I bring you, brother, most unwelcome news; But since of force you are to hear it told, I thought a friend and brother best might tell it: Therefore, before I speak, arm well your mind, And think you're to be touched even to the quick; That so, prepared for ill, you may be less Surprised to hear the worst. _Troil._ See, Hector, what it is to be your brother! I stand prepared already. _Hect._ Come, you are hot; I know you, Troilus, you are hot and fiery: You kindle at a wrong, and catch it quick, As stubble does the flame. _Troil._ 'Tis heat of blood, And rashness of my youth; I'll mend that error: Begin, and try my temper. _Hect._ Can you think Of that one thing, which most could urge your anger, Drive you to madness, plunge you in despair, And make you hate even me? _Troil._ There can be nothing. I love you, brother, with that awful love I bear to heaven, and to superior virtue: And when I quit this love, you must be that, Which Hector ne'er can be. _Hect._ Remember well What you have said; for, when I claim your promise, I shall expect performance. _Troil._ I am taught: I will not rage. _Hect._ Nor grieve beyond a man? _Troil._ I will not be a woman. _Hect._ Do not, brother: And I will tell my news in terms so mild, So tender, and so fearful to offend, As mothers use to sooth their froward babes; Nay, I will swear, as you have sworn to me, That, if some gust of passion swell your soul To words intemperate, I will bear with you. _Troil._ What would this pomp of preparation mean? Come you to bring me news of Priam's death, Or Hecuba's? _Hect._ The gods forbid I should! But what I bring is nearer you, more close, An ill more yours. _Troil._ There is but one that can be. _Hect._ Perhaps, 'tis that. _Troil._ I'll not suspect my fate So far; I know I stand possessed of that. _Hect._ 'Tis well: consider at whose house I find you. _Troil._ Ha! _Hect._ Does it start you? I must wake you more; Antenor is exchanged. _Troil._ For whom? _Hect._ Imagine. _Troil._ It comes, like thunder grumbling in a cloud, Before the dreadful break: If here it fall, The subtle flame will lick up all my blood, And, in a moment, turn my heart to ashes. _Hect._ That Cressida for Antenor is exchanged, Because I knew 'twas harsh, I would not tell; Not all at once; but by degrees and glimpses I let it in, lest it might rush upon you, And quite o'erpower your soul: In this, I think, I showed a friend: your part must follow next; Which is, to curb your choler, tame your grief, And bear it like a man. _Troil._ I think I do, That I yet live to hear you. But no more; Hope for no more; for, should some goddess offer To give herself and all her heaven in change, I would not part with Cressida: So return This answer as my last. _Hect._ 'Twill not be taken: Nor will I bear such news. _Troil._ You bore me worse. _Hect._ Worse for yourself; not for the general state, And all our common safety, which depends On freed Antenor's wisdom.