_Agam._ Worthy of arms! as welcome as to one[2075] That would be rid of such an enemy; But that's no welcome: understand more clear,[2076] 165 What's past and what's to come is strew'd with husks[2076] And formless ruin of oblivion;[2076] But in this extant moment, faith and troth,[2076] Strain'd purely from all hollow bias-drawing,[2076][2077] Bids thee, with most divine integrity,[2076] 170 From heart of very heart, great Hector, welcome.
_Hect._ I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.
_Agam._ [_To Troilus_] My well-famed lord of Troy, no less to you.
_Men._ Let me confirm my princely brother's greeting; You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither. 175
_Hect._ O, you, my lord! by Mars his gauntlet, thanks![2079] Mock not, that I affect the untraded oath;[2080] Your quondam wife swears still by Venus' glove:[2081] She's well, but bade me not commend her to you. 180
_Men._ Name her not now, sir; she's a deadly theme.
_Nest._ I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft, Labouring for destiny, make cruel way Through ranks of Greekish youth; and I have seen thee, 185 As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed, Despising many forfeits and subduements,[2082] When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i' the air,[2083] Not letting it decline on the declined, That I have said to some my standers by[2084] 190 'Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!' And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath, When that a ring of Greeks have hemm'd thee in,[2085] Like an Olympian wrestling: this have I seen;[2086] But this thy countenance, still lock'd in steel, 195 I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire, And once fought with him: he was a soldier good; But, by great Mars the captain of us all, Never like thee. Let an old man embrace thee;[2087] And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents. 200
_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]
_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]