Hect. Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle,
That hast so long walk'd hand in hand with time:
Most reverend Nestor, I am glad to clasp thee.
Nest. I would my arms could match thee in contention, 205
As they contend with thee in courtesy.[2088]
Hect. I would they could.
Nest. Ha![2089]
By this white beard, I'ld fight with thee to-morrow:
Well, welcome, welcome!—I have seen the time.[2090] 210
Ulyss. I wonder now how yonder city stands
When we have here her base and pillar by us.[2091]
Hect. I know your favour, Lord Ulysses, well.
Ah, sir, there's many a Greek and Trojan dead,
Since first I saw yourself and Diomed 215
In Ilion, on your Greekish embassy.[2092]
Ulyss. Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue:
My prophecy is but half his journey yet;
For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,[2093]
Yond towers, whose wanton tops do buss the clouds,[2094] 220
Must kiss their own feet.
Hect. I must not believe you:
There they stand yet; and modestly I think,
The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost
A drop of Grecian blood: the end crowns all,
And that old common arbitrator, Time,[2095] 225
Will one day end it.[2095]
Ulyss. So to him we leave it.
Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome:
After the general, I beseech you next
To feast with me and see me at my tent.
Achil. I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou![2096] 230
Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;
I have with exact view perused thee, Hector,[2097]
And quoted joint by joint.[2097][2098]