Page 2809 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

For ’tis a cause that hath no mean dependence
Upon our joint and several dignities.

TROILUS
Why, there you touched the life of our design; [195]
Were it not glory that we more affected
Than the performance of our heaving spleens,

I would not wish a drop of Trojan blood
Spent more in her defence. But, worthy Hector,
She is a theme of honour and renown, [200]

A spur to valiant and magnanimous deeds,
Whose present courage may beat down our foes,
And fame in time to come canonize us.
For I presume brave Hector would not lose
So rich advantage of a promised glory [205]

As smiles upon the forehead of this action
For the wide world’s revenue.

HECTOR
I am yours,
You valiant offspring of great Priamus.

I have a roisting challenge sent amongst
The dull and factious nobles of the Greeks [210]
Will strike amazement to their drowsy spirits.
I was advertised their great general slept,

Whilst emulation in the army crept;
This, I presume, will wake him.
Exeunt.

Scene III IT

Enter Thersites.

THERSITES
How now, Thersites! What, lost in the labyrinth of thy fury? Shall the elephant
Ajax carry it thus? He beats me, and I rail at him: O, worthy satisfaction!
Would it were otherwise − that I could beat him whilst he railed at me.