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Act 4, Scene 5 — The Grecian camp. Lists set out.
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The argument Diomedes brings Cressida into the Greek camp, where the generals line up to kiss her; she fends them off with sharp wit, and Ulysses brands her a wanton once she's gone. Hector and Ajax fight, but Hector stops because they're cousins. The Greeks welcome Hector warmly, Achilles sizes him up for the kill, and Troilus asks Ulysses to take him to Cressida.
Enter Ajax, armed; Agamemnon, Achilles, Patroclus, Menelaus, Ulysses,
Nestor and others.
AGAMEMNON ≋ verse [ceremonial, rousing Ajax to battle]

Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair,

Anticipating time with starting courage.

Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy,

Thou dreadful Ajax, that the appalled air

May pierce the head of the great combatant,

And hale him hither.

Here you are, dressed in fresh and fair armor, Bringing courage before it's expected. Let your trumpet sound a loud call to Troy, You terrifying Ajax, so that the shocked air May pierce the head of the great fighter And drag him here.

Look at you, all geared up and ready, Showing your courage before we even start. Sound that trumpet, Ajax—let it blast to Troy, Scare the air itself, so it cuts right through To that great Hector and brings him here.

you're dressed and ready early make that trumpet scream to troy be so loud hector has to come

AJAX ≋ verse [blustering bravado]

Thou, trumpet, there’s my purse.

Now crack thy lungs and split thy brazen pipe;

Blow, villain, till thy sphered bias cheek

Out-swell the colic of puff’d Aquilon.

Come, stretch thy chest, and let thy eyes spout blood:

Thou blowest for Hector.

Trumpet, here's my money. Now burst your lungs and split your brass pipe; Blow, you worthless thing, till your round puffed cheeks Outswell the wind of the swollen north wind. Come on, stretch your chest, and let your eyes pour blood: You're blowing for Hector.

Hey trumpet player, here's your payment. Now let it rip—blow so hard you burst— Puff those cheeks out bigger than any wind, Push till you think your eyes might bleed. You're playing for Hector, so give it everything.

blow that trumpet so hard you nearly explode for hector every bit of air you got

[_Trumpet sounds_.]
ULYSSES [matter-of-fact observation]

No trumpet answers.

No trumpet answers.

no trumpet answers.

no trumpet answers.

ACHILLES [aloof dismissiveness]

’Tis but early days.

It's only early in the day.

It's only early morning—there's plenty of time yet.

nah man it's still early

AGAMEMNON [curious, spotting the newcomers]

Is not yond Diomed, with Calchas’ daughter?

Isn't that Diomed over there, with Calchas' daughter?

Hey, isn't that Diomed with Cressida, the daughter of Calchas?

wait is that diomed with calchas' daughter

ULYSSES ≋ verse [wry observation of his gait]

’Tis he, I ken the manner of his gait:

He rises on the toe. That spirit of his

In aspiration lifts him from the earth.

It's him, I know how he walks: He goes up on the ball of his foot. That pride in him Lifts him up off the ground.

Yeah, that's him—I'd know his walk anywhere. He walks on his toes like that, all proud. You can see how he lifts himself up with that attitude.

yeah that's him walks on his toes all proud likes to float above ground

Enter Diomedes and Cressida.
AGAMEMNON [courteous curiosity]

Is this the Lady Cressid?

Is this the lady Cressida?

So this is the famous Cressida, right?

this is cressida?

DIOMEDES [terse, businesslike introduction]

Even she.

Even she.

even she.

even she.

AGAMEMNON [gallant welcome]

Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady.

We welcome you most warmly to the Greeks, sweet lady.

Welcome to the Greeks, lovely lady—we're so glad you're here.

welcome to us greeks, lady

NESTOR [courtly, prompting a kiss]

Our general doth salute you with a kiss.

Our general gives you a greeting kiss.

The general here is going to welcome you with a kiss.

our general kisses u in welcome

ULYSSES ≋ verse [sly, egging on the mockery]

Yet is the kindness but particular;

’Twere better she were kiss’d in general.

But this kindness is only for one person; It would be better if she got kissed by everyone in general.

Yeah, but that kiss was just from him alone. Really, she should get kissed by all of us as a group.

nice idea but she should get kissed by everyone not just him alone

NESTOR ≋ verse [jovially claiming his kiss]

And very courtly counsel: I’ll begin.

So much for Nestor.

That's very wise advice—I'll go first. So much for Nestor's turn.

Good thinking! I'll go ahead and do it. That's my contribution—that's Nestor's kiss.

smart idea ill go that's me done

ACHILLES ≋ verse [flirtatious welcome]

I’ll take that winter from your lips, fair lady.

Achilles bids you welcome.

I'll take that cold weather away from your lips, beautiful lady. Achilles welcomes you.

I'll warm up those lips for you, gorgeous. Achilles is here to say welcome too.

ill warm your lips up, lady welcome from achilles

MENELAUS [ruefully joking about his cuckoldry]

I had good argument for kissing once.

I had a good reason for kissing once.

I used to have a real good reason to kiss—back in the day.

i had my reasons back then

PATROCLUS ≋ verse [mocking Menelaus's cuckoldry]

But that’s no argument for kissing now;

For thus popp’d Paris in his hardiment,

And parted thus you and your argument.

But that's no reason for kissing anymore; Because Paris kissed like that in his boldness, And separated you and your reason.

But that doesn't apply anymore; Because Paris kissed her boldly back then, And that's how he came between you and your wife.

not anymore paris kissed her bold and took her from you

ULYSSES ≋ verse [bitterly noting the war's cost]

O deadly gall, and theme of all our scorns!

For which we lose our heads to gild his horns.

What a bitter insult, and the subject of all our shame! For which we lose our reputations to polish his betrayal.

Man, what a painful reminder of our shame! We've all lost our honor because of Paris's betrayal.

that's the worst insult we lost everything to paris

PATROCLUS ≋ verse [playfully claiming his kiss]

The first was Menelaus’ kiss; this, mine:

Patroclus kisses you.

Menelaus got the first kiss; now it's my turn: Patroclus kisses you.

Menelaus got his kiss first; now here's mine: Patroclus is kissing you now.

menelaus went first now it's my turn patroclus

MENELAUS [sarcastic irritation]

O, this is trim!

Oh, this is wonderful!

Oh, this is fantastic!

this is great

PATROCLUS [teasing Menelaus further]

Paris and I kiss evermore for him.

Paris and I kiss her over and over for him.

Paris and I are kissing her again and again on his behalf.

paris and i keep kissing her for him

MENELAUS [insisting despite the mockery]

I’ll have my kiss, sir. Lady, by your leave.

I'm going to have my kiss, madam. Lady, with your permission.

I'm getting my kiss now, too. Excuse me, lady.

im gonna get my kiss lady if that's ok

CRESSIDA [witty, testing the room]

In kissing, do you render or receive?

In kissing, do you give or do you receive?

When you kiss, are you the one giving or the one taking?

r u a giver or taker when u kiss

PATROCLUS [playful wordplay]

Both take and give.

I receive what you offer and I offer back.

I go both ways—I take what you give and I give back.

i give and take

CRESSIDA ≋ verse [cleverly refusing the kiss]

I’ll make my match to live,

The kiss you take is better than you give;

Therefore no kiss.

I'll say this to make it a fair match: The kiss you take is better than you give; So no kiss from me.

Here's my rule: the kiss you'd take from me would be better than whatever you'd give back. So I'm not kissing you.

your kiss is worse than mine so no thanks

MENELAUS [persistently bargaining]

I’ll give you boot; I’ll give you three for one.

I'll give you more; I'll give you three kisses for each one.

I'll sweeten the deal—I'll give you three kisses for every one of yours.

ill give u 3 for 1

CRESSIDA [quick-witted rebuff]

You are an odd man; give even or give none.

You're a strange man; give an even number or give nothing.

You're weird—either give an even number of kisses or don't bother.

weird either go even or don't go at all

MENELAUS [puzzled deflection]

An odd man, lady! Every man is odd.

A strange man, madam! Every man is strange in some way.

A strange man? Come on, every man is odd in his own way.

every guy's weird lady

CRESSIDA ≋ verse [pointed jab at his cuckoldry]

No, Paris is not; for you know ’tis true

That you are odd, and he is even with you.

No, Paris is not; because as you know it's true That you are odd, and he's matched with you—so he's even.

No, not Paris—because here's the thing: you're odd, and he's paired with you now, which makes him even.

nah paris isn't cuz you're odd and he evens u out

MENELAUS [stung by the jab]

You fillip me o’ th’head.

You flick me on the head with a comment.

You're giving me a little jab there, aren't you?

ok u got me with that one

CRESSIDA [teasingly denying it]

No, I’ll be sworn.

No, I swear I'm not doing that.

No, I swear that's not what I meant.

nope i swear im not

ULYSSES ≋ verse [witty, then requesting a kiss]

It were no match, your nail against his horn.

May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?

It wouldn't be a fair match, your fingernail against his... shame. May I, sweet lady, ask for a kiss from you?

Your fingernail wouldn't be a match for his shame—that's not fair. But can I get a kiss from you, beautiful?

that's not even a fight can i kiss u?

CRESSIDA [coy consent]

You may.

You may.

you may.

you may.

ULYSSES [direct in his desire]

I do desire it.

I do want it.

Yeah, I really want that kiss.

i want it

CRESSIDA [teasingly withholding]

Why, beg then.

Why, beg then.

why, beg then.

why, beg then.

ULYSSES ≋ verse [cleverly declining, jabbing at Helen]

Why then, for Venus’ sake give me a kiss

When Helen is a maid again, and his.

Then for Venus' sake give me a kiss When Helen becomes a virgin again, and belongs to him.

Then by Venus, give me a kiss When Helen becomes innocent again—which won't be.

give me one when helen's a virgin again (never)

CRESSIDA [clever parry, deferring the debt]

I am your debtor; claim it when ’tis due.

I'm in your debt; ask for it when it's owed.

You can collect that debt whenever it comes due.

collect when the time comes

ULYSSES [final witty retort]

Never’s my day, and then a kiss of you.

Never's my day, and then comes your kiss.

That day's never coming, and then you get your kiss.

that day ain't comin

DIOMEDES [businesslike, cutting flirtation short]

Lady, a word. I’ll bring you to your father.

My lady, one moment—I'd like to escort you to your father.

Hold on a second, lady—I'll walk you to your father.

let me take u to ur dad

[_Exit with_ Cressida.]
NESTOR [approving her wit]

A woman of quick sense.

A woman of quick wit and sharp mind.

She's smart as a whip, that one.

she's sharp

ULYSSES ≋ verse [contemptuously condemning her as wanton]

Fie, fie upon her!

There’s language in her eye, her cheek, her lip,

Nay, her foot speaks; her wanton spirits look out

At every joint and motive of her body.

O! these encounterers so glib of tongue

That give a coasting welcome ere it comes,

And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts

To every tickling reader! Set them down

For sluttish spoils of opportunity,

And daughters of the game.

Damn her! There's language in her eye, her cheek, her lip, Yes, even her foot speaks; her wild desires show out At every joint and movement of her body. Oh! these smooth-talking women Who give a gliding welcome before they even arrive, And open up the contents of their thoughts To every person who looks at them! Lock them away As spoils of opportunity, And women who sell their bodies to the highest bidder.

Damn it! You can read everything she thinks in her eyes, her face, her lips— Even her footsteps speak. Her wild desires are written all over Every movement of her body. These kinds of women are dangerous—all that smooth talk, giving an easy welcome to anyone, opening up their thoughts to every single person. They should be marked down As women who use opportunity for profit, women who belong to the game of seduction.

ugh her whole body talks her eyes cheeks lips shows she's loose these smooth women r dangerous

[_Trumpet within_.]
ALL [alert to the trumpet call]

The Trojans’ trumpet.

The Trojans’ trumpet.

the trojans’ trumpet.

the trojans’ trumpet.

AGAMEMNON [observing the approaching troop]

Yonder comes the troop.

Here comes the group.

The Trojans are coming—there's the group now.

they're coming

Enter Hector, armed; Aeneas, Troilus, Paris, Deiphobus and other
AGAMEMNON [noting the Trojans' arrival]

Trojans, with attendants.

The Trojans arrive with their attendants.

Here come the Trojans with their entourage.

trojans with their crew showing up

AENEAS ≋ verse [formally posing Hector's challenge]

Hail, all you state of Greece! What shall be done

To him that victory commands? Or do you purpose

A victor shall be known? Will you the knights

Shall to the edge of all extremity

Pursue each other, or shall be divided

By any voice or order of the field?

Hector bade ask.

Greetings, all you leaders of Greece! What should be done For the man who wins the battle? Or do you have a plan To recognize who the victor is? Do you want the fighters To fight each other to the absolute limit Against each other, or should it be stopped By someone's decision or some rule of the fighting? Hector asks you to decide.

Hello, Greek leaders! What happens to the winner? Do you want to know who wins? Should we fight to the death, or should we stop at a certain point? Somebody needs to decide the rules. Hector wants to know.

hey greeks what're the rules fight to the end or stop early hector wants 2 know

AGAMEMNON [practical inquiry]

Which way would Hector have it?

What does Hector want?

What's Hector's preference? What does he want?

what's hector want

AENEAS [neutrally relaying Hector's ease]

He cares not; he’ll obey conditions.

He doesn't care; he'll agree to whatever conditions you set.

He doesn't care—he'll go along with whatever you decide.

he don't care he'll agree

AGAMEMNON [approving Hector's manner]

’Tis done like Hector.

That's very Hector—honorable and noble.

That's so like Hector—real honorable.

that's so hector

ACHILLES ≋ verse [contemptuous of Hector's confidence]

But securely done,

A little proudly, and great deal misprising

The knight oppos’d.

But done too easily, A little arrogantly, and greatly disrespecting The fighter he's facing.

But he said it too casually, kind of arrogantly, like he's not taking this guy seriously.

kinda arrogant tho disrespecting ajax

AENEAS ≋ verse [probing, testing Achilles' pride]

If not Achilles, sir,

What is your name?

And you are not Achilles, sir? Then please, who are you?

So you're not Achilles? Then who do we have here?

ur not achilles so who r u

ACHILLES [arrogant self-assertion]

If not Achilles, nothing.

If I'm not Achilles, I'm nobody.

If I'm not Achilles, then I'm nothing.

literally no one without achilles i'm a nobody

AENEAS ≋ verse [diplomatically praising both sides]

Therefore Achilles. But whate’er, know this:

In the extremity of great and little

Valour and pride excel themselves in Hector;

The one almost as infinite as all,

The other blank as nothing. Weigh him well,

And that which looks like pride is courtesy.

This Ajax is half made of Hector’s blood;

In love whereof half Hector stays at home;

Half heart, half hand, half Hector comes to seek

This blended knight, half Trojan and half Greek.

Then you're Achilles. But whoever you are, know this: In the extreme of great and small Valor and pride stand out in Hector; One is almost as infinite as everything, The other as empty as nothing. Look at him carefully, And what looks like pride is actually courtesy. This Ajax is half made of Hector's blood; Because they share a family connection, half of Hector stays home; Half a heart, half a hand, half of Hector comes to find This mixed warrior, half Trojan and half Greek.

So you're Achilles, then. But listen—Hector is extreme in both directions. His courage is almost infinite, But his arrogance is completely zero. Look at him right— what seems like pride is actually his courtesy. Now Ajax here is half Hector's blood relative. Since they're cousins, half of Hector stays home out of love. Half his heart, half his strength, half of Hector is here to face this mixed fighter—half Trojan, half Greek.

hector's extreme infinite bravery zero arrogance what looks proud is respect ajax is his cousin half of hector fighting today

ACHILLES [mockingly dismissive]

A maiden battle then? O! I perceive you.

A battle between family, then? Oh, I understand you now.

So it's basically a family squabble? Oh, I see what you mean now.

oh so it's a family thing

Re-enter Diomedes.
AGAMEMNON ≋ verse [directing the combat's terms]

Here is Sir Diomed. Go, gentle knight,

Stand by our Ajax. As you and Lord Aeneas

Consent upon the order of their fight,

So be it; either to the uttermost,

Or else a breath. The combatants being kin

Half stints their strife before their strokes begin.

Ajax and Hector enter the lists.

Here is Sir Diomed. Go, noble warrior, Stand next to our Ajax. As you and Lord Aeneas Agree on the rules of their fight, Let it be so; either to the very end, Or just one round. Since the fighters are related Half of their fighting stops before their first blow. Ajax and Hector enter to fight.

Here comes Diomed. Go stand with Ajax, you two. Work it out with Aeneas about the rules— do they fight to the death or just one round. Since they're related, they won't be able to fight as hard anyway. Ajax and Hector, here we go.

ok diomed stand with ajax work out the rules they're family so won't fight too hard anyway

ULYSSES [observing the combat begin]

They are oppos’d already.

They're already facing each other.

They're already starting the fight now.

they're fighting now

AGAMEMNON [curious about the heavy Trojan]

What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy?

Which Trojan fighter is that who looks so sad?

Who's that Trojan who looks so serious and heavy?

which trojan looks so sad

ULYSSES ≋ verse [admiring praise of Troilus]

The youngest son of Priam, a true knight;

Not yet mature, yet matchless; firm of word;

Speaking in deeds and deedless in his tongue;

Not soon provok’d, nor being provok’d soon calm’d;

His heart and hand both open and both free;

For what he has he gives, what thinks he shows,

Yet gives he not till judgement guide his bounty,

Nor dignifies an impure thought with breath;

Manly as Hector, but more dangerous;

For Hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes

To tender objects, but he in heat of action

Is more vindicative than jealous love.

They call him Troilus, and on him erect

A second hope as fairly built as Hector.

Thus says Aeneas, one that knows the youth

Even to his inches, and, with private soul,

Did in great Ilion thus translate him to me.

The youngest son of Priam, a true warrior; Not yet fully grown, yet unmatched in skill; firm in his word; Expressing himself through actions rather than words; Not quick to anger, and when angry, not quick to calm down; His heart and hand both open and both generous; For what he has he gives, what he thinks he shows, Yet he doesn't give until judgment guides his generosity, Nor does he speak disrespectful thoughts out loud; A fighter like Hector, but more dangerous; Because Hector in his anger shows restraint Toward gentle people, but this man in the heat of fighting Is more driven by revenge than by jealousy. They call him Troilus, and on him they place A second hope as fairly built as Hector. So says Aeneas, one who knows this young man Inside and out, and with private talk Told me all this about him in great Troy.

That's Priam's youngest son—a real warrior. Still young but already better than most; keeps his word; He lets his actions do his talking. He's not quick to get angry, and once he is, he cools down slow. He's generous with what he has and shows what he thinks. But he doesn't hand out generosity until he's thought it through, and he doesn't say dirty things out loud. He's as good a fighter as Hector, but scarier. Because Hector, even in a rage, shows mercy to people weaker than him. But this guy, when he's fighting, revenge drives him more than honor. His name is Troilus. The Trojans put their second hope on him, right after Hector. That's what Aeneas told me—he knows Troilus inside and out.

priam's youngest son troilus young dangerous fighter heart and hand open action guy not a talker angry slowly revenge driven second to hector

[_Alarum. Hector and Ajax fight._]
AGAMEMNON [observing the fight in action]

They are in action.

They're fighting now.

They're in the action now.

they're going at it

NESTOR [urging Ajax on]

Now, Ajax, hold thine own!

Come on, Ajax, stay strong!

Come on, Ajax, hold your own!

go ajax hold ur ground

TROILUS [impatiently goading Hector]

Hector, thou sleep’st; awake thee!

Hector, you're sleeping; wake up!

Hector, you're going to sleep out there! Wake up!

hector wake up

AGAMEMNON [cheering Ajax's blows]

His blows are well dispos’d. There, Ajax!

His blows are well placed. That's it, Ajax!

That's a good hit, Ajax! Keep it up!

nice shot ajax

[_Trumpets cease_.]
DIOMEDES [authoritatively halting the fight]

You must no more.

You must stop now.

That's enough—you have to stop.

stop now

AENEAS [calmly calling a halt]

Princes, enough, so please you.

Leaders, enough, if you please.

Enough, gentlemen, if you don't mind.

ok that's enough

AJAX [eager to keep fighting]

I am not warm yet; let us fight again.

I'm not warmed up yet; let's fight again.

I'm not even warmed up yet—come on, let's go again!

im not even warm yet let's keep going

DIOMEDES [deferring the decision to Hector]

As Hector pleases.

As Hector pleases.

as hector pleases.

as hector pleases.

HECTOR ≋ verse [nobly declining to fight kin]

Why, then will I no more.

Thou art, great lord, my father’s sister’s son,

A cousin-german to great Priam’s seed;

The obligation of our blood forbids

A gory emulation ’twixt us twain:

Were thy commixtion Greek and Trojan so

That thou could’st say ‘This hand is Grecian all,

And this is Trojan; the sinews of this leg

All Greek, and this all Troy; my mother’s blood

Runs on the dexter cheek, and this sinister

Bounds in my father’s; by Jove multipotent,

Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member

Wherein my sword had not impressure made

Of our rank feud; but the just gods gainsay

That any drop thou borrow’dst from thy mother,

My sacred aunt, should by my mortal sword

Be drained! Let me embrace thee, Ajax.

By him that thunders, thou hast lusty arms;

Hector would have them fall upon him thus.

Cousin, all honour to thee!

I won't fight anymore. You are, great lord, my father's sister's son, A cousin to great Priam's family; Our shared family blood forbids A bloody competition between us: If your body were so mixed That you could say 'This hand is Greek all through, And this is Trojan; all the muscles in this leg Are Greek, and all this is Troy; my mother's blood Runs on the right side of my face, and this left side Is filled with my father's; by Zeus the powerful, You shouldn't take from me a Greek body part Without my sword making its mark From our bitter feud; but the righteous gods forbid That any drop you got from your mother, My sacred aunt, should be drained by my deadly sword! Let me embrace you, Ajax. By him that thunders, you have strong arms; Hector would like them to fall on him like this. Cousin, all honor to you!

I'm done fighting. You're my father's sister's son, a cousin of Priam's line. We share family blood, and that makes fighting you bloody wrong. If only I could point to parts of you and say, 'That's pure Greek, and that's pure Trojan,' then I could fight harder. But I can't do that—your mother's my sacred aunt, and I won't spill her blood. Let's stop this and embrace instead, Ajax. You've got strong arms—real strength. I respect you as my cousin. All honor to you.

stop now we're family i won't fight u mother's blood runs in u i won't spill that let's embrace cousin

AJAX ≋ verse [grateful, yet blunt about intent]

I thank thee, Hector.

Thou art too gentle and too free a man.

I came to kill thee, cousin, and bear hence

A great addition earned in thy death.

I thank you, Hector. You're too gentle and too free with your kindness. I came to kill you, cousin, and take back A great reputation earned by your death.

Thanks, Hector. You're too generous and kind. I came here to kill you and take the glory that comes with it.

thanks hector u r too kind i came to kill u for glory

HECTOR ≋ verse [proudly asserting his own honor]

Not Neoptolemus so mirable,

On whose bright crest Fame with her loud’st Oyes

Cries ‘This is he!’ could promise to himself

A thought of added honour torn from Hector.

Not even the famous Neoptolemus, on whose bright helmet Fame announces with her loudest voice 'This is he!' could promise himself any thought of added honor won by defeating Hector.

Even the famous Neoptolemus, whose bright helmet Fame shouts about with her loudest voice, couldn't claim any added honor from defeating Hector.

even neoptolemus couldn't get honor from beating me hector's honor can't be won

AENEAS ≋ verse [prompting them to conclude]

There is expectance here from both the sides

What further you will do.

There's expectation here from both sides About what you'll do next.

Everyone's waiting to see what happens next—both armies want to know.

everyone's waiting to see what u do

HECTOR ≋ verse [warmly embracing reconciliation]

We’ll answer it:

The issue is embracement. Ajax, farewell.

We'll answer it: The ending is an embrace. Ajax, goodbye.

That answers it— the ending here is us hugging. Goodbye, Ajax.

we're done we hug byeee

AJAX ≋ verse [hospitably inviting Hector]

If I might in entreaties find success,

As seld’ I have the chance, I would desire

My famous cousin to our Grecian tents.

If I could succeed with a request, As rarely as I get the chance, I would ask My famous cousin to come to our Greek camp.

If I could get what I ask for—and that's rare for me— I'd invite my famous cousin here to visit our camp.

if u can spare time come visit our camp

DIOMEDES ≋ verse [relaying Achilles' eager rivalry]

’Tis Agamemnon’s wish; and great Achilles

Doth long to see unarm’d the valiant Hector.

It's what Agamemnon wants; and the great Achilles Wants to see the brave Hector without armor.

That's what Agamemnon wants, and even Achilles wants to see you without all your armor on.

agamemnon wants it achilles too wants to see u unarmored

HECTOR ≋ verse [amiably accepting the invitation]

Aeneas, call my brother Troilus to me,

And signify this loving interview

To the expecters of our Trojan part;

Desire them home. Give me thy hand, my cousin;

I will go eat with thee, and see your knights.

Agamemnon and the rest of the Greeks come forward.

Aeneas, call my brother Troilus to me, And tell him about this friendly meeting For the people waiting back in Troy; Ask them to come back. Give me your hand, my cousin; I will go eat with you, and see your warriors. Agamemnon and the rest of the Greeks come forward.

Aeneas, get my brother Troilus here. Tell him about this peaceful meeting so the people waiting in Troy know what happened. Give me your hand, cousin. I'll go eat with you and meet your warriors. Here comes Agamemnon and the rest.

get troilus tell troy about this im going to eat with u are the greeks coming?

AJAX [noting Agamemnon's approach]

Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here.

The great Agamemnon is coming to meet us.

Here comes Agamemnon—the big leader himself.

agamemnon's coming

HECTOR ≋ verse [wry anticipation of Achilles]

The worthiest of them tell me name by name;

But for Achilles, my own searching eyes

Shall find him by his large and portly size.

Tell me the name of the worthiest of them; But for Achilles, I'll find him myself by his large and impressive size.

Tell me who's who among these guys, but I can spot Achilles on my own—he's huge.

tell me who's who i'll find achilles myself guy's huge

AGAMEMNON ≋ verse [solemn, sincere welcome]

Worthy all arms! as welcome as to one

That would be rid of such an enemy.

But that’s no welcome. Understand more clear,

What’s past and what’s to come is strew’d with husks

And formless ruin of oblivion;

But in this extant moment, faith and troth,

Strain’d purely from all hollow bias-drawing,

Bids thee with most divine integrity,

From heart of very heart, great Hector, welcome.

You worthy warrior! You're as welcome as an enemy I want to get rid of. But that's not the right welcome. Let me be clear: What's past and what's coming is scattered with broken remains And destroyed versions of being forgotten; But right now, in this moment, trust and truth, Filtered purely from all false feeling, Wish you to come with the most complete honesty, From the heart of my very heart, great Hector, welcome.

Welcome, great warrior! You're as welcome as any enemy could be. But that's not really the welcome I want to give. Look, the past is gone, the future's uncertain, but right now, in this moment, my trust and respect for you come straight from my deepest heart, completely honest, with no games or lies. Welcome, Hector, truly welcome.

welcome hector im not sure how to say it but my respect is real and from my heart

HECTOR [courteous but wary respect]

I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.

I thank you, powerful Agamemnon.

Thank you, Agamemnon. That means a lot.

thanks agamemnon

AGAMEMNON [extending formal courtesy to an enemy]

[_To Troilus._] My well-fam’d lord of Troy, no less to you.

My renowned lord of Troy, you receive the same warm welcome.

And to you, celebrated Troilus, the same genuine greeting.

you're equally welcome troilus

MENELAUS ≋ verse [dutifully echoing the formal welcome]

Let me confirm my princely brother’s greeting.

You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither.

Let me add my greeting to what my brother said. You warriors of the Trojan war, welcome here.

Let me add my welcome to his. Trojan warriors, welcome to our camp.

im welcoming u too trojan warriors come on in great fighters welcome

HECTOR [politely asking his name]

Who must we answer?

Who do I need to respond to?

Who's speaking? Who do I thank?

who am i greeting

AENEAS [quietly informing Hector]

The noble Menelaus.

The noble Menelaus.

the noble menelaus.

the noble menelaus.

HECTOR ≋ verse [slyly needling him about Helen]

O you, my lord? By Mars his gauntlet, thanks!

Mock not that I affect the untraded oath;

Your quondam wife swears still by Venus’ glove.

She’s well, but bade me not commend her to you.

You, my lord? By Mars' weapon, thank you! Don't think I'm insulting you by making an unfamiliar vow; Your former wife swears by Venus' hand. She's well, but asked me not to mention her to you.

You, sir? By Mars, thank you! Don't think I'm being rude with what I just said. Your ex-wife—she still swears by Venus. She's doing fine, but she asked me not to bring her up with you.

you menelaus thanks don't take it wrong your ex-wife helen's well but don't ask about her

MENELAUS [wounded, deflecting the jibe]

Name her not now, sir; she’s a deadly theme.

Don't bring her up now, sir; that's a painful subject.

Don't mention her now, please—it's too painful a subject.

don't talk about her that hurts

HECTOR [mock-apologetic]

O, pardon; I offend.

Oh, I'm sorry; I've offended you.

Oh, my apologies—I shouldn't have brought it up.

sorry i messed up

NESTOR ≋ verse [admiring nostalgia for his valor]

I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft,

Labouring for destiny, make cruel way

Through ranks of Greekish youth; and I have seen thee,

As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed,

Despising many forfeits and subduements,

When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i’ th’air,

Not letting it decline on the declined;

That I have said to some my standers-by

‘Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!’

And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath,

When that a ring of Greeks have shrap’d thee in,

Like an Olympian wrestling. This have I seen;

But this thy countenance, still lock’d in steel,

I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire,

And once fought with him. He was a soldier good,

But, by great Mars, the captain of us all,

Never like thee. O, let an old man embrace thee;

And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents.

I have seen you, brave Trojan, many times, Fighting hard for your city's destiny, making a cruel path Through ranks of Greek young men; and I've seen you, As fierce as any great warrior, spur on your Trojan horse, Ignoring many threats and defeats, When you held your raised sword up in the air, Not letting it fall on those already defeated; So that I said to some of my companions 'Look, Jupiter is over there, giving life!' And I've seen you pause and catch your breath, When a circle of Greeks had you trapped, Like a wrestler in the Olympic games. This I have seen; But this warrior look of yours, still locked inside armor, I never saw until now. I knew your grandfather, And once I fought with him. He was a good soldier, But, by Mars, the greatest of us all, Never anything like you. Let an old man embrace you; And, noble warrior, welcome to our camp.

I've watched you, Hector, many times, fighting your way through our Greek soldiers, furious and unstoppable. I've seen you riding your horse like a demon, ignoring wounds and losses, holding your sword high without bringing it down on the weak. So I told my friends, 'That's Jupiter himself out there.' I've seen you stop and breathe when we had you surrounded, like a wrestler in the Olympics. But this face of yours, hard as stone, locked in that armor— I've never seen that before now. I knew your grandfather and even fought him once. He was good, but nothing like you. Let me embrace you, old friend. Welcome to our camp, truly.

i've seen u fight fierce like jupiter stronger than ur grandfather never seen u hard like this welcome hector

AENEAS [fondly identifying old Nestor]

’Tis the old Nestor.

That's the old Nestor.

Ah, there's old Nestor.

that's nestor

HECTOR ≋ verse [warm affection for the old warrior]

Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle,

That hast so long walk’d hand in hand with time.

Most reverend Nestor, I am glad to clasp thee.

Let me embrace you, good old historian, You who have walked hand in hand with time for so long. Most respected Nestor, I'm glad to hold you.

Let me hug you, old friend, you who've lived through all of time. Nestor, I'm happy to embrace you.

hug u old timer glad to see u nestor

NESTOR ≋ verse [ruefully wishing for youth]

I would my arms could match thee in contention

As they contend with thee in courtesy.

I wish my arms could match you in a fight The way they match you in kindness.

I wish I could fight you as hard as I can show you respect.

wish my strength matched my respect for u

HECTOR [graciously humoring him]

I would they could.

I wish they could too.

I wish they could as well.

me too

NESTOR ≋ verse [spirited nostalgia]

Ha!

By this white beard, I’d fight with thee tomorrow.

Well, welcome, welcome! I have seen the time.

Ha! By this white beard, I would fight with you tomorrow. Well, welcome, welcome! I have seen many days.

By my white beard, I'd fight you again tomorrow! But welcome, welcome! I've lived a long life.

id fight u again tomorrow welcome welcome ive lived long

ULYSSES ≋ verse [pointedly flattering while probing]

I wonder now how yonder city stands,

When we have here her base and pillar by us.

I'm amazed at how this city still stands, When we have its foundation and support right here with us.

I'm surprised Troy even still stands, when we've got its best defender right here with us.

troy's lucky it still stands when hector's here with us

HECTOR ≋ verse [rueful recognition of past losses]

I know your favour, Lord Ulysses, well.

Ah, sir, there’s many a Greek and Trojan dead,

Since first I saw yourself and Diomed

In Ilion on your Greekish embassy.

I know you well, Lord Ulysses, and I remember you. Ah, sir, so many Greeks and Trojans have died since I first saw you and Diomedes in Troy on your Greek embassy.

I know you well, Lord Ulysses. A lot of Greeks and Trojans have been killed since I last saw you and Diomedes when you came to Troy as Greek ambassadors.

i remember you ulysses. so many greeks and trojans dead since we last met

ULYSSES ≋ verse [confidently prophesying Troy's fall]

Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue.

My prophecy is but half his journey yet;

For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,

Yon towers, whose wanton tops do buss the clouds,

Must kiss their own feet.

Sir, I predicted then what would happen. My prediction has only come halfway to completion; for those walls that boldly face your city, those towers whose playful peaks kiss the clouds, must fall to the ground.

Sir, I told you back then what would happen. My prediction is only halfway through—those impressive walls that stand against your city, those towers reaching up to the clouds, they'll have to come down.

told u what'd happen. we're halfway there. those towers gotta fall

HECTOR ≋ verse [defiantly refusing to believe it]

I must not believe you.

There they stand yet; and modestly I think

The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost

A drop of Grecian blood. The end crowns all;

And that old common arbitrator, Time,

Will one day end it.

I cannot believe you. They still stand there; and I think modestly that each Trojan stone that falls will cost a drop of Greek blood. The end determines everything; and Time, that ancient judge, will end it one day.

I can't believe that. Those walls are still standing, and I think every Trojan stone that falls will cost the Greeks blood. Time will decide everything in the end, and eventually it'll all be over.

nope. towers still standing. every stone costs greek blood. time's the judge

ULYSSES ≋ verse [courteously inviting him to his tent]

So to him we leave it.

Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome.

After the General, I beseech you next

To feast with me and see me at my tent.

So we leave it to him. Most noble and most brave Hector, welcome. After the General, I ask you next to dine with me and see my tent.

So we'll let Time decide. Welcome, Hector—you're noble and brave. After you meet with Agamemnon, come feast with me at my tent.

ok time decides. welcome hector. feast with me after u see agamemnon

ACHILLES ≋ verse [intensely sizing up Hector]

I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou!

Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;

I have with exact view perus’d thee, Hector,

And quoted joint by joint.

I will beat you to it, Lord Ulysses! Now, Hector, I have studied you with my eyes; I have examined you carefully, Hector, and catalogued you part by part.

I'll get there first, Ulysses! Hector, I've been looking you over—studying you carefully, going through you piece by piece.

i'm first ulysses! hector i've been checking you out. every part of you

HECTOR [curious to confirm his identity]

Is this Achilles?

Is this Achilles?

is this achilles?

is this achilles?

ACHILLES [blunt, prideful confirmation]

I am Achilles.

I am Achilles.

i'm achilles.

i'm achilles.

HECTOR [curiously appraising him in turn]

Stand fair, I pray thee; let me look on thee.

Stand still, I ask you; let me look at you.

Hold still and let me get a good look at you.

stay still let me see you

ACHILLES [arrogantly inviting his gaze]

Behold thy fill.

Behold your fill.

behold your fill.

behold your fill.

HECTOR [coolly unimpressed]

Nay, I have done already.

No, I have finished already.

No, I'm done looking.

nope i'm good

ACHILLES ≋ verse [menacingly predatory appraisal]

Thou art too brief. I will the second time,

As I would buy thee, view thee limb by limb.

You are too quick. I will, the second time, as if I were purchasing you, examine you limb by limb.

That's too fast. This time I'm going to check you out methodically, piece by piece, like I'm appraising you.

too quick. let me check u out limb by limb

HECTOR ≋ verse [irritated by his staring]

O, like a book of sport thou’lt read me o’er;

But there’s more in me than thou understand’st.

Why dost thou so oppress me with thine eye?

Oh, like a book of sport you'll read me completely; but there's more in me than you understand. Why do you oppress me with such a stare?

You're reading me like a book, but there's more to me than you can see. Why are you staring at me so intensely?

u can't read me like a book. there's more to me. why u staring so hard

ACHILLES ≋ verse [chillingly calculating his kill]

Tell me, you heavens, in which part of his body

Shall I destroy him? Whether there, or there, or there?

That I may give the local wound a name,

And make distinct the very breach whereout

Hector’s great spirit flew. Answer me, heavens.

Tell me, you heavens, in what part of his body shall I destroy him? Whether here, or here, or here? that I may name the specific wound, and identify exactly the place from which Hector's great spirit will flee. Answer me, heavens.

Gods, tell me where I should strike him down. Which part? Here? There? Somewhere else? I want to know exactly where I'll wound him, exactly where his spirit will leave his body.

gods where do i kill him? which part? so i know exactly where his spirit leaves

HECTOR ≋ verse [defiant scorn at his boast]

It would discredit the blest gods, proud man,

To answer such a question. Stand again.

Think’st thou to catch my life so pleasantly

As to prenominate in nice conjecture

Where thou wilt hit me dead?

It would dishonor the blessed gods, proud man, to answer such a question. Stand still. Do you think to take my life so easily as to predict in clever guessing where you will strike me dead?

That would insult the gods, you arrogant man. Don't move. Do you really think you can just guess where you'll kill me, like it's some kind of game?

gods wouldn't answer that pride. u can't just guess where u'll kill me

ACHILLES [cold, certain boast]

I tell thee yea.

I tell you yes.

Yes, I can.

yeah i can

HECTOR ≋ verse [fiercely matching his boast]

Wert thou an oracle to tell me so,

I’d not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well;

For I’ll not kill thee there, nor there, nor there;

But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm,

I’ll kill thee everywhere, yea, o’er and o’er.

You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag.

His insolence draws folly from my lips;

But I’ll endeavour deeds to match these words,

Or may I never—

Even if you were an oracle telling me this, I wouldn't believe you. From now on guard yourself well; for I won't kill you there, or there, or there; but, by the forge that forged Mars his helmet, I'll kill you everywhere, yes, over and over. Wisest Greeks, forgive me this boast. His arrogance draws foolish words from my lips; but I'll work to match my words with deeds, or may I never—

Even if you were a god telling me that, I wouldn't believe it. Watch yourself from now on. I'm not going to kill you in one specific place—I'll kill you everywhere, constantly. Forgive this boasting, Greeks. His arrogance is making me say foolish things, but I swear I'll back up these words with action, or may I never—

even an oracle couldn't convince me. i'll kill u everywhere not just one spot. pardon the brag but i mean it

AJAX ≋ verse [peacemaking, needling Achilles' reluctance]

Do not chafe thee, cousin;

And you, Achilles, let these threats alone

Till accident or purpose bring you to’t.

You may have every day enough of Hector,

If you have stomach. The general state, I fear,

Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him.

Don't get angry, cousin; and you, Achilles, put aside these threats until chance or intention brings you face to face. You will have plenty of opportunity to fight Hector every day, if you have the appetite. I fear the Greeks in general can barely convince you to single-fight with him.

Don't get worked up, cousin. Achilles, hold off with the threats until you actually meet in battle. You'll get chances to fight Hector every day if you want to. Honestly, I think the Greeks are barely able to keep you from fighting him one-on-one right now.

chill cousin. achilles stop threatening. u'll get ur shot at hector soon enough

HECTOR ≋ verse [pointedly challenging his absence]

I pray you let us see you in the field;

We have had pelting wars since you refus’d

The Grecians’ cause.

I ask you to let us see you in battle; we have had weak wars since you refused to fight for the Greeks' cause.

I hope you'll show up in the battle. We've had pathetic warfare since you stopped fighting for the Greeks.

come fight. wars been weak since u quit

ACHILLES ≋ verse [menacing threat masked as friendliness]

Dost thou entreat me, Hector?

Tomorrow do I meet thee, fell as death;

Tonight all friends.

Are you asking me, Hector? Tomorrow I meet you, as fierce as death; tonight we are all friends.

Are you asking me to fight, Hector? Tomorrow I'll meet you fierce as death itself. But tonight, we're all friends.

u asking me hector? tomorrow i come fierce. tonight we chill

HECTOR [resolutely sealing the pact]

Thy hand upon that match.

Your hand on that agreement.

Shake on it.

lets shake on it

AGAMEMNON ≋ verse [ceremonially hosting the feast]

First, all you peers of Greece, go to my tent;

There in the full convive we; afterwards,

As Hector’s leisure and your bounties shall

Concur together, severally entreat him.

Beat loud the tambourines, let the trumpets blow,

That this great soldier may his welcome know.

First, all you nobles of Greece, go to my tent; there we will all feast together; afterwards, as Hector's time and your generous offers meet together, each of you entertain him separately. Beat the tambourines loudly, let the trumpets sound, so that this great soldier knows he is welcomed.

All you Greek nobles, come to my tent and feast together. After that, whenever Hector has time and you're all ready, go entertain him one by one. Have the musicians play loud—drums and trumpets—so he knows he's welcome.

greeks to my tent we feast. then u each hang with hector. drums n trumpets loud

[_Exeunt all but Troilus and Ulysses_.]
TROILUS ≋ verse [anxiously seeking Cressida's tent]

My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beseech you,

In what place of the field doth Calchas keep?

My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beg you, in what place of the camp does Calchas stay?

Lord Ulysses, where is Calchas in the camp? Can you tell me?

ulysses where's calchas in the camp

ULYSSES ≋ verse [pointedly testing his reaction]

At Menelaus’ tent, most princely Troilus.

There Diomed doth feast with him tonight,

Who neither looks upon the heaven nor earth,

But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view

On the fair Cressid.

At Menelaus' tent, most noble Troilus. There Diomedes feasts with him tonight, who neither looks at the sky nor the earth, but fixes all his amorous gaze on the fair Cressida.

At Menelaus' tent, Prince Troilus. Diomedes is feasting there with Calchas tonight, but he's not paying attention to anything except staring lovingly at fair Cressida.

menelaus tent. diomedes there too just staring at cressida all lovey

TROILUS ≋ verse [eager, anxious to follow]

Shall I, sweet lord, be bound to you so much,

After we part from Agamemnon’s tent,

To bring me thither?

Shall I, kind lord, owe you so much, after we leave Agamemnon's tent, to bring me there?

Would you do me the favor, lord, of bringing me there after we leave Agamemnon's tent?

will u bring me there after we leave agamemnon

ULYSSES ≋ verse [probingly asking about a rival]

You shall command me, sir.

As gentle tell me of what honour was

This Cressida in Troy? Had she no lover there

That wails her absence?

You will command me, sir. But tell me gently, what was the status of this Cressida in Troy? Did she have no lover there who mourns her absence?

You've got me—I'll do it. But tell me, what was Cressida's position in Troy? Didn't she have someone there who misses her?

ur wish is my command. but who was cressida in troy? no one misses her

TROILUS ≋ verse [guarded, masking wounded pride]

O, sir, to such as boasting show their scars

A mock is due. Will you walk on, my lord?

She was belov’d, she lov’d; she is, and doth;

But still sweet love is food for fortune’s tooth.

Oh, sir, to those who boast about their scars mockery is deserved. Will you walk on, my lord? She was loved, she loved; she is loved, and still loves; but sweet love is still subject to fortune's cruelty.

Sir, people who brag about their wounds deserve to be mocked. Shall we go? She was loved, she loved in return, and that's still true, but love is always at the mercy of fate.

boasters deserve mockery. she was loved n loved back. but love's just fortune's toy

[_Exeunt_.]

The Reckoning

In one crowded scene, Cressida is passed from mouth to mouth by the Greek generals, and the long-awaited duel between Hector and Ajax ends in a hug. The kissing game is ugly to watch: a lone woman surrounded by soldiers, parrying them with puns, and then Ulysses condemns her as one of the 'daughters of the game' for the wit she used to survive. The duel is just as hollow. War turns into politeness, and the old Greeks gush over their enemy. Underneath it all, Achilles looks Hector over limb by limb, choosing where to wound him, and Hector answers with a boast. Notice the ending too: Troilus, still trusting Cressida, asks to be taken to Diomedes' dinner, where he will learn the truth.

If this happened today…

You're the only woman arriving at a work retreat run by a rival company, and the senior partners take turns hugging you a little too long while everyone laughs. You get through it with jokes, and after you leave, one of them tells the room you're obviously easy. Later that evening the big showdown between the two firms turns into handshakes and a group dinner, except one guy spends the whole meal looking at your colleague like he's planning to ruin him.

Continue to 5.1 →