Æne. We know each other well.[1835]
Dio. We do; and long to know each other worse.[1835]
Par. This is the most despiteful gentle greeting,[1836]
The noblest hateful love, that e'er I heard of.[1837][1838] 35
What business, lord, so early?[1837]
Æne. I was sent for to the king; but why, I know not.
Par. His purpose meets you: 'twas to bring this Greek[1839]
To Calchas' house; and there to render him,[1840]
For the enfreed Antenor, the fair Cressid: 40
Let's have your company, or, if you please,
Haste there before us. I constantly do think,[1841]
Or rather, call my thought a certain knowledge,
My brother Troilus lodges there to-night:
Rouse him and give him note of our approach, 45
With the whole quality wherefore: I fear[1842][1843]
We shall be much unwelcome.[1843]
Æne. That I assure you:[1844][1845]
Troilus had rather Troy were borne to Greece[1844]
Than Cressid borne from Troy.[1844]
Par. There is no help;
The bitter disposition of the time[1846] 50
Will have it so. On, lord; we'll follow you.[1846]
Æne. Good morrow, all. [Exit with Servant.[1847]
Par. And tell me, noble Diomed, faith, tell me true,[1848]
Even in the soul of sound good-fellowship,[1849]
Who, in your thoughts, deserves fair Helen best,[1850] 55
Myself or Menelaus?
Dio. Both alike:
He merits well to have her that doth seek her,
Not making any scruple of her soilure,[1851]
With such a hell of pain and world of charge;
And you as well to keep her, that defend her, 60
Not palating the taste of her dishonour,
With such a costly loss of wealth and friends:
He, like a puling cuckold, would drink up
The lees and dregs of a flat tamed piece;
You, like a lecher, out of whorish loins 65
Are pleased to breed out your inheritors:
Both merits poised, each weighs nor less nor more,[1852]
But he as he, the heavier for a whore.[1853]