6

136 Of Agamemnon, he enjoyde, who here behinde remainde; Which when he tooke, a few he gave, and many things retainde: Other to Optimates and Kings he gave, who hold them fast, Yet myne he forceth; only I sit with my losse disgra'st. But so he gaine a lovelie dame, to be his beds delight, It is enough, for what cause els doe Greeks and Trojans fight? Why brought he hether such an host? was it not for a dame? For fayre-hayrde Helen; and doth love alone the harts inflame, Of the Atrides to their wyves, of al the men that move? Every discreete and honest minde cares for his private love As much as they; as I my selflov'de Brysis with my life, Although my captive, and had will to take her for my wife: Whom since he fors't preventing me, in vaine he shall prolong Hopes to appease me that know well the deepenes of my wrong. But good Ulysses, with thy self, and all you other Kings, Let him take stomacke to repell Troys firie threatnings. Much hath he done without my helpe; built him a goodlie fort, Cut a dyke by it, pitcht with pales broad, and of deepe import, And cannot all these helpes represse this kil-man Hectors fright? When I was armde amongst the Greeks, he would not offer fight Without the shadow of his wals, but to the Screan ports, Or to the holy beech of Jove come backt with his consorts, Where once he stoode my charge alone, and hardlie made retreate; And to make new proofe of our powers, the doubt is not so great .•.. [Achilles threatened to sail for home next day, and rejected the appeal of his old friend Phrenix, although he invited him to stay the night. Ajax was indignant.]