_Hect._ Now, youthful Troilus, do not these high strains[1371] Of divination in our sister work Some touches of remorse? or is your blood 115 So madly hot that no discourse of reason, Nor fear of bad success in a bad cause, Can qualify the same?
_Tro._ Why, brother Hector, We may not think the justness of each act[1372] Such and no other than event doth form it; 120 Nor once deject the courage of our minds, Because Cassandra's mad: her brain-sick raptures Cannot distaste the goodness of a quarrel Which hath our several honours all engaged To make it gracious. For my private part, 125 I am no more touch'd than all Priam's sons:[1373] And Jove forbid there should be done amongst us Such things as might offend the weakest spleen To fight for and maintain!
_Par._ Else might the world convince of levity[1374] 130 As well my undertakings as your counsels:[1375] But I attest the gods, your full consent[1376] Gave wings to my propension and cut off All fears attending on so dire a project. For what, alas, can these my single arms? 135 What propugnation is in one man's valour, To stand the push and enmity of those This quarrel would excite? Yet, I protest, Were I alone to pass the difficulties[1377] And had as ample power as I have will, 140 Paris should ne'er retract what he hath done, Nor faint in the pursuit.
_Pri._ Paris, you speak Like one besotted on your sweet delights: You have the honey still, but these the gall; So to be valiant is no praise at all. 145
_Par._ Sir, I propose not merely to myself The pleasures such a beauty brings with it; But I would have the soil of her fair rape Wiped off, in honourable keeping her. What treason were it to the ransack'd queen, 150 Disgrace to your great worths, and shame to me, Now to deliver her possession up On terms of base compulsion! Can it be That so degenerate a strain as this Should once set footing in your generous bosoms?[1378] 155 There's not the meanest spirit on our party,[1379] Without a heart to dare or sword to draw When Helen is defended, nor none so noble,[1380] Whose life were ill bestow'd or death unfamed Where Helen is the subject: then, I say, 160 Well may we fight for her, whom, we know well, The world's large spaces cannot parallel.