The Iron Age: Containing the Rape of Helen: The siege of Troy: The Combat betwixt Hector and Aiax: Hector and Troilus slain by Achilles: Achilles slain by Paris: Aiax and Ulysses contend for the Armour of Achilles: The Death of Aiax, &c. Written by THOMAS HEYWOOD.  Aut prodesse solent audi Delectare. 

HECTOR. AIAX.   
Printed at London by Nicholas Okes. 1632.   

Drammatis Personae.  

Of the party of the Trojans.  
King Priam.  
Hector.  
Paris.  
Troilus.  
Aeneas.  
Antenor.  
Deiphobus.  
Margareton.  
Astyanax, Hector's son.  
Queen Hecuba.  
Cassandra a Prophetess.  
Cressida, Calchas his daughter.  
Polixina daughter to Priam.  
Oenon, Paris his first love.  
Andromache, Hector's wife.  
Hector's Armour-bearer.  
Trojan soldiers.   

Of the party of the Grecians.  
King Agamemnon General.  
King Menelaus.  
King Diomed.  
Ulysses, King of Ithacus.  
Achilles.  
A Spartan Lord.  
An Ambassador of Crete.  
Castor and Pollux, the two brothers of Helena.  
Aiax Duke of Salamine.  
Thersites a railer.  
Queen Helena.  
Calchas, Apollo's Priest.  
Patroclus, Achilles his friend.  
Achilles his myrmidons.  
Graecian soldiers.  
Attendants.    

The Iron Age: Containing the Rape of Helen: The siege of Troy: The Combat betwixt Hector and Aiax: Hector and Troilus slain by Achilles: Achilles slain by Paris: Aiax and Ulysses contend for the Armour of Achilles: The Death of Aiax, &c. Written by THOMAS HEYWOOD.  Aut prodesse solent audi Delectare. 

TAM ROBUR· TAM ROBOR. NI-COLIS ARBOR IOVIS. 1610.   
Printed at London by Nicholas Okes. 1632.   

Drammatis Personae.  

Of the party of the Trojans.  
King Priam.  
Hector.  
Paris.  
Troilus.  
Aeneas.  
Antenor.  
Deiphobus.  
Margareton.  
Astyanax, Hector's son.  
Queen Hecuba.  
Cassandra a Prophetess.  
Cressida, Calchas his daughter.  
Polixina daughter to Priam.  
Oenon, Paris his first love.  
Andromache, Hector's wife.  
Hector's Armour-bearer.  
Trojan soldiers.   

Of the party of the Grecians.  
King Agamemnon General.  
King Menelaus.  
King Diomed.  
Ulysses, King of Ithacus.  
Achilles.  
A Spartan Lord.  
An Ambassador of Crete.  
Castor and Pollux, the two brothers of Helena.  
Aiax Duke of Salamine.  
Thersites a railer.  
Queen Helena.  
Calchas, Apollo's Priest.  
Patroclus, Achilles his friend.  
Achilles his myrmidons.  
Graecian soldiers.  
Attendants.    

To my Worthy and much Respected Friend, Mr. Thomas Hammon, of Gray's Inn Esquire.  
SIR,  
IF the noble Scholar Nichod. Friseelimus, thought that his labour in Transferring six of Aristophanes' his Comedies, out of the Original Greek into the Roman tongue, was worthy to be dedicated to six several, the most eminent Princes of his time, for Learning and judgement: Think it then no disparagement to you, to undertake as well the Patronage, perusal of this Poem: Which as it exceeds the strict limits of the ancient Comedy (then in use) inform, so it transcends them many degrees; both in the fullness of the Scene, and gravity of the Subject.  
The History whereon it is grounded, having been the selected Argument of many exquisite Poets: For what Pen of note, in one page or other hath not remembered Troy, and bewailed the sack, and subversion of so illustrious a City▪ Which, although it were situate in Asia, yet out of her ashes hath risen, two the rarest Phoenixes in Europe, namely London and Rome. Sir my acquaintance with your worth, and knowledge of your judgement, were the chief motives, inducing me to select you before many others: accept it, I entreat you, as favourably as he exposeth it willingly, who as he hath antecedently long, so futurely ever,  
Shall remain yours: Thomas Heywood.   

To the Reader.  
COurteous Reader: The Gold, Silver, and Brass Ages having been many years' since in the Press, continuing the History from Jupiter's Birth (the son of Saturn) to the Death of Hercules. This Iron Age (never till now Published,) beginneth where the other left, holding on, a plain and direct course, from the second Rape of Helen: (For she was in her minority ravished by Theseus the Friend of Hercules) not only to the utter ruin, and devastation of Troy; but it, with the second Part, stretcheth to the deaths of Helen, and all those Kings of Greece, who were the undertakers of that Ten years Bloody and fatal Siege. I presume the reading there of shall not prove distasteful unto any: First in regard of the Antiquity and Nobleness of the History: Next because it includeth the most things of especial remark, which have been ingeniously Commented, and laboriously Recorded, by the muse's Darlings, the Poets: And Times learned Remembrancers; the Historiographers▪  
Lastly, I desire thee to take notice, that these were the Plays often (and not with the least applause,) Publicly Acted by two Companies, upon one Stage at once, and have at sundry times thronged three several Theatres, with numerous and mighty Auditories, if the grace they had then in the Actings, take not away the expected luster, hoped for in the Reading, I shall then hold thee well pleased, and therein, myself fully satisfied; Ever remaining thine as studious  
Prodesse vt Delectare:  
Thomas Heywood.   
The Iron Age.  

Actus primus, Scoena prima.  Enter King Priamus, Queen Hecuba, Hector, Troilus, Aeneas, Deiphobus, &c. Priamus. 
PRinces and Sons of Priam, to this end  
we called you to this solemn parlance.  
There's a divining spirit prompts me still,  
That if we new begin Hostility,  
The Grecians may be forced to make repair  
Of our twice ruined walls, and of the rape  
Done to our sister fair Hesione.  
Aeneas. I am my princely Sovereign of your mind,  
And can by grounded arguments approve  
Your power and potency: what they twice demolished,  
Is now with strength and beauty reared again.  
Your Kingdom grown more populous and rich,  
The youth of Troy irregular and untamed,  
Covetous of war and martial exercise.  
From you and silver tressed Hecuba  
Fifty fair sons are lineally derived,  
All Asia's Kings are in your love and league,  
Their royalties as of your Empire held.  
Hector and Hector's brothers are of power  
To fetch your sister from the heart of Greece,  
Where she remains embraced by Telamon.  Pria. 
Aeneas, your advice assents with us.  
How stand our sons unto these wars inclined?  Hect. 
In mine opinion we have no just cause  
To raise new tumults, that may live in peace:  
War is a fury quickly conjured up,  
But not so soon appeased.  Par. 
What juster cause  
When the whole world takes note to our disgrace,  
Of this our Troy, twice raced by Hercules.  Troy. 
And fair Hesione rapt hence to Greece,  
Where she still lives cooped up in Salamine.  Hect. 
Troy, was twice raced, and Troy deserved that wrack,  
The valiant (half Divine bred) Hercules,  
Redeemed this Town from black mortality,  
And my bright Aunt from death, when he surcharged  
The virgin fed, Sea-monster with his club.  
For my own Grand-sire great Laomedon,  
Denied the Hero, both the meed proposed,  
And most (ingrateful) shut him from the Gates:  
Troy therefore drew just ruin on itself:  
'tis true, our Aunt was borne away to Greece,  
Who with more justice might transport her hence,  
Than he whose prize she was? bold Telamon  
For venturing first upon the walls of Troy,  
Alcides gave her to the Salmine Duke.  
Detaining her? whom keeps he but his own?  
Were she my prisoner I should do the like.  
By jove she's worth the keeping.  Par. 
Then of force,  
She must be worth the fetching.  Hect. 
Fetch her that list: my reverent King and father,  
If you pursue this expedition,  
By the untaunted honour of these arms  
that live emblazoned on my burnished shield,  
It is without good cause, and I divine  
Of all your flourishing line, by which the Gods  
have rectified your fame above all Kings,  
Not one shall live to meat your Sepulchre,  
Or trace your funeral Heralds to the Tombs  
Of your great Ancestors: oh for your honour  
Take not up unjust Arms.  Aene. 
Prince Hector's words  
Will draw on him the imputation  
Of fear and cowardice.  Troi. 
Fie brother Hector,  
If our aunt's rape, and Troy's destruction  
be not revenged, their several blemishes  
The aged hand of Time can never wipe  
From our succession.  
'Twill be registered  
That all King Priam's sons save one were willing  
And forward to revenge them on the Greeks,  
Only that Hector durst not.  Hect. 
Ha, durst not didst thou say? effeminate boy,  
Go get you to your Sheephook and your Scrip,  
Thou look'st not like a Soldier, there's no fire  
Within thine eyes, nor quills upon thy chin,  
Tell me I dare not? go, rise, get you gone:  
thouart fitter for young Oenon's company  
Then for a bench of soldiers: here comes one,  
Antenor is returned.  Enter Antenor. Pri. 
Welcome Antenor, what's the news from Greece?  Ante. 
News of dishonour to the name of Priam,  
Your highness' Sister fair Hesione:  
Esteemed there as a strumpet, and no Queen;  
(After complaint) when I proposed your Majesty  
would fetch her thence perforce, had you but seen  
With what disdainful pride, and bitter taunts  
They tossed my threats: 'twould have inflamed your spleen  
With more than common rage, never was Princess  
So basely used: never Ambassador  
With such dishonour sent from princes' Court,  
As was then from that of Telamon's,  
Of Agamemnon's and the Spartan Kings.  Priam. 
I shall not die in peace, if these disgraces  
Live unrevenged.  Hect. 
By jove we'll fetch her thence,  
Or make all populous Greece a Wilderness,  
Paris a hand, we are friends, now Greece shall find  
And thou shalt know what mighty Hector dares.  
When all th'united Kings in Arms shall rue  
This base dishonour done to Priam's blood.  Par. 
Hear Gracious sir, my dream in Ida Mount,  
Beneath the shadow of a Cedar sleeping.  
Celestial juno, Venus, and the Goddess  
Borne from the brain of mighty jupiter.  
These three present me with a golden Ball,  
On which was writ, Detur pulcherrimae,  
Give't to the fairest: juno proffers wealth,  
Sceptres and Crowns: saith, she will make me rich.  
Next steps forth Pallas with a golden Book,  
Saith, reach it me, I'll teach the Literature,  
Knowledge and Arts, make thee of all most wise.  
Next smiling Venus' came, with such a look  
Able to ravish mankind: thus bespoke me,  
Make that Ball mine? the fairest Queen that breathes,  
I'll in requital, cast into thine arms.  
How can I stand against her golden smiles,  
When beauty promised beauty? she prevailed:  
To her I gave the prize, with which she mounted  
Like to a Star from earth shot up to Heaven.  
Now if in Greece (as some report) be Ladies  
Peerless for beauty, wherefore might not Paris  
By Venus' aid sail hence to Grecia,  
And quit the rape of fair Hesione,  
By stealing thence the Queen most beautiful,  
That feeds upon the honey of that air?  Pri. 
That amorous Goddess borne upon the waves  
Assist thee in thy voyage, we will rig  
A royal fleet to waft thee into Greece.  
Aeneas with our son Deiphobus,  
And other Lords shall bear thee company.  
What think our sons Hector and Troilus  
Of Paris expedition?  Hect. 
As an attempt the Heavens have cause to prosper.  
Go brother Paris, if thou bring'st a Queen,  
Hector will be her Champion; then let's see  
What Greek dare fetch her hence.  Pri. 
Straight give order  
To have his Fleet made ready.  Enter Cassandra with her hair about her ears. Cassan. 
Stay Priam, Paris cease, stay Trojan Peers  
To plot your universal overthrow.  
What hath poor Troy deserved, that you should kindle  
flames to destroy it?  Pa. 
What intends Cassandra?  Cass. 
To quench bright burning Troy, to secure thee,  
To save old Priam and his fifty sons.  
(The royal'st issue, that e'er King I enjoyed)  
To keep the reverent hairs of Hecuba,  
From being torn off by her own sad hands.  Pri. 
Cassandra's mad.  Cass. 
You are mad, all Troy is mad.  
And rails before its ruin.  Hect. 
What would my sister?  Cass. 
Stay this bold youth my brother, who by water  
Would sail to bring fire which shall burn all Troy.  
Stay him, oh stay him, ere these golden roofs  
Melt o'er our heads before these glorious Turrets  
be burnt to ashes. Ere clear streams Simois  
Run with blood royal, and Scamander Plain,  
In which Troy stands be made a Sepulchre  
To bury Troy, and Trojans.  Pri. 
Away with her, some false divining spirit  
Envying the honour we shall gain from Greece,  
Would trouble our designments.  Hect. 
Royal sir,  
Cassandra is a Vestal Prophetess,  
And consecrate to Pallas; oft inspired,  
Then lend her gracious audience.  Troil. 
So let our Aunt  
be still a slave in Greece, and we your sons  
be held as cowards.  Aene. 
Let Antenor's wrongs  
be basely swallowed, and the name of Troy  
Be held a word of scorn.  Cass. 
Then let Troy burn,  
Let the Greeks clap their hands, and warm themselves  
At this bright Bonfire: dreamed not Hecuba  
The night before this fatal Youth was borne,  
That she brought forth a firebrand?  Hecu. 
'Tis most true.  Cass. 
And when King Priam to the Priest revealed  
This ominous dream, he with the Gods consulted,  
And from the Oracle did this return,  
That the Child borne should stately Ilion burn.  Par. 
And well the Prophet guest, for my desire  
To visit Greece, burns with a quenchless fire:  
Not from this flaming brand shall I be free,  
Till I have left rich Troy, and Sparta see.  Cass. 
Yet Hecuba, ere thou thy Priam lose,  
And Priam ere thou lose thy Hecuba,  Pri. 
Away with her.  Cass. 
Why speaks not in this case Andromache?  
Thou shalt lose a Hector, who's yet thine.  
Why good Aeneas dost thou speech forbear?  
Thou hop'st in time another Troy to rear,  
When this is sacked, and therefore thou standst mute,  
All struck with silence; none assist my suit.  Pri. 
Force her away and lay her fast in hold.  Cass. 
Then Troy, no Troy, but ashes; and a place  
Where once a City stood: poor Priam, thou  
That shalt leave fatherless fifty fair sons,  
And this thy fruitful Queen, a desolate widow;  
And Ilium now no Palace for a King,  
But a confused heap of twice burnt brick.  
They that thy beauty wondered, shall admire  
To see thy Towers defaced with Greekish fire.  [Exit. Pri. 
Thou art no Sibyl, but from fury speak'st,  
Not inspiration we regard thee not.  
Come valiant sons, we'll first prepare our ships,  
And with a royal Fleet well rigged to sea  
Seek just revenge for fair Hesione.  Exeunt omnes, manet Paris, to him Oenon who in his going out Plucks her back. Oen. 
Know you not me?  Par. 
Who art thou?  Oen. 
View me well.  
And what I am, my looks and tears will teach thee.  Par. 
Oenon? what brought thee hither?  Oen. 
To see Ida bare  
Of her tall Cedars, to see shipwrights square  
The trunks of new field Pines: Asking the cause,  
So many Hatchets, Hammers, Ploughs and Saws  
Were thither brought: They 'gan me thus to greet,  
With these tall Cedars we must build a fleet  
For Paris; who in that must sail to Greece,  
To fetch a new wife thence.  Par. 
And my fair Oenon,  
Know that they told truth, for 'tis decreed  
Even by the God's behest, that I should speed  
Upon this new adventure: The Gods all,  
That made me judge to give the golden Ball.  
Hark, hark, the Sailors cry aboard, aboard;  
The Wind blows fair, farewell.  Oenon. 
Hear me one word.  
By our first love, by all our amorous kisses,  
Courtings, embraces, and ten thousand blesses  
I conjure thee, that thou in Troy may'st stay.  Par. 
They cry aboard, and Paris must away.  Oen. 
What needest thou plow the seas to seek a wife▪  
Having one here, to hazard thy sweet life,  
Seeking a Strumpet through wars fierce alarms,  
And have so kind a wife lodged in thine arms.  Par. 
Sweet Oenon, stay me not, unclasp thine hold.  Oen. 
Not for Troy's crown or all the Sun-god's Gold▪  
Canst thou? oh canst thou thy sweet life endanger,  
And leave thine own wife to seek out a stranger?  Pa. 
I can, farewell.  Oen. 
Oh yet a little stay.  Pa. 
Let go thine hold, or I shall force my way.  Oen. 
Oh do but look on me, yet once again.  
Though now a Prince, thou wast an humble swain,  
And then I was thine Oenon. (Oh sad fate)  
I crave thy love, I covet not thy state;  
Still I am Oenon: still thou Paris are  
The selfsame man, but not the selfsame heart:  Par. 
Untie, or I shall break thy charming band,  
Neptune assist my course: thou jove my hand.  Exit. Oen. 
Most cruel, most unkind, hadst thou thus said  
The night before thou hadst my Maidenhead,  
I had been free to choose, and thou to wive;  
Not widowed now, my husband still alive.  Enter King Menelaus, King Diomed, Thersites, a Lord Ambassador with Attendants. Mene. 
King Diomed, Sparta is proud to see you,  
Your coming at this time's more seasonable,  
In that we have employment for your wisdom  
And royal valour.  Diom. 
The Christian Sceptre now in controversy  
(As this Ambassador hath late informed)  
Despising that usurping hand, which long  
Hath against Law and justice swayed and borne it,  
Offers itself to your protection.  
Is it not so my Lord?  Embassa. 
You truly understand our Embassy.  Ther. 
Menelaus!  Mene. 
What saith Thersites?  Ther. 
That Heaven hath many Stars in't, but no eyes,  
And cannot see desert. The Goddess Fortune  
Is hoodwinked, why else should she proffer thee  
Another Crown that hath one: (Grand Sir jove)  
What a huge heap of business shalt thou have,  
Having another Kingdom? being in Crete,  
Sparta will go to wrack, being in Sparta,  
Crete will to ruin: To have more than these  
Such a bright Lass as Helen: Helen? oh!  
'Must have an eye to her too, fie, fie, fie,  
Poor man how thou'lt be puzzled!  Mene. 
Why thinks Thersites my bright Helen's beauty  
Is not with her fair virtues equalised?  Ther. 
Yes, I think so, and Helen is an ass,  
But thou believest so too.  Diom. 
Thersites is a railer.  Ther. 
No, I disclaim't, I am a Counsellor.  
I have known a fellow matched to a fair wife,  
That hath had ne'er a Kingdom: thou hast two  
To look to, (scarce a house) thou many Palaces,  
He scarce a Page, and thou a thousand servants:  
Yet he having no more, yet had too much  
To look to one fair wife.  Diom. 
Were not the King  
Well grounded in the virtues of his Queen,  
Thy words Thersites might set odds betwixt them.  Mene. 
My Helen? therein am I happiest.  
Know Diomed, her beauty I prefer  
Before the Crowns of Sparta, and of Crete.  
Music! I know my Lady then is coming,  Music within. 
To give kind welcome to King Diomed,  
Strow in her way sweet powders, burn Perfume,  
And where my Helen treads no feet presume.  Ther. 
'Twere better strow horn-shavings.  Enter Hellen with waiting Gentlewomen and Servants. Hel. 
'Tis told is this Ambassador doth stay  
To take my husband, my dear Lord away.  Men. 
True Helen, 'tis a Kingdom calls me hence.  Hel. 
A Kingdom! hath your Helen such small grace,  
That you prefer a Kingdom 'fore her face?  
You value me too cheap, and do not know  
The worth and value of the face you owe.  Ther. 
I had rather have a good calf's face.  Hese. 
Theseus, that in my nonage did assail me,  
And being too young for pastime, thence did hail me:  
He, to have had the least part of your bliss  
Oft proffered me a Kingdom for a kiss.  
You surfeit in your pleasures, swim in sport,  
But sir, from henceforth I shall keep you short.  Dio. 
Fair Queen, 'tis honour calls him hence away,  Hel. 
What's that to Helen, if she'll have him stay?  
Say I should weep at parting, (which I fear)  
Some for ten Kingdoms would not have a tear  
Fall from his Helen's eye, but he's unkind,  
And cares not though I weep my bright eyes blind.  Enter a Spartan Lord. Sp. L. 
Great King, we have discovered from the shore  
A gallant Fleet of ships, that with full sail  
Make towards the Port.  Mene. 
What number?  Sp. L. 
Some two and twenty Sail.  Men. 
Discover them more amply, and make good the Haven against them, till we know th'intent of their arrive.  Sp. L. 
My Royal Lord I shall.  Men. 
Ambassador this business once blown o'er,  
You shall receive your answer instantly.  Hel. 
You shall not go and leave your Helen here,  
Can I a Kingdom govern in your absence,  
And guide so rude a people as yours is?  
How shall I do my Lord, when you are gone,  
So many bleak cold nights to lie alone?  
Y'have used me so to fellowship in bed,  
That should I leave it, I should soon be dead:  
Troth I shall never endure it.  Men. 
My sweet Helen,  
Was never King blessed with so chaste a wife.  Enter the Spartan Lord. Men. 
The news? whence is their Fleet?  Sp. L. 
From Troy.  Men. 
The General?  Sp. L. 
Priam's son.  Men. 
Their expedition?  Sp. L. 
To seek adventures and strange Lands abroad,  
And though now weather-beat, yet braver men,  
More rich in jewels, costlier arrayed,  
Or better featured ne'er eye beheld,  
Especially the Prince their General,  
Paris of Troy one of King Priam's sons.  Hel. 
Braver then these our Lacedaemon's are?  Sp. L. 
Madam, by much.  Hel. 
How is the Prince of Troy  
To Menelaus mighty Spartans' King?  Sp. L. 
Prince Menelaus is my Sovereign Madam,  
But might I freely speak without offence,  
(Excepting Menelaus) never breathed  
A braver Gallant than the Trojan Prince.  Men. 
What Entertainment shall we give these strangers?  Hel. 
What? but the choice that Lacedaemon yields,  
If they come brave, our bravery let us show,  
That what our Sparta yields, their Troy may know:  
Let them not say they found us poor and bare.  
Or that our Grecian Ladies are less fair  
Than theirs: give them occasion to relate  
At their return, how we exceed their stare.  Mene. 
Helen hath well advised, and for the best  
Her counsel with our honour doth agree,  
All Sparta's pomp is for the Trojans free.  Hell. 
Oh had I known their Landing one day sooner,  
That Helen might have trimmed up her attire  
Against this meeting, then my radiant beauty  
I doubt not, might in Troy be termed as fair,  
As through all Greece I am reputed rare.  A flourish. Enter Paris, Aeneas, Deiphobus, Antenor, Menelaus and Diomed embrace Paris and the rest: Paris turns from them and kisseth Hellen, all way she with her hand puts him back. Hell. 
'Tis not the Spartan fashion thus to greet  
Upon the lips, when royal strangers meet.  
I know not what your Asian Courtship is.  
Oh jove, how sweetly doth this Trojan kiss?  Par. 
Bear with a stranger Lady, though unknown;  
That's practised in no fashion save his own.  
He that his fault confesseth ne'er offends,  
Nor can he injure, that no wrong intends,  Hell. 
To kiss me! why before so many eyes  
The King could do no more: would fortune bring  
This stranger there where I have met the King,  Mene. 
Patience, sweet Helen, Trojans welcome all,  
You shall receive the princeliest entertain  
Sparta can yield you, but some late affairs  
About the Cretan sceptre calls us hence,  
That business once determined we are yours,  
In the mean time fair Helen be't your charge  
To make their welcome in my absence large.  They all go off with a flourish, only Paris and Hellen keep the Stage. Par. 
Oh jove my dream! sweet Venus aid my prayer,  
And keep thy word: behold a face more fair  
Than thou thyself canst show, this is the same  
Thou promised me in Ida, this I claim.  
Give me this face fair Venus, and that's all  
I'll ask in guerdon of the golden Ball.  Hel. 
Of what rare mettle is this Trojan made?  
That one poor kiss hath power so to persuade,  
Here at my lips the sweetness did begin,  
And since hath passed through all my powers within:  
Oh kiss me if thou lov'st me once again,  
I feel the first kiss thrill through every vein.  Par. 
Queen I must speak with you,  Hell. 
Must?  Par. 
Helen, ay,  
I have but two ways to take, to speak, or die:  
Grant my tongue pardon then, or turn your head  
And say you will not, and so strike me dead.  Hel. 
Live and say on, but if your words offend,  
If my tongue can destroy, you're near your end.  Par. 
Oh jove, that I had now an angel's voice  
As you an angel's shape have, that my words  
Might sound as sphere-like music in your ear.  
That jove himself whom I must call to witness,  
Would now stand forth in person to approve  
What I now speak, Helen, Helen I love.  
Chide me, I care not; tell, your husband, do,  
Fearless of death, behold, I boldly woe.  
For let me live, bright Helen to enjoy,  
Or let me never back resail to Troy:  
For you I came, your fame hath hither driven me,  
Whom golden Venus hath by promise given me.  
I loved you ere I saw you by your fame,  
Report of your rare beauty to Troy came.  
But more than bruit can tell, or fame emblazon  
Are these divine perfections that I gaze on.  Hel. 
Insolent stranger, is my Name so light  
Abroad in Troy, that thou at the first sight  
Shouldst hope to strum pet us? thinks Priam's son,  
The Spartan Queen can be so easily won?  
Because once Theseus ravished us from hence,  
And did to us a kind of violence:  
Follows it therefore we are of such price,  
That stolen hence once, we should be ravished twice?  Par. 
That Theseus stole you hence (by Heaven) I praise him,  
And for that act I to the skies will raise him.  
That he returned you back by jove I wonder,  
Had I been Theseus, he that should asunder  
Have parted us, and snatched you from my bed:  
First from my should shoulders have ta'en this head.  
Oh that you were the prize of some great strife,  
And he that wins might claim you as his wife,  
yourself should find, and all the world should see  
Helen, a prize alone ordained for me.  Hel. 
I am not angry; who can angry be  
With him that loves her? they that Paris see,  
And hears the wonders and rare deeds you boast,  
And warlike spoils in which you glory most:  
By which you have attained 'mongst soldiers' grace,  
None can believe you that beholds your face.  
They that this lovely Trojan see, will say;  
He was not made for war, but amorous plays  Pa. 
Love amorous Paris then.  Hel. 
My fame to endanger?  Par. 
I can be secret Lady.  Hel. 
And a stranger?  
Say I should grant thee love, as thou shouldst climb  
My long wished bed; if at th'appointed time  
The Wind should alter, and blow fair for Troy,  
Thou must break off in midst of all thy joy.  Par. 
Not for great Sparta's Crown, or Asia's Treasure,  
(That exceeds Sparta's) would I lose such pleasure.  Hel. 
would it were come to that.  Par. 
Your Husband Menelaus hither bring,  
Compare our shapes, our youth and every thing,  
I make you judgesse, wrong me if you can:  
You needs must say I am the properer man.  Hel. 
I must confess that too.  Par. 
Then love me Lady.  Hel. 
Had you then set sail,  
When my virginity, and bed to enjoy  
A thousand gallant princely Suitors came?  
Had I beheld thee first, I here proclaim,  
Your feature should have borne me from the rest.  
You come too late, and covet goods possessed.  Par. 
I came from Helen, Helen's love I crave,  
Helen I love, and Helen I must have:  
Or in this Province where I vent my moans,  
I'll beg a Tomb for my exiled bones.  A flourish. Enter. Menelaus, Diomed, Thersites with Spartan Lords: Aeneas, Deiphobus, Antenor, &c. A banquet is brought in. Men. 
Now Prince of Troy, our business being o'er  
This day in Lacedaemon, you shall feast  
Paris, we are proud of such a Princely guest.  Ther. 
Thus every man is borne to his own Fate.  
Now it rains Horns, let each man shield his Pate.  Hel. 
This royalty extended to the welcome  
Of Priam's son, is more than Asia's King  
Would yield unto the greatest Prince of Greece.  
What is this Paris whom you honour so?  Men. 
Why asks my Queen?  Hel. 
May not this proud, this beauty vaunting Trojan,  
In a smooth brow hide black and rugged Treason?  Men. 
He such an one? rather a giddy brain,  
A formal traveller. King Diomed  
Your censure of this Trojan?  Diom. 
A Capering, Carpet Knight, a Cushion Lord,  
One that hath stalled his Courtly tricks at home,  
And now got leave to publish them abroad  
Did to a stranger Prince, it could not though  
Leaven my zeal o you: speak the fairest Queen  
That ever spoke, this night shall we agree  
To consecrate to pleasure and delights:  
Your husband left me charge I should enjoy  
All that the Court can yield: if all? than you  
I would not for the world, but you should do  
All that the King your Lord commands you too:  
Your King and husband, you sin doubly still  
When you assent not to obey his will:  
Speak beauteous Queen. No? then it may be  
She means by silence to accord with me:  
I'll try that presently, lend me your hand  
'tis this I want, and by the Kings command  
You are to let me have it: more than this,  Kisseth her. 
I want your lips to help me make a kiss.  Hel. 
Oh Heaven!  Par. 
Oh love, a joy above all measure,  
To touch these lips is more than heavenly pleasure.  Hel. 
Beshrew your amorous rhetoric that did prove  
My husbands will commanded me to love,  
For but for that injunction, Paris know  
I would not yield such favours to bestow  
On any stranger, but since he commands,  
You may take more than either lips or hands.  
Do I not blush sweet stranger? if I break  
The Laws of modesty, think that I speak,  
But with my husband's tongue, for I say still  
I would not yield, but to obey his will.  Par. 
This night then without all suspicion,  
The ravishing pleasures of your royal bed  
You may afford to Paris: bitter Thersites,  
King Diomed, and your servants may suppose  
By my late counterfeit distemperature  
I aim at no such happiness, alas  
I am a puny Courtier, a weak brain,  
A brainsick young man; but Divinest Helen,  
When we get safe to Troy.  Hel. 
To Troy?  Par. 
Yes Queen, by all the gods it is decreed,  
That I should bear you thither; Priam knows it,  
And therefore purposely did rig this Fleet,  
To waft me hither; He and Hecuba,  
My nine and forty brothers, Princes all  
Of Ladies and bright Virgins infinite,  
Will meet us in the road of Tenedos▪  
Then be resolved for I will cast a plot  
To bear you safe from hence!  Hel. 
This Trojan Prince  
Will's more than any Prince of Greece dares plead,  
And yet I have no power to say him nay:  
Well Paris I beshrew you with my heart,  
That ever you came to Sparta (by my joy  
Queen Helen lies, and longs to be at Troy:)  
Yet use me as you please, you know you have  
My dearest love, and therefore cannot crave  
What I'll deny; but if reproach and shame  
Pursue us, on you Paris light the blame:  
I'll wash my hands of all, nor will I yield  
But by compulsion to your least demand:  
Yet if in lieu of my king's entertain,  
You bid me to a feast aboard your ship,  
And when you have me there, unknown to me  
Hoist sail, weigh Anchor, and bear out to Sea:  
I cannot help it, 'tis not in my power  
To let fall sails, or strive with stretching oars  
To row me back again: this you may do,  
But sooth friend Paris He not yield thereto.  Par. 
You shallbe then compelled, on me let all  
The danger waiting on this practice fall.  Enter a Spartan Lord. Sp. L. 
Castor and Pollux your two princely brothers  
Are newly Landed, and tomorrow next  
Purpose for Lacedaemon.  Hel. 
On their approach  
He lay my plot to escape away with Paris.  
I have it: you sir for some special reason  
There coming keep concealed, but when tomorrow  
You shall perceive me near the water port,  
Even when thou seest me ready to take Barge.  
You apprehend me.  Sp. L. 
Gracious Queen I do.  Hel. 
Take that farewell: now my fair princely guest  
All that belongs to you's to invite Queen Helen  
Aboard your ship tomorrow.  Par. 
Sparta's mirror,  
Will you vouchsafe to a poor wandering Prince  
So much of grace, will your high majesty  
Deign the acceptance of an homely banquet  
Aboard his weather beaten Bark?  Hel. 
No Friend,  
The King my husband is from Sparta gone,  
And I, till his return, must needs keep home:  
Urge me not I entreat, it is in vain  
Get me aboard, I'll ne'er turn back again.  Par. 
Nor shall you Lady, Sparta nor all Greece  
Shall fetch you thence, but Troy shall stand as high  
On terms with Greece, as Greece hath stood with Troy.  Exeunt Enter the Spartan Lord. Spa. L. 
This is the Water-port, the queen's royal guest, hath bound me to attendance, till the Prince and she be ready to take Water: Methinks in this there should be some trick or other, she was once stolen away by Theseus, and this a gallant smooth faced Prince. The Kings from home, the Queens but a Woman, the Troians ships new trimmed, the wind stands fair, and the Sailors all ready aboord, sweetmeats and wine, good words and opportunity, and indeed not what? If both parties be pleased, but pleased or not the music gives warning, are they not now upon their entrance.  Enter in state Paris, Hellen, Diomed, Thersites, Aeneas, Antenor, Deiphebus, &c. with Attendants. Sp. L. 
Health to your Majesties, your Princely brothers  
Castor and Pollux, being within two Leagues  
Of this great City, come to visit you.  Hel. 
My brothers stolen upon us unawares.  
Let me intreat thee royal Diomed,  
And you Thersites, do me so much grace,  
As give them friendly meeting.  Diom. 
Queen we shall.  Exeunt. Hel. 
Our entertainment shall be given aboard,  
Where I presume, they shall be welcome guests  
To princely Paris.  Pa. 
As to yourself, fair Queen,  Hel. 
Set forwards then.  Pa. 
We'll hoist up sail, ne'er to return again.  Exeunt the Trojans with a great shout. Enter Castor, Pollux, Diomed, Thersites, Cast. 
Our brother Menelaus gone for Crete?  Pol. 
Our love to see him, makes us lose much time:  
Yet all our labour is not vainly spent,  
Since we shall see our sister.  Enter the Spartan Lord in haste. Sp. L. 
Princes, the Kings betrayed, all Greece dishonoured, the Queen borne hence, the Trojans have weighed anchor, and with a prosperous gale they bear from hence:  
Shouting and hurling up their caps for joy,  
They cry farewell to Greece, amain for Troy.  Ther. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Dio. 
The Queen borne hence, with that smooth traitor Paris.  
See princes with what pride they have advanced  
The Arms of Tray upon their waving pendants.  Cast. 
Rage not, but let's resolve what's to be done.  Dio. 
Let some ride post to Crete for menelaus.  Sp. L. 
That be my charge.  Dio. 
Who'll after him to Sea?  Pol. 
That will my brother Castor and myself,  
And perish there, or bring my sister back.  Dio. 
Princes be't so, and fairly may you speed:  
Whilst I to Agamemnon, great Achilles,  
Ulysses, Nestor, Aiax, Idomean,  
And all the Kings and Dukes of populous Greece,  
Relate the wrongs done by this Ravisher.  
Part, and be expeditious.  Exeunt several ways Ther. 
Ha, ha, ha,  
I smelled this Sea-rat ere he came ashore, by this he's gnawing  
Menelaus' Cheese, and made a huge hole in't. ship-diet pleaseth  
'bove all his Palace banquets, much good do't them:  
They are at it without grace by this both bare:  
Cuckold? no subject with that name be sorry,  
Since Sovereigns may be such in all their glory.  
Explicet Actus primus.   

Actus secundus Scoena prima.  Enter Troilus and Cresida. Troi. 
Fair Cressida, by the honour of my birth,  
As I am Hector's brother, Priam's son,  
And Troilus best beloved of Hecuba,  
As I love Arms and soldiers, I protest,  
Thy beauty lives enshrined here in my breast.  Cre. 
As I am Calchas daughter, Cressida,  
High Priest to Pallas, she that patrons Troy:  
Now sent unto the Delphian Oracle,  
To know what shall betide Prince Paris voyage.  
I hold the love of Troilus dearer far.  
Then to be Queen of Asia.  Troi. 
Daughter to Calchas and the pride of Troy,  
Plight me your hand and heart.  Cre. 
Fair Heaven I do.  
Will Troilus in exchange grant me his too?  Troi. 
Yes, and fast sealed, you gods, your anger wreak  
On him or her, that first this union break.  Cre. 
So protests Cressida, wretched may they die,  
That twixt our souls these holy bands untie.  Enter Margaretan one of Priam's youngest sons. Marg. 
My brother Troilus, we have news from Greece,  
Prince Paris is returned.  Troi. 
And with a prize?  Marg. 
Asia affords none such.  Troi. 
What is she worth our Aunt Hesione?  Cre. 
Or what might be her name?  Marg. 
Helen of Sparta.  Troi. 
Helen's name  
Hath scarce been heard in Troy.  Marg. 
But now her fame  
Will be eternised, for a face more fair  
Sun never shone on, nor the earth e'er bare.  
Why stay you here? by this Paris and she  
Are landed in the Port of Tenedos,  
There Priam, Hecuba, Hector, all Troy  
Meets the midway to attend the Spartan Queen.  Troi. 
In that fair Train, my Cressid shall be seen  
Of rarer beauty than the Spartan Queen.  A flourish. Enter at one door, Priam, Hecuba, Hector, Troilus, &c. At the other Paris, Hellen, Aeneas, Antenor, &c. Pri. 
What Earth, what all mortality  
Can in the height of our inventions find  
To add to Helen's welcome, Troy shall yield her.  
Should Pallas, Patroness of Troy descend,  
Priam and Priam's wife, and Priam's sons  
Could not afford Her godhead more applause,  
Then amply we bestow on Helena?  Hecu. 
We count you in the number of our daughters,  
Nor can we do Queen Helen greater honour.  Hect. 
I was not forward to have Paris sent,  
But being returned thouart welcome: I desired not  
To have bright Helen brought, but being landed,  
Hector proclaims himself her Champion  
'Gainst all the world, and he shall guard thee safe  
Despite all opposition.  Par. 
Hector's word  
As Oracle, he'll seal it with his sword.  Par. 
And now my turn comes to bid Helen welcome.  
You are no stranger here, this is your Troy,  
Priam your father, and this Queen your mother:  
These be your valiant brothers, all your friends.  
Why should a tear fall from these heavenly eyes  
Being thus round ingirt with your allies.  Hel. 
I am I know not where, nor amongst whom,  
I know no creature that I see save yond:  
I have left my King, my brothers, subjects, friends  
For strangers, who should they forsake me now,  
I have no husband, father, brother near:  Par. 
have you not all these, is not Paris here?  
Hark how the people having Helen seen  
Applaud th'arrival of the Spartan Queen:  
And millions that your coming have attended,  
Amazed swear some Goddess is descended.  Troi. 
No way you can your eyes or body turn,  
But where you walk the Priests shall Incense burn.  Aene. 
The sacrificed beasts the ground shall beat,  
And bright religious fire the altar's heat.  Hect. 
Nor fear the bruit of war or threatning steel,  
United Greece we value not.  Troi. 
Alone, by Hector is this Town well maned,  
he like an Army against Greece shall stand.  Par. 
And who would fear for such a royal wife  
To set the universal World at strife:  
Bright Helen's name shall live, and ne'er have end,  
When all the world about you shall contend.  Hel. 
Be as be may, since we are gone thus far,  
Proceed we will in spite of threatened war,  
Hazard, and dread? both these we nothing hold,  
So long as Paris we may thus enfold.  Par. 
My father, mother, brothers, sisters all,  
Illium and Troy in pomp majestical,  
Shall solemnize our nuptials. Let that day  
In which we espouse the beauteous Helena,  
Be held a holiday, a day of joy  
For ever, in the Calendars of Troy.  Pri. 
It shall be so, we have already sent  
Our high priest Calchas to the Oracle  
At Delphos to return us the success,  
And a true notice of our future wars,  
Whilst we expect his coming, be't our care,  
The Spartans second nuptials to prepare.  Exit▪ Enter after an alarum, King Agamemnon, Menelaus Achilles, Aiax, Patroclus, Thersites, Calchas, &c. Aga. 
Thou glory of the Greeks, the great commander  
Of the stout Mirmedons: welcome from Delphos,  
What speaks the Oracle? the sack of Troy?  
Or the Greeks ruin? say shall we be victors,  
Or Priam triumph in our overthrow.  Achi. 
The god of Delphos sends you joyful news,  
Troy shall be sacked, and we be Conquerors:  
Upon your helms wear triple spangled plumes:  
Let all the loudest instruments of war,  
With stern alarms rouse the monster death,  
And march we boldly to the walls of Troy,  
Troy shall be sacked and we be conquerors.  Aiax. 
Thanks for thy news Achilles, by that honour  
My father won upon the walls of Troy.  
My warlike father Aiax Telamon;  
I would not for the world, Priam should send  
Incestuous Helen back on terms of peace.  
May smooth Ulysses and bold Diomed,  
Whom you have sent on your late Embassy,  
Be welcomed as Antenor was to Greece,  
Scorned and reviled, since th' Oracle hath said,  
Troy shall be sacked, and we be Conquerors.  Achi. 
King Agamemnon here's a Trojan priest  
Was sent by Priam to the Oracle:  
The reverent man I welcome, and entreat  
The General with these Princes, do the like.  Agam. 
Welcome to Agamemnon reverent Calchas.  Men. 
To Menelaus welcome.  Aiax. 
To Aiax welcome: father canst thou fight  
As well as pray, if we should want for men?  Cal. 
By prayers I use to fight, and by my counsel  
Give aid to Arms.  Aiax. 
Such as are past arms, father Calchas still,  
Say counsels good, but give me strength at will,  
When you with all your Counsel, in the field  
Meet Hector with his strength, tell me who'll yield?  Aga, 
The strong built walls of stately Tenedos  
We have levelled with the earth. It now remains  
We march along unto the walls of Troy,  
And thunder vengeance in King Priam's ears,  
Had we once answer of our Embassy.  Aiax. 
I ever held such Embassies as base,  
The restitution of our ravished Queen  
On terms of parley bars our stern revenge,  
And ends our War ere fully it begin.  
King Agamemnon no, Aiax sayth no,  
Whose sword as thirsty as the parched earth,  
Shall never ride in peace upon his thigh,  
Whilst in the town of Troy there breathes a soul  
That gave consent unto the Spartans rape:  
March, march, and let the thunder of our drums  
Strike terror to the City Pergamus.  Achil. 
The son of Telamon speaks honourably,  
we have brought a thousand ships to Tenedos,  
And every ship full fraught with men at Arms:  
And all these armed men with fiery spirits  
Sworn to revenge King Menelaus wrongs,  
And burn sky-kissing lllium to the ground.  
Therefore strike up wars Instruments on high,  
And march unto the Town courageously.  In their march they are met by Ulysses and King Diomed, at which they make a stand. Aga. 
Princes, what answer touching Helena?  Dio. 
What answer but dishonourable term?  
Contempt and scorn perched on their leaders brows,  
By jove I thought they would have slain us both.  
If ever Helen be redeemed from thence  
But by the sack of Troy, say Diomed  
Is no true soldier.  Vlyss. 
even in the King  
There did appear such high majestic scorn  
Of threatened ruin, that I think himself  
Will put on Arms and meet us in the field:  
we linger time great Agamemnon, march,  
That we may buckle with the pride of Troy.  Aga. 
Priam so insolent, his sons so brave  
To entertain so great Ambassadors  
With such ungentle usage.  Achil. 
They have a Knight called Hector, on whose valour  
They build their proud defiance, if I meet him,  
Now by the azured Arms of that bright goddess  
From whom I am descended, with my sword  
I'll lop that limb off, and enforce their pride  
Fall at Achilles' feet, Hector and I  
Must nor both shine at once in wars bright Sky.  Ajax 
When they both meet, the greater dim the less,  
Great General, march, Aiax endures not words  
So well as blows, in a field glazed with swords.  Enter to them in Arms, Priam, Hector, Troilus, Paris, Aeneas, Antenor, Deiphobus, &c. Pri. 
Calchas a Traitor?  Par. 
And amongst the Greeks?  Hect. 
Base runagate wretch, when we their Tents surprise,  
As Hector lives the traitorous Prophet dies.  Aene. 
Let not remembrance of so base a wretch  
Make us forget our safety, th' Argive Kings  
Are landed, and this day raced Tenedos:  
And bid us battle on Scamander Plains.  Tro. 
Whom we will give a brave and proud affront;  
Shall we not brother Hector?  Hect. 
Troilus yes,  
And beat a fire out of their Burgonets  
Shall like an earthy comet blaze towards Heaven  
There grow a fixed star in the Firmament  
To emblaze our lasting glory: Hark their Drums,  
Let our Drums give them parlance.  A parley. Both Armies have an interview. Aga. 
Is there amongst your troops a felon Prince  
Called by the name of Paris?  Par. 
Is there amongst your troops a Knight so bold  
Dares meet that Paris single in the field,  
And call him felon?  Hect. 
Or insulting Greek,  
Is there one Telamon, dares set his foot  
To Paris (here he stands) and hand to hand  
Maintain the wrongs done to Hesione,  
As Paris shall the rape of Helena.  Aiax. 
Know here is one called Aiax Telamon,  
Behold him well, son to that Telamon:  
Thou fain wouldst see, and he dares set his foot  
To Paris or thyself.  Hect. 
Thou durst not.  Aiax. 
Dare not?  Hect. 
Or if thou durst, by this my warlike hand  
I'll make thine head fall where thy foot should stand:  
And yet I love thee coz, know thou hast parleyed  
With Trojan Hector.  Aiax. 
Were't thou ten Hectors, yet with all thy might  
Thou canst not make my head fall to my feet,  
By jove thou canst not coz.  Achil. 
I much have heard  
Of such a Knight called by the name of Hector,  
If thou be'st he whose sword hath conquered Kingdoms,  
Pannonia, Illyria, and Samothrace,  
And to thy father's Empire added them:  
Achilles as a friend will thee to sheathe  
Thy warlike sword, retire from Troy's defence  
And spare thy precious life, I would not have  
A Knight so famed meet an untimely grave.  Hect. 
I meet thee in that honourable love,  
And for thine own sake wish thee safe aboard.  
For if thou stayest thou son of Peleus,  
I'd have thee know thy fame is not thine own,  
But all engrossed for me; not all thy guard  
Of warlike Myrmidons can wall it safe  
From mighty Hector.  Dio. 
Shame you not great Lords  
To talk so long over your menacing swords?  All Greeks. 
Alarm then for Greece and Helena.  All Trojans. 
As much for us, for Troy and Hecuba.  A great alarm and excursions, after which, enter Hector and Paris. Hect. 
Oh brother Paris, thou hast this day lodged  
Thy love in Hector's soul, it did me good  
To see two Greekish Knights fall in their blood  
Under thy manly arm  Par. 
My blows were touches  
Unto these ponderous strokes great Hector gave.  
Oh that this general quarrel might be ended  
In equal opposition, you and I  
Against the two most valiant.  Hect. 
I will try  
The virtue of a challenge, in the face  
Of all the Greeks I will oppose myself  
To single combat, he that takes my gage  
Shall feel the force of mighty Hector's rage.  A turn. Both the Armies make ready to join battle, but Hector steps betwixt them holding up his Lance. Hect. 
Hear me you warlike Greeks, you see these fields  
Are all died purple with the reeking gore  
Of men on both sides slain, you see my sword  
Glazed in the sanguine moisture of your friends.  
I call the son of Saturn for a witness  
To Hector's words I have not met one Grecian  
Was able to withstand me, my strong spirit  
Would fain be equaled: Is there in your Troops  
A Knight, whose breast includes so much of valour  
To meet with Hector in a single war?  
By jove I think there is not: If there be?  
To Him I make this proffer; if the gods  
Shall grant to him the honour of the day,  
And I be slain; his be mine honoured are mes,  
To hang for an eternal Monument  
Of his great valour, but my mangled body  
Send back to Troy, to a red funeral pile.  
But if he fall? the armour which he wears  
I'll lodge as Trophies on Apollo's shrine,  
And yield his body to have funeral rights.  
And a fair Monument so near the Sea,  
That Merchants flying in their sail-winged ships  
Near to the shore in after times may say,  
There lies the man Hector of Troy did slay,  
And there's my Gauntlet to make good my challenge.  Men. 
Will none take up his gage? shall this proud challenge  
be Entertained by none? I know you all  
Shame to deny, yet fear to undertake it:  
The cause is mine, and mine shall be the honour  
To combat Hector.  Aga. 
Menelaus pause,  
Is not Achilles here, stern Aiax here,  
And Kingly Diomed? how will they scorn,  
That stand upon the honour of their strength,  
should you prevent them of this glorious combat.  Par. 
By jove I think they dare as well take up  
A poisonous Serpent as great Hector's gage.  Aga. 
Yes Trojan, seest thou not Aeacides  
Dart emulous looks on Kingly Diomed,  
lest he should stoop to take his Gauntlet up.  
And see how Diomed eyes warlike Aiax,  
Aiax, Ulysses: every one inflamed  
To answer Hector.  Achil. 
Is there any here  
Dares stoop whilst great Achilles is in place?  Aiax. 
I dare.  Dio. 
And so dare I.  Achil. 
You are all too weak  
To encounter with the mighty Hector's arm,  
This combat solely doth belong to me.  Aiax 
Then wherefore dost not thou take up the Gauntlet?  Achil. 
To see if thou or any bolder Greek  
Dare be so insolent to touch the same,  
And bar me of the honour of the combat.  Aiax. 
By all the gods I dare.  Achil. 
And all the devils  
I'll lop his hands off that dares touch the gage.  Ulyss. 
Pray leave this emulous fury: Agamemnon,  
To end this difference, and provide a Champion  
To answers Hector's honourable challenge  
Of nine the most reputed valiant:  
Let several Lots be cast into an Helm,  
Amongst them all one prize, he to whom Fortune  
Shall give the honour: let him straight be armed  
To encounter mighty Hector on this plain.  Aga. 
It shall be so you valiant sons of Priam:  
Conduct your warlike Champion to his Tent,  
To breathe a while, and put his armour on:  
No sooner shall the prize be drawn by any,  
And our bold Champion armed, but a brave Herald  
Shall give you warning by the trumpets sound,  
Till when we will retire unto our Tents.  
As you unto the Town.  Par. 
Faint hearted Greeks,  
Draw lots to answer such a noble challenge,  
Had great Achilles cast his Gauntlet down  
Amongst King Priam's sons, the weakest of fifty  
Would in the heat of flames, or mouth of Hell,  
Answer the challenge of so brave a King.  Hect. 
Greeks to your Tents, to put armour on;  
Make haste, I long to know my Champion.  Exeunt all Flourish. Enter above upon the walls, Priam, Hecuba, Helena, Polixena, Aftianax, Margareton. with attendants. Pri. 
Here from the walls of Troy, my reverent Queen,  
And beauteous Helen, we will stay to see  
The warlike combat twixt our valiant son,  
And the Greeks champion. Young Astyanax,  
Pray that thy father may have Victory.  Asti. 
Why should you doubt his fortune? whose strong arm  
Unhorsed a thousand Knights all in one day;  
And think you any one amongst the Greeks  
Is able to encounter with his strength?  Pri. 
But howsoever child, unto the pleasure  
Of the high gods, we must refer the combat.  Enter Paris below. Par. 
My royal father, Hector in his arms  
Sends for your blessing, with the Queen my mother,  
And craves your prayers to the all powerful gods,  
To grant him victory.  Pri. 
Blessed may he be with honour, all my orisons  
Shall invocate the gods for his success.  Par. 
I almost had forgot fair Helena;  
Dart me one kiss from these high battlements  
To cheer him with: thanks queen these lips are charms  
Which who so fights for, is secure from harms.  Heralds on both sides: the two Champions Hector and Aiax appear betwixt the two Armies. Agam. 
None press too near the Champions.  Troi. 
Heralds on both sides, keep the soldiers back.  Hect. 
Now Greeks let me behold my Champion.  Aiax. 
'tis I, thy x Aiax Telamon.  Hec. 
And coz, by jove thou hast a brave aspect,  
It cheers my blood to look on such a foe:  
I would there ran none of our Trojan blood  
In all thy veins, or that it were divided  
From that which thou receivest from Telamon:  
Were I assured our blood possessed one side,  
And that the other; by olympic jove,  
I'd thrill my javelin at the Grecian moisture,  
And spare the Trojan blood: Aiax I love it  
Too dear to shed it, I could rather wish  
Achilles the half god of your huge army,  
Had been my opposite.  Aia. 
He keeps his Tent  
In mournful passion that he missed the combat:  
But Hector, I shall give thee cause to say,  
There's in the Greekish host a Knight a Prince,  
As Lion hearted, and as Giant strong  
As Thetis son: behold my warlike Target  
Of ponderous brass, quilted with seven Ox hides,  
Impenetrable, and so full of weight,  
That scarce a Grecian (sane myself) can lift it:  
Yet can I use it like a Summer's fan,  
Made of the stately train of juno's bird:  
My sword will bite the hardest Adamant.  
I'll with my javelin cleave a rock of Marble:  
Therefore though great Achilles be not here,  
Think not brave x Hector but to find,  
Achilles equal both in strength and mind.  Alarum, in this combat both having lost their swords and Shields. Hector takes up a great piece of a Rock, and casts at Aiax; who tears a young Tree up by the roots, and assails Hector, at which they are parted by both arms. Aga. 
Hold, you have both shed blood too dear to lose,  
In single opposition.  Par. 
Is your Champion,  
My x Aiax willing to leave combat;  
Will he first give the word.  Aia. 
Sir Paris no,  
'Twas Hector challenge, and 'tis Hector's office,  
If we surcease on equal terms of valour,  
To give the word.  Hec. 
Then here's thy cousin's hand,  
By jove thou hast a lusty ponderous arm:  
Thus till we meet again, let's part both friends;  
For proof whereof Aiax we'll interchange  
Somewhat betwixt us, for alliance' sake:  
Here take this sword and target, trust the blade,  
It never deceived his master.  Aia. 
Take of me  
This purple studded belt, I won it x  
From the most valiant prince of Samothrace:  
And wear it for my sake.  Enter an Herald. He. 
Priam unto the Greekish General  
This proffer makes. Because these bloodstained fields  
Are overspread with slaughter, to take truce  
Till all the dead on both sides be interred:  
Which if you grant, he here invites the General,  
His nephew Aiax, and the great Achilles,  
With twenty of your chief selected Princes,  
To banquet with him in his royal Palace:  
Those revels ended, then to arms again.  Aga. 
A truce for burying of the slaughtered bodies  
We yield unto: but for our safe return  
From Troy and you, what pledges have you found?  Hec. 
You shall not need more than the faith of Hector  
For Priam's pledge, King Agamemnon take  
My faith and honour, which if Priam break,  
I'll break the heart of Troy.  Aga. 
We'll take your honoured word, this night we'll part,  
Tomorrow morning when fit hour shall call,  
We'll meet King Priam near his City's wall.  Exeunt. 
Explicit Actus secundus.   

Actus Tertius Scoena prima.  Enter Thersites. Ther. 
Brave time, rare change, from fighting now to feasting:  
So many heavy blades to fly in pieces  
For such a piece of light flesh? what's the reason?  
A Lass of my complexion, and this feature  
Might have been rapt, and stolen again by Paris,  
And none of all this stir for't: but I perceive  
Now all the World's turned wenchers, and in time  
All wenches will turn witches: but these Trumpets  
Proclaim their interview.  A flourish. Enter all the Greeks on one side, all the Trojans on the other: Every Trojan Prince entertains a Greek, and so march two and two, discoursing, as being conducted by them into the City. Ther. 
See here's the picture of a politic state,  
They all embrace and hug, yet deadly hate:  
They say their are brave Lasses in this Troy.  
What if Thersites sprucely smuged himself,  
And strived to hide his hunchback: No not I.  
'tis held a rule, whom Nature marks in show  
And most deforms, they are best armed below.  
I'll not conceal my virtues: yet should I venture  
To dam myself for painting, fan my face  
With a dyed ostrich plume, plaster my wrinkles  
With some old lady's Trowel, I might pass  
Perhaps for some maid-marian: and some wench  
Wanting good eyesight, might perhaps mistake me  
For a spruce Courtier: Courtier? tush, I from  
My first discretion have abhorred that name,  
Still suiting my conditions with my shape,  
And do, and will, and can, when all else fail:  
Though neither sooth nor speak well: bravely rail,  
And that's Thersites humour.  Loud Music. A long table, and a banquet in state, they are seated, a Trojan and Greek, Hecuba, Polixena, Cresida, and other Ladies wait, Calchas is present whispering with his Daughter Cresida. Pria. 
After so much hostility in steel,  
All welcome to this peaceful entertain.  Aga. 
Priam we know thee to be honourable,  
Although our foe Treason is to be feared  
In Peasants not in Princes.  They sit. Hec. 
ay so, now sit a Trojan and a Greek.  
Cousin Aiax near me, you are next in blood,  
And near me you shall sit: the strain of honour  
That makes you so renowned, sprung from Hesione.  
'tis part of Hector's blood, your grosser spirits  
Less noble are your father Telamon's.  
Welcome to Troy, and Hector, welcome all:  Aiax. 
In Troy thy kinsman, but in field thy foe:  
Thy welcome Cousin here I pay with thanks,  
The truce expired, with buffets blows and knocks.  Hect. 
For that we love the coz.  Achil. 
methinks this Trojan Hector  
Out shines Achilles and his polished honours  
Eclipseth our bright glory, till he set  
we cannot rise.  Par. 
King Menelaus, we were once your guest,  
You now are ours, as welcome unto Troy,  
As we to Sparta.  Men. 
But that these our tongues  
Should be as well truce bound as our sharp weapons,  
We could be bitter Paris: but have done.  Vlyss. 
Menelaus is discreet, such heinous wrongs  
Should be discoursed by Arms and not by tongues.  Dio. 
Why doth Achilles eye wander that way?  Achil. 
Is that a Trojan Lady?  Troi. 
she is.  Achil. 
From whence?  Pri. 
Of us.  Achil. 
Her name?  Pri. 
Polyxena.  Achil. 
Polixena? she hath melted us within,  
And hath dissolved a spirit of Adamant.  
She hath done more than Hector and all Troy,  
She hath subdued Achilles.  Cal. 
In one word this Troy shall be sacked and spoiled,  
For so the gods have told me, Greece shall conquer,  
And they be ruined, leave then imminent peril,  
And fly to safety.  Cres. 
From Troilus?  Cal. 
From destruction, take Diomed and live,  
Or Troilus and thy death.  Cres. 
Then Troilus and my ruin.  Cal. 
Is Cressid mad?  
Wilt thou forsake thy father, who for thee and for thy safety hath forsook his Country?  Cres. 
Must then this City perish?  Cal. 
Troy must fall.  Cres. 
Alas for Troy and Troilus.  Cal. 
Love King Diomed  
A Prince and valiant, which made Emphasis  
To his Imperial style, line Diomedes' Queen,  
Be brief, say quickly wilt thou? is it done?  Cres. 
Diomed and you I'll follow, Troilus shun.  Troi. 
Be't Aiax, or Achilles, that Greek lies  
Who speaks it, I'll maintain it on his person.  Aiax. 
Ha Aiax!  Achil. 
Achilles!  Dio. 
We speak it, and dares Troilus say we lie?  Troi. 
And wear it Diomed.  Dio. 
dar'st thou make't good?  Troi. 
On Diomed, or the boldest Greek  
That ever menaced Troy excepting none.  All Greeks. 
None?  All Trojans. 
None.  Hec. 
Excepting none.  Aga. 
Kings of Greece.  Pri. 
Princes of Troy.  Achil. 
Achilles baffled?  Aiax. 
And great Aiax brained?  Hect. 
If great Achilles, Aiax, or the Devil brave Troilus, he shall brave and buffer thee.  Pri. 
Sons.  Aga. 
Fellow Kings.  Pri. 
As we are Priam and your father.  Aga. 
As we are Agamemnon General  
Turn not this banquet to a Centaur's feast,  
If their be strife debate it in fair terms,  
Show your selves governed Princes.  Achil. 
we are appeased  Aiax. 
we satisfied, if Hector be so.  Aga. 
How grew this strife?  Hect 
I know not, only this I know.  
Troilus will maintain nothing against his honour,  
And so far, be it through the heart of Greece,  
Hector will back him.  Par. 
So will Paris too.  Pri. 
Mildly discourse your wrongs, fair PRINCE's do.  Troi. 
King Diomed maintains his valour thus,  
He saith it was his Lance dismounted Troilus,  
And not the stumbling on the breathless course  
Of one new slain that field me.  Par. 
'Tis false.  Men. 
'Tis true.  Par. 
It was my fortune to make good that field,  
And he fell just before me, Diomed then  
Was not within six spears length of the place.  Men. 
How Trojan ravisher?  Par. 
Call me not Cuckold maker,  They all rise. 
I care not what you term me.  Men. 
I cannot brook this wrong.  Par. 
sayst thou me so mad Greek?  Pri. 
Paris.  Aga. 
Govern you Kingdoms Lords, and cannot sway  
Your own affection?  Pri. 
Paris, forbear.  
Mildly discourse, and gently we shall hear.  Par. 
I say King Diomed unhorsed not Troilus.  Dio. 
How came I by his horse then?  Par. 
As the unbacked courser having lost his rider,  
Galloped about the field you met with him,  
And catched him by the rain.  Troi. 
Here was a goodly act  
To boast on, and send word to Cressida.  Dio. 
Was no Prince near when I encountered Troilus?  Men. 
I was, and saw the spear of Diomed  
Tumble down Troilus but peruse his armour▪  
The dint's still in the vainbrace.  Aga. 
Be't so or not so, at this time forbear  
To urge extremes. Kings let this health go round,  
Pledge me King Priam in a cupful crowned.  Hec. 
Now after banquet, revels: Music strike  
A pyrrhic strain, we are not all for war,  
Soldiers their stormy spirits can appease,  
And sometimes play the Courtiers when they please.  A lofty dance of sixteen Princes, half Trojans half Grecians. Pri. 
I have observed Achilles, and his eye  
Dwells on the face of fair Polixena.  Aia. 
Why is not Helen here at this high feast?  
I have sweat many a drop of blood for her,  
Yet never saw her face.  Achi 
I could love Hector, what's our cause of quarrel?  
For Helen's rape? that rape hath cost already  
Thousands of souls, why might not this contention  
'Twixt Paris and the Spartan King be ended,  
And we leave Troy with honour.  Aia. 
Achilles how?  Achi. 
Fetch Helen hither, set her in the midst  
Of this brave ring of Princes, Paris here,  
And Menelaus here: she betwixt both:  
They court her over again, whom she elects  
Before these Kings, let him enjoy her still,  
For who would keep a woman 'gainst her will?  Men. 
The names of wife and husband, th'interchange  
Of our two bloods in young Hermione,  
To whom we are joint parents, Helen's honour  
All plead on my part, I am pleased to stand  
To great Achilles' motion.  Par. 
So are we.  
All that I have for comfort is but this,  
That in the day I show the properer man,  
i'th' night I please her better than he can.  Hec. 
Are all the grecian Kings agreed to this?  All. 
We are, we are.  Hec. 
Place the two rivals then, each bide his fate,  
And usher in bright Helen in all state.  The Kings promiscuously take their places, Paris and Menelaus are seated opposite, Hellen is brought in betwixt them by Hecuba and the Ladies. Hel. 
Oh that I were (but Helen) any thing;  
Or might have any object in my eye  
Save Menelaus: when on him I gaze,  
My error chides me, I my shame emblaze.  Mene. 
Oh Helen, in thy cheek thy guilt appears,  
More I would speak, but words are drowned in tears,  Aia. 
A gallant Queen, for such a royal friend  
What mortal man would not with jove contend?  Mene. 
Helen the time was I might call thee wife,  
But that style's changed; I, thou thyself art changed  
From what thou wast: and (most inconstant Dame)  
Hast nothing left thee, save thy face and name.  Pa. 
And I both these have: hast thou not confessed  
Fair Helen, thy exchange was for the best.  Mene. 
What can our Sparta value?  Pa. 
Troy.  Mene. 
You err.  Pa. 
who breathes that Sparta would 'fore Troy prefer.  Mene. 
Thou hast left thy father Tyndarus.  Pa. 
To gain  
King Priam, Lord of all this princely train.  Mene. 
Thy mother Lada thou hast left who mourns,  
And with her piteous tears laments thy loss:  
Cannot this move thee?  Hel. 
Oh I have left my mother.  Pa. 
No Helen, but exchanged her for another:  
Poor Leda, for rich Hecuba, a bare Queen  
For the great Asian Empress.  Men. 
From Castor and from Pollux thou hast ranged  
Thy natural brothers.  Hel. 
True, true.  Par. 
No, but changed,  
For Hector, Troilus, and the royal store  
Of eight and forty valiant brothers more.  Men. 
If nothing else can move thee Helena,  
Think of our daughter young Hermione.  Hel. 
My dear Hermione.  Men. 
Canst thou call her dear,  
And leave that issue which thy womb did bear?  
she's ours betwixt us, canst thou?  Par. 
Can she? knowing,  
A sweeter babe within her sweet womb growing  
Begot last night by Paris.  Men. 
Look this way Helen, see my arms spread wide,  
I am thine husband, thou my Spartan bride.  Hel. 
That way?  Par. 
My Helen, this way turn thy sight,  
These are the arms in which thou layest last night.  Hel. 
Oh how this Trojan tempts me!  Men. 
This way wife,  
Thou shalt save many a Greeks and Trojans life.  Hel. 
'Tis true, I know it.  Par. 
This way turn thine head,  
This is the path that leads unto our bed.  Hel. 
And 'tis a sweet smooth path.  Men. 
Here.  Par. 
Here.  Men. 
Take this way Helen, this is plain & even.  Par. 
That is the way to hell, but this to Heaven:  
Bright Comet shine this way.  Men. 
Clear star shoot this,  
Here honour dwells.  Par. 
Here many a thousand kiss.  Hel. 
That way I should, because I know 'tis meeter.  Men. 
Welcome.  Hel. 
But I'll this way for Paris kisses sweeter.  Par. 
And may I die an Eunuch if ere morn  
I quit thee not.  Men. 
I cannot brook this scorn,  
Grecians to Arms.  Hect. 
Then Greece from Troy divide,  
This difference arms, not language most decide.  All Greeks. 
Come to our Tents.  All Trojans. 
And we to man the town.  Hect. 
These Tents shall swim in blood.  Greeks. 
Blood Troy shall drown.  Exeunt diverse ways. Achil. 
Yet shall no stroke fall from Achilles' arm,  
Fair Polixena, so powerful is thy charm.  Alarm. Enter Troilus and Diomed. Troi. 
King Diomed!  Dio. 
My rival in the love of Cresida.  Troi. 
False Cressida, injurious Diomed.  
Now shall I prove in hostile interchange  
Of warlike blows that thou art all unworthy  
The love of Cressid.  Dio. 
Why cam'st thou not on Horseback,  
That Diomed once again dismounting thee  
Might greet his Lady with another course  
Won from the hand of Troilus.  Troi. 
Diomed,  
By the true love I bear that trothless Dame  
I'll win thee, and send thy Horse and Armour  
Unto the Tent of Cressid guard thy head,  
This day by me thou shalt be captive led.  Alarm. They fight and are parted by the army, Diomed loseth his Helmet. Troi 
Another Horse for Diomed to fly,  
He had never greater need than now to run.  
Though he be fled yet Troilus this is thine.  
My Steed he got by sleight, I this by force.  
I'll send her this to whom he sent my horse.  Enter Aeneas and Achilles reading a Letter. Achil. 
Is this the answer of the note I sent  
To royal Priam and Queen Hecuba,  
Touching their daughter bright Polixena?  Aene. 
Behold Queen Hecuba's hand, King Priam's seal,  
With the consent of fair Polixena,  
Conditioned thus, Achilles shall forbear  
To damage Troy.  Achi. 
Return this answer back,  
Tell Priam that Achilles arm's benumbed,  
And cannot lift a weapon against Troy.  
Say to Queen Hecuba we are her son,  
And not Achilles, nor one Myrmidon  
Shall give her least affront, as for the Lady  
Bid her presume, we henceforth are her Knight,  
And but for her, Achilles scorns to fight.  Aene. 
Then thus saith Priam, but restrain thy powers,  
And as he is a King, his daughter's yours.  Achi. 
Farewell.  Exit. Alarm. Enter Aiax. Aiax. 
Achilles, where's Achilles, what unarmed,  
when all the Champagne where our battles joins,  
Is made a standing pool of Greekish blood,  
Where horses plunged up to the saddle skirts,  
And men above the waste wade for their lines,  
And canst thou keep thy Tent?  Achi. 
My Lute Patroclus.  A great Alarm. Enter Agamemnon. Aga. 
Let Greeks, kill Greeks, let's bend unnatural arms  
Against our own breasts, ere the conquering Trojans  
Have all the honour of this glorious day.  
Can our great Champion touch a womanish Lute,  
And hear the groans of twenty thousand souls  
Gasping their last breath?  Achi. 
I can.  Alarume. Enter Menelaus▪ 
Rescue, some rescue, the red field is strewed  
With Hector's honours and young Troilus spoils.  Achi. 
Yet all this moves not me.  Alarum. Enter Ulysses. Ulyss. 
How long hath great Achilles been surnamed Coward in Troy, that Hector, Troilus, Paris, have all that name so currant in their mouths?  
I ever held him valiant, yet will Achilles fight?  Achi. 
Ulysses, no,  
Beneath this globe Achilles hath no foe.  Vlyss. 
Then here unarmed be slain, think'st thou they'll spare  
Thee more than us?  Aiax. 
Or if thou wilt not arm thee,  
Let thy Patroclus lead thy Myrmidons,  
And wear thy Armour.  Vlyss. 
Thy Armour is sufficient  
Without thy presence being feared in Troy.  Achi. 
To save our oath and keep our Tents from sack,  
Patroclus don our Arms, lead forth our guard,  
And wearing them by no Prince be outdared.  Patro. 
Achilles honours me, what heart can fear,  
And great Achilles' sword proof Armour wear?  Exeunt all the Princes, enter Thersites. Ther. 
Where's this great sword and buckler man of Greece?  
we shall have him one of sneak's noise,  
And come peaking into the Tents of the Greeks,  
With will you have any music Gentlemen.  Achi. 
Base groom, I'll tear thy flesh like falling Snow.  Ther. 
If I had Hector's face thou durst not do't.  Achi. 
Durst not?  Ther. 
Durst not, he's in the field, thou in thy Tent,  
Hector playing upon the Greekish burgonets,  
Achilles fingering his effeminate Lute.  
And now because thou durst not meet him in the field, thou hast counterfeited an humour of love. Achilles?  
Thou the Champion of Greece, a mere bugbear, a scarecrow, a Hobby-horse.  Achi. 
Ulysses taught thee this, deformed slave.  Ther. 
Coward thou durst not do this to Hector.  Achi. 
On thee I'll practise, till I meet with him.  The. 
Aiax is valiant, and in the throng of the Trojans,  
Achilles is turned Fiddler in the Tents of  
The Grecians.  Alarum. Enter Diomed wounded, bringing in Patroclus dying. Dio. 
Look here Achilles.  Achi. 
Patroclus?  Pat. 
This wound great Hector gave:  
Revenge my death, before I meets my grave.  Enter Ulysses and Aiax wounded. Vlis. 
Yet will Achilles fight? see Aiax wounded,  
Two hundred of thy warlike Mirmedons  
Thou hast lost this day.  Aia. 
Let's beat him to the field.  Achi. 
Ha?  Aia. 
Had I lost a Patroclus, a dear friend  
As thou hast dove, I would have donned these arms  
In which he died, sprung through the Trojan host,  
And maugre opposition, let the blow  
Or by the same hand died: come join with me,  
And we without this picture, statue of Greece,  
This shadow of Achilles, will once more  
Invade the Trojan host.  Achi. 
Aiax?  Aia. 
Achilles?  Achi. 
we owe thee for this scorn.  Aia. 
I scorn that debt:  
Thou hast not fought with Hector.  Achi. 
My honour and my oath both combat in me:  
But love sways most.  Alarum. Enter Menelaus and Agamemnon. Men. 
Our ships are fired, five hundred gallant vessels  
Burnt in the Sea, half of our Fleet destroyed,  
Without some present rescue.  Achi. 
Ha, ha, ha.  Aga. 
Doth no man ask where is this double fire,  
That two ways flies towards heaven?  
Upon the right our royal Navy burns,  
Upon the left, Achilles' Tents on fire.  Achi. 
Our Tent?  Aga. 
By jove thy Tent, and all thy Mirmedons,  
Have not the power to quench it: yet great Hector  
Hath shed more blood this day, then would have served  
To quench, both Fleet and Tent.  Achi. 
My sword and armour:  
Polixena, thy love we will lay by,  
Till by this hand, that Trojan Hector die.  Aia. 
I knew he must be fired out.  Exit. Alarum. Enter Hector, Paris, Troilus, Aeneas, with burning staves and fireballs. All the Trojans. 
Strike, stab, wound, kill, toss firebrands, and make way.  
Hector of Troy, and a victorious day.  Hec. 
Well fought brave brothers.  Enter Aiax. Pia 
What's he?  Troi. 
'tis Aiax, down with him.  Hec. 
No man presume to dart a feather at him  
Whilst we have odds: x if thou seekest combat?  
See we stand single, not one Trojan here,  
Shall lay a violent hand upon thy life,  
Save we ourself.  Aia. 
x thouart honourable,  
I now must both entreat and conjure thee,  
For my old Uncle Priam's sake, his sister  
Hesione my mother, and thine Aunt:  
This day leave thine advantage, spare our Fleet,  
And let us quench our Tents, only this day  
Stay thy Victorious hand, 'tis Aiax pleads,  
Who but of jove hath never begged before,  
And save of jove, will not entreat again.  All Trojans. 
Burn, still more fire.  Hect. 
I'll quench it with his blood  
That adds one spark unto this kindled flame:  
My cousin shall not for Hesione's sake  
Be aught denied of Hector, she's our Aunt:  
Thou, than this day hast saved the Grecian Fleet:  
Let's sound retreat, whose charge made all Greece quake,  
We spare whole thousands for one Aiax sake.  A Retreat sounded. Exeunt the Trojans. Aia. 
Worthiest alive thou hast, Greece was this day  
At her last cast, had they pursued advantage:  
But I divine, hereafter from this hour,  
We never more shall shrink beneath their power.  Exit. 
Explicit Actus tertius.   

Actus Quartus Scoena prima.  Enter Hector, Troilus, Paris, Aeneas, Hector's armour bearer, with others. Hec. 
My armour, and my trusty Galatee,  
The proudest steed that ever rider backed,  
Or with his hooves beat thunder from the earth,  
The Sun begins to mount the Eastern hill,  
And we not yet in field: Lords yesterday  
we slipped a brave advantage, else these ships  
That float now in the Samothracian road,  
And with their waving pendants menace Troy,  
Had with their flames reflecting from the Sea,  
Gilt those high towers, which now they proudly brave.  Troi. 
On then; Achilles is unconquered yet,  
Great Agamemnon and the Spartan King,  
Aiax the big-boned Duke of Salamine,  
With him that with his Lance made Kenus bleed,  
The bold, (but ever rash) King Diomed.  
To lead these captive through Scamander Plains,  
That were a task worth Hector.  Par: 
Why not us?  
Yet most becoming him, come then Aeneas,  
Let each Pick one of these brave Champions out  
And single him a captive.  Aene. 
''twere an enterprise  
That would deserve a lasting Chronicle:  
Lead on renowned Hector.  Hect. 
Unnimble slave,  
Dispatch, make haste, I would be first in field,  
And now I must be called on.  Enter Andromache and young Astyanax. Andro. 
Oh stay dear Lord, my royal husband stay▪  
Cast by thy shield, fellow uncase his arms,  
Knock off the rivets, lay that baldric by,  
But this one day rest with Andromache.  Hec. 
What meanest thou woman?  Andro. 
To save my honoured Lord  
From a sad fate, for if this ominous day,  
This day disastrous, thou appear'st in field  
I never more shall see thee.  Hec. 
Fond Andromache.  
Give me some reason for't.  Andro. 
A fearful dream,  
This night methought I saw thee 'mongst the Greeks  
Round girt with squadrons of thine enemies,  
All which their Javelins thrilled against thy breast,  
And stuck them in thy bosom.  Hec. 
So many Squadrons,  
And all their darts quivered in Hector's breast,  
Some glanced upon mine armour, did they not?  Par. 
Did none of all these darts rebound from Hector  
And hit thee sister, for (my Lass) I know,  
Thou hast been oft hit by thine Hector so.  Andro. 
Oh do not jest my husband to his death,  
I waked and slept, and slept and waked again:  
But both my slumbers and my sound sleeps  
Met in this one main truth, if thou this day  
Affront their Army or oppose their fleet,  
After this day we ne'er more shall meet.  Hect. 
Trust not deceptious visions, dream, are fables,  
Adulterate Scenes of Antic forgeries  
Played upon idle brains, come Lords to horse  
To keep me from the field, dreams have no force.  Andro. 
Troilus, Aeneas, Paris, young Astyanax,  
Hang on thy father's armour, stay his speed.  Asti. 
Father, sweet father do not fight today.  Hect. 
Help to take off these burrs, they trouble me.  Andro. 
Hold, hold thy father, if thou canst not kneel,  
Yet with thy tears entreat him stay at home.  Asti. 
I'll hang upon you, you shall beat me father  
Before I let you go.  Hect. 
How boy? I'll whip you if you stir a foot,  
Go get you to your mother.  Pa. 
Come to horse.  Enter Priam, Hecuba, Hellen, &c. Pri. 
Hector, I charge thee by thine honour stay,  
Go not this day to battle.  Hect. 
By all the gods  
Andromache, thou dost abate my love  
To win me from my glory.  Hec. 
From thy death.  
Troilus, persuade thy brother, daughter Helen,  
Speak to thy Paris to entreat him too.  Hel. 
Paris sweet husband.  Pa. 
Leave your cunning Helen.  
My brother shall to the field.  Hel. 
But by this kiss thou shalt not.  Pa. 
Now have not I the heart to say her nay:  
This kiss hath overcome me.  Andro. 
My dearest love,  
Pity your wife, your son, your father, all  
These live beneath the safeguard of that arm;  
Pity in us whole Troy all ready doomed  
To sink beneath your ruin.  Pri. 
If thou fall,  
Who then shall stand? Troy shall consume with fire  
(That yet remains in thee) we perish all,  
Or which is worse, led captive into Greece:  
Therefore dear Hector, cast thy armour off.  Andro. 
Husband.  Hecu. 
Son.  Hel. 
Brother.  Hect 
By jove I am resolved.  Andro. 
Oh all ye gods!  Hect. 
Not all the devils  
Could half torment me like these women tongues!  Pa. 
At my entreaty, and for Helen's love,  
Leave us to bear the fortunes of this day,  
Here's Troilus and myself will make them swear,  
Ere the fight end there are two Hectors here.  Aene. 
Besides Aeneas, and Deiphobus  
Young Margareton, and a thousand more  
Sworn to set fire on all their Tents this day,  
Than Hector for this once resolve to stay.  Hect. 
To horse than Paris, do not linger time;  Pa. 
To horse, come brother Troilus.  Hect. 
Watch Margareton, if the youthful Prince  
Venture beyond his strength, let him have rescue.  Troi. 
He shall be all our charge.  Pri. 
Hector let's mount upon the walls of Troy,  
And thence survey the battle.  Hect. 
Well be't so.  
But if one Trojan shall for succour cry,  
I'll leave the walls and to his rescue fly.  Exit. Enter Troilus and Diomed after an alarum. Troi. 
King Diomed.  Dio. 
Cressida's first love.  Troi. 
Yes Diomed and her last,  
I'll live to love her when thy life is past.  Enter Menelaus both upon Troilus. Men. 
Hold Trojan, for no Greek must be disarmed:  Enter Paris. Pa. 
Unmanly odds, King Menelaus turn  
Thy face this way, 'tis Trojan Paris calls▪  Men. 
Of all that breath, I love that Paris tongue  
When it shall call to Arms: Now one shall down.  Alarum. Menelaus falls. Par. 
Thou keep'st thy word, for thou art down indeed.  
Yet by the sword of Paris shalt not die.  
I slew thy fame when I first stole thy Queen,  
And therefore Spartan will now spare thy life:  
Achilles, Diomed, Aiax, one of three  
Were noble prize, thou art no spoil for me.  Alarum. Enter above Priam, Hector, Astyanax, Hecuba, Hellen, &c. Below Achilles and Margareton. Achil. 
If thou be'st noble by thy blood and valour,  
Tell me if Hector be in field this day.  Marg. 
Thy conjuration hath a double spell,  
Hector is not in field, but here I stand  
Thy warlike opposite.  Achi. 
Thou art young and weak, retire and spare thy life.  Mar. 
I'm Hector's brother, none of Hector's blood  
Did ever yet retreat.  Achi. 
If Hector's friend,  
Here must thy life and glory both have end.  Achilles kills him. Hec. 
Oh father, see where Margareton lies,  
Your son, my brother by Achilles slain.  Pri. 
Thy brother Troilus will revenge his death:  
But Hector shall not move.  Hec. 
Troilus nor all the Trojans in the field  
Can make their swords bite on Achilles' shield:  
'Tis none but Hector must revenge his death.  Pri. 
But not this day.  Hect. 
Before the Sun decline,  
That terror of the earth I'll make divine.  Exit from the walls. Alarum. Enter Hector beating before him Achilles' Myrmidons. Hect. 
Thus flies the dust before the Northern winds,  
And turns to Atoms dancing in the air,  
So from the force of our victorious arm,  
Fly armed squadrons of the boldest Greeks,  
And mated at the terror of our name,  
So clear the field before me, no man's favoured:  
The blood of three brave Princes in my rage,  
I have sacrificed to Margareton's soul.  
Aiax Oilaeus, Aiax Telamon,  
Meriones, Menelaus, Idomea,  
Archdukes and Kings have shrunk beneath this arm,  
Besides a thousand Knights have fall'n this day  
Beneath the fury of my ponderous blows:  
And not the least of my victorious spoils,  
Quivered my javelin through the brawny thigh  
Of strong Achilles, and I seek him still,  
Once more to tug with him: my sword and breath  
Assist me still, till one drop down in death.  Enter Achilles with his guard of Myrmidons. Achi. 
Come cast yourselves into a ring of terror,  
About this warlike Prince, by whom I bleed.  Hec. 
What means the glory of the Grecian host,  
Thus to besiege me with his Myrmidons?  
And keep aloof himself.  Achil. 
That shall my Lance  
In bloody letters text upon thy breast,  
For young pagtroclus' death, for my dishonours,  
For thousand spoils, and for that infinite wrack  
Our Army hath endured only by thee,  
Thy life must yield me satisfaction.  Hec. 
My life? and welcome, by Apollo's fire,  
I never ventured blood with more content,  
Then against thee Achilles, come prepare.  Achil. 
For eminent death, you of my warlike guard,  
My Myrmidons, for slaughters most renowned,  
Now sworn to my designments, your steel pole-axes,  
Fix all at once, and girt him round with wounds.  Hec. 
Dishonourable Greek, Hector ne'er deal  
On base advantage, or ever life his sword  
over a quaking foe, but as a spoil  
Unworthy us, still left him to his fear:  
Not on the man, whom singly I struck down,  
Have I redoubled blows, my valour still  
Opposed against a standing enemy.  
Thee have I twice unhorsed, and when I might  
Have slain thee grovelling, left thee to the field,  
Thine armour and thy shield impenetrable,  
Wrought by the god of Lemnos in his forge  
By art divine, with the whole world engraven,  
I have through pierced, and still it wears my scars:  
Forget not how last day, even in thy tent  
I feasted my good sword, and might have flung  
My balls of wildfire round about your Fleet,  
To have sent up your Greekish pride in flames,  
Which would have fixed a star in that high Orb,  
To memorize to all succeeding times  
Our glories and your shames, yet this I spared,  
And shall I now be slain by treachery?  Achi 
Tell him your answer on your weapons points,  
Upon him my brave soldiers.  Hec. 
Come you slaves,  
Before I fall, I'll make some food forgiaves,  
That gape to swallow cowards: cease you dogs  
Upon a Lion with your armed fangs,  
And bore me bravely, where I touch I kill,  
And where I fasten rear body from soul,  
And soul from hope of rest: all Greece shall know,  
Blood must run waste in Hector's overthrow.  Alarum. Hector falls slain by the Myrmidons, then Achilles wounds him with his Lance. Achi. 
Farewell the noblest spirit that ere breathed  
In any terrene mansion: Take up his body  
And bear it to my Tent: I'll straight to horse,  
And at his fetlocks to my greater glory,  
I'll drag his mangled trunk that Grecians all,  
May deaf the world with shouts, at Hector's fall.  Enter Priam, Aeneas, Troilus, Paris. Pri. 
Black fate, black day, be never calendared  
Hereafter in the number of the year,  
The Planets cease to work, the Spheres to move,  
The Sun in his meridian course to shine,  
Perpetual darkness overwhelm the day,  
In which is fall'n the pride of Asia.  Troi. 
Rot may that hand.  
And every joint drop piecemeal from his arm,  
That took such base advantage on a worthy,  
Who all advantage scorned.  Pa. 
Yet though his life they have basely ta'en away,  
His body we have rescued maugre Greece.  
And Paris, I the meanest of Priam's sons,  
Have made as many Myrmidons weep blood,  
As had least finger in the Worthies fall.  Pri. 
What but his death could thus have armed my hand,  
Or drown decrepit Priam to the field:  
That star is shot, his luster quite eclipsed:  
And shall we now, surrender Helena?  Pa. 
Not till Achilles' lie as dead as Hector,  
And Aiax by Achilles, not whilst Illium  
Hath one stone reared upon another's back  
To overlook these walls, or these high walls  
To overpeer the plain.  Troi. 
Contrary Elements,  
The warring meteors: Hell and Elizium  
Are not so much opposed, as Troy and Greece,  
For Hector, Hector's death.  Par. 
A most sad Funeral  
Will his in Troy be, where shall scarce an eye  
Of twice two hundred thousand be found dry:  
These obets once passed o'er, which we desire,  
Those eyes that now shed water, shall speak fire.  Aene. 
Now sound retreat.  Pri. 
we back to Troy return,  
Where every soul in funeral black shall mourn.  Exit. Par. 
Hector is dead, and yet my brother Troilus  
A second terror to the Greeks still lives.  
In him there's hope since all his Myrmidons  
Having felt his fury, fly even at his name.  
But must the proud Achilles still insult  
And triumph in the glory of base deeds?  
No, Hector he destroyed by treachery,  
And he must die by craft. But Priam's temper  
Will ne'er be brought to any base revenge:  
A woman is most subject unto spleen,  
And I will use the brain of Hecuba:  
This bloody son of Thetis doth still dote  
Upon the beauty of Polyxena;  
And that's the base we now must build upon.  
My mother hath by secret letters wrought him  
Once more to abandon both the field and arms:  
The plot is cast, which if it well succeeds,  
He that's of blood insatiate, must next bleed.  Exit Achilles discovered in his Tent, about him his bleeding Myrmidons, himself wounded, and with him ulysses. Vlis. 
Why will not great Achilles don his Arms,  
And rouse his bleeding Myrmidons? shall Troilus  
March back to Troy with armour, sword, and lance,  
All died in Grecian blood? shall aged Priam  
Boast in fair Ilium that the son of Thetis,  
Whose warlike spear pierced mighty Hector's breast,  
Lies like a coward slumbering in his Tent,  
Because he fears young Troilus.  Achi. 
Pardon me,  
Ulysses, here's a Brief from Hecuba,  
Wherein she vows, if I but kill one Trojan,  
I never shall enjoy Polixena.  Ulis. 
But thinks Achilles, if the Greeks be slain,  
And forced perforce to march away from Troy,  
That he shall then enjoy Polixena?  
No, 'tis King Priam's subtlety, whilst thou  
Sleep'st in thy Tent, Troilus through all our Troops  
Makes Lanes of slaughtered bodies, and will toss  
His Balls of wildfire as great Hector did  
o'er all our naval forces: But did this Prince  
Lie breathless bleeding at Achilles' feet,  
Despairing Priam would to make his peace  
Make humbly tender of Polixena,  
And be much proud to call Achilles' son?  Achi. 
Were Troilus slain?  Vlis. 
Who else deals wounds so thick and fast as he,  
They call him Hector's ghost, he glides so quick  
Through our Battalions: If he beat us hence,  
And we be then compelled to sue to them?  
It will be answered, that great Hector's deathsman  
Shall never wed his sister: Hector's son  
Will never kneel to him, by whose strong hand  
His father fell; but were young Troilus slain,  
And Priam's sons sent wounded from the field,  
Troy then would stoop, and send Polixena  
Even to Achilles' Tent.  Achi. 
My sword and armour,  
Arise my bleeding ministers of death,  
I'll feast you with an Ocean of blood-royal:  
Ulysses, ere this Sun fall from the skies,  
By this right hand the warlike Troilus dies.  Alarum. Enter Troilus and Thersites. Ther. 
Hold if thou be'st a man.  Troi. 
Stand if thou be'st a soldier, do not shrink.  Ther. 
Art not thou Troilus, young and lusty Troilus.  Troi. 
I am, what then?  Ther. 
And I Thersites, lame and impotent,  
What honour canst thou get by killing me?  
I cannot fight.  Troi. 
What mak'st thou in the field then?  Ther. 
I came to laugh at madmen, thou art one  
The Trojans are all mad, so are the Greeks  
To kill so many thousands for one drab,  
For Helen: a light thing, do thou turn wise  
And kill no more; I since these wars began  
Shed not one drop of blood.  Troi. 
But proud Achilles  
Slew my bold brother, and you Grecians all  
Shall perish for the noble Hector's fall.  Ther. 
Hold, the Pox take thee hold, whilst I have breath,  
I am bound to curse thy fingers.  Enter Achilles with his Mirmidons, after Troilus hath beaten Thersites. Achil. 
I might have slain young Troilus when his sword  
Late sparkled fire out of the Spartans helm,  
But that had stilled my fame, but I will trace him  
Through the whole Army, when I meet the Trojan  
Breathless and faint: I'll thunder on his crest  
Some valour, but advantage likes me best.  Enter Troilus. Troi. 
Let Cowards fight with Cowards, and both fear,  
The base Thersites is no match for me,  
Oppose me to the proudest he in field,  
Most eminent in Arms and best approved,  
To make the thirsty after blood to bleed.  
And that's the proud Achilles.  Achi. 
Who names us?  Troi. 
Fate, thou hast now before me set the man  
Whom I most sought, to thee whom I will offer  
To appease Hector's ghost a sacrifice.  
You widowed Matrons who now mourn in tears,  
And all you watery eyes surcease to weep.  
Fathers that in this war have lost your sons,  
And sons your fathers, by Achilles' hand;  
No more lament upon their funeral Arms,  
But from this day rejoice: posterity  
From age to age this to succession tell,  
He falls by Troilus, by whom Hector fell.  Achi. 
Hector's sad fate betide him, soldiers on,  
Both brother's show like mercy, thy vain sound  
That boasted lies now levelled with the ground.  Troilus is slain by him and the Mirmidons. Enter Thersites. Ther. 
Achilles!  Achi. 
What's he? Thersites▪  Ther. 
Thou art a coward.  Achi. 
Have I not saved thy life, and slain proud Troilus  
By whom the Greeks lie piled in breathless heaps?  Ther. 
Yes when he was out of breath so thou slewest Hector  
Girt with thy Myrmidons.  Achi. 
Dogged Thersites,  
I'll cleave thee to thy Navel if thou op'st  
Thy venomous Jaws.  Ther. 
Do, do, good Dog-killer.  Achi. 
You slave.  Ther. 
I am out of breath now too, else bug-bate Greek  
Thou durst not to have touched me.  Achilles beats him off, retreat sounded. Enter Agamemnon, Aiax, Ulysses, &c. all the other but Paris. Agam. 
To whom dost thou address thine Embassy?  Par. 
To Achilles.  Aga. 
And not the General? It concerns our place  
To hear King Priam's embassy.  Pa. 
Let me have passage to Achilles' Tent,  
There Agamemnon (if you please) may hear  
What Priam sends to your great Champion.  Aga. 
Let it be so,  Aiax. 
The General wrongs that honour  
we Princes in our love confer on him.  
Had I th'imperial mandat in my mouth,  
I would not lose one jot of my command  
For all the proud Achilles' on earth,  
Take him at best he's but a fellow peer,  
And should lift his head above the Clouds  
I hold myself his equal.  Enter Achilles from his Tent. Achi. 
untutored Aiax.  Aia. 
Who spoke that word?  Achi. 
'Twas I Achilles, let the son of Priam  
be private with us.  Aga. 
It belongs to us  
To be partakers of his Embassy.  Achi. 
Dismiss then our Inferiors, you Ulysses  
Are welcome, Menelaus, Diomed.  
Let Aiax stay without, and know his duty.  Exit. Aiax. 
Duty? Oh you gods!  
Ha? in what Dialect spoke he that language  
Which Greece yet never knew, we owe to him?  
I'll after him and drag him from his Tent,  
And teach the insolent, manners: Give me way.  
Ulysses, thou and all the world shall know,  
That save the obedience that I owe the gods,  
And duty to my father Telamon,  
Aiax knows none, no not to Agamemnon:  
For what he hath of me's my courtesy,  
What he claims else, or the proudest Greek that breaths,  
I'll pay him in the poor'st and basest scorn  
Contempt was ere expressed in.  Vlis. 
Aiax you are too bold with great Achilles,  
You bear yourself more equal than you ought,  
With one so trophied.  Aia. 
Bold? oh my merits,  
Are you so soon forgot? why King of Ithaca,  
What hath this Toy (above so talked of) done,  
Saving slain Hector, which at best received  
Was but scarce fairly, which the common tongues,  
Voices, with base advantage.  Vlis. 
Yes, Prince Troilus  
Surnamed the second Hector, lieth imbaked  
In his cold blood, slain by Achilles' hand:  
The stream of glory now runs all towards him:  
Achilles looks for't Aiax.  Aia. 
But when Achilles slumbered in his Tent,  
Or waking with his Lute courted the air;  
Then Aiax did not bear himself too bold  
With this great Champion: when I saved our Fleet  
From Hector's wildfire, I deserved some praise,  
But then your tongues were mute.  Vlis. 
You in these times  
Did not affect ostent, but still went on:  
But Thetis son looks for a world of sound  
To spread his attributes.  Aia. 
The proud Achilles  
Shall not outshine me long, in the next battle,  
If to kill Trojans be to dim his praise,  
I'll quench his luster by my bloody rays.  Enter Agamemnon, Achilles, Diomed, Menelaus and Paris, &c. Pa. 
Shall I return that answer to King Priam?  Achi. 
Say in the morning we will visit him:  
So bear our kind regreets to Hecuba.  Aia. 
But will Achilles trust himself with Priam,  
Whose warlike sons were by his valour slain?  Achi. 
Priam is honourable, see here's his hand,  
His Queen religious,▪ and behold her name:  
Polixena divine, read here, her vows,  
Honour, religions, and divinity,  
All jointly promising Achilles' safety:  
Paris, you hear our answer, so return it.  Pa. 
We shall receive Achilles with all honour.  Exit. Mene. 
Were I Achilles and had slain great Hector,  
With valiant Troilus, Priam's best loved sons,  
I for the brightest Lady in all Asia,  
Would not so trust my person with the father.  Achi. 
I am resolved, Ulysses you once told me  
Priam would sleep if Troilus once were slain.  Ulyss. 
And I dare gauge my life, the reverent King  
Intends no treason to Achilles' person,  
But merely by this honourable League,  
To draw our warlike Champion from the field.  Achi. 
But we'll deceive his hopes: fear not great Kings,  
When to my Tent I bring Polixena:  
The sooner Troy lies level with the ground.  
You understand me Lords; shall I entreat you  
Associate me unto the sacred Temple  
Of Divine Phoebus?  Aga. 
In me these Kings shall answer, we in peace  
Will bring Achilles to Apollo's shrine,  
Provided, Priam ere we enter Troy,  
Will give us hostage for our safe return.  Achi. 
My honoured hand with his.  Exeunt. Enter Paris and Hecuba. Hecu. 
Oh Paris, till Achilles lie as dead,  
As did thy brother Hector at his feet,  
His body hacked with as many wounds,  
As was thy brother Troilus when he fell.  
I never, never shall have peace with Heaven,  
Or take thee for their brother, or my son.  Par. 
Mother I hate Achilles more than you;  
But I have heard he is invulnerable:  
His mother Thetis from the Oracle  
Receiving answer, he should die at Troy;  
(Being yet a child,) and to prevent that fate,  
She dipped him in the Sea, all save the heel:  
These parts she drenched, remain impenetrable;  
But what her dainty hand (forbore to drown)  
As loath to feel the coldness of the wave,  
That, and that only may be pierced with steel.  
Now since I know his fellow Kings intend,  
To be his guard to Ilium: what's my rage?  
Or this my weapon to destroy a Prince,  
Whose flesh no sword can bite off.  Hecu. 
Have I not heard thee Paris, praise thyself  
For skill in Archery? have I not seen  
A shaft sent level from thy constant hand,  
Command the mark at pleasure? mayst not thou  
With such an arrow, and the selfsame bow,  
Wound proud Achilles in that undrenched part,  
And by his heel draw lines blood from his heart?  Par. 
Well thought on, the rare cunning of this hand▪  
None save the powers immortal can with stand:  
When in the Temple he shall think to embrace  
My sister Polixena. I'll strike him there.  
The Greeks are entered Troy. Let's fill the train  
To avoid suspect, and now my shaft and bow,  
Greece from my hand, receive thine overthrow.  Enter at one door Priam, Hecuba, Paris, Aeneas, Antenor, Deiphobus, Helena, and Polixena. At the other, Agamemnon, Achilles, Menelaus, Ulysses, Diomed, Thersites, and Aiax. They interchange embraces, Polixena is given to Achilles, &c. Pri. 
Though the damage you have done to Troy,  
Might cease our arms, and arm our brows with wrath,  
Yet with a smooth front, and heart unfeigned,  
Now bid Achilles welcome; welcome all  
Before these Kings, and in the sight of Helen,  
The dearest of my daughter's Polixen  
I tender thee: on to Apollo's shrine,  
The flamen stays: these nuptial rights once passed,  
You of our best varieties shall taste.  Exeunt. Paris fetcheth his Bow and arrows. Par. 
My bow! now thou great god of Archery,  
The Patron of our action and our vows,  
Direct my shaft to wound bright Thetis son,  
And let it not offend thy deity,  
That in thy Temple I exhaust his blood,  
Without respect of place, revenge seems good.  Exit. A great cry within. Enter Paris: Par. 
'tis done, Achilles bleeds, immortal powers  
Clap hands, and smile to see the Greek fall dead,  
By whom the valiant Hector's blood was shed.  Enter all the Trojans, and the Greeks bringing in Achilles with an arrow through his heel. Aga. 
Priam, thou hast dishonourably broke  
The Laws of Arms.  Pri. 
By all the gods I vow,  
I was a stranger to this horrid act:  
It never came from Priam.  Vlyss. 
Call for your Surgeon then to stop his wound.  Mene. 
For if he die, it will be registered  
For ever to thy shame.  Pri. 
A Surgeon there.  Achi. 
It is in vain for live, that god of Physic  
We Grecians honour in a serpent's shape;  
He could not staunch my blood: know fellow Kings  
My mother Thetis by whose heavenly wisdom,  
My other parts were made invulnerable.  
Could not of all the gods obtain that grace,  
But that my blood, vented as now it is,  
The wound should be incurable: what Coward  
That durst not look Achilles in the face,  
Hath found my life's blood in this speeding place?  Par. 
'Twas I, 'twas Paris.  Aiax. 
'Twas a milksop then.  Diom. 
A Traitor to all Valour.  Par. 
Did not this bleeding Greek kill valiant Hector,  
Encompassed with his Guard of Myrmidons?  Pri. 
Degenerate Paris, not old Priam's son,  
Thou never took'st thy treacherous blood from me.  Aia. 
How cheers Achilles, though thy too much pride  
Which held the heart of Aiax from thy love,  
He'll be the foremost to revenge thy death.  Achil. 
Gramercy noble Aiax, Agamemnon,  
Ulysses, Diomed, I feel my strength  
Begins to fail, let me have burial,  
And then to Arms, revenge Achilles' death:  
Or if proud Troy remain invincible,  
To Lycomedes send to youthful Pyrrhus,  
My son begot on bright Dedamia;  
And let him force his vengeance through the hearts  
Of these, by whom his father was betrayed.  
I faint, may every drop of blood I shed,  
Exhaled by Phoebus, putrify the air,  
That every soul in Asia that draws breath,  
May poisoned die for great Achilles' death.  Aga. 
He's dead, the pride of all our Grecian army.  Vlyss. 
Will Priam let us bear his body hence?  Par. 
Yes, and not drag it 'bout the walls of Troy.  
As he did Hector's basely.  Pri. 
Take it, withal truce, time to bury it.  Aga. 
Come Princes, on your shoulders bear him then,  
Bravest of soldiers, and the best of men.  They bear him off. And to Priam enter Aeneas. Aene. 
Where's mighty Priam?  Pri. 
What's the news Aeneas?  Aene. 
Such as will make your highness doff your age  
And be as youthful spirited as the Spring:  
Penthesilea Queen of Amazons,  
With mighty troops of Virgin warriors,  
Gallant viragoes, for the love of Hector,  
And to revenge his death, are entered Troy.  
May it please you, to receive the Scithean Queen.  Pri. 
What Troy can yield, or Priam can express,  
The Amazonian Princess shall partake:  
Come Hecuba, and Ladies, let's prepare,  
To bid her friendly welcome to this war.  
Explicit Actus quartus.   

Actus Quintus Scoena prima.  Enter Thersites with Soldiers, bringing in a table, with chairs and stools placed about it. Ther. 
Come, come, spread, spread, up with the pulpits straight,  
Seats for the judges, all the Kings of Greece.  
Why when you lazy drudges? Is this place  
For a whole jury royal? where's the Armour,  
The prize for which the crafty fox Ulysses,  
And mad Bull Aiax, must this day contend?  
What, is all ready? rare world, when instead  
Of smooth tongued Lawyers, Soldiers now must plead.  Loud Music. Enter all the Kings of Greece, the Armour of Achilles, borne betwixt Ulysses and Aiax, and placed upon the table, the PRINCE's seat themselves, a chair is placed as either end of the Stage, the one for Aiax, the other for Ulysseses. Aga. 
This Sessions valiant Duke of Salamine,  
And King of Ithaca was called for you:  
Since great Achilles' armour is the prize,  
Due to the worthier, here before these Kings,  
And in the face of all the multitude,  
You are appointed for your several pleas,  
That prince who to these arms can prove most right,  
Shall wear his purchase in the Army's sight.  Aia. 
If to the worthiest they belong to me:  
Could you select 'mongst all this throng of Princes,  
None worthier than Ulysses, to contend  
With Aiax? and in view of all our Navy,  
Of all these tall ships, gilt with Hector's flames,  
Which when Ulysses fled into his tent,  
ay, I extinguished, these twelve hundred ships  
I saved at once, deserved Achilles' arms,  
Laertes son may think it grace enough,  
That though he miss his aim, he may be said  
To have striven with Aiax: Aiax who excels  
As much in arms, as he in eloquence.  
My hands perform more than his tongue can speak,  
Act more than he can talk: were I less valiant,  
And had but half my vigour (like him) weak,  
My royal birth would for this armour speak.  
Duke Telamon, that in the Argo sailed  
To Calchos: and in Ilium's second sack,  
First reared Alcides' colours on the Walls  
My father was: His father Aeacus,  
On of the three that judge infernal souls;  
And Aeacus was son to jupiter.  
Thus am I third from jove; besides Achilles  
By marriage was my brother, and I crave,  
Since he is dead my brother's arms to have.  
What hath Ulysses with our Kin to do?  
Being a stranger, not of Peleus' blood:  
Grave Heroes, if not honour, prize my merit,  
I plead both worth and blood, these arms to inherit.  Mene. 
Believe me, two sound pleas on Aiax part,  
I fear the prize will be conferred on him.  Dio. 
His arguments are maxims, and sound proofs  
To win him way, into the soldier's hearts.  Agam. 
Let him proceed.  Aia 
Because I hasted to the siege of Troy,  
When he feigned madness, must he wear these arms?  
When in the Phalanx, with old Nestor charging,  
Thou at the name of Hector fledst the field,  
And left the good old man encompassed round,  
Calling aloud Ulysses, Ulysses stay,  
The more he cried the more thou mad'st thy way.  
Prince Diomed you saw it, and upbraided  
This Ithacans base flight, but see heaven's justice.  
Old Nestor scaped, great Hector was not there;  
But meets Ulysses, as he fled from Hector,  
He that but late denied help, now wants help,  
For at the sight of Hector down he falls,  
And cries aloud for aid, I came, and saw thee  
Quaking with terror under Hector's arm,  
The ponderous blow I took upon my Targe,  
And as the least of all my noble deeds,  
Saved these faint limbs from slaughter, which now sue,  
To don these glorious arms, nor do I blame thee  
For fearing Hector: what is he of Greece  
That saving Aiax, quaked not at his name?  
Yet did I meet that Hector guiled in blood  
Of Grecian Princes, fought with him so long,  
Till all the host deafed with our horrid strokes,  
begird us with amazement: wilt thou know  
My honour in this combat? it was this,  
I was not conquered: if thou still contendest?  
Imagine but that field, the Time, the foes,  
Hector alive, thee quaking at his feet,  
And Aiax interposing his broad shield  
'Twixt death and thee, and thou the arms must yield.  Diom. 
What can the wise Ulysses, say to this?  
Aiax prevails much with the multitude,  
The general murmur doth accord with him.  Men. 
I ever thought the son of Telamon  
Did better merit th' Achillean Arms  
Then the Dulichian King.  Agam. 
Forbear to censure.  
Till both be fully heard.  Aiax. 
methinks grave Heroes, you should seek an Aiax  
To wear these Arms, not let these Arms be sought  
By Aiax: what hath sly Ulysses done  
To countervail my acts? killed unarmed Rhesus,  
And set on sleepy Dolon in the night,  
Stolen the Palladium from the Trojan Fane.  
Oh brave exploits; nor hast thou these performed  
Without the help of warlike Diomed:  
So you betwixt you should divide these spoils.  
Alas thou know'st not what thou seekst, fond man,  
Thou that fightest all by craft and in the night  
The radiant splendour of this burnished Helm  
Shining in darkness, as the Sun by day,  
Thy thievish spoils and ambush would betray.  
Thy politic head's too weak to bear this cask,  
This massy Helm; thou canst not mount his Spear,  
His warlike shield that bears the world engraven  
Will tire thine arm, fool thou dost ask a Spear,  
A shield a cask, thou hast not strength to wear.  
Now if these Kings, or the vain people's error  
So far should err from truth to give them thee,  
'twould be a means to make thee sooner die:  
The weight would lag thee that art wont to fly:  
Thou hast a shield unscared, my sevenfold Targe  
With thousand gashes piece-mealed from mine arm,  
And none but that would fit me: To conclude,  
Go bear these Arms for which we two contend  
Into the mid-ranks of our enemies,  
And bid us fetch them thence, and he to wear them  
By whom this royal Armour can be won,  
I had rather fight than talk, so I have done.  A loud shout within crying Aiax, Aiax: Ulis. 
If with your prayers oh Grecian Kings, my vows  
Might have prevailed with Heaven, there had been then  
No such contention, thou hadst kept thine Arms,  
And we Achilles thee: But since the Fates  
Have ta'en him from us, who hath now more right  
To claim these Arms he dead, than he that gave them  
Unto Achilles living? nor great Princes,  
Let that smooth eloquence, yond fellow scorns,  
(If it be any) be rejected now,  
And hurt his master, which so many times  
Hath profited whole Greece, if we plead blood  
Which is not ours, but all our Ancestors.  
Laertes was my father, his Arcesius,  
His jove, from whom I am third: beside I claim  
A second godhead by my mother's name.  
What do we talk of birth? If birth should bear them,  
His father being nearer jove than he  
Should wear this honour, or if next of blood,  
Achilles' father Peleus should enjoy them,  
Or his son Pyrrhus; but we plead not kindred,  
Or near propinquity: let 'alliance rest,  
His be the Armour that deserves it best.  
Achilles mother Thetis being foretold  
Her son should die at Troy, concealed him from us  
In habit of a Lady, to this siege  
I brought him, therefore challenge all his deeds  
As by Ulysses done: 'Twas I sacked Thebes,  
Chriscis, and Scylla, with Lernessus' walls,  
I Troilus and renowned Hector slew:  
First with this Helmet I adorned his head,  
He gave it living, who demands it dead?  Dio. 
'Tis true, for like a Pedlar being disguised,  
And coming where Achilles spent his youth  
In womanish habit, the young Ladies they  
Look on his Glasses, jewels and fine toys:  
He had a Bow too much Achilles drew,  
So by his strength the Ithacan him knew.  
Had Aiax gone, Achilles then had stayed,  
Hector still lived, our ransacked Tents to invade:  
What canst thou do but barely fight? no more;  
I can both fight and counsel, I direct  
The manner of our battles, and propose  
For victual and munition, to supply  
The universal host, cheer up the soldiers  
To endure a tedious siege, when all the Army  
Cried let's away for Greece, and raised their Tents.  
Aiax amongst the foremost had trust up  
His bag and baggage: when I rated him,  
And them, and all, and by my Oratory  
Persuaded their retreat: What Greece hath won  
From Troy since then, is by Ulysses done.  
Behold my wounds oh Grecians, and judge you  
If they be cowards marks theyare in my breast:  
Let boasting Aiax show such noble scars.  
These Grecian Heroes took I in your wars.  
I grant he fought with Hector, 'twas well done,  
Where thou deserv'st well I will give thee due,  
But what was the success of that great day?  
Hector of Troy unwounded went away.  Men. 
Now sure the prize will to Ulysses fall,  
The murmuring soldiers mutter his deserts,  
Preferring him fore Aiax: hear the rest.  Vlis. 
But oh Achilles, when I view these Arms,  
I cannot but lament thine obsequies:  
Thou wall of Greece, when thou wast basely slain  
I took thee on my soldiers, and from Troy  
Bore thee then armed in the habiliments  
I once more seek to bear, behold that shield,  
'tis a description Cosmographical  
of all the Earth, the Air, the Sea and Heaven.  
What are the Hyades? or grim Orion;  
He pleads, or what's Arcton? thy rude hand  
Would lift a shield, thou canst not understand:  
To omit my deeds of Arms, which all these know  
Better than I can speak. When in the night  
I ventured through Troy's gates, and from the Temple  
Raped the Palladium, than I conquered Troy,  
Troy whilst that stood could never be subdued,  
In that I brought away their gods, their honours,  
Troy's ruin and the triumphs of whole Greece.  
What hath blunt Aiax done to countervail  
This one of mine? He did with Hector fight,  
I ten years' war have ended in one night.  
What Aiax did was but by my direction,  
My counsel fought in him, and all his honours  
(If they be any,) he may thank me for  
What he hath done, was since his flight I stayed,  
I therefore claim these Arms: so I have said.  A shout within Ulysses, Ulysses. The Princes rise. Agam. 
Such is the clamour of the multitude,  
And such Ulysses are your great deserts,  
That those rich Arms are thine, the prize enjoy  Vlis. 
To the defence of Greece and sack of Troy.  Dio. 
Come Princes, now this strife is well determined.  Men. 
To see how eloquence the people charms,  
Ulysses by his tongue hath gained these Arms.  Agam. 
Counsel prevails 'bove strength, Heralds proclaim  
Through the whole Camp Ulysses glorious name.  Exeunt. The Arms borne in triumph before Ulysses. Aiax. 
What dreamest thou Aiax?  
Or is this object real that I see,  
Which topsy-turns my brain, base Ithaca  
To sway desert thus: Oh that such rich Trophies  
Should clothe a coward's back, nor is it strange;  
I'll go turn coward too, and henceforth plot,  
Turn politicians all, all politicians.  
A rush for valour, valour? this is the difference  
the bold warrior, and the cunning states-man,  
The first seeks honour, and the last his health:  
The valiant hoard the knocks, the wise the wealth.  
It was a gallant Armour, Aiax limbs  
Would have become it bravely; the disgrace  
Of losing such an Armour by contention,  
Will live to all posterity, and the shame  
In stygian Lethe drown great Aiax name.  
Oh that I had here my base opposite,  
In th' Achillean Armour briskly clad,  
Vulcan that wrought it out of gadds of Steel  
With his Cyclopian hammers, never made  
Such noise upon his Anvil forging it,  
Than these my armed fists in Ulysses wrack,  
To mould it new upon the cowards back.  Enter Thersites. Ther. 
Why how now mad Greek?  Aia. 
And art thou come Ulysses? thus, and thus  
I'll hammer on thy proof steeled Burganet.  Aia. 
Hold Aiax, hold, the devil take thee, hold;  
I am Thersites, hell rot thy fingers off.  Aia. 
But art not thou Ulysses?  Ther: 
No I tell thee.  Aia. 
And is not thine head armed?  Ther. 
hell's plagues confound thee, no; thou think'st thou  
Hast Menelaus' head in hand, I am Thersites.  Aia. 
Thersites? Canst thou rail?  Ther. 
Oh yes, yes; better than fight.  Aia. 
And curse?  Ther. 
Better then either: rarely.  Aia. 
And spit thy venom in the face of Greece?  Ther. 
Admirably.  Aia. 
Do, do, let's hear, I prithee for heaven's sake do.  Ther. 
With whom shall I begin?  Aia. 
Begin with the head.  Ther. 
Then have at thee Menelaus, thou art a king and a—  
No more, but if on any, rail on me.  
Desert should still be snarled at, vice posse free.  Ther. 
Who thou the son of Telamon, thou art a fool,  
An Ass, a very block. What makest thou here at  
Troy to aid a Cuckold, being a Bachelor?  
Paris hath stolen no wife of thine: if Aiax  
Had been aught but the worst of these, he might  
Have kept his Country, solaced his father, and  
Comforted his mother: what thanks hast thou  
For spending thy means, hazarding thy soldiers?  
Wasting thy youth, losing thy blood,  
Endangering thy life? and all for a—  Aiax. 
Peace.  Ther. 
Yes peace for shame,  
But what thanks hast thou for all thy travail?  
Ulysses hath the armour, and what art thou now  
Reckoned? a good moil, a horse that knows  
Not his own strength, an Ass fit for service,  
And good for burdens, to carry gold, and to  
Feed on thistles: farewell Coxcomb. I shall be  
Held to be a Cock of the same dunghill,  
For bearing thee company so long,  
I'll to Ulysses.  Aia. 
Base slave, thou art for Cowards, not for men  
I'll stound thee if thou com'st not back again:  
This vantage have the valiant of the base,  
Death, which they coldly fear, we boldly embrace.  
Help me to rail on them too, or thou diest.  Ther. 
Do't then, whilst 'tis hot.  Aia. 
What's Agamemnon our great General?  Ther. 
A blind justice, and I would he had kissed  
Fortunes blind cheeks, when he could not see  
To do thee justice.  Aia. 
Well, and what's Menelaus?  Ther. 
A King and a Cuckold, and a horn-plague  
Consume him.  Aia. 
Amen. What's Diomed? he sat on the bench too.  Ther. 
A very bench-whistler: and loves Cressida.  
Hell and confusion swallow him.  Aia. 
Amen. Amongst these what's Thersites?  Ther. 
A Rogue, a railing Rogue, a Cur, a barking  
Dog, the Pox take me else.  Aia. 
Amen. But what's Ulysses my base adversary?  Ther. 
A damned politician, Scylla and Charybdis swallow him,  Aia. 
And greedily devour him.  Ther. 
And utterly consume him.  Aia. 
And eat up his posterity.  Ther. 
And rot out his memory:  Aia. 
In endless infamy.  Ther. 
And everlasting obloquy.  Both. 
Amen.  Aia. 
Enough, no more: shall he the Arms enjoy.  
And we the shame? away Thersites, fly,  
Our prayers now said, we must prepare to die.  Ther. 
Die, and with them be damned.  Exit. Enter over the Stage all the Grecian Princes, courting and applauding Ulysses, not minding Aiax. Aia. 
Not look on Aiax? Aiax Telamon,  
He that at once saved all your ships from fire,  
Not look on me? ha? are these hands? this sword?  
Which made the fame of Troy great Hector shrink  
Below the ruins of an abject scorn?  
slighted? so slighted? what base thing am I,  
To creep to so dull Greek, whom fame or blood  
Hath reared one step above? jove, see this;  
And laugh old grandsire: Ha, ha, ha, by hell  
I'll shake thy Kingdom for't: not look on Aiax?  
The triple headed-dog, the whips of Steel,  
The ravenous Vulture, and the restless stone  
Are all mere fables; here's a trusty sword,  
'Tis mine, mine own, who claims this from me? ha?  
Cowards and shallow witted fools have slept  
Amidst an armed troop safe and secure  
Under this guard: nay Agamemnon too.  
But see, see from yond Sea, a shoal of sands  
Come rolling on, tricked up in bristled fins  
Of porpoises and Dogfish ho my sword,  
I will encounter them, they come from Greece,  
And bring a poisonous breath from Ithaca  
Tempered with false Ulysses gall, foh, foh;  
It stinks of's wife's chaste urinal, look, look  
By yonder wood, how slily in the skirts  
March policy and the devil, on, I fear you not:  
Dare you not yet? not one to fight with me:  
Who then? what's he must cope with Aiax?  
Echo. Aiax?  Aia. 
Well said old boy, wa''t Nestor my brave Lad?  
I'll do't, I'll do't, come my fine cutting blade,  
Make me immortal: lively fountain sprout,  
Sprout out, yet with more life, brave glorious stream  
Grow to a Tide, and sink the Grecian fleet  
In seas of Aiax blood: so ho, so ho.  
Lure back my soul again, which in amaze  
Gropes for a perch to rest on: Heart, great heart  
Swell bigger yet and split, know gods, know men,  
Furies, enraged Spirits, Tortures all,  
Aiax by none could but by Aiax fall.  He kills himself. Enter on the one part Agamemnon, Ulysses, Menelaus, Diomed, with the body of Hector borne by Grecian soldiers: On the other part, Priam, Paris, Deiphebus, Aeneas, Anthenor, with the body of Achilles borne by Trojan soldiers, they interchange them, and so with trailing the Colours on both sides depart, Thersites only stays behind and concludes.  

The Epilogue.  Ther. 
A sweet exchange of Treasure, term't I may,  
Even earth for ashes, and mere dust for clay:  
Let Aiax kill himself, and say 'twas brave  
Hector, a worthy Call, yet could not save  
Poor fool his Coxcomb: Achilles bear him hie,  
And Troilus boldly, all these brave ones die.  
Ha, ha, judge you; Is it not better far  
To keep ourselves in breath, and linger war:  
Had all these fought as I've done, such my care  
Hath been on both sides, that presume I dare,  
These had with thousands more survived: judge th'host,  
I shed no blood, no blood at all have lost:  
They shall not see young Pyrrhus, nor the Queen  
Penthesilea, which had they but been  
As wise as I, they might: nor Sinon, he  
Famous of all men, to be most like me.  
Nor after these, Orestes, and his mother  
Pylades Aegisthus with a many other  
Our second part doth promise: These if I fail,  
As I on them; you on Thersites rail.  
Explicit Actus Quintus.   
FJNJS.  


TAM ROBUR· TAM ROBOR. NI-COLIS ARBOR IOVIS. 1610.   
LONDON. Printed by Nicholas Okes. 1632.