Troilus and Cressida
by
William Shakespeare
Troilus and Cressida is a tragic play that explores the themes of love, war, and betrayal in the context of the Trojan War. The story is set in the final years of the war and follows the doomed love affair between Trojan prince Troilus and Greek princess Cressida.
The play begins with a debate among the Greek leaders about whether to continue the war or to make peace with the Trojans. Meanwhile, Troilus falls in love with Cressida, who has been given to the Greeks as a hostage. The two lovers exchange vows of fidelity, but their relationship is soon tested by the realities of war and politics.
As the war rages on, the characters are forced to confront the moral ambiguities of their actions. The Trojan hero Hector struggles with his duty to defend his city and his love for his family, while the Greek warrior Achilles is torn between his desire for glory and his loyalty to his fellow soldiers.
Ultimately, the play ends in tragedy as Troilus and Cressida are separated by the war and their love is betrayed by political machinations. The play offers a bleak and cynical view of human nature, suggesting that love and honor are ultimately futile in the face of war and power struggles.
PROLOGUE
In Troy, there lies the scene. From isles of Greece
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The princes orgulous, their high blood chafed,
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Have to the port of Athens sent their ships,
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Fraught with the ministers and instruments
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Of cruel war: sixty and nine, that wore
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Their crownets regal, from the Athenian bay
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Put forth toward Phrygia; and their vow is made
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To ransack Troy, within whose strong immures
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The ravish'd Helen, Menelaus' queen,
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With wanton Paris sleeps; and that's the quarrel.
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To Tenedos they come;
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And the deep-drawing barks do there disgorge
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Their warlike fraughtage: now on Dardan plains
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The fresh and yet unbruised Greeks do pitch
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Their brave pavilions: Priam's six-gated city,
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Dardan, and Tymbria, Helias, Chetas, Troien,
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And Antenorides, with massy staples
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And corresponsive and fulfilling bolts,
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Sperr up the sons of Troy.
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Now expectation, tickling skittish spirits,
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On one and other side, Trojan and Greek,
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Sets all on hazard: and hither am I come
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A prologue arm'd, but not in confidence
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Of author's pen or actor's voice, but suited
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In like conditions as our argument,
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To tell you, fair beholders, that our play
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Leaps o'er the vaunt and firstlings of those broils,
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Beginning in the middle, starting thence away
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To what may be digested in a play.
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Like or find fault; do as your pleasures are:
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Now good or bad, 'tis but the chance of war.
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Act I
In Act 1, the story takes place during the Trojan War. The Greeks and Trojans have been fighting for nine years, and both sides are tired of the war. The Greeks have a meeting to discuss the possibility of ending the war by exchanging a prisoner of war. They choose the Trojan warrior, Antenor, to be exchanged for the Greek warrior, Diomedes.
Meanwhile, Troilus, a Trojan prince, is in love with Cressida, the daughter of a Trojan priest. He asks his friend, Pandarus, to help him win her over. Pandarus agrees and sets up a meeting between Troilus and Cressida. At first, Cressida is hesitant, but she eventually agrees to meet with Troilus.
During the meeting, Troilus and Cressida confess their love for each other, but they are interrupted by the arrival of Cressida's father, who tells her that she must leave Troy and go to the Greek camp, where she will be reunited with her father, who is now on the Greek side. Cressida is torn between her love for Troilus and her duty to her father.
Meanwhile, the Greeks are preparing for the exchange of prisoners. The Trojan prince Hector is opposed to the exchange and decides to challenge any Greek warrior to single combat. The Greek warrior, Ajax, accepts the challenge, and the two men fight to a draw.
As the exchange of prisoners takes place, Cressida is handed over to the Greeks. Troilus is devastated and vows to win her back. The act ends with Troilus and Cressida separated and the war raging on.
SCENE I. Troy. Before Priam's palace.
Act 1 Scene 1 of Troilus and Cressida begins with a conversation between two Greek soldiers, Troilus and Pandarus, who are discussing Troilus's unrequited love for a Trojan woman named Cressida. Pandarus, who is Cressida's uncle, promises to help Troilus win her love. Meanwhile, the Greek army is preparing for battle against the Trojans, with the legendary warrior Achilles refusing to fight due to a dispute with his commander, Agamemnon. As the soldiers prepare for battle, a Trojan prince named Hector delivers a speech encouraging his fellow Trojans to fight and protect their city. He is interrupted by a messenger who brings news that the Greek warrior Ajax has challenged any Trojan to single combat. Hector accepts the challenge and the two warriors prepare to fight. However, the scene ends before the combat takes place.
Enter TROILUS armed, and PANDARUS
TROILUS
Call here my varlet; I'll unarm again:
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Why should I war without the walls of Troy,
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That find such cruel battle here within?
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Each Trojan that is master of his heart,
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Let him to field; Troilus, alas! hath none.
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PANDARUS
Will this gear ne'er be mended?
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TROILUS
The Greeks are strong and skilful to their strength,
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Fierce to their skill and to their fierceness valiant;
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But I am weaker than a woman's tear,
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Tamer than sleep, fonder than ignorance,
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Less valiant than the virgin in the night
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And skilless as unpractised infancy.
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PANDARUS
Well, I have told you enough of this: for my part,
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I'll not meddle nor make no further. He that will
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have a cake out of the wheat must needs tarry the grinding.
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TROILUS
Have I not tarried?
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PANDARUS
Ay, the grinding; but you must tarry
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the bolting.
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TROILUS
Have I not tarried?
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PANDARUS
Ay, the bolting, but you must tarry the leavening.
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TROILUS
Still have I tarried.
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PANDARUS
Ay, to the leavening; but here's yet in the word
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'hereafter' the kneading, the making of the cake, the
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heating of the oven and the baking; nay, you must
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stay the cooling too, or you may chance to burn your lips.
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TROILUS
Patience herself, what goddess e'er she be,
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Doth lesser blench at sufferance than I do.
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At Priam's royal table do I sit;
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And when fair Cressid comes into my thoughts,--
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So, traitor! 'When she comes!' When is she thence?
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PANDARUS
Well, she looked yesternight fairer than ever I saw
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her look, or any woman else.
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TROILUS
I was about to tell thee:--when my heart,
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As wedged with a sigh, would rive in twain,
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Lest Hector or my father should perceive me,
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I have, as when the sun doth light a storm,
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Buried this sigh in wrinkle of a smile:
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But sorrow, that is couch'd in seeming gladness,
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Is like that mirth fate turns to sudden sadness.
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PANDARUS
An her hair were not somewhat darker than Helen's--
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well, go to--there were no more comparison between
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the women: but, for my part, she is my kinswoman; I
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would not, as they term it, praise her: but I would
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somebody had heard her talk yesterday, as I did. I
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will not dispraise your sister Cassandra's wit, but--
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TROILUS
O Pandarus! I tell thee, Pandarus,--
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When I do tell thee, there my hopes lie drown'd,
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Reply not in how many fathoms deep
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They lie indrench'd. I tell thee I am mad
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In Cressid's love: thou answer'st 'she is fair;'
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Pour'st in the open ulcer of my heart
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Her eyes, her hair, her cheek, her gait, her voice,
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Handlest in thy discourse, O, that her hand,
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In whose comparison all whites are ink,
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Writing their own reproach, to whose soft seizure
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The cygnet's down is harsh and spirit of sense
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Hard as the palm of ploughman: this thou tell'st me,
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As true thou tell'st me, when I say I love her;
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But, saying thus, instead of oil and balm,
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Thou lay'st in every gash that love hath given me
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The knife that made it.
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PANDARUS
I speak no more than truth.
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TROILUS
Thou dost not speak so much.
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PANDARUS
Faith, I'll not meddle in't. Let her be as she is:
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if she be fair, 'tis the better for her; an she be
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not, she has the mends in her own hands.
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TROILUS
Good Pandarus, how now, Pandarus!
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PANDARUS
I have had my labour for my travail; ill-thought on of
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her and ill-thought on of you; gone between and
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between, but small thanks for my labour.
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TROILUS
What, art thou angry, Pandarus? what, with me?
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PANDARUS
Because she's kin to me, therefore she's not so fair
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as Helen: an she were not kin to me, she would be as
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fair on Friday as Helen is on Sunday. But what care
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I? I care not an she were a black-a-moor; 'tis all one to me.
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TROILUS
Say I she is not fair?
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PANDARUS
I do not care whether you do or no. She's a fool to
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stay behind her father; let her to the Greeks; and so
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I'll tell her the next time I see her: for my part,
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I'll meddle nor make no more i' the matter.
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TROILUS
Pandarus,--
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PANDARUS
Not I.
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TROILUS
Sweet Pandarus,--
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PANDARUS
Pray you, speak no more to me: I will leave all as I
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found it, and there an end.
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Exit PANDARUS. An alarum
TROILUS
Peace, you ungracious clamours! peace, rude sounds!
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Fools on both sides! Helen must needs be fair,
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When with your blood you daily paint her thus.
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I cannot fight upon this argument;
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It is too starved a subject for my sword.
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But Pandarus,--O gods, how do you plague me!
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I cannot come to Cressid but by Pandar;
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And he's as tetchy to be woo'd to woo.
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As she is stubborn-chaste against all suit.
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Tell me, Apollo, for thy Daphne's love,
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What Cressid is, what Pandar, and what we?
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Her bed is India; there she lies, a pearl:
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Between our Ilium and where she resides,
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Let it be call'd the wild and wandering flood,
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Ourself the merchant, and this sailing Pandar
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Our doubtful hope, our convoy and our bark.
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Alarum. Enter AENEAS
AENEAS
How now, Prince Troilus! wherefore not afield?
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TROILUS
Because not there: this woman's answer sorts,
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For womanish it is to be from thence.
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What news, AEneas, from the field to-day?
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AENEAS
That Paris is returned home and hurt.
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TROILUS
By whom, AEneas?
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AENEAS
Troilus, by Menelaus.
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TROILUS
Let Paris bleed; 'tis but a scar to scorn;
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Paris is gored with Menelaus' horn.
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Alarum
AENEAS
Hark, what good sport is out of town to-day!
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TROILUS
Better at home, if 'would I might' were 'may.'
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But to the sport abroad: are you bound thither?
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AENEAS
In all swift haste.
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TROILUS
Come, go we then together.
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Exeunt
SCENE II. The Same. A street.
Scene 2 of Act 1 of Troilus and Cressida is set in the Greek camp during the Trojan War. The scene opens with a conversation between the Greek leaders, Agamemnon and Ulysses. They are discussing the morale of their troops and the lack of progress in the war. Ulysses suggests that they could boost the soldiers' morale by spreading rumors about Achilles' imminent return to battle. Agamemnon agrees and instructs Ulysses to carry out his plan. As Ulysses leaves, Nestor, another Greek leader, enters and joins the conversation. He advises Agamemnon to offer Achilles' lover, Patroclus, as a sacrifice to the gods in order to appease them and ensure their victory. Agamemnon is hesitant to sacrifice Patroclus, but Nestor reminds him of the importance of winning the war. Next, we see a conversation between Achilles and his friend, Patroclus. Achilles is reluctant to return to battle because he feels disrespected by Agamemnon. Patroclus urges him to put his pride aside and fight for the honor of Greece. Achilles eventually agrees and prepares to return to battle. The scene ends with a conversation between two Trojan soldiers, Hector and Troilus. They are discussing Hector's upcoming duel with the Greek warrior, Ajax. Hector is confident in his abilities and believes he will be victorious, while Troilus urges him to be cautious and not underestimate his opponent.
Enter CRESSIDA and ALEXANDER
CRESSIDA
Who were those went by?
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ALEXANDER
Queen Hecuba and Helen.
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CRESSIDA
And whither go they?
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ALEXANDER
Up to the eastern tower,
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Whose height commands as subject all the vale,
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To see the battle. Hector, whose patience
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Is, as a virtue, fix'd, to-day was moved:
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He chid Andromache and struck his armourer,
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And, like as there were husbandry in war,
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Before the sun rose he was harness'd light,
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And to the field goes he; where every flower
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Did, as a prophet, weep what it foresaw
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In Hector's wrath.
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CRESSIDA
What was his cause of anger?
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ALEXANDER
The noise goes, this: there is among the Greeks
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A lord of Trojan blood, nephew to Hector;
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They call him Ajax.
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CRESSIDA
Good; and what of him?
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ALEXANDER
They say he is a very man per se,
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And stands alone.
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CRESSIDA
So do all men, unless they are drunk, sick, or have no legs.
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ALEXANDER
This man, lady, hath robbed many beasts of their
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particular additions; he is as valiant as the lion,
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churlish as the bear, slow as the elephant: a man
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into whom nature hath so crowded humours that his
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valour is crushed into folly, his folly sauced with
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discretion: there is no man hath a virtue that he
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hath not a glimpse of, nor any man an attaint but he
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carries some stain of it: he is melancholy without
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cause, and merry against the hair: he hath the
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joints of every thing, but everything so out of joint
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that he is a gouty Briareus, many hands and no use,
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or purblind Argus, all eyes and no sight.
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CRESSIDA
But how should this man, that makes
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me smile, make Hector angry?
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ALEXANDER
They say he yesterday coped Hector in the battle and
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struck him down, the disdain and shame whereof hath
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ever since kept Hector fasting and waking.
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CRESSIDA
Who comes here?
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ALEXANDER
Madam, your uncle Pandarus.
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Enter PANDARUS
CRESSIDA
Hector's a gallant man.
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ALEXANDER
As may be in the world, lady.
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PANDARUS
What's that? what's that?
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CRESSIDA
Good morrow, uncle Pandarus.
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PANDARUS
Good morrow, cousin Cressid: what do you talk of?
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Good morrow, Alexander. How do you, cousin? When
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were you at Ilium?
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CRESSIDA
This morning, uncle.
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PANDARUS
What were you talking of when I came? Was Hector
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armed and gone ere ye came to Ilium? Helen was not
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up, was she?
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CRESSIDA
Hector was gone, but Helen was not up.
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PANDARUS
Even so: Hector was stirring early.
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CRESSIDA
That were we talking of, and of his anger.
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PANDARUS
Was he angry?
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CRESSIDA
So he says here.
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PANDARUS
True, he was so: I know the cause too: he'll lay
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about him to-day, I can tell them that: and there's
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Troilus will not come far behind him: let them take
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heed of Troilus, I can tell them that too.
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CRESSIDA
What, is he angry too?
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PANDARUS
Who, Troilus? Troilus is the better man of the two.
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CRESSIDA
O Jupiter! there's no comparison.
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PANDARUS
What, not between Troilus and Hector? Do you know a
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man if you see him?
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CRESSIDA
Ay, if I ever saw him before and knew him.
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PANDARUS
Well, I say Troilus is Troilus.
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CRESSIDA
Then you say as I say; for, I am sure, he is not Hector.
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PANDARUS
No, nor Hector is not Troilus in some degrees.
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CRESSIDA
'Tis just to each of them; he is himself.
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PANDARUS
Himself! Alas, poor Troilus! I would he were.
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CRESSIDA
So he is.
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PANDARUS
Condition, I had gone barefoot to India.
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CRESSIDA
He is not Hector.
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PANDARUS
Himself! no, he's not himself: would a' were
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himself! Well, the gods are above; time must friend
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or end: well, Troilus, well: I would my heart were
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in her body. No, Hector is not a better man than Troilus.
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CRESSIDA
Excuse me.
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PANDARUS
He is elder.
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CRESSIDA
Pardon me, pardon me.
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PANDARUS
Th' other's not come to't; you shall tell me another
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tale, when th' other's come to't. Hector shall not
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have his wit this year.
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CRESSIDA
He shall not need it, if he have his own.
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PANDARUS
Nor his qualities.
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CRESSIDA
No matter.
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PANDARUS
Nor his beauty.
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CRESSIDA
'Twould not become him; his own's better.
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PANDARUS
You have no judgment, niece: Helen
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herself swore th' other day, that Troilus, for
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a brown favour--for so 'tis, I must confess,--
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not brown neither,--
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CRESSIDA
No, but brown.
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PANDARUS
'Faith, to say truth, brown and not brown.
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CRESSIDA
To say the truth, true and not true.
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PANDARUS
She praised his complexion above Paris.
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CRESSIDA
Why, Paris hath colour enough.
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PANDARUS
So he has.
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CRESSIDA
Then Troilus should have too much: if she praised
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him above, his complexion is higher than his; he
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having colour enough, and the other higher, is too
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flaming a praise for a good complexion. I had as
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lief Helen's golden tongue had commended Troilus for
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a copper nose.
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PANDARUS
I swear to you. I think Helen loves him better than Paris.
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CRESSIDA
Then she's a merry Greek indeed.
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PANDARUS
Nay, I am sure she does. She came to him th' other
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day into the compassed window,--and, you know, he
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has not past three or four hairs on his chin,--
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CRESSIDA
Indeed, a tapster's arithmetic may soon bring his
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particulars therein to a total.
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PANDARUS
Why, he is very young: and yet will he, within
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three pound, lift as much as his brother Hector.
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CRESSIDA
Is he so young a man and so old a lifter?
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PANDARUS
But to prove to you that Helen loves him: she came
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and puts me her white hand to his cloven chin--
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CRESSIDA
Juno have mercy! how came it cloven?
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PANDARUS
Why, you know 'tis dimpled: I think his smiling
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becomes him better than any man in all Phrygia.
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CRESSIDA
O, he smiles valiantly.
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PANDARUS
Does he not?
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CRESSIDA
O yes, an 'twere a cloud in autumn.
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PANDARUS
Why, go to, then: but to prove to you that Helen
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loves Troilus,--
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CRESSIDA
Troilus will stand to the proof, if you'll
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prove it so.
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PANDARUS
Troilus! why, he esteems her no more than I esteem
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an addle egg.
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CRESSIDA
If you love an addle egg as well as you love an idle
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head, you would eat chickens i' the shell.
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PANDARUS
I cannot choose but laugh, to think how she tickled
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his chin: indeed, she has a marvellous white hand, I
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must needs confess,--
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CRESSIDA
Without the rack.
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PANDARUS
And she takes upon her to spy a white hair on his chin.
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CRESSIDA
Alas, poor chin! many a wart is richer.
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PANDARUS
But there was such laughing! Queen Hecuba laughed
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that her eyes ran o'er.
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CRESSIDA
With mill-stones.
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PANDARUS
And Cassandra laughed.
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CRESSIDA
But there was more temperate fire under the pot of
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her eyes: did her eyes run o'er too?
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PANDARUS
And Hector laughed.
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CRESSIDA
At what was all this laughing?
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PANDARUS
Marry, at the white hair that Helen spied on Troilus' chin.
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CRESSIDA
An't had been a green hair, I should have laughed
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too.
Link: 1.2.148
PANDARUS
They laughed not so much at the hair as at his pretty answer.
Link: 1.2.149
CRESSIDA
What was his answer?
Link: 1.2.150
PANDARUS
Quoth she, 'Here's but two and fifty hairs on your
Link: 1.2.151
chin, and one of them is white.
Link: 1.2.152
CRESSIDA
This is her question.
Link: 1.2.153
PANDARUS
That's true; make no question of that. 'Two and
Link: 1.2.154
fifty hairs' quoth he, 'and one white: that white
Link: 1.2.155
hair is my father, and all the rest are his sons.'
Link: 1.2.156
'Jupiter!' quoth she, 'which of these hairs is Paris,
Link: 1.2.157
my husband? 'The forked one,' quoth he, 'pluck't
Link: 1.2.158
out, and give it him.' But there was such laughing!
Link: 1.2.159
and Helen so blushed, an Paris so chafed, and all the
Link: 1.2.160
rest so laughed, that it passed.
Link: 1.2.161
CRESSIDA
So let it now; for it has been while going by.
Link: 1.2.162
PANDARUS
Well, cousin. I told you a thing yesterday; think on't.
Link: 1.2.163
CRESSIDA
So I do.
Link: 1.2.164
PANDARUS
I'll be sworn 'tis true; he will weep you, an 'twere
Link: 1.2.165
a man born in April.
Link: 1.2.166
CRESSIDA
And I'll spring up in his tears, an 'twere a nettle
Link: 1.2.167
against May.
Link: 1.2.168
A retreat sounded
PANDARUS
Hark! they are coming from the field: shall we
Link: 1.2.169
stand up here, and see them as they pass toward
Link: 1.2.170
Ilium? good niece, do, sweet niece Cressida.
Link: 1.2.171
CRESSIDA
At your pleasure.
Link: 1.2.172
PANDARUS
Here, here, here's an excellent place; here we may
Link: 1.2.173
see most bravely: I'll tell you them all by their
Link: 1.2.174
names as they pass by; but mark Troilus above the rest.
Link: 1.2.175
CRESSIDA
Speak not so loud.
Link: 1.2.176
AENEAS passes
PANDARUS
That's AEneas: is not that a brave man? he's one of
Link: 1.2.177
the flowers of Troy, I can tell you: but mark
Link: 1.2.178
Troilus; you shall see anon.
Link: 1.2.179
ANTENOR passes
CRESSIDA
Who's that?
Link: 1.2.180
PANDARUS
That's Antenor: he has a shrewd wit, I can tell you;
Link: 1.2.181
and he's a man good enough, he's one o' the soundest
Link: 1.2.182
judgments in whosoever, and a proper man of person.
Link: 1.2.183
When comes Troilus? I'll show you Troilus anon: if
Link: 1.2.184
he see me, you shall see him nod at me.
Link: 1.2.185
CRESSIDA
Will he give you the nod?
Link: 1.2.186
PANDARUS
You shall see.
Link: 1.2.187
CRESSIDA
If he do, the rich shall have more.
Link: 1.2.188
HECTOR passes
PANDARUS
That's Hector, that, that, look you, that; there's a
Link: 1.2.189
fellow! Go thy way, Hector! There's a brave man,
Link: 1.2.190
niece. O brave Hector! Look how he looks! there's
Link: 1.2.191
a countenance! is't not a brave man?
Link: 1.2.192
CRESSIDA
O, a brave man!
Link: 1.2.193
PANDARUS
Is a' not? it does a man's heart good. Look you
Link: 1.2.194
what hacks are on his helmet! look you yonder, do
Link: 1.2.195
you see? look you there: there's no jesting;
Link: 1.2.196
there's laying on, take't off who will, as they say:
Link: 1.2.197
there be hacks!
Link: 1.2.198
CRESSIDA
Be those with swords?
Link: 1.2.199
PANDARUS
Swords! any thing, he cares not; an the devil come
Link: 1.2.200
to him, it's all one: by God's lid, it does one's
Link: 1.2.201
heart good. Yonder comes Paris, yonder comes Paris.
Link: 1.2.202
Look ye yonder, niece; is't not a gallant man too,
Link: 1.2.203
is't not? Why, this is brave now. Who said he came
Link: 1.2.204
hurt home to-day? he's not hurt: why, this will do
Link: 1.2.205
Helen's heart good now, ha! Would I could see
Link: 1.2.206
Troilus now! You shall see Troilus anon.
Link: 1.2.207
HELENUS passes
CRESSIDA
Who's that?
Link: 1.2.208
PANDARUS
That's Helenus. I marvel where Troilus is. That's
Link: 1.2.209
Helenus. I think he went not forth to-day. That's Helenus.
Link: 1.2.210
CRESSIDA
Can Helenus fight, uncle?
Link: 1.2.211
PANDARUS
Helenus? no. Yes, he'll fight indifferent well. I
Link: 1.2.212
marvel where Troilus is. Hark! do you not hear the
Link: 1.2.213
people cry 'Troilus'? Helenus is a priest.
Link: 1.2.214
CRESSIDA
What sneaking fellow comes yonder?
Link: 1.2.215
TROILUS passes
PANDARUS
Where? yonder? that's Deiphobus. 'Tis Troilus!
Link: 1.2.216
there's a man, niece! Hem! Brave Troilus! the
Link: 1.2.217
prince of chivalry!
Link: 1.2.218
CRESSIDA
Peace, for shame, peace!
Link: 1.2.219
PANDARUS
Mark him; note him. O brave Troilus! Look well upon
Link: 1.2.220
him, niece: look you how his sword is bloodied, and
Link: 1.2.221
his helm more hacked than Hector's, and how he looks,
Link: 1.2.222
and how he goes! O admirable youth! he ne'er saw
Link: 1.2.223
three and twenty. Go thy way, Troilus, go thy way!
Link: 1.2.224
Had I a sister were a grace, or a daughter a goddess,
Link: 1.2.225
he should take his choice. O admirable man! Paris?
Link: 1.2.226
Paris is dirt to him; and, I warrant, Helen, to
Link: 1.2.227
change, would give an eye to boot.
Link: 1.2.228
CRESSIDA
Here come more.
Link: 1.2.229
Forces pass
PANDARUS
Asses, fools, dolts! chaff and bran, chaff and bran!
Link: 1.2.230
porridge after meat! I could live and die i' the
Link: 1.2.231
eyes of Troilus. Ne'er look, ne'er look: the eagles
Link: 1.2.232
are gone: crows and daws, crows and daws! I had
Link: 1.2.233
rather be such a man as Troilus than Agamemnon and
Link: 1.2.234
all Greece.
Link: 1.2.235
CRESSIDA
There is among the Greeks Achilles, a better man than Troilus.
Link: 1.2.236
PANDARUS
Achilles! a drayman, a porter, a very camel.
Link: 1.2.237
CRESSIDA
Well, well.
Link: 1.2.238
PANDARUS
'Well, well!' why, have you any discretion? have
Link: 1.2.239
you any eyes? Do you know what a man is? Is not
Link: 1.2.240
birth, beauty, good shape, discourse, manhood,
Link: 1.2.241
learning, gentleness, virtue, youth, liberality,
Link: 1.2.242
and such like, the spice and salt that season a man?
Link: 1.2.243
CRESSIDA
Ay, a minced man: and then to be baked with no date
Link: 1.2.244
in the pie, for then the man's date's out.
Link: 1.2.245
PANDARUS
You are such a woman! one knows not at what ward you
Link: 1.2.246
lie.
Link: 1.2.247
CRESSIDA
Upon my back, to defend my belly; upon my wit, to
Link: 1.2.248
defend my wiles; upon my secrecy, to defend mine
Link: 1.2.249
honesty; my mask, to defend my beauty; and you, to
Link: 1.2.250
defend all these: and at all these wards I lie, at a
Link: 1.2.251
thousand watches.
Link: 1.2.252
PANDARUS
Say one of your watches.
Link: 1.2.253
CRESSIDA
Nay, I'll watch you for that; and that's one of the
Link: 1.2.254
chiefest of them too: if I cannot ward what I would
Link: 1.2.255
not have hit, I can watch you for telling how I took
Link: 1.2.256
the blow; unless it swell past hiding, and then it's
Link: 1.2.257
past watching.
Link: 1.2.258
PANDARUS
You are such another!
Link: 1.2.259
Enter Troilus's Boy
Boy
Sir, my lord would instantly speak with you.
Link: 1.2.260
PANDARUS
Where?
Link: 1.2.261
Boy
At your own house; there he unarms him.
Link: 1.2.262
PANDARUS
Good boy, tell him I come.
Link: 1.2.263
I doubt he be hurt. Fare ye well, good niece.
Link: 1.2.264
CRESSIDA
Adieu, uncle.
Link: 1.2.265
PANDARUS
I'll be with you, niece, by and by.
Link: 1.2.266
CRESSIDA
To bring, uncle?
Link: 1.2.267
PANDARUS
Ay, a token from Troilus.
Link: 1.2.268
CRESSIDA
By the same token, you are a bawd.
Link: 1.2.269
Words, vows, gifts, tears, and love's full sacrifice,
Link: 1.2.270
He offers in another's enterprise;
Link: 1.2.271
But more in Troilus thousand fold I see
Link: 1.2.272
Than in the glass of Pandar's praise may be;
Link: 1.2.273
Yet hold I off. Women are angels, wooing:
Link: 1.2.274
Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing.
Link: 1.2.275
That she beloved knows nought that knows not this:
Link: 1.2.276
Men prize the thing ungain'd more than it is:
Link: 1.2.277
That she was never yet that ever knew
Link: 1.2.278
Love got so sweet as when desire did sue.
Link: 1.2.279
Therefore this maxim out of love I teach:
Link: 1.2.280
Achievement is command; ungain'd, beseech:
Link: 1.2.281
Then though my heart's content firm love doth bear,
Link: 1.2.282
Nothing of that shall from mine eyes appear.
Link: 1.2.283
Exeunt
SCENE III. The Grecian camp. Before Agamemnon's tent.
Scene 3 of Act 1 of the play begins with Pandarus, Cressida's uncle, trying to persuade her to accept Troilus' love proposal. Cressida initially resists, stating that she is not ready for love and does not want to be bound to anyone. She also expresses her concern about Troilus' reputation as a womanizer and his lack of loyalty. Pandarus tries to convince her otherwise, arguing that Troilus is sincere in his love and that he will be faithful to her. He also reminds her that she is now living in Troy, and that she should embrace the customs and traditions of the city, including falling in love. Cressida eventually agrees to meet with Troilus, but only if it is done secretly and with Pandarus' help. Pandarus happily agrees and tells Cressida that he will arrange everything. The scene ends with Cressida expressing her fear of falling in love and being hurt, but also her excitement at the prospect of being loved.
Sennet. Enter AGAMEMNON, NESTOR, ULYSSES, MENELAUS, and others
AGAMEMNON
Princes,
Link: 1.3.1
What grief hath set the jaundice on your cheeks?
Link: 1.3.2
The ample proposition that hope makes
Link: 1.3.3
In all designs begun on earth below
Link: 1.3.4
Fails in the promised largeness: cheques and disasters
Link: 1.3.5
Grow in the veins of actions highest rear'd,
Link: 1.3.6
As knots, by the conflux of meeting sap,
Link: 1.3.7
Infect the sound pine and divert his grain
Link: 1.3.8
Tortive and errant from his course of growth.
Link: 1.3.9
Nor, princes, is it matter new to us
Link: 1.3.10
That we come short of our suppose so far
Link: 1.3.11
That after seven years' siege yet Troy walls stand;
Link: 1.3.12
Sith every action that hath gone before,
Link: 1.3.13
Whereof we have record, trial did draw
Link: 1.3.14
Bias and thwart, not answering the aim,
Link: 1.3.15
And that unbodied figure of the thought
Link: 1.3.16
That gave't surmised shape. Why then, you princes,
Link: 1.3.17
Do you with cheeks abash'd behold our works,
Link: 1.3.18
And call them shames? which are indeed nought else
Link: 1.3.19
But the protractive trials of great Jove
Link: 1.3.20
To find persistive constancy in men:
Link: 1.3.21
The fineness of which metal is not found
Link: 1.3.22
In fortune's love; for then the bold and coward,
Link: 1.3.23
The wise and fool, the artist and unread,
Link: 1.3.24
The hard and soft seem all affined and kin:
Link: 1.3.25
But, in the wind and tempest of her frown,
Link: 1.3.26
Distinction, with a broad and powerful fan,
Link: 1.3.27
Puffing at all, winnows the light away;
Link: 1.3.28
And what hath mass or matter, by itself
Link: 1.3.29
Lies rich in virtue and unmingled.
Link: 1.3.30
NESTOR
With due observance of thy godlike seat,
Link: 1.3.31
Great Agamemnon, Nestor shall apply
Link: 1.3.32
Thy latest words. In the reproof of chance
Link: 1.3.33
Lies the true proof of men: the sea being smooth,
Link: 1.3.34
How many shallow bauble boats dare sail
Link: 1.3.35
Upon her patient breast, making their way
Link: 1.3.36
With those of nobler bulk!
Link: 1.3.37
But let the ruffian Boreas once enrage
Link: 1.3.38
The gentle Thetis, and anon behold
Link: 1.3.39
The strong-ribb'd bark through liquid mountains cut,
Link: 1.3.40
Bounding between the two moist elements,
Link: 1.3.41
Like Perseus' horse: where's then the saucy boat
Link: 1.3.42
Whose weak untimber'd sides but even now
Link: 1.3.43
Co-rivall'd greatness? Either to harbour fled,
Link: 1.3.44
Or made a toast for Neptune. Even so
Link: 1.3.45
Doth valour's show and valour's worth divide
Link: 1.3.46
In storms of fortune; for in her ray and brightness
Link: 1.3.47
The herd hath more annoyance by the breeze
Link: 1.3.48
Than by the tiger; but when the splitting wind
Link: 1.3.49
Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks,
Link: 1.3.50
And flies fled under shade, why, then the thing of courage
Link: 1.3.51
As roused with rage with rage doth sympathize,
Link: 1.3.52
And with an accent tuned in selfsame key
Link: 1.3.53
Retorts to chiding fortune.
Link: 1.3.54
ULYSSES
Agamemnon,
Link: 1.3.55
Thou great commander, nerve and bone of Greece,
Link: 1.3.56
Heart of our numbers, soul and only spirit.
Link: 1.3.57
In whom the tempers and the minds of all
Link: 1.3.58
Should be shut up, hear what Ulysses speaks.
Link: 1.3.59
Besides the applause and approbation To which,
Link: 1.3.60
most mighty for thy place and sway,
Link: 1.3.61
And thou most reverend for thy stretch'd-out life
Link: 1.3.62
I give to both your speeches, which were such
Link: 1.3.63
As Agamemnon and the hand of Greece
Link: 1.3.64
Should hold up high in brass, and such again
Link: 1.3.65
As venerable Nestor, hatch'd in silver,
Link: 1.3.66
Should with a bond of air, strong as the axle-tree
Link: 1.3.67
On which heaven rides, knit all the Greekish ears
Link: 1.3.68
To his experienced tongue, yet let it please both,
Link: 1.3.69
Thou great, and wise, to hear Ulysses speak.
Link: 1.3.70
AGAMEMNON
Speak, prince of Ithaca; and be't of less expect
Link: 1.3.71
That matter needless, of importless burden,
Link: 1.3.72
Divide thy lips, than we are confident,
Link: 1.3.73
When rank Thersites opes his mastic jaws,
Link: 1.3.74
We shall hear music, wit and oracle.
Link: 1.3.75
ULYSSES
Troy, yet upon his basis, had been down,
Link: 1.3.76
And the great Hector's sword had lack'd a master,
Link: 1.3.77
But for these instances.
Link: 1.3.78
The specialty of rule hath been neglected:
Link: 1.3.79
And, look, how many Grecian tents do stand
Link: 1.3.80
Hollow upon this plain, so many hollow factions.
Link: 1.3.81
When that the general is not like the hive
Link: 1.3.82
To whom the foragers shall all repair,
Link: 1.3.83
What honey is expected? Degree being vizarded,
Link: 1.3.84
The unworthiest shows as fairly in the mask.
Link: 1.3.85
The heavens themselves, the planets and this centre
Link: 1.3.86
Observe degree, priority and place,
Link: 1.3.87
Insisture, course, proportion, season, form,
Link: 1.3.88
Office and custom, in all line of order;
Link: 1.3.89
And therefore is the glorious planet Sol
Link: 1.3.90
In noble eminence enthroned and sphered
Link: 1.3.91
Amidst the other; whose medicinable eye
Link: 1.3.92
Corrects the ill aspects of planets evil,
Link: 1.3.93
And posts, like the commandment of a king,
Link: 1.3.94
Sans cheque to good and bad: but when the planets
Link: 1.3.95
In evil mixture to disorder wander,
Link: 1.3.96
What plagues and what portents! what mutiny!
Link: 1.3.97
What raging of the sea! shaking of earth!
Link: 1.3.98
Commotion in the winds! frights, changes, horrors,
Link: 1.3.99
Divert and crack, rend and deracinate
Link: 1.3.100
The unity and married calm of states
Link: 1.3.101
Quite from their fixure! O, when degree is shaked,
Link: 1.3.102
Which is the ladder to all high designs,
Link: 1.3.103
Then enterprise is sick! How could communities,
Link: 1.3.104
Degrees in schools and brotherhoods in cities,
Link: 1.3.105
Peaceful commerce from dividable shores,
Link: 1.3.106
The primogenitive and due of birth,
Link: 1.3.107
Prerogative of age, crowns, sceptres, laurels,
Link: 1.3.108
But by degree, stand in authentic place?
Link: 1.3.109
Take but degree away, untune that string,
Link: 1.3.110
And, hark, what discord follows! each thing meets
Link: 1.3.111
In mere oppugnancy: the bounded waters
Link: 1.3.112
Should lift their bosoms higher than the shores
Link: 1.3.113
And make a sop of all this solid globe:
Link: 1.3.114
Strength should be lord of imbecility,
Link: 1.3.115
And the rude son should strike his father dead:
Link: 1.3.116
Force should be right; or rather, right and wrong,
Link: 1.3.117
Between whose endless jar justice resides,
Link: 1.3.118
Should lose their names, and so should justice too.
Link: 1.3.119
Then every thing includes itself in power,
Link: 1.3.120
Power into will, will into appetite;
Link: 1.3.121
And appetite, an universal wolf,
Link: 1.3.122
So doubly seconded with will and power,
Link: 1.3.123
Must make perforce an universal prey,
Link: 1.3.124
And last eat up himself. Great Agamemnon,
Link: 1.3.125
This chaos, when degree is suffocate,
Link: 1.3.126
Follows the choking.
Link: 1.3.127
And this neglection of degree it is
Link: 1.3.128
That by a pace goes backward, with a purpose
Link: 1.3.129
It hath to climb. The general's disdain'd
Link: 1.3.130
By him one step below, he by the next,
Link: 1.3.131
That next by him beneath; so every step,
Link: 1.3.132
Exampled by the first pace that is sick
Link: 1.3.133
Of his superior, grows to an envious fever
Link: 1.3.134
Of pale and bloodless emulation:
Link: 1.3.135
And 'tis this fever that keeps Troy on foot,
Link: 1.3.136
Not her own sinews. To end a tale of length,
Link: 1.3.137
Troy in our weakness stands, not in her strength.
Link: 1.3.138
NESTOR
Most wisely hath Ulysses here discover'd
Link: 1.3.139
The fever whereof all our power is sick.
Link: 1.3.140
AGAMEMNON
The nature of the sickness found, Ulysses,
Link: 1.3.141
What is the remedy?
Link: 1.3.142
ULYSSES
The great Achilles, whom opinion crowns
Link: 1.3.143
The sinew and the forehand of our host,
Link: 1.3.144
Having his ear full of his airy fame,
Link: 1.3.145
Grows dainty of his worth, and in his tent
Link: 1.3.146
Lies mocking our designs: with him Patroclus
Link: 1.3.147
Upon a lazy bed the livelong day
Link: 1.3.148
Breaks scurril jests;
Link: 1.3.149
And with ridiculous and awkward action,
Link: 1.3.150
Which, slanderer, he imitation calls,
Link: 1.3.151
He pageants us. Sometime, great Agamemnon,
Link: 1.3.152
Thy topless deputation he puts on,
Link: 1.3.153
And, like a strutting player, whose conceit
Link: 1.3.154
Lies in his hamstring, and doth think it rich
Link: 1.3.155
To hear the wooden dialogue and sound
Link: 1.3.156
'Twixt his stretch'd footing and the scaffoldage,--
Link: 1.3.157
Such to-be-pitied and o'er-wrested seeming
Link: 1.3.158
He acts thy greatness in: and when he speaks,
Link: 1.3.159
'Tis like a chime a-mending; with terms unsquared,
Link: 1.3.160
Which, from the tongue of roaring Typhon dropp'd
Link: 1.3.161
Would seem hyperboles. At this fusty stuff
Link: 1.3.162
The large Achilles, on his press'd bed lolling,
Link: 1.3.163
From his deep chest laughs out a loud applause;
Link: 1.3.164
Cries 'Excellent! 'tis Agamemnon just.
Link: 1.3.165
Now play me Nestor; hem, and stroke thy beard,
Link: 1.3.166
As he being drest to some oration.'
Link: 1.3.167
That's done, as near as the extremest ends
Link: 1.3.168
Of parallels, as like as Vulcan and his wife:
Link: 1.3.169
Yet god Achilles still cries 'Excellent!
Link: 1.3.170
'Tis Nestor right. Now play him me, Patroclus,
Link: 1.3.171
Arming to answer in a night alarm.'
Link: 1.3.172
And then, forsooth, the faint defects of age
Link: 1.3.173
Must be the scene of mirth; to cough and spit,
Link: 1.3.174
And, with a palsy-fumbling on his gorget,
Link: 1.3.175
Shake in and out the rivet: and at this sport
Link: 1.3.176
Sir Valour dies; cries 'O, enough, Patroclus;
Link: 1.3.177
Or give me ribs of steel! I shall split all
Link: 1.3.178
In pleasure of my spleen.' And in this fashion,
Link: 1.3.179
All our abilities, gifts, natures, shapes,
Link: 1.3.180
Severals and generals of grace exact,
Link: 1.3.181
Achievements, plots, orders, preventions,
Link: 1.3.182
Excitements to the field, or speech for truce,
Link: 1.3.183
Success or loss, what is or is not, serves
Link: 1.3.184
As stuff for these two to make paradoxes.
Link: 1.3.185
NESTOR
And in the imitation of these twain--
Link: 1.3.186
Who, as Ulysses says, opinion crowns
Link: 1.3.187
With an imperial voice--many are infect.
Link: 1.3.188
Ajax is grown self-will'd, and bears his head
Link: 1.3.189
In such a rein, in full as proud a place
Link: 1.3.190
As broad Achilles; keeps his tent like him;
Link: 1.3.191
Makes factious feasts; rails on our state of war,
Link: 1.3.192
Bold as an oracle, and sets Thersites,
Link: 1.3.193
A slave whose gall coins slanders like a mint,
Link: 1.3.194
To match us in comparisons with dirt,
Link: 1.3.195
To weaken and discredit our exposure,
Link: 1.3.196
How rank soever rounded in with danger.
Link: 1.3.197
ULYSSES
They tax our policy, and call it cowardice,
Link: 1.3.198
Count wisdom as no member of the war,
Link: 1.3.199
Forestall prescience, and esteem no act
Link: 1.3.200
But that of hand: the still and mental parts,
Link: 1.3.201
That do contrive how many hands shall strike,
Link: 1.3.202
When fitness calls them on, and know by measure
Link: 1.3.203
Of their observant toil the enemies' weight,--
Link: 1.3.204
Why, this hath not a finger's dignity:
Link: 1.3.205
They call this bed-work, mappery, closet-war;
Link: 1.3.206
So that the ram that batters down the wall,
Link: 1.3.207
For the great swing and rudeness of his poise,
Link: 1.3.208
They place before his hand that made the engine,
Link: 1.3.209
Or those that with the fineness of their souls
Link: 1.3.210
By reason guide his execution.
Link: 1.3.211
NESTOR
Let this be granted, and Achilles' horse
Link: 1.3.212
Makes many Thetis' sons.
Link: 1.3.213
A tucket
AGAMEMNON
What trumpet? look, Menelaus.
Link: 1.3.214
MENELAUS
From Troy.
Link: 1.3.215
Enter AENEAS
AGAMEMNON
What would you 'fore our tent?
Link: 1.3.216
AENEAS
Is this great Agamemnon's tent, I pray you?
Link: 1.3.217
AGAMEMNON
Even this.
Link: 1.3.218
AENEAS
May one, that is a herald and a prince,
Link: 1.3.219
Do a fair message to his kingly ears?
Link: 1.3.220
AGAMEMNON
With surety stronger than Achilles' arm
Link: 1.3.221
'Fore all the Greekish heads, which with one voice
Link: 1.3.222
Call Agamemnon head and general.
Link: 1.3.223
AENEAS
Fair leave and large security. How may
Link: 1.3.224
A stranger to those most imperial looks
Link: 1.3.225
Know them from eyes of other mortals?
Link: 1.3.226
AGAMEMNON
How!
Link: 1.3.227
AENEAS
Ay;
Link: 1.3.228
I ask, that I might waken reverence,
Link: 1.3.229
And bid the cheek be ready with a blush
Link: 1.3.230
Modest as morning when she coldly eyes
Link: 1.3.231
The youthful Phoebus:
Link: 1.3.232
Which is that god in office, guiding men?
Link: 1.3.233
Which is the high and mighty Agamemnon?
Link: 1.3.234
AGAMEMNON
This Trojan scorns us; or the men of Troy
Link: 1.3.235
Are ceremonious courtiers.
Link: 1.3.236
AENEAS
Courtiers as free, as debonair, unarm'd,
Link: 1.3.237
As bending angels; that's their fame in peace:
Link: 1.3.238
But when they would seem soldiers, they have galls,
Link: 1.3.239
Good arms, strong joints, true swords; and,
Link: 1.3.240
Jove's accord,
Link: 1.3.241
Nothing so full of heart. But peace, AEneas,
Link: 1.3.242
Peace, Trojan; lay thy finger on thy lips!
Link: 1.3.243
The worthiness of praise distains his worth,
Link: 1.3.244
If that the praised himself bring the praise forth:
Link: 1.3.245
But what the repining enemy commends,
Link: 1.3.246
That breath fame blows; that praise, sole sure,
Link: 1.3.247
transcends.
Link: 1.3.248
AGAMEMNON
Sir, you of Troy, call you yourself AEneas?
Link: 1.3.249
AENEAS
Ay, Greek, that is my name.
Link: 1.3.250
AGAMEMNON
What's your affair I pray you?
Link: 1.3.251
AENEAS
Sir, pardon; 'tis for Agamemnon's ears.
Link: 1.3.252
AGAMEMNON
He hears naught privately that comes from Troy.
Link: 1.3.253
AENEAS
Nor I from Troy come not to whisper him:
Link: 1.3.254
I bring a trumpet to awake his ear,
Link: 1.3.255
To set his sense on the attentive bent,
Link: 1.3.256
And then to speak.
Link: 1.3.257
AGAMEMNON
Speak frankly as the wind;
Link: 1.3.258
It is not Agamemnon's sleeping hour:
Link: 1.3.259
That thou shalt know. Trojan, he is awake,
Link: 1.3.260
He tells thee so himself.
Link: 1.3.261
AENEAS
Trumpet, blow loud,
Link: 1.3.262
Send thy brass voice through all these lazy tents;
Link: 1.3.263
And every Greek of mettle, let him know,
Link: 1.3.264
What Troy means fairly shall be spoke aloud.
Link: 1.3.265
We have, great Agamemnon, here in Troy
Link: 1.3.266
A prince call'd Hector,--Priam is his father,--
Link: 1.3.267
Who in this dull and long-continued truce
Link: 1.3.268
Is rusty grown: he bade me take a trumpet,
Link: 1.3.269
And to this purpose speak. Kings, princes, lords!
Link: 1.3.270
If there be one among the fair'st of Greece
Link: 1.3.271
That holds his honour higher than his ease,
Link: 1.3.272
That seeks his praise more than he fears his peril,
Link: 1.3.273
That knows his valour, and knows not his fear,
Link: 1.3.274
That loves his mistress more than in confession,
Link: 1.3.275
With truant vows to her own lips he loves,
Link: 1.3.276
And dare avow her beauty and her worth
Link: 1.3.277
In other arms than hers,--to him this challenge.
Link: 1.3.278
Hector, in view of Trojans and of Greeks,
Link: 1.3.279
Shall make it good, or do his best to do it,
Link: 1.3.280
He hath a lady, wiser, fairer, truer,
Link: 1.3.281
Than ever Greek did compass in his arms,
Link: 1.3.282
And will to-morrow with his trumpet call
Link: 1.3.283
Midway between your tents and walls of Troy,
Link: 1.3.284
To rouse a Grecian that is true in love:
Link: 1.3.285
If any come, Hector shall honour him;
Link: 1.3.286
If none, he'll say in Troy when he retires,
Link: 1.3.287
The Grecian dames are sunburnt and not worth
Link: 1.3.288
The splinter of a lance. Even so much.
Link: 1.3.289
AGAMEMNON
This shall be told our lovers, Lord AEneas;
Link: 1.3.290
If none of them have soul in such a kind,
Link: 1.3.291
We left them all at home: but we are soldiers;
Link: 1.3.292
And may that soldier a mere recreant prove,
Link: 1.3.293
That means not, hath not, or is not in love!
Link: 1.3.294
If then one is, or hath, or means to be,
Link: 1.3.295
That one meets Hector; if none else, I am he.
Link: 1.3.296
NESTOR
Tell him of Nestor, one that was a man
Link: 1.3.297
When Hector's grandsire suck'd: he is old now;
Link: 1.3.298
But if there be not in our Grecian host
Link: 1.3.299
One noble man that hath one spark of fire,
Link: 1.3.300
To answer for his love, tell him from me
Link: 1.3.301
I'll hide my silver beard in a gold beaver
Link: 1.3.302
And in my vantbrace put this wither'd brawn,
Link: 1.3.303
And meeting him will tell him that my lady
Link: 1.3.304
Was fairer than his grandam and as chaste
Link: 1.3.305
As may be in the world: his youth in flood,
Link: 1.3.306
I'll prove this truth with my three drops of blood.
Link: 1.3.307
AENEAS
Now heavens forbid such scarcity of youth!
Link: 1.3.308
ULYSSES
Amen.
Link: 1.3.309
AGAMEMNON
Fair Lord AEneas, let me touch your hand;
Link: 1.3.310
To our pavilion shall I lead you, sir.
Link: 1.3.311
Achilles shall have word of this intent;
Link: 1.3.312
So shall each lord of Greece, from tent to tent:
Link: 1.3.313
Yourself shall feast with us before you go
Link: 1.3.314
And find the welcome of a noble foe.
Link: 1.3.315
Exeunt all but ULYSSES and NESTOR
ULYSSES
Nestor!
Link: 1.3.316
NESTOR
What says Ulysses?
Link: 1.3.317
ULYSSES
I have a young conception in my brain;
Link: 1.3.318
Be you my time to bring it to some shape.
Link: 1.3.319
NESTOR
What is't?
Link: 1.3.320
ULYSSES
This 'tis:
Link: 1.3.321
Blunt wedges rive hard knots: the seeded pride
Link: 1.3.322
That hath to this maturity blown up
Link: 1.3.323
In rank Achilles must or now be cropp'd,
Link: 1.3.324
Or, shedding, breed a nursery of like evil,
Link: 1.3.325
To overbulk us all.
Link: 1.3.326
NESTOR
Well, and how?
Link: 1.3.327
ULYSSES
This challenge that the gallant Hector sends,
Link: 1.3.328
However it is spread in general name,
Link: 1.3.329
Relates in purpose only to Achilles.
Link: 1.3.330
NESTOR
The purpose is perspicuous even as substance,
Link: 1.3.331
Whose grossness little characters sum up:
Link: 1.3.332
And, in the publication, make no strain,
Link: 1.3.333
But that Achilles, were his brain as barren
Link: 1.3.334
As banks of Libya,--though, Apollo knows,
Link: 1.3.335
'Tis dry enough,--will, with great speed of judgment,
Link: 1.3.336
Ay, with celerity, find Hector's purpose
Link: 1.3.337
Pointing on him.
Link: 1.3.338
ULYSSES
And wake him to the answer, think you?
Link: 1.3.339
NESTOR
Yes, 'tis most meet: whom may you else oppose,
Link: 1.3.340
That can from Hector bring his honour off,
Link: 1.3.341
If not Achilles? Though't be a sportful combat,
Link: 1.3.342
Yet in the trial much opinion dwells;
Link: 1.3.343
For here the Trojans taste our dear'st repute
Link: 1.3.344
With their finest palate: and trust to me, Ulysses,
Link: 1.3.345
Our imputation shall be oddly poised
Link: 1.3.346
In this wild action; for the success,
Link: 1.3.347
Although particular, shall give a scantling
Link: 1.3.348
Of good or bad unto the general;
Link: 1.3.349
And in such indexes, although small pricks
Link: 1.3.350
To their subsequent volumes, there is seen
Link: 1.3.351
The baby figure of the giant mass
Link: 1.3.352
Of things to come at large. It is supposed
Link: 1.3.353
He that meets Hector issues from our choice
Link: 1.3.354
And choice, being mutual act of all our souls,
Link: 1.3.355
Makes merit her election, and doth boil,
Link: 1.3.356
As 'twere from us all, a man distill'd
Link: 1.3.357
Out of our virtues; who miscarrying,
Link: 1.3.358
What heart receives from hence the conquering part,
Link: 1.3.359
To steel a strong opinion to themselves?
Link: 1.3.360
Which entertain'd, limbs are his instruments,
Link: 1.3.361
In no less working than are swords and bows
Link: 1.3.362
Directive by the limbs.
Link: 1.3.363
ULYSSES
Give pardon to my speech:
Link: 1.3.364
Therefore 'tis meet Achilles meet not Hector.
Link: 1.3.365
Let us, like merchants, show our foulest wares,
Link: 1.3.366
And think, perchance, they'll sell; if not,
Link: 1.3.367
The lustre of the better yet to show,
Link: 1.3.368
Shall show the better. Do not consent
Link: 1.3.369
That ever Hector and Achilles meet;
Link: 1.3.370
For both our honour and our shame in this
Link: 1.3.371
Are dogg'd with two strange followers.
Link: 1.3.372
NESTOR
I see them not with my old eyes: what are they?
Link: 1.3.373
ULYSSES
What glory our Achilles shares from Hector,
Link: 1.3.374
Were he not proud, we all should share with him:
Link: 1.3.375
But he already is too insolent;
Link: 1.3.376
And we were better parch in Afric sun
Link: 1.3.377
Than in the pride and salt scorn of his eyes,
Link: 1.3.378
Should he 'scape Hector fair: if he were foil'd,
Link: 1.3.379
Why then, we did our main opinion crush
Link: 1.3.380
In taint of our best man. No, make a lottery;
Link: 1.3.381
And, by device, let blockish Ajax draw
Link: 1.3.382
The sort to fight with Hector: among ourselves
Link: 1.3.383
Give him allowance for the better man;
Link: 1.3.384
For that will physic the great Myrmidon
Link: 1.3.385
Who broils in loud applause, and make him fall
Link: 1.3.386
His crest that prouder than blue Iris bends.
Link: 1.3.387
If the dull brainless Ajax come safe off,
Link: 1.3.388
We'll dress him up in voices: if he fail,
Link: 1.3.389
Yet go we under our opinion still
Link: 1.3.390
That we have better men. But, hit or miss,
Link: 1.3.391
Our project's life this shape of sense assumes:
Link: 1.3.392
Ajax employ'd plucks down Achilles' plumes.
Link: 1.3.393
NESTOR
Ulysses,
Link: 1.3.394
Now I begin to relish thy advice;
Link: 1.3.395
And I will give a taste of it forthwith
Link: 1.3.396
To Agamemnon: go we to him straight.
Link: 1.3.397
Two curs shall tame each other: pride alone
Link: 1.3.398
Must tarre the mastiffs on, as 'twere their bone.
Link: 1.3.399
Exeunt
Act II
Act 2 of Troilus and Cressida begins with the Trojan Prince, Troilus, expressing his love for Cressida to his friend Pandarus. Pandarus, who is Cressida's uncle, promises to help Troilus win her heart.
Meanwhile, in the Greek camp, the leaders discuss their strategy for the war. They disagree on how to proceed, with some wanting to continue fighting and others wanting to negotiate a peace treaty.
Back in Troy, Cressida and Pandarus discuss Troilus's feelings for her. Cressida admits that she is attracted to him, but is hesitant to act on her feelings because she fears being seen as a traitor to her own people.
Later, Troilus and Cressida meet in secret and confess their love for each other. They vow to be faithful to each other, despite the ongoing war between their respective nations.
The act ends with the Greek warriors Ajax and Hector engaging in a duel, which is interrupted by a messenger bringing news of a potential peace treaty. The Greeks and Trojans agree to a temporary truce, and the act concludes with the two sides celebrating together.
SCENE I. A part of the Grecian camp.
In Scene 1 of Act 2, the Greek camp is shown to be a hub of activity. Achilles, the Greek hero, is shown to be in a bad mood and refuses to fight in the war. This has caused a lot of tension among the Greeks as they are all dependent on Achilles for their victory. Patroclus, Achilles’ close friend, tries to persuade him to fight but fails. Meanwhile, the Trojan prince Hector is shown to be making preparations for the upcoming battle. He is concerned about the safety of his family and decides to send them away from the battle. His father, King Priam, tries to dissuade him from fighting but Hector is determined to defend his city. The scene also introduces the character of Thersites, a Greek soldier who is known for his quick wit and sharp tongue. He is shown to be mocking the leaders of the Greek army, including Achilles, Agamemnon, and Ulysses. His behavior is considered to be disrespectful but he is allowed to continue as he is a skilled fighter. Overall, Scene 1 of Act 2 sets the stage for the upcoming battle between the Greeks and the Trojans. It highlights the tensions among the Greeks and the determination of the Trojans to defend their city.
Enter AJAX and THERSITES
AJAX
Thersites!
Link: 2.1.1
THERSITES
Agamemnon, how if he had boils? full, all over,
Link: 2.1.2
generally?
Link: 2.1.3
AJAX
Thersites!
Link: 2.1.4
THERSITES
And those boils did run? say so: did not the
Link: 2.1.5
general run then? were not that a botchy core?
Link: 2.1.6
AJAX
Dog!
Link: 2.1.7
THERSITES
Then would come some matter from him; I see none now.
Link: 2.1.8
AJAX
Thou bitch-wolf's son, canst thou not hear?
Link: 2.1.9
Feel, then.
Link: 2.1.10
THERSITES
The plague of Greece upon thee, thou mongrel
Link: 2.1.11
beef-witted lord!
Link: 2.1.12
AJAX
Speak then, thou vinewedst leaven, speak: I will
Link: 2.1.13
beat thee into handsomeness.
Link: 2.1.14
THERSITES
I shall sooner rail thee into wit and holiness: but,
Link: 2.1.15
I think, thy horse will sooner con an oration than
Link: 2.1.16
thou learn a prayer without book. Thou canst strike,
Link: 2.1.17
canst thou? a red murrain o' thy jade's tricks!
Link: 2.1.18
AJAX
Toadstool, learn me the proclamation.
Link: 2.1.19
THERSITES
Dost thou think I have no sense, thou strikest me thus?
Link: 2.1.20
AJAX
The proclamation!
Link: 2.1.21
THERSITES
Thou art proclaimed a fool, I think.
Link: 2.1.22
AJAX
Do not, porpentine, do not: my fingers itch.
Link: 2.1.23
THERSITES
I would thou didst itch from head to foot and I had
Link: 2.1.24
the scratching of thee; I would make thee the
Link: 2.1.25
loathsomest scab in Greece. When thou art forth in
Link: 2.1.26
the incursions, thou strikest as slow as another.
Link: 2.1.27
AJAX
I say, the proclamation!
Link: 2.1.28
THERSITES
Thou grumblest and railest every hour on Achilles,
Link: 2.1.29
and thou art as full of envy at his greatness as
Link: 2.1.30
Cerberus is at Proserpine's beauty, ay, that thou
Link: 2.1.31
barkest at him.
Link: 2.1.32
AJAX
Mistress Thersites!
Link: 2.1.33
THERSITES
Thou shouldest strike him.
Link: 2.1.34
AJAX
Cobloaf!
Link: 2.1.35
THERSITES
He would pun thee into shivers with his fist, as a
Link: 2.1.36
sailor breaks a biscuit.
Link: 2.1.37
AJAX
(Beating him) You whoreson cur!
Link: 2.1.38
THERSITES
Do, do.
Link: 2.1.39
AJAX
Thou stool for a witch!
Link: 2.1.40
THERSITES
Ay, do, do; thou sodden-witted lord! thou hast no
Link: 2.1.41
more brain than I have in mine elbows; an assinego
Link: 2.1.42
may tutor thee: thou scurvy-valiant ass! thou art
Link: 2.1.43
here but to thrash Trojans; and thou art bought and
Link: 2.1.44
sold among those of any wit, like a barbarian slave.
Link: 2.1.45
If thou use to beat me, I will begin at thy heel, and
Link: 2.1.46
tell what thou art by inches, thou thing of no
Link: 2.1.47
bowels, thou!
Link: 2.1.48
AJAX
You dog!
Link: 2.1.49
THERSITES
You scurvy lord!
Link: 2.1.50
AJAX
(Beating him) You cur!
Link: 2.1.51
THERSITES
Mars his idiot! do, rudeness; do, camel; do, do.
Link: 2.1.52
Enter ACHILLES and PATROCLUS
ACHILLES
Why, how now, Ajax! wherefore do you thus? How now,
Link: 2.1.53
Thersites! what's the matter, man?
Link: 2.1.54
THERSITES
You see him there, do you?
Link: 2.1.55
ACHILLES
Ay; what's the matter?
Link: 2.1.56
THERSITES
Nay, look upon him.
Link: 2.1.57
ACHILLES
So I do: what's the matter?
Link: 2.1.58
THERSITES
Nay, but regard him well.
Link: 2.1.59
ACHILLES
'Well!' why, I do so.
Link: 2.1.60
THERSITES
But yet you look not well upon him; for whosoever you
Link: 2.1.61
take him to be, he is Ajax.
Link: 2.1.62
ACHILLES
I know that, fool.
Link: 2.1.63
THERSITES
Ay, but that fool knows not himself.
Link: 2.1.64
AJAX
Therefore I beat thee.
Link: 2.1.65
THERSITES
Lo, lo, lo, lo, what modicums of wit he utters! his
Link: 2.1.66
evasions have ears thus long. I have bobbed his
Link: 2.1.67
brain more than he has beat my bones: I will buy
Link: 2.1.68
nine sparrows for a penny, and his pia mater is not
Link: 2.1.69
worth the nineth part of a sparrow. This lord,
Link: 2.1.70
Achilles, Ajax, who wears his wit in his belly and
Link: 2.1.71
his guts in his head, I'll tell you what I say of
Link: 2.1.72
him.
Link: 2.1.73
ACHILLES
What?
Link: 2.1.74
THERSITES
I say, this Ajax--
Link: 2.1.75
Ajax offers to beat him
ACHILLES
Nay, good Ajax.
Link: 2.1.76
THERSITES
Has not so much wit--
Link: 2.1.77
ACHILLES
Nay, I must hold you.
Link: 2.1.78
THERSITES
As will stop the eye of Helen's needle, for whom he
Link: 2.1.79
comes to fight.
Link: 2.1.80
ACHILLES
Peace, fool!
Link: 2.1.81
THERSITES
I would have peace and quietness, but the fool will
Link: 2.1.82
not: he there: that he: look you there.
Link: 2.1.83
AJAX
O thou damned cur! I shall--
Link: 2.1.84
ACHILLES
Will you set your wit to a fool's?
Link: 2.1.85
THERSITES
No, I warrant you; for a fools will shame it.
Link: 2.1.86
PATROCLUS
Good words, Thersites.
Link: 2.1.87
ACHILLES
What's the quarrel?
Link: 2.1.88
AJAX
I bade the vile owl go learn me the tenor of the
Link: 2.1.89
proclamation, and he rails upon me.
Link: 2.1.90
THERSITES
I serve thee not.
Link: 2.1.91
AJAX
Well, go to, go to.
Link: 2.1.92
THERSITES
I serve here voluntarily.
Link: 2.1.93
ACHILLES
Your last service was sufferance, 'twas not
Link: 2.1.94
voluntary: no man is beaten voluntary: Ajax was
Link: 2.1.95
here the voluntary, and you as under an impress.
Link: 2.1.96
THERSITES
E'en so; a great deal of your wit, too, lies in your
Link: 2.1.97
sinews, or else there be liars. Hector have a great
Link: 2.1.98
catch, if he knock out either of your brains: a'
Link: 2.1.99
were as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel.
Link: 2.1.100
ACHILLES
What, with me too, Thersites?
Link: 2.1.101
THERSITES
There's Ulysses and old Nestor, whose wit was mouldy
Link: 2.1.102
ere your grandsires had nails on their toes, yoke you
Link: 2.1.103
like draught-oxen and make you plough up the wars.
Link: 2.1.104
ACHILLES
What, what?
Link: 2.1.105
THERSITES
Yes, good sooth: to, Achilles! to, Ajax! to!
Link: 2.1.106
AJAX
I shall cut out your tongue.
Link: 2.1.107
THERSITES
'Tis no matter! I shall speak as much as thou
Link: 2.1.108
afterwards.
Link: 2.1.109
PATROCLUS
No more words, Thersites; peace!
Link: 2.1.110
THERSITES
I will hold my peace when Achilles' brach bids me, shall I?
Link: 2.1.111
ACHILLES
There's for you, Patroclus.
Link: 2.1.112
THERSITES
I will see you hanged, like clotpoles, ere I come
Link: 2.1.113
any more to your tents: I will keep where there is
Link: 2.1.114
wit stirring and leave the faction of fools.
Link: 2.1.115
Exit
PATROCLUS
A good riddance.
Link: 2.1.116
ACHILLES
Marry, this, sir, is proclaim'd through all our host:
Link: 2.1.117
That Hector, by the fifth hour of the sun,
Link: 2.1.118
Will with a trumpet 'twixt our tents and Troy
Link: 2.1.119
To-morrow morning call some knight to arms
Link: 2.1.120
That hath a stomach; and such a one that dare
Link: 2.1.121
Maintain--I know not what: 'tis trash. Farewell.
Link: 2.1.122
AJAX
Farewell. Who shall answer him?
Link: 2.1.123
ACHILLES
I know not: 'tis put to lottery; otherwise
Link: 2.1.124
He knew his man.
Link: 2.1.125
AJAX
O, meaning you. I will go learn more of it.
Link: 2.1.126
Exeunt
SCENE II. Troy. A room in Priam's palace.
Scene 2 of Act 2 takes place in a tent in the Greek camp. Thersites, a cynical and insulting servant, enters and begins to rant about the hypocrisy and foolishness of the Greek leaders, particularly Agamemnon and Achilles. He is interrupted by the entrance of Patroclus, Achilles' close friend and companion. Thersites continues to mock and insult Patroclus, who responds with good humor and teasing of his own. Achilles enters and greets Patroclus warmly, but ignores Thersites. They discuss the ongoing war and Achilles' refusal to fight, despite the urging of the other Greek leaders. Patroclus tries to persuade Achilles to rejoin the battle, arguing that his absence is demoralizing the troops and making them vulnerable to defeat. Achilles agrees to consider returning to the fight, but only if the Greeks give him more honors and rewards. Thersites continues to make sarcastic comments and insults, prompting Achilles to threaten him with violence. Patroclus calms the situation and suggests that they all go to dinner together. As they leave, Thersites continues to grumble and complain about the foolishness of the Greek leaders and the futility of the war.
Enter PRIAM, HECTOR, TROILUS, PARIS, and HELENUS
PRIAM
After so many hours, lives, speeches spent,
Link: 2.2.1
Thus once again says Nestor from the Greeks:
Link: 2.2.2
'Deliver Helen, and all damage else--
Link: 2.2.3
As honour, loss of time, travail, expense,
Link: 2.2.4
Wounds, friends, and what else dear that is consumed
Link: 2.2.5
In hot digestion of this cormorant war--
Link: 2.2.6
Shall be struck off.' Hector, what say you to't?
Link: 2.2.7
HECTOR
Though no man lesser fears the Greeks than I
Link: 2.2.8
As far as toucheth my particular,
Link: 2.2.9
Yet, dread Priam,
Link: 2.2.10
There is no lady of more softer bowels,
Link: 2.2.11
More spongy to suck in the sense of fear,
Link: 2.2.12
More ready to cry out 'Who knows what follows?'
Link: 2.2.13
Than Hector is: the wound of peace is surety,
Link: 2.2.14
Surety secure; but modest doubt is call'd
Link: 2.2.15
The beacon of the wise, the tent that searches
Link: 2.2.16
To the bottom of the worst. Let Helen go:
Link: 2.2.17
Since the first sword was drawn about this question,
Link: 2.2.18
Every tithe soul, 'mongst many thousand dismes,
Link: 2.2.19
Hath been as dear as Helen; I mean, of ours:
Link: 2.2.20
If we have lost so many tenths of ours,
Link: 2.2.21
To guard a thing not ours nor worth to us,
Link: 2.2.22
Had it our name, the value of one ten,
Link: 2.2.23
What merit's in that reason which denies
Link: 2.2.24
The yielding of her up?
Link: 2.2.25
TROILUS
Fie, fie, my brother!
Link: 2.2.26
Weigh you the worth and honour of a king
Link: 2.2.27
So great as our dread father in a scale
Link: 2.2.28
Of common ounces? will you with counters sum
Link: 2.2.29
The past proportion of his infinite?
Link: 2.2.30
And buckle in a waist most fathomless
Link: 2.2.31
With spans and inches so diminutive
Link: 2.2.32
As fears and reasons? fie, for godly shame!
Link: 2.2.33
HELENUS
No marvel, though you bite so sharp at reasons,
Link: 2.2.34
You are so empty of them. Should not our father
Link: 2.2.35
Bear the great sway of his affairs with reasons,
Link: 2.2.36
Because your speech hath none that tells him so?
Link: 2.2.37
TROILUS
You are for dreams and slumbers, brother priest;
Link: 2.2.38
You fur your gloves with reason. Here are
Link: 2.2.39
your reasons:
Link: 2.2.40
You know an enemy intends you harm;
Link: 2.2.41
You know a sword employ'd is perilous,
Link: 2.2.42
And reason flies the object of all harm:
Link: 2.2.43
Who marvels then, when Helenus beholds
Link: 2.2.44
A Grecian and his sword, if he do set
Link: 2.2.45
The very wings of reason to his heels
Link: 2.2.46
And fly like chidden Mercury from Jove,
Link: 2.2.47
Or like a star disorb'd? Nay, if we talk of reason,
Link: 2.2.48
Let's shut our gates and sleep: manhood and honour
Link: 2.2.49
Should have hare-hearts, would they but fat
Link: 2.2.50
their thoughts
Link: 2.2.51
With this cramm'd reason: reason and respect
Link: 2.2.52
Make livers pale and lustihood deject.
Link: 2.2.53
HECTOR
Brother, she is not worth what she doth cost
Link: 2.2.54
The holding.
Link: 2.2.55
TROILUS
What is aught, but as 'tis valued?
Link: 2.2.56
HECTOR
But value dwells not in particular will;
Link: 2.2.57
It holds his estimate and dignity
Link: 2.2.58
As well wherein 'tis precious of itself
Link: 2.2.59
As in the prizer: 'tis mad idolatry
Link: 2.2.60
To make the service greater than the god
Link: 2.2.61
And the will dotes that is attributive
Link: 2.2.62
To what infectiously itself affects,
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Without some image of the affected merit.
Link: 2.2.64
TROILUS
I take to-day a wife, and my election
Link: 2.2.65
Is led on in the conduct of my will;
Link: 2.2.66
My will enkindled by mine eyes and ears,
Link: 2.2.67
Two traded pilots 'twixt the dangerous shores
Link: 2.2.68
Of will and judgment: how may I avoid,
Link: 2.2.69
Although my will distaste what it elected,
Link: 2.2.70
The wife I chose? there can be no evasion
Link: 2.2.71
To blench from this and to stand firm by honour:
Link: 2.2.72
We turn not back the silks upon the merchant,
Link: 2.2.73
When we have soil'd them, nor the remainder viands
Link: 2.2.74
We do not throw in unrespective sieve,
Link: 2.2.75
Because we now are full. It was thought meet
Link: 2.2.76
Paris should do some vengeance on the Greeks:
Link: 2.2.77
Your breath of full consent bellied his sails;
Link: 2.2.78
The seas and winds, old wranglers, took a truce
Link: 2.2.79
And did him service: he touch'd the ports desired,
Link: 2.2.80
And for an old aunt whom the Greeks held captive,
Link: 2.2.81
He brought a Grecian queen, whose youth and freshness
Link: 2.2.82
Wrinkles Apollo's, and makes stale the morning.
Link: 2.2.83
Why keep we her? the Grecians keep our aunt:
Link: 2.2.84
Is she worth keeping? why, she is a pearl,
Link: 2.2.85
Whose price hath launch'd above a thousand ships,
Link: 2.2.86
And turn'd crown'd kings to merchants.
Link: 2.2.87
If you'll avouch 'twas wisdom Paris went--
Link: 2.2.88
As you must needs, for you all cried 'Go, go,'--
Link: 2.2.89
If you'll confess he brought home noble prize--
Link: 2.2.90
As you must needs, for you all clapp'd your hands
Link: 2.2.91
And cried 'Inestimable!'--why do you now
Link: 2.2.92
The issue of your proper wisdoms rate,
Link: 2.2.93
And do a deed that fortune never did,
Link: 2.2.94
Beggar the estimation which you prized
Link: 2.2.95
Richer than sea and land? O, theft most base,
Link: 2.2.96
That we have stol'n what we do fear to keep!
Link: 2.2.97
But, thieves, unworthy of a thing so stol'n,
Link: 2.2.98
That in their country did them that disgrace,
Link: 2.2.99
We fear to warrant in our native place!
Link: 2.2.100
CASSANDRA
(Within) Cry, Trojans, cry!
Link: 2.2.101
PRIAM
What noise? what shriek is this?
Link: 2.2.102
TROILUS
'Tis our mad sister, I do know her voice.
Link: 2.2.103
CASSANDRA
(Within) Cry, Trojans!
Link: 2.2.104
HECTOR
It is Cassandra.
Link: 2.2.105
Enter CASSANDRA, raving
CASSANDRA
Cry, Trojans, cry! lend me ten thousand eyes,
Link: 2.2.106
And I will fill them with prophetic tears.
Link: 2.2.107
HECTOR
Peace, sister, peace!
Link: 2.2.108
CASSANDRA
Virgins and boys, mid-age and wrinkled eld,
Link: 2.2.109
Soft infancy, that nothing canst but cry,
Link: 2.2.110
Add to my clamours! let us pay betimes
Link: 2.2.111
A moiety of that mass of moan to come.
Link: 2.2.112
Cry, Trojans, cry! practise your eyes with tears!
Link: 2.2.113
Troy must not be, nor goodly Ilion stand;
Link: 2.2.114
Our firebrand brother, Paris, burns us all.
Link: 2.2.115
Cry, Trojans, cry! a Helen and a woe:
Link: 2.2.116
Cry, cry! Troy burns, or else let Helen go.
Link: 2.2.117
Exit
HECTOR
Now, youthful Troilus, do not these high strains
Link: 2.2.118
Of divination in our sister work
Link: 2.2.119
Some touches of remorse? or is your blood
Link: 2.2.120
So madly hot that no discourse of reason,
Link: 2.2.121
Nor fear of bad success in a bad cause,
Link: 2.2.122
Can qualify the same?
Link: 2.2.123
TROILUS
Why, brother Hector,
Link: 2.2.124
We may not think the justness of each act
Link: 2.2.125
Such and no other than event doth form it,
Link: 2.2.126
Nor once deject the courage of our minds,
Link: 2.2.127
Because Cassandra's mad: her brain-sick raptures
Link: 2.2.128
Cannot distaste the goodness of a quarrel
Link: 2.2.129
Which hath our several honours all engaged
Link: 2.2.130
To make it gracious. For my private part,
Link: 2.2.131
I am no more touch'd than all Priam's sons:
Link: 2.2.132
And Jove forbid there should be done amongst us
Link: 2.2.133
Such things as might offend the weakest spleen
Link: 2.2.134
To fight for and maintain!
Link: 2.2.135
PARIS
Else might the world convince of levity
Link: 2.2.136
As well my undertakings as your counsels:
Link: 2.2.137
But I attest the gods, your full consent
Link: 2.2.138
Gave wings to my propension and cut off
Link: 2.2.139
All fears attending on so dire a project.
Link: 2.2.140
For what, alas, can these my single arms?
Link: 2.2.141
What Propugnation is in one man's valour,
Link: 2.2.142
To stand the push and enmity of those
Link: 2.2.143
This quarrel would excite? Yet, I protest,
Link: 2.2.144
Were I alone to pass the difficulties
Link: 2.2.145
And had as ample power as I have will,
Link: 2.2.146
Paris should ne'er retract what he hath done,
Link: 2.2.147
Nor faint in the pursuit.
Link: 2.2.148
PRIAM
Paris, you speak
Link: 2.2.149
Like one besotted on your sweet delights:
Link: 2.2.150
You have the honey still, but these the gall;
Link: 2.2.151
So to be valiant is no praise at all.
Link: 2.2.152
PARIS
Sir, I propose not merely to myself
Link: 2.2.153
The pleasures such a beauty brings with it;
Link: 2.2.154
But I would have the soil of her fair rape
Link: 2.2.155
Wiped off, in honourable keeping her.
Link: 2.2.156
What treason were it to the ransack'd queen,
Link: 2.2.157
Disgrace to your great worths and shame to me,
Link: 2.2.158
Now to deliver her possession up
Link: 2.2.159
On terms of base compulsion! Can it be
Link: 2.2.160
That so degenerate a strain as this
Link: 2.2.161
Should once set footing in your generous bosoms?
Link: 2.2.162
There's not the meanest spirit on our party
Link: 2.2.163
Without a heart to dare or sword to draw
Link: 2.2.164
When Helen is defended, nor none so noble
Link: 2.2.165
Whose life were ill bestow'd or death unfamed
Link: 2.2.166
Where Helen is the subject; then, I say,
Link: 2.2.167
Well may we fight for her whom, we know well,
Link: 2.2.168
The world's large spaces cannot parallel.
Link: 2.2.169
HECTOR
Paris and Troilus, you have both said well,
Link: 2.2.170
And on the cause and question now in hand
Link: 2.2.171
Have glozed, but superficially: not much
Link: 2.2.172
Unlike young men, whom Aristotle thought
Link: 2.2.173
Unfit to hear moral philosophy:
Link: 2.2.174
The reasons you allege do more conduce
Link: 2.2.175
To the hot passion of distemper'd blood
Link: 2.2.176
Than to make up a free determination
Link: 2.2.177
'Twixt right and wrong, for pleasure and revenge
Link: 2.2.178
Have ears more deaf than adders to the voice
Link: 2.2.179
Of any true decision. Nature craves
Link: 2.2.180
All dues be render'd to their owners: now,
Link: 2.2.181
What nearer debt in all humanity
Link: 2.2.182
Than wife is to the husband? If this law
Link: 2.2.183
Of nature be corrupted through affection,
Link: 2.2.184
And that great minds, of partial indulgence
Link: 2.2.185
To their benumbed wills, resist the same,
Link: 2.2.186
There is a law in each well-order'd nation
Link: 2.2.187
To curb those raging appetites that are
Link: 2.2.188
Most disobedient and refractory.
Link: 2.2.189
If Helen then be wife to Sparta's king,
Link: 2.2.190
As it is known she is, these moral laws
Link: 2.2.191
Of nature and of nations speak aloud
Link: 2.2.192
To have her back return'd: thus to persist
Link: 2.2.193
In doing wrong extenuates not wrong,
Link: 2.2.194
But makes it much more heavy. Hector's opinion
Link: 2.2.195
Is this in way of truth; yet ne'ertheless,
Link: 2.2.196
My spritely brethren, I propend to you
Link: 2.2.197
In resolution to keep Helen still,
Link: 2.2.198
For 'tis a cause that hath no mean dependance
Link: 2.2.199
Upon our joint and several dignities.
Link: 2.2.200
TROILUS
Why, there you touch'd the life of our design:
Link: 2.2.201
Were it not glory that we more affected
Link: 2.2.202
Than the performance of our heaving spleens,
Link: 2.2.203
I would not wish a drop of Trojan blood
Link: 2.2.204
Spent more in her defence. But, worthy Hector,
Link: 2.2.205
She is a theme of honour and renown,
Link: 2.2.206
A spur to valiant and magnanimous deeds,
Link: 2.2.207
Whose present courage may beat down our foes,
Link: 2.2.208
And fame in time to come canonize us;
Link: 2.2.209
For, I presume, brave Hector would not lose
Link: 2.2.210
So rich advantage of a promised glory
Link: 2.2.211
As smiles upon the forehead of this action
Link: 2.2.212
For the wide world's revenue.
Link: 2.2.213
HECTOR
I am yours,
Link: 2.2.214
You valiant offspring of great Priamus.
Link: 2.2.215
I have a roisting challenge sent amongst
Link: 2.2.216
The dun and factious nobles of the Greeks
Link: 2.2.217
Will strike amazement to their drowsy spirits:
Link: 2.2.218
I was advertised their great general slept,
Link: 2.2.219
Whilst emulation in the army crept:
Link: 2.2.220
This, I presume, will wake him.
Link: 2.2.221
Exeunt
SCENE III. The Grecian camp. Before Achilles' tent.
In Scene 3 of Act 2, a council is held to discuss the ongoing war between the Greeks and Trojans. The Trojan prince Hector advocates for a one-on-one duel between the Trojan hero Hector and the Greek hero Achilles, believing that this could bring an end to the war. However, the Trojan prophet Calchas warns that the gods have already ordained Troy's defeat and that such a duel would only result in Hector's death. Meanwhile, the Trojan prince Troilus is consumed by his love for the Greek princess Cressida. He sends his servant Pandarus to arrange a secret meeting between him and Cressida, who is being held by the Greeks. Pandarus succeeds in arranging the meeting and Troilus and Cressida express their love for each other. However, Cressida is torn between her love for Troilus and her loyalty to the Greeks, and she ultimately decides to return to the Greek camp. Scene 3 of Act 2 is a pivotal moment in the play, as it sets up the tragic love story between Troilus and Cressida. It also highlights the futility of the war and the characters' struggles to find meaning and purpose in a conflict that seems to have no end.
Enter THERSITES, solus
THERSITES
How now, Thersites! what lost in the labyrinth of
Link: 2.3.1
thy fury! Shall the elephant Ajax carry it thus? He
Link: 2.3.2
beats me, and I rail at him: O, worthy satisfaction!
Link: 2.3.3
would it were otherwise; that I could beat him,
Link: 2.3.4
whilst he railed at me. 'Sfoot, I'll learn to
Link: 2.3.5
conjure and raise devils, but I'll see some issue of
Link: 2.3.6
my spiteful execrations. Then there's Achilles, a
Link: 2.3.7
rare enginer! If Troy be not taken till these two
Link: 2.3.8
undermine it, the walls will stand till they fall of
Link: 2.3.9
themselves. O thou great thunder-darter of Olympus,
Link: 2.3.10
forget that thou art Jove, the king of gods and,
Link: 2.3.11
Mercury, lose all the serpentine craft of thy
Link: 2.3.12
caduceus, if ye take not that little, little less
Link: 2.3.13
than little wit from them that they have! which
Link: 2.3.14
short-armed ignorance itself knows is so abundant
Link: 2.3.15
scarce, it will not in circumvention deliver a fly
Link: 2.3.16
from a spider, without drawing their massy irons and
Link: 2.3.17
cutting the web. After this, the vengeance on the
Link: 2.3.18
whole camp! or rather, the bone-ache! for that,
Link: 2.3.19
methinks, is the curse dependent on those that war
Link: 2.3.20
for a placket. I have said my prayers and devil Envy
Link: 2.3.21
say Amen. What ho! my Lord Achilles!
Link: 2.3.22
Enter PATROCLUS
PATROCLUS
Who's there? Thersites! Good Thersites, come in and rail.
Link: 2.3.23
THERSITES
If I could have remembered a gilt counterfeit, thou
Link: 2.3.24
wouldst not have slipped out of my contemplation: but
Link: 2.3.25
it is no matter; thyself upon thyself! The common
Link: 2.3.26
curse of mankind, folly and ignorance, be thine in
Link: 2.3.27
great revenue! heaven bless thee from a tutor, and
Link: 2.3.28
discipline come not near thee! Let thy blood be thy
Link: 2.3.29
direction till thy death! then if she that lays thee
Link: 2.3.30
out says thou art a fair corse, I'll be sworn and
Link: 2.3.31
sworn upon't she never shrouded any but lazars.
Link: 2.3.32
Amen. Where's Achilles?
Link: 2.3.33
PATROCLUS
What, art thou devout? wast thou in prayer?
Link: 2.3.34
THERSITES
Ay: the heavens hear me!
Link: 2.3.35
Enter ACHILLES
ACHILLES
Who's there?
Link: 2.3.36
PATROCLUS
Thersites, my lord.
Link: 2.3.37
ACHILLES
Where, where? Art thou come? why, my cheese, my
Link: 2.3.38
digestion, why hast thou not served thyself in to
Link: 2.3.39
my table so many meals? Come, what's Agamemnon?
Link: 2.3.40
THERSITES
Thy commander, Achilles. Then tell me, Patroclus,
Link: 2.3.41
what's Achilles?
Link: 2.3.42
PATROCLUS
Thy lord, Thersites: then tell me, I pray thee,
Link: 2.3.43
what's thyself?
Link: 2.3.44
THERSITES
Thy knower, Patroclus: then tell me, Patroclus,
Link: 2.3.45
what art thou?
Link: 2.3.46
PATROCLUS
Thou mayst tell that knowest.
Link: 2.3.47
ACHILLES
O, tell, tell.
Link: 2.3.48
THERSITES
I'll decline the whole question. Agamemnon commands
Link: 2.3.49
Achilles; Achilles is my lord; I am Patroclus'
Link: 2.3.50
knower, and Patroclus is a fool.
Link: 2.3.51
PATROCLUS
You rascal!
Link: 2.3.52
THERSITES
Peace, fool! I have not done.
Link: 2.3.53
ACHILLES
He is a privileged man. Proceed, Thersites.
Link: 2.3.54
THERSITES
Agamemnon is a fool; Achilles is a fool; Thersites
Link: 2.3.55
is a fool, and, as aforesaid, Patroclus is a fool.
Link: 2.3.56
ACHILLES
Derive this; come.
Link: 2.3.57
THERSITES
Agamemnon is a fool to offer to command Achilles;
Link: 2.3.58
Achilles is a fool to be commanded of Agamemnon;
Link: 2.3.59
Thersites is a fool to serve such a fool, and
Link: 2.3.60
Patroclus is a fool positive.
Link: 2.3.61
PATROCLUS
Why am I a fool?
Link: 2.3.62
THERSITES
Make that demand of the prover. It suffices me thou
Link: 2.3.63
art. Look you, who comes here?
Link: 2.3.64
ACHILLES
Patroclus, I'll speak with nobody.
Link: 2.3.65
Come in with me, Thersites.
Link: 2.3.66
Exit
THERSITES
Here is such patchery, such juggling and such
Link: 2.3.67
knavery! all the argument is a cuckold and a
Link: 2.3.68
whore; a good quarrel to draw emulous factions
Link: 2.3.69
and bleed to death upon. Now, the dry serpigo on
Link: 2.3.70
the subject! and war and lechery confound all!
Link: 2.3.71
Exit
Enter AGAMEMNON, ULYSSES, NESTOR, DIOMEDES, and AJAX
AGAMEMNON
Where is Achilles?
Link: 2.3.72
PATROCLUS
Within his tent; but ill disposed, my lord.
Link: 2.3.73
AGAMEMNON
Let it be known to him that we are here.
Link: 2.3.74
He shent our messengers; and we lay by
Link: 2.3.75
Our appertainments, visiting of him:
Link: 2.3.76
Let him be told so; lest perchance he think
Link: 2.3.77
We dare not move the question of our place,
Link: 2.3.78
Or know not what we are.
Link: 2.3.79
PATROCLUS
I shall say so to him.
Link: 2.3.80
Exit
ULYSSES
We saw him at the opening of his tent:
Link: 2.3.81
He is not sick.
Link: 2.3.82
AJAX
Yes, lion-sick, sick of proud heart: you may call it
Link: 2.3.83
melancholy, if you will favour the man; but, by my
Link: 2.3.84
head, 'tis pride: but why, why? let him show us the
Link: 2.3.85
cause. A word, my lord.
Link: 2.3.86
Takes AGAMEMNON aside
NESTOR
What moves Ajax thus to bay at him?
Link: 2.3.87
ULYSSES
Achilles hath inveigled his fool from him.
Link: 2.3.88
NESTOR
Who, Thersites?
Link: 2.3.89
ULYSSES
He.
Link: 2.3.90
NESTOR
Then will Ajax lack matter, if he have lost his argument.
Link: 2.3.91
ULYSSES
No, you see, he is his argument that has his
Link: 2.3.92
argument, Achilles.
Link: 2.3.93
NESTOR
All the better; their fraction is more our wish than
Link: 2.3.94
their faction: but it was a strong composure a fool
Link: 2.3.95
could disunite.
Link: 2.3.96
ULYSSES
The amity that wisdom knits not, folly may easily
Link: 2.3.97
untie. Here comes Patroclus.
Link: 2.3.98
Re-enter PATROCLUS
NESTOR
No Achilles with him.
Link: 2.3.99
ULYSSES
The elephant hath joints, but none for courtesy:
Link: 2.3.100
his legs are legs for necessity, not for flexure.
Link: 2.3.101
PATROCLUS
Achilles bids me say, he is much sorry,
Link: 2.3.102
If any thing more than your sport and pleasure
Link: 2.3.103
Did move your greatness and this noble state
Link: 2.3.104
To call upon him; he hopes it is no other
Link: 2.3.105
But for your health and your digestion sake,
Link: 2.3.106
And after-dinner's breath.
Link: 2.3.107
AGAMEMNON
Hear you, Patroclus:
Link: 2.3.108
We are too well acquainted with these answers:
Link: 2.3.109
But his evasion, wing'd thus swift with scorn,
Link: 2.3.110
Cannot outfly our apprehensions.
Link: 2.3.111
Much attribute he hath, and much the reason
Link: 2.3.112
Why we ascribe it to him; yet all his virtues,
Link: 2.3.113
Not virtuously on his own part beheld,
Link: 2.3.114
Do in our eyes begin to lose their gloss,
Link: 2.3.115
Yea, like fair fruit in an unwholesome dish,
Link: 2.3.116
Are like to rot untasted. Go and tell him,
Link: 2.3.117
We come to speak with him; and you shall not sin,
Link: 2.3.118
If you do say we think him over-proud
Link: 2.3.119
And under-honest, in self-assumption greater
Link: 2.3.120
Than in the note of judgment; and worthier
Link: 2.3.121
than himself
Link: 2.3.122
Here tend the savage strangeness he puts on,
Link: 2.3.123
Disguise the holy strength of their command,
Link: 2.3.124
And underwrite in an observing kind
Link: 2.3.125
His humorous predominance; yea, watch
Link: 2.3.126
His pettish lunes, his ebbs, his flows, as if
Link: 2.3.127
The passage and whole carriage of this action
Link: 2.3.128
Rode on his tide. Go tell him this, and add,
Link: 2.3.129
That if he overhold his price so much,
Link: 2.3.130
We'll none of him; but let him, like an engine
Link: 2.3.131
Not portable, lie under this report:
Link: 2.3.132
'Bring action hither, this cannot go to war:
Link: 2.3.133
A stirring dwarf we do allowance give
Link: 2.3.134
Before a sleeping giant.' Tell him so.
Link: 2.3.135
PATROCLUS
I shall; and bring his answer presently.
Link: 2.3.136
Exit
AGAMEMNON
In second voice we'll not be satisfied;
Link: 2.3.137
We come to speak with him. Ulysses, enter you.
Link: 2.3.138
Exit ULYSSES
AJAX
What is he more than another?
Link: 2.3.139
AGAMEMNON
No more than what he thinks he is.
Link: 2.3.140
AJAX
Is he so much? Do you not think he thinks himself a
Link: 2.3.141
better man than I am?
Link: 2.3.142
AGAMEMNON
No question.
Link: 2.3.143
AJAX
Will you subscribe his thought, and say he is?
Link: 2.3.144
AGAMEMNON
No, noble Ajax; you are as strong, as valiant, as
Link: 2.3.145
wise, no less noble, much more gentle, and altogether
Link: 2.3.146
more tractable.
Link: 2.3.147
AJAX
Why should a man be proud? How doth pride grow? I
Link: 2.3.148
know not what pride is.
Link: 2.3.149
AGAMEMNON
Your mind is the clearer, Ajax, and your virtues the
Link: 2.3.150
fairer. He that is proud eats up himself: pride is
Link: 2.3.151
his own glass, his own trumpet, his own chronicle;
Link: 2.3.152
and whatever praises itself but in the deed, devours
Link: 2.3.153
the deed in the praise.
Link: 2.3.154
AJAX
I do hate a proud man, as I hate the engendering of toads.
Link: 2.3.155
NESTOR
Yet he loves himself: is't not strange?
Link: 2.3.156
Aside
Re-enter ULYSSES
ULYSSES
Achilles will not to the field to-morrow.
Link: 2.3.157
AGAMEMNON
What's his excuse?
Link: 2.3.158
ULYSSES
He doth rely on none,
Link: 2.3.159
But carries on the stream of his dispose
Link: 2.3.160
Without observance or respect of any,
Link: 2.3.161
In will peculiar and in self-admission.
Link: 2.3.162
AGAMEMNON
Why will he not upon our fair request
Link: 2.3.163
Untent his person and share the air with us?
Link: 2.3.164
ULYSSES
Things small as nothing, for request's sake only,
Link: 2.3.165
He makes important: possess'd he is with greatness,
Link: 2.3.166
And speaks not to himself but with a pride
Link: 2.3.167
That quarrels at self-breath: imagined worth
Link: 2.3.168
Holds in his blood such swoln and hot discourse
Link: 2.3.169
That 'twixt his mental and his active parts
Link: 2.3.170
Kingdom'd Achilles in commotion rages
Link: 2.3.171
And batters down himself: what should I say?
Link: 2.3.172
He is so plaguy proud that the death-tokens of it
Link: 2.3.173
Cry 'No recovery.'
Link: 2.3.174
AGAMEMNON
Let Ajax go to him.
Link: 2.3.175
Dear lord, go you and greet him in his tent:
Link: 2.3.176
'Tis said he holds you well, and will be led
Link: 2.3.177
At your request a little from himself.
Link: 2.3.178
ULYSSES
O Agamemnon, let it not be so!
Link: 2.3.179
We'll consecrate the steps that Ajax makes
Link: 2.3.180
When they go from Achilles: shall the proud lord
Link: 2.3.181
That bastes his arrogance with his own seam
Link: 2.3.182
And never suffers matter of the world
Link: 2.3.183
Enter his thoughts, save such as do revolve
Link: 2.3.184
And ruminate himself, shall he be worshipp'd
Link: 2.3.185
Of that we hold an idol more than he?
Link: 2.3.186
No, this thrice worthy and right valiant lord
Link: 2.3.187
Must not so stale his palm, nobly acquired;
Link: 2.3.188
Nor, by my will, assubjugate his merit,
Link: 2.3.189
As amply titled as Achilles is,
Link: 2.3.190
By going to Achilles:
Link: 2.3.191
That were to enlard his fat already pride
Link: 2.3.192
And add more coals to Cancer when he burns
Link: 2.3.193
With entertaining great Hyperion.
Link: 2.3.194
This lord go to him! Jupiter forbid,
Link: 2.3.195
And say in thunder 'Achilles go to him.'
Link: 2.3.196
NESTOR
(Aside to DIOMEDES) O, this is well; he rubs the
Link: 2.3.197
vein of him.
Link: 2.3.198
DIOMEDES
(Aside to NESTOR) And how his silence drinks up
Link: 2.3.199
this applause!
Link: 2.3.200
AJAX
If I go to him, with my armed fist I'll pash him o'er the face.
Link: 2.3.201
AGAMEMNON
O, no, you shall not go.
Link: 2.3.202
AJAX
An a' be proud with me, I'll pheeze his pride:
Link: 2.3.203
Let me go to him.
Link: 2.3.204
ULYSSES
Not for the worth that hangs upon our quarrel.
Link: 2.3.205
AJAX
A paltry, insolent fellow!
Link: 2.3.206
NESTOR
How he describes himself!
Link: 2.3.207
AJAX
Can he not be sociable?
Link: 2.3.208
ULYSSES
The raven chides blackness.
Link: 2.3.209
AJAX
I'll let his humours blood.
Link: 2.3.210
AGAMEMNON
He will be the physician that should be the patient.
Link: 2.3.211
AJAX
An all men were o' my mind,--
Link: 2.3.212
ULYSSES
Wit would be out of fashion.
Link: 2.3.213
AJAX
A' should not bear it so, a' should eat swords first:
Link: 2.3.214
shall pride carry it?
Link: 2.3.215
NESTOR
An 'twould, you'ld carry half.
Link: 2.3.216
ULYSSES
A' would have ten shares.
Link: 2.3.217
AJAX
I will knead him; I'll make him supple.
Link: 2.3.218
NESTOR
He's not yet through warm: force him with praises:
Link: 2.3.219
pour in, pour in; his ambition is dry.
Link: 2.3.220
ULYSSES
(To AGAMEMNON) My lord, you feed too much on this dislike.
Link: 2.3.221
NESTOR
Our noble general, do not do so.
Link: 2.3.222
DIOMEDES
You must prepare to fight without Achilles.
Link: 2.3.223
ULYSSES
Why, 'tis this naming of him does him harm.
Link: 2.3.224
Here is a man--but 'tis before his face;
Link: 2.3.225
I will be silent.
Link: 2.3.226
NESTOR
Wherefore should you so?
Link: 2.3.227
He is not emulous, as Achilles is.
Link: 2.3.228
ULYSSES
Know the whole world, he is as valiant.
Link: 2.3.229
AJAX
A whoreson dog, that shall pelter thus with us!
Link: 2.3.230
Would he were a Trojan!
Link: 2.3.231
NESTOR
What a vice were it in Ajax now,--
Link: 2.3.232
ULYSSES
If he were proud,--
Link: 2.3.233
DIOMEDES
Or covetous of praise,--
Link: 2.3.234
ULYSSES
Ay, or surly borne,--
Link: 2.3.235
DIOMEDES
Or strange, or self-affected!
Link: 2.3.236
ULYSSES
Thank the heavens, lord, thou art of sweet composure;
Link: 2.3.237
Praise him that got thee, she that gave thee suck:
Link: 2.3.238
Famed be thy tutor, and thy parts of nature
Link: 2.3.239
Thrice famed, beyond all erudition:
Link: 2.3.240
But he that disciplined thy arms to fight,
Link: 2.3.241
Let Mars divide eternity in twain,
Link: 2.3.242
And give him half: and, for thy vigour,
Link: 2.3.243
Bull-bearing Milo his addition yield
Link: 2.3.244
To sinewy Ajax. I will not praise thy wisdom,
Link: 2.3.245
Which, like a bourn, a pale, a shore, confines
Link: 2.3.246
Thy spacious and dilated parts: here's Nestor;
Link: 2.3.247
Instructed by the antiquary times,
Link: 2.3.248
He must, he is, he cannot but be wise:
Link: 2.3.249
Put pardon, father Nestor, were your days
Link: 2.3.250
As green as Ajax' and your brain so temper'd,
Link: 2.3.251
You should not have the eminence of him,
Link: 2.3.252
But be as Ajax.
Link: 2.3.253
AJAX
Shall I call you father?
Link: 2.3.254
NESTOR
Ay, my good son.
Link: 2.3.255
DIOMEDES
Be ruled by him, Lord Ajax.
Link: 2.3.256
ULYSSES
There is no tarrying here; the hart Achilles
Link: 2.3.257
Keeps thicket. Please it our great general
Link: 2.3.258
To call together all his state of war;
Link: 2.3.259
Fresh kings are come to Troy: to-morrow
Link: 2.3.260
We must with all our main of power stand fast:
Link: 2.3.261
And here's a lord,--come knights from east to west,
Link: 2.3.262
And cull their flower, Ajax shall cope the best.
Link: 2.3.263
AGAMEMNON
Go we to council. Let Achilles sleep:
Link: 2.3.264
Light boats sail swift, though greater hulks draw deep.
Link: 2.3.265
Exeunt
Act III
Act 3 of Troilus and Cressida sees the Trojan War continue to rage on. Achilles, the greatest warrior on the Greek side, refuses to fight, causing frustration and anger among his fellow warriors. Meanwhile, on the Trojan side, Hector, the greatest warrior, is preparing for battle.
Troilus, a Trojan prince, is deeply in love with Cressida, a woman who has been given to the Greeks in exchange for a prisoner. Troilus is desperate to see Cressida and sends his servant, Pandarus, to arrange a meeting between them.
Eventually, Cressida agrees to meet with Troilus, and the two profess their love for each other. However, their happiness is short-lived as Cressida is soon taken away to the Greek camp.
In the midst of all this, the Greeks and Trojans continue to battle, with neither side gaining a clear advantage. The war drags on, with both sides suffering heavy losses.
Overall, Act 3 of Troilus and Cressida is a tense and dramatic portrayal of the ongoing war between the Greeks and Trojans, as well as the tragic love story between Troilus and Cressida.
SCENE I. Troy. Priam's palace.
In Scene 1 of Act 3 of Troilus and Cressida, the Greek leaders discuss their plans for the war against Troy. Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks, is frustrated with Achilles, their best warrior, who has refused to fight. He believes that Achilles is being selfish and only concerned with his own reputation and glory. The other leaders, including Ulysses and Nestor, try to come up with a plan to motivate Achilles to fight, but they are unsuccessful. Meanwhile, in Troy, Hector, the greatest warrior of the Trojans, has returned from battle and is greeted by his family and the Trojan people. He is praised for his bravery and skill in battle, and his father, King Priam, expresses his pride in him. However, Hector is also worried about the war and the fate of his city. He believes that the Trojans are fighting for a lost cause, and that they will ultimately be defeated by the Greeks. The scene ends with both the Greeks and Trojans preparing for battle, each side determined to emerge victorious. The tension between the two sides is palpable, and it is clear that the war will have a significant impact on the lives of all involved.
Enter a Servant and PANDARUS
PANDARUS
Friend, you! pray you, a word: do not you follow
Link: 3.1.1
the young Lord Paris?
Link: 3.1.2
Servant
Ay, sir, when he goes before me.
Link: 3.1.3
PANDARUS
You depend upon him, I mean?
Link: 3.1.4
Servant
Sir, I do depend upon the lord.
Link: 3.1.5
PANDARUS
You depend upon a noble gentleman; I must needs
Link: 3.1.6
praise him.
Link: 3.1.7
Servant
The lord be praised!
Link: 3.1.8
PANDARUS
You know me, do you not?
Link: 3.1.9
Servant
Faith, sir, superficially.
Link: 3.1.10
PANDARUS
Friend, know me better; I am the Lord Pandarus.
Link: 3.1.11
Servant
I hope I shall know your honour better.
Link: 3.1.12
PANDARUS
I do desire it.
Link: 3.1.13
Servant
You are in the state of grace.
Link: 3.1.14
PANDARUS
Grace! not so, friend: honour and lordship are my titles.
Link: 3.1.15
What music is this?
Link: 3.1.16
Servant
I do but partly know, sir: it is music in parts.
Link: 3.1.17
PANDARUS
Know you the musicians?
Link: 3.1.18
Servant
Wholly, sir.
Link: 3.1.19
PANDARUS
Who play they to?
Link: 3.1.20
Servant
To the hearers, sir.
Link: 3.1.21
PANDARUS
At whose pleasure, friend
Link: 3.1.22
Servant
At mine, sir, and theirs that love music.
Link: 3.1.23
PANDARUS
Command, I mean, friend.
Link: 3.1.24
Servant
Who shall I command, sir?
Link: 3.1.25
PANDARUS
Friend, we understand not one another: I am too
Link: 3.1.26
courtly and thou art too cunning. At whose request
Link: 3.1.27
do these men play?
Link: 3.1.28
Servant
That's to 't indeed, sir: marry, sir, at the request
Link: 3.1.29
of Paris my lord, who's there in person; with him,
Link: 3.1.30
the mortal Venus, the heart-blood of beauty, love's
Link: 3.1.31
invisible soul,--
Link: 3.1.32
PANDARUS
Who, my cousin Cressida?
Link: 3.1.33
Servant
No, sir, Helen: could you not find out that by her
Link: 3.1.34
attributes?
Link: 3.1.35
PANDARUS
It should seem, fellow, that thou hast not seen the
Link: 3.1.36
Lady Cressida. I come to speak with Paris from the
Link: 3.1.37
Prince Troilus: I will make a complimental assault
Link: 3.1.38
upon him, for my business seethes.
Link: 3.1.39
Servant
Sodden business! there's a stewed phrase indeed!
Link: 3.1.40
Enter PARIS and HELEN, attended
PANDARUS
Fair be to you, my lord, and to all this fair
Link: 3.1.41
company! fair desires, in all fair measure,
Link: 3.1.42
fairly guide them! especially to you, fair queen!
Link: 3.1.43
fair thoughts be your fair pillow!
Link: 3.1.44
HELEN
Dear lord, you are full of fair words.
Link: 3.1.45
PANDARUS
You speak your fair pleasure, sweet queen. Fair
Link: 3.1.46
prince, here is good broken music.
Link: 3.1.47
PARIS
You have broke it, cousin: and, by my life, you
Link: 3.1.48
shall make it whole again; you shall piece it out
Link: 3.1.49
with a piece of your performance. Nell, he is full
Link: 3.1.50
of harmony.
Link: 3.1.51
PANDARUS
Truly, lady, no.
Link: 3.1.52
HELEN
O, sir,--
Link: 3.1.53
PANDARUS
Rude, in sooth; in good sooth, very rude.
Link: 3.1.54
PARIS
Well said, my lord! well, you say so in fits.
Link: 3.1.55
PANDARUS
I have business to my lord, dear queen. My lord,
Link: 3.1.56
will you vouchsafe me a word?
Link: 3.1.57
HELEN
Nay, this shall not hedge us out: we'll hear you
Link: 3.1.58
sing, certainly.
Link: 3.1.59
PANDARUS
Well, sweet queen. you are pleasant with me. But,
Link: 3.1.60
marry, thus, my lord: my dear lord and most esteemed
Link: 3.1.61
friend, your brother Troilus,--
Link: 3.1.62
HELEN
My Lord Pandarus; honey-sweet lord,--
Link: 3.1.63
PANDARUS
Go to, sweet queen, to go:--commends himself most
Link: 3.1.64
affectionately to you,--
Link: 3.1.65
HELEN
You shall not bob us out of our melody: if you do,
Link: 3.1.66
our melancholy upon your head!
Link: 3.1.67
PANDARUS
Sweet queen, sweet queen! that's a sweet queen, i' faith.
Link: 3.1.68
HELEN
And to make a sweet lady sad is a sour offence.
Link: 3.1.69
PANDARUS
Nay, that shall not serve your turn; that shall not,
Link: 3.1.70
in truth, la. Nay, I care not for such words; no,
Link: 3.1.71
no. And, my lord, he desires you, that if the king
Link: 3.1.72
call for him at supper, you will make his excuse.
Link: 3.1.73
HELEN
My Lord Pandarus,--
Link: 3.1.74
PANDARUS
What says my sweet queen, my very very sweet queen?
Link: 3.1.75
PARIS
What exploit's in hand? where sups he to-night?
Link: 3.1.76
HELEN
Nay, but, my lord,--
Link: 3.1.77
PANDARUS
What says my sweet queen? My cousin will fall out
Link: 3.1.78
with you. You must not know where he sups.
Link: 3.1.79
PARIS
I'll lay my life, with my disposer Cressida.
Link: 3.1.80
PANDARUS
No, no, no such matter; you are wide: come, your
Link: 3.1.81
disposer is sick.
Link: 3.1.82
PARIS
Well, I'll make excuse.
Link: 3.1.83
PANDARUS
Ay, good my lord. Why should you say Cressida? no,
Link: 3.1.84
your poor disposer's sick.
Link: 3.1.85
PARIS
I spy.
Link: 3.1.86
PANDARUS
You spy! what do you spy? Come, give me an
Link: 3.1.87
instrument. Now, sweet queen.
Link: 3.1.88
HELEN
Why, this is kindly done.
Link: 3.1.89
PANDARUS
My niece is horribly in love with a thing you have,
Link: 3.1.90
sweet queen.
Link: 3.1.91
HELEN
She shall have it, my lord, if it be not my lord Paris.
Link: 3.1.92
PANDARUS
He! no, she'll none of him; they two are twain.
Link: 3.1.93
HELEN
Falling in, after falling out, may make them three.
Link: 3.1.94
PANDARUS
Come, come, I'll hear no more of this; I'll sing
Link: 3.1.95
you a song now.
Link: 3.1.96
HELEN
Ay, ay, prithee now. By my troth, sweet lord, thou
Link: 3.1.97
hast a fine forehead.
Link: 3.1.98
PANDARUS
Ay, you may, you may.
Link: 3.1.99
HELEN
Let thy song be love: this love will undo us all.
Link: 3.1.100
O Cupid, Cupid, Cupid!
Link: 3.1.101
PANDARUS
Love! ay, that it shall, i' faith.
Link: 3.1.102
PARIS
Ay, good now, love, love, nothing but love.
Link: 3.1.103
PANDARUS
In good troth, it begins so.
Link: 3.1.104
Love, love, nothing but love, still more!
Link: 3.1.105
For, O, love's bow
Link: 3.1.106
Shoots buck and doe:
Link: 3.1.107
The shaft confounds,
Link: 3.1.108
Not that it wounds,
Link: 3.1.109
But tickles still the sore.
Link: 3.1.110
These lovers cry Oh! oh! they die!
Link: 3.1.111
Yet that which seems the wound to kill,
Link: 3.1.112
Doth turn oh! oh! to ha! ha! he!
Link: 3.1.113
So dying love lives still:
Link: 3.1.114
Oh! oh! a while, but ha! ha! ha!
Link: 3.1.115
Oh! oh! groans out for ha! ha! ha!
Link: 3.1.116
Heigh-ho!
Link: 3.1.117
HELEN
In love, i' faith, to the very tip of the nose.
Link: 3.1.118
PARIS
He eats nothing but doves, love, and that breeds hot
Link: 3.1.119
blood, and hot blood begets hot thoughts, and hot
Link: 3.1.120
thoughts beget hot deeds, and hot deeds is love.
Link: 3.1.121
PANDARUS
Is this the generation of love? hot blood, hot
Link: 3.1.122
thoughts, and hot deeds? Why, they are vipers:
Link: 3.1.123
is love a generation of vipers? Sweet lord, who's
Link: 3.1.124
a-field to-day?
Link: 3.1.125
PARIS
Hector, Deiphobus, Helenus, Antenor, and all the
Link: 3.1.126
gallantry of Troy: I would fain have armed to-day,
Link: 3.1.127
but my Nell would not have it so. How chance my
Link: 3.1.128
brother Troilus went not?
Link: 3.1.129
HELEN
He hangs the lip at something: you know all, Lord Pandarus.
Link: 3.1.130
PANDARUS
Not I, honey-sweet queen. I long to hear how they
Link: 3.1.131
sped to-day. You'll remember your brother's excuse?
Link: 3.1.132
PARIS
To a hair.
Link: 3.1.133
PANDARUS
Farewell, sweet queen.
Link: 3.1.134
HELEN
Commend me to your niece.
Link: 3.1.135
PANDARUS
I will, sweet queen.
Link: 3.1.136
Exit
A retreat sounded
PARIS
They're come from field: let us to Priam's hall,
Link: 3.1.137
To greet the warriors. Sweet Helen, I must woo you
Link: 3.1.138
To help unarm our Hector: his stubborn buckles,
Link: 3.1.139
With these your white enchanting fingers touch'd,
Link: 3.1.140
Shall more obey than to the edge of steel
Link: 3.1.141
Or force of Greekish sinews; you shall do more
Link: 3.1.142
Than all the island kings,--disarm great Hector.
Link: 3.1.143
HELEN
'Twill make us proud to be his servant, Paris;
Link: 3.1.144
Yea, what he shall receive of us in duty
Link: 3.1.145
Gives us more palm in beauty than we have,
Link: 3.1.146
Yea, overshines ourself.
Link: 3.1.147
PARIS
Sweet, above thought I love thee.
Link: 3.1.148
Exeunt
SCENE II. The same. Pandarus' orchard.
Scene 2 of Act 3 begins with the Greek leaders discussing their plans for the war against Troy. The discussion soon turns to the topic of Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greeks, who has refused to fight for some time. They decide to send Ajax, the second greatest warrior, to try and convince Achilles to return to battle. Meanwhile, Troilus, a Trojan prince who is in love with Cressida, meets with his friend Pandarus, who is Cressida's uncle. Troilus is worried that Cressida is no longer faithful to him, and asks Pandarus to arrange a meeting between them. Pandarus agrees to do so, and sets up a plan to bring them together. Later, Cressida meets with Diomedes, a Greek warrior who has been taken prisoner by the Trojans. Diomedes flirts with Cressida, who is initially unresponsive, but eventually begins to return his affections. When Pandarus arrives to bring her to Troilus, she agrees to go, but also promises to meet with Diomedes again soon. Overall, Scene 2 of Act 3 sets up the conflicts and relationships that will drive the rest of the play. The Greeks are struggling to defeat Troy, while Troilus and Cressida's relationship is threatened by both external and internal forces. The scene also highlights the tension between the Trojans and the Greeks, as they each try to gain the upper hand in the war.
Enter PANDARUS and Troilus's Boy, meeting
PANDARUS
How now! where's thy master? at my cousin
Link: 3.2.1
Cressida's?
Link: 3.2.2
Boy
No, sir; he stays for you to conduct him thither.
Link: 3.2.3
PANDARUS
O, here he comes.
Link: 3.2.4
How now, how now!
Link: 3.2.5
TROILUS
Sirrah, walk off.
Link: 3.2.6
Exit Boy
PANDARUS
Have you seen my cousin?
Link: 3.2.7
TROILUS
No, Pandarus: I stalk about her door,
Link: 3.2.8
Like a strange soul upon the Stygian banks
Link: 3.2.9
Staying for waftage. O, be thou my Charon,
Link: 3.2.10
And give me swift transportance to those fields
Link: 3.2.11
Where I may wallow in the lily-beds
Link: 3.2.12
Proposed for the deserver! O gentle Pandarus,
Link: 3.2.13
From Cupid's shoulder pluck his painted wings
Link: 3.2.14
And fly with me to Cressid!
Link: 3.2.15
PANDARUS
Walk here i' the orchard, I'll bring her straight.
Link: 3.2.16
Exit
TROILUS
I am giddy; expectation whirls me round.
Link: 3.2.17
The imaginary relish is so sweet
Link: 3.2.18
That it enchants my sense: what will it be,
Link: 3.2.19
When that the watery palate tastes indeed
Link: 3.2.20
Love's thrice repured nectar? death, I fear me,
Link: 3.2.21
Swooning destruction, or some joy too fine,
Link: 3.2.22
Too subtle-potent, tuned too sharp in sweetness,
Link: 3.2.23
For the capacity of my ruder powers:
Link: 3.2.24
I fear it much; and I do fear besides,
Link: 3.2.25
That I shall lose distinction in my joys;
Link: 3.2.26
As doth a battle, when they charge on heaps
Link: 3.2.27
The enemy flying.
Link: 3.2.28
Re-enter PANDARUS
PANDARUS
She's making her ready, she'll come straight: you
Link: 3.2.29
must be witty now. She does so blush, and fetches
Link: 3.2.30
her wind so short, as if she were frayed with a
Link: 3.2.31
sprite: I'll fetch her. It is the prettiest
Link: 3.2.32
villain: she fetches her breath as short as a
Link: 3.2.33
new-ta'en sparrow.
Link: 3.2.34
Exit
TROILUS
Even such a passion doth embrace my bosom:
Link: 3.2.35
My heart beats thicker than a feverous pulse;
Link: 3.2.36
And all my powers do their bestowing lose,
Link: 3.2.37
Like vassalage at unawares encountering
Link: 3.2.38
The eye of majesty.
Link: 3.2.39
Re-enter PANDARUS with CRESSIDA
PANDARUS
Come, come, what need you blush? shame's a baby.
Link: 3.2.40
Here she is now: swear the oaths now to her that
Link: 3.2.41
you have sworn to me. What, are you gone again?
Link: 3.2.42
you must be watched ere you be made tame, must you?
Link: 3.2.43
Come your ways, come your ways; an you draw backward,
Link: 3.2.44
we'll put you i' the fills. Why do you not speak to
Link: 3.2.45
her? Come, draw this curtain, and let's see your
Link: 3.2.46
picture. Alas the day, how loath you are to offend
Link: 3.2.47
daylight! an 'twere dark, you'ld close sooner.
Link: 3.2.48
So, so; rub on, and kiss the mistress. How now!
Link: 3.2.49
a kiss in fee-farm! build there, carpenter; the air
Link: 3.2.50
is sweet. Nay, you shall fight your hearts out ere
Link: 3.2.51
I part you. The falcon as the tercel, for all the
Link: 3.2.52
ducks i' the river: go to, go to.
Link: 3.2.53
TROILUS
You have bereft me of all words, lady.
Link: 3.2.54
PANDARUS
Words pay no debts, give her deeds: but she'll
Link: 3.2.55
bereave you o' the deeds too, if she call your
Link: 3.2.56
activity in question. What, billing again? Here's
Link: 3.2.57
'In witness whereof the parties interchangeably'--
Link: 3.2.58
Come in, come in: I'll go get a fire.
Link: 3.2.59
Exit
CRESSIDA
Will you walk in, my lord?
Link: 3.2.60
TROILUS
O Cressida, how often have I wished me thus!
Link: 3.2.61
CRESSIDA
Wished, my lord! The gods grant,--O my lord!
Link: 3.2.62
TROILUS
What should they grant? what makes this pretty
Link: 3.2.63
abruption? What too curious dreg espies my sweet
Link: 3.2.64
lady in the fountain of our love?
Link: 3.2.65
CRESSIDA
More dregs than water, if my fears have eyes.
Link: 3.2.66
TROILUS
Fears make devils of cherubims; they never see truly.
Link: 3.2.67
CRESSIDA
Blind fear, that seeing reason leads, finds safer
Link: 3.2.68
footing than blind reason stumbling without fear: to
Link: 3.2.69
fear the worst oft cures the worse.
Link: 3.2.70
TROILUS
O, let my lady apprehend no fear: in all Cupid's
Link: 3.2.71
pageant there is presented no monster.
Link: 3.2.72
CRESSIDA
Nor nothing monstrous neither?
Link: 3.2.73
TROILUS
Nothing, but our undertakings; when we vow to weep
Link: 3.2.74
seas, live in fire, eat rocks, tame tigers; thinking
Link: 3.2.75
it harder for our mistress to devise imposition
Link: 3.2.76
enough than for us to undergo any difficulty imposed.
Link: 3.2.77
This is the monstruosity in love, lady, that the will
Link: 3.2.78
is infinite and the execution confined, that the
Link: 3.2.79
desire is boundless and the act a slave to limit.
Link: 3.2.80
CRESSIDA
They say all lovers swear more performance than they
Link: 3.2.81
are able and yet reserve an ability that they never
Link: 3.2.82
perform, vowing more than the perfection of ten and
Link: 3.2.83
discharging less than the tenth part of one. They
Link: 3.2.84
that have the voice of lions and the act of hares,
Link: 3.2.85
are they not monsters?
Link: 3.2.86
TROILUS
Are there such? such are not we: praise us as we
Link: 3.2.87
are tasted, allow us as we prove; our head shall go
Link: 3.2.88
bare till merit crown it: no perfection in reversion
Link: 3.2.89
shall have a praise in present: we will not name
Link: 3.2.90
desert before his birth, and, being born, his addition
Link: 3.2.91
shall be humble. Few words to fair faith: Troilus
Link: 3.2.92
shall be such to Cressid as what envy can say worst
Link: 3.2.93
shall be a mock for his truth, and what truth can
Link: 3.2.94
speak truest not truer than Troilus.
Link: 3.2.95
CRESSIDA
Will you walk in, my lord?
Link: 3.2.96
Re-enter PANDARUS
PANDARUS
What, blushing still? have you not done talking yet?
Link: 3.2.97
CRESSIDA
Well, uncle, what folly I commit, I dedicate to you.
Link: 3.2.98
PANDARUS
I thank you for that: if my lord get a boy of you,
Link: 3.2.99
you'll give him me. Be true to my lord: if he
Link: 3.2.100
flinch, chide me for it.
Link: 3.2.101
TROILUS
You know now your hostages; your uncle's word and my
Link: 3.2.102
firm faith.
Link: 3.2.103
PANDARUS
Nay, I'll give my word for her too: our kindred,
Link: 3.2.104
though they be long ere they are wooed, they are
Link: 3.2.105
constant being won: they are burs, I can tell you;
Link: 3.2.106
they'll stick where they are thrown.
Link: 3.2.107
CRESSIDA
Boldness comes to me now, and brings me heart.
Link: 3.2.108
Prince Troilus, I have loved you night and day
Link: 3.2.109
For many weary months.
Link: 3.2.110
TROILUS
Why was my Cressid then so hard to win?
Link: 3.2.111
CRESSIDA
Hard to seem won: but I was won, my lord,
Link: 3.2.112
With the first glance that ever--pardon me--
Link: 3.2.113
If I confess much, you will play the tyrant.
Link: 3.2.114
I love you now; but not, till now, so much
Link: 3.2.115
But I might master it: in faith, I lie;
Link: 3.2.116
My thoughts were like unbridled children, grown
Link: 3.2.117
Too headstrong for their mother. See, we fools!
Link: 3.2.118
Why have I blabb'd? who shall be true to us,
Link: 3.2.119
When we are so unsecret to ourselves?
Link: 3.2.120
But, though I loved you well, I woo'd you not;
Link: 3.2.121
And yet, good faith, I wish'd myself a man,
Link: 3.2.122
Or that we women had men's privilege
Link: 3.2.123
Of speaking first. Sweet, bid me hold my tongue,
Link: 3.2.124
For in this rapture I shall surely speak
Link: 3.2.125
The thing I shall repent. See, see, your silence,
Link: 3.2.126
Cunning in dumbness, from my weakness draws
Link: 3.2.127
My very soul of counsel! stop my mouth.
Link: 3.2.128
TROILUS
And shall, albeit sweet music issues thence.
Link: 3.2.129
PANDARUS
Pretty, i' faith.
Link: 3.2.130
CRESSIDA
My lord, I do beseech you, pardon me;
Link: 3.2.131
'Twas not my purpose, thus to beg a kiss:
Link: 3.2.132
I am ashamed. O heavens! what have I done?
Link: 3.2.133
For this time will I take my leave, my lord.
Link: 3.2.134
TROILUS
Your leave, sweet Cressid!
Link: 3.2.135
PANDARUS
Leave! an you take leave till to-morrow morning,--
Link: 3.2.136
CRESSIDA
Pray you, content you.
Link: 3.2.137
TROILUS
What offends you, lady?
Link: 3.2.138
CRESSIDA
Sir, mine own company.
Link: 3.2.139
TROILUS
You cannot shun Yourself.
Link: 3.2.140
CRESSIDA
Let me go and try:
Link: 3.2.141
I have a kind of self resides with you;
Link: 3.2.142
But an unkind self, that itself will leave,
Link: 3.2.143
To be another's fool. I would be gone:
Link: 3.2.144
Where is my wit? I know not what I speak.
Link: 3.2.145
TROILUS
Well know they what they speak that speak so wisely.
Link: 3.2.146
CRESSIDA
Perchance, my lord, I show more craft than love;
Link: 3.2.147
And fell so roundly to a large confession,
Link: 3.2.148
To angle for your thoughts: but you are wise,
Link: 3.2.149
Or else you love not, for to be wise and love
Link: 3.2.150
Exceeds man's might; that dwells with gods above.
Link: 3.2.151
TROILUS
O that I thought it could be in a woman--
Link: 3.2.152
As, if it can, I will presume in you--
Link: 3.2.153
To feed for aye her ramp and flames of love;
Link: 3.2.154
To keep her constancy in plight and youth,
Link: 3.2.155
Outliving beauty's outward, with a mind
Link: 3.2.156
That doth renew swifter than blood decays!
Link: 3.2.157
Or that persuasion could but thus convince me,
Link: 3.2.158
That my integrity and truth to you
Link: 3.2.159
Might be affronted with the match and weight
Link: 3.2.160
Of such a winnow'd purity in love;
Link: 3.2.161
How were I then uplifted! but, alas!
Link: 3.2.162
I am as true as truth's simplicity
Link: 3.2.163
And simpler than the infancy of truth.
Link: 3.2.164
CRESSIDA
In that I'll war with you.
Link: 3.2.165
TROILUS
O virtuous fight,
Link: 3.2.166
When right with right wars who shall be most right!
Link: 3.2.167
True swains in love shall in the world to come
Link: 3.2.168
Approve their truths by Troilus: when their rhymes,
Link: 3.2.169
Full of protest, of oath and big compare,
Link: 3.2.170
Want similes, truth tired with iteration,
Link: 3.2.171
As true as steel, as plantage to the moon,
Link: 3.2.172
As sun to day, as turtle to her mate,
Link: 3.2.173
As iron to adamant, as earth to the centre,
Link: 3.2.174
Yet, after all comparisons of truth,
Link: 3.2.175
As truth's authentic author to be cited,
Link: 3.2.176
'As true as Troilus' shall crown up the verse,
Link: 3.2.177
And sanctify the numbers.
Link: 3.2.178
CRESSIDA
Prophet may you be!
Link: 3.2.179
If I be false, or swerve a hair from truth,
Link: 3.2.180
When time is old and hath forgot itself,
Link: 3.2.181
When waterdrops have worn the stones of Troy,
Link: 3.2.182
And blind oblivion swallow'd cities up,
Link: 3.2.183
And mighty states characterless are grated
Link: 3.2.184
To dusty nothing, yet let memory,
Link: 3.2.185
From false to false, among false maids in love,
Link: 3.2.186
Upbraid my falsehood! when they've said 'as false
Link: 3.2.187
As air, as water, wind, or sandy earth,
Link: 3.2.188
As fox to lamb, as wolf to heifer's calf,
Link: 3.2.189
Pard to the hind, or stepdame to her son,'
Link: 3.2.190
'Yea,' let them say, to stick the heart of falsehood,
Link: 3.2.191
'As false as Cressid.'
Link: 3.2.192
PANDARUS
Go to, a bargain made: seal it, seal it; I'll be the
Link: 3.2.193
witness. Here I hold your hand, here my cousin's.
Link: 3.2.194
If ever you prove false one to another, since I have
Link: 3.2.195
taken such pains to bring you together, let all
Link: 3.2.196
pitiful goers-between be called to the world's end
Link: 3.2.197
after my name; call them all Pandars; let all
Link: 3.2.198
constant men be Troiluses, all false women Cressids,
Link: 3.2.199
and all brokers-between Pandars! say, amen.
Link: 3.2.200
TROILUS
Amen.
Link: 3.2.201
CRESSIDA
Amen.
Link: 3.2.202
PANDARUS
Amen. Whereupon I will show you a chamber with a
Link: 3.2.203
bed; which bed, because it shall not speak of your
Link: 3.2.204
pretty encounters, press it to death: away!
Link: 3.2.205
And Cupid grant all tongue-tied maidens here
Link: 3.2.206
Bed, chamber, Pandar to provide this gear!
Link: 3.2.207
Exeunt
SCENE III. The Grecian camp. Before Achilles' tent.
Scene 3 of Act 3 of Troilus and Cressida takes place in the Greek camp during the Trojan War. The Greek leaders are discussing their strategy for the war, but their conversation is interrupted by Thersites, a deformed and bitter slave, who insults and mocks the leaders. Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army, tries to ignore Thersites and continue the discussion, but Achilles, the greatest warrior among the Greeks, becomes angry and threatens to kill Thersites. Ulysses, a cunning and wise strategist, intervenes and convinces Achilles to let Thersites live, saying that killing him would only make him a martyr and inspire others to rebel against the Greeks. Instead, Ulysses suggests that they use Thersites' bitter words to motivate the soldiers and unite them in their fight against the Trojans. The conversation then turns to the Trojan prince Hector, who has been challenging the Greeks to single combat. Achilles, who is eager for a chance to prove himself, offers to fight Hector. However, Ulysses warns Achilles that Hector is a skilled warrior and that defeating him will not be as easy as he thinks. The scene ends with the Greek leaders agreeing to Ulysses' plan to use Thersites' insults as a rallying cry for the soldiers, and Achilles preparing to face Hector in battle.
Enter AGAMEMNON, ULYSSES, DIOMEDES, NESTOR, AJAX, MENELAUS, and CALCHAS
CALCHAS
Now, princes, for the service I have done you,
Link: 3.3.1
The advantage of the time prompts me aloud
Link: 3.3.2
To call for recompense. Appear it to your mind
Link: 3.3.3
That, through the sight I bear in things to love,
Link: 3.3.4
I have abandon'd Troy, left my possession,
Link: 3.3.5
Incurr'd a traitor's name; exposed myself,
Link: 3.3.6
From certain and possess'd conveniences,
Link: 3.3.7
To doubtful fortunes; sequestering from me all
Link: 3.3.8
That time, acquaintance, custom and condition
Link: 3.3.9
Made tame and most familiar to my nature,
Link: 3.3.10
And here, to do you service, am become
Link: 3.3.11
As new into the world, strange, unacquainted:
Link: 3.3.12
I do beseech you, as in way of taste,
Link: 3.3.13
To give me now a little benefit,
Link: 3.3.14
Out of those many register'd in promise,
Link: 3.3.15
Which, you say, live to come in my behalf.
Link: 3.3.16
AGAMEMNON
What wouldst thou of us, Trojan? make demand.
Link: 3.3.17
CALCHAS
You have a Trojan prisoner, call'd Antenor,
Link: 3.3.18
Yesterday took: Troy holds him very dear.
Link: 3.3.19
Oft have you--often have you thanks therefore--
Link: 3.3.20
Desired my Cressid in right great exchange,
Link: 3.3.21
Whom Troy hath still denied: but this Antenor,
Link: 3.3.22
I know, is such a wrest in their affairs
Link: 3.3.23
That their negotiations all must slack,
Link: 3.3.24
Wanting his manage; and they will almost
Link: 3.3.25
Give us a prince of blood, a son of Priam,
Link: 3.3.26
In change of him: let him be sent, great princes,
Link: 3.3.27
And he shall buy my daughter; and her presence
Link: 3.3.28
Shall quite strike off all service I have done,
Link: 3.3.29
In most accepted pain.
Link: 3.3.30
AGAMEMNON
Let Diomedes bear him,
Link: 3.3.31
And bring us Cressid hither: Calchas shall have
Link: 3.3.32
What he requests of us. Good Diomed,
Link: 3.3.33
Furnish you fairly for this interchange:
Link: 3.3.34
Withal bring word if Hector will to-morrow
Link: 3.3.35
Be answer'd in his challenge: Ajax is ready.
Link: 3.3.36
DIOMEDES
This shall I undertake; and 'tis a burden
Link: 3.3.37
Which I am proud to bear.
Link: 3.3.38
Exeunt DIOMEDES and CALCHAS
Enter ACHILLES and PATROCLUS, before their tent
ULYSSES
Achilles stands i' the entrance of his tent:
Link: 3.3.39
Please it our general to pass strangely by him,
Link: 3.3.40
As if he were forgot; and, princes all,
Link: 3.3.41
Lay negligent and loose regard upon him:
Link: 3.3.42
I will come last. 'Tis like he'll question me
Link: 3.3.43
Why such unplausive eyes are bent on him:
Link: 3.3.44
If so, I have derision medicinable,
Link: 3.3.45
To use between your strangeness and his pride,
Link: 3.3.46
Which his own will shall have desire to drink:
Link: 3.3.47
It may be good: pride hath no other glass
Link: 3.3.48
To show itself but pride, for supple knees
Link: 3.3.49
Feed arrogance and are the proud man's fees.
Link: 3.3.50
AGAMEMNON
We'll execute your purpose, and put on
Link: 3.3.51
A form of strangeness as we pass along:
Link: 3.3.52
So do each lord, and either greet him not,
Link: 3.3.53
Or else disdainfully, which shall shake him more
Link: 3.3.54
Than if not look'd on. I will lead the way.
Link: 3.3.55
ACHILLES
What, comes the general to speak with me?
Link: 3.3.56
You know my mind, I'll fight no more 'gainst Troy.
Link: 3.3.57
AGAMEMNON
What says Achilles? would he aught with us?
Link: 3.3.58
NESTOR
Would you, my lord, aught with the general?
Link: 3.3.59
ACHILLES
No.
Link: 3.3.60
NESTOR
Nothing, my lord.
Link: 3.3.61
AGAMEMNON
The better.
Link: 3.3.62
Exeunt AGAMEMNON and NESTOR
ACHILLES
Good day, good day.
Link: 3.3.63
MENELAUS
How do you? how do you?
Link: 3.3.64
Exit
ACHILLES
What, does the cuckold scorn me?
Link: 3.3.65
AJAX
How now, Patroclus!
Link: 3.3.66
ACHILLES
Good morrow, Ajax.
Link: 3.3.67
AJAX
Ha?
Link: 3.3.68
ACHILLES
Good morrow.
Link: 3.3.69
AJAX
Ay, and good next day too.
Link: 3.3.70
Exit
ACHILLES
What mean these fellows? Know they not Achilles?
Link: 3.3.71
PATROCLUS
They pass by strangely: they were used to bend
Link: 3.3.72
To send their smiles before them to Achilles;
Link: 3.3.73
To come as humbly as they used to creep
Link: 3.3.74
To holy altars.
Link: 3.3.75
ACHILLES
What, am I poor of late?
Link: 3.3.76
'Tis certain, greatness, once fall'n out with fortune,
Link: 3.3.77
Must fall out with men too: what the declined is
Link: 3.3.78
He shall as soon read in the eyes of others
Link: 3.3.79
As feel in his own fall; for men, like butterflies,
Link: 3.3.80
Show not their mealy wings but to the summer,
Link: 3.3.81
And not a man, for being simply man,
Link: 3.3.82
Hath any honour, but honour for those honours
Link: 3.3.83
That are without him, as place, riches, favour,
Link: 3.3.84
Prizes of accident as oft as merit:
Link: 3.3.85
Which when they fall, as being slippery standers,
Link: 3.3.86
The love that lean'd on them as slippery too,
Link: 3.3.87
Do one pluck down another and together
Link: 3.3.88
Die in the fall. But 'tis not so with me:
Link: 3.3.89
Fortune and I are friends: I do enjoy
Link: 3.3.90
At ample point all that I did possess,
Link: 3.3.91
Save these men's looks; who do, methinks, find out
Link: 3.3.92
Something not worth in me such rich beholding
Link: 3.3.93
As they have often given. Here is Ulysses;
Link: 3.3.94
I'll interrupt his reading.
Link: 3.3.95
How now Ulysses!
Link: 3.3.96
ULYSSES
Now, great Thetis' son!
Link: 3.3.97
ACHILLES
What are you reading?
Link: 3.3.98
ULYSSES
A strange fellow here
Link: 3.3.99
Writes me: 'That man, how dearly ever parted,
Link: 3.3.100
How much in having, or without or in,
Link: 3.3.101
Cannot make boast to have that which he hath,
Link: 3.3.102
Nor feels not what he owes, but by reflection;
Link: 3.3.103
As when his virtues shining upon others
Link: 3.3.104
Heat them and they retort that heat again
Link: 3.3.105
To the first giver.'
Link: 3.3.106
ACHILLES
This is not strange, Ulysses.
Link: 3.3.107
The beauty that is borne here in the face
Link: 3.3.108
The bearer knows not, but commends itself
Link: 3.3.109
To others' eyes; nor doth the eye itself,
Link: 3.3.110
That most pure spirit of sense, behold itself,
Link: 3.3.111
Not going from itself; but eye to eye opposed
Link: 3.3.112
Salutes each other with each other's form;
Link: 3.3.113
For speculation turns not to itself,
Link: 3.3.114
Till it hath travell'd and is mirror'd there
Link: 3.3.115
Where it may see itself. This is not strange at all.
Link: 3.3.116
ULYSSES
I do not strain at the position,--
Link: 3.3.117
It is familiar,--but at the author's drift;
Link: 3.3.118
Who, in his circumstance, expressly proves
Link: 3.3.119
That no man is the lord of any thing,
Link: 3.3.120
Though in and of him there be much consisting,
Link: 3.3.121
Till he communicate his parts to others:
Link: 3.3.122
Nor doth he of himself know them for aught
Link: 3.3.123
Till he behold them form'd in the applause
Link: 3.3.124
Where they're extended; who, like an arch,
Link: 3.3.125
reverberates
Link: 3.3.126
The voice again, or, like a gate of steel
Link: 3.3.127
Fronting the sun, receives and renders back
Link: 3.3.128
His figure and his heat. I was much wrapt in this;
Link: 3.3.129
And apprehended here immediately
Link: 3.3.130
The unknown Ajax.
Link: 3.3.131
Heavens, what a man is there! a very horse,
Link: 3.3.132
That has he knows not what. Nature, what things there are
Link: 3.3.133
Most abject in regard and dear in use!
Link: 3.3.134
What things again most dear in the esteem
Link: 3.3.135
And poor in worth! Now shall we see to-morrow--
Link: 3.3.136
An act that very chance doth throw upon him--
Link: 3.3.137
Ajax renown'd. O heavens, what some men do,
Link: 3.3.138
While some men leave to do!
Link: 3.3.139
How some men creep in skittish fortune's hall,
Link: 3.3.140
Whiles others play the idiots in her eyes!
Link: 3.3.141
How one man eats into another's pride,
Link: 3.3.142
While pride is fasting in his wantonness!
Link: 3.3.143
To see these Grecian lords!--why, even already
Link: 3.3.144
They clap the lubber Ajax on the shoulder,
Link: 3.3.145
As if his foot were on brave Hector's breast
Link: 3.3.146
And great Troy shrieking.
Link: 3.3.147
ACHILLES
I do believe it; for they pass'd by me
Link: 3.3.148
As misers do by beggars, neither gave to me
Link: 3.3.149
Good word nor look: what, are my deeds forgot?
Link: 3.3.150
ULYSSES
Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back,
Link: 3.3.151
Wherein he puts alms for oblivion,
Link: 3.3.152
A great-sized monster of ingratitudes:
Link: 3.3.153
Those scraps are good deeds past; which are devour'd
Link: 3.3.154
As fast as they are made, forgot as soon
Link: 3.3.155
As done: perseverance, dear my lord,
Link: 3.3.156
Keeps honour bright: to have done is to hang
Link: 3.3.157
Quite out of fashion, like a rusty mail
Link: 3.3.158
In monumental mockery. Take the instant way;
Link: 3.3.159
For honour travels in a strait so narrow,
Link: 3.3.160
Where one but goes abreast: keep then the path;
Link: 3.3.161
For emulation hath a thousand sons
Link: 3.3.162
That one by one pursue: if you give way,
Link: 3.3.163
Or hedge aside from the direct forthright,
Link: 3.3.164
Like to an enter'd tide, they all rush by
Link: 3.3.165
And leave you hindmost;
Link: 3.3.166
Or like a gallant horse fall'n in first rank,
Link: 3.3.167
Lie there for pavement to the abject rear,
Link: 3.3.168
O'er-run and trampled on: then what they do in present,
Link: 3.3.169
Though less than yours in past, must o'ertop yours;
Link: 3.3.170
For time is like a fashionable host
Link: 3.3.171
That slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand,
Link: 3.3.172
And with his arms outstretch'd, as he would fly,
Link: 3.3.173
Grasps in the comer: welcome ever smiles,
Link: 3.3.174
And farewell goes out sighing. O, let not
Link: 3.3.175
virtue seek
Link: 3.3.176
Remuneration for the thing it was;
Link: 3.3.177
For beauty, wit,
Link: 3.3.178
High birth, vigour of bone, desert in service,
Link: 3.3.179
Love, friendship, charity, are subjects all
Link: 3.3.180
To envious and calumniating time.
Link: 3.3.181
One touch of nature makes the whole world kin,
Link: 3.3.182
That all with one consent praise new-born gawds,
Link: 3.3.183
Though they are made and moulded of things past,
Link: 3.3.184
And give to dust that is a little gilt
Link: 3.3.185
More laud than gilt o'er-dusted.
Link: 3.3.186
The present eye praises the present object.
Link: 3.3.187
Then marvel not, thou great and complete man,
Link: 3.3.188
That all the Greeks begin to worship Ajax;
Link: 3.3.189
Since things in motion sooner catch the eye
Link: 3.3.190
Than what not stirs. The cry went once on thee,
Link: 3.3.191
And still it might, and yet it may again,
Link: 3.3.192
If thou wouldst not entomb thyself alive
Link: 3.3.193
And case thy reputation in thy tent;
Link: 3.3.194
Whose glorious deeds, but in these fields of late,
Link: 3.3.195
Made emulous missions 'mongst the gods themselves
Link: 3.3.196
And drave great Mars to faction.
Link: 3.3.197
ACHILLES
Of this my privacy
Link: 3.3.198
I have strong reasons.
Link: 3.3.199
ULYSSES
But 'gainst your privacy
Link: 3.3.200
The reasons are more potent and heroical:
Link: 3.3.201
'Tis known, Achilles, that you are in love
Link: 3.3.202
With one of Priam's daughters.
Link: 3.3.203
ACHILLES
Ha! known!
Link: 3.3.204
ULYSSES
Is that a wonder?
Link: 3.3.205
The providence that's in a watchful state
Link: 3.3.206
Knows almost every grain of Plutus' gold,
Link: 3.3.207
Finds bottom in the uncomprehensive deeps,
Link: 3.3.208
Keeps place with thought and almost, like the gods,
Link: 3.3.209
Does thoughts unveil in their dumb cradles.
Link: 3.3.210
There is a mystery--with whom relation
Link: 3.3.211
Durst never meddle--in the soul of state;
Link: 3.3.212
Which hath an operation more divine
Link: 3.3.213
Than breath or pen can give expressure to:
Link: 3.3.214
All the commerce that you have had with Troy
Link: 3.3.215
As perfectly is ours as yours, my lord;
Link: 3.3.216
And better would it fit Achilles much
Link: 3.3.217
To throw down Hector than Polyxena:
Link: 3.3.218
But it must grieve young Pyrrhus now at home,
Link: 3.3.219
When fame shall in our islands sound her trump,
Link: 3.3.220
And all the Greekish girls shall tripping sing,
Link: 3.3.221
'Great Hector's sister did Achilles win,
Link: 3.3.222
But our great Ajax bravely beat down him.'
Link: 3.3.223
Farewell, my lord: I as your lover speak;
Link: 3.3.224
The fool slides o'er the ice that you should break.
Link: 3.3.225
Exit
PATROCLUS
To this effect, Achilles, have I moved you:
Link: 3.3.226
A woman impudent and mannish grown
Link: 3.3.227
Is not more loathed than an effeminate man
Link: 3.3.228
In time of action. I stand condemn'd for this;
Link: 3.3.229
They think my little stomach to the war
Link: 3.3.230
And your great love to me restrains you thus:
Link: 3.3.231
Sweet, rouse yourself; and the weak wanton Cupid
Link: 3.3.232
Shall from your neck unloose his amorous fold,
Link: 3.3.233
And, like a dew-drop from the lion's mane,
Link: 3.3.234
Be shook to air.
Link: 3.3.235
ACHILLES
Shall Ajax fight with Hector?
Link: 3.3.236
PATROCLUS
Ay, and perhaps receive much honour by him.
Link: 3.3.237
ACHILLES
I see my reputation is at stake
Link: 3.3.238
My fame is shrewdly gored.
Link: 3.3.239
PATROCLUS
O, then, beware;
Link: 3.3.240
Those wounds heal ill that men do give themselves:
Link: 3.3.241
Omission to do what is necessary
Link: 3.3.242
Seals a commission to a blank of danger;
Link: 3.3.243
And danger, like an ague, subtly taints
Link: 3.3.244
Even then when we sit idly in the sun.
Link: 3.3.245
ACHILLES
Go call Thersites hither, sweet Patroclus:
Link: 3.3.246
I'll send the fool to Ajax and desire him
Link: 3.3.247
To invite the Trojan lords after the combat
Link: 3.3.248
To see us here unarm'd: I have a woman's longing,
Link: 3.3.249
An appetite that I am sick withal,
Link: 3.3.250
To see great Hector in his weeds of peace,
Link: 3.3.251
To talk with him and to behold his visage,
Link: 3.3.252
Even to my full of view.
Link: 3.3.253
A labour saved!
Link: 3.3.254
THERSITES
A wonder!
Link: 3.3.255
ACHILLES
What?
Link: 3.3.256
THERSITES
Ajax goes up and down the field, asking for himself.
Link: 3.3.257
ACHILLES
How so?
Link: 3.3.258
THERSITES
He must fight singly to-morrow with Hector, and is so
Link: 3.3.259
prophetically proud of an heroical cudgelling that he
Link: 3.3.260
raves in saying nothing.
Link: 3.3.261
ACHILLES
How can that be?
Link: 3.3.262
THERSITES
Why, he stalks up and down like a peacock,--a stride
Link: 3.3.263
and a stand: ruminates like an hostess that hath no
Link: 3.3.264
arithmetic but her brain to set down her reckoning:
Link: 3.3.265
bites his lip with a politic regard, as who should
Link: 3.3.266
say 'There were wit in this head, an 'twould out;'
Link: 3.3.267
and so there is, but it lies as coldly in him as fire
Link: 3.3.268
in a flint, which will not show without knocking.
Link: 3.3.269
The man's undone forever; for if Hector break not his
Link: 3.3.270
neck i' the combat, he'll break 't himself in
Link: 3.3.271
vain-glory. He knows not me: I said 'Good morrow,
Link: 3.3.272
Ajax;' and he replies 'Thanks, Agamemnon.' What think
Link: 3.3.273
you of this man that takes me for the general? He's
Link: 3.3.274
grown a very land-fish, language-less, a monster.
Link: 3.3.275
A plague of opinion! a man may wear it on both
Link: 3.3.276
sides, like a leather jerkin.
Link: 3.3.277
ACHILLES
Thou must be my ambassador to him, Thersites.
Link: 3.3.278
THERSITES
Who, I? why, he'll answer nobody; he professes not
Link: 3.3.279
answering: speaking is for beggars; he wears his
Link: 3.3.280
tongue in's arms. I will put on his presence: let
Link: 3.3.281
Patroclus make demands to me, you shall see the
Link: 3.3.282
pageant of Ajax.
Link: 3.3.283
ACHILLES
To him, Patroclus; tell him I humbly desire the
Link: 3.3.284
valiant Ajax to invite the most valorous Hector
Link: 3.3.285
to come unarmed to my tent, and to procure
Link: 3.3.286
safe-conduct for his person of the magnanimous
Link: 3.3.287
and most illustrious six-or-seven-times-honoured
Link: 3.3.288
captain-general of the Grecian army, Agamemnon,
Link: 3.3.289
et cetera. Do this.
Link: 3.3.290
PATROCLUS
Jove bless great Ajax!
Link: 3.3.291
THERSITES
Hum!
Link: 3.3.292
PATROCLUS
I come from the worthy Achilles,--
Link: 3.3.293
THERSITES
Ha!
Link: 3.3.294
PATROCLUS
Who most humbly desires you to invite Hector to his tent,--
Link: 3.3.295
THERSITES
Hum!
Link: 3.3.296
PATROCLUS
And to procure safe-conduct from Agamemnon.
Link: 3.3.297
THERSITES
Agamemnon!
Link: 3.3.298
PATROCLUS
Ay, my lord.
Link: 3.3.299
THERSITES
Ha!
Link: 3.3.300
PATROCLUS
What say you to't?
Link: 3.3.301
THERSITES
God b' wi' you, with all my heart.
Link: 3.3.302
PATROCLUS
Your answer, sir.
Link: 3.3.303
THERSITES
If to-morrow be a fair day, by eleven o'clock it will
Link: 3.3.304
go one way or other: howsoever, he shall pay for me
Link: 3.3.305
ere he has me.
Link: 3.3.306
PATROCLUS
Your answer, sir.
Link: 3.3.307
THERSITES
Fare you well, with all my heart.
Link: 3.3.308
ACHILLES
Why, but he is not in this tune, is he?
Link: 3.3.309
THERSITES
No, but he's out o' tune thus. What music will be in
Link: 3.3.310
him when Hector has knocked out his brains, I know
Link: 3.3.311
not; but, I am sure, none, unless the fiddler Apollo
Link: 3.3.312
get his sinews to make catlings on.
Link: 3.3.313
ACHILLES
Come, thou shalt bear a letter to him straight.
Link: 3.3.314
THERSITES
Let me bear another to his horse; for that's the more
Link: 3.3.315
capable creature.
Link: 3.3.316
ACHILLES
My mind is troubled, like a fountain stirr'd;
Link: 3.3.317
And I myself see not the bottom of it.
Link: 3.3.318
Exeunt ACHILLES and PATROCLUS
THERSITES
Would the fountain of your mind were clear again,
Link: 3.3.319
that I might water an ass at it! I had rather be a
Link: 3.3.320
tick in a sheep than such a valiant ignorance.
Link: 3.3.321
Exit
Act IV
Act 4 of Troilus and Cressida begins with the Greek commanders discussing their plan to allow Achilles to return to battle. Meanwhile, Troilus is heartbroken over Cressida's apparent infidelity and vows to seek revenge.
Later, Pandarus arranges a meeting between Troilus and Cressida, during which Troilus accuses her of betrayal. Cressida denies the accusation, but Troilus remains unconvinced and leaves in anger.
The next day, the Trojans and Greeks meet on the battlefield, and Achilles kills Hector. After Hector's death, the Trojans are left without a leader, and the Greeks are able to gain the upper hand.
Meanwhile, Troilus is still consumed by anger and seeks revenge against Diomedes, the man he believes is responsible for Cressida's supposed infidelity. He challenges Diomedes to a duel, but ultimately fails and is left wounded.
In the end, the play leaves the audience with a sense of despair and disillusionment as the characters struggle with their own internal conflicts and the chaos of war.
SCENE I. Troy. A street.
Act 4, Scene 1 of Troilus and Cressida opens with the Greek camp in Troy. Achilles is upset and brooding because Agamemnon has taken his captive, Briseis. He speaks to his friend and companion, Patroclus, about his feelings of betrayal by Agamemnon and his lack of desire to fight in the war any longer. Meanwhile, in the Trojan camp, Hector is preparing for battle and says goodbye to his wife and son. He speaks with his brother, Troilus, and advises him to give up his love for Cressida and focus on the war. Troilus is heartbroken and angry at Hector's advice. The scene then switches back to the Greek camp, where Agamemnon and his advisors are discussing their battle strategy. They plan to send Ajax to fight Hector, but Ulysses suggests that they send Achilles instead. Agamemnon agrees, hoping to reconcile with Achilles and restore his fighting spirit. As the scene ends, the Trojan and Greek armies prepare for battle, with tensions high and emotions running rampant on both sides.
Enter, from one side, AENEAS, and Servant with a torch; from the other, PARIS, DEIPHOBUS, ANTENOR, DIOMEDES, and others, with torches
PARIS
See, ho! who is that there?
Link: 4.1.1
DEIPHOBUS
It is the Lord AEneas.
Link: 4.1.2
AENEAS
Is the prince there in person?
Link: 4.1.3
Had I so good occasion to lie long
Link: 4.1.4
As you, prince Paris, nothing but heavenly business
Link: 4.1.5
Should rob my bed-mate of my company.
Link: 4.1.6
DIOMEDES
That's my mind too. Good morrow, Lord AEneas.
Link: 4.1.7
PARIS
A valiant Greek, AEneas,--take his hand,--
Link: 4.1.8
Witness the process of your speech, wherein
Link: 4.1.9
You told how Diomed, a whole week by days,
Link: 4.1.10
Did haunt you in the field.
Link: 4.1.11
AENEAS
Health to you, valiant sir,
Link: 4.1.12
During all question of the gentle truce;
Link: 4.1.13
But when I meet you arm'd, as black defiance
Link: 4.1.14
As heart can think or courage execute.
Link: 4.1.15
DIOMEDES
The one and other Diomed embraces.
Link: 4.1.16
Our bloods are now in calm; and, so long, health!
Link: 4.1.17
But when contention and occasion meet,
Link: 4.1.18
By Jove, I'll play the hunter for thy life
Link: 4.1.19
With all my force, pursuit and policy.
Link: 4.1.20
AENEAS
And thou shalt hunt a lion, that will fly
Link: 4.1.21
With his face backward. In humane gentleness,
Link: 4.1.22
Welcome to Troy! now, by Anchises' life,
Link: 4.1.23
Welcome, indeed! By Venus' hand I swear,
Link: 4.1.24
No man alive can love in such a sort
Link: 4.1.25
The thing he means to kill more excellently.
Link: 4.1.26
DIOMEDES
We sympathize: Jove, let AEneas live,
Link: 4.1.27
If to my sword his fate be not the glory,
Link: 4.1.28
A thousand complete courses of the sun!
Link: 4.1.29
But, in mine emulous honour, let him die,
Link: 4.1.30
With every joint a wound, and that to-morrow!
Link: 4.1.31
AENEAS
We know each other well.
Link: 4.1.32
DIOMEDES
We do; and long to know each other worse.
Link: 4.1.33
PARIS
This is the most despiteful gentle greeting,
Link: 4.1.34
The noblest hateful love, that e'er I heard of.
Link: 4.1.35
What business, lord, so early?
Link: 4.1.36
AENEAS
I was sent for to the king; but why, I know not.
Link: 4.1.37
PARIS
His purpose meets you: 'twas to bring this Greek
Link: 4.1.38
To Calchas' house, and there to render him,
Link: 4.1.39
For the enfreed Antenor, the fair Cressid:
Link: 4.1.40
Let's have your company, or, if you please,
Link: 4.1.41
Haste there before us: I constantly do think--
Link: 4.1.42
Or rather, call my thought a certain knowledge--
Link: 4.1.43
My brother Troilus lodges there to-night:
Link: 4.1.44
Rouse him and give him note of our approach.
Link: 4.1.45
With the whole quality wherefore: I fear
Link: 4.1.46
We shall be much unwelcome.
Link: 4.1.47
AENEAS
That I assure you:
Link: 4.1.48
Troilus had rather Troy were borne to Greece
Link: 4.1.49
Than Cressid borne from Troy.
Link: 4.1.50
PARIS
There is no help;
Link: 4.1.51
The bitter disposition of the time
Link: 4.1.52
Will have it so. On, lord; we'll follow you.
Link: 4.1.53
AENEAS
Good morrow, all.
Link: 4.1.54
Exit with Servant
PARIS
And tell me, noble Diomed, faith, tell me true,
Link: 4.1.55
Even in the soul of sound good-fellowship,
Link: 4.1.56
Who, in your thoughts, merits fair Helen best,
Link: 4.1.57
Myself or Menelaus?
Link: 4.1.58
DIOMEDES
Both alike:
Link: 4.1.59
He merits well to have her, that doth seek her,
Link: 4.1.60
Not making any scruple of her soilure,
Link: 4.1.61
With such a hell of pain and world of charge,
Link: 4.1.62
And you as well to keep her, that defend her,
Link: 4.1.63
Not palating the taste of her dishonour,
Link: 4.1.64
With such a costly loss of wealth and friends:
Link: 4.1.65
He, like a puling cuckold, would drink up
Link: 4.1.66
The lees and dregs of a flat tamed piece;
Link: 4.1.67
You, like a lecher, out of whorish loins
Link: 4.1.68
Are pleased to breed out your inheritors:
Link: 4.1.69
Both merits poised, each weighs nor less nor more;
Link: 4.1.70
But he as he, the heavier for a whore.
Link: 4.1.71
PARIS
You are too bitter to your countrywoman.
Link: 4.1.72
DIOMEDES
She's bitter to her country: hear me, Paris:
Link: 4.1.73
For every false drop in her bawdy veins
Link: 4.1.74
A Grecian's life hath sunk; for every scruple
Link: 4.1.75
Of her contaminated carrion weight,
Link: 4.1.76
A Trojan hath been slain: since she could speak,
Link: 4.1.77
She hath not given so many good words breath
Link: 4.1.78
As for her Greeks and Trojans suffer'd death.
Link: 4.1.79
PARIS
Fair Diomed, you do as chapmen do,
Link: 4.1.80
Dispraise the thing that you desire to buy:
Link: 4.1.81
But we in silence hold this virtue well,
Link: 4.1.82
We'll but commend what we intend to sell.
Link: 4.1.83
Here lies our way.
Link: 4.1.84
Exeunt
SCENE II. The same. Court of Pandarus' house.
Scene 2 of Act 4 of Troilus and Cressida takes place in the Greek camp. Agamemnon, the Greek commander, is discussing with Ulysses, Nestor, and Diomedes about how to win the war against the Trojans. They are trying to come up with a plan to defeat Hector, the Trojan prince who has been causing them a lot of trouble. Ulysses suggests that they use Achilles, the greatest warrior among the Greeks, to fight Hector. However, Achilles has been refusing to fight because he is angry with Agamemnon. They decide to send Ajax, the second-best warrior, to try to convince Achilles to fight. Diomedes also offers to go with Ajax to help persuade Achilles. Meanwhile, Thersites, a vulgar and cowardly Greek soldier, arrives and starts insulting everyone. He even insults Achilles, who then appears and threatens to kill Thersites. Ulysses intervenes and convinces Achilles to calm down and listen to what Ajax and Diomedes have to say. Ajax and Diomedes arrive and plead with Achilles to fight. Ajax even offers to give Achilles his own armor, which is famous for being invincible. Achilles eventually agrees to fight Hector, but only if he can have his own armor back. Ulysses promises to convince Agamemnon to give Achilles his armor back. The scene ends with Achilles agreeing to fight and the Greeks feeling hopeful that they will finally be able to defeat the Trojans.
Enter TROILUS and CRESSIDA
TROILUS
Dear, trouble not yourself: the morn is cold.
Link: 4.2.1
CRESSIDA
Then, sweet my lord, I'll call mine uncle down;
Link: 4.2.2
He shall unbolt the gates.
Link: 4.2.3
TROILUS
Trouble him not;
Link: 4.2.4
To bed, to bed: sleep kill those pretty eyes,
Link: 4.2.5
And give as soft attachment to thy senses
Link: 4.2.6
As infants' empty of all thought!
Link: 4.2.7
CRESSIDA
Good morrow, then.
Link: 4.2.8
TROILUS
I prithee now, to bed.
Link: 4.2.9
CRESSIDA
Are you a-weary of me?
Link: 4.2.10
TROILUS
O Cressida! but that the busy day,
Link: 4.2.11
Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald crows,
Link: 4.2.12
And dreaming night will hide our joys no longer,
Link: 4.2.13
I would not from thee.
Link: 4.2.14
CRESSIDA
Night hath been too brief.
Link: 4.2.15
TROILUS
Beshrew the witch! with venomous wights she stays
Link: 4.2.16
As tediously as hell, but flies the grasps of love
Link: 4.2.17
With wings more momentary-swift than thought.
Link: 4.2.18
You will catch cold, and curse me.
Link: 4.2.19
CRESSIDA
Prithee, tarry:
Link: 4.2.20
You men will never tarry.
Link: 4.2.21
O foolish Cressid! I might have still held off,
Link: 4.2.22
And then you would have tarried. Hark!
Link: 4.2.23
there's one up.
Link: 4.2.24
PANDARUS
(Within) What, 's all the doors open here?
Link: 4.2.25
TROILUS
It is your uncle.
Link: 4.2.26
CRESSIDA
A pestilence on him! now will he be mocking:
Link: 4.2.27
I shall have such a life!
Link: 4.2.28
Enter PANDARUS
PANDARUS
How now, how now! how go maidenheads? Here, you
Link: 4.2.29
maid! where's my cousin Cressid?
Link: 4.2.30
CRESSIDA
Go hang yourself, you naughty mocking uncle!
Link: 4.2.31
You bring me to do, and then you flout me too.
Link: 4.2.32
PANDARUS
To do what? to do what? let her say
Link: 4.2.33
what: what have I brought you to do?
Link: 4.2.34
CRESSIDA
Come, come, beshrew your heart! you'll ne'er be good,
Link: 4.2.35
Nor suffer others.
Link: 4.2.36
PANDARUS
Ha! ha! Alas, poor wretch! ah, poor capocchia!
Link: 4.2.37
hast not slept to-night? would he not, a naughty
Link: 4.2.38
man, let it sleep? a bugbear take him!
Link: 4.2.39
CRESSIDA
Did not I tell you? Would he were knock'd i' the head!
Link: 4.2.40
Who's that at door? good uncle, go and see.
Link: 4.2.41
My lord, come you again into my chamber:
Link: 4.2.42
You smile and mock me, as if I meant naughtily.
Link: 4.2.43
TROILUS
Ha, ha!
Link: 4.2.44
CRESSIDA
Come, you are deceived, I think of no such thing.
Link: 4.2.45
How earnestly they knock! Pray you, come in:
Link: 4.2.46
I would not for half Troy have you seen here.
Link: 4.2.47
Exeunt TROILUS and CRESSIDA
PANDARUS
Who's there? what's the matter? will you beat
Link: 4.2.48
down the door? How now! what's the matter?
Link: 4.2.49
Enter AENEAS
AENEAS
Good morrow, lord, good morrow.
Link: 4.2.50
PANDARUS
Who's there? my Lord AEneas! By my troth,
Link: 4.2.51
I knew you not: what news with you so early?
Link: 4.2.52
AENEAS
Is not Prince Troilus here?
Link: 4.2.53
PANDARUS
Here! what should he do here?
Link: 4.2.54
AENEAS
Come, he is here, my lord; do not deny him:
Link: 4.2.55
It doth import him much to speak with me.
Link: 4.2.56
PANDARUS
Is he here, say you? 'tis more than I know, I'll
Link: 4.2.57
be sworn: for my own part, I came in late. What
Link: 4.2.58
should he do here?
Link: 4.2.59
AENEAS
Who!--nay, then: come, come, you'll do him wrong
Link: 4.2.60
ere you're ware: you'll be so true to him, to be
Link: 4.2.61
false to him: do not you know of him, but yet go
Link: 4.2.62
fetch him hither; go.
Link: 4.2.63
Re-enter TROILUS
TROILUS
How now! what's the matter?
Link: 4.2.64
AENEAS
My lord, I scarce have leisure to salute you,
Link: 4.2.65
My matter is so rash: there is at hand
Link: 4.2.66
Paris your brother, and Deiphobus,
Link: 4.2.67
The Grecian Diomed, and our Antenor
Link: 4.2.68
Deliver'd to us; and for him forthwith,
Link: 4.2.69
Ere the first sacrifice, within this hour,
Link: 4.2.70
We must give up to Diomedes' hand
Link: 4.2.71
The Lady Cressida.
Link: 4.2.72
TROILUS
Is it so concluded?
Link: 4.2.73
AENEAS
By Priam and the general state of Troy:
Link: 4.2.74
They are at hand and ready to effect it.
Link: 4.2.75
TROILUS
How my achievements mock me!
Link: 4.2.76
I will go meet them: and, my Lord AEneas,
Link: 4.2.77
We met by chance; you did not find me here.
Link: 4.2.78
AENEAS
Good, good, my lord; the secrets of nature
Link: 4.2.79
Have not more gift in taciturnity.
Link: 4.2.80
Exeunt TROILUS and AENEAS
PANDARUS
Is't possible? no sooner got but lost? The devil
Link: 4.2.81
take Antenor! the young prince will go mad: a
Link: 4.2.82
plague upon Antenor! I would they had broke 's neck!
Link: 4.2.83
Re-enter CRESSIDA
CRESSIDA
How now! what's the matter? who was here?
Link: 4.2.84
PANDARUS
Ah, ah!
Link: 4.2.85
CRESSIDA
Why sigh you so profoundly? where's my lord? gone!
Link: 4.2.86
Tell me, sweet uncle, what's the matter?
Link: 4.2.87
PANDARUS
Would I were as deep under the earth as I am above!
Link: 4.2.88
CRESSIDA
O the gods! what's the matter?
Link: 4.2.89
PANDARUS
Prithee, get thee in: would thou hadst ne'er been
Link: 4.2.90
born! I knew thou wouldst be his death. O, poor
Link: 4.2.91
gentleman! A plague upon Antenor!
Link: 4.2.92
CRESSIDA
Good uncle, I beseech you, on my knees! beseech you,
Link: 4.2.93
what's the matter?
Link: 4.2.94
PANDARUS
Thou must be gone, wench, thou must be gone; thou
Link: 4.2.95
art changed for Antenor: thou must to thy father,
Link: 4.2.96
and be gone from Troilus: 'twill be his death;
Link: 4.2.97
'twill be his bane; he cannot bear it.
Link: 4.2.98
CRESSIDA
O you immortal gods! I will not go.
Link: 4.2.99
PANDARUS
Thou must.
Link: 4.2.100
CRESSIDA
I will not, uncle: I have forgot my father;
Link: 4.2.101
I know no touch of consanguinity;
Link: 4.2.102
No kin no love, no blood, no soul so near me
Link: 4.2.103
As the sweet Troilus. O you gods divine!
Link: 4.2.104
Make Cressid's name the very crown of falsehood,
Link: 4.2.105
If ever she leave Troilus! Time, force, and death,
Link: 4.2.106
Do to this body what extremes you can;
Link: 4.2.107
But the strong base and building of my love
Link: 4.2.108
Is as the very centre of the earth,
Link: 4.2.109
Drawing all things to it. I'll go in and weep,--
Link: 4.2.110
PANDARUS
Do, do.
Link: 4.2.111
CRESSIDA
Tear my bright hair and scratch my praised cheeks,
Link: 4.2.112
Crack my clear voice with sobs and break my heart
Link: 4.2.113
With sounding Troilus. I will not go from Troy.
Link: 4.2.114
Exeunt
SCENE III. The same. Street before Pandarus' house.
In Scene 3 of Act 4, two characters, Troilus and Ulysses, have a conversation about the Trojan War. Troilus is upset because his lover, Cressida, has been taken by the Greeks as part of a prisoner exchange. Ulysses tries to convince Troilus that their focus should be on winning the war, not on personal relationships. Troilus argues that love is a powerful motivator and that he cannot simply forget about his feelings for Cressida. Ulysses counters by saying that the only reason Troilus is upset is because he is not thinking about the bigger picture and the importance of winning the war. The two characters also discuss the nature of fame and glory. Ulysses argues that it is better to be remembered for one's accomplishments in battle rather than for personal relationships. Troilus disagrees, saying that love is what makes life worth living. The scene ends with Troilus still upset about Cressida's absence and Ulysses urging him to focus on the war and the greater good rather than his own personal desires.
Enter PARIS, TROILUS, AENEAS, DEIPHOBUS, ANTENOR, and DIOMEDES
PARIS
It is great morning, and the hour prefix'd
Link: 4.3.1
Of her delivery to this valiant Greek
Link: 4.3.2
Comes fast upon. Good my brother Troilus,
Link: 4.3.3
Tell you the lady what she is to do,
Link: 4.3.4
And haste her to the purpose.
Link: 4.3.5
TROILUS
Walk into her house;
Link: 4.3.6
I'll bring her to the Grecian presently:
Link: 4.3.7
And to his hand when I deliver her,
Link: 4.3.8
Think it an altar, and thy brother Troilus
Link: 4.3.9
A priest there offering to it his own heart.
Link: 4.3.10
Exit
PARIS
I know what 'tis to love;
Link: 4.3.11
And would, as I shall pity, I could help!
Link: 4.3.12
Please you walk in, my lords.
Link: 4.3.13
Exeunt
SCENE IV. The same. Pandarus' house.
In Scene 4 of Act 4, the Trojan prince Troilus and his friend Ulysses are discussing the behavior of Achilles, a Greek warrior who has refused to fight in the Trojan War despite being one of the Greeks' most skilled fighters. Troilus is frustrated by Achilles' reluctance to fight, feeling that it is dishonorable for a warrior to refuse battle. Ulysses counters that Achilles' refusal is actually a strategic move designed to weaken the Trojans' morale. The two men also discuss the relationship between Achilles and his lover, Patroclus. Troilus is skeptical of the idea that two men could love each other so deeply, while Ulysses argues that love can take many forms and that Achilles' love for Patroclus is no less valid than any other. The scene ends with Troilus still feeling conflicted about Achilles and his refusal to fight, while Ulysses urges him to focus on the war at hand and let the gods determine the outcome.
Enter PANDARUS and CRESSIDA
PANDARUS
Be moderate, be moderate.
Link: 4.4.1
CRESSIDA
Why tell you me of moderation?
Link: 4.4.2
The grief is fine, full, perfect, that I taste,
Link: 4.4.3
And violenteth in a sense as strong
Link: 4.4.4
As that which causeth it: how can I moderate it?
Link: 4.4.5
If I could temporize with my affection,
Link: 4.4.6
Or brew it to a weak and colder palate,
Link: 4.4.7
The like allayment could I give my grief.
Link: 4.4.8
My love admits no qualifying dross;
Link: 4.4.9
No more my grief, in such a precious loss.
Link: 4.4.10
PANDARUS
Here, here, here he comes.
Link: 4.4.11
Ah, sweet ducks!
Link: 4.4.12
CRESSIDA
O Troilus! Troilus!
Link: 4.4.13
Embracing him
PANDARUS
What a pair of spectacles is here!
Link: 4.4.14
Let me embrace too. 'O heart,' as the goodly saying is,
Link: 4.4.15
'--O heart, heavy heart,
Link: 4.4.16
Why sigh'st thou without breaking?
Link: 4.4.17
where he answers again,
Link: 4.4.18
'Because thou canst not ease thy smart
Link: 4.4.19
By friendship nor by speaking.'
Link: 4.4.20
There was never a truer rhyme. Let us cast away
Link: 4.4.21
nothing, for we may live to have need of such a
Link: 4.4.22
verse: we see it, we see it. How now, lambs?
Link: 4.4.23
TROILUS
Cressid, I love thee in so strain'd a purity,
Link: 4.4.24
That the bless'd gods, as angry with my fancy,
Link: 4.4.25
More bright in zeal than the devotion which
Link: 4.4.26
Cold lips blow to their deities, take thee from me.
Link: 4.4.27
CRESSIDA
Have the gods envy?
Link: 4.4.28
PANDARUS
Ay, ay, ay, ay; 'tis too plain a case.
Link: 4.4.29
CRESSIDA
And is it true that I must go from Troy?
Link: 4.4.30
TROILUS
A hateful truth.
Link: 4.4.31
CRESSIDA
What, and from Troilus too?
Link: 4.4.32
TROILUS
From Troy and Troilus.
Link: 4.4.33
CRESSIDA
Is it possible?
Link: 4.4.34
TROILUS
And suddenly; where injury of chance
Link: 4.4.35
Puts back leave-taking, justles roughly by
Link: 4.4.36
All time of pause, rudely beguiles our lips
Link: 4.4.37
Of all rejoindure, forcibly prevents
Link: 4.4.38
Our lock'd embrasures, strangles our dear vows
Link: 4.4.39
Even in the birth of our own labouring breath:
Link: 4.4.40
We two, that with so many thousand sighs
Link: 4.4.41
Did buy each other, must poorly sell ourselves
Link: 4.4.42
With the rude brevity and discharge of one.
Link: 4.4.43
Injurious time now with a robber's haste
Link: 4.4.44
Crams his rich thievery up, he knows not how:
Link: 4.4.45
As many farewells as be stars in heaven,
Link: 4.4.46
With distinct breath and consign'd kisses to them,
Link: 4.4.47
He fumbles up into a lose adieu,
Link: 4.4.48
And scants us with a single famish'd kiss,
Link: 4.4.49
Distasted with the salt of broken tears.
Link: 4.4.50
AENEAS
(Within) My lord, is the lady ready?
Link: 4.4.51
TROILUS
Hark! you are call'd: some say the Genius so
Link: 4.4.52
Cries 'come' to him that instantly must die.
Link: 4.4.53
Bid them have patience; she shall come anon.
Link: 4.4.54
PANDARUS
Where are my tears? rain, to lay this wind, or
Link: 4.4.55
my heart will be blown up by the root.
Link: 4.4.56
Exit
CRESSIDA
I must then to the Grecians?
Link: 4.4.57
TROILUS
No remedy.
Link: 4.4.58
CRESSIDA
A woful Cressid 'mongst the merry Greeks!
Link: 4.4.59
When shall we see again?
Link: 4.4.60
TROILUS
Hear me, my love: be thou but true of heart,--
Link: 4.4.61
CRESSIDA
I true! how now! what wicked deem is this?
Link: 4.4.62
TROILUS
Nay, we must use expostulation kindly,
Link: 4.4.63
For it is parting from us:
Link: 4.4.64
I speak not 'be thou true,' as fearing thee,
Link: 4.4.65
For I will throw my glove to Death himself,
Link: 4.4.66
That there's no maculation in thy heart:
Link: 4.4.67
But 'be thou true,' say I, to fashion in
Link: 4.4.68
My sequent protestation; be thou true,
Link: 4.4.69
And I will see thee.
Link: 4.4.70
CRESSIDA
O, you shall be exposed, my lord, to dangers
Link: 4.4.71
As infinite as imminent! but I'll be true.
Link: 4.4.72
TROILUS
And I'll grow friend with danger. Wear this sleeve.
Link: 4.4.73
CRESSIDA
And you this glove. When shall I see you?
Link: 4.4.74
TROILUS
I will corrupt the Grecian sentinels,
Link: 4.4.75
To give thee nightly visitation.
Link: 4.4.76
But yet be true.
Link: 4.4.77
CRESSIDA
O heavens! 'be true' again!
Link: 4.4.78
TROILUS
Hear while I speak it, love:
Link: 4.4.79
The Grecian youths are full of quality;
Link: 4.4.80
They're loving, well composed with gifts of nature,
Link: 4.4.81
Flowing and swelling o'er with arts and exercise:
Link: 4.4.82
How novelty may move, and parts with person,
Link: 4.4.83
Alas, a kind of godly jealousy--
Link: 4.4.84
Which, I beseech you, call a virtuous sin--
Link: 4.4.85
Makes me afeard.
Link: 4.4.86
CRESSIDA
O heavens! you love me not.
Link: 4.4.87
TROILUS
Die I a villain, then!
Link: 4.4.88
In this I do not call your faith in question
Link: 4.4.89
So mainly as my merit: I cannot sing,
Link: 4.4.90
Nor heel the high lavolt, nor sweeten talk,
Link: 4.4.91
Nor play at subtle games; fair virtues all,
Link: 4.4.92
To which the Grecians are most prompt and pregnant:
Link: 4.4.93
But I can tell that in each grace of these
Link: 4.4.94
There lurks a still and dumb-discoursive devil
Link: 4.4.95
That tempts most cunningly: but be not tempted.
Link: 4.4.96
CRESSIDA
Do you think I will?
Link: 4.4.97
TROILUS
No.
Link: 4.4.98
But something may be done that we will not:
Link: 4.4.99
And sometimes we are devils to ourselves,
Link: 4.4.100
When we will tempt the frailty of our powers,
Link: 4.4.101
Presuming on their changeful potency.
Link: 4.4.102
AENEAS
(Within) Nay, good my lord,--
Link: 4.4.103
TROILUS
Come, kiss; and let us part.
Link: 4.4.104
PARIS
(Within) Brother Troilus!
Link: 4.4.105
TROILUS
Good brother, come you hither;
Link: 4.4.106
And bring AEneas and the Grecian with you.
Link: 4.4.107
CRESSIDA
My lord, will you be true?
Link: 4.4.108
TROILUS
Who, I? alas, it is my vice, my fault:
Link: 4.4.109
Whiles others fish with craft for great opinion,
Link: 4.4.110
I with great truth catch mere simplicity;
Link: 4.4.111
Whilst some with cunning gild their copper crowns,
Link: 4.4.112
With truth and plainness I do wear mine bare.
Link: 4.4.113
Fear not my truth: the moral of my wit
Link: 4.4.114
Is 'plain and true;' there's all the reach of it.
Link: 4.4.115
Welcome, Sir Diomed! here is the lady
Link: 4.4.116
Which for Antenor we deliver you:
Link: 4.4.117
At the port, lord, I'll give her to thy hand,
Link: 4.4.118
And by the way possess thee what she is.
Link: 4.4.119
Entreat her fair; and, by my soul, fair Greek,
Link: 4.4.120
If e'er thou stand at mercy of my sword,
Link: 4.4.121
Name Cressida and thy life shall be as safe
Link: 4.4.122
As Priam is in Ilion.
Link: 4.4.123
DIOMEDES
Fair Lady Cressid,
Link: 4.4.124
So please you, save the thanks this prince expects:
Link: 4.4.125
The lustre in your eye, heaven in your cheek,
Link: 4.4.126
Pleads your fair usage; and to Diomed
Link: 4.4.127
You shall be mistress, and command him wholly.
Link: 4.4.128
TROILUS
Grecian, thou dost not use me courteously,
Link: 4.4.129
To shame the zeal of my petition to thee
Link: 4.4.130
In praising her: I tell thee, lord of Greece,
Link: 4.4.131
She is as far high-soaring o'er thy praises
Link: 4.4.132
As thou unworthy to be call'd her servant.
Link: 4.4.133
I charge thee use her well, even for my charge;
Link: 4.4.134
For, by the dreadful Pluto, if thou dost not,
Link: 4.4.135
Though the great bulk Achilles be thy guard,
Link: 4.4.136
I'll cut thy throat.
Link: 4.4.137
DIOMEDES
O, be not moved, Prince Troilus:
Link: 4.4.138
Let me be privileged by my place and message,
Link: 4.4.139
To be a speaker free; when I am hence
Link: 4.4.140
I'll answer to my lust: and know you, lord,
Link: 4.4.141
I'll nothing do on charge: to her own worth
Link: 4.4.142
She shall be prized; but that you say 'be't so,'
Link: 4.4.143
I'll speak it in my spirit and honour, 'no.'
Link: 4.4.144
TROILUS
Come, to the port. I'll tell thee, Diomed,
Link: 4.4.145
This brave shall oft make thee to hide thy head.
Link: 4.4.146
Lady, give me your hand, and, as we walk,
Link: 4.4.147
To our own selves bend we our needful talk.
Link: 4.4.148
Exeunt TROILUS, CRESSIDA, and DIOMEDES
Trumpet within
PARIS
Hark! Hector's trumpet.
Link: 4.4.149
AENEAS
How have we spent this morning!
Link: 4.4.150
The prince must think me tardy and remiss,
Link: 4.4.151
That sore to ride before him to the field.
Link: 4.4.152
PARIS
'Tis Troilus' fault: come, come, to field with him.
Link: 4.4.153
DEIPHOBUS
Let us make ready straight.
Link: 4.4.154
AENEAS
Yea, with a bridegroom's fresh alacrity,
Link: 4.4.155
Let us address to tend on Hector's heels:
Link: 4.4.156
The glory of our Troy doth this day lie
Link: 4.4.157
On his fair worth and single chivalry.
Link: 4.4.158
Exeunt
SCENE V. The Grecian camp. Lists set out.
Scene 5 of Act 4 of Troilus and Cressida is set in the Greek camp. The scene begins with Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks, discussing the upcoming battle with his advisors. They are concerned about the strength of the Trojan army and the possibility of defeat. Thersites, a sarcastic and cynical servant, enters the scene and begins to insult Agamemnon and his advisors. He mocks their intelligence and suggests that they are not fit to lead the army. Agamemnon and his advisors ignore Thersites and continue to plan for battle. Ulysses, a Greek general, enters the scene and suggests a plan to boost the morale of the soldiers. He proposes that they award Achilles, their greatest warrior, with a prize that will increase his status and honor. This will encourage him to fight harder and inspire the other soldiers to do the same. Agamemnon agrees with Ulysses’ plan and sends for Achilles. Achilles enters the scene and is awarded the prize, but he is unimpressed and refuses to fight. He is still angry with Agamemnon for taking his concubine, Briseis, and refuses to participate in the battle. The scene ends with the Greeks realizing that they are in trouble. Achilles’ refusal to fight has weakened their army and they are unsure of their ability to defeat the Trojans.
Enter AJAX, armed; AGAMEMNON, ACHILLES, PATROCLUS, MENELAUS, ULYSSES, NESTOR, and others
AGAMEMNON
Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair,
Link: 4.5.1
Anticipating time with starting courage.
Link: 4.5.2
Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy,
Link: 4.5.3
Thou dreadful Ajax; that the appalled air
Link: 4.5.4
May pierce the head of the great combatant
Link: 4.5.5
And hale him hither.
Link: 4.5.6
AJAX
Thou, trumpet, there's my purse.
Link: 4.5.7
Now crack thy lungs, and split thy brazen pipe:
Link: 4.5.8
Blow, villain, till thy sphered bias cheek
Link: 4.5.9
Outswell the colic of puff'd Aquilon:
Link: 4.5.10
Come, stretch thy chest and let thy eyes spout blood;
Link: 4.5.11
Thou blow'st for Hector.
Link: 4.5.12
Trumpet sounds
ULYSSES
No trumpet answers.
Link: 4.5.13
ACHILLES
'Tis but early days.
Link: 4.5.14
AGAMEMNON
Is not yond Diomed, with Calchas' daughter?
Link: 4.5.15
ULYSSES
'Tis he, I ken the manner of his gait;
Link: 4.5.16
He rises on the toe: that spirit of his
Link: 4.5.17
In aspiration lifts him from the earth.
Link: 4.5.18
Enter DIOMEDES, with CRESSIDA
AGAMEMNON
Is this the Lady Cressid?
Link: 4.5.19
DIOMEDES
Even she.
Link: 4.5.20
AGAMEMNON
Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady.
Link: 4.5.21
NESTOR
Our general doth salute you with a kiss.
Link: 4.5.22
ULYSSES
Yet is the kindness but particular;
Link: 4.5.23
'Twere better she were kiss'd in general.
Link: 4.5.24
NESTOR
And very courtly counsel: I'll begin.
Link: 4.5.25
So much for Nestor.
Link: 4.5.26
ACHILLES
I'll take what winter from your lips, fair lady:
Link: 4.5.27
Achilles bids you welcome.
Link: 4.5.28
MENELAUS
I had good argument for kissing once.
Link: 4.5.29
PATROCLUS
But that's no argument for kissing now;
Link: 4.5.30
For this popp'd Paris in his hardiment,
Link: 4.5.31
And parted thus you and your argument.
Link: 4.5.32
ULYSSES
O deadly gall, and theme of all our scorns!
Link: 4.5.33
For which we lose our heads to gild his horns.
Link: 4.5.34
PATROCLUS
The first was Menelaus' kiss; this, mine:
Link: 4.5.35
Patroclus kisses you.
Link: 4.5.36
MENELAUS
O, this is trim!
Link: 4.5.37
PATROCLUS
Paris and I kiss evermore for him.
Link: 4.5.38
MENELAUS
I'll have my kiss, sir. Lady, by your leave.
Link: 4.5.39
CRESSIDA
In kissing, do you render or receive?
Link: 4.5.40
PATROCLUS
Both take and give.
Link: 4.5.41
CRESSIDA
I'll make my match to live,
Link: 4.5.42
The kiss you take is better than you give;
Link: 4.5.43
Therefore no kiss.
Link: 4.5.44
MENELAUS
I'll give you boot, I'll give you three for one.
Link: 4.5.45
CRESSIDA
You're an odd man; give even or give none.
Link: 4.5.46
MENELAUS
An odd man, lady! every man is odd.
Link: 4.5.47
CRESSIDA
No, Paris is not; for you know 'tis true,
Link: 4.5.48
That you are odd, and he is even with you.
Link: 4.5.49
MENELAUS
You fillip me o' the head.
Link: 4.5.50
CRESSIDA
No, I'll be sworn.
Link: 4.5.51
ULYSSES
It were no match, your nail against his horn.
Link: 4.5.52
May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?
Link: 4.5.53
CRESSIDA
You may.
Link: 4.5.54
ULYSSES
I do desire it.
Link: 4.5.55
CRESSIDA
Why, beg, then.
Link: 4.5.56
ULYSSES
Why then for Venus' sake, give me a kiss,
Link: 4.5.57
When Helen is a maid again, and his.
Link: 4.5.58
CRESSIDA
I am your debtor, claim it when 'tis due.
Link: 4.5.59
ULYSSES
Never's my day, and then a kiss of you.
Link: 4.5.60
DIOMEDES
Lady, a word: I'll bring you to your father.
Link: 4.5.61
Exit with CRESSIDA
NESTOR
A woman of quick sense.
Link: 4.5.62
ULYSSES
Fie, fie upon her!
Link: 4.5.63
There's language in her eye, her cheek, her lip,
Link: 4.5.64
Nay, her foot speaks; her wanton spirits look out
Link: 4.5.65
At every joint and motive of her body.
Link: 4.5.66
O, these encounterers, so glib of tongue,
Link: 4.5.67
That give accosting welcome ere it comes,
Link: 4.5.68
And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts
Link: 4.5.69
To every ticklish reader! set them down
Link: 4.5.70
For sluttish spoils of opportunity
Link: 4.5.71
And daughters of the game.
Link: 4.5.72
Trumpet within
ALL
The Trojans' trumpet.
Link: 4.5.73
AGAMEMNON
Yonder comes the troop.
Link: 4.5.74
Enter HECTOR, armed; AENEAS, TROILUS, and other Trojans, with Attendants
AENEAS
Hail, all you state of Greece! what shall be done
Link: 4.5.75
To him that victory commands? or do you purpose
Link: 4.5.76
A victor shall be known? will you the knights
Link: 4.5.77
Shall to the edge of all extremity
Link: 4.5.78
Pursue each other, or shall be divided
Link: 4.5.79
By any voice or order of the field?
Link: 4.5.80
Hector bade ask.
Link: 4.5.81
AGAMEMNON
Which way would Hector have it?
Link: 4.5.82
AENEAS
He cares not; he'll obey conditions.
Link: 4.5.83
ACHILLES
'Tis done like Hector; but securely done,
Link: 4.5.84
A little proudly, and great deal misprizing
Link: 4.5.85
The knight opposed.
Link: 4.5.86
AENEAS
If not Achilles, sir,
Link: 4.5.87
What is your name?
Link: 4.5.88
ACHILLES
If not Achilles, nothing.
Link: 4.5.89
AENEAS
Therefore Achilles: but, whate'er, know this:
Link: 4.5.90
In the extremity of great and little,
Link: 4.5.91
Valour and pride excel themselves in Hector;
Link: 4.5.92
The one almost as infinite as all,
Link: 4.5.93
The other blank as nothing. Weigh him well,
Link: 4.5.94
And that which looks like pride is courtesy.
Link: 4.5.95
This Ajax is half made of Hector's blood:
Link: 4.5.96
In love whereof, half Hector stays at home;
Link: 4.5.97
Half heart, half hand, half Hector comes to seek
Link: 4.5.98
This blended knight, half Trojan and half Greek.
Link: 4.5.99
ACHILLES
A maiden battle, then? O, I perceive you.
Link: 4.5.100
Re-enter DIOMEDES
AGAMEMNON
Here is Sir Diomed. Go, gentle knight,
Link: 4.5.101
Stand by our Ajax: as you and Lord AEneas
Link: 4.5.102
Consent upon the order of their fight,
Link: 4.5.103
So be it; either to the uttermost,
Link: 4.5.104
Or else a breath: the combatants being kin
Link: 4.5.105
Half stints their strife before their strokes begin.
Link: 4.5.106
AJAX and HECTOR enter the lists
ULYSSES
They are opposed already.
Link: 4.5.107
AGAMEMNON
What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy?
Link: 4.5.108
ULYSSES
The youngest son of Priam, a true knight,
Link: 4.5.109
Not yet mature, yet matchless, firm of word,
Link: 4.5.110
Speaking in deeds and deedless in his tongue;
Link: 4.5.111
Not soon provoked nor being provoked soon calm'd:
Link: 4.5.112
His heart and hand both open and both free;
Link: 4.5.113
For what he has he gives, what thinks he shows;
Link: 4.5.114
Yet gives he not till judgment guide his bounty,
Link: 4.5.115
Nor dignifies an impure thought with breath;
Link: 4.5.116
Manly as Hector, but more dangerous;
Link: 4.5.117
For Hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes
Link: 4.5.118
To tender objects, but he in heat of action
Link: 4.5.119
Is more vindicative than jealous love:
Link: 4.5.120
They call him Troilus, and on him erect
Link: 4.5.121
A second hope, as fairly built as Hector.
Link: 4.5.122
Thus says AEneas; one that knows the youth
Link: 4.5.123
Even to his inches, and with private soul
Link: 4.5.124
Did in great Ilion thus translate him to me.
Link: 4.5.125
Alarum. Hector and Ajax fight
AGAMEMNON
They are in action.
Link: 4.5.126
NESTOR
Now, Ajax, hold thine own!
Link: 4.5.127
TROILUS
Hector, thou sleep'st;
Link: 4.5.128
Awake thee!
Link: 4.5.129
AGAMEMNON
His blows are well disposed: there, Ajax!
Link: 4.5.130
DIOMEDES
You must no more.
Link: 4.5.131
Trumpets cease
AENEAS
Princes, enough, so please you.
Link: 4.5.132
AJAX
I am not warm yet; let us fight again.
Link: 4.5.133
DIOMEDES
As Hector pleases.
Link: 4.5.134
HECTOR
Why, then will I no more:
Link: 4.5.135
Thou art, great lord, my father's sister's son,
Link: 4.5.136
A cousin-german to great Priam's seed;
Link: 4.5.137
The obligation of our blood forbids
Link: 4.5.138
A gory emulation 'twixt us twain:
Link: 4.5.139
Were thy commixtion Greek and Trojan so
Link: 4.5.140
That thou couldst say 'This hand is Grecian all,
Link: 4.5.141
And this is Trojan; the sinews of this leg
Link: 4.5.142
All Greek, and this all Troy; my mother's blood
Link: 4.5.143
Runs on the dexter cheek, and this sinister
Link: 4.5.144
Bounds in my father's;' by Jove multipotent,
Link: 4.5.145
Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member
Link: 4.5.146
Wherein my sword had not impressure made
Link: 4.5.147
Of our rank feud: but the just gods gainsay
Link: 4.5.148
That any drop thou borrow'dst from thy mother,
Link: 4.5.149
My sacred aunt, should by my mortal sword
Link: 4.5.150
Be drain'd! Let me embrace thee, Ajax:
Link: 4.5.151
By him that thunders, thou hast lusty arms;
Link: 4.5.152
Hector would have them fall upon him thus:
Link: 4.5.153
Cousin, all honour to thee!
Link: 4.5.154
AJAX
I thank thee, Hector
Link: 4.5.155
Thou art too gentle and too free a man:
Link: 4.5.156
I came to kill thee, cousin, and bear hence
Link: 4.5.157
A great addition earned in thy death.
Link: 4.5.158
HECTOR
Not Neoptolemus so mirable,
Link: 4.5.159
On whose bright crest Fame with her loud'st Oyes
Link: 4.5.160
Cries 'This is he,' could promise to himself
Link: 4.5.161
A thought of added honour torn from Hector.
Link: 4.5.162
AENEAS
There is expectance here from both the sides,
Link: 4.5.163
What further you will do.
Link: 4.5.164
HECTOR
We'll answer it;
Link: 4.5.165
The issue is embracement: Ajax, farewell.
Link: 4.5.166
AJAX
If I might in entreaties find success--
Link: 4.5.167
As seld I have the chance--I would desire
Link: 4.5.168
My famous cousin to our Grecian tents.
Link: 4.5.169
DIOMEDES
'Tis Agamemnon's wish, and great Achilles
Link: 4.5.170
Doth long to see unarm'd the valiant Hector.
Link: 4.5.171
HECTOR
AEneas, call my brother Troilus to me,
Link: 4.5.172
And signify this loving interview
Link: 4.5.173
To the expecters of our Trojan part;
Link: 4.5.174
Desire them home. Give me thy hand, my cousin;
Link: 4.5.175
I will go eat with thee and see your knights.
Link: 4.5.176
AJAX
Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here.
Link: 4.5.177
HECTOR
The worthiest of them tell me name by name;
Link: 4.5.178
But for Achilles, mine own searching eyes
Link: 4.5.179
Shall find him by his large and portly size.
Link: 4.5.180
AGAMEMNON
Worthy of arms! as welcome as to one
Link: 4.5.181
That would be rid of such an enemy;
Link: 4.5.182
But that's no welcome: understand more clear,
Link: 4.5.183
What's past and what's to come is strew'd with husks
Link: 4.5.184
And formless ruin of oblivion;
Link: 4.5.185
But in this extant moment, faith and troth,
Link: 4.5.186
Strain'd purely from all hollow bias-drawing,
Link: 4.5.187
Bids thee, with most divine integrity,
Link: 4.5.188
From heart of very heart, great Hector, welcome.
Link: 4.5.189
HECTOR
I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.
Link: 4.5.190
AGAMEMNON
(To TROILUS) My well-famed lord of Troy, no
Link: 4.5.191
less to you.
Link: 4.5.192
MENELAUS
Let me confirm my princely brother's greeting:
Link: 4.5.193
You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither.
Link: 4.5.194
HECTOR
Who must we answer?
Link: 4.5.195
AENEAS
The noble Menelaus.
Link: 4.5.196
HECTOR
O, you, my lord? by Mars his gauntlet, thanks!
Link: 4.5.197
Mock not, that I affect the untraded oath;
Link: 4.5.198
Your quondam wife swears still by Venus' glove:
Link: 4.5.199
She's well, but bade me not commend her to you.
Link: 4.5.200
MENELAUS
Name her not now, sir; she's a deadly theme.
Link: 4.5.201
HECTOR
O, pardon; I offend.
Link: 4.5.202
NESTOR
I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft
Link: 4.5.203
Labouring for destiny make cruel way
Link: 4.5.204
Through ranks of Greekish youth, and I have seen thee,
Link: 4.5.205
As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed,
Link: 4.5.206
Despising many forfeits and subduements,
Link: 4.5.207
When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i' the air,
Link: 4.5.208
Not letting it decline on the declined,
Link: 4.5.209
That I have said to some my standers by
Link: 4.5.210
'Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!'
Link: 4.5.211
And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath,
Link: 4.5.212
When that a ring of Greeks have hemm'd thee in,
Link: 4.5.213
Like an Olympian wrestling: this have I seen;
Link: 4.5.214
But this thy countenance, still lock'd in steel,
Link: 4.5.215
I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire,
Link: 4.5.216
And once fought with him: he was a soldier good;
Link: 4.5.217
But, by great Mars, the captain of us all,
Link: 4.5.218
Never saw like thee. Let an old man embrace thee;
Link: 4.5.219
And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents.
Link: 4.5.220
AENEAS
'Tis the old Nestor.
Link: 4.5.221
HECTOR
Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle,
Link: 4.5.222
That hast so long walk'd hand in hand with time:
Link: 4.5.223
Most reverend Nestor, I am glad to clasp thee.
Link: 4.5.224
NESTOR
I would my arms could match thee in contention,
Link: 4.5.225
As they contend with thee in courtesy.
Link: 4.5.226
HECTOR
I would they could.
Link: 4.5.227
NESTOR
Ha!
Link: 4.5.228
By this white beard, I'ld fight with thee to-morrow.
Link: 4.5.229
Well, welcome, welcome! I have seen the time.
Link: 4.5.230
ULYSSES
I wonder now how yonder city stands
Link: 4.5.231
When we have here her base and pillar by us.
Link: 4.5.232
HECTOR
I know your favour, Lord Ulysses, well.
Link: 4.5.233
Ah, sir, there's many a Greek and Trojan dead,
Link: 4.5.234
Since first I saw yourself and Diomed
Link: 4.5.235
In Ilion, on your Greekish embassy.
Link: 4.5.236
ULYSSES
Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue:
Link: 4.5.237
My prophecy is but half his journey yet;
Link: 4.5.238
For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,
Link: 4.5.239
Yond towers, whose wanton tops do buss the clouds,
Link: 4.5.240
Must kiss their own feet.
Link: 4.5.241
HECTOR
I must not believe you:
Link: 4.5.242
There they stand yet, and modestly I think,
Link: 4.5.243
The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost
Link: 4.5.244
A drop of Grecian blood: the end crowns all,
Link: 4.5.245
And that old common arbitrator, Time,
Link: 4.5.246
Will one day end it.
Link: 4.5.247
ULYSSES
So to him we leave it.
Link: 4.5.248
Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome:
Link: 4.5.249
After the general, I beseech you next
Link: 4.5.250
To feast with me and see me at my tent.
Link: 4.5.251
ACHILLES
I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou!
Link: 4.5.252
Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;
Link: 4.5.253
I have with exact view perused thee, Hector,
Link: 4.5.254
And quoted joint by joint.
Link: 4.5.255
HECTOR
Is this Achilles?
Link: 4.5.256
ACHILLES
I am Achilles.
Link: 4.5.257
HECTOR
Stand fair, I pray thee: let me look on thee.
Link: 4.5.258
ACHILLES
Behold thy fill.
Link: 4.5.259
HECTOR
Nay, I have done already.
Link: 4.5.260
ACHILLES
Thou art too brief: I will the second time,
Link: 4.5.261
As I would buy thee, view thee limb by limb.
Link: 4.5.262
HECTOR
O, like a book of sport thou'lt read me o'er;
Link: 4.5.263
But there's more in me than thou understand'st.
Link: 4.5.264
Why dost thou so oppress me with thine eye?
Link: 4.5.265
ACHILLES
Tell me, you heavens, in which part of his body
Link: 4.5.266
Shall I destroy him? whether there, or there, or there?
Link: 4.5.267
That I may give the local wound a name
Link: 4.5.268
And make distinct the very breach whereout
Link: 4.5.269
Hector's great spirit flew: answer me, heavens!
Link: 4.5.270
HECTOR
It would discredit the blest gods, proud man,
Link: 4.5.271
To answer such a question: stand again:
Link: 4.5.272
Think'st thou to catch my life so pleasantly
Link: 4.5.273
As to prenominate in nice conjecture
Link: 4.5.274
Where thou wilt hit me dead?
Link: 4.5.275
ACHILLES
I tell thee, yea.
Link: 4.5.276
HECTOR
Wert thou an oracle to tell me so,
Link: 4.5.277
I'd not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well;
Link: 4.5.278
For I'll not kill thee there, nor there, nor there;
Link: 4.5.279
But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm,
Link: 4.5.280
I'll kill thee every where, yea, o'er and o'er.
Link: 4.5.281
You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag;
Link: 4.5.282
His insolence draws folly from my lips;
Link: 4.5.283
But I'll endeavour deeds to match these words,
Link: 4.5.284
Or may I never--
Link: 4.5.285
AJAX
Do not chafe thee, cousin:
Link: 4.5.286
And you, Achilles, let these threats alone,
Link: 4.5.287
Till accident or purpose bring you to't:
Link: 4.5.288
You may have every day enough of Hector
Link: 4.5.289
If you have stomach; the general state, I fear,
Link: 4.5.290
Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him.
Link: 4.5.291
HECTOR
I pray you, let us see you in the field:
Link: 4.5.292
We have had pelting wars, since you refused
Link: 4.5.293
The Grecians' cause.
Link: 4.5.294
ACHILLES
Dost thou entreat me, Hector?
Link: 4.5.295
To-morrow do I meet thee, fell as death;
Link: 4.5.296
To-night all friends.
Link: 4.5.297
HECTOR
Thy hand upon that match.
Link: 4.5.298
AGAMEMNON
First, all you peers of Greece, go to my tent;
Link: 4.5.299
There in the full convive we: afterwards,
Link: 4.5.300
As Hector's leisure and your bounties shall
Link: 4.5.301
Concur together, severally entreat him.
Link: 4.5.302
Beat loud the tabourines, let the trumpets blow,
Link: 4.5.303
That this great soldier may his welcome know.
Link: 4.5.304
Exeunt all except TROILUS and ULYSSES
TROILUS
My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beseech you,
Link: 4.5.305
In what place of the field doth Calchas keep?
Link: 4.5.306
ULYSSES
At Menelaus' tent, most princely Troilus:
Link: 4.5.307
There Diomed doth feast with him to-night;
Link: 4.5.308
Who neither looks upon the heaven nor earth,
Link: 4.5.309
But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view
Link: 4.5.310
On the fair Cressid.
Link: 4.5.311
TROILUS
Shall sweet lord, be bound to you so much,
Link: 4.5.312
After we part from Agamemnon's tent,
Link: 4.5.313
To bring me thither?
Link: 4.5.314
ULYSSES
You shall command me, sir.
Link: 4.5.315
As gentle tell me, of what honour was
Link: 4.5.316
This Cressida in Troy? Had she no lover there
Link: 4.5.317
That wails her absence?
Link: 4.5.318
TROILUS
O, sir, to such as boasting show their scars
Link: 4.5.319
A mock is due. Will you walk on, my lord?
Link: 4.5.320
She was beloved, she loved; she is, and doth:
Link: 4.5.321
But still sweet love is food for fortune's tooth.
Link: 4.5.322
Exeunt
Act V
In Act 5 of Troilus and Cressida, the Trojan War continues to rage on. Troilus, a Trojan prince, is worried about his lover Cressida, who has been given to the Greeks as part of a prisoner exchange. He sends his friend Diomedes to check on her, but Diomedes ends up seducing her and breaking Troilus's heart.
Meanwhile, the Greeks are planning to attack the Trojans with a surprise night raid. They successfully infiltrate the city and begin to wreak havoc. Troilus tries to rally the Trojan troops, but they are outnumbered and outmatched.
In the chaos, Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, is killed by Paris, a Trojan prince. This leads to a showdown between Hector, the greatest Trojan warrior, and Achilles's friend and protégé, Patroclus. Hector kills Patroclus, but is then killed by Achilles in revenge.
The play ends with the Trojans mourning Hector's death and the Greeks celebrating their victory. However, there is a sense of futility and despair as the war continues to drag on with no end in sight.
SCENE I. The Grecian camp. Before Achilles' tent.
Scene 1 of Act 5 of Troilus and Cressida begins with the Greek camp in a state of unrest. The soldiers are preparing for battle with the Trojans, who are also preparing for battle. The Greek commander, Agamemnon, is overseeing the preparations and is in a foul mood. He is angry at Achilles, who has been sulking in his tent and refusing to fight. Agamemnon sends his men to fetch Achilles, but they return empty-handed. Achilles still refuses to fight and has even gone so far as to send his friend Patroclus to lead the Greek army in his place. Agamemnon is outraged at this and calls Achilles a coward. Meanwhile, the Trojans are also preparing for battle. Hector, their greatest warrior, is leading the charge. He is confident in his ability to defeat the Greeks and is eager for battle. However, his brother Paris is less enthusiastic. He has been the cause of much trouble between the Trojans and the Greeks, having stolen Helen, the wife of the Greek king Menelaus. As the two armies prepare for battle, both sides are filled with a sense of foreboding. They know that many lives will be lost and that the outcome of the battle is far from certain. Nevertheless, they are determined to fight to the death in order to protect their honor and defend their kingdoms.
Enter ACHILLES and PATROCLUS
ACHILLES
I'll heat his blood with Greekish wine to-night,
Link: 5.1.1
Which with my scimitar I'll cool to-morrow.
Link: 5.1.2
Patroclus, let us feast him to the height.
Link: 5.1.3
PATROCLUS
Here comes Thersites.
Link: 5.1.4
Enter THERSITES
ACHILLES
How now, thou core of envy!
Link: 5.1.5
Thou crusty batch of nature, what's the news?
Link: 5.1.6
THERSITES
Why, thou picture of what thou seemest, and idol
Link: 5.1.7
of idiot worshippers, here's a letter for thee.
Link: 5.1.8
ACHILLES
From whence, fragment?
Link: 5.1.9
THERSITES
Why, thou full dish of fool, from Troy.
Link: 5.1.10
PATROCLUS
Who keeps the tent now?
Link: 5.1.11
THERSITES
The surgeon's box, or the patient's wound.
Link: 5.1.12
PATROCLUS
Well said, adversity! and what need these tricks?
Link: 5.1.13
THERSITES
Prithee, be silent, boy; I profit not by thy talk:
Link: 5.1.14
thou art thought to be Achilles' male varlet.
Link: 5.1.15
PATROCLUS
Male varlet, you rogue! what's that?
Link: 5.1.16
THERSITES
Why, his masculine whore. Now, the rotten diseases
Link: 5.1.17
of the south, the guts-griping, ruptures, catarrhs,
Link: 5.1.18
loads o' gravel i' the back, lethargies, cold
Link: 5.1.19
palsies, raw eyes, dirt-rotten livers, wheezing
Link: 5.1.20
lungs, bladders full of imposthume, sciaticas,
Link: 5.1.21
limekilns i' the palm, incurable bone-ache, and the
Link: 5.1.22
rivelled fee-simple of the tetter, take and take
Link: 5.1.23
again such preposterous discoveries!
Link: 5.1.24
PATROCLUS
Why thou damnable box of envy, thou, what meanest
Link: 5.1.25
thou to curse thus?
Link: 5.1.26
THERSITES
Do I curse thee?
Link: 5.1.27
PATROCLUS
Why no, you ruinous butt, you whoreson
Link: 5.1.28
indistinguishable cur, no.
Link: 5.1.29
THERSITES
No! why art thou then exasperate, thou idle
Link: 5.1.30
immaterial skein of sleave-silk, thou green sarcenet
Link: 5.1.31
flap for a sore eye, thou tassel of a prodigal's
Link: 5.1.32
purse, thou? Ah, how the poor world is pestered
Link: 5.1.33
with such waterflies, diminutives of nature!
Link: 5.1.34
PATROCLUS
Out, gall!
Link: 5.1.35
THERSITES
Finch-egg!
Link: 5.1.36
ACHILLES
My sweet Patroclus, I am thwarted quite
Link: 5.1.37
From my great purpose in to-morrow's battle.
Link: 5.1.38
Here is a letter from Queen Hecuba,
Link: 5.1.39
A token from her daughter, my fair love,
Link: 5.1.40
Both taxing me and gaging me to keep
Link: 5.1.41
An oath that I have sworn. I will not break it:
Link: 5.1.42
Fall Greeks; fail fame; honour or go or stay;
Link: 5.1.43
My major vow lies here, this I'll obey.
Link: 5.1.44
Come, come, Thersites, help to trim my tent:
Link: 5.1.45
This night in banqueting must all be spent.
Link: 5.1.46
Away, Patroclus!
Link: 5.1.47
Exeunt ACHILLES and PATROCLUS
THERSITES
With too much blood and too little brain, these two
Link: 5.1.48
may run mad; but, if with too much brain and too
Link: 5.1.49
little blood they do, I'll be a curer of madmen.
Link: 5.1.50
Here's Agamemnon, an honest fellow enough and one
Link: 5.1.51
that loves quails; but he has not so much brain as
Link: 5.1.52
earwax: and the goodly transformation of Jupiter
Link: 5.1.53
there, his brother, the bull,--the primitive statue,
Link: 5.1.54
and oblique memorial of cuckolds; a thrifty
Link: 5.1.55
shoeing-horn in a chain, hanging at his brother's
Link: 5.1.56
leg,--to what form but that he is, should wit larded
Link: 5.1.57
with malice and malice forced with wit turn him to?
Link: 5.1.58
To an ass, were nothing; he is both ass and ox: to
Link: 5.1.59
an ox, were nothing; he is both ox and ass. To be a
Link: 5.1.60
dog, a mule, a cat, a fitchew, a toad, a lizard, an
Link: 5.1.61
owl, a puttock, or a herring without a roe, I would
Link: 5.1.62
not care; but to be Menelaus, I would conspire
Link: 5.1.63
against destiny. Ask me not, what I would be, if I
Link: 5.1.64
were not Thersites; for I care not to be the louse
Link: 5.1.65
of a lazar, so I were not Menelaus! Hey-day!
Link: 5.1.66
spirits and fires!
Link: 5.1.67
Enter HECTOR, TROILUS, AJAX, AGAMEMNON, ULYSSES, NESTOR, MENELAUS, and DIOMEDES, with lights
AGAMEMNON
We go wrong, we go wrong.
Link: 5.1.68
AJAX
No, yonder 'tis;
Link: 5.1.69
There, where we see the lights.
Link: 5.1.70
HECTOR
I trouble you.
Link: 5.1.71
AJAX
No, not a whit.
Link: 5.1.72
ULYSSES
Here comes himself to guide you.
Link: 5.1.73
Re-enter ACHILLES
ACHILLES
Welcome, brave Hector; welcome, princes all.
Link: 5.1.74
AGAMEMNON
So now, fair prince of Troy, I bid good night.
Link: 5.1.75
Ajax commands the guard to tend on you.
Link: 5.1.76
HECTOR
Thanks and good night to the Greeks' general.
Link: 5.1.77
MENELAUS
Good night, my lord.
Link: 5.1.78
HECTOR
Good night, sweet lord Menelaus.
Link: 5.1.79
THERSITES
Sweet draught: 'sweet' quoth 'a! sweet sink,
Link: 5.1.80
sweet sewer.
Link: 5.1.81
ACHILLES
Good night and welcome, both at once, to those
Link: 5.1.82
That go or tarry.
Link: 5.1.83
AGAMEMNON
Good night.
Link: 5.1.84
Exeunt AGAMEMNON and MENELAUS
ACHILLES
Old Nestor tarries; and you too, Diomed,
Link: 5.1.85
Keep Hector company an hour or two.
Link: 5.1.86
DIOMEDES
I cannot, lord; I have important business,
Link: 5.1.87
The tide whereof is now. Good night, great Hector.
Link: 5.1.88
HECTOR
Give me your hand.
Link: 5.1.89
ULYSSES
(Aside to TROILUS) Follow his torch; he goes to
Link: 5.1.90
Calchas' tent:
Link: 5.1.91
I'll keep you company.
Link: 5.1.92
TROILUS
Sweet sir, you honour me.
Link: 5.1.93
HECTOR
And so, good night.
Link: 5.1.94
Exit DIOMEDES; ULYSSES and TROILUS following
ACHILLES
Come, come, enter my tent.
Link: 5.1.95
Exeunt ACHILLES, HECTOR, AJAX, and NESTOR
THERSITES
That same Diomed's a false-hearted rogue, a most
Link: 5.1.96
unjust knave; I will no more trust him when he leers
Link: 5.1.97
than I will a serpent when he hisses: he will spend
Link: 5.1.98
his mouth, and promise, like Brabbler the hound:
Link: 5.1.99
but when he performs, astronomers foretell it; it
Link: 5.1.100
is prodigious, there will come some change; the sun
Link: 5.1.101
borrows of the moon, when Diomed keeps his
Link: 5.1.102
word. I will rather leave to see Hector, than
Link: 5.1.103
not to dog him: they say he keeps a Trojan
Link: 5.1.104
drab, and uses the traitor Calchas' tent: I'll
Link: 5.1.105
after. Nothing but lechery! all incontinent varlets!
Link: 5.1.106
Exit
SCENE II. The same. Before Calchas' tent.
In Scene 2 of Act 5, the Greek warriors Diomedes and Odysseus sneak into the Trojan camp at night to steal Cressida, who has been promised to Diomedes by the Trojan prince Hector. They come across Cressida's servant, who leads them to her tent. Cressida is initially hesitant to leave with them, but Diomedes convinces her to come with him by flattering her and promising her his protection. Meanwhile, Troilus, who is in love with Cressida, sees the Greeks taking her away and tries to stop them. He fights with Diomedes but is ultimately defeated. As Cressida leaves with the Greeks, Troilus laments his loss and swears revenge. The scene is filled with tension and drama as the characters engage in deceit, betrayal, and conflict. It sets the stage for the final act of the play, which explores the themes of love, loyalty, and honor in the midst of war and political intrigue.
Enter DIOMEDES
DIOMEDES
What, are you up here, ho? speak.
Link: 5.2.1
CALCHAS
(Within) Who calls?
Link: 5.2.2
DIOMEDES
Calchas, I think. Where's your daughter?
Link: 5.2.3
CALCHAS
(Within) She comes to you.
Link: 5.2.4
Enter TROILUS and ULYSSES, at a distance; after them, THERSITES
ULYSSES
Stand where the torch may not discover us.
Link: 5.2.5
Enter CRESSIDA
TROILUS
Cressid comes forth to him.
Link: 5.2.6
DIOMEDES
How now, my charge!
Link: 5.2.7
CRESSIDA
Now, my sweet guardian! Hark, a word with you.
Link: 5.2.8
Whispers
TROILUS
Yea, so familiar!
Link: 5.2.9
ULYSSES
She will sing any man at first sight.
Link: 5.2.10
THERSITES
And any man may sing her, if he can take her cliff;
Link: 5.2.11
she's noted.
Link: 5.2.12
DIOMEDES
Will you remember?
Link: 5.2.13
CRESSIDA
Remember! yes.
Link: 5.2.14
DIOMEDES
Nay, but do, then;
Link: 5.2.15
And let your mind be coupled with your words.
Link: 5.2.16
TROILUS
What should she remember?
Link: 5.2.17
ULYSSES
List.
Link: 5.2.18
CRESSIDA
Sweet honey Greek, tempt me no more to folly.
Link: 5.2.19
THERSITES
Roguery!
Link: 5.2.20
DIOMEDES
Nay, then,--
Link: 5.2.21
CRESSIDA
I'll tell you what,--
Link: 5.2.22
DIOMEDES
Foh, foh! come, tell a pin: you are forsworn.
Link: 5.2.23
CRESSIDA
In faith, I cannot: what would you have me do?
Link: 5.2.24
THERSITES
A juggling trick,--to be secretly open.
Link: 5.2.25
DIOMEDES
What did you swear you would bestow on me?
Link: 5.2.26
CRESSIDA
I prithee, do not hold me to mine oath;
Link: 5.2.27
Bid me do any thing but that, sweet Greek.
Link: 5.2.28
DIOMEDES
Good night.
Link: 5.2.29
TROILUS
Hold, patience!
Link: 5.2.30
ULYSSES
How now, Trojan!
Link: 5.2.31
CRESSIDA
Diomed,--
Link: 5.2.32
DIOMEDES
No, no, good night: I'll be your fool no more.
Link: 5.2.33
TROILUS
Thy better must.
Link: 5.2.34
CRESSIDA
Hark, one word in your ear.
Link: 5.2.35
TROILUS
O plague and madness!
Link: 5.2.36
ULYSSES
You are moved, prince; let us depart, I pray you,
Link: 5.2.37
Lest your displeasure should enlarge itself
Link: 5.2.38
To wrathful terms: this place is dangerous;
Link: 5.2.39
The time right deadly; I beseech you, go.
Link: 5.2.40
TROILUS
Behold, I pray you!
Link: 5.2.41
ULYSSES
Nay, good my lord, go off:
Link: 5.2.42
You flow to great distraction; come, my lord.
Link: 5.2.43
TROILUS
I pray thee, stay.
Link: 5.2.44
ULYSSES
You have not patience; come.
Link: 5.2.45
TROILUS
I pray you, stay; by hell and all hell's torments
Link: 5.2.46
I will not speak a word!
Link: 5.2.47
DIOMEDES
And so, good night.
Link: 5.2.48
CRESSIDA
Nay, but you part in anger.
Link: 5.2.49
TROILUS
Doth that grieve thee?
Link: 5.2.50
O wither'd truth!
Link: 5.2.51
ULYSSES
Why, how now, lord!
Link: 5.2.52
TROILUS
By Jove,
Link: 5.2.53
I will be patient.
Link: 5.2.54
CRESSIDA
Guardian!--why, Greek!
Link: 5.2.55
DIOMEDES
Foh, foh! adieu; you palter.
Link: 5.2.56
CRESSIDA
In faith, I do not: come hither once again.
Link: 5.2.57
ULYSSES
You shake, my lord, at something: will you go?
Link: 5.2.58
You will break out.
Link: 5.2.59
TROILUS
She strokes his cheek!
Link: 5.2.60
ULYSSES
Come, come.
Link: 5.2.61
TROILUS
Nay, stay; by Jove, I will not speak a word:
Link: 5.2.62
There is between my will and all offences
Link: 5.2.63
A guard of patience: stay a little while.
Link: 5.2.64
THERSITES
How the devil Luxury, with his fat rump and
Link: 5.2.65
potato-finger, tickles these together! Fry, lechery, fry!
Link: 5.2.66
DIOMEDES
But will you, then?
Link: 5.2.67
CRESSIDA
In faith, I will, la; never trust me else.
Link: 5.2.68
DIOMEDES
Give me some token for the surety of it.
Link: 5.2.69
CRESSIDA
I'll fetch you one.
Link: 5.2.70
Exit
ULYSSES
You have sworn patience.
Link: 5.2.71
TROILUS
Fear me not, sweet lord;
Link: 5.2.72
I will not be myself, nor have cognition
Link: 5.2.73
Of what I feel: I am all patience.
Link: 5.2.74
Re-enter CRESSIDA
THERSITES
Now the pledge; now, now, now!
Link: 5.2.75
CRESSIDA
Here, Diomed, keep this sleeve.
Link: 5.2.76
TROILUS
O beauty! where is thy faith?
Link: 5.2.77
ULYSSES
My lord,--
Link: 5.2.78
TROILUS
I will be patient; outwardly I will.
Link: 5.2.79
CRESSIDA
You look upon that sleeve; behold it well.
Link: 5.2.80
He loved me--O false wench!--Give't me again.
Link: 5.2.81
DIOMEDES
Whose was't?
Link: 5.2.82
CRESSIDA
It is no matter, now I have't again.
Link: 5.2.83
I will not meet with you to-morrow night:
Link: 5.2.84
I prithee, Diomed, visit me no more.
Link: 5.2.85
THERSITES
Now she sharpens: well said, whetstone!
Link: 5.2.86
DIOMEDES
I shall have it.
Link: 5.2.87
CRESSIDA
What, this?
Link: 5.2.88
DIOMEDES
Ay, that.
Link: 5.2.89
CRESSIDA
O, all you gods! O pretty, pretty pledge!
Link: 5.2.90
Thy master now lies thinking in his bed
Link: 5.2.91
Of thee and me, and sighs, and takes my glove,
Link: 5.2.92
And gives memorial dainty kisses to it,
Link: 5.2.93
As I kiss thee. Nay, do not snatch it from me;
Link: 5.2.94
He that takes that doth take my heart withal.
Link: 5.2.95
DIOMEDES
I had your heart before, this follows it.
Link: 5.2.96
TROILUS
I did swear patience.
Link: 5.2.97
CRESSIDA
You shall not have it, Diomed; faith, you shall not;
Link: 5.2.98
I'll give you something else.
Link: 5.2.99
DIOMEDES
I will have this: whose was it?
Link: 5.2.100
CRESSIDA
It is no matter.
Link: 5.2.101
DIOMEDES
Come, tell me whose it was.
Link: 5.2.102
CRESSIDA
'Twas one's that loved me better than you will.
Link: 5.2.103
But, now you have it, take it.
Link: 5.2.104
DIOMEDES
Whose was it?
Link: 5.2.105
CRESSIDA
By all Diana's waiting-women yond,
Link: 5.2.106
And by herself, I will not tell you whose.
Link: 5.2.107
DIOMEDES
To-morrow will I wear it on my helm,
Link: 5.2.108
And grieve his spirit that dares not challenge it.
Link: 5.2.109
TROILUS
Wert thou the devil, and worest it on thy horn,
Link: 5.2.110
It should be challenged.
Link: 5.2.111
CRESSIDA
Well, well, 'tis done, 'tis past: and yet it is not;
Link: 5.2.112
I will not keep my word.
Link: 5.2.113
DIOMEDES
Why, then, farewell;
Link: 5.2.114
Thou never shalt mock Diomed again.
Link: 5.2.115
CRESSIDA
You shall not go: one cannot speak a word,
Link: 5.2.116
But it straight starts you.
Link: 5.2.117
DIOMEDES
I do not like this fooling.
Link: 5.2.118
THERSITES
Nor I, by Pluto: but that that likes not you pleases me best.
Link: 5.2.119
DIOMEDES
What, shall I come? the hour?
Link: 5.2.120
CRESSIDA
Ay, come:--O Jove!--do come:--I shall be plagued.
Link: 5.2.121
DIOMEDES
Farewell till then.
Link: 5.2.122
CRESSIDA
Good night: I prithee, come.
Link: 5.2.123
Troilus, farewell! one eye yet looks on thee
Link: 5.2.124
But with my heart the other eye doth see.
Link: 5.2.125
Ah, poor our sex! this fault in us I find,
Link: 5.2.126
The error of our eye directs our mind:
Link: 5.2.127
What error leads must err; O, then conclude
Link: 5.2.128
Minds sway'd by eyes are full of turpitude.
Link: 5.2.129
Exit
THERSITES
A proof of strength she could not publish more,
Link: 5.2.130
Unless she said ' My mind is now turn'd whore.'
Link: 5.2.131
ULYSSES
All's done, my lord.
Link: 5.2.132
TROILUS
It is.
Link: 5.2.133
ULYSSES
Why stay we, then?
Link: 5.2.134
TROILUS
To make a recordation to my soul
Link: 5.2.135
Of every syllable that here was spoke.
Link: 5.2.136
But if I tell how these two did co-act,
Link: 5.2.137
Shall I not lie in publishing a truth?
Link: 5.2.138
Sith yet there is a credence in my heart,
Link: 5.2.139
An esperance so obstinately strong,
Link: 5.2.140
That doth invert the attest of eyes and ears,
Link: 5.2.141
As if those organs had deceptious functions,
Link: 5.2.142
Created only to calumniate.
Link: 5.2.143
Was Cressid here?
Link: 5.2.144
ULYSSES
I cannot conjure, Trojan.
Link: 5.2.145
TROILUS
She was not, sure.
Link: 5.2.146
ULYSSES
Most sure she was.
Link: 5.2.147
TROILUS
Why, my negation hath no taste of madness.
Link: 5.2.148
ULYSSES
Nor mine, my lord: Cressid was here but now.
Link: 5.2.149
TROILUS
Let it not be believed for womanhood!
Link: 5.2.150
Think, we had mothers; do not give advantage
Link: 5.2.151
To stubborn critics, apt, without a theme,
Link: 5.2.152
For depravation, to square the general sex
Link: 5.2.153
By Cressid's rule: rather think this not Cressid.
Link: 5.2.154
ULYSSES
What hath she done, prince, that can soil our mothers?
Link: 5.2.155
TROILUS
Nothing at all, unless that this were she.
Link: 5.2.156
THERSITES
Will he swagger himself out on's own eyes?
Link: 5.2.157
TROILUS
This she? no, this is Diomed's Cressida:
Link: 5.2.158
If beauty have a soul, this is not she;
Link: 5.2.159
If souls guide vows, if vows be sanctimonies,
Link: 5.2.160
If sanctimony be the gods' delight,
Link: 5.2.161
If there be rule in unity itself,
Link: 5.2.162
This is not she. O madness of discourse,
Link: 5.2.163
That cause sets up with and against itself!
Link: 5.2.164
Bi-fold authority! where reason can revolt
Link: 5.2.165
Without perdition, and loss assume all reason
Link: 5.2.166
Without revolt: this is, and is not, Cressid.
Link: 5.2.167
Within my soul there doth conduce a fight
Link: 5.2.168
Of this strange nature that a thing inseparate
Link: 5.2.169
Divides more wider than the sky and earth,
Link: 5.2.170
And yet the spacious breadth of this division
Link: 5.2.171
Admits no orifex for a point as subtle
Link: 5.2.172
As Ariachne's broken woof to enter.
Link: 5.2.173
Instance, O instance! strong as Pluto's gates;
Link: 5.2.174
Cressid is mine, tied with the bonds of heaven:
Link: 5.2.175
Instance, O instance! strong as heaven itself;
Link: 5.2.176
The bonds of heaven are slipp'd, dissolved, and loosed;
Link: 5.2.177
And with another knot, five-finger-tied,
Link: 5.2.178
The fractions of her faith, orts of her love,
Link: 5.2.179
The fragments, scraps, the bits and greasy relics
Link: 5.2.180
Of her o'er-eaten faith, are bound to Diomed.
Link: 5.2.181
ULYSSES
May worthy Troilus be half attach'd
Link: 5.2.182
With that which here his passion doth express?
Link: 5.2.183
TROILUS
Ay, Greek; and that shall be divulged well
Link: 5.2.184
In characters as red as Mars his heart
Link: 5.2.185
Inflamed with Venus: never did young man fancy
Link: 5.2.186
With so eternal and so fix'd a soul.
Link: 5.2.187
Hark, Greek: as much as I do Cressid love,
Link: 5.2.188
So much by weight hate I her Diomed:
Link: 5.2.189
That sleeve is mine that he'll bear on his helm;
Link: 5.2.190
Were it a casque composed by Vulcan's skill,
Link: 5.2.191
My sword should bite it: not the dreadful spout
Link: 5.2.192
Which shipmen do the hurricano call,
Link: 5.2.193
Constringed in mass by the almighty sun,
Link: 5.2.194
Shall dizzy with more clamour Neptune's ear
Link: 5.2.195
In his descent than shall my prompted sword
Link: 5.2.196
Falling on Diomed.
Link: 5.2.197
THERSITES
He'll tickle it for his concupy.
Link: 5.2.198
TROILUS
O Cressid! O false Cressid! false, false, false!
Link: 5.2.199
Let all untruths stand by thy stained name,
Link: 5.2.200
And they'll seem glorious.
Link: 5.2.201
ULYSSES
O, contain yourself
Link: 5.2.202
Your passion draws ears hither.
Link: 5.2.203
Enter AENEAS
AENEAS
I have been seeking you this hour, my lord:
Link: 5.2.204
Hector, by this, is arming him in Troy;
Link: 5.2.205
Ajax, your guard, stays to conduct you home.
Link: 5.2.206
TROILUS
Have with you, prince. My courteous lord, adieu.
Link: 5.2.207
Farewell, revolted fair! and, Diomed,
Link: 5.2.208
Stand fast, and wear a castle on thy head!
Link: 5.2.209
ULYSSES
I'll bring you to the gates.
Link: 5.2.210
TROILUS
Accept distracted thanks.
Link: 5.2.211
Exeunt TROILUS, AENEAS, and ULYSSES
THERSITES
Would I could meet that rogue Diomed! I would
Link: 5.2.212
croak like a raven; I would bode, I would bode.
Link: 5.2.213
Patroclus will give me any thing for the
Link: 5.2.214
intelligence of this whore: the parrot will not
Link: 5.2.215
do more for an almond than he for a commodious drab.
Link: 5.2.216
Lechery, lechery; still, wars and lechery; nothing
Link: 5.2.217
else holds fashion: a burning devil take them!
Link: 5.2.218
Exit
SCENE III. Troy. Before Priam's palace.
Scene 3 of Act 5 begins with the Greek army discussing the possibility of Achilles returning to battle. They are concerned about his absence and the potential consequences of his inactivity. Meanwhile, Troilus and his allies are planning an attack on the Greek army. As Troilus prepares for battle, he receives a letter from Cressida, who has been given to the Greeks in exchange for a Trojan prisoner. The letter expresses her love for Troilus and her regret at being separated from him. Troilus is heartbroken and angry, feeling betrayed by both Cressida and the Greeks. The Trojan army attacks the Greeks, and Troilus faces off against Diomedes, who has been given Cressida as a prize for his bravery in battle. Troilus accuses Diomedes of stealing Cressida from him and challenges him to a duel. The two fight fiercely, but Diomedes ultimately defeats Troilus. As Troilus lies dying, he reflects on the futility of war and the power of love. He realizes that his love for Cressida was misguided and that he should have focused on something more meaningful. He dies in the arms of his allies, who mourn his passing and swear revenge against the Greeks.
Enter HECTOR and ANDROMACHE
ANDROMACHE
When was my lord so much ungently temper'd,
Link: 5.3.1
To stop his ears against admonishment?
Link: 5.3.2
Unarm, unarm, and do not fight to-day.
Link: 5.3.3
HECTOR
You train me to offend you; get you in:
Link: 5.3.4
By all the everlasting gods, I'll go!
Link: 5.3.5
ANDROMACHE
My dreams will, sure, prove ominous to the day.
Link: 5.3.6
HECTOR
No more, I say.
Link: 5.3.7
Enter CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA
Where is my brother Hector?
Link: 5.3.8
ANDROMACHE
Here, sister; arm'd, and bloody in intent.
Link: 5.3.9
Consort with me in loud and dear petition,
Link: 5.3.10
Pursue we him on knees; for I have dream'd
Link: 5.3.11
Of bloody turbulence, and this whole night
Link: 5.3.12
Hath nothing been but shapes and forms of slaughter.
Link: 5.3.13
CASSANDRA
O, 'tis true.
Link: 5.3.14
HECTOR
Ho! bid my trumpet sound!
Link: 5.3.15
CASSANDRA
No notes of sally, for the heavens, sweet brother.
Link: 5.3.16
HECTOR
Be gone, I say: the gods have heard me swear.
Link: 5.3.17
CASSANDRA
The gods are deaf to hot and peevish vows:
Link: 5.3.18
They are polluted offerings, more abhorr'd
Link: 5.3.19
Than spotted livers in the sacrifice.
Link: 5.3.20
ANDROMACHE
O, be persuaded! do not count it holy
Link: 5.3.21
To hurt by being just: it is as lawful,
Link: 5.3.22
For we would give much, to use violent thefts,
Link: 5.3.23
And rob in the behalf of charity.
Link: 5.3.24
CASSANDRA
It is the purpose that makes strong the vow;
Link: 5.3.25
But vows to every purpose must not hold:
Link: 5.3.26
Unarm, sweet Hector.
Link: 5.3.27
HECTOR
Hold you still, I say;
Link: 5.3.28
Mine honour keeps the weather of my fate:
Link: 5.3.29
Lie every man holds dear; but the brave man
Link: 5.3.30
Holds honour far more precious-dear than life.
Link: 5.3.31
How now, young man! mean'st thou to fight to-day?
Link: 5.3.32
ANDROMACHE
Cassandra, call my father to persuade.
Link: 5.3.33
Exit CASSANDRA
HECTOR
No, faith, young Troilus; doff thy harness, youth;
Link: 5.3.34
I am to-day i' the vein of chivalry:
Link: 5.3.35
Let grow thy sinews till their knots be strong,
Link: 5.3.36
And tempt not yet the brushes of the war.
Link: 5.3.37
Unarm thee, go, and doubt thou not, brave boy,
Link: 5.3.38
I'll stand to-day for thee and me and Troy.
Link: 5.3.39
TROILUS
Brother, you have a vice of mercy in you,
Link: 5.3.40
Which better fits a lion than a man.
Link: 5.3.41
HECTOR
What vice is that, good Troilus? chide me for it.
Link: 5.3.42
TROILUS
When many times the captive Grecian falls,
Link: 5.3.43
Even in the fan and wind of your fair sword,
Link: 5.3.44
You bid them rise, and live.
Link: 5.3.45
HECTOR
O,'tis fair play.
Link: 5.3.46
TROILUS
Fool's play, by heaven, Hector.
Link: 5.3.47
HECTOR
How now! how now!
Link: 5.3.48
TROILUS
For the love of all the gods,
Link: 5.3.49
Let's leave the hermit pity with our mothers,
Link: 5.3.50
And when we have our armours buckled on,
Link: 5.3.51
The venom'd vengeance ride upon our swords,
Link: 5.3.52
Spur them to ruthful work, rein them from ruth.
Link: 5.3.53
HECTOR
Fie, savage, fie!
Link: 5.3.54
TROILUS
Hector, then 'tis wars.
Link: 5.3.55
HECTOR
Troilus, I would not have you fight to-day.
Link: 5.3.56
TROILUS
Who should withhold me?
Link: 5.3.57
Not fate, obedience, nor the hand of Mars
Link: 5.3.58
Beckoning with fiery truncheon my retire;
Link: 5.3.59
Not Priamus and Hecuba on knees,
Link: 5.3.60
Their eyes o'ergalled with recourse of tears;
Link: 5.3.61
Not you, my brother, with your true sword drawn,
Link: 5.3.62
Opposed to hinder me, should stop my way,
Link: 5.3.63
But by my ruin.
Link: 5.3.64
Re-enter CASSANDRA, with PRIAM
CASSANDRA
Lay hold upon him, Priam, hold him fast:
Link: 5.3.65
He is thy crutch; now if thou lose thy stay,
Link: 5.3.66
Thou on him leaning, and all Troy on thee,
Link: 5.3.67
Fall all together.
Link: 5.3.68
PRIAM
Come, Hector, come, go back:
Link: 5.3.69
Thy wife hath dream'd; thy mother hath had visions;
Link: 5.3.70
Cassandra doth foresee; and I myself
Link: 5.3.71
Am like a prophet suddenly enrapt
Link: 5.3.72
To tell thee that this day is ominous:
Link: 5.3.73
Therefore, come back.
Link: 5.3.74
HECTOR
AEneas is a-field;
Link: 5.3.75
And I do stand engaged to many Greeks,
Link: 5.3.76
Even in the faith of valour, to appear
Link: 5.3.77
This morning to them.
Link: 5.3.78
PRIAM
Ay, but thou shalt not go.
Link: 5.3.79
HECTOR
I must not break my faith.
Link: 5.3.80
You know me dutiful; therefore, dear sir,
Link: 5.3.81
Let me not shame respect; but give me leave
Link: 5.3.82
To take that course by your consent and voice,
Link: 5.3.83
Which you do here forbid me, royal Priam.
Link: 5.3.84
CASSANDRA
O Priam, yield not to him!
Link: 5.3.85
ANDROMACHE
Do not, dear father.
Link: 5.3.86
HECTOR
Andromache, I am offended with you:
Link: 5.3.87
Upon the love you bear me, get you in.
Link: 5.3.88
Exit ANDROMACHE
TROILUS
This foolish, dreaming, superstitious girl
Link: 5.3.89
Makes all these bodements.
Link: 5.3.90
CASSANDRA
O, farewell, dear Hector!
Link: 5.3.91
Look, how thou diest! look, how thy eye turns pale!
Link: 5.3.92
Look, how thy wounds do bleed at many vents!
Link: 5.3.93
Hark, how Troy roars! how Hecuba cries out!
Link: 5.3.94
How poor Andromache shrills her dolours forth!
Link: 5.3.95
Behold, distraction, frenzy and amazement,
Link: 5.3.96
Like witless antics, one another meet,
Link: 5.3.97
And all cry, Hector! Hector's dead! O Hector!
Link: 5.3.98
TROILUS
Away! away!
Link: 5.3.99
CASSANDRA
Farewell: yet, soft! Hector! take my leave:
Link: 5.3.100
Thou dost thyself and all our Troy deceive.
Link: 5.3.101
Exit
HECTOR
You are amazed, my liege, at her exclaim:
Link: 5.3.102
Go in and cheer the town: we'll forth and fight,
Link: 5.3.103
Do deeds worth praise and tell you them at night.
Link: 5.3.104
PRIAM
Farewell: the gods with safety stand about thee!
Link: 5.3.105
Exeunt severally PRIAM and HECTOR. Alarums
TROILUS
They are at it, hark! Proud Diomed, believe,
Link: 5.3.106
I come to lose my arm, or win my sleeve.
Link: 5.3.107
Enter PANDARUS
PANDARUS
Do you hear, my lord? do you hear?
Link: 5.3.108
TROILUS
What now?
Link: 5.3.109
PANDARUS
Here's a letter come from yond poor girl.
Link: 5.3.110
TROILUS
Let me read.
Link: 5.3.111
PANDARUS
A whoreson tisick, a whoreson rascally tisick so
Link: 5.3.112
troubles me, and the foolish fortune of this girl;
Link: 5.3.113
and what one thing, what another, that I shall
Link: 5.3.114
leave you one o' these days: and I have a rheum
Link: 5.3.115
in mine eyes too, and such an ache in my bones
Link: 5.3.116
that, unless a man were cursed, I cannot tell what
Link: 5.3.117
to think on't. What says she there?
Link: 5.3.118
TROILUS
Words, words, mere words, no matter from the heart:
Link: 5.3.119
The effect doth operate another way.
Link: 5.3.120
Go, wind, to wind, there turn and change together.
Link: 5.3.121
My love with words and errors still she feeds;
Link: 5.3.122
But edifies another with her deeds.
Link: 5.3.123
Exeunt severally
SCENE IV. Plains between Troy and the Grecian camp.
In Scene 4 of Act 5, the Greek army is preparing for battle against the Trojans. Ajax, one of the Greek warriors, is upset because he did not receive the armor of the deceased warrior Achilles. Instead, it was given to his rival, Odysseus. Ajax is so angry that he plans to kill the Greek leaders in their sleep. However, his friend, the Greek king Agamemnon, convinces him to wait until the morning so they can discuss the situation. Meanwhile, the Trojan prince Hector is preparing for battle. He is visited by his wife Andromache and their young son. Andromache begs Hector not to go into battle, fearing he will be killed and her son will be left without a father. Hector is torn between his duty to his city and his love for his family. The scene ends with both armies preparing for battle, with tensions running high on both sides.
Alarums: excursions. Enter THERSITES
THERSITES
Now they are clapper-clawing one another; I'll go
Link: 5.4.1
look on. That dissembling abominable varlets Diomed,
Link: 5.4.2
has got that same scurvy doting foolish young knave's
Link: 5.4.3
sleeve of Troy there in his helm: I would fain see
Link: 5.4.4
them meet; that that same young Trojan ass, that
Link: 5.4.5
loves the whore there, might send that Greekish
Link: 5.4.6
whore-masterly villain, with the sleeve, back to the
Link: 5.4.7
dissembling luxurious drab, of a sleeveless errand.
Link: 5.4.8
O' the t'other side, the policy of those crafty
Link: 5.4.9
swearing rascals, that stale old mouse-eaten dry
Link: 5.4.10
cheese, Nestor, and that same dog-fox, Ulysses, is
Link: 5.4.11
not proved worthy a blackberry: they set me up, in
Link: 5.4.12
policy, that mongrel cur, Ajax, against that dog of
Link: 5.4.13
as bad a kind, Achilles: and now is the cur Ajax
Link: 5.4.14
prouder than the cur Achilles, and will not arm
Link: 5.4.15
to-day; whereupon the Grecians begin to proclaim
Link: 5.4.16
barbarism, and policy grows into an ill opinion.
Link: 5.4.17
Soft! here comes sleeve, and t'other.
Link: 5.4.18
Enter DIOMEDES, TROILUS following
TROILUS
Fly not; for shouldst thou take the river Styx,
Link: 5.4.19
I would swim after.
Link: 5.4.20
DIOMEDES
Thou dost miscall retire:
Link: 5.4.21
I do not fly, but advantageous care
Link: 5.4.22
Withdrew me from the odds of multitude:
Link: 5.4.23
Have at thee!
Link: 5.4.24
THERSITES
Hold thy whore, Grecian!--now for thy whore,
Link: 5.4.25
Trojan!--now the sleeve, now the sleeve!
Link: 5.4.26
Exeunt TROILUS and DIOMEDES, fighting
Enter HECTOR
HECTOR
What art thou, Greek? art thou for Hector's match?
Link: 5.4.27
Art thou of blood and honour?
Link: 5.4.28
THERSITES
No, no, I am a rascal; a scurvy railing knave:
Link: 5.4.29
a very filthy rogue.
Link: 5.4.30
HECTOR
I do believe thee: live.
Link: 5.4.31
Exit
THERSITES
God-a-mercy, that thou wilt believe me; but a
Link: 5.4.32
plague break thy neck for frightening me! What's
Link: 5.4.33
become of the wenching rogues? I think they have
Link: 5.4.34
swallowed one another: I would laugh at that
Link: 5.4.35
miracle: yet, in a sort, lechery eats itself.
Link: 5.4.36
I'll seek them.
Link: 5.4.37
Exit
SCENE V. Another part of the plains.
Scene 5 of Act 5 begins with a conversation between Troilus and his servant, who is trying to convince him to leave the city before the Greeks attack. Troilus refuses, insisting that he must stay and fight. Meanwhile, the Greek warriors are preparing for battle, led by Achilles and his companion Patroclus. Achilles is feeling conflicted about the upcoming fight, torn between his desire for glory and his love for his friend Patroclus. As the battle begins, Troilus is separated from his comrades and encounters Achilles on the battlefield. The two engage in a fierce fight, with Troilus initially gaining the upper hand. However, Achilles eventually overpowers him and kills him. Cressida, who had previously been promised to Troilus, is now in the possession of Diomedes, a Greek warrior. She watches the battle from afar and laments the loss of Troilus. The scene ends with the Greeks emerging victorious, but with a sense of disillusionment and sadness. Achilles is left feeling empty and unfulfilled, realizing that his pursuit of glory has come at a great cost.
Enter DIOMEDES and a Servant
DIOMEDES
Go, go, my servant, take thou Troilus' horse;
Link: 5.5.1
Present the fair steed to my lady Cressid:
Link: 5.5.2
Fellow, commend my service to her beauty;
Link: 5.5.3
Tell her I have chastised the amorous Trojan,
Link: 5.5.4
And am her knight by proof.
Link: 5.5.5
Servant
I go, my lord.
Link: 5.5.6
Exit
Enter AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON
Renew, renew! The fierce Polydamas
Link: 5.5.7
Hath beat down Menon: bastard Margarelon
Link: 5.5.8
Hath Doreus prisoner,
Link: 5.5.9
And stands colossus-wise, waving his beam,
Link: 5.5.10
Upon the pashed corses of the kings
Link: 5.5.11
Epistrophus and Cedius: Polyxenes is slain,
Link: 5.5.12
Amphimachus and Thoas deadly hurt,
Link: 5.5.13
Patroclus ta'en or slain, and Palamedes
Link: 5.5.14
Sore hurt and bruised: the dreadful Sagittary
Link: 5.5.15
Appals our numbers: haste we, Diomed,
Link: 5.5.16
To reinforcement, or we perish all.
Link: 5.5.17
Enter NESTOR
NESTOR
Go, bear Patroclus' body to Achilles;
Link: 5.5.18
And bid the snail-paced Ajax arm for shame.
Link: 5.5.19
There is a thousand Hectors in the field:
Link: 5.5.20
Now here he fights on Galathe his horse,
Link: 5.5.21
And there lacks work; anon he's there afoot,
Link: 5.5.22
And there they fly or die, like scaled sculls
Link: 5.5.23
Before the belching whale; then is he yonder,
Link: 5.5.24
And there the strawy Greeks, ripe for his edge,
Link: 5.5.25
Fall down before him, like the mower's swath:
Link: 5.5.26
Here, there, and every where, he leaves and takes,
Link: 5.5.27
Dexterity so obeying appetite
Link: 5.5.28
That what he will he does, and does so much
Link: 5.5.29
That proof is call'd impossibility.
Link: 5.5.30
Enter ULYSSES
ULYSSES
O, courage, courage, princes! great Achilles
Link: 5.5.31
Is arming, weeping, cursing, vowing vengeance:
Link: 5.5.32
Patroclus' wounds have roused his drowsy blood,
Link: 5.5.33
Together with his mangled Myrmidons,
Link: 5.5.34
That noseless, handless, hack'd and chipp'd, come to him,
Link: 5.5.35
Crying on Hector. Ajax hath lost a friend
Link: 5.5.36
And foams at mouth, and he is arm'd and at it,
Link: 5.5.37
Roaring for Troilus, who hath done to-day
Link: 5.5.38
Mad and fantastic execution,
Link: 5.5.39
Engaging and redeeming of himself
Link: 5.5.40
With such a careless force and forceless care
Link: 5.5.41
As if that luck, in very spite of cunning,
Link: 5.5.42
Bade him win all.
Link: 5.5.43
Enter AJAX
AJAX
Troilus! thou coward Troilus!
Link: 5.5.44
Exit
DIOMEDES
Ay, there, there.
Link: 5.5.45
NESTOR
So, so, we draw together.
Link: 5.5.46
Enter ACHILLES
ACHILLES
Where is this Hector?
Link: 5.5.47
Come, come, thou boy-queller, show thy face;
Link: 5.5.48
Know what it is to meet Achilles angry:
Link: 5.5.49
Hector? where's Hector? I will none but Hector.
Link: 5.5.50
Exeunt
SCENE VI. Another part of the plains.
In Scene 6 of Act 5 of Troilus and Cressida, the Greek leader Agamemnon is discussing the strategy of the war with his advisors. He is frustrated that his soldiers are not fighting as well as they should be, and he is particularly angry with Achilles, who has been sulking in his tent instead of fighting. Agamemnon decides to send his men to try to convince Achilles to return to battle. He hopes that the famous warrior will be swayed by their appeals and will rejoin the fight against the Trojans. The Greek soldiers go to Achilles's tent and plead with him to come back to the battlefield. At first, Achilles refuses, saying that he is tired of fighting and that he doesn't care about the outcome of the war. But eventually, he agrees to return to battle, on one condition - that he will be given the chance to kill Hector, the Trojan prince who killed Achilles's friend Patroclus. The soldiers agree to Achilles's demand, and he joins the fight. He is a fierce warrior, and his presence on the battlefield inspires the other Greek soldiers to fight harder as well. In the end, Achilles is able to face Hector in single combat, and he kills him. The scene is a pivotal one, as it marks the turning point of the war. With Achilles back in the fight, the Greeks are able to gain the upper hand and ultimately defeat the Trojans.
Enter AJAX
AJAX
Troilus, thou coward Troilus, show thy head!
Link: 5.6.1
Enter DIOMEDES
DIOMEDES
Troilus, I say! where's Troilus?
Link: 5.6.2
AJAX
What wouldst thou?
Link: 5.6.3
DIOMEDES
I would correct him.
Link: 5.6.4
AJAX
Were I the general, thou shouldst have my office
Link: 5.6.5
Ere that correction. Troilus, I say! what, Troilus!
Link: 5.6.6
Enter TROILUS
TROILUS
O traitor Diomed! turn thy false face, thou traitor,
Link: 5.6.7
And pay thy life thou owest me for my horse!
Link: 5.6.8
DIOMEDES
Ha, art thou there?
Link: 5.6.9
AJAX
I'll fight with him alone: stand, Diomed.
Link: 5.6.10
DIOMEDES
He is my prize; I will not look upon.
Link: 5.6.11
TROILUS
Come, both you cogging Greeks; have at you both!
Link: 5.6.12
Exeunt, fighting
Enter HECTOR
HECTOR
Yea, Troilus? O, well fought, my youngest brother!
Link: 5.6.13
Enter ACHILLES
ACHILLES
Now do I see thee, ha! have at thee, Hector!
Link: 5.6.14
HECTOR
Pause, if thou wilt.
Link: 5.6.15
ACHILLES
I do disdain thy courtesy, proud Trojan:
Link: 5.6.16
Be happy that my arms are out of use:
Link: 5.6.17
My rest and negligence befriends thee now,
Link: 5.6.18
But thou anon shalt hear of me again;
Link: 5.6.19
Till when, go seek thy fortune.
Link: 5.6.20
Exit
HECTOR
Fare thee well:
Link: 5.6.21
I would have been much more a fresher man,
Link: 5.6.22
Had I expected thee. How now, my brother!
Link: 5.6.23
Re-enter TROILUS
TROILUS
Ajax hath ta'en AEneas: shall it be?
Link: 5.6.24
No, by the flame of yonder glorious heaven,
Link: 5.6.25
He shall not carry him: I'll be ta'en too,
Link: 5.6.26
Or bring him off: fate, hear me what I say!
Link: 5.6.27
I reck not though I end my life to-day.
Link: 5.6.28
Exit
Enter one in sumptuous armour
HECTOR
Stand, stand, thou Greek; thou art a goodly mark:
Link: 5.6.29
No? wilt thou not? I like thy armour well;
Link: 5.6.30
I'll frush it and unlock the rivets all,
Link: 5.6.31
But I'll be master of it: wilt thou not,
Link: 5.6.32
beast, abide?
Link: 5.6.33
Why, then fly on, I'll hunt thee for thy hide.
Link: 5.6.34
Exeunt
SCENE VII. Another part of the plains.
Scene 7 of Act 5 of Troilus and Cressida takes place on the plains of Troy. The Trojan prince, Hector, is preparing for battle against the Greeks. He is joined by his brother, Troilus, who is in love with the Greek princess, Cressida. Hector and Troilus have a conversation about the upcoming battle and the state of their army. They both express their doubts about the outcome of the war and wonder if they should just surrender to the Greeks. However, their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of their sister, Cassandra, who has been cursed by the gods with the ability to see the future but never be believed. She delivers a prophetic speech about the destruction of Troy and the death of Hector. Hector dismisses Cassandra's words as madness and orders her to leave, but Troilus is disturbed by her words and begins to question the wisdom of their decision to go to war. The scene ends with Hector and Troilus embracing and preparing to go into battle, despite their doubts and fears.
Enter ACHILLES, with Myrmidons
ACHILLES
Come here about me, you my Myrmidons;
Link: 5.7.1
Mark what I say. Attend me where I wheel:
Link: 5.7.2
Strike not a stroke, but keep yourselves in breath:
Link: 5.7.3
And when I have the bloody Hector found,
Link: 5.7.4
Empale him with your weapons round about;
Link: 5.7.5
In fellest manner execute your aims.
Link: 5.7.6
Follow me, sirs, and my proceedings eye:
Link: 5.7.7
It is decreed Hector the great must die.
Link: 5.7.8
Exeunt
Enter MENELAUS and PARIS, fighting: then THERSITES
THERSITES
The cuckold and the cuckold-maker are at it. Now,
Link: 5.7.9
bull! now, dog! 'Loo, Paris, 'loo! now my double-
Link: 5.7.10
henned sparrow! 'loo, Paris, 'loo! The bull has the
Link: 5.7.11
game: ware horns, ho!
Link: 5.7.12
Exeunt PARIS and MENELAUS
Enter MARGARELON
MARGARELON
Turn, slave, and fight.
Link: 5.7.13
THERSITES
What art thou?
Link: 5.7.14
MARGARELON
A bastard son of Priam's.
Link: 5.7.15
THERSITES
I am a bastard too; I love bastards: I am a bastard
Link: 5.7.16
begot, bastard instructed, bastard in mind, bastard
Link: 5.7.17
in valour, in every thing illegitimate. One bear will
Link: 5.7.18
not bite another, and wherefore should one bastard?
Link: 5.7.19
Take heed, the quarrel's most ominous to us: if the
Link: 5.7.20
son of a whore fight for a whore, he tempts judgment:
Link: 5.7.21
farewell, bastard.
Link: 5.7.22
Exit
MARGARELON
The devil take thee, coward!
Link: 5.7.23
Exit
SCENE VIII. Another part of the plains.
Scene 8 of Act 5 of Troilus and Cressida is a dramatic and intense exchange between two characters. The scene opens with one character expressing their anger and frustration towards another, accusing them of betrayal and deceit. The accused character attempts to defend themselves, claiming that their actions were necessary for the greater good. However, the first character remains unconvinced and continues to berate them. As the argument intensifies, other characters begin to gather around, attempting to intervene and calm the situation. But the two characters at the center of the conflict are too consumed by their emotions to listen to reason. The accused character becomes increasingly desperate, pleading for forgiveness and understanding, while the first character remains cold and unyielding. Finally, the tension reaches a breaking point, and the accused character is forced to reveal a shocking truth that changes everything. The first character is left stunned and speechless, realizing the gravity of their accusations and the true nature of the situation. The scene ends with a sense of resolution, as the characters come to terms with the truth and begin to move forward.
Enter HECTOR
HECTOR
Most putrefied core, so fair without,
Link: 5.8.1
Thy goodly armour thus hath cost thy life.
Link: 5.8.2
Now is my day's work done; I'll take good breath:
Link: 5.8.3
Rest, sword; thou hast thy fill of blood and death.
Link: 5.8.4
Puts off his helmet and hangs his shield behind him
Enter ACHILLES and Myrmidons
ACHILLES
Look, Hector, how the sun begins to set;
Link: 5.8.5
How ugly night comes breathing at his heels:
Link: 5.8.6
Even with the vail and darking of the sun,
Link: 5.8.7
To close the day up, Hector's life is done.
Link: 5.8.8
HECTOR
I am unarm'd; forego this vantage, Greek.
Link: 5.8.9
ACHILLES
Strike, fellows, strike; this is the man I seek.
Link: 5.8.10
So, Ilion, fall thou next! now, Troy, sink down!
Link: 5.8.11
Here lies thy heart, thy sinews, and thy bone.
Link: 5.8.12
On, Myrmidons, and cry you all amain,
Link: 5.8.13
'Achilles hath the mighty Hector slain.'
Link: 5.8.14
Hark! a retire upon our Grecian part.
Link: 5.8.15
MYRMIDONS
The Trojan trumpets sound the like, my lord.
Link: 5.8.16
ACHILLES
The dragon wing of night o'erspreads the earth,
Link: 5.8.17
And, stickler-like, the armies separates.
Link: 5.8.18
My half-supp'd sword, that frankly would have fed,
Link: 5.8.19
Pleased with this dainty bait, thus goes to bed.
Link: 5.8.20
Come, tie his body to my horse's tail;
Link: 5.8.21
Along the field I will the Trojan trail.
Link: 5.8.22
Exeunt
SCENE IX. Another part of the plains.
Scene 9 of Act 5 of Troilus and Cressida begins with Hector, the greatest warrior of the Trojan army, accepting the challenge of Ajax, the Greek hero, to a one-on-one duel. The two warriors exchange insults and begin fighting, but the battle is interrupted by a messenger who brings news that the Trojan prince Paris has killed Achilles, the greatest warrior of the Greek army. Hector calls off the duel and rushes to the Trojan gates to see the body of Achilles. He is overjoyed at the news and orders a celebration to be held in honor of Paris. However, his joy is short-lived as he soon learns that the news was false and Achilles is still alive. Hector is disheartened and feels that the gods are against him. Meanwhile, the Trojan prince Troilus is anguished over his unrequited love for Cressida, who has been traded to the Greeks in exchange for a Trojan prisoner. He decides to go to the Greek camp to see her and convince her to return to him. He disguises himself and sneaks into the camp, where he overhears Cressida confessing her love for him to Diomedes, a Greek warrior. Troilus is heartbroken and vows revenge on both Cressida and Diomedes. The scene ends with the Trojan army preparing for battle against the Greeks, with Hector leading them into the fray. The audience is left wondering what will happen next in this tale of love, war, and betrayal.
Enter AGAMEMNON, AJAX, MENELAUS, NESTOR, DIOMEDES, and others, marching. Shouts within
AGAMEMNON
Hark! hark! what shout is that?
Link: 5.9.1
NESTOR
Peace, drums!
Link: 5.9.2
Achilles! Achilles! Hector's slain! Achilles.
Link: 5.9.3
DIOMEDES
The bruit is, Hector's slain, and by Achilles.
Link: 5.9.4
AJAX
If it be so, yet bragless let it be;
Link: 5.9.5
Great Hector was a man as good as he.
Link: 5.9.6
AGAMEMNON
March patiently along: let one be sent
Link: 5.9.7
To pray Achilles see us at our tent.
Link: 5.9.8
If in his death the gods have us befriended,
Link: 5.9.9
Great Troy is ours, and our sharp wars are ended.
Link: 5.9.10
Exeunt, marching
SCENE X. Another part of the plains.
In Scene 10 of Act 5, the Trojan War is in full swing and the Greek forces are advancing towards the city of Troy. The Trojan warrior Hector is preparing for battle and bids farewell to his wife Andromache and their young son. Andromache is deeply worried about Hector's safety and begs him not to go into battle, but Hector insists that he must fight to defend his city and honor. As Hector leaves, Andromache is left alone with the other Trojan women, who are mourning the impending loss of their husbands and sons in battle. They are joined by the Trojan prophetess Cassandra, who is tormented by visions of the future and warns them of the impending doom that awaits Troy. Meanwhile, the Greek army advances towards the walls of Troy, led by the warrior Achilles. He is accompanied by his friend Patroclus, who is eager to prove himself in battle. As they approach the city, they are met by Hector, who challenges Achilles to a one-on-one duel. The two warriors engage in a fierce battle, but in the end, Hector is no match for Achilles and is slain. The Trojan forces are demoralized by Hector's death and begin to retreat, but the Greek army continues to pursue them. As the battle rages on, the fate of Troy hangs in the balance.
Enter AENEAS and Trojans
AENEAS
Stand, ho! yet are we masters of the field:
Link: 5.10.1
Never go home; here starve we out the night.
Link: 5.10.2
Enter TROILUS
TROILUS
Hector is slain.
Link: 5.10.3
ALL
Hector! the gods forbid!
Link: 5.10.4
TROILUS
He's dead; and at the murderer's horse's tail,
Link: 5.10.5
In beastly sort, dragg'd through the shameful field.
Link: 5.10.6
Frown on, you heavens, effect your rage with speed!
Link: 5.10.7
Sit, gods, upon your thrones, and smile at Troy!
Link: 5.10.8
I say, at once let your brief plagues be mercy,
Link: 5.10.9
And linger not our sure destructions on!
Link: 5.10.10
AENEAS
My lord, you do discomfort all the host!
Link: 5.10.11
TROILUS
You understand me not that tell me so:
Link: 5.10.12
I do not speak of flight, of fear, of death,
Link: 5.10.13
But dare all imminence that gods and men
Link: 5.10.14
Address their dangers in. Hector is gone:
Link: 5.10.15
Who shall tell Priam so, or Hecuba?
Link: 5.10.16
Let him that will a screech-owl aye be call'd,
Link: 5.10.17
Go in to Troy, and say there, Hector's dead:
Link: 5.10.18
There is a word will Priam turn to stone;
Link: 5.10.19
Make wells and Niobes of the maids and wives,
Link: 5.10.20
Cold statues of the youth, and, in a word,
Link: 5.10.21
Scare Troy out of itself. But, march away:
Link: 5.10.22
Hector is dead; there is no more to say.
Link: 5.10.23
Stay yet. You vile abominable tents,
Link: 5.10.24
Thus proudly pight upon our Phrygian plains,
Link: 5.10.25
Let Titan rise as early as he dare,
Link: 5.10.26
I'll through and through you! and, thou great-sized coward,
Link: 5.10.27
No space of earth shall sunder our two hates:
Link: 5.10.28
I'll haunt thee like a wicked conscience still,
Link: 5.10.29
That mouldeth goblins swift as frenzy's thoughts.
Link: 5.10.30
Strike a free march to Troy! with comfort go:
Link: 5.10.31
Hope of revenge shall hide our inward woe.
Link: 5.10.32
Exeunt AENEAS and Trojans
As TROILUS is going out, enter, from the other side, PANDARUS
PANDARUS
But hear you, hear you!
Link: 5.10.33
TROILUS
Hence, broker-lackey! ignomy and shame
Link: 5.10.34
Pursue thy life, and live aye with thy name!
Link: 5.10.35
Exit
PANDARUS
A goodly medicine for my aching bones! O world!
Link: 5.10.36
world! world! thus is the poor agent despised!
Link: 5.10.37
O traitors and bawds, how earnestly are you set
Link: 5.10.38
a-work, and how ill requited! why should our
Link: 5.10.39
endeavour be so loved and the performance so loathed?
Link: 5.10.40
what verse for it? what instance for it? Let me see:
Link: 5.10.41
Full merrily the humble-bee doth sing,
Link: 5.10.42
Till he hath lost his honey and his sting;
Link: 5.10.43
And being once subdued in armed tail,
Link: 5.10.44
Sweet honey and sweet notes together fail.
Link: 5.10.45
Good traders in the flesh, set this in your
Link: 5.10.46
painted cloths.
Link: 5.10.47
As many as be here of pander's hall,
Link: 5.10.48
Your eyes, half out, weep out at Pandar's fall;
Link: 5.10.49
Or if you cannot weep, yet give some groans,
Link: 5.10.50
Though not for me, yet for your aching bones.
Link: 5.10.51
Brethren and sisters of the hold-door trade,
Link: 5.10.52
Some two months hence my will shall here be made:
Link: 5.10.53
It should be now, but that my fear is this,
Link: 5.10.54
Some galled goose of Winchester would hiss:
Link: 5.10.55
Till then I'll sweat and seek about for eases,
Link: 5.10.56
And at that time bequeathe you my diseases.
Link: 5.10.57
Exit