Page 2782 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Lies rich in virtue and unminglèd. [30]

NESTOR
With due observance of thy godlike seat,
Great Agamemnon, Nestor shall apply
Thy latest words. In the reproof of chance
Lies the true proof of men. The sea being smooth,

How many shallow bauble boats dare sail [35]
Upon her patient breast, making their way
With those of nobler bulk;

But let the ruffian Boreas once enrage
The gentle Thetis, and anon behold
The strong-ribbed bark through liquid mountains cut, [40]
Bounding between the two moist elements,
Like Perseus’ horse. Where’s then the saucy boat,

Whose weak untimbered sides but even now
Co-rivalled greatness? − Either to harbour fled
Or made a toast for Neptune. Even so [45]

Doth valour’s show and valour’s worth divide
In storms of fortune; for in her ray and brightness
The herd hath more annoyance by the breese
Than by the tiger; but when the splitting wind
Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks, [50]

And flies flee under shade, why then the thing of courage,
As roused with rage, with rage doth sympathize,
And with an accent tuned in selfsame key

Returns to chiding fortune.

ULYSSES

Agamemnon,
Thou great commander, nerve and bone of Greece, [55]
Heart of our numbers, soul and only spirit,
In whom the tempers and the minds of all

Should be shut up: hear what Ulysses speaks.
Besides the applause and approbation
The which, most mighty for thy place and sway − [60]
(To Nestor) And thou most reverend for thy stretched-out life −

I give to both your speeches, which were such