IhavearoistingchallengesentamongstThedunandfactiousnoblesoftheGreeksWillstrikeamazementtotheirdrowsyspirits：
Iwasadvertisedtheirgreatgeneralslept，Whilstemulationinthearmycrept：
This，Ipresume，willwakehim。
ExeuntSCENEIII。TheGreciancamp。BeforeAchilles’tent。EnterTHERSITES，solusTHERSITESHownow，Thersites!whatlostinthelabyrinthofthyfury!ShalltheelephantAjaxcarryitthus？
Hebeatsme，andIrailathim：O，worthysatisfaction!
woulditwereotherwise；thatIcouldbeathim，whilstherailedatme。’Sfoot，I’lllearntoconjureandraisedevils，butI’llseesomeissueofmyspitefulexecrations。Thenthere’sAchilles，arareenginer!IfTroybenottakentillthesetwoundermineit，thewallswillstandtilltheyfallofthemselves。Othougreatthunder—darterofOlympus，forgetthatthouartJove，thekingofgodsand，Mercury，losealltheserpentinecraftofthycaduceus，ifyetakenotthatlittle，littlelessthanlittlewitfromthemthattheyhave!whichshort—armedignoranceitselfknowsissoabundantscarce，itwillnotincircumventiondeliveraflyfromaspider，withoutdrawingtheirmassyironsandcuttingtheweb。Afterthis，thevengeanceonthewholecamp!orrather，thebone—ache!forthat，methinks，isthecursedependentonthosethatwarforaplacket。IhavesaidmyprayersanddevilEnvysayAmen。Whatho!myLordAchilles!
EnterPATROCLUSPATROCLUSWho’sthere？Thersites!GoodThersites，comeinandrail。THERSITESIfIcouldhaverememberedagiltcounterfeit，thouwouldstnothaveslippedoutofmycontemplation：
butitisnomatter；thyselfuponthyself!Thecommoncurseofmankind，follyandignorance，bethineingreatrevenue!heavenblesstheefromatutor，anddisciplinecomenotnearthee!Letthybloodbethydirectiontillthydeath!thenifshethatlaystheeoutsaysthouartafaircorse，I’llbeswornandswornupon’tshenevershroudedanybutlazars。
Amen。Where’sAchilles？PATROCLUSWhat，artthoudevout？wastthouinprayer？THERSITESAy：theheavenshearme!
EnterACHILLESACHILLESWho’sthere？PATROCLUSThersites，mylord。ACHILLESWhere，where？Artthoucome？why，mycheese，mydigestion，whyhastthounotservedthyselfintomytablesomanymeals？Come，what’sAgamemnon？THERSITESThycommander，Achilles。Thentellme，Patroclus，what’sAchilles？PATROCLUSThylord，Thersites：thentellme，Ipraythee，what’sthyself？THERSITESThyknower，Patroclus：thentellme，Patroclus，whatartthou？PATROCLUSThoumaysttellthatknowest。ACHILLESO，tell，tell。THERSITESI’lldeclinethewholequestion。AgamemnoncommandsAchilles；Achillesismylord；IamPatroclus’
knower，andPatroclusisafool。PATROCLUSYourascal!THERSITESPeace，fool!Ihavenotdone。ACHILLESHeisaprivilegedman。Proceed，Thersites。THERSITESAgamemnonisafool；Achillesisafool；
Thersitesisafool，and，asaforesaid，Patroclusisafool。ACHILLESDerivethis；come。THERSITESAgamemnonisafooltooffertocommandAchilles；
AchillesisafooltobecommandedofAgamemnon；
Thersitesisafooltoservesuchafool，andPatroclusisafoolpositive。PATROCLUSWhyamIafool？THERSITESMakethatdemandoftheprover。Itsufficesmethouart。Lookyou，whocomeshere？ACHILLESPatroclus，I’llspeakwithnobody。
Comeinwithme，Thersites。
ExitTHERSITESHereissuchpatchery，suchjugglingandsuchknavery!alltheargumentisacuckoldandawhore；agoodquarreltodrawemulousfactionsandbleedtodeathupon。Now，thedryserpigoonthesubject!andwarandlecheryconfoundall!
ExitEnterAGAMEMNON，ULYSSES，NESTOR，DIOMEDES，andAJAXAGAMEMNONWhereisAchilles？PATROCLUSWithinhistent；butilldisposed，mylord。AGAMEMNONLetitbeknowntohimthatwearehere。
Heshentourmessengers；andwelaybyOurappertainments，visitingofhim：
Lethimbetoldso；lestperchancehethinkWedarenotmovethequestionofourplace，Orknownotwhatweare。PATROCLUSIshallsaysotohim。
ExitULYSSESWesawhimattheopeningofhistent：
Heisnotsick。AJAXYes，lion—sick，sickofproudheart：youmaycallitmelancholy，ifyouwillfavourtheman；but，bymyhead，’tispride：butwhy，why？lethimshowusthecause。Aword，mylord。
TakesAGAMEMNONasideNESTORWhatmovesAjaxthustobayathim？ULYSSESAchilleshathinveigledhisfoolfromhim。NESTORWho，Thersites？ULYSSESHe。NESTORThenwillAjaxlackmatter，ifhehavelosthisargument。ULYSSESNo，yousee，heishisargumentthathashisargument，Achilles。NESTORAllthebetter；theirfractionismoreourwishthantheirfaction：butitwasastrongcomposureafoolcoulddisunite。ULYSSESTheamitythatwisdomknitsnot，follymayeasilyuntie。HerecomesPatroclus。
Re—enterPATROCLUSNESTORNoAchilleswithhim。ULYSSESTheelephanthathjoints，butnoneforcourtesy：
hislegsarelegsfornecessity，notforflexure。PATROCLUSAchillesbidsmesay，heismuchsorry，IfanythingmorethanyoursportandpleasureDidmoveyourgreatnessandthisnoblestateTocalluponhim；hehopesitisnootherButforyourhealthandyourdigestionsake，Andafter—dinner’sbreath。AGAMEMNONHearyou，Patroclus：
Wearetoowellacquaintedwiththeseanswers：
Buthisevasion，wing’dthusswiftwithscorn，Cannotoutflyourapprehensions。
Muchattributehehath，andmuchthereasonWhyweascribeittohim；yetallhisvirtues，Notvirtuouslyonhisownpartbeheld，Doinoureyesbegintolosetheirgloss，Yea，likefairfruitinanunwholesomedish，Areliketorotuntasted。Goandtellhim，Wecometospeakwithhim；andyoushallnotsin，Ifyoudosaywethinkhimover—proudAndunder—honest，inself—assumptiongreaterThaninthenoteofjudgment；andworthierthanhimselfHeretendthesavagestrangenessheputson，Disguisetheholystrengthoftheircommand，AndunderwriteinanobservingkindHishumorouspredominance；yea，watchHispettishlunes，hisebbs，hisflows，asifThepassageandwholecarriageofthisactionRodeonhistide。Gotellhimthis，andadd，Thatifheoverholdhispricesomuch，We’llnoneofhim；butlethim，likeanengineNotportable，lieunderthisreport：
’Bringactionhither，thiscannotgotowar：
AstirringdwarfwedoallowancegiveBeforeasleepinggiant。’Tellhimso。PATROCLUSIshall；andbringhisanswerpresently。
ExitAGAMEMNONInsecondvoicewe’llnotbesatisfied；
Wecometospeakwithhim。Ulysses，enteryou。
ExitULYSSESAJAXWhatishemorethananother？AGAMEMNONNomorethanwhathethinksheis。AJAXIshesomuch？DoyounotthinkhethinkshimselfabettermanthanIam？AGAMEMNONNoquestion。AJAXWillyousubscribehisthought，andsayheis？AGAMEMNONNo，nobleAjax；youareasstrong，asvaliant，aswise，nolessnoble，muchmoregentle，andaltogethermoretractable。AJAXWhyshouldamanbeproud？Howdothpridegrow？I
knownotwhatprideis。AGAMEMNONYourmindistheclearer，Ajax，andyourvirtuesthefairer。Hethatisproudeatsuphimself：prideishisownglass，hisowntrumpet，hisownchronicle；
andwhateverpraisesitselfbutinthedeed，devoursthedeedinthepraise。AJAXIdohateaproudman，asIhatetheengenderingoftoads。NESTORYetheloveshimself：is’tnotstrange？
AsideRe—enterULYSSESULYSSESAchilleswillnottothefieldto—morrow。AGAMEMNONWhat’shisexcuse？ULYSSESHedothrelyonnone，ButcarriesonthestreamofhisdisposeWithoutobservanceorrespectofany，Inwillpeculiarandinself—admission。AGAMEMNONWhywillhenotuponourfairrequestUntenthispersonandsharetheairwithus？ULYSSESThingssmallasnothing，forrequest’ssakeonly，Hemakesimportant：possess’dheiswithgreatness，AndspeaksnottohimselfbutwithaprideThatquarrelsatself—breath：imaginedworthHoldsinhisbloodsuchswolnandhotdiscourseThat’twixthismentalandhisactivepartsKingdom’dAchillesincommotionragesAndbattersdownhimself：whatshouldIsay？
Heissoplaguyproudthatthedeath—tokensofitCry’Norecovery。’AGAMEMNONLetAjaxgotohim。
Dearlord，goyouandgreethiminhistent：
’Tissaidheholdsyouwell，andwillbeledAtyourrequestalittlefromhimself。ULYSSESOAgamemnon，letitnotbeso!
We’llconsecratethestepsthatAjaxmakesWhentheygofromAchilles：shalltheproudlordThatbasteshisarrogancewithhisownseamAndneversuffersmatteroftheworldEnterhisthoughts，savesuchasdorevolveAndruminatehimself，shallhebeworshipp’dOfthatweholdanidolmorethanhe？
No，thisthriceworthyandrightvaliantlordMustnotsostalehispalm，noblyacquired；
Nor，bymywill，assubjugatehismerit，AsamplytitledasAchillesis，BygoingtoAchilles：
ThatweretoenlardhisfatalreadyprideAndaddmorecoalstoCancerwhenheburnsWithentertaininggreatHyperion。
Thislordgotohim!Jupiterforbid，Andsayinthunder’Achillesgotohim。’NESTOR[AsidetoDIOMEDES]O，thisiswell；
herubstheveinofhim。DIOMEDES[AsidetoNESTOR]Andhowhissilencedrinksupthisapplause!AJAXIfIgotohim，withmyarmedfistI’llpashhimo’ertheface。AGAMEMNONO，no，youshallnotgo。AJAXAna’beproudwithme，I’llpheezehispride：
Letmegotohim。ULYSSESNotfortheworththathangsuponourquarrel。AJAXApaltry，insolentfellow!NESTORHowhedescribeshimself!AJAXCanhenotbesociable？ULYSSESTheravenchidesblackness。AJAXI’lllethishumoursblood。AGAMEMNONHewillbethephysicianthatshouldbethepatient。AJAXAnallmenwereo’mymind，——ULYSSESWitwouldbeoutoffashion。AJAXA’shouldnotbearitso，a’shouldeatswordsfirst：
shallpridecarryit？NESTORAn’twould，you’ldcarryhalf。ULYSSESA’wouldhavetenshares。AJAXIwillkneadhim；I’llmakehimsupple。NESTORHe’snotyetthroughwarm：forcehimwithpraises：
pourin，pourin；hisambitionisdry。ULYSSES[ToAGAMEMNON]Mylord，youfeedtoomuchonthisdislike。NESTOROurnoblegeneral，donotdoso。DIOMEDESYoumustpreparetofightwithoutAchilles。ULYSSESWhy，’tisthisnamingofhimdoeshimharm。
Hereisaman——but’tisbeforehisface；
Iwillbesilent。NESTORWhereforeshouldyouso？
Heisnotemulous，asAchillesis。ULYSSESKnowthewholeworld，heisasvaliant。AJAXAwhoresondog，thatshallpelterthuswithus!
WouldhewereaTrojan!NESTORWhatavicewereitinAjaxnow，——ULYSSESIfhewereproud，——DIOMEDESOrcovetousofpraise，——ULYSSESAy，orsurlyborne，——DIOMEDESOrstrange，orself—affected!ULYSSESThanktheheavens，lord，thouartofsweetcomposure；
Praisehimthatgotthee，shethatgavetheesuck：
Famedbethytutor，andthypartsofnatureThricefamed，beyondallerudition：
Buthethatdisciplinedthyarmstofight，LetMarsdivideeternityintwain，Andgivehimhalf：and，forthyvigour，Bull—bearingMilohisadditionyieldTosinewyAjax。Iwillnotpraisethywisdom，Which，likeabourn，apale，ashore，confinesThyspaciousanddilatedparts：here’sNestor；
Instructedbytheantiquarytimes，Hemust，heis，hecannotbutbewise：
Putpardon，fatherNestor，wereyourdaysAsgreenasAjax’andyourbrainsotemper’d，Youshouldnothavetheeminenceofhim，ButbeasAjax。AJAXShallIcallyoufather？NESTORAy，mygoodson。DIOMEDESBeruledbyhim，LordAjax。ULYSSESThereisnotarryinghere；thehartAchillesKeepsthicket。PleaseitourgreatgeneralTocalltogetherallhisstateofwar；
FreshkingsarecometoTroy：to—morrowWemustwithallourmainofpowerstandfast：
Andhere’salord，——comeknightsfromeasttowest，Andculltheirflower，Ajaxshallcopethebest。AGAMEMNONGowetocouncil。LetAchillessleep：
Lightboatssailswift，thoughgreaterhulksdrawdeep。
ExeuntACTIIISCENEI。Troy。Priam’spalace。EnteraServantandPANDARUSPANDARUSFriend，you!prayyou，aword：donotyoufollowtheyoungLordParis？ServantAy，sir，whenhegoesbeforeme。PANDARUSYoudependuponhim，Imean？ServantSir，Idodependuponthelord。PANDARUSYoudependuponanoblegentleman；Imustneedspraisehim。ServantThelordbepraised!PANDARUSYouknowme，doyounot？ServantFaith，sir，superficially。PANDARUSFriend，knowmebetter；IamtheLordPandarus。ServantIhopeIshallknowyourhonourbetter。PANDARUSIdodesireit。ServantYouareinthestateofgrace。PANDARUSGrace!notso，friend：honourandlordshiparemytitles。
MusicwithinWhatmusicisthis？ServantIdobutpartlyknow，sir：itismusicinparts。PANDARUSKnowyouthemusicians？ServantWholly，sir。PANDARUSWhoplaytheyto？ServantTothehearers，sir。PANDARUSAtwhosepleasure，friendServantAtmine，sir，andtheirsthatlovemusic。PANDARUSCommand，Imean，friend。ServantWhoshallIcommand，sir？PANDARUSFriend，weunderstandnotoneanother：
Iamtoocourtlyandthouarttoocunning。Atwhoserequestdothesemenplay？ServantThat’sto’tindeed，sir：marry，sir，attherequestofParismylord，who’sthereinperson；withhim，themortalVenus，theheart—bloodofbeauty，love’sinvisiblesoul，——PANDARUSWho，mycousinCressida？ServantNo，sir，Helen：couldyounotfindoutthatbyherattributes？PANDARUSItshouldseem，fellow，thatthouhastnotseentheLadyCressida。IcometospeakwithParisfromthePrinceTroilus：Iwillmakeacomplimentalassaultuponhim，formybusinessseethes。ServantSoddenbusiness!there’sastewedphraseindeed!
EnterPARISandHELEN，attendedPANDARUSFairbetoyou，mylord，andtoallthisfaircompany!fairdesires，inallfairmeasure，fairlyguidethem!especiallytoyou，fairqueen!
fairthoughtsbeyourfairpillow!HELENDearlord，youarefulloffairwords。PANDARUSYouspeakyourfairpleasure，sweetqueen。
Fairprince，hereisgoodbrokenmusic。PARISYouhavebrokeit，cousin：and，bymylife，youshallmakeitwholeagain；youshallpieceitoutwithapieceofyourperformance。Nell，heisfullofharmony。PANDARUSTruly，lady，no。HELENO，sir，——PANDARUSRude，insooth；ingoodsooth，veryrude。PARISWellsaid，mylord!well，yousaysoinfits。PANDARUSIhavebusinesstomylord，dearqueen。
Mylord，willyouvouchsafemeaword？HELENNay，thisshallnothedgeusout：we’llhearyousing，certainly。PANDARUSWell，sweetqueen。youarepleasantwithme。But，marry，thus，mylord：mydearlordandmostesteemedfriend，yourbrotherTroilus，——HELENMyLordPandarus；honey—sweetlord，——PANDARUSGoto，sweetqueen，togo：——commendshimselfmostaffectionatelytoyou，——HELENYoushallnotbobusoutofourmelody：
ifyoudo，ourmelancholyuponyourhead!PANDARUSSweetqueen，sweetqueen!that’sasweetqueen，i’faith。HELENAndtomakeasweetladysadisasouroffence。PANDARUSNay，thatshallnotserveyourturn；thatshallnot，intruth，la。Nay，Icarenotforsuchwords；
no，no。And，mylord，hedesiresyou，thatifthekingcallforhimatsupper，youwillmakehisexcuse。HELENMyLordPandarus，——PANDARUSWhatsaysmysweetqueen，myveryverysweetqueen？PARISWhatexploit’sinhand？wheresupsheto—night？HELENNay，but，mylord，——PANDARUSWhatsaysmysweetqueen？Mycousinwillfalloutwithyou。Youmustnotknowwherehesups。PARISI’lllaymylife，withmydisposerCressida。PANDARUSNo，no，nosuchmatter；youarewide：
come，yourdisposerissick。PARISWell，I’llmakeexcuse。PANDARUSAy，goodmylord。WhyshouldyousayCressida？
no，yourpoordisposer’ssick。PARISIspy。PANDARUSYouspy!whatdoyouspy？Come，givemeaninstrument。Now，sweetqueen。HELENWhy，thisiskindlydone。PANDARUSMynieceishorriblyinlovewithathingyouhave，sweetqueen。HELENSheshallhaveit，mylord，ifitbenotmylordParis。PANDARUSHe!no，she’llnoneofhim；theytwoaretwain。HELENFallingin，afterfallingout，maymakethemthree。PANDARUSCome，come，I’llhearnomoreofthis；
I’llsingyouasongnow。HELENAy，ay，pritheenow。Bymytroth，sweetlord，thouhastafineforehead。PANDARUSAy，youmay，youmay。HELENLetthysongbelove：thislovewillundousall。
OCupid，Cupid，Cupid!PANDARUSLove!ay，thatitshall，i’faith。PARISAy，goodnow，love，love，nothingbutlove。PANDARUSIngoodtroth，itbeginsso。
SingsLove，love，nothingbutlove，stillmore!
For，O，love’sbowShootsbuckanddoe：
Theshaftconfounds，Notthatitwounds，Butticklesstillthesore。
TheseloverscryOh!oh!theydie!
Yetthatwhichseemsthewoundtokill，Dothturnoh!oh!toha!ha!he!
Sodyinglovelivesstill：
Oh!oh!awhile，butha!ha!ha!
Oh!oh!groansoutforha!ha!ha!
Heigh—ho!HELENInlove，i’faith，totheverytipofthenose。PARISHeeatsnothingbutdoves，love，andthatbreedshotblood，andhotbloodbegetshotthoughts，andhotthoughtsbegethotdeeds，andhotdeedsislove。PANDARUSIsthisthegenerationoflove？hotblood，hotthoughts，andhotdeeds？Why，theyarevipers：
isloveagenerationofvipers？Sweetlord，who’sa—fieldto—day？PARISHector，Deiphobus，Helenus，Antenor，andallthegallantryofTroy：Iwouldfainhavearmedto—day，butmyNellwouldnothaveitso。HowchancemybrotherTroiluswentnot？HELENHehangsthelipatsomething：youknowall，LordPandarus。PANDARUSNotI，honey—sweetqueen。Ilongtohearhowtheyspedto—day。You’llrememberyourbrother’sexcuse？PARISToahair。PANDARUSFarewell，sweetqueen。HELENCommendmetoyourniece。PANDARUSIwill，sweetqueen。
ExitAretreatsoundedPARISThey’recomefromfield：letustoPriam’shall，Togreetthewarriors。SweetHelen，ImustwooyouTohelpunarmourHector：hisstubbornbuckles，Withtheseyourwhiteenchantingfingerstouch’d，ShallmoreobeythantotheedgeofsteelOrforceofGreekishsinews；youshalldomoreThanalltheislandkings，——disarmgreatHector。HELEN’Twillmakeusproudtobehisservant，Paris；
Yea，whatheshallreceiveofusindutyGivesusmorepalminbeautythanwehave，Yea，overshinesourself。PARISSweet，abovethoughtIlovethee。
ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。Pandarus’orchard。EnterPANDARUSandTroilus’sBoy，meetingPANDARUSHownow!where’sthymaster？atmycousinCressida’s？BoyNo，sir；hestaysforyoutoconducthimthither。PANDARUSO，herehecomes。
EnterTROILUS
Hownow，hownow!TROILUSSirrah，walkoff。
ExitBoyPANDARUSHaveyouseenmycousin？TROILUSNo，Pandarus：Istalkaboutherdoor，LikeastrangesoulupontheStygianbanksStayingforwaftage。O，bethoumyCharon，AndgivemeswifttransportancetothosefieldsWhereImaywallowinthelily—bedsProposedforthedeserver!OgentlePandarus，FromCupid’sshoulderpluckhispaintedwingsAndflywithmetoCressid!PANDARUSWalkherei’theorchard，I’llbringherstraight。
ExitTROILUSIamgiddy；expectationwhirlsmeround。
TheimaginaryrelishissosweetThatitenchantsmysense：whatwillitbe，WhenthatthewaterypalatetastesindeedLove’sthricerepurednectar？death，Ifearme，Swooningdestruction，orsomejoytoofine，Toosubtle—potent，tunedtoosharpinsweetness，Forthecapacityofmyruderpowers：
Ifearitmuch；andIdofearbesides，ThatIshalllosedistinctioninmyjoys；
Asdothabattle，whentheychargeonheapsTheenemyflying。
Re—enterPANDARUSPANDARUSShe’smakingherready，she’llcomestraight：
youmustbewittynow。Shedoessoblush，andfetchesherwindsoshort，asifshewerefrayedwithasprite：I’llfetchher。Itistheprettiestvillain：shefetchesherbreathasshortasanew—ta’ensparrow。
ExitTROILUSEvensuchapassiondothembracemybosom：
Myheartbeatsthickerthanafeverouspulse；
Andallmypowersdotheirbestowinglose，LikevassalageatunawaresencounteringTheeyeofmajesty。
Re—enterPANDARUSwithCRESSIDAPANDARUSCome，come，whatneedyoublush？shame’sababy。
Heresheisnow：sweartheoathsnowtoherthatyouhavesworntome。What，areyougoneagain？
youmustbewatchedereyoubemadetame，mustyou？
Comeyourways，comeyourways；anyoudrawbackward，we’llputyoui’thefills。Whydoyounotspeaktoher？Come，drawthiscurtain，andlet’sseeyourpicture。Alastheday，howloathyouaretooffenddaylight!an’tweredark，you’ldclosesooner。
So，so；rubon，andkissthemistress。Hownow!
akissinfee—farm!buildthere，carpenter；theairissweet。Nay，youshallfightyourheartsoutereIpartyou。Thefalconasthetercel，foralltheducksi’theriver：goto，goto。TROILUSYouhavebereftmeofallwords，lady。PANDARUSWordspaynodebts，giveherdeeds：butshe’llbereaveyouo’thedeedstoo，ifshecallyouractivityinquestion。What，billingagain？Here’s’Inwitnesswhereofthepartiesinterchangeably’——
Comein，comein：I’llgogetafire。
ExitCRESSIDAWillyouwalkin，mylord？TROILUSOCressida，howoftenhaveIwishedmethus!CRESSIDAWished，mylord!Thegodsgrant，——Omylord!TROILUSWhatshouldtheygrant？whatmakesthisprettyabruption？Whattoocuriousdregespiesmysweetladyinthefountainofourlove？CRESSIDAMoredregsthanwater，ifmyfearshaveeyes。TROILUSFearsmakedevilsofcherubims；theyneverseetruly。CRESSIDABlindfear，thatseeingreasonleads，findssaferfootingthanblindreasonstumblingwithoutfear：
tofeartheworstoftcurestheworse。TROILUSO，letmyladyapprehendnofear：inallCupid’spageantthereispresentednomonster。CRESSIDANornothingmonstrousneither？TROILUSNothing，butourundertakings；whenwevowtoweepseas，liveinfire，eatrocks，tametigers；thinkingitharderforourmistresstodeviseimpositionenoughthanforustoundergoanydifficultyimposed。
Thisisthemonstruosityinlove，lady，thatthewillisinfiniteandtheexecutionconfined，thatthedesireisboundlessandtheactaslavetolimit。CRESSIDATheysayallloversswearmoreperformancethantheyareableandyetreserveanabilitythattheyneverperform，vowingmorethantheperfectionoftenanddischarginglessthanthetenthpartofone。Theythathavethevoiceoflionsandtheactofhares，aretheynotmonsters？TROILUSAretheresuch？sucharenotwe：praiseusaswearetasted，allowusasweprove；ourheadshallgobaretillmeritcrownit：noperfectioninreversionshallhaveapraiseinpresent：wewillnotnamedesertbeforehisbirth，and，beingborn，hisadditionshallbehumble。Fewwordstofairfaith：TroilusshallbesuchtoCressidaswhatenvycansayworstshallbeamockforhistruth，andwhattruthcanspeaktruestnottruerthanTroilus。CRESSIDAWillyouwalkin，mylord？
Re—enterPANDARUSPANDARUSWhat，blushingstill？haveyounotdonetalkingyet？CRESSIDAWell，uncle，whatfollyIcommit，Idedicatetoyou。PANDARUSIthankyouforthat：ifmylordgetaboyofyou，you’llgivehimme。Betruetomylord：ifheflinch，chidemeforit。TROILUSYouknownowyourhostages；youruncle’swordandmyfirmfaith。PANDARUSNay，I’llgivemywordforhertoo：ourkindred，thoughtheybelongeretheyarewooed，theyareconstantbeingwon：theyareburs，Icantellyou；
they’llstickwheretheyarethrown。CRESSIDABoldnesscomestomenow，andbringsmeheart。
PrinceTroilus，IhavelovedyounightanddayFormanywearymonths。TROILUSWhywasmyCressidthensohardtowin？CRESSIDAHardtoseemwon：butIwaswon，mylord，Withthefirstglancethatever——pardonme——
IfIconfessmuch，youwillplaythetyrant。
Iloveyounow；butnot，tillnow，somuchButImightmasterit：infaith，Ilie；
Mythoughtswerelikeunbridledchildren，grownTooheadstrongfortheirmother。See，wefools!
WhyhaveIblabb’d？whoshallbetruetous，Whenwearesounsecrettoourselves？
But，thoughIlovedyouwell，Iwoo’dyounot；
Andyet，goodfaith，Iwish’dmyselfaman，Orthatwewomenhadmen’sprivilegeOfspeakingfirst。Sweet，bidmeholdmytongue，ForinthisraptureIshallsurelyspeakThethingIshallrepent。See，see，yoursilence，Cunningindumbness，frommyweaknessdrawsMyverysoulofcounsel!stopmymouth。TROILUSAndshall，albeitsweetmusicissuesthence。PANDARUSPretty，i’faith。CRESSIDAMylord，Idobeseechyou，pardonme；
’Twasnotmypurpose，thustobegakiss：
Iamashamed。Oheavens!whathaveIdone？
ForthistimewillItakemyleave，mylord。TROILUSYourleave，sweetCressid!PANDARUSLeave!anyoutakeleavetillto—morrowmorning，——CRESSIDAPrayyou，contentyou。TROILUSWhatoffendsyou，lady？CRESSIDASir，mineowncompany。TROILUSYoucannotshunYourself。CRESSIDALetmegoandtry：
Ihaveakindofselfresideswithyou；
Butanunkindself，thatitselfwillleave，Tobeanother’sfool。Iwouldbegone：
Whereismywit？IknownotwhatIspeak。TROILUSWellknowtheywhattheyspeakthatspeaksowisely。CRESSIDAPerchance，mylord，Ishowmorecraftthanlove；
Andfellsoroundlytoalargeconfession，Toangleforyourthoughts：butyouarewise，Orelseyoulovenot，fortobewiseandloveExceedsman’smight；thatdwellswithgodsabove。TROILUSOthatIthoughtitcouldbeinawoman——
As，ifitcan，Iwillpresumeinyou——
Tofeedforayeherrampandflamesoflove；
Tokeepherconstancyinplightandyouth，Outlivingbeauty’soutward，withamindThatdothrenewswifterthanblooddecays!
Orthatpersuasioncouldbutthusconvinceme，ThatmyintegrityandtruthtoyouMightbeaffrontedwiththematchandweightOfsuchawinnow’dpurityinlove；
HowwereIthenuplifted!but，alas!
Iamastrueastruth’ssimplicityAndsimplerthantheinfancyoftruth。CRESSIDAInthatI’llwarwithyou。TROILUSOvirtuousfight，Whenrightwithrightwarswhoshallbemostright!
TrueswainsinloveshallintheworldtocomeApprovetheirtruthsbyTroilus：whentheirrhymes，Fullofprotest，ofoathandbigcompare，Wantsimiles，truthtiredwithiteration，Astrueassteel，asplantagetothemoon，Assuntoday，asturtletohermate，Asirontoadamant，asearthtothecentre，Yet，afterallcomparisonsoftruth，Astruth’sauthenticauthortobecited，’AstrueasTroilus’shallcrownuptheverse，Andsanctifythenumbers。CRESSIDAProphetmayyoube!
IfIbefalse，orswerveahairfromtruth，Whentimeisoldandhathforgotitself，WhenwaterdropshavewornthestonesofTroy，Andblindoblivionswallow’dcitiesup，AndmightystatescharacterlessaregratedTodustynothing，yetletmemory，Fromfalsetofalse，amongfalsemaidsinlove，Upbraidmyfalsehood!whenthey’vesaid’asfalseAsair，aswater，wind，orsandyearth，Asfoxtolamb，aswolftoheifer’scalf，Pardtothehind，orstepdametoherson，’
’Yea，’letthemsay，tosticktheheartoffalsehood，’AsfalseasCressid。’PANDARUSGoto，abargainmade：sealit，sealit；I’llbethewitness。HereIholdyourhand，heremycousin’s。
Ifeveryouprovefalseonetoanother，sinceIhavetakensuchpainstobringyoutogether，letallpitifulgoers—betweenbecalledtotheworld’sendaftermyname；callthemallPandars；letallconstantmenbeTroiluses，allfalsewomenCressids，andallbrokers—betweenPandars!say，amen。TROILUSAmen。CRESSIDAAmen。PANDARUSAmen。WhereuponIwillshowyouachamberwithabed；whichbed，becauseitshallnotspeakofyourprettyencounters，pressittodeath：away!
AndCupidgrantalltongue—tiedmaidenshereBed，chamber，Pandartoprovidethisgear!
ExeuntSCENEIII。TheGreciancamp。BeforeAchilles’tent。EnterAGAMEMNON，ULYSSES，DIOMEDES，NESTOR，AJAX，MENELAUS，andCALCHASCALCHASNow，princes，fortheserviceIhavedoneyou，TheadvantageofthetimepromptsmealoudTocallforrecompense。AppearittoyourmindThat，throughthesightIbearinthingstolove，Ihaveabandon’dTroy，leftmypossession，Incurr’datraitor’sname；exposedmyself，Fromcertainandpossess’dconveniences，Todoubtfulfortunes；sequesteringfrommeallThattime，acquaintance，customandconditionMadetameandmostfamiliartomynature，Andhere，todoyouservice，ambecomeAsnewintotheworld，strange，unacquainted：
Idobeseechyou，asinwayoftaste，Togivemenowalittlebenefit，Outofthosemanyregister’dinpromise，Which，yousay，livetocomeinmybehalf。AGAMEMNONWhatwouldstthouofus，Trojan？makedemand。CALCHASYouhaveaTrojanprisoner，call’dAntenor，Yesterdaytook：Troyholdshimverydear。
Ofthaveyou——oftenhaveyouthankstherefore——
DesiredmyCressidinrightgreatexchange，WhomTroyhathstilldenied：butthisAntenor，Iknow，issuchawrestintheiraffairsThattheirnegotiationsallmustslack，Wantinghismanage；andtheywillalmostGiveusaprinceofblood，asonofPriam，Inchangeofhim：lethimbesent，greatprinces，Andheshallbuymydaughter；andherpresenceShallquitestrikeoffallserviceIhavedone，Inmostacceptedpain。AGAMEMNONLetDiomedesbearhim，AndbringusCressidhither：CalchasshallhaveWhatherequestsofus。GoodDiomed，Furnishyoufairlyforthisinterchange：
WithalbringwordifHectorwillto—morrowBeanswer’dinhischallenge：Ajaxisready。DIOMEDESThisshallIundertake；and’tisaburdenWhichIamproudtobear。
ExeuntDIOMEDESandCALCHAS
EnterACHILLESandPATROCLUS，beforetheirtentULYSSESAchillesstandsi’theentranceofhistent：
Pleaseitourgeneraltopassstrangelybyhim，Asifhewereforgot；and，princesall，Laynegligentandlooseregarduponhim：
Iwillcomelast。’Tislikehe’llquestionmeWhysuchunplausiveeyesarebentonhim：
Ifso，Ihavederisionmedicinable，Tousebetweenyourstrangenessandhispride，Whichhisownwillshallhavedesiretodrink：
Itmaybegood：pridehathnootherglassToshowitselfbutpride，forsupplekneesFeedarroganceandaretheproudman’sfees。AGAMEMNONWe’llexecuteyourpurpose，andputonAformofstrangenessaswepassalong：
Sodoeachlord，andeithergreethimnot，Orelsedisdainfully，whichshallshakehimmoreThanifnotlook’don。Iwillleadtheway。ACHILLESWhat，comesthegeneraltospeakwithme？
Youknowmymind，I’llfightnomore’gainstTroy。AGAMEMNONWhatsaysAchilles？wouldheaughtwithus？NESTORWouldyou，mylord，aughtwiththegeneral？ACHILLESNo。NESTORNothing，mylord。AGAMEMNONThebetter。
ExeuntAGAMEMNONandNESTORACHILLESGoodday，goodday。MENELAUSHowdoyou？howdoyou？
ExitACHILLESWhat，doesthecuckoldscornme？AJAXHownow，Patroclus!ACHILLESGoodmorrow，Ajax。AJAXHa？ACHILLESGoodmorrow。AJAXAy，andgoodnextdaytoo。
ExitACHILLESWhatmeanthesefellows？KnowtheynotAchilles？PATROCLUSTheypassbystrangely：theywereusedtobendTosendtheirsmilesbeforethemtoAchilles；
TocomeashumblyastheyusedtocreepToholyaltars。ACHILLESWhat，amIpooroflate？
’Tiscertain，greatness，oncefall’noutwithfortune，Mustfalloutwithmentoo：whatthedeclinedisHeshallassoonreadintheeyesofothersAsfeelinhisownfall；formen，likebutterflies，Shownottheirmealywingsbuttothesummer，Andnotaman，forbeingsimplyman，Hathanyhonour，buthonourforthosehonoursThatarewithouthim，asplace，riches，favour，Prizesofaccidentasoftasmerit：
Whichwhentheyfall，asbeingslipperystanders，Thelovethatlean’donthemasslipperytoo，DoonepluckdownanotherandtogetherDieinthefall。But’tisnotsowithme：
FortuneandIarefriends：IdoenjoyAtamplepointallthatIdidpossess，Savethesemen’slooks；whodo，methinks，findoutSomethingnotworthinmesuchrichbeholdingAstheyhaveoftengiven。HereisUlysses；
I’llinterrupthisreading。
HownowUlysses!ULYSSESNow，greatThetis’son!ACHILLESWhatareyoureading？ULYSSESAstrangefellowhereWritesme：’Thatman，howdearlyeverparted，Howmuchinhaving，orwithoutorin，Cannotmakeboasttohavethatwhichhehath，Norfeelsnotwhatheowes，butbyreflection；
AswhenhisvirtuesshininguponothersHeatthemandtheyretortthatheatagainTothefirstgiver。’ACHILLESThisisnotstrange，Ulysses。
ThebeautythatisbornehereinthefaceThebearerknowsnot，butcommendsitselfToothers’eyes；nordoththeeyeitself，Thatmostpurespiritofsense，beholditself，Notgoingfromitself；buteyetoeyeopposedSaluteseachotherwitheachother’sform；
Forspeculationturnsnottoitself，Tillithathtravell’dandismirror’dthereWhereitmayseeitself。Thisisnotstrangeatall。ULYSSESIdonotstrainattheposition，——
Itisfamiliar，——butattheauthor’sdrift；
Who，inhiscircumstance，expresslyprovesThatnomanisthelordofanything，Thoughinandofhimtherebemuchconsisting，Tillhecommunicatehispartstoothers：
NordothheofhimselfknowthemforaughtTillhebeholdthemform’dintheapplauseWherethey’reextended；who，likeanarch，reverberatesThevoiceagain，or，likeagateofsteelFrontingthesun，receivesandrendersbackHisfigureandhisheat。Iwasmuchwraptinthis；
AndapprehendedhereimmediatelyTheunknownAjax。
Heavens，whatamanisthere!averyhorse，Thathasheknowsnotwhat。Nature，whatthingsthereareMostabjectinregardanddearinuse!
WhatthingsagainmostdearintheesteemAndpoorinworth!Nowshallweseeto—morrow——
Anactthatverychancedoththrowuponhim——
Ajaxrenown’d。Oheavens，whatsomemendo，Whilesomemenleavetodo!
Howsomemencreepinskittishfortune’shall，Whilesothersplaytheidiotsinhereyes!
Howonemaneatsintoanother’spride，Whileprideisfastinginhiswantonness!
ToseetheseGrecianlords!——why，evenalreadyTheyclapthelubberAjaxontheshoulder，AsifhisfootwereonbraveHector’sbreastAndgreatTroyshrieking。ACHILLESIdobelieveit；fortheypass’dbymeAsmisersdobybeggars，neithergavetomeGoodwordnorlook：what，aremydeedsforgot？ULYSSESTimehath，mylord，awalletathisback，Whereinheputsalmsforoblivion，Agreat—sizedmonsterofingratitudes：
Thosescrapsaregooddeedspast；whicharedevour’dAsfastastheyaremade，forgotassoonAsdone：perseverance，dearmylord，Keepshonourbright：tohavedoneistohangQuiteoutoffashion，likearustymailInmonumentalmockery。Taketheinstantway；
Forhonourtravelsinastraitsonarrow，Whereonebutgoesabreast：keepthenthepath；
ForemulationhathathousandsonsThatonebyonepursue：ifyougiveway，Orhedgeasidefromthedirectforthright，Liketoanenter’dtide，theyallrushbyAndleaveyouhindmost；
Orlikeagallanthorsefall’ninfirstrank，Liethereforpavementtotheabjectrear，O’er—runandtrampledon：thenwhattheydoinpresent，Thoughlessthanyoursinpast，musto’ertopyours；
FortimeislikeafashionablehostThatslightlyshakeshispartingguestbythehand，Andwithhisarmsoutstretch’d，ashewouldfly，Graspsinthecomer：welcomeeversmiles，Andfarewellgoesoutsighing。O，letnotvirtueseekRemunerationforthethingitwas；
Forbeauty，wit，Highbirth，vigourofbone，desertinservice，Love，friendship，charity，aresubjectsallToenviousandcalumniatingtime。
Onetouchofnaturemakesthewholeworldkin，Thatallwithoneconsentpraisenew—borngawds，Thoughtheyaremadeandmouldedofthingspast，AndgivetodustthatisalittlegiltMorelaudthangilto’er—dusted。
Thepresenteyepraisesthepresentobject。
Thenmarvelnot，thougreatandcompleteman，ThatalltheGreeksbegintoworshipAjax；
SincethingsinmotionsoonercatchtheeyeThanwhatnotstirs。Thecrywentonceonthee，Andstillitmight，andyetitmayagain，IfthouwouldstnotentombthyselfaliveAndcasethyreputationinthytent；
Whosegloriousdeeds，butinthesefieldsoflate，Madeemulousmissions’mongstthegodsthemselvesAnddravegreatMarstofaction。ACHILLESOfthismyprivacyIhavestrongreasons。ULYSSESBut’gainstyourprivacyThereasonsaremorepotentandheroical：
’Tisknown，Achilles，thatyouareinloveWithoneofPriam’sdaughters。ACHILLESHa!known!ULYSSESIsthatawonder？
Theprovidencethat’sinawatchfulstateKnowsalmosteverygrainofPlutus’gold，Findsbottomintheuncomprehensivedeeps，Keepsplacewiththoughtandalmost，likethegods，Doesthoughtsunveilintheirdumbcradles。
Thereisamystery——withwhomrelationDurstnevermeddle——inthesoulofstate；
WhichhathanoperationmoredivineThanbreathorpencangiveexpressureto：
AllthecommercethatyouhavehadwithTroyAsperfectlyisoursasyours，mylord；
AndbetterwoulditfitAchillesmuchTothrowdownHectorthanPolyxena：
ButitmustgrieveyoungPyrrhusnowathome，Whenfameshallinourislandssoundhertrump，AndalltheGreekishgirlsshalltrippingsing，’GreatHector’ssisterdidAchilleswin，ButourgreatAjaxbravelybeatdownhim。’
Farewell，mylord：Iasyourloverspeak；
Thefoolslideso’ertheicethatyoushouldbreak。
ExitPATROCLUSTothiseffect，Achilles，haveImovedyou：
AwomanimpudentandmannishgrownIsnotmoreloathedthananeffeminatemanIntimeofaction。Istandcondemn’dforthis；
TheythinkmylittlestomachtothewarAndyourgreatlovetomerestrainsyouthus：
Sweet，rouseyourself；andtheweakwantonCupidShallfromyourneckunloosehisamorousfold，And，likeadew—dropfromthelion’smane，Beshooktoair。ACHILLESShallAjaxfightwithHector？PATROCLUSAy，andperhapsreceivemuchhonourbyhim。ACHILLESIseemyreputationisatstakeMyfameisshrewdlygored。PATROCLUSO，then，beware；
Thosewoundshealillthatmendogivethemselves：
OmissiontodowhatisnecessarySealsacommissiontoablankofdanger；
Anddanger，likeanague，subtlytaintsEventhenwhenwesitidlyinthesun。ACHILLESGocallThersiteshither，sweetPatroclus：
I’llsendthefooltoAjaxanddesirehimToinvitetheTrojanlordsafterthecombatToseeushereunarm’d：Ihaveawoman’slonging，AnappetitethatIamsickwithal，ToseegreatHectorinhisweedsofpeace，Totalkwithhimandtobeholdhisvisage，Eventomyfullofview。
EnterTHERSITES
Alaboursaved!THERSITESAwonder!ACHILLESWhat？THERSITESAjaxgoesupanddownthefield，askingforhimself。ACHILLESHowso？THERSITESHemustfightsinglyto—morrowwithHector，andissopropheticallyproudofanheroicalcudgellingthatheravesinsayingnothing。ACHILLESHowcanthatbe？THERSITESWhy，hestalksupanddownlikeapeacock，——astrideandastand：ruminateslikeanhostessthathathnoarithmeticbutherbraintosetdownherreckoning：
biteshislipwithapoliticregard，aswhoshouldsay’Therewerewitinthishead，an’twouldout；’
andsothereis，butitliesascoldlyinhimasfireinaflint，whichwillnotshowwithoutknocking。
Theman’sundoneforever；forifHectorbreaknothisnecki’thecombat，he’llbreak’thimselfinvain—glory。Heknowsnotme：Isaid’Goodmorrow，Ajax；’andhereplies’Thanks，Agamemnon。’Whatthinkyouofthismanthattakesmeforthegeneral？
He’sgrownaveryland—fish，language—less，amonster。
Aplagueofopinion!amanmaywearitonbothsides，likealeatherjerkin。ACHILLESThoumustbemyambassadortohim，Thersites。THERSITESWho，I？why，he’llanswernobody；heprofessesnotanswering：speakingisforbeggars；hewearshistonguein’sarms。Iwillputonhispresence：
letPatroclusmakedemandstome，youshallseethepageantofAjax。ACHILLESTohim，Patroclus；tellhimIhumblydesirethevaliantAjaxtoinvitethemostvalorousHectortocomeunarmedtomytent，andtoprocuresafe—conductforhispersonofthemagnanimousandmostillustrioussix—or—seven—times—honouredcaptain—generaloftheGrecianarmy，Agamemnon，etcetera。Dothis。PATROCLUSJoveblessgreatAjax!THERSITESHum!PATROCLUSIcomefromtheworthyAchilles，——THERSITESHa!PATROCLUSWhomosthumblydesiresyoutoinviteHectortohistent，——THERSITESHum!PATROCLUSAndtoprocuresafe—conductfromAgamemnon。THERSITESAgamemnon!PATROCLUSAy，mylord。THERSITESHa!PATROCLUSWhatsayyouto’t？THERSITESGodb’wi’you，withallmyheart。PATROCLUSYouranswer，sir。THERSITESIfto—morrowbeafairday，byeleveno’clockitwillgoonewayorother：howsoever，heshallpayformeerehehasme。PATROCLUSYouranswer，sir。THERSITESFareyouwell，withallmyheart。ACHILLESWhy，butheisnotinthistune，ishe？THERSITESNo，buthe’souto’tunethus。WhatmusicwillbeinhimwhenHectorhasknockedouthisbrains，I
knownot；but，Iamsure，none，unlessthefiddlerApollogethissinewstomakecatlingson。ACHILLESCome，thoushaltbearalettertohimstraight。THERSITESLetmebearanothertohishorse；forthat’sthemorecapablecreature。ACHILLESMymindistroubled，likeafountainstirr’d；
AndImyselfseenotthebottomofit。
ExeuntACHILLESandPATROCLUSTHERSITESWouldthefountainofyourmindwereclearagain，thatImightwateranassatit!Ihadratherbeatickinasheepthansuchavaliantignorance。
ExitACTIVSCENEI。Troy。Astreet。Enter，fromoneside，AENEAS，andServantwithatorch；
fromtheother，PARIS，DEIPHOBUS，ANTENOR，DIOMEDES，andothers，withtorchesPARISSee，ho!whoisthatthere？DEIPHOBUSItistheLordAEneas。AENEASIstheprincethereinperson？
HadIsogoodoccasiontolielongAsyou，princeParis，nothingbutheavenlybusinessShouldrobmybed—mateofmycompany。DIOMEDESThat’smymindtoo。Goodmorrow，LordAEneas。PARISAvaliantGreek，AEneas，——takehishand，——
Witnesstheprocessofyourspeech，whereinYoutoldhowDiomed，awholeweekbydays，Didhauntyouinthefield。AENEASHealthtoyou，valiantsir，Duringallquestionofthegentletruce；
ButwhenImeetyouarm’d，asblackdefianceAsheartcanthinkorcourageexecute。DIOMEDESTheoneandotherDiomedembraces。
Ourbloodsarenowincalm；and，solong，health!
Butwhencontentionandoccasionmeet，ByJove，I’llplaythehunterforthylifeWithallmyforce，pursuitandpolicy。AENEASAndthoushalthuntalion，thatwillflyWithhisfacebackward。Inhumanegentleness，WelcometoTroy!now，byAnchises’life，Welcome，indeed!ByVenus’handIswear，NomanalivecanloveinsuchasortThethinghemeanstokillmoreexcellently。DIOMEDESWesympathize：Jove，letAEneaslive，Iftomyswordhisfatebenottheglory，Athousandcompletecoursesofthesun!
But，inmineemuloushonour，lethimdie，Witheveryjointawound，andthatto—morrow!AENEASWeknoweachotherwell。DIOMEDESWedo；andlongtoknoweachotherworse。PARISThisisthemostdespitefulgentlegreeting，Thenoblesthatefullove，thate’erIheardof。
Whatbusiness，lord，soearly？AENEASIwassentfortotheking；butwhy，I
knownot。PARISHispurposemeetsyou：’twastobringthisGreekToCalchas’house，andtheretorenderhim，FortheenfreedAntenor，thefairCressid：
Let’shaveyourcompany，or，ifyouplease，Hastetherebeforeus：Iconstantlydothink——
Orrather，callmythoughtacertainknowledge——
MybrotherTroiluslodgesthereto—night：
Rousehimandgivehimnoteofourapproach。
Withthewholequalitywherefore：IfearWeshallbemuchunwelcome。AENEASThatIassureyou：
TroilushadratherTroywerebornetoGreeceThanCressidbornefromTroy。PARISThereisnohelp；
ThebitterdispositionofthetimeWillhaveitso。On，lord；we’llfollowyou。AENEASGoodmorrow，all。
ExitwithServantPARISAndtellme，nobleDiomed，faith，tellmetrue，Eveninthesoulofsoundgood—fellowship，Who，inyourthoughts，meritsfairHelenbest，MyselforMenelaus？DIOMEDESBothalike：
Hemeritswelltohaveher，thatdothseekher，Notmakinganyscrupleofhersoilure，Withsuchahellofpainandworldofcharge，Andyouaswelltokeepher，thatdefendher，Notpalatingthetasteofherdishonour，Withsuchacostlylossofwealthandfriends：
He，likeapulingcuckold，woulddrinkupTheleesanddregsofaflattamedpiece；
You，likealecher，outofwhorishloinsArepleasedtobreedoutyourinheritors：
Bothmeritspoised，eachweighsnorlessnormore；
Butheashe，theheavierforawhore。PARISYouaretoobittertoyourcountrywoman。DIOMEDESShe’sbittertohercountry：hearme，Paris：
ForeveryfalsedropinherbawdyveinsAGrecian’slifehathsunk；foreveryscrupleOfhercontaminatedcarrionweight，ATrojanhathbeenslain：sinceshecouldspeak，ShehathnotgivensomanygoodwordsbreathAsforherGreeksandTrojanssuffer’ddeath。PARISFairDiomed，youdoaschapmendo，Dispraisethethingthatyoudesiretobuy：
Butweinsilenceholdthisvirtuewell，We’llbutcommendwhatweintendtosell。
Hereliesourway。
ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。CourtofPandarus’house。EnterTROILUSandCRESSIDATROILUSDear，troublenotyourself：themorniscold。CRESSIDAThen，sweetmylord，I’llcallmineuncledown；
Heshallunboltthegates。TROILUSTroublehimnot；
Tobed，tobed：sleepkillthoseprettyeyes，AndgiveassoftattachmenttothysensesAsinfants’emptyofallthought!CRESSIDAGoodmorrow，then。TROILUSIpritheenow，tobed。CRESSIDAAreyoua—wearyofme？TROILUSOCressida!butthatthebusyday，Wakedbythelark，hathrousedtheribaldcrows，Anddreamingnightwillhideourjoysnolonger，Iwouldnotfromthee。CRESSIDANighthathbeentoobrief。TROILUSBeshrewthewitch!withvenomouswightsshestaysAstediouslyashell，butfliesthegraspsofloveWithwingsmoremomentary—swiftthanthought。
Youwillcatchcold，andcurseme。CRESSIDAPrithee，tarry：
Youmenwillnevertarry。
OfoolishCressid!Imighthavestillheldoff，Andthenyouwouldhavetarried。Hark!
there’soneup。PANDARUS[Within]What，’sallthedoorsopenhere？TROILUSItisyouruncle。CRESSIDAApestilenceonhim!nowwillhebemocking：
Ishallhavesuchalife!
EnterPANDARUSPANDARUSHownow，hownow!howgomaidenheads？
Here，youmaid!where’smycousinCressid？CRESSIDAGohangyourself，younaughtymockinguncle!
Youbringmetodo，andthenyoufloutmetoo。PANDARUSTodowhat？todowhat？lethersaywhat：whathaveIbroughtyoutodo？CRESSIDACome，come，beshrewyourheart!you’llne’erbegood，Norsufferothers。PANDARUSHa!ha!Alas，poorwretch!ah，poorcapocchia!
hastnotsleptto—night？wouldhenot，anaughtyman，letitsleep？abugbeartakehim!CRESSIDADidnotItellyou？Wouldhewereknock’di’thehead!
KnockingwithinWho’sthatatdoor？gooduncle，goandsee。
Mylord，comeyouagainintomychamber：
Yousmileandmockme，asifImeantnaughtily。TROILUSHa，ha!CRESSIDACome，youaredeceived，Ithinkofnosuchthing。
KnockingwithinHowearnestlytheyknock!Prayyou，comein：
IwouldnotforhalfTroyhaveyouseenhere。
ExeuntTROILUSandCRESSIDAPANDARUSWho’sthere？what’sthematter？willyoubeatdownthedoor？Hownow!what’sthematter？
EnterAENEASAENEASGoodmorrow，lord，goodmorrow。PANDARUSWho’sthere？myLordAEneas!Bymytroth，Iknewyounot：whatnewswithyousoearly？AENEASIsnotPrinceTroilushere？PANDARUSHere!whatshouldhedohere？AENEASCome，heishere，mylord；donotdenyhim：
Itdothimporthimmuchtospeakwithme。PANDARUSIshehere，sayyou？’tismorethanI
know，I’llbesworn：formyownpart，Icameinlate。Whatshouldhedohere？AENEASWho!——nay，then：come，come，you’lldohimwrongereyou’reware：you’llbesotruetohim，tobefalsetohim：donotyouknowofhim，butyetgofetchhimhither；go。
Re—enterTROILUSTROILUSHownow!what’sthematter？AENEASMylord，Iscarcehaveleisuretosaluteyou，Mymatterissorash：thereisathandParisyourbrother，andDeiphobus，TheGrecianDiomed，andourAntenorDeliver’dtous；andforhimforthwith，Erethefirstsacrifice，withinthishour，WemustgiveuptoDiomedes’handTheLadyCressida。TROILUSIsitsoconcluded？AENEASByPriamandthegeneralstateofTroy：
Theyareathandandreadytoeffectit。TROILUSHowmyachievementsmockme!
Iwillgomeetthem：and，myLordAEneas，Wemetbychance；youdidnotfindmehere。AENEASGood，good，mylord；thesecretsofnatureHavenotmoregiftintaciturnity。
ExeuntTROILUSandAENEASPANDARUSIs’tpossible？nosoonergotbutlost？
ThedeviltakeAntenor!theyoungprincewillgomad：aplagueuponAntenor!Iwouldtheyhadbroke’sneck!
Re—enterCRESSIDACRESSIDAHownow!what’sthematter？whowashere？PANDARUSAh，ah!CRESSIDAWhysighyousoprofoundly？where’smylord？gone!
Tellme，sweetuncle，what’sthematter？PANDARUSWouldIwereasdeepundertheearthasIamabove!CRESSIDAOthegods!what’sthematter？PANDARUSPrithee，gettheein：wouldthouhadstne’erbeenborn!Iknewthouwouldstbehisdeath。O，poorgentleman!AplagueuponAntenor!CRESSIDAGooduncle，Ibeseechyou，onmyknees!
beseechyou，what’sthematter？PANDARUSThoumustbegone，wench，thoumustbegone；thouartchangedforAntenor：thoumusttothyfather，andbegonefromTroilus：’twillbehisdeath；
’twillbehisbane；hecannotbearit。CRESSIDAOyouimmortalgods!Iwillnotgo。PANDARUSThoumust。CRESSIDAIwillnot，uncle：Ihaveforgotmyfather；
Iknownotouchofconsanguinity；
Nokinnolove，noblood，nosoulsonearmeAsthesweetTroilus。Oyougodsdivine!
MakeCressid’snametheverycrownoffalsehood，IfeversheleaveTroilus!Time，force，anddeath，Dotothisbodywhatextremesyoucan；
ButthestrongbaseandbuildingofmyloveIsastheverycentreoftheearth，Drawingallthingstoit。I’llgoinandweep，——PANDARUSDo，do。CRESSIDATearmybrighthairandscratchmypraisedcheeks，CrackmyclearvoicewithsobsandbreakmyheartWithsoundingTroilus。IwillnotgofromTroy。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Thesame。StreetbeforePandarus’house。EnterPARIS，TROILUS，AENEAS，DEIPHOBUS，ANTENOR，andDIOMEDESPARISItisgreatmorning，andthehourprefix’dOfherdeliverytothisvaliantGreekComesfastupon。GoodmybrotherTroilus，Tellyoutheladywhatsheistodo，Andhastehertothepurpose。TROILUSWalkintoherhouse；
I’llbringhertotheGrecianpresently：
AndtohishandwhenIdeliverher，Thinkitanaltar，andthybrotherTroilusApriestthereofferingtoithisownheart。
ExitPARISIknowwhat’tistolove；
Andwould，asIshallpity，Icouldhelp!
Pleaseyouwalkin，mylords。
ExeuntSCENEIV。Thesame。Pandarus’house。EnterPANDARUSandCRESSIDAPANDARUSBemoderate，bemoderate。CRESSIDAWhytellyoumeofmoderation？
Thegriefisfine，full，perfect，thatItaste，AndviolentethinasenseasstrongAsthatwhichcausethit：howcanImoderateit？
IfIcouldtemporizewithmyaffection，Orbrewittoaweakandcolderpalate，ThelikeallaymentcouldIgivemygrief。
Myloveadmitsnoqualifyingdross；
Nomoremygrief，insuchapreciousloss。PANDARUSHere，here，herehecomes。
EnterTROILUS
Ah，sweetducks!CRESSIDAOTroilus!Troilus!
EmbracinghimPANDARUSWhatapairofspectaclesishere!
Letmeembracetoo。’Oheart，’asthegoodlysayingis，’——Oheart，heavyheart，Whysigh’stthouwithoutbreaking？
whereheanswersagain，’BecausethoucanstnoteasethysmartByfriendshipnorbyspeaking。’
Therewasneveratruerrhyme。Letuscastawaynothing，forwemaylivetohaveneedofsuchaverse：weseeit，weseeit。Hownow，lambs？TROILUSCressid，Ilovetheeinsostrain’dapurity，Thatthebless’dgods，asangrywithmyfancy，MorebrightinzealthanthedevotionwhichColdlipsblowtotheirdeities，taketheefromme。CRESSIDAHavethegodsenvy？PANDARUSAy，ay，ay，ay；’tistooplainacase。CRESSIDAAndisittruethatImustgofromTroy？TROILUSAhatefultruth。CRESSIDAWhat，andfromTroilustoo？TROILUSFromTroyandTroilus。CRESSIDAIsitpossible？TROILUSAndsuddenly；whereinjuryofchancePutsbackleave—taking，justlesroughlybyAlltimeofpause，rudelybeguilesourlipsOfallrejoindure，forciblypreventsOurlock’dembrasures，stranglesourdearvowsEveninthebirthofourownlabouringbreath：
Wetwo，thatwithsomanythousandsighsDidbuyeachother，mustpoorlysellourselvesWiththerudebrevityanddischargeofone。
Injurioustimenowwitharobber’shasteCramshisrichthieveryup，heknowsnothow：
Asmanyfarewellsasbestarsinheaven，Withdistinctbreathandconsign’dkissestothem，Hefumblesupintoaloseadieu，Andscantsuswithasinglefamish’dkiss，Distastedwiththesaltofbrokentears。AENEAS[Within]Mylord，istheladyready？TROILUSHark!youarecall’d：somesaytheGeniussoCries’come’tohimthatinstantlymustdie。
Bidthemhavepatience；sheshallcomeanon。PANDARUSWherearemytears？rain，tolaythiswind，ormyheartwillbeblownupbytheroot。
ExitCRESSIDAImustthentotheGrecians？TROILUSNoremedy。CRESSIDAAwofulCressid’mongstthemerryGreeks!
Whenshallweseeagain？TROILUSHearme，mylove：bethoubuttrueofheart，——CRESSIDAItrue!hownow!whatwickeddeemisthis？TROILUSNay，wemustuseexpostulationkindly，Foritispartingfromus：
Ispeaknot’bethoutrue，’asfearingthee，ForIwillthrowmyglovetoDeathhimself，Thatthere’snomaculationinthyheart：
But’bethoutrue，’sayI，tofashioninMysequentprotestation；bethoutrue，AndIwillseethee。CRESSIDAO，youshallbeexposed，mylord，todangersAsinfiniteasimminent!butI’llbetrue。TROILUSAndI’llgrowfriendwithdanger。Wearthissleeve。CRESSIDAAndyouthisglove。WhenshallIseeyou？TROILUSIwillcorrupttheGreciansentinels，Togivetheenightlyvisitation。
Butyetbetrue。CRESSIDAOheavens!’betrue’again!TROILUSHearwhileIspeakit，love：
TheGrecianyouthsarefullofquality；
They’reloving，wellcomposedwithgiftsofnature，Flowingandswellingo’erwithartsandexercise：
Hownoveltymaymove，andpartswithperson，Alas，akindofgodlyjealousy——
Which，Ibeseechyou，callavirtuoussin——
Makesmeafeard。CRESSIDAOheavens!youlovemenot。TROILUSDieIavillain，then!
InthisIdonotcallyourfaithinquestionSomainlyasmymerit：Icannotsing，Norheelthehighlavolt，norsweetentalk，Norplayatsubtlegames；fairvirtuesall，TowhichtheGreciansaremostpromptandpregnant：
ButIcantellthatineachgraceoftheseTherelurksastillanddumb—discoursivedevilThattemptsmostcunningly：butbenottempted。CRESSIDADoyouthinkIwill？TROILUSNo。
Butsomethingmaybedonethatwewillnot：
Andsometimeswearedevilstoourselves，Whenwewilltemptthefrailtyofourpowers，Presumingontheirchangefulpotency。AENEAS[Within]Nay，goodmylord，——TROILUSCome，kiss；andletuspart。PARIS[Within]BrotherTroilus!TROILUSGoodbrother，comeyouhither；
AndbringAEneasandtheGrecianwithyou。CRESSIDAMylord，willyoubetrue？TROILUSWho，I？alas，itismyvice，myfault：
Whilesothersfishwithcraftforgreatopinion，Iwithgreattruthcatchmeresimplicity；
Whilstsomewithcunninggildtheircoppercrowns，WithtruthandplainnessIdowearminebare。
Fearnotmytruth：themoralofmywitIs’plainandtrue；’there’sallthereachofit。
EnterAENEAS，PARIS，ANTENOR，DEIPHOBUS，andDIOMEDES
Welcome，SirDiomed!hereistheladyWhichforAntenorwedeliveryou：
Attheport，lord，I’llgivehertothyhand，Andbythewaypossesstheewhatsheis。
Entreatherfair；and，bymysoul，fairGreek，Ife’erthoustandatmercyofmysword，NameCressidaandthylifeshallbeassafeAsPriamisinIlion。DIOMEDESFairLadyCressid，Sopleaseyou，savethethanksthisprinceexpects：
Thelustreinyoureye，heaveninyourcheek，Pleadsyourfairusage；andtoDiomedYoushallbemistress，andcommandhimwholly。TROILUSGrecian，thoudostnotusemecourteously，ToshamethezealofmypetitiontotheeInpraisingher：Itellthee，lordofGreece，Sheisasfarhigh—soaringo’erthypraisesAsthouunworthytobecall’dherservant。
Ichargetheeuseherwell，evenformycharge；
For，bythedreadfulPluto，ifthoudostnot，ThoughthegreatbulkAchillesbethyguard，I’llcutthythroat。DIOMEDESO，benotmoved，PrinceTroilus：
Letmebeprivilegedbymyplaceandmessage，Tobeaspeakerfree；whenIamhenceI’llanswertomylust：andknowyou，lord，I’llnothingdooncharge：toherownworthSheshallbeprized；butthatyousay’be’tso，’
I’llspeakitinmyspiritandhonour，’no。’TROILUSCome，totheport。I’lltellthee，Diomed，Thisbraveshalloftmaketheetohidethyhead。
Lady，givemeyourhand，and，aswewalk，Toourownselvesbendweourneedfultalk。
ExeuntTROILUS，CRESSIDA，andDIOMEDES
TrumpetwithinPARISHark!Hector’strumpet。AENEASHowhavewespentthismorning!
Theprincemustthinkmetardyandremiss，Thatsoretoridebeforehimtothefield。PARIS’TisTroilus’fault：come，come，tofieldwithhim。DEIPHOBUSLetusmakereadystraight。AENEASYea，withabridegroom’sfreshalacrity，LetusaddresstotendonHector’sheels：
ThegloryofourTroydoththisdaylieOnhisfairworthandsinglechivalry。
ExeuntSCENEV。TheGreciancamp。Listssetout。EnterAJAX，armed；AGAMEMNON，ACHILLES，PATROCLUS，MENELAUS，ULYSSES，NESTOR，andothersAGAMEMNONHereartthouinappointmentfreshandfair，Anticipatingtimewithstartingcourage。
GivewiththytrumpetaloudnotetoTroy，ThoudreadfulAjax；thattheappalledairMaypiercetheheadofthegreatcombatantAndhalehimhither。AJAXThou，trumpet，there’smypurse。
Nowcrackthylungs，andsplitthybrazenpipe：
Blow，villain，tillthyspheredbiascheekOutswellthecolicofpuff’dAquilon：
Come，stretchthychestandletthyeyesspoutblood；
Thoublow’stforHector。
TrumpetsoundsULYSSESNotrumpetanswers。ACHILLES’Tisbutearlydays。AGAMEMNONIsnotyondDiomed，withCalchas’daughter？ULYSSES’Tishe，Ikenthemannerofhisgait；
Herisesonthetoe：thatspiritofhisInaspirationliftshimfromtheearth。
EnterDIOMEDES，withCRESSIDAAGAMEMNONIsthistheLadyCressid？DIOMEDESEvenshe。AGAMEMNONMostdearlywelcometotheGreeks，sweetlady。NESTOROurgeneraldothsaluteyouwithakiss。ULYSSESYetisthekindnessbutparticular；
’Twerebettershewerekiss’dingeneral。NESTORAndverycourtlycounsel：I’llbegin。
SomuchforNestor。ACHILLESI’lltakewhatwinterfromyourlips，fairlady：
Achillesbidsyouwelcome。MENELAUSIhadgoodargumentforkissingonce。PATROCLUSButthat’snoargumentforkissingnow；
Forthispopp’dParisinhishardiment，Andpartedthusyouandyourargument。ULYSSESOdeadlygall，andthemeofallourscorns!
Forwhichweloseourheadstogildhishorns。PATROCLUSThefirstwasMenelaus’kiss；this，mine：
Patrocluskissesyou。MENELAUSO，thisistrim!PATROCLUSParisandIkissevermoreforhim。MENELAUSI’llhavemykiss，sir。Lady，byyourleave。CRESSIDAInkissing，doyourenderorreceive？PATROCLUSBothtakeandgive。CRESSIDAI’llmakemymatchtolive，Thekissyoutakeisbetterthanyougive；
Thereforenokiss。MENELAUSI’llgiveyouboot，I’llgiveyouthreeforone。CRESSIDAYou’reanoddman；giveevenorgivenone。MENELAUSAnoddman，lady!everymanisodd。CRESSIDANo，Parisisnot；foryouknow’tistrue，Thatyouareodd，andheisevenwithyou。MENELAUSYoufillipmeo’thehead。CRESSIDANo，I’llbesworn。ULYSSESItwerenomatch，yournailagainsthishorn。
MayI，sweetlady，begakissofyou？CRESSIDAYoumay。ULYSSESIdodesireit。CRESSIDAWhy，beg，then。ULYSSESWhythenforVenus’sake，givemeakiss，WhenHelenisamaidagain，andhis。CRESSIDAIamyourdebtor，claimitwhen’tisdue。ULYSSESNever’smyday，andthenakissofyou。DIOMEDESLady，aword：I’llbringyoutoyourfather。
ExitwithCRESSIDANESTORAwomanofquicksense。ULYSSESFie，fieuponher!
There’slanguageinhereye，hercheek，herlip，Nay，herfootspeaks；herwantonspiritslookoutAteveryjointandmotiveofherbody。
O，theseencounterers，sogliboftongue，Thatgiveaccostingwelcomeereitcomes，AndwideunclaspthetablesoftheirthoughtsToeveryticklishreader!setthemdownForsluttishspoilsofopportunityAnddaughtersofthegame。
TrumpetwithinALLTheTrojans’trumpet。AGAMEMNONYondercomesthetroop。
EnterHECTOR，armed；AENEAS，TROILUS，andotherTrojans，withAttendantsAENEASHail，allyoustateofGreece!whatshallbedoneTohimthatvictorycommands？ordoyoupurposeAvictorshallbeknown？willyoutheknightsShalltotheedgeofallextremityPursueeachother，orshallbedividedByanyvoiceororderofthefield？
Hectorbadeask。AGAMEMNONWhichwaywouldHectorhaveit？AENEASHecaresnot；he’llobeyconditions。ACHILLES’TisdonelikeHector；butsecurelydone，Alittleproudly，andgreatdealmisprizingTheknightopposed。AENEASIfnotAchilles，sir，Whatisyourname？ACHILLESIfnotAchilles，nothing。AENEASThereforeAchilles：but，whate’er，knowthis：
Intheextremityofgreatandlittle，ValourandprideexcelthemselvesinHector；
Theonealmostasinfiniteasall，Theotherblankasnothing。Weighhimwell，Andthatwhichlookslikeprideiscourtesy。
ThisAjaxishalfmadeofHector’sblood：
Inlovewhereof，halfHectorstaysathome；
Halfheart，halfhand，halfHectorcomestoseekThisblendedknight，halfTrojanandhalfGreek。ACHILLESAmaidenbattle，then？O，Iperceiveyou。
Re—enterDIOMEDESAGAMEMNONHereisSirDiomed。Go，gentleknight，StandbyourAjax：asyouandLordAEneasConsentupontheorderoftheirfight，Sobeit；eithertotheuttermost，Orelseabreath：thecombatantsbeingkinHalfstintstheirstrifebeforetheirstrokesbegin。