_Cres._ What have we gained by this one minute more? _Troil._ Only to wish another, and another, A longer struggling with the pangs of death. _Cres._ O, those, who do not know what parting is, Can never learn to die! _Troil._ When I but think this sight may be our last, If Jove could set me in the place of Atlas, And lay the weight of heaven and gods upon me, He could not press me more. _Cres._ Oh let me go, that I may know my grief; Grief is but guessed, while thou art standing by: But I too soon shall know what absence is. _Troil._ Why, 'tis to be no more; another name for death: 'Tis the sun parting from the frozen north; And I, methinks, stand on some icy cliff, To watch the last low circles that he makes, 'Till he sink down from heaven! O only Cressida, If thou depart from me, I cannot live: I have not soul enough to last for grief, But thou shalt hear what grief has done with me. _Cres._ If I could live to hear it, I were false. But, as a careful traveller, who, fearing Assaults of robbers, leaves his wealth behind, I trust my heart with thee; and to the Greeks Bear but an empty casket. _Troil._ Then I will live, that I may keep that treasure; And, armed with this assurance, let thee go, Loose, yet secure as is the gentle hawk, When, whistled off, she mounts into the wind. Our love's like mountains high above the clouds; Though winds and tempests beat their aged feet, Their peaceful heads nor storm nor thunder know, But scorn the threatening rack that rolls below. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II. ACHILLES _and_ PATROCLUS _standing in their tent._--ULYSSES AGAMEMNON, MENELAUS, NESTOR, _and_ AJAX, _passing over the stage._ _Ulys._ Achilles stands i' the entrance of his tent: Please it our general to pass strangely by him, As if he were forgot; and, princes all, Look on him with neglectful eyes and scorn: Pride must be cured by pride. _Agam._ We'll execute your purpose, and put on A form of strangeness as we pass along; So do each prince; either salute him not, Or else disdainfully, which will shake him more Than if not looked on. I will lead the way. _Achil._ What, comes the general to speak with me? You know my mind; I'll fight no more with Troy. _Agam._ What says Achilles? would he aught with us? _Nest._ Would you, my lord, aught with the general? _Achil._ No. _Nest._ Nothing, my lord. _Agam._ The better. _Menel._ How do you, how do you? _Achil._ What, does the cuckold scorn me! _Ajax._ How now, Patroclus? _Achil._ Good morrow, Ajax. _Ajax._ Ha! _Achil._ Good morrow. _Ajax._ Ay; and good next day too. [_Exeunt all but_ ACHILLES _and_ PATROCLUS. _Achil._ What mean these fellows? know they not Achilles? _Patro._ They pass by strangely; they were used to bow, And send their smiles before them to Achilles; To come as humbly as they used to creep To holy altars.