Page 2807 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

To make it gracious. For my private part,
I am no more touched than all Priam’s sons;
And Jove forbid there should be done amongst us
Such things as might offend the weakest spleen

To fight for and maintain. [130]

PARIS
Else might the world convince of levity
As well my undertakings as your counsels;
But I attest the gods, your full consent

Gave wings to my propension, and cut off
All fears attending on so dire a project. [135]
For what, alas, can these my single arms?
What propugnation is in one man’s valour
To stand the push and enmity of those

This quarrel would excite? Yet I protest,
Were I alone to pass the difficulties, [140]
And had as ample power as I have will,

Paris should ne’er retract what he hath done,
Nor faint in the pursuit.

PRIAM
Paris, you speak
Like one besotted on your sweet delights.
You have the honey still, but these the gall; [145]

So to be valiant is no praise at all.

PARIS
Sir, I propose not merely to myself
The pleasures such a beauty brings with it;
But I would have the soil of her fair rape

Wiped off in honourable keeping her. [150]
What treason were it to the ransacked queen,
Disgrace to your great worths, and shame to me,
Now to deliver her possession up
On terms of base compulsion! Can it be

That so degenerate a strain as this [155]
Should once set footing in your generous bosoms?