Enter TROILUS.

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.