Page 2841 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

This shall I undertake, and ’tis a burden
Which I am proud to bear.
Exeunt Diomedes and Calchas. Achilles and Patroclus stand in the entrance
to their tent.

ULYSSES
Achilles stands i’th’entrance of his tent.

Please it our general to pass strangely by him,
As if he were forgot; and, princes all, [40]
Lay negligent and loose regard upon him.

I will come last − ’tis like he’ll question me
Why such unplausive eyes are bent, why turned on him;
If so, I have derision medicinable
To use between your strangeness and his pride, [45]
Which his own will shall have desire to drink.

It may do good: pride hath no other glass
To show itself but pride; for supple knees
Feed arrogance, and are the proud man’s fees.

AGAMEMNON
We’ll execute your purpose, and put on [50]

A form of strangeness as we pass along −
So do each lord, and either greet him not,
Or else disdainfully, which shall shake him more
Than if not looked on. I will lead the way.

ACHILLES
What, comes the general to speak with me? [55]

You know my mind; I’ll fight no more ’gainst Troy.

AGAMEMNON
What says Achilles? Would he aught with us?

NESTOR
Would you, my lord, aught with the general?

ACHILLES