Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: William Godshalk
Peer Reviewed

Troilus and Cressida (Quarto 1, 1609)

of Troylus and Cresseida.
Paris. Harke Hectors trumpet?
AEne. How haue we spent this morning?
The Prince must thinke me tardy and remisse,
That swore to ride before him to the field,
2540Par. Tis Troylus falte, come, come, to field with him. Exeu.
Enter Aiax armed, Achilles, Patroclus, Agam.
Menelaus, Vlisses, Nester, Calcas.. &c.
Aga. Here art thou in appointment fresh and faire,
2550Anticipating time. With starting courage,
Giue with thy trumpet a loude note to Troy
Thou dreadfull Aiax that the appauled aire,
May pearce the head of the great Combatant, and hale him
hither.
2555Aiax. Thou, trumpet, ther's my purse,
Now cracke thy lungs, and split thy brasen pipe:
Blow villaine, till thy sphered Bias cheeke,
Out-swell the collick of puft Aquilon,
Come stretch thy chest, and let thy eyes spout bloud:
2560Thou blowest for Hector.
Vliss No trumpet answers.
Achil. Tis but early daies.
Aga. Is not yond Diomed with Calcas daughter.
Vliss. Tis he, I ken the manner of his gate,
2565He rises on the too: that spirit of his
In aspiration lifts him from the earth.
Aga. Is this the Lady Cressid?
Diom. Euen she.
Aga. Most deerely welcome to the Greekes sweete Lady.
Nest. Our generall doth salute you with a kisse.
Vliss. Yet is the kindnesse but perticular, twere better shee
were kist in general.
Nest. And very courtly counsell. Ile beginne: so much for (Nestor.
Achil. Ile take that winter from your lips faire Lady,
Achilles bids you welcome.
Men. I had good argument for kissing once.
Patro. But thats no argument for kissing now,
2580For thus pop't Paris in his hardiment,
2580.1And parted thus, you and your argument.
I Vliss.