For I’ll not kill thee there, nor there, nor there,
But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm,
I’ll kill thee everywhere, yea, o’er and o’er.—
You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag;
His insolence draws folly from my lips.
285
But I’ll endeavor deeds to match these words,
Or may I never—
|
HECTOR
Wert thou an oracle to tell me so,
I’d not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well,
But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm,
I’ll kill thee everywhere, yea, o’er and o’er.—
You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag;
His insolence draws folly from my lips.
Or may I never—
|
|
AJAX
Do not chafe thee, cousin.—
And you, Achilles, let these threats alone
Till accident or purpose bring you to ’t.
290
You may have every day enough of Hector
If you have stomach. The general state, I fear,
Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him.
|
AJAX
Do not chafe thee, cousin.—
And you, Achilles, let these threats alone
Till accident or purpose bring you to ’t.
If you have stomach. The general state, I fear,
Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him.
|
|
HECTOR ,
to ACHILLES
I pray you, let us see you in the field.
We have had pelting wars since you refused
295
The Grecians’ cause.
|
HECTOR ,
to ACHILLES
I pray you, let us see you in the field.
We have had pelting wars since you refused
|
|
ACHILLES
Dost thou entreat me, Hector?
Tomorrow do I meet thee, fell as death;
Tonight all friends.
|
ACHILLES
Dost thou entreat me, Hector?
Tomorrow do I meet thee, fell as death;
Tonight all friends.
|
|
HECTOR
Thy hand upon that match.
|
HECTOR
Thy hand upon that match.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
300
First, all you peers of Greece, go to my tent;
There in the full convive we. Afterwards,
As Hector’s leisure and your bounties shall
Concur together, severally entreat him.
Beat loud the taborins; let the trumpets blow,
305
That this great soldier may his welcome know.
|
AGAMEMNON
There in the full convive we. Afterwards,
As Hector’s leisure and your bounties shall
Concur together, severally entreat him.
Beat loud the taborins; let the trumpets blow,
|
|
Flourish.
All but TROILUS and ULYSSES exit.
|
Flourish.
All but TROILUS and ULYSSES exit.
|
|
TROILUS
My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beseech you,
In what place of the field doth Calchas keep?
|
TROILUS
My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beseech you,
In what place of the field doth Calchas keep?
|
|
ULYSSES
At Menelaus’ tent, most princely Troilus.
There Diomed doth feast with him tonight,
310
Who neither looks upon the heaven nor Earth,
But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view
On the fair Cressid.
|
ULYSSES
At Menelaus’ tent, most princely Troilus.
There Diomed doth feast with him tonight,
But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view
On the fair Cressid.
|
|
TROILUS
Shall I, sweet lord, be bound to you so much,
After we part from Agamemnon’s tent,
315
To bring me thither?
|
TROILUS
Shall I, sweet lord, be bound to you so much,
After we part from Agamemnon’s tent,
|
|
ULYSSES
You shall command me, sir.
As gentle tell me, of what honor was
This Cressida in Troy? Had she no lover there
That wails her absence?
|
ULYSSES
You shall command me, sir.
As gentle tell me, of what honor was
This Cressida in Troy? Had she no lover there
That wails her absence?
|
|
TROILUS
320
O sir, to such as boasting show their scars
A mock is due. Will you walk on, my lord?
She was beloved, she loved; she is, and doth;
But still sweet love is food for Fortune’s tooth.
|
TROILUS
A mock is due. Will you walk on, my lord?
She was beloved, she loved; she is, and doth;
But still sweet love is food for Fortune’s tooth.
|
|
They exit.
|
They exit.
|
Original Text |
Modern Text |
|
Enter AJAX, armed, ACHILLES, PATROCLUS, AGAMMEMNON, MENELAUS, ULYSSES, NESTOR, etc and Trumpeter.
|
Enter AJAX, armed, ACHILLES, PATROCLUS, AGAMMEMNON, MENELAUS, ULYSSES, NESTOR, etc and Trumpeter.
|
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to AJAX
Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair,
Anticipating time with starting courage.
Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy,
Thou dreadful Ajax, that the appallèd air
5
May pierce the head of the great combatant
And hale him hither.
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to AJAX
Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair,
Anticipating time with starting courage.
Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy,
Thou dreadful Ajax, that the appallèd air
And hale him hither.
|
|
AJAX
Thou, trumpet, there’s my purse.
|
AJAX
Thou, trumpet, there’s my purse.
|
|
He gives money to Trumpeter.
|
He gives money to Trumpeter.
|
|
Now crack thy lungs and split thy brazen pipe.
Blow, villain, till thy spherèd bias cheek
10
Outswell the colic of puffed Aquilon.
Come, stretch thy chest, and let thy eyes spout blood.
Thou blowest for Hector.
|
Now crack thy lungs and split thy brazen pipe.
Blow, villain, till thy spherèd bias cheek
Come, stretch thy chest, and let thy eyes spout blood.
Thou blowest for Hector.
|
|
Sound trumpet.
|
Sound trumpet.
|
|
ULYSSES
No trumpet answers.
|
ULYSSES
No trumpet answers.
|
|
ACHILLES
’Tis but early days.
|
ACHILLES
’Tis but early days.
|
|
Enter CRESSIDA and DIOMEDES.
|
Enter CRESSIDA and DIOMEDES.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
15
Is not yond Diomed with Calchas’ daughter?
|
AGAMEMNON
|
|
ULYSSES
’Tis he. I ken the manner of his gait.
He rises on the toe; that spirit of his
In aspiration lifts him from the earth.
|
ULYSSES
’Tis he. I ken the manner of his gait.
He rises on the toe; that spirit of his
In aspiration lifts him from the earth.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Is this the Lady Cressid?
|
AGAMEMNON
Is this the Lady Cressid?
|
|
DIOMEDES
20
Even she.
|
DIOMEDES
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady.
|
AGAMEMNON
Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady.
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
NESTOR
Our general doth salute you with a kiss.
|
NESTOR
Our general doth salute you with a kiss.
|
|
ULYSSES
Yet is the kindness but particular.
’Twere better she were kissed in general
|
ULYSSES
Yet is the kindness but particular.
’Twere better she were kissed in general
|
|
NESTOR
25
And very courtly counsel. I’ll begin.
|
NESTOR
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
So much for Nestor.
|
So much for Nestor.
|
|
ACHILLES
I’ll take that winter from your lips, fair lady.
Achilles bids you welcome.
|
ACHILLES
I’ll take that winter from your lips, fair lady.
Achilles bids you welcome.
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
MENELAUS
I had good argument for kissing once.
|
MENELAUS
I had good argument for kissing once.
|
|
PATROCLUS ,
stepping between MENELAUS and CRESSIDA
30
But that’s no argument for kissing now,
For thus popped Paris in his hardiment
And parted thus you and your argument.
|
PATROCLUS ,
stepping between MENELAUS and CRESSIDA
For thus popped Paris in his hardiment
And parted thus you and your argument.
|
|
He kisses her.
|
He kisses her.
|
|
ULYSSES
O deadly gall and theme of all our scorns,
For which we lose our heads to gild his horns!
|
ULYSSES
O deadly gall and theme of all our scorns,
For which we lose our heads to gild his horns!
|
|
PATROCLUS
35
The first was Menelaus’ kiss; this mine.
Patroclus kisses you.
|
PATROCLUS
Patroclus kisses you.
|
|
He kisses her again.
|
He kisses her again.
|
|
MENELAUS
O, this is trim!
|
MENELAUS
O, this is trim!
|
|
PATROCLUS
Paris and I kiss evermore for him.
|
PATROCLUS
Paris and I kiss evermore for him.
|
|
MENELAUS
I’ll have my kiss, sir.—Lady, by your leave.
|
MENELAUS
I’ll have my kiss, sir.—Lady, by your leave.
|
|
CRESSIDA
40
In kissing, do you render or receive?
|
CRESSIDA
|
|
MENELAUS
Both take and give.
|
MENELAUS
Both take and give.
|
|
CRESSIDA
I’ll make my match to live,
The kiss you take is better than you give.
Therefore no kiss.
|
CRESSIDA
I’ll make my match to live,
The kiss you take is better than you give.
Therefore no kiss.
|
|
MENELAUS
45
I’ll give you boot: I’ll give you three for one.
|
MENELAUS
|
|
CRESSIDA
You are an odd man. Give even, or give none.
|
CRESSIDA
You are an odd man. Give even, or give none.
|
|
MENELAUS
An odd man, lady? Every man is odd.
|
MENELAUS
An odd man, lady? Every man is odd.
|
|
CRESSIDA
No, Paris is not, for you know ’tis true
That you are odd, and he is even with you.
|
CRESSIDA
No, Paris is not, for you know ’tis true
That you are odd, and he is even with you.
|
|
MENELAUS
50
You fillip me o’ th’ head.
|
MENELAUS
|
|
CRESSIDA
No, I’ll be sworn.
|
CRESSIDA
No, I’ll be sworn.
|
|
ULYSSES
It were no match, your nail against his horn.
May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?
|
ULYSSES
It were no match, your nail against his horn.
May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?
|
|
CRESSIDA
You may.
|
CRESSIDA
You may.
|
|
ULYSSES
55
I do desire it.
|
ULYSSES
|
|
CRESSIDA
Why, beg two.
|
CRESSIDA
Why, beg two.
|
|
ULYSSES
Why, then, for Venus’ sake, give me a kiss
When Helen is a maid again and his.
|
ULYSSES
Why, then, for Venus’ sake, give me a kiss
When Helen is a maid again and his.
|
|
CRESSIDA
I am your debtor; claim it when ’tis due.
|
CRESSIDA
I am your debtor; claim it when ’tis due.
|
|
ULYSSES
60
Never’s my day, and then a kiss of you.
|
ULYSSES
|
|
DIOMEDES
Lady, a word. I’ll bring you to your father.
|
DIOMEDES
Lady, a word. I’ll bring you to your father.
|
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA talk aside.
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA talk aside.
|
|
NESTOR
A woman of quick sense.
|
NESTOR
A woman of quick sense.
|
|
ULYSSES
Fie, fie upon her!
There’s language in her eye, her cheek, her lip;
65
Nay, her foot speaks. Her wanton spirits look out
At every joint and motive of her body.
O, these encounterers, so glib of tongue,
That give accosting welcome ere it comes
And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts
70
To every tickling reader! Set them down
For sluttish spoils of opportunity
And daughters of the game.
|
ULYSSES
Fie, fie upon her!
There’s language in her eye, her cheek, her lip;
At every joint and motive of her body.
O, these encounterers, so glib of tongue,
That give accosting welcome ere it comes
And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts
For sluttish spoils of opportunity
And daughters of the game.
|
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA exit.
Flourish.
|
DIOMEDES and CRESSIDA exit.
Flourish.
|
|
ALL
The Trojan’s trumpet.
|
ALL
The Trojan’s trumpet.
|
|
Enter all of Troy: HECTOR, armed, PARIS, AENEAS, HELENUS, TROILUS, and Attendants.
|
Enter all of Troy: HECTOR, armed, PARIS, AENEAS, HELENUS, TROILUS, and Attendants.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Yonder comes the troop.
|
AGAMEMNON
Yonder comes the troop.
|
|
AENEAS
75
Hail, all the state of Greece! What shall be done
To him that victory commands? Or do you purpose
A victor shall be known? Will you the knights
Shall to the edge of all extremity
Pursue each other, or shall they be divided
80
By any voice or order of the field?
Hector bade ask.
|
AENEAS
To him that victory commands? Or do you purpose
A victor shall be known? Will you the knights
Shall to the edge of all extremity
Pursue each other, or shall they be divided
Hector bade ask.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Which way would Hector have it?
|
AGAMEMNON
Which way would Hector have it?
|
|
AENEAS
He cares not; he’ll obey conditions.
|
AENEAS
He cares not; he’ll obey conditions.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
’Tis done like Hector.
|
AGAMEMNON
’Tis done like Hector.
|
|
ACHILLES
85
But securely done,
A little proudly, and great deal misprizing
The knight opposed.
|
ACHILLES
A little proudly, and great deal misprizing
The knight opposed.
|
|
AENEAS
If not Achilles, sir,
What is your name?
|
AENEAS
If not Achilles, sir,
What is your name?
|
|
ACHILLES
90
If not Achilles, nothing.
|
ACHILLES
|
|
AENEAS
Therefore Achilles. But whate’er, know this:
In the extremity of great and little,
Valor and pride excel themselves in Hector,
The one almost as infinite as all,
95
The other blank as nothing. Weigh him well,
And that which looks like pride is courtesy.
This Ajax is half made of Hector’s blood,
In love whereof half Hector stays at home;
Half heart, half hand, half Hector comes to seek
100
This blended knight, half Trojan and half Greek.
|
AENEAS
Therefore Achilles. But whate’er, know this:
In the extremity of great and little,
Valor and pride excel themselves in Hector,
The one almost as infinite as all,
And that which looks like pride is courtesy.
This Ajax is half made of Hector’s blood,
In love whereof half Hector stays at home;
Half heart, half hand, half Hector comes to seek
|
|
ACHILLES
A maiden battle, then? O, I perceive you.
|
ACHILLES
A maiden battle, then? O, I perceive you.
|
|
Enter DIOMEDES.
|
Enter DIOMEDES.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Here is Sir Diomed.—Go, gentle knight;
Stand by our Ajax. As you and Lord Aeneas
Consent upon the order of their fight,
105
So be it, either to the uttermost
Or else a breath. The combatants being kin
Half stints their strife before their strokes begin.
|
AGAMEMNON
Here is Sir Diomed.—Go, gentle knight;
Stand by our Ajax. As you and Lord Aeneas
Consent upon the order of their fight,
Or else a breath. The combatants being kin
Half stints their strife before their strokes begin.
|
|
HECTOR and AJAX enter the lists.
|
HECTOR and AJAX enter the lists.
|
|
ULYSSES
They are opposed already.
|
ULYSSES
They are opposed already.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy?
|
AGAMEMNON
What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy?
|
|
ULYSSES
110
The youngest son of Priam, a true knight,
Not yet mature, yet matchless firm of word,
Speaking in deeds, and deedless in his tongue,
Not soon provoked, nor being provoked soon calmed,
His heart and hand both open and both free.
115
For what he has, he gives; what thinks, he shows;
Yet gives he not till judgment guide his bounty,
Nor dignifies an impair thought with breath;
Manly as Hector, but more dangerous,
For Hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes
120
To tender objects, but he in heat of action
Is more vindicative than jealous love.
They call him Troilus, and on him erect
A second hope, as fairly built as Hector.
Thus says Aeneas, one that knows the youth
125
Even to his inches, and with private soul
Did in great Ilium thus translate him to me.
|
ULYSSES
Not yet mature, yet matchless firm of word,
Speaking in deeds, and deedless in his tongue,
Not soon provoked, nor being provoked soon calmed,
His heart and hand both open and both free.
Yet gives he not till judgment guide his bounty,
Nor dignifies an impair thought with breath;
Manly as Hector, but more dangerous,
For Hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes
Is more vindicative than jealous love.
They call him Troilus, and on him erect
A second hope, as fairly built as Hector.
Thus says Aeneas, one that knows the youth
Did in great Ilium thus translate him to me.
|
|
Alarum. The fight begins.
|
Alarum. The fight begins.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
They are in action.
|
AGAMEMNON
They are in action.
|
|
NESTOR
Now, Ajax, hold thine own!
|
NESTOR
Now, Ajax, hold thine own!
|
|
TROILUS
Hector, thou sleep’st. Awake thee!
|
TROILUS
Hector, thou sleep’st. Awake thee!
|
|
AGAMEMNON
130
His blows are well disposed.—There, Ajax!
|
AGAMEMNON
|
|
Trumpets cease.
|
Trumpets cease.
|
|
DIOMEDES
You must no more.
|
DIOMEDES
You must no more.
|
|
AENEAS
Princes, enough, so please you.
|
AENEAS
Princes, enough, so please you.
|
|
AJAX
I am not warm yet. Let us fight again.
|
AJAX
I am not warm yet. Let us fight again.
|
|
DIOMEDES
As Hector pleases.
|
DIOMEDES
As Hector pleases.
|
|
HECTOR
135
Why, then, will I no more.—
Thou art, great lord, my father’s sister’s son,
A cousin-german to great Priam’s seed.
The obligation of our blood forbids
A gory emulation ’twixt us twain.
140
Were thy commixtion Greek and Trojan so
That thou couldst say “This hand is Grecian all,
And this is Trojan; the sinews of this leg
All Greek, and this all Troy; my mother’s blood
Runs on the dexter cheek, and this sinister
145
Bounds in my father’s,” by Jove multipotent,
Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member
Wherein my sword had not impressure made
Of our rank feud. But the just gods gainsay
That any drop thou borrowd’st from thy mother,
150
My sacred aunt, should by my mortal sword
Be drained. Let me embrace thee, Ajax.
By him that thunders, thou hast lusty arms!
Hector would have them fall upon him thus.
Cousin, all honor to thee!
They embrace.
|
HECTOR
Thou art, great lord, my father’s sister’s son,
A cousin-german to great Priam’s seed.
The obligation of our blood forbids
A gory emulation ’twixt us twain.
That thou couldst say “This hand is Grecian all,
And this is Trojan; the sinews of this leg
All Greek, and this all Troy; my mother’s blood
Runs on the dexter cheek, and this sinister
Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member
Wherein my sword had not impressure made
Of our rank feud. But the just gods gainsay
That any drop thou borrowd’st from thy mother,
Be drained. Let me embrace thee, Ajax.
By him that thunders, thou hast lusty arms!
Hector would have them fall upon him thus.
Cousin, all honor to thee!
They embrace.
|
|
AJAX
155
I thank thee, Hector.
Thou art too gentle and too free a man.
I came to kill thee, cousin, and bear hence
A great addition earnèd in thy death.
|
AJAX
Thou art too gentle and too free a man.
I came to kill thee, cousin, and bear hence
A great addition earnèd in thy death.
|
|
HECTOR
Not Neoptolemus so mirable—
160
On whose bright crest Fame with her loud’st “Oyez”
Cries “This is he”—could promise to himself
A thought of added honor torn from Hector.
|
HECTOR
Not Neoptolemus so mirable—
Cries “This is he”—could promise to himself
A thought of added honor torn from Hector.
|
|
AENEAS
There is expectance here from both the sides
What further you will do.
|
AENEAS
There is expectance here from both the sides
What further you will do.
|
|
HECTOR
165
We’ll answer it;
The issue is embracement.—Ajax, farewell.
|
HECTOR
The issue is embracement.—Ajax, farewell.
|
|
They embrace again.
|
They embrace again.
|
|
AJAX
If I might in entreaties find success,
As seld I have the chance, I would desire
My famous cousin to our Grecian tents.
|
AJAX
If I might in entreaties find success,
As seld I have the chance, I would desire
My famous cousin to our Grecian tents.
|
|
DIOMEDES
170
’Tis Agamemnon’s wish; and great Achilles
Doth long to see unarmed the valiant Hector.
|
DIOMEDES
Doth long to see unarmed the valiant Hector.
|
|
HECTOR
Aeneas, call my brother Troilus to me,
And signify this loving interview
To the expecters of our Trojan part;
175
Desire them home.
|
HECTOR
Aeneas, call my brother Troilus to me,
And signify this loving interview
To the expecters of our Trojan part;
|
|
AENEAS speaks to Trojans, who exit; he then
returns with TROILUS.
|
AENEAS speaks to Trojans, who exit; he then
returns with TROILUS.
|
|
AENEAS ,
to AJAX
Give me thy hand, my cousin.
I will go eat with thee and see your knights.
|
AENEAS ,
to AJAX
Give me thy hand, my cousin.
I will go eat with thee and see your knights.
|
|
AGAMEMNON and the rest come forward.
|
AGAMEMNON and the rest come forward.
|
|
AJAX
Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here.
|
AJAX
Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here.
|
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
The worthiest of them tell me name by name;
180
But for Achilles, my own searching eyes
Shall find him by his large and portly size.
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
The worthiest of them tell me name by name;
Shall find him by his large and portly size.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
Worthy all arms! As welcome as to one
That would be rid of such an enemy—
But that’s no welcome. Understand more clear:
185
What’s past and what’s to come is strewed with husks
And formless ruin of oblivion;
But in this extant moment, faith and troth,
Strained purely from all hollow bias-drawing,
Bids thee, with most divine integrity,
190
From heart of very heart, great Hector, welcome.
|
AGAMEMNON
Worthy all arms! As welcome as to one
That would be rid of such an enemy—
But that’s no welcome. Understand more clear:
And formless ruin of oblivion;
But in this extant moment, faith and troth,
Strained purely from all hollow bias-drawing,
Bids thee, with most divine integrity,
|
|
HECTOR
I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.
|
HECTOR
I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.
|
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to TROILUS
My well-famed lord of Troy, no less to you.
|
AGAMEMNON ,
to TROILUS
My well-famed lord of Troy, no less to you.
|
|
MENELAUS
Let me confirm my princely brother’s greeting:
You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither.
|
MENELAUS
Let me confirm my princely brother’s greeting:
You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither.
|
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
195
Who must we answer?
|
HECTOR ,
to AENEAS
|
|
AENEAS
The noble Menelaus.
|
AENEAS
The noble Menelaus.
|
|
HECTOR
O, you, my lord? By Mars his gauntlet, thanks!
Mock not that I affect th’ untraded oath;
Your quondam wife swears still by Venus’ glove.
200
She’s well, but bade me not commend her to you.
|
HECTOR
O, you, my lord? By Mars his gauntlet, thanks!
Mock not that I affect th’ untraded oath;
Your quondam wife swears still by Venus’ glove.
|
|
MENELAUS
Name her not now, sir; she’s a deadly theme.
|
MENELAUS
Name her not now, sir; she’s a deadly theme.
|
|
HECTOR
O, pardon! I offend.
|
HECTOR
O, pardon! I offend.
|
|
NESTOR
I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft,
Laboring for destiny, make cruel way
205
Through ranks of Greekish youth; and I have seen
thee,
As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed,
Despising many forfeits and subduments,
When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i’ th’ air,
210
Not letting it decline on the declined,
That I have said to some my standers-by
“Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!”
And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath
When that a ring of Greeks have hemmed thee in,
215
Like an Olympian wrestling. This have I seen.
But this thy countenance, still locked in steel,
I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire
And once fought with him; he was a soldier good,
But, by great Mars, the captain of us all,
220
Never like thee! O, let an old man embrace thee;
And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents.
|
NESTOR
I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft,
Laboring for destiny, make cruel way
thee,
As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed,
Despising many forfeits and subduments,
When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i’ th’ air,
That I have said to some my standers-by
“Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!”
And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath
When that a ring of Greeks have hemmed thee in,
But this thy countenance, still locked in steel,
I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire
And once fought with him; he was a soldier good,
But, by great Mars, the captain of us all,
And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents.
|
|
AENEAS, to HECTOR
’Tis the old Nestor.
|
AENEAS, to HECTOR
’Tis the old Nestor.
|
|
HECTOR
Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle
That hast so long walked hand in hand with time.
225
Most reverend Nestor, I am glad to clasp thee.
|
HECTOR
Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle
That hast so long walked hand in hand with time.
|
|
They embrace.
|
They embrace.
|
|
NESTOR
I would my arms could match thee in contention
As they contend with thee in courtesy.
|
NESTOR
I would my arms could match thee in contention
As they contend with thee in courtesy.
|
|
HECTOR
I would they could.
|
HECTOR
I would they could.
|
|
NESTOR
Ha! By this white beard, I’d fight with thee tomorrow.
230
Well, welcome, welcome. I have seen the time!
|
NESTOR
Ha! By this white beard, I’d fight with thee tomorrow.
|
|
ULYSSES
I wonder now how yonder city stands
When we have here her base and pillar by us.
|
ULYSSES
I wonder now how yonder city stands
When we have here her base and pillar by us.
|
|
HECTOR
I know your favor, Lord Ulysses, well.
Ah, sir, there’s many a Greek and Trojan dead
235
Since first I saw yourself and Diomed
In Ilium, on your Greekish embassy.
|
HECTOR
I know your favor, Lord Ulysses, well.
Ah, sir, there’s many a Greek and Trojan dead
In Ilium, on your Greekish embassy.
|
|
ULYSSES
Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue.
My prophecy is but half his journey yet,
For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,
240
Yon towers, whose wanton tops do buss the clouds,
Must kiss their own feet.
|
ULYSSES
Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue.
My prophecy is but half his journey yet,
For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,
Must kiss their own feet.
|
|
HECTOR
I must not believe you.
There they stand yet, and modestly I think
The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost
245
A drop of Grecian blood. The end crowns all,
And that old common arbitrator, Time,
Will one day end it.
|
HECTOR
I must not believe you.
There they stand yet, and modestly I think
The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost
And that old common arbitrator, Time,
Will one day end it.
|
|
ULYSSES
So to him we leave it.
Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome.
250
After the General, I beseech you next
To feast with me and see me at my tent.
|
ULYSSES
So to him we leave it.
Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome.
To feast with me and see me at my tent.
|
|
ACHILLES
I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou!—
Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;
I have with exact view perused thee, Hector,
255
And quoted joint by joint.
|
ACHILLES
I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou!—
Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;
I have with exact view perused thee, Hector,
|
|
HECTOR
Is this Achilles?
|
HECTOR
Is this Achilles?
|
|
ACHILLES
I am Achilles.
|
ACHILLES
I am Achilles.
|
|
HECTOR
Stand fair, I pray thee. Let me look on thee.
|
HECTOR
Stand fair, I pray thee. Let me look on thee.
|
|
ACHILLES
Behold thy fill.
|
ACHILLES
Behold thy fill.
|
|
HECTOR
260
Nay, I have done already.
|
HECTOR
|
|
ACHILLES
Thou art too brief. I will the second time,
As I would buy thee, view thee limb by limb.
|
ACHILLES
Thou art too brief. I will the second time,
As I would buy thee, view thee limb by limb.
|
|
HECTOR
O, like a book of sport thou ’lt read me o’er;
But there’s more in me than thou understand’st.
265
Why dost thou so oppress me with thine eye?
|
HECTOR
O, like a book of sport thou ’lt read me o’er;
But there’s more in me than thou understand’st.
|
|
ACHILLES
Tell me, you heavens, in which part of his body
Shall I destroy him—whether there, or there, or
there—
That I may give the local wound a name
270
And make distinct the very breach whereout
Hector’s great spirit flew. Answer me, heavens!
|
ACHILLES
Tell me, you heavens, in which part of his body
Shall I destroy him—whether there, or there, or
there—
That I may give the local wound a name
Hector’s great spirit flew. Answer me, heavens!
|
|
HECTOR
It would discredit the blest gods, proud man,
To answer such a question. Stand again.
Think’st thou to catch my life so pleasantly
275
As to prenominate in nice conjecture
Where thou wilt hit me dead?
|
HECTOR
It would discredit the blest gods, proud man,
To answer such a question. Stand again.
Think’st thou to catch my life so pleasantly
Where thou wilt hit me dead?
|
|
ACHILLES
I tell thee, yea.
|
ACHILLES
I tell thee, yea.
|
|
HECTOR
Wert thou an oracle to tell me so,
I’d not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well,
280
For I’ll not kill thee there, nor there, nor there,
But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm,
I’ll kill thee everywhere, yea, o’er and o’er.—
You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag;
His insolence draws folly from my lips.
285
But I’ll endeavor deeds to match these words,
Or may I never—
|
HECTOR
Wert thou an oracle to tell me so,
I’d not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well,
But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm,
I’ll kill thee everywhere, yea, o’er and o’er.—
You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag;
His insolence draws folly from my lips.
Or may I never—
|
|
AJAX
Do not chafe thee, cousin.—
And you, Achilles, let these threats alone
Till accident or purpose bring you to ’t.
290
You may have every day enough of Hector
If you have stomach. The general state, I fear,
Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him.
|
AJAX
Do not chafe thee, cousin.—
And you, Achilles, let these threats alone
Till accident or purpose bring you to ’t.
If you have stomach. The general state, I fear,
Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him.
|
|
HECTOR ,
to ACHILLES
I pray you, let us see you in the field.
We have had pelting wars since you refused
295
The Grecians’ cause.
|
HECTOR ,
to ACHILLES
I pray you, let us see you in the field.
We have had pelting wars since you refused
|
|
ACHILLES
Dost thou entreat me, Hector?
Tomorrow do I meet thee, fell as death;
Tonight all friends.
|
ACHILLES
Dost thou entreat me, Hector?
Tomorrow do I meet thee, fell as death;
Tonight all friends.
|
|
HECTOR
Thy hand upon that match.
|
HECTOR
Thy hand upon that match.
|
|
AGAMEMNON
300
First, all you peers of Greece, go to my tent;
There in the full convive we. Afterwards,
As Hector’s leisure and your bounties shall
Concur together, severally entreat him.
Beat loud the taborins; let the trumpets blow,
305
That this great soldier may his welcome know.
|
AGAMEMNON
There in the full convive we. Afterwards,
As Hector’s leisure and your bounties shall
Concur together, severally entreat him.
Beat loud the taborins; let the trumpets blow,
|
|
Flourish.
All but TROILUS and ULYSSES exit.
|
Flourish.
All but TROILUS and ULYSSES exit.
|
|
TROILUS
My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beseech you,
In what place of the field doth Calchas keep?
|
TROILUS
My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beseech you,
In what place of the field doth Calchas keep?
|
|
ULYSSES
At Menelaus’ tent, most princely Troilus.
There Diomed doth feast with him tonight,
310
Who neither looks upon the heaven nor Earth,
But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view
On the fair Cressid.
|
ULYSSES
At Menelaus’ tent, most princely Troilus.
There Diomed doth feast with him tonight,
But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view
On the fair Cressid.
|
|
TROILUS
Shall I, sweet lord, be bound to you so much,
After we part from Agamemnon’s tent,
315
To bring me thither?
|
TROILUS
Shall I, sweet lord, be bound to you so much,
After we part from Agamemnon’s tent,
|
|
ULYSSES
You shall command me, sir.
As gentle tell me, of what honor was
This Cressida in Troy? Had she no lover there
That wails her absence?
|
ULYSSES
You shall command me, sir.
As gentle tell me, of what honor was
This Cressida in Troy? Had she no lover there
That wails her absence?
|
|
TROILUS
320
O sir, to such as boasting show their scars
A mock is due. Will you walk on, my lord?
She was beloved, she loved; she is, and doth;
But still sweet love is food for Fortune’s tooth.
|
TROILUS
A mock is due. Will you walk on, my lord?
She was beloved, she loved; she is, and doth;
But still sweet love is food for Fortune’s tooth.
|
|
They exit.
|
They exit.
|
Did you know you can highlight text to take a note?
x
