Page 2814 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

NESTOR

Then will Ajax lack matter, if he have lost his argument.

ULYSSES
No. You see, he is his argument that has his [95] argument − Achilles.

NESTOR
All the better: their fraction is more our wish than their faction; but it was a
strong composure a fool could disunite.

ULYSSES
The amity that wisdom knits not, folly may easily [100] untie − here comes

Patroclus.

Enter Patroclus.

NESTOR
No Achilles with him.

ULYSSES
The elephant hath joints, but none for courtesy; his legs are legs for
necessity, not for flexure.

PATROCLUS
Achilles bids me say he is much sorry [105]

If anything more than your sport and pleasure
Did move your greatness, and this noble state,
To call upon him; he hopes it is no other
But for your health and your digestion sake,

An after-dinner’s breath.

AGAMEMNON

Hear you, Patroclus: [110]
We are too well acquainted with these answers;
But his evasion, winged thus swift with scorn,

Cannot outfly our apprehensions.
Much attribute he hath, and much the reason