Page 2884 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

HECTOR

Wert thou the oracle to tell me so,
I’d not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well,
For I’ll not kill thee there, nor there, nor there;

But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm, [255]
I’ll kill thee everywhere, yea, o’er and o’er. −
You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag;
His insolence draws folly from my lips,
But I’ll endeavour deeds to match these words,

Or may I never −

AJAX
Do not chafe thee, cousin − [260]
And you, Achilles, let these threats alone,
Till accident or purpose bring you to’t.

You may have every day enough of Hector,
If you have stomach. The general state, I fear,
Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him. [265]

HECTOR
I pray you, let us see you in the field;
We have had pelting wars since you refused

The Grecians’ cause.

ACHILLES
Dost thou entreat me, Hector?
Tomorrow do I meet thee, fell as death;
Tonight all friends.

HECTOR

Thy hand upon that match. [270]

AGAMEMNON

First, all you peers of Greece, go to my tent;
There in the full convive you. Afterwards,
As Hector’s leisure and your bounties shall
Concur together, severally entreat him. −

Beat loud the taborins, let the trumpets blow, [275]