Page 2847 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

ACHILLES

Ha? Known?

ULYSSES
Is that a wonder? [195]
The providence that’s in a watchful state
Knows almost every grain of Pluto’s gold,

Finds bottom in th’uncomprehensive deeps,
Keeps place with thought, and almost, like the gods,
Does thoughts unveil in their dumb cradles. [200]
There is a mystery − with whom relation

Durst never meddle − in the soul of state,
Which hath an operation more divine
Than breath or pen can give expressure to.
All the commerce that you have had with Troy [205]

As perfectly is ours as yours, my lord;
And better would it fit Achilles much
To throw down Hector than Polyxena.
But it must grieve young Pyrrhus now at home,

When fame shall in our islands sound her trump, [210]
And all the Greekish girls shall tripping sing:
‘Great Hector’s sister did Achilles win,
But our great Ajax bravely beat down him’.

Farewell, my lord: I as your lover speak;
The fool slides o’er the ice that you should break. [215]
Exit.

PATROCLUS
To this effect, Achilles, have I moved you.
A woman impudent and mannish grown

Is not more loathed than an effeminate man
In time of action. I stand condemned for this;
They think my little stomach to the war, [220]

And your great love to me, restrains you thus.
Sweet, rouse yourself, and the weak wanton Cupid
Shall from your neck unloose his amorous fold,
And, like a dew-drop from the lion’s mane,
Be shook to air.