Fourth Part
FOURTH PART
ARGUMENT
Here beginneth the fourth part of the Filostrato, in which, in the first place, is shown how it happened that Cressida was sent back to her father Calchas. The Greeks requested an exchange of prisoners. Antenor is surrendered. Cressida is asked for and it is decided to give her up. Troilus at first grieveth inwardly, and then he and Pandarus discuss many things for the comfort of Troilus. The rumor of her coming departure reacheth Cressida. Ladies attend her and after their departure Cressida weepeth. Pandarus arrangeth with her that Troilus shall go to her that evening. He goeth to her and Cressida there fainteth. Troilus wisheth to kill himself. She recovereth. They go to bed weeping, and speak of various matters, and Cressida tenderly promiseth to come back within the tenth day. And first of all how the Trojans fight, where many are taken by the Greeks, and how the prisoners are exchanged .
1.
While the Greeks held the city bound in close-girt siege, Hector, in whose hands was placed the ordering of the war, made choice among his friends and other Trojans, and with his chosen men valiantly issued forth against the Greeks on the broad plains, as he had done many other times, with varying fortunes in the combat.
2.
The Greeks came forth against him and they spent all that day in savage battle. But at length the Trojans had the worst of the fighting. Wherefore all were forced to flee with hurt and pain and many perished in sorrow and in grief; and many noble kings and other great barons went thence as prisoners.
3.
Among them was the magnificent Antenor, Polydamas, his son, and Menestheus, Xanthippus, Sarpedon, Polymnestor, Polites, too, and the Trojan Ripheus, and many more whom Hector's valor could not rescue in the retreat, so that great grief and lamentation arose in Troy, a seeming prognostic of much greater woe.
4.
Priam besought a truce and it was granted him. And then debate began between them over exchanging prisoners at that time and giving gold to boot in ransom. And when Calchas heard this, with changed face and loud lament he mingled among the Greeks and by hoarse crying won their hearing for a while.
5.
" Good sirs, " began Calchas, " I was once, as ye all know, a Trojan, and I am he who, if ye all remember, first brought hope to the errand on which ye are here, and I told you that ye would attain your destined end, which is to say victory in your undertaking, and that Troy would be destroyed by you and burned.
6.
" The method and procedure to be followed ye know, for I have clearly shown you. And that your desires may all be fulfilled at the time when I foretold they would, with no trust in messenger nor in open or sealed tablets, I have come to you, as ye well may see, to give you both counsel and aid in this matter.
7.
" In my desire to do this, I had to depart with much contriving and very secretly, without securing the consent of anyone. And this I did. Once the bright day had turned dark I went forth alone and hither came quietly. And naught brought I with me but left behind all that I had.
8.
" Truly I care little or naught for that, save for a youthful daughter of mine whom I left there. Alas, hard and unfeeling father that I was, would that I had brought this lonely little girl hither in safety! But fear and haste would not have it so. This grieveth me for what I left behind; this robbeth me at once of happiness and joy.
9.
" Nor yet have I seen a fitting time when I might ask her back; therefore have I held my peace. But now the time hath come when I may have her, can I but win this boon from you. And if it may not now be had, never shall I hope to see her more and henceforth in desolation shall I let my life pass by, with no more care for life than death.
10.
" Here with you are noble Trojan barons, and many others, whom ye exchange with your foemen for your prisoners. One alone of many do ye give to me, that in return for his redemption. I may have my daughter. Good sirs, in the name of the gods, console this wretched old man, destitute and bereft of every other solace.
11.
" Let no desire to have gold for the prisoners have weight with you, for I swear to you in God's name that all the might and wealth of Troy are assuredly within your grasp, and, if I mistake not, there will soon be an end to the prowess of him who holdeth the gates closed to the desire of all of you, as will appear by his violent death. "
12.
As he said this, the aged priest with humility in speech and mien did ever streak his cheeks with tears, and his hoary beard and hard breast were all moist. Nor were his prayers without piteous effect; for when he held his peace, the Greeks all noisily shouted: " Let Antenor be given him. "
13.
Thus 'twas done and Calchas was pleased. And he enjoined the business upon the negotiators. And the latter set forth his desire to King Priam and to his sons and to the lords who were there. Whereupon, a deliberation was held upon the matter. And to the ambassadors the lords made their brief response: if they should surrender the persons asked for, theirs would be given them.
14.
Troilus was present at the Greeks' request, and hearing that they asked for Cressida, he suddenly felt his heart all transfixed within him and so sharp a pain that he thought he would die where he sat, but with difficulty he restrained the love and grief within, as was fitting.
15.
And full of anguish and cruel fear he began to await what answer should be made, turning over in his mind with no usual care what he must do, should his misfortune be so great; if he should hear opinion delivered among his brothers that Cressida be surrendered to Calchas, how he might altogether prevent it.
16.
Love made him ready as duty-bound to oppose everything but on the other side was Reason, who stood against it, and cast upon that lofty enterprise much doubt lest Cressida should perchance be angry on shame's account. And in such manner stood the timid youth between two courses, now willing this, now that, and then unwilling either.
17.
While he there stood irresolute, many things were in debate among the barons as to what must now be done in view of what had happened, and, as has been said, replies were given in full to those who awaited them and among them that surrender should be made of Cressida, who had never been kept as a prisoner there.
18.
Ev'n as the lily, after it hath been turned up in the fields by the plough, droopeth and withereth from too much sun and its bright color changeth and groweth pale, so at the message brought to the Greeks by the council concluded among the Trojans did Troilus 'neath so great load of harm and peril fall in a swoon, stricken with woe profound.
19.
Him did Priam, Hector, and his brothers take in arms, much terrified by this ill chance, and each one hasteneth to comfort him and his spent powers they sought to revive, now rubbing his wrists, now oft bathing his face, as experts in such mishap. But as yet their efforts were of slight avail.
20.
Outstretched and overcome he lay among his own, for breath of life yet faintly lingered. Pale and wan his visage was and he all livid, and seemed more dead than living, being so marked with affliction that he made everyone weep, so heavy was the lofty bolt that laid him low when he learned that Cressida would be surrendered.
21.
But after wandering far before return, his grieving spirit came quietly back. Wherefore all dazed, as one awake from slumber, he rose suddenly to his feet, and before any should ask him what it was that he had felt, feigning other business, he departed from them.
22.
And thence he betook himself toward his own palace, without hearkening or turning to anyone, and sighing and dejected as he was, desiring no company, passed thence to his chamber and declared that he wished to rest. Wherefore everyone, friend and servant alike, however dear, went forth, but closed the windows first.
23.
To that which now followeth, lovely lady, I care not overmuch if thou dost not lend thy presence, since my understanding will of itself, if weak memory deceiveth it not, find a way, without any aid of thine, to tell the story of the heavy grief on account of which it feeleth oppressed because of thy departure, for thou art the cause of such bitter woe.
24.
Till now have I happily sung the joy that Troilus felt in his love, although with sighs 'twere mingled, but now from joy 'tis fitting to turn to grief. Wherefore, if thou listenest to me not, naught care I, for perforce thy heart will change, filling thee with pity for my life, more than any other grievous.
25.
But if indeed it ever come to thy ears, I pray thee by the love that I bear thee, have some regard for my woes and by thy return bring me back the comfort which thou didst take away from me by thy departure, and if it is displeasing to thee to find me dead, return at once, for short is the life which thy departure hath left me.
26.
Now Troilus, who had remained alone in his locked and darksome chamber, mistrusting no man nor fearing lest he might be heard, began to give vent to the grief gathered in his sad breast by reason of his sudden mischance in such wise that he seemed not a man but a raging beast.
27.
Not otherwise doth the bull go leaping, now here now there, when once he hath received the mortal thrust, and bellowing in his misery maketh known the pain he hath conceived, than did Troilus, casting himself prone, and in a frenzy beating his head against the wall, and his face with his hands, his breast and aching arms with his fists.
28.
His wretched eyes through pity for his heart did weep right sore and they did seem two fountains throwing forth abundant jets of water. The deep sobs of his weeping and his vain words did ever sap his strength. Ever came forth his speech in strange outbursts, demanding naught else but death, cursing and mocking the gods and himself.
29.
When his great fury had spent itself and for long continuance his weeping had abated, Troilus, enkindled in the fire of sorrow, threw himself a little while upon his bed, not however ceasing for even so little from weeping sorely and sighing so much that head and breast scarce sufficed him for all the grief to which he gave way.
30.
Shortly after began he to say to himself in his plaint: " O grudging fortune, what have I done to thee that thou dost so oppose thyself to my every desire? Hast thou no longer aught else to busy thee save my grief? Why hast thou so quickly turned thy dark face toward me, who formerly loved thee far more than any god, as thou wotst well in thy cruelty?
31.
" If my happy and pleasing life was displeasing to thee, why didst thou not humble the stately pride of Ilium? Why didst thou not take from me my father? Why not Hector, on whose valor resteth every hope in these grievous times? Why didst thou not carry off from us Polyxena and why not Paris and Helen too?
32.
" If Cressida alone were left to me, I should care not for any other great loss nor should I complain of it. But thy shafts ever fly straight at the things whereof we have the greatest desire. The more to show the force of thy treachery, thou dost carry away from me all my comfort. Would indeed that thou hadst slain me first.
33.
" Alas, Love, sweet and pleasing lord, who knowest what lieth in my heart, how shall my sorrowful life find occupation, if I lose this happiness, this peace of mine? Alas, gentle Love, who didst once give comfort to my mind, what shall I do, true lord, if she to whom by thy will I gave myself wholly, be taken away from me?
34.
" I shall weep and ever sorrowful shall I remain where'er I be, whilst life endureth in this distressful body of mine. O soul unhappy and dismayed, why fleest thou not from the wretchedest body alive? O dejected soul, flee forth the body and follow Cressida. Why dost thou not? Why not dissolve in air?
35.
" O wretched eyes, whose comfort was all in the visage of our Cressida, what will ye do now? In bitter mourning shall ye ever abide, since your comfort will be parted from you and your worth destroyed, o'er-whelmed and vanquished by your weeping. Vainly shall ye see other virtue now that your health is reft from you.
36.
" O Cressida mine, O sweet joy of the sorrowing soul that calleth upon thee, who will give further comfort to my woes? Who will quiet the yearnings of love? If thou departest hence, alas, 'tis fitting that the weary one who loveth thee more than himself should die. And die I shall, though I deserved it not — to blame be the pitiless gods.
37.
" Would indeed that this thy departure had been so delayed that I wretched one that I am might by long habit have learned to endure it. Sad as I should have been at the thought, I will not say that I would not have opposed letting thee go with all my might, but if I should still have seen it happen, thy going, which now seemeth so bitter to me, would by long habit have become sweet in mine eyes.
38.
" O wicked, O crazed old man, what fancy or what rancor moved thee, being a Trojan, to go to the Greeks? Thou wert honored in all our kingdom, none more so, native or stranger. O wicked counsel, O breast astir with treachery, deceit, and spite, would indeed that I had thee, as I should wish, in Troy!
39.
" Would that thou hadst been dead the day thou wentest forth. Would that thou hadst been dead at the feet of the Greeks when thou didst first open thy lips to require again her who stirreth my love. O in what an ill hour for me didst thou come into the world! Thou art the cause of the grief that afflicteth me. Would that Menelaus had thrust in thine heart the lance that pierced Protesilaus.
40.
" If thou wert dead I certainly should live, for none there would be to seek Cressida. If thou wert dead, I should not be disconsolate; Cressida would not be parted from me. If thou wert dead, clearly do I see it, that which afflicteth me now would not so distress me then. Therefore thy life is the sad cause of my death and doleful fate. "
41.
Forth from his loving breast there issued, without waiting their turn, a thousand sighs, more burning than fire, mingled with tears and sorrowful words. And these laments had so o'erwhelmed him that the youth could weep no more. Whereupon he fell asleep, but slept not long before he awoke again.
42.
After rising in sighs to his feet he went to the door he had locked. This he opened and said to a servant of his: " Make haste, summon Pandarus quickly, and make him come to me. " And then full of sighs and all heavy with sleep he withdrew in sadness to the darkness of his chamber.
43.
Pandarus came. Already had he heard what demands the Greek emissaries were making and also how the lords had already directed to give back Cressida. Whereat all disturbed in his visage, pondering Troilus' sorrows, he entered the dark and quiet chamber, nor knoweth he what word, sad or happy, to utter.
44.
Troilus, as soon as he had seen him, ran to his neck, weeping so sorely that no man could tell it aright. And when sorrowing Pandarus heard his sobs, he too began to weep, so sorry did he feel for him. And in such wise, doing naught else but weeping bitterly, they stood awhile, and neither spake, even though 'twere little.
45.
But when Troilus had taken breath, first he began to Pandarus: " I am dead, my happiness hath turned to pain. O wretched me, my sweet comfort envious fortune leadeth away and together with it my solace and my pleasure. Hast thou yet heard how my Cressida hath been taken hence by the Greeks? "
46.
Pandarus, who was weeping no less bitterly, replied: " Yes, would it were not true. Ah! woe is me! for I did not believe that this time so sweet and untroubled should so soon be cut short. Nor for myself was I able to see that anything could harm your perfect bliss but its disclosure. Now I see how feeble were all our counsels.
47.
" But thou, why dost thou give thyself such anguish? Why such grief and torment? That which thou didst desire, thou hast had; thou shouldst be content with that alone. Leave both these and other woes to me, who have always loved and never had a glance from her who undoeth me and who alone could give me peace.
48.
" And beside that, this city is seen to be full of fair and gracious ladies, and if the happiness which I wish thee meriteth belief, there is not one among them — the fairest thou wilt — that will not gladly have pity upon thee, if thou wilt suffer the pangs of love for her. Therefore if we lose this lady, many others shall we find.
49.
" And as I have already often heard men say, " the new love ever driveth away the old." A new pleasure will take the present anguish away from thee, if thou doest what I tell thee. Then wish not to die for her, nor wish to be thine own enemy. Dost thou think perchance to have her back by weeping or to prevent her going away? "
50.
Troilus, hearing Pandarus, began to weep the more bitterly and then said: " I pray the gods to send me death before I commit such a sin. Although the other ladies are fair, winsome, and well-bred — and I confess to thee that they are so — never was there any like unto her whose slave I am, and I am entirely hers.
51.
" From her eyes darted the sparks that inflamed me with the fire of love. Passing by the thousands through mine eyes, they brought love with them gently into my heart, where it felt them to its pleasure. Here they first enkindled the fire the exceeding heat of which hath been the cause of every excellent thing in me.
52.
" Which even if I would, for I will not, I could never extinguish, so powerful is it, and if it were greater still, I grieve not at it, were Cressida only to remain with us, because of whose parting, and not on Love's account, the enamored soul feeleth sorrow within. Nor is there other — to none be it displeasing — who can in any way be compared to her.
53.
" How then could Love or the consolations of anyone ever turn my desire to another lady? Anguish enough have I to bear in my heart but much more, even to extremest woe, would I give lodgment to, ere I should set my heart upon any other lady. Love, the gods, and this world prevent it.
54.
" Death and the tomb will alone have power to sever my constant love. Whatever must after happen to me on their account, they shall lead my soul down with them to Hell, to the extremest torment. There together shall they lament for Cressida, whose I shall ever remain, where'er I be, if love be not forgotten in death.
55.
" So for the love of the gods, Pandarus, cease urging that any other lady come into my heart, where I hold Cressida in her modest habit, as a sure token of my pleasures, however displeasing her departure — of which there is talk among us, for as yet we do not see her transported hence — may now be to the mind which is intent upon its woe.
56.
" But thou speakest in set terms, as who should say less pain it is to lose than never to have had anything. This is sheer folly, Pandarus, if this is in thy mind. For that sorrow which harsh Fortune bringeth to him who hath once been happy, surpasseth any other. He who sayeth otherwise, departeth from the truth.
57.
" But tell me, if in my love thou hast any concern, since, as thou hast just now been telling me, to change one's love appeareth to thee so slight a matter, why hast thou not changed thy course? Why doth thy cruel love bear manifest signs of thine ill-being? Why hast thou not followed another lady who would have brought peace to thy life?
58.
" If thou, who art wont to live a love-vexed existence, hast been unable to change thy love to another, how shall I, who lived with love in happiness and joy, be able to drive it from me in the way thou sayest? Why do I see grievous calamity now suddenly threaten me? I have been taken captive in other fashion, which thy mind comprehendeth not.
59.
" Believe me, Pandarus, believe me that love when it taketh root in the mind of anyone for highest pleasure, can never be driven forth, but may well decline in process of time, if grief, or death, or poor estate, or not seeing the object beloved do not occasion it, as already hath happened to many an one.
60.
" What shall I do then, unhappy I, if I love Cressida in such manner? I have lost her because Antenor hath been exchanged for her. Alas, how much better were death or never to have been born! What shall I do? My heart despaireth. Ah, death, come to me who call thee. Come, leave me not to languish in my love.
61.
" Death, thou wilt be as sweet to me as is life to him who liveth a happy one. Already thy dreadful aspect is not fearful to me. Come, then, end my suffering. Tarry not, for this fire hath already so set each vein aflame that thy blow will be a cooling relief to me. Come now, for my heart indeed yearneth for thee.
62.
" For the love of the gods slay me, permit me not to live so long in this world that I see my heart depart from my body. Ah, do this, death, I pray thee in the name of the gods. Much more will that grieve me than dying. In this respect satisfy my desire. Thou slayest so many against their will that thou canst well do me this favor. "
63.
Thus weeping did Troilus make lament and Pandarus did likewise. Nevertheless he often, when he could, comforted him most tenderly. But such comfort was of no avail; rather did the dolorous lament and anguish continually increase, so much was he distraught by this thing.
64.
To whom Pandarus said: " If my reasoning doth not please thee, dear friend, and the coming departure of this lady is as irksome to thee as it seemeth, why dost thou not take remedy for thy life in what way thou canst and ravish her away? Paris went into Greece and brought thence Helen, the flower of all other ladies.
65.
" And wilt thou in thine own Troy town not dare to steal a lady that pleaseth thee? This shalt thou do, if thou wilt heed my advice. Drive forth thy grief, drive it forth, drive forth thine anguish and thy grievous woes, dry the sad tears from thy face, and display now thy great courage, pursuing thy course so that Cressida may be ours. "
66.
Troilus then made answer to Pandarus: " Well do I see, my friend, that thou dost bend thine every thought to take away my carking cares. What thou sayest I have thought, and devised many other plans, too, although I weep and despond utterly in the distress which is beyond every power of mind, so grievous hath been its heavy blow.
67.
" Never, however, have I been able in my fervent love to turn aside from the plan that duty hath impelled me to take. Rather have I, upon thinking the matter over, come to the conclusion that the times do not warrant such a departure, though were each of our men come back here straightway, and Antenor as well, I would care not about the breaking of our faith. Rather would I break it, let come what might.
68.
" Then too I fear to disturb her honor and good name by violently stealing her away, nor am I sure that she could consent thereto, though I know indeed that she loveth me much. On this account my heart ventureth not upon resolve, since while on the one hand it desireth this thing, on the other it feareth to give displeasure, for were it not pleasing to her, I would not wish to possess her.
69.
" I had thought even of asking as a boon of my father that he would grant her to me. But then I reflect that this would be a blaming of her and a disclosure of all that hath been done. Nor dare I hope even then that he would feel that he had any right to give her to me at the expense of a plighted troth, and because he would declare her beneath me, upon whom he desireth to bestow a lady of royal lineage.
70.
" Thus in tears do I bide aweary in amorous perplexity and know not what to do, because I feel the mighty power of Love, if indeed it is strong, is lacking in me, and on every hand hope taketh flight and the causes of my anguish increase. I would like to have died the day that I first felt the burning heat of such desire. "
71.
Then said Pandarus: " Thou wilt do as it shall please thee, but were I burning, as thou dost very clearly show thyself to be, however heavy the burden might be, had I the power that thou hast, if I were not forcibly prevented, I would do my utmost to ravish her away, whomever it might displease.
72.
" Love doth not look so subtly as it seemeth thou dost, when the enamored mind burneth, as well it should. If Love harmeth thee so fiercely, follow his will, and, like a man, do thou oppose thyself to this cruel torment and choose rather to be somewhat blamed than to die with suffering in sad plaint.
73.
" Thou hast not to ravish a lady who is far from thy desire, but she is such that she will be content with whatever thou doest, and if too great evil or blame of thee should result therefrom, thou hast the means of putting an immediate end to it — that is, to bring her back again. Fortune aideth whoever is bold and turneth her back upon the timid.
74.
" And even if this thing should displease her, in a short time thou shalt have again thy peace. Not that I believe that she would be angry thereat, so much pleaseth her the love that thou dost bear her. As to her reputation, that it should suffer diminution, is, to tell the truth, less grievous and displeasing. Let her do without it, as Helen doeth, provided she doeth thine entire will.
75.
" Then pluck up courage, be valorous; love careth not for promise nor for faith. Show thyself a little courageous now; have pity upon thyself. I shall be with thee in every perilous case, insomuch as my power alloweth. Dare to act; hereafter the gods will be constrained to aid us. "
76.
Troilus gave close heed to what Pandarus said and replied: " I am content. But if my flame were a thousand times enkindled and my anguish greater than it is, I would not, to satisfy myself, do this courteous lady ever so little harm; rather would I die. Therefore I wish to hear it first from her.
77.
" Let us now go hence and abide no longer. Wash thy face and let us return to court, and conceal our grief beneath a smiling countenance. Nothing yet have people perceived. For by staying here we make everyone who knoweth it marvel. Now act so that thou be strong in wise concealment, and I will contrive that thou shalt have speech with Cressida this evening. "
78.
Fleetest fame, who reporteth impartially the true and the false, had flown with swiftest wings all over Troy, and had with nimble words related what and of what nature was the message brought by the Greeks and that Cressida was given to the Greeks by the king in exchange for Antenor.
79.
As Cressida, who had come by now to hold her father no longer in esteem, heard this news: " Alas, my sad heart! " said she to herself. And much it grieved her, as one who had turned her desire to Troilus, whom she loved more than any other. And for fear that what she heard related might be true, she dared not ask a question.
80.
But as we see that it happeneth that one woman goeth to visit another at some new happening, if she bear her affection, thus many came to pass the day with Cressida, all full of piteous joy, and they began to tell her the whole tale in due order, how she was surrendered and upon what agreement.
81.
Said one: " Certainly it pleaseth me much that thou dost return to thy father and that thou art to be with him. " Another said: " And I am sorry to see her depart hence from us " Another said: " She will be able to lay plans for our peace and to arrange it with him who, you know by hearsay, carrieth into effect what resolution he wisheth. "
82.
This and much other womanish talk she heard almost as if she were not there, without answering, thinking it too base. And her fair face could not conceal the high gentle thoughts of love which she had, inspired in her by the news she had heard. The body was there and the soul elsewhere, seeking Troilus without knowing where.
83.
And these ladies, who thought they were giving her comfort by staying there, by overmuch talk highly displeased her, as one who felt in her mind quite another passion than the one seen by those who were present. And from time to time she would, in ladylike fashion, escort them to the door, such desire had she to avoid their company.
84.
An occasional sigh she could not check and now and again some little tear in its fall gave sign of the torment in which her soul was constrained. But these stupid ladies, who encircled her, believed that the maiden did this from sorrow, because she had to abandon them, who were her usual woman companions.
85.
And each did ever seek to comfort her only for that which grieved her not; many words they spake to console her for the departure which she was to make from them, and it was no different than scratching her in the heels for an itch in the head, for no thought took she for them, but for Troilus alone, whom she was leaving behind.
86.
But after a deal of foolish cackling, such as most women make, they took their leave and went their ways. And she, overwhelmed and stricken on the spot by bitter grief, entered her chamber, weeping softly, and without seeking remedy for her woe with any counsel, made such weeping that none was ever made like unto it.
87.
The grieving maiden had thrown herself upon her bed, weeping so bitterly that it could not be told. And ever and anon she beat her white breast, calling upon death to slay her, since by cruel fate she was constrained to leave her beloved. And plucking her blonde hair, she tore it out and a thousand times an hour she prayed for death.
88.
Often she said: " Alas, unhappy woman, wretched, woeful as I am, whither am I bound? O miserable me, who was born in an evil hour, where leave I thee, sweet my love? Would that I had been stifled at my birth or that I had never seen thee, my sweet desire, since cruel fortune now stealeth both me from thee and thee from me.
89.
" What shall I do, sorrowful life of mine, when I cannot see thee again? What shall I do separated from thee, Troilus? Certainly I believe I shall never eat nor drink again. And if of its own accord the bewildered soul parteth not from the body, as much as ever I may, shall I drive it forth with hunger, since I see that I shall always go from bad to worse?
90.
" Now shall I be a widow in very sooth, since it behooveth me to part from thee, heart of my body, and black attire shall bear true witness to my sorrows. O woe, alas, what a hard thought is that in which the parting holdeth me! Alas, how shall I be able to suffer seeing myself parted from thee, Troilus?
91.
" How shall I be able to endure without a soul? Surely it will tarry here with our love, and with thee to lament the grievous parting which it behooveth us to make in return for love so good. Alas, Troilus, wilt thou now suffer seeing me go from thee and not strive by love or by force to stay me?
92.
" Set forth I shall, nor do I know if 'twill ever be that I may see thee again, sweet my love. But thou who dost so love me, what wilt thou do? Canst thou bear such pain as this? Of a truth I shall not bear it, since too many woes will cause my heart to break. Would that it were but soon, since afterward I would be beyond this heavy sorrow.
93.
" Oh father mine, wicked and faithless to thine own land, accursed be the moment when into thy heart came evil as great as was thy wish to join the Greeks and desert the Trojans! Would God thou wert dead in the vale of Hell, wicked old man, who in thy life's declining years hast wrought such guile!
94.
" Alas, weary, sad, and disconsolate woman that I am, for I must bear the punishment of thy sin, though I did not deserve so wearisome a life for any fault of mine! O Heaven's truth, O light of pity, how sufferest thou such a judgment that one sin and the other weep, as do I, who sinned not and am undone with grief? "
95.
Who could ever narrate in every part the words of Cressida in her lament? Surely not I, for speech falleth short of the fact, so fierce and cruel was her grief. But whilst such lamentations were in progress, came Pandarus, whom doors never halted, and entered the room where she was making her piteous plaint.
96.
And he saw her in bed, enveloped in sobs, in tears, and in sighs; he saw her whole breast and face bathed in tears and her eyes longing to weep and herself disheveled, giving true sign of bitter torment. When she saw him, she hid her face between her arms for shame.
97.
" Cruel the moment was, " began Pandarus, " in which I rose, for where'er I go today, methinketh I perceive on every hand grief, torments, weeping, anguish, and other woes, sighs, pain, and bitter languishing. O Jove, what canst thou mean to do? I believe that thou dost shed tears from Heaven, so adverse are our actions to thee.
98.
" But thou, disconsolate sister of mine, what thinkest thou to do? Dost thou believe that thou canst contend with the fates? Why wreck thy fair person with weepings so cruel and unmeasured? Rise up and turn and speak, lift up thy face and dry somewhat thy downcast eyes, and hear what I, sent thee by thy sweet friend, do tell thee. "
99.
Then Cressida turned, making such weeping as no words could tell of, and upon Pandarus she gazed, saying: " O woe is me, what doth my soul desire? Him must I abandon in tears, for such is cruel fate's will. Wisheth he sighs or tears, or what doth he demand? I have enough, if for these he sendeth. "
100.
Such was she to look at in her face as is one borne to the grave; and her face, shaped in paradise, was seen to be quite transformed; its beauty and its pleasing smile had taken flight and abandoned it; and round about her eyes a purple circle bore true witness of her suffering.
101.
When Pandarus, who had wept all the day long with Troilus, saw this, he could not restrain painful tears, but likewise began sorrowfully to weep with her, forgetting what he wished to say. But when they had somewhat indulged their grief together, Pandarus first moderated his weeping,
102.
And said: " Lady, I believe thou hast heard — but certain am I not — how thou art demanded of thy father, and already hath it been resolved by the king to yield thee up, so that thou must go hence within this week, if I have heard aright. And it could not be told to the full how grievous is this thing to Troilus, who desireth wholly to die in grief thereat.
103.
" And he and I have wept so much today that I marvel whence it hath come. Now by my counsel hath he finally restrained himself somewhat from weeping and it seemeth that he desireth to be with thee. Wherefore, before thou departest, I have come to tell it to thee, as he desired, in order that ye may vent your sorrow somewhat together. "
104.
" Great is my grief, " said Cressida, " as of her who loveth him more than herself; but his for me is by far greater, when I hear that he yearneth for death on account of me. Now will my heart rend, if ever a heart should rend for bitter grief. Now doth hostile fortune glut itself upon my woes; now do I know its hidden deceits.
105.
" Grievous is the departure to me, God knoweth, but more grievous to me is the sight of Troilus in affliction and so insupportably, by my faith, that I shall die thereof without respite. And die I shall without hope of succor, since I see my Troilus so affected. Tell him to come when he desireth; this will be to me greatest comfort in my anguish. "
106.
And when she had said this she fell back at full length. Then resting on her arms she began again to weep. And to her Pandarus said: " Alas, poor woman, what wilt thou do now? Wilt thou not take a little comfort, when thou dost consider that the hour is already so near when he whom thou lovest so greatly will be in thine arms? Rise up, compose thyself, that he may not find thee in such disarray.
107.
" If he knew that thou wert acting thus, he would slay himself nor could anyone restrain him. And if I believed that thou wouldst remain as thou art, believe me, he would not set foot here, if I could prevent it, for I know that harm would come to him as a result. Therefore rise up, compose thyself, so that thou mayest relieve and not augment his woe. "
108.
" Go, " said Cressida, " I promise thee, my Pandarus, I shall make this effort. As soon as thou hast gone I shall rise from my bed with no delay and my woes and my lost delight shall I keep tightly locked in my heart. Make him come then and come in the usual way, for he shall find the door ajar, as it is wont to be. "
109.
Pandarus found Troilus disheartened and so utterly despondent in his visage that for pity he became sorrowful on his account. And then he said to him: " Hast thou now, valorous youth, become such a coward as thou seemest? Thy love hath not yet departed from thee. Why art thou still so discomforted that thine eyes seem already dead in thy head?
110.
" Thou hast lived a space of time without her; doth not thy heart give thee power to live still longer? Wert thou born into the world for her alone? Show thyself a man, and take courage somewhat, drive forth these sorrows and these troubles, at least in part. In no place did I tarry since, save here with thee, and I had speech with her and was with her a long time.
111.
" And as it seemeth to me, thou feelest not half the sorrow that thy lady doth. So hot are her sighs and so doth this departure grieve her that they surpass thine twenty to one. Give thyself a little peace, then, for at least thou canst know in this bitter case how dear thou art to her.
112.
" I have just arranged with her that thou shalt go to her, and thou shalt be with her this very night and what thou hast already contrived thou shalt set forth to her in the best way thou canst. Right soon shalt thou see what will be entirely to her pleasure. Perhaps ye shall find means which shall be of great solace to your woes. "
113.
To whom Troilus responded with a sigh: " Thou sayest well and it is my will to do so. " And many other things he said. But when it seemed time to go, Pandarus left him meditating thereon, and went away. And it seemeth to him a thousand years before he be in the arms of his dear love, whom fortune after did wickedly ravish away from him.
114.
When the hour and moment arrived, Cressida came forth, as was her wont, with a lighted torch to meet him, and received him in her arms, and he, oppressed with heavy sorrow, her in his. And both falling silent were unable to conceal the wounds in their hearts, but in close and silent embrace fell to shedding great floods of tears.
115.
And both clasped one another tightly, bathed both in tears, and though they would, they could not speak, so did the agonizing tears and sobs and sighs prevent. And nevertheless they ever and again exchanged kisses and drank the falling tears, without care that they were bitter beyond their nature.
116.
But when their spirits, exhausted by the anguish of tears and sighs, were restored by the abating of their bitter pains, Cressida raised to Troilus her eyes sad with cruel yearnings and said in broken accents: " O lord of mine, who taketh me from thee and where am I to go? "
117.
Then she fell in a swoon with her face upon his breast and her strength departed from her, with so sore grief was her heart wrung. And her spirit sought this way and that to make its escape, Troilus the while gazing upon her face and calling her name, though it seemed to him that he was not heard. And the veiling of her eyes as she fell gave him the impression that she was dead.
118.
Which when Troilus saw, distressed by a double grief, he laid her down, ever and anon kissing the tear-stained face, seeking whether he might perceive in her any sign of life. In his grief he lightly touched every part, and in his opinion, he said weeping, she had passed from so wretched life.
119.
Cold she was and quite without feeling, as far as Troilus might know. And this appeared to him a certain proof that she had ended her days. Wherefore after prolonged weeping, and before he proceeded to any other act, he dried her face and composed her body, as we are wont to do with the dead.
120.
This done with a firm will he drew his sword from its scabbard, entirely disposed to welcome death in order that his spirit might follow that of his lady in so sad a fate and dwell with her in hell, since cruel fortune and implacable love were driving him out of this life.
121.
But first he said, burning with noble wrath: " O cruel Jove, and thou, harsh fortune, lo I come to do your will. Ye have bereft me of my Cressida, whom I thought ye were destined to steal away from me with trickery of another sort. Wherever she may be now, I know not, but here I see her body most unjustly done to death by you.
122.
" And I shall leave the world and follow her in spirit, since it pleaseth you. Perchance from the world beyond I shall have better fortune with her, when I shall have a truce to my sighs, if there one loveth, as I have heard say one doth. Since ye will not permit me to live, do ye at least place my soul with her.
123.
" And thou, O city, which I leave at war, and thou, Priam, and ye, dear brethren, farewell, for I am going away beneath the ground, seeking the fair eyes of Cressida. And thou for whom sorrow doth so grip me and who dost send the soul from the body, do thou receive me; " Cressida he meant, with his sword already at his breast to suffer death,
124.
When she, recovering her senses, heaved a long, deep sigh, calling upon Troilus. To her he said: " O my sweet desire, dost thou still live? " And weeping he caught her up in his arms and alleviating her distress, as well as he might, with words, he comforted her. And her bewildered soul returned to her body, whence it had taken flight.
125.
All beside herself she stood awhile and spake no word. Then when she saw the sword, she began: " Why was that drawn forth from the sheath? " To her the weeping Troilus related what his life had been. Whereat she said: " What is this I hear? So, had I delayed a little longer, thou wouldst have slain thyself in this spot.
126.
" Alas, how grievous to me is all that thou hast told me! Never should I have remained alive after thee but I too should have plunged it through my sad breast. Now must we highly praise the gods. Now let us to bed and there shall we hold converse of our woes. If I consider the waning torch, a great part of the night hath already gone. "
127.
As the close embracings had been once, so now they were, but these were more bitter with tears than the former had been joyous. Once again commenced without delay the bittersweet discourse between them. Cressida began: " Sweet my friend, give careful heed to what I say.
128.
" After I heard the sad news of my wicked father's treachery, an the gods may preserve thy fair face for me, no woman e'er felt as great distress as I felt then, since I care not for gold, city, or palace, but only to dwell always with thee in joy and pleasure and thou with me.
129.
" And I wished entirely to abandon myself to despair in the belief that I should ne'er see thee again. But since thou hast seen my soul wander and return again, I feel pass through my mind certain thoughts, useful peradventure, which I desire to be clear to thee before we yield to further grief, for perchance we may yet hope for good.
130.
" Thou seest that my father demandeth my return. Yet I would not obey him in going hence, were I not constrained by the king, whose faith must be observed, as thou shouldst know. Wherefore I must go with Diomede, who hath been the negotiator of this cruel treaty, whenever he returneth. Would to the gods that he never return in the cruel time.
131.
" Thou knowest that every kinsman of mine, barring my father, is here, and that everything of mine still remaineth here. And if I remember rightly, there is ever talk between you and the Greeks of an end to this perilous war. If his wife surrender herself to Menelaus, I believe that you will have it, and I know that you are already near to it.
132.
" Hither will I return if ye make peace, since I have not other where to go. And if perchance ye make it not, there will be opportunity to come here in times of truce, and such passages thou knowest it is not customary to forbid the women, and my kinsmen will gladly see and invite me here.
133.
" Then shall we be able to have some solace, even though the waiting may be a sore vexation. But he who wisheth that joy come after with greater pleasure, must prepare to bear hardship. I see indeed that here in Troy we must sometimes pass many a day in grievous pain without seeing each other.
134.
" And besides this, peace or no peace, there springeth up in me a greater hope of returning here. My father hath now desire of this and perhaps he imagineth that because of his evildoing I cannot abide here without fear of violence or of blame to be gained here. When he knoweth that I am honored here, he will no more care for my coming back.
135.
" And for what purpose should he keep me among the Greeks, who, as thou seest, are ever in arms? And if he keepeth me not there, where else he could send me I see not. And even if he could, I believe he would not, since he would have no desire to entrust me to the Greeks. Here then is it fitting to send me back, nor do I clearly see anyone opposed to it.
136.
" He is, as thou knowest, old and avaricious and here he hath that which, if he prizeth it, may make him pay heed to what I shall tell him, to have me brought back here as best he may, for I shall show him how I may find a remedy for aught that might happen against expectation, and he through avarice will take delight in my return. "
137.
Troilus listened to the lady with attention and her speech produced an effect upon his mind. And it seemed to him reasonable to suppose that what she said so positively ought to be true. But because he loved much, only with hesitation did he give credence to it. Yet in the end, as one who is anxious for a thing, he brought himself to believe it, seeking reasons within himself for so doing.
138.
Whereat a part of this heavy grief departed from them and hope returned. And then becoming of a less bitter mind, they began again the amorous sport. And just as in the new season the bird taketh delight in his song from leaf to leaf, so did they, speaking the while to each other of many things.
139.
But since the thought could not pass from the heart of Troilus that this departure would have to be, he began to speak after this wise: " O Cressida mine, much loved beyond any other goddess and more to be honored by me, who just now would have slain myself when I thought thee dead, what manner of life thinkest thou mine will be if thou returnest not quickly?
140.
" Live as certain as thou art of death, that shouldst thou defer thy return here one moment too long, I would kill myself, nor do I clearly perceive yet how I shall get along without grievous and bitter sighing, when I feel thou art elsewhere. And a new apprehension ariseth in me lest Calchas may keep thee and that which thou sayest may not come to pass.
141.
" I know not whether peace shall ever be made between us. Peace or no peace, hardly do I believe that Calchas will ever desire to return here, for he would not believe that he could stay here without incurring the ignominy of his guilt, which was very great, if we do not wish to deceive ourselves in the matter. And if with so much insistence he demandeth thy return, hardly do I credit his sending thee back.
142.
" He will give thee a husband among the Greeks and he will show thee that in being besieged there lieth danger of coming to evil pass. He will flatter thee and cause thee to be honored among the Greeks. And he is much revered there, as I understand, and his virtue highly esteemed. Wherefore not without disquiet do I fear that thou wilt never return to Troy.
143.
" And this thought is so grievous to me, fair soul, that I could not tell thee how much. Thou alone holdest in thy hands the key of my life and death, and the former so entirely that thou canst make it wretched or sweet as it pleaseth thee, O bright star by which I lay my course to the grateful port. If thou dost abandon me, bear in mind that I am dead.
144.
" So then in the name of the gods let us contrive a means and excuse for thy not going, if it can be done. Let us betake ourselves to some other region. Let us care not if the king's promises be unfulfilled, provided we may escape injury from him. There are, remote from here, peoples who will receive us gladly and who will besides ever hold us for lords.
145.
" Wherefore let us make our flight hence secretly, and let us go there together, you and I, and what time we have left to live in the world, heart of my body, let us live it together in delight. This I would wish and this is my desire, if it should accord with thine. This is the safer plan and every other course of action seemeth to me difficult. "
146.
Cressida made answer to him with a sigh: " Dear joy of mine, my heart's delight, all this and even more might be just as thou hast said. But I swear to thee, by those shafts of Love that on thy account have entered into my heart, commands, flatteries, O husband, will never turn my desire from thee.
147.
" But what thou didst say of our going away is not in my opinion wise counsel. Thou shouldst take thought and care in these grievous times of thee and thine. For should we make our departure, as thou hast said, thou mightest see three dire results ensue therefrom. One would come for the broken faith, which causeth more evil than others believe.
148.
" And that would be dangerous to thy kinsfolk. For if for a woman thou shouldst have left them bereft of aid and counsel, they would by their plight arouse in others fear of stratagems, and if I see clearly in my mind, you would be much blamed for it, nor would the truth ever be believed by any who had seen only this part of it.
149.
" And if any time demandeth faith and loyalty, it seemeth to be the time of war. For no one hath such power that he may long stand by himself alone; many join forces in the hope that what they risk for others will be risked for themselves. For if they put their trust in property and person, ruin followeth upon their hopes.
150.
" On the other hand what thinkest thou might be said among the people of thy going? They would not say that Love with his hot darts had led thee to such a decision but rather fear and baseness. Therefore hold thyself aloof from such thoughts, should they ever enter thy heart, if thy repute for valor, which echoeth so loudly, is at all dear to thee.
151.
" Then consider with how much infamy mine honor and chastity, held in the highest esteem, would be stained, nay ruined quite and lost to me, nor would they ever be redeemed by excuse or virtue that I could bring to bear, whatsoever I should do, were I to remain in life a hundred thousand years.
152.
" And besides this, I desire thee to take thought to what happeneth in the case of almost everything. There is nothing so base that doth not, if it be guarded well, make itself ardently desired, and the more thou dost yearn to possess it, the sooner doth loathing spring in thy heart, if full power be granted thee to see it, and even more, to keep it.
153.
" Our love which pleaseth thee so much, pleaseth thee because thou must act secretly and seldom come to this place. But if thou wilt have me freely, soon will be extinguished the glowing torch which now enkindleth thee — and me likewise. For if, as now, we wish our love to last, it must ever lie concealed.
154.
" Therefore take comfort and by turning thy back upon Fortune, conquer her and tire her out. No person in whom she might find a courageous soul would ever fall subject to her. Let us follow her course. In the meantime feign for thyself some journey and while upon it bate thy sighs, for on the tenth day shall I without fail make my return hither. "
155.
" If, " said Troilus then, " you are here on the tenth day, I am content. But in the meantime from whom shall my grievous woes have any solace? Since I cannot now, as thou knowest, pass one hour without great torment, if I see thee not, how then shall I contrive to pass ten days until thou returnest?
156.
" In God's name find some means to stay. Go not, if thou dost see any means. I know thee to be quick of wit, if I understand aright what I hear concerning thee. If thou lovest me thou mayest well perceive that I am all consumed with but one thought, that thou goest away, and if thou goest, thou mayest well believe what manner of life will then be mine. "
157.
" Alas, " said Cressida, " thou slayest me and beyond all belief of thine thou givest me excessive sadness I see that thou dost not believe in my promise as much as I thought. Ah, dear my sweet, why art thou of so little faith? Why dost thou rob thyself of all self-mastery? Who would believe that a man strong in arms might not endure the ten days' wait?
158.
" I think it by far the better part of wisdom to adopt the plan of which I told thee. Be content with it, sweet my lord, and hold it for certain within thy breast that my soul in my body weepeth at the thought of going far away from the sweet sight of thee, perhaps more than thou dost believe or think. I feel it strongly through all my senses.
159.
" To bide time, my soul, is often useful in order to gain time. I am not reft from thee, as thou seekest to prove, because I am given back to my father. Nor think thou in thy heart that I am so stupid that I cannot find means and ways to return to thee, whom I desire more than my life — I love thee far too much.
160.
" Wherefore I pray thee, if my prayer availeth, both for the great love thou hast for me and for the love that I bear thee, that thou console thyself for this my departure. If only thou couldst know how much it paineth me to see thy laments and to hear the deep-fetched sighs thou utterest, thou wouldst feel regret for them and it would grieve thee to give vent to so many tears.
161.
" For thee in joy and love I hope to live and quickly to return and find a means to thy delight and mine. See to it that I may behold thee so set at rest before my departure from thee that I may have no more pain than that which too ardent love hath planted in my mind. Do this I pray thee, sweet balm of my heart.
162.
" And I pray thee, while I am afar, let thyself not be caught by the pleasure thou takest in any woman or by any strange fancy. For if I should know of it, thou must be sure that I would slay myself like a mad woman, grieving for thee beyond all duty. Wouldst thou leave me for another, thou who knowest that I love thee more than woman ever loved man? "
163.
To this last part Troilus answered sighing: " Had I the wish to do that which thou dost now touch on with some suspicion, I cannot see how I ever should have the power to do it. So by loving hath love for thee caught me in its grip, I cannot see how I could still live on. This love I bear thee and its reason shall I explain to thee and in few brief words.
164.
" Beauty, which is often wont to take others in its net, drew me not to love thee, nor did gentle birth, which is ever like to catch the desire of the noble, draw me to love thee, nor yet did ornaments nor riches, in all of which thou art more abundant than was ever amorous lady, make me feel love for thee in my heart;
165.
" But thy noble and princely manners, thy excellence and thy courtly speech, thy ways more high-bred than those of any other lady, and thy graceful ladylike disdain, whereby every low-born desire and action seemeth base to thee — such art thou to me, O sovereign lady mine — have enthroned thee in my mind with love.
166.
" And these things neither years nor fickle fortune can snatch away. Wherefore with much anguish and the greatest anxiety I place my hope ever in the desire of having thee always. Woe's me, alas! What solace shall there be for all my sorrows, if thou goest hence, sweet my love? None surely, if not death forever. This will be the only end of my woes. "
167.
After they had long conversed and wept together, since dawn was drawing near, they left off and embraced one another closely. But when the cocks had long been crowing, after quite a thousand kisses, each arose, the one commending himself to the other, and thus they departed tearfully.
ARGUMENT
Here beginneth the fourth part of the Filostrato, in which, in the first place, is shown how it happened that Cressida was sent back to her father Calchas. The Greeks requested an exchange of prisoners. Antenor is surrendered. Cressida is asked for and it is decided to give her up. Troilus at first grieveth inwardly, and then he and Pandarus discuss many things for the comfort of Troilus. The rumor of her coming departure reacheth Cressida. Ladies attend her and after their departure Cressida weepeth. Pandarus arrangeth with her that Troilus shall go to her that evening. He goeth to her and Cressida there fainteth. Troilus wisheth to kill himself. She recovereth. They go to bed weeping, and speak of various matters, and Cressida tenderly promiseth to come back within the tenth day. And first of all how the Trojans fight, where many are taken by the Greeks, and how the prisoners are exchanged .
1.
While the Greeks held the city bound in close-girt siege, Hector, in whose hands was placed the ordering of the war, made choice among his friends and other Trojans, and with his chosen men valiantly issued forth against the Greeks on the broad plains, as he had done many other times, with varying fortunes in the combat.
2.
The Greeks came forth against him and they spent all that day in savage battle. But at length the Trojans had the worst of the fighting. Wherefore all were forced to flee with hurt and pain and many perished in sorrow and in grief; and many noble kings and other great barons went thence as prisoners.
3.
Among them was the magnificent Antenor, Polydamas, his son, and Menestheus, Xanthippus, Sarpedon, Polymnestor, Polites, too, and the Trojan Ripheus, and many more whom Hector's valor could not rescue in the retreat, so that great grief and lamentation arose in Troy, a seeming prognostic of much greater woe.
4.
Priam besought a truce and it was granted him. And then debate began between them over exchanging prisoners at that time and giving gold to boot in ransom. And when Calchas heard this, with changed face and loud lament he mingled among the Greeks and by hoarse crying won their hearing for a while.
5.
" Good sirs, " began Calchas, " I was once, as ye all know, a Trojan, and I am he who, if ye all remember, first brought hope to the errand on which ye are here, and I told you that ye would attain your destined end, which is to say victory in your undertaking, and that Troy would be destroyed by you and burned.
6.
" The method and procedure to be followed ye know, for I have clearly shown you. And that your desires may all be fulfilled at the time when I foretold they would, with no trust in messenger nor in open or sealed tablets, I have come to you, as ye well may see, to give you both counsel and aid in this matter.
7.
" In my desire to do this, I had to depart with much contriving and very secretly, without securing the consent of anyone. And this I did. Once the bright day had turned dark I went forth alone and hither came quietly. And naught brought I with me but left behind all that I had.
8.
" Truly I care little or naught for that, save for a youthful daughter of mine whom I left there. Alas, hard and unfeeling father that I was, would that I had brought this lonely little girl hither in safety! But fear and haste would not have it so. This grieveth me for what I left behind; this robbeth me at once of happiness and joy.
9.
" Nor yet have I seen a fitting time when I might ask her back; therefore have I held my peace. But now the time hath come when I may have her, can I but win this boon from you. And if it may not now be had, never shall I hope to see her more and henceforth in desolation shall I let my life pass by, with no more care for life than death.
10.
" Here with you are noble Trojan barons, and many others, whom ye exchange with your foemen for your prisoners. One alone of many do ye give to me, that in return for his redemption. I may have my daughter. Good sirs, in the name of the gods, console this wretched old man, destitute and bereft of every other solace.
11.
" Let no desire to have gold for the prisoners have weight with you, for I swear to you in God's name that all the might and wealth of Troy are assuredly within your grasp, and, if I mistake not, there will soon be an end to the prowess of him who holdeth the gates closed to the desire of all of you, as will appear by his violent death. "
12.
As he said this, the aged priest with humility in speech and mien did ever streak his cheeks with tears, and his hoary beard and hard breast were all moist. Nor were his prayers without piteous effect; for when he held his peace, the Greeks all noisily shouted: " Let Antenor be given him. "
13.
Thus 'twas done and Calchas was pleased. And he enjoined the business upon the negotiators. And the latter set forth his desire to King Priam and to his sons and to the lords who were there. Whereupon, a deliberation was held upon the matter. And to the ambassadors the lords made their brief response: if they should surrender the persons asked for, theirs would be given them.
14.
Troilus was present at the Greeks' request, and hearing that they asked for Cressida, he suddenly felt his heart all transfixed within him and so sharp a pain that he thought he would die where he sat, but with difficulty he restrained the love and grief within, as was fitting.
15.
And full of anguish and cruel fear he began to await what answer should be made, turning over in his mind with no usual care what he must do, should his misfortune be so great; if he should hear opinion delivered among his brothers that Cressida be surrendered to Calchas, how he might altogether prevent it.
16.
Love made him ready as duty-bound to oppose everything but on the other side was Reason, who stood against it, and cast upon that lofty enterprise much doubt lest Cressida should perchance be angry on shame's account. And in such manner stood the timid youth between two courses, now willing this, now that, and then unwilling either.
17.
While he there stood irresolute, many things were in debate among the barons as to what must now be done in view of what had happened, and, as has been said, replies were given in full to those who awaited them and among them that surrender should be made of Cressida, who had never been kept as a prisoner there.
18.
Ev'n as the lily, after it hath been turned up in the fields by the plough, droopeth and withereth from too much sun and its bright color changeth and groweth pale, so at the message brought to the Greeks by the council concluded among the Trojans did Troilus 'neath so great load of harm and peril fall in a swoon, stricken with woe profound.
19.
Him did Priam, Hector, and his brothers take in arms, much terrified by this ill chance, and each one hasteneth to comfort him and his spent powers they sought to revive, now rubbing his wrists, now oft bathing his face, as experts in such mishap. But as yet their efforts were of slight avail.
20.
Outstretched and overcome he lay among his own, for breath of life yet faintly lingered. Pale and wan his visage was and he all livid, and seemed more dead than living, being so marked with affliction that he made everyone weep, so heavy was the lofty bolt that laid him low when he learned that Cressida would be surrendered.
21.
But after wandering far before return, his grieving spirit came quietly back. Wherefore all dazed, as one awake from slumber, he rose suddenly to his feet, and before any should ask him what it was that he had felt, feigning other business, he departed from them.
22.
And thence he betook himself toward his own palace, without hearkening or turning to anyone, and sighing and dejected as he was, desiring no company, passed thence to his chamber and declared that he wished to rest. Wherefore everyone, friend and servant alike, however dear, went forth, but closed the windows first.
23.
To that which now followeth, lovely lady, I care not overmuch if thou dost not lend thy presence, since my understanding will of itself, if weak memory deceiveth it not, find a way, without any aid of thine, to tell the story of the heavy grief on account of which it feeleth oppressed because of thy departure, for thou art the cause of such bitter woe.
24.
Till now have I happily sung the joy that Troilus felt in his love, although with sighs 'twere mingled, but now from joy 'tis fitting to turn to grief. Wherefore, if thou listenest to me not, naught care I, for perforce thy heart will change, filling thee with pity for my life, more than any other grievous.
25.
But if indeed it ever come to thy ears, I pray thee by the love that I bear thee, have some regard for my woes and by thy return bring me back the comfort which thou didst take away from me by thy departure, and if it is displeasing to thee to find me dead, return at once, for short is the life which thy departure hath left me.
26.
Now Troilus, who had remained alone in his locked and darksome chamber, mistrusting no man nor fearing lest he might be heard, began to give vent to the grief gathered in his sad breast by reason of his sudden mischance in such wise that he seemed not a man but a raging beast.
27.
Not otherwise doth the bull go leaping, now here now there, when once he hath received the mortal thrust, and bellowing in his misery maketh known the pain he hath conceived, than did Troilus, casting himself prone, and in a frenzy beating his head against the wall, and his face with his hands, his breast and aching arms with his fists.
28.
His wretched eyes through pity for his heart did weep right sore and they did seem two fountains throwing forth abundant jets of water. The deep sobs of his weeping and his vain words did ever sap his strength. Ever came forth his speech in strange outbursts, demanding naught else but death, cursing and mocking the gods and himself.
29.
When his great fury had spent itself and for long continuance his weeping had abated, Troilus, enkindled in the fire of sorrow, threw himself a little while upon his bed, not however ceasing for even so little from weeping sorely and sighing so much that head and breast scarce sufficed him for all the grief to which he gave way.
30.
Shortly after began he to say to himself in his plaint: " O grudging fortune, what have I done to thee that thou dost so oppose thyself to my every desire? Hast thou no longer aught else to busy thee save my grief? Why hast thou so quickly turned thy dark face toward me, who formerly loved thee far more than any god, as thou wotst well in thy cruelty?
31.
" If my happy and pleasing life was displeasing to thee, why didst thou not humble the stately pride of Ilium? Why didst thou not take from me my father? Why not Hector, on whose valor resteth every hope in these grievous times? Why didst thou not carry off from us Polyxena and why not Paris and Helen too?
32.
" If Cressida alone were left to me, I should care not for any other great loss nor should I complain of it. But thy shafts ever fly straight at the things whereof we have the greatest desire. The more to show the force of thy treachery, thou dost carry away from me all my comfort. Would indeed that thou hadst slain me first.
33.
" Alas, Love, sweet and pleasing lord, who knowest what lieth in my heart, how shall my sorrowful life find occupation, if I lose this happiness, this peace of mine? Alas, gentle Love, who didst once give comfort to my mind, what shall I do, true lord, if she to whom by thy will I gave myself wholly, be taken away from me?
34.
" I shall weep and ever sorrowful shall I remain where'er I be, whilst life endureth in this distressful body of mine. O soul unhappy and dismayed, why fleest thou not from the wretchedest body alive? O dejected soul, flee forth the body and follow Cressida. Why dost thou not? Why not dissolve in air?
35.
" O wretched eyes, whose comfort was all in the visage of our Cressida, what will ye do now? In bitter mourning shall ye ever abide, since your comfort will be parted from you and your worth destroyed, o'er-whelmed and vanquished by your weeping. Vainly shall ye see other virtue now that your health is reft from you.
36.
" O Cressida mine, O sweet joy of the sorrowing soul that calleth upon thee, who will give further comfort to my woes? Who will quiet the yearnings of love? If thou departest hence, alas, 'tis fitting that the weary one who loveth thee more than himself should die. And die I shall, though I deserved it not — to blame be the pitiless gods.
37.
" Would indeed that this thy departure had been so delayed that I wretched one that I am might by long habit have learned to endure it. Sad as I should have been at the thought, I will not say that I would not have opposed letting thee go with all my might, but if I should still have seen it happen, thy going, which now seemeth so bitter to me, would by long habit have become sweet in mine eyes.
38.
" O wicked, O crazed old man, what fancy or what rancor moved thee, being a Trojan, to go to the Greeks? Thou wert honored in all our kingdom, none more so, native or stranger. O wicked counsel, O breast astir with treachery, deceit, and spite, would indeed that I had thee, as I should wish, in Troy!
39.
" Would that thou hadst been dead the day thou wentest forth. Would that thou hadst been dead at the feet of the Greeks when thou didst first open thy lips to require again her who stirreth my love. O in what an ill hour for me didst thou come into the world! Thou art the cause of the grief that afflicteth me. Would that Menelaus had thrust in thine heart the lance that pierced Protesilaus.
40.
" If thou wert dead I certainly should live, for none there would be to seek Cressida. If thou wert dead, I should not be disconsolate; Cressida would not be parted from me. If thou wert dead, clearly do I see it, that which afflicteth me now would not so distress me then. Therefore thy life is the sad cause of my death and doleful fate. "
41.
Forth from his loving breast there issued, without waiting their turn, a thousand sighs, more burning than fire, mingled with tears and sorrowful words. And these laments had so o'erwhelmed him that the youth could weep no more. Whereupon he fell asleep, but slept not long before he awoke again.
42.
After rising in sighs to his feet he went to the door he had locked. This he opened and said to a servant of his: " Make haste, summon Pandarus quickly, and make him come to me. " And then full of sighs and all heavy with sleep he withdrew in sadness to the darkness of his chamber.
43.
Pandarus came. Already had he heard what demands the Greek emissaries were making and also how the lords had already directed to give back Cressida. Whereat all disturbed in his visage, pondering Troilus' sorrows, he entered the dark and quiet chamber, nor knoweth he what word, sad or happy, to utter.
44.
Troilus, as soon as he had seen him, ran to his neck, weeping so sorely that no man could tell it aright. And when sorrowing Pandarus heard his sobs, he too began to weep, so sorry did he feel for him. And in such wise, doing naught else but weeping bitterly, they stood awhile, and neither spake, even though 'twere little.
45.
But when Troilus had taken breath, first he began to Pandarus: " I am dead, my happiness hath turned to pain. O wretched me, my sweet comfort envious fortune leadeth away and together with it my solace and my pleasure. Hast thou yet heard how my Cressida hath been taken hence by the Greeks? "
46.
Pandarus, who was weeping no less bitterly, replied: " Yes, would it were not true. Ah! woe is me! for I did not believe that this time so sweet and untroubled should so soon be cut short. Nor for myself was I able to see that anything could harm your perfect bliss but its disclosure. Now I see how feeble were all our counsels.
47.
" But thou, why dost thou give thyself such anguish? Why such grief and torment? That which thou didst desire, thou hast had; thou shouldst be content with that alone. Leave both these and other woes to me, who have always loved and never had a glance from her who undoeth me and who alone could give me peace.
48.
" And beside that, this city is seen to be full of fair and gracious ladies, and if the happiness which I wish thee meriteth belief, there is not one among them — the fairest thou wilt — that will not gladly have pity upon thee, if thou wilt suffer the pangs of love for her. Therefore if we lose this lady, many others shall we find.
49.
" And as I have already often heard men say, " the new love ever driveth away the old." A new pleasure will take the present anguish away from thee, if thou doest what I tell thee. Then wish not to die for her, nor wish to be thine own enemy. Dost thou think perchance to have her back by weeping or to prevent her going away? "
50.
Troilus, hearing Pandarus, began to weep the more bitterly and then said: " I pray the gods to send me death before I commit such a sin. Although the other ladies are fair, winsome, and well-bred — and I confess to thee that they are so — never was there any like unto her whose slave I am, and I am entirely hers.
51.
" From her eyes darted the sparks that inflamed me with the fire of love. Passing by the thousands through mine eyes, they brought love with them gently into my heart, where it felt them to its pleasure. Here they first enkindled the fire the exceeding heat of which hath been the cause of every excellent thing in me.
52.
" Which even if I would, for I will not, I could never extinguish, so powerful is it, and if it were greater still, I grieve not at it, were Cressida only to remain with us, because of whose parting, and not on Love's account, the enamored soul feeleth sorrow within. Nor is there other — to none be it displeasing — who can in any way be compared to her.
53.
" How then could Love or the consolations of anyone ever turn my desire to another lady? Anguish enough have I to bear in my heart but much more, even to extremest woe, would I give lodgment to, ere I should set my heart upon any other lady. Love, the gods, and this world prevent it.
54.
" Death and the tomb will alone have power to sever my constant love. Whatever must after happen to me on their account, they shall lead my soul down with them to Hell, to the extremest torment. There together shall they lament for Cressida, whose I shall ever remain, where'er I be, if love be not forgotten in death.
55.
" So for the love of the gods, Pandarus, cease urging that any other lady come into my heart, where I hold Cressida in her modest habit, as a sure token of my pleasures, however displeasing her departure — of which there is talk among us, for as yet we do not see her transported hence — may now be to the mind which is intent upon its woe.
56.
" But thou speakest in set terms, as who should say less pain it is to lose than never to have had anything. This is sheer folly, Pandarus, if this is in thy mind. For that sorrow which harsh Fortune bringeth to him who hath once been happy, surpasseth any other. He who sayeth otherwise, departeth from the truth.
57.
" But tell me, if in my love thou hast any concern, since, as thou hast just now been telling me, to change one's love appeareth to thee so slight a matter, why hast thou not changed thy course? Why doth thy cruel love bear manifest signs of thine ill-being? Why hast thou not followed another lady who would have brought peace to thy life?
58.
" If thou, who art wont to live a love-vexed existence, hast been unable to change thy love to another, how shall I, who lived with love in happiness and joy, be able to drive it from me in the way thou sayest? Why do I see grievous calamity now suddenly threaten me? I have been taken captive in other fashion, which thy mind comprehendeth not.
59.
" Believe me, Pandarus, believe me that love when it taketh root in the mind of anyone for highest pleasure, can never be driven forth, but may well decline in process of time, if grief, or death, or poor estate, or not seeing the object beloved do not occasion it, as already hath happened to many an one.
60.
" What shall I do then, unhappy I, if I love Cressida in such manner? I have lost her because Antenor hath been exchanged for her. Alas, how much better were death or never to have been born! What shall I do? My heart despaireth. Ah, death, come to me who call thee. Come, leave me not to languish in my love.
61.
" Death, thou wilt be as sweet to me as is life to him who liveth a happy one. Already thy dreadful aspect is not fearful to me. Come, then, end my suffering. Tarry not, for this fire hath already so set each vein aflame that thy blow will be a cooling relief to me. Come now, for my heart indeed yearneth for thee.
62.
" For the love of the gods slay me, permit me not to live so long in this world that I see my heart depart from my body. Ah, do this, death, I pray thee in the name of the gods. Much more will that grieve me than dying. In this respect satisfy my desire. Thou slayest so many against their will that thou canst well do me this favor. "
63.
Thus weeping did Troilus make lament and Pandarus did likewise. Nevertheless he often, when he could, comforted him most tenderly. But such comfort was of no avail; rather did the dolorous lament and anguish continually increase, so much was he distraught by this thing.
64.
To whom Pandarus said: " If my reasoning doth not please thee, dear friend, and the coming departure of this lady is as irksome to thee as it seemeth, why dost thou not take remedy for thy life in what way thou canst and ravish her away? Paris went into Greece and brought thence Helen, the flower of all other ladies.
65.
" And wilt thou in thine own Troy town not dare to steal a lady that pleaseth thee? This shalt thou do, if thou wilt heed my advice. Drive forth thy grief, drive it forth, drive forth thine anguish and thy grievous woes, dry the sad tears from thy face, and display now thy great courage, pursuing thy course so that Cressida may be ours. "
66.
Troilus then made answer to Pandarus: " Well do I see, my friend, that thou dost bend thine every thought to take away my carking cares. What thou sayest I have thought, and devised many other plans, too, although I weep and despond utterly in the distress which is beyond every power of mind, so grievous hath been its heavy blow.
67.
" Never, however, have I been able in my fervent love to turn aside from the plan that duty hath impelled me to take. Rather have I, upon thinking the matter over, come to the conclusion that the times do not warrant such a departure, though were each of our men come back here straightway, and Antenor as well, I would care not about the breaking of our faith. Rather would I break it, let come what might.
68.
" Then too I fear to disturb her honor and good name by violently stealing her away, nor am I sure that she could consent thereto, though I know indeed that she loveth me much. On this account my heart ventureth not upon resolve, since while on the one hand it desireth this thing, on the other it feareth to give displeasure, for were it not pleasing to her, I would not wish to possess her.
69.
" I had thought even of asking as a boon of my father that he would grant her to me. But then I reflect that this would be a blaming of her and a disclosure of all that hath been done. Nor dare I hope even then that he would feel that he had any right to give her to me at the expense of a plighted troth, and because he would declare her beneath me, upon whom he desireth to bestow a lady of royal lineage.
70.
" Thus in tears do I bide aweary in amorous perplexity and know not what to do, because I feel the mighty power of Love, if indeed it is strong, is lacking in me, and on every hand hope taketh flight and the causes of my anguish increase. I would like to have died the day that I first felt the burning heat of such desire. "
71.
Then said Pandarus: " Thou wilt do as it shall please thee, but were I burning, as thou dost very clearly show thyself to be, however heavy the burden might be, had I the power that thou hast, if I were not forcibly prevented, I would do my utmost to ravish her away, whomever it might displease.
72.
" Love doth not look so subtly as it seemeth thou dost, when the enamored mind burneth, as well it should. If Love harmeth thee so fiercely, follow his will, and, like a man, do thou oppose thyself to this cruel torment and choose rather to be somewhat blamed than to die with suffering in sad plaint.
73.
" Thou hast not to ravish a lady who is far from thy desire, but she is such that she will be content with whatever thou doest, and if too great evil or blame of thee should result therefrom, thou hast the means of putting an immediate end to it — that is, to bring her back again. Fortune aideth whoever is bold and turneth her back upon the timid.
74.
" And even if this thing should displease her, in a short time thou shalt have again thy peace. Not that I believe that she would be angry thereat, so much pleaseth her the love that thou dost bear her. As to her reputation, that it should suffer diminution, is, to tell the truth, less grievous and displeasing. Let her do without it, as Helen doeth, provided she doeth thine entire will.
75.
" Then pluck up courage, be valorous; love careth not for promise nor for faith. Show thyself a little courageous now; have pity upon thyself. I shall be with thee in every perilous case, insomuch as my power alloweth. Dare to act; hereafter the gods will be constrained to aid us. "
76.
Troilus gave close heed to what Pandarus said and replied: " I am content. But if my flame were a thousand times enkindled and my anguish greater than it is, I would not, to satisfy myself, do this courteous lady ever so little harm; rather would I die. Therefore I wish to hear it first from her.
77.
" Let us now go hence and abide no longer. Wash thy face and let us return to court, and conceal our grief beneath a smiling countenance. Nothing yet have people perceived. For by staying here we make everyone who knoweth it marvel. Now act so that thou be strong in wise concealment, and I will contrive that thou shalt have speech with Cressida this evening. "
78.
Fleetest fame, who reporteth impartially the true and the false, had flown with swiftest wings all over Troy, and had with nimble words related what and of what nature was the message brought by the Greeks and that Cressida was given to the Greeks by the king in exchange for Antenor.
79.
As Cressida, who had come by now to hold her father no longer in esteem, heard this news: " Alas, my sad heart! " said she to herself. And much it grieved her, as one who had turned her desire to Troilus, whom she loved more than any other. And for fear that what she heard related might be true, she dared not ask a question.
80.
But as we see that it happeneth that one woman goeth to visit another at some new happening, if she bear her affection, thus many came to pass the day with Cressida, all full of piteous joy, and they began to tell her the whole tale in due order, how she was surrendered and upon what agreement.
81.
Said one: " Certainly it pleaseth me much that thou dost return to thy father and that thou art to be with him. " Another said: " And I am sorry to see her depart hence from us " Another said: " She will be able to lay plans for our peace and to arrange it with him who, you know by hearsay, carrieth into effect what resolution he wisheth. "
82.
This and much other womanish talk she heard almost as if she were not there, without answering, thinking it too base. And her fair face could not conceal the high gentle thoughts of love which she had, inspired in her by the news she had heard. The body was there and the soul elsewhere, seeking Troilus without knowing where.
83.
And these ladies, who thought they were giving her comfort by staying there, by overmuch talk highly displeased her, as one who felt in her mind quite another passion than the one seen by those who were present. And from time to time she would, in ladylike fashion, escort them to the door, such desire had she to avoid their company.
84.
An occasional sigh she could not check and now and again some little tear in its fall gave sign of the torment in which her soul was constrained. But these stupid ladies, who encircled her, believed that the maiden did this from sorrow, because she had to abandon them, who were her usual woman companions.
85.
And each did ever seek to comfort her only for that which grieved her not; many words they spake to console her for the departure which she was to make from them, and it was no different than scratching her in the heels for an itch in the head, for no thought took she for them, but for Troilus alone, whom she was leaving behind.
86.
But after a deal of foolish cackling, such as most women make, they took their leave and went their ways. And she, overwhelmed and stricken on the spot by bitter grief, entered her chamber, weeping softly, and without seeking remedy for her woe with any counsel, made such weeping that none was ever made like unto it.
87.
The grieving maiden had thrown herself upon her bed, weeping so bitterly that it could not be told. And ever and anon she beat her white breast, calling upon death to slay her, since by cruel fate she was constrained to leave her beloved. And plucking her blonde hair, she tore it out and a thousand times an hour she prayed for death.
88.
Often she said: " Alas, unhappy woman, wretched, woeful as I am, whither am I bound? O miserable me, who was born in an evil hour, where leave I thee, sweet my love? Would that I had been stifled at my birth or that I had never seen thee, my sweet desire, since cruel fortune now stealeth both me from thee and thee from me.
89.
" What shall I do, sorrowful life of mine, when I cannot see thee again? What shall I do separated from thee, Troilus? Certainly I believe I shall never eat nor drink again. And if of its own accord the bewildered soul parteth not from the body, as much as ever I may, shall I drive it forth with hunger, since I see that I shall always go from bad to worse?
90.
" Now shall I be a widow in very sooth, since it behooveth me to part from thee, heart of my body, and black attire shall bear true witness to my sorrows. O woe, alas, what a hard thought is that in which the parting holdeth me! Alas, how shall I be able to suffer seeing myself parted from thee, Troilus?
91.
" How shall I be able to endure without a soul? Surely it will tarry here with our love, and with thee to lament the grievous parting which it behooveth us to make in return for love so good. Alas, Troilus, wilt thou now suffer seeing me go from thee and not strive by love or by force to stay me?
92.
" Set forth I shall, nor do I know if 'twill ever be that I may see thee again, sweet my love. But thou who dost so love me, what wilt thou do? Canst thou bear such pain as this? Of a truth I shall not bear it, since too many woes will cause my heart to break. Would that it were but soon, since afterward I would be beyond this heavy sorrow.
93.
" Oh father mine, wicked and faithless to thine own land, accursed be the moment when into thy heart came evil as great as was thy wish to join the Greeks and desert the Trojans! Would God thou wert dead in the vale of Hell, wicked old man, who in thy life's declining years hast wrought such guile!
94.
" Alas, weary, sad, and disconsolate woman that I am, for I must bear the punishment of thy sin, though I did not deserve so wearisome a life for any fault of mine! O Heaven's truth, O light of pity, how sufferest thou such a judgment that one sin and the other weep, as do I, who sinned not and am undone with grief? "
95.
Who could ever narrate in every part the words of Cressida in her lament? Surely not I, for speech falleth short of the fact, so fierce and cruel was her grief. But whilst such lamentations were in progress, came Pandarus, whom doors never halted, and entered the room where she was making her piteous plaint.
96.
And he saw her in bed, enveloped in sobs, in tears, and in sighs; he saw her whole breast and face bathed in tears and her eyes longing to weep and herself disheveled, giving true sign of bitter torment. When she saw him, she hid her face between her arms for shame.
97.
" Cruel the moment was, " began Pandarus, " in which I rose, for where'er I go today, methinketh I perceive on every hand grief, torments, weeping, anguish, and other woes, sighs, pain, and bitter languishing. O Jove, what canst thou mean to do? I believe that thou dost shed tears from Heaven, so adverse are our actions to thee.
98.
" But thou, disconsolate sister of mine, what thinkest thou to do? Dost thou believe that thou canst contend with the fates? Why wreck thy fair person with weepings so cruel and unmeasured? Rise up and turn and speak, lift up thy face and dry somewhat thy downcast eyes, and hear what I, sent thee by thy sweet friend, do tell thee. "
99.
Then Cressida turned, making such weeping as no words could tell of, and upon Pandarus she gazed, saying: " O woe is me, what doth my soul desire? Him must I abandon in tears, for such is cruel fate's will. Wisheth he sighs or tears, or what doth he demand? I have enough, if for these he sendeth. "
100.
Such was she to look at in her face as is one borne to the grave; and her face, shaped in paradise, was seen to be quite transformed; its beauty and its pleasing smile had taken flight and abandoned it; and round about her eyes a purple circle bore true witness of her suffering.
101.
When Pandarus, who had wept all the day long with Troilus, saw this, he could not restrain painful tears, but likewise began sorrowfully to weep with her, forgetting what he wished to say. But when they had somewhat indulged their grief together, Pandarus first moderated his weeping,
102.
And said: " Lady, I believe thou hast heard — but certain am I not — how thou art demanded of thy father, and already hath it been resolved by the king to yield thee up, so that thou must go hence within this week, if I have heard aright. And it could not be told to the full how grievous is this thing to Troilus, who desireth wholly to die in grief thereat.
103.
" And he and I have wept so much today that I marvel whence it hath come. Now by my counsel hath he finally restrained himself somewhat from weeping and it seemeth that he desireth to be with thee. Wherefore, before thou departest, I have come to tell it to thee, as he desired, in order that ye may vent your sorrow somewhat together. "
104.
" Great is my grief, " said Cressida, " as of her who loveth him more than herself; but his for me is by far greater, when I hear that he yearneth for death on account of me. Now will my heart rend, if ever a heart should rend for bitter grief. Now doth hostile fortune glut itself upon my woes; now do I know its hidden deceits.
105.
" Grievous is the departure to me, God knoweth, but more grievous to me is the sight of Troilus in affliction and so insupportably, by my faith, that I shall die thereof without respite. And die I shall without hope of succor, since I see my Troilus so affected. Tell him to come when he desireth; this will be to me greatest comfort in my anguish. "
106.
And when she had said this she fell back at full length. Then resting on her arms she began again to weep. And to her Pandarus said: " Alas, poor woman, what wilt thou do now? Wilt thou not take a little comfort, when thou dost consider that the hour is already so near when he whom thou lovest so greatly will be in thine arms? Rise up, compose thyself, that he may not find thee in such disarray.
107.
" If he knew that thou wert acting thus, he would slay himself nor could anyone restrain him. And if I believed that thou wouldst remain as thou art, believe me, he would not set foot here, if I could prevent it, for I know that harm would come to him as a result. Therefore rise up, compose thyself, so that thou mayest relieve and not augment his woe. "
108.
" Go, " said Cressida, " I promise thee, my Pandarus, I shall make this effort. As soon as thou hast gone I shall rise from my bed with no delay and my woes and my lost delight shall I keep tightly locked in my heart. Make him come then and come in the usual way, for he shall find the door ajar, as it is wont to be. "
109.
Pandarus found Troilus disheartened and so utterly despondent in his visage that for pity he became sorrowful on his account. And then he said to him: " Hast thou now, valorous youth, become such a coward as thou seemest? Thy love hath not yet departed from thee. Why art thou still so discomforted that thine eyes seem already dead in thy head?
110.
" Thou hast lived a space of time without her; doth not thy heart give thee power to live still longer? Wert thou born into the world for her alone? Show thyself a man, and take courage somewhat, drive forth these sorrows and these troubles, at least in part. In no place did I tarry since, save here with thee, and I had speech with her and was with her a long time.
111.
" And as it seemeth to me, thou feelest not half the sorrow that thy lady doth. So hot are her sighs and so doth this departure grieve her that they surpass thine twenty to one. Give thyself a little peace, then, for at least thou canst know in this bitter case how dear thou art to her.
112.
" I have just arranged with her that thou shalt go to her, and thou shalt be with her this very night and what thou hast already contrived thou shalt set forth to her in the best way thou canst. Right soon shalt thou see what will be entirely to her pleasure. Perhaps ye shall find means which shall be of great solace to your woes. "
113.
To whom Troilus responded with a sigh: " Thou sayest well and it is my will to do so. " And many other things he said. But when it seemed time to go, Pandarus left him meditating thereon, and went away. And it seemeth to him a thousand years before he be in the arms of his dear love, whom fortune after did wickedly ravish away from him.
114.
When the hour and moment arrived, Cressida came forth, as was her wont, with a lighted torch to meet him, and received him in her arms, and he, oppressed with heavy sorrow, her in his. And both falling silent were unable to conceal the wounds in their hearts, but in close and silent embrace fell to shedding great floods of tears.
115.
And both clasped one another tightly, bathed both in tears, and though they would, they could not speak, so did the agonizing tears and sobs and sighs prevent. And nevertheless they ever and again exchanged kisses and drank the falling tears, without care that they were bitter beyond their nature.
116.
But when their spirits, exhausted by the anguish of tears and sighs, were restored by the abating of their bitter pains, Cressida raised to Troilus her eyes sad with cruel yearnings and said in broken accents: " O lord of mine, who taketh me from thee and where am I to go? "
117.
Then she fell in a swoon with her face upon his breast and her strength departed from her, with so sore grief was her heart wrung. And her spirit sought this way and that to make its escape, Troilus the while gazing upon her face and calling her name, though it seemed to him that he was not heard. And the veiling of her eyes as she fell gave him the impression that she was dead.
118.
Which when Troilus saw, distressed by a double grief, he laid her down, ever and anon kissing the tear-stained face, seeking whether he might perceive in her any sign of life. In his grief he lightly touched every part, and in his opinion, he said weeping, she had passed from so wretched life.
119.
Cold she was and quite without feeling, as far as Troilus might know. And this appeared to him a certain proof that she had ended her days. Wherefore after prolonged weeping, and before he proceeded to any other act, he dried her face and composed her body, as we are wont to do with the dead.
120.
This done with a firm will he drew his sword from its scabbard, entirely disposed to welcome death in order that his spirit might follow that of his lady in so sad a fate and dwell with her in hell, since cruel fortune and implacable love were driving him out of this life.
121.
But first he said, burning with noble wrath: " O cruel Jove, and thou, harsh fortune, lo I come to do your will. Ye have bereft me of my Cressida, whom I thought ye were destined to steal away from me with trickery of another sort. Wherever she may be now, I know not, but here I see her body most unjustly done to death by you.
122.
" And I shall leave the world and follow her in spirit, since it pleaseth you. Perchance from the world beyond I shall have better fortune with her, when I shall have a truce to my sighs, if there one loveth, as I have heard say one doth. Since ye will not permit me to live, do ye at least place my soul with her.
123.
" And thou, O city, which I leave at war, and thou, Priam, and ye, dear brethren, farewell, for I am going away beneath the ground, seeking the fair eyes of Cressida. And thou for whom sorrow doth so grip me and who dost send the soul from the body, do thou receive me; " Cressida he meant, with his sword already at his breast to suffer death,
124.
When she, recovering her senses, heaved a long, deep sigh, calling upon Troilus. To her he said: " O my sweet desire, dost thou still live? " And weeping he caught her up in his arms and alleviating her distress, as well as he might, with words, he comforted her. And her bewildered soul returned to her body, whence it had taken flight.
125.
All beside herself she stood awhile and spake no word. Then when she saw the sword, she began: " Why was that drawn forth from the sheath? " To her the weeping Troilus related what his life had been. Whereat she said: " What is this I hear? So, had I delayed a little longer, thou wouldst have slain thyself in this spot.
126.
" Alas, how grievous to me is all that thou hast told me! Never should I have remained alive after thee but I too should have plunged it through my sad breast. Now must we highly praise the gods. Now let us to bed and there shall we hold converse of our woes. If I consider the waning torch, a great part of the night hath already gone. "
127.
As the close embracings had been once, so now they were, but these were more bitter with tears than the former had been joyous. Once again commenced without delay the bittersweet discourse between them. Cressida began: " Sweet my friend, give careful heed to what I say.
128.
" After I heard the sad news of my wicked father's treachery, an the gods may preserve thy fair face for me, no woman e'er felt as great distress as I felt then, since I care not for gold, city, or palace, but only to dwell always with thee in joy and pleasure and thou with me.
129.
" And I wished entirely to abandon myself to despair in the belief that I should ne'er see thee again. But since thou hast seen my soul wander and return again, I feel pass through my mind certain thoughts, useful peradventure, which I desire to be clear to thee before we yield to further grief, for perchance we may yet hope for good.
130.
" Thou seest that my father demandeth my return. Yet I would not obey him in going hence, were I not constrained by the king, whose faith must be observed, as thou shouldst know. Wherefore I must go with Diomede, who hath been the negotiator of this cruel treaty, whenever he returneth. Would to the gods that he never return in the cruel time.
131.
" Thou knowest that every kinsman of mine, barring my father, is here, and that everything of mine still remaineth here. And if I remember rightly, there is ever talk between you and the Greeks of an end to this perilous war. If his wife surrender herself to Menelaus, I believe that you will have it, and I know that you are already near to it.
132.
" Hither will I return if ye make peace, since I have not other where to go. And if perchance ye make it not, there will be opportunity to come here in times of truce, and such passages thou knowest it is not customary to forbid the women, and my kinsmen will gladly see and invite me here.
133.
" Then shall we be able to have some solace, even though the waiting may be a sore vexation. But he who wisheth that joy come after with greater pleasure, must prepare to bear hardship. I see indeed that here in Troy we must sometimes pass many a day in grievous pain without seeing each other.
134.
" And besides this, peace or no peace, there springeth up in me a greater hope of returning here. My father hath now desire of this and perhaps he imagineth that because of his evildoing I cannot abide here without fear of violence or of blame to be gained here. When he knoweth that I am honored here, he will no more care for my coming back.
135.
" And for what purpose should he keep me among the Greeks, who, as thou seest, are ever in arms? And if he keepeth me not there, where else he could send me I see not. And even if he could, I believe he would not, since he would have no desire to entrust me to the Greeks. Here then is it fitting to send me back, nor do I clearly see anyone opposed to it.
136.
" He is, as thou knowest, old and avaricious and here he hath that which, if he prizeth it, may make him pay heed to what I shall tell him, to have me brought back here as best he may, for I shall show him how I may find a remedy for aught that might happen against expectation, and he through avarice will take delight in my return. "
137.
Troilus listened to the lady with attention and her speech produced an effect upon his mind. And it seemed to him reasonable to suppose that what she said so positively ought to be true. But because he loved much, only with hesitation did he give credence to it. Yet in the end, as one who is anxious for a thing, he brought himself to believe it, seeking reasons within himself for so doing.
138.
Whereat a part of this heavy grief departed from them and hope returned. And then becoming of a less bitter mind, they began again the amorous sport. And just as in the new season the bird taketh delight in his song from leaf to leaf, so did they, speaking the while to each other of many things.
139.
But since the thought could not pass from the heart of Troilus that this departure would have to be, he began to speak after this wise: " O Cressida mine, much loved beyond any other goddess and more to be honored by me, who just now would have slain myself when I thought thee dead, what manner of life thinkest thou mine will be if thou returnest not quickly?
140.
" Live as certain as thou art of death, that shouldst thou defer thy return here one moment too long, I would kill myself, nor do I clearly perceive yet how I shall get along without grievous and bitter sighing, when I feel thou art elsewhere. And a new apprehension ariseth in me lest Calchas may keep thee and that which thou sayest may not come to pass.
141.
" I know not whether peace shall ever be made between us. Peace or no peace, hardly do I believe that Calchas will ever desire to return here, for he would not believe that he could stay here without incurring the ignominy of his guilt, which was very great, if we do not wish to deceive ourselves in the matter. And if with so much insistence he demandeth thy return, hardly do I credit his sending thee back.
142.
" He will give thee a husband among the Greeks and he will show thee that in being besieged there lieth danger of coming to evil pass. He will flatter thee and cause thee to be honored among the Greeks. And he is much revered there, as I understand, and his virtue highly esteemed. Wherefore not without disquiet do I fear that thou wilt never return to Troy.
143.
" And this thought is so grievous to me, fair soul, that I could not tell thee how much. Thou alone holdest in thy hands the key of my life and death, and the former so entirely that thou canst make it wretched or sweet as it pleaseth thee, O bright star by which I lay my course to the grateful port. If thou dost abandon me, bear in mind that I am dead.
144.
" So then in the name of the gods let us contrive a means and excuse for thy not going, if it can be done. Let us betake ourselves to some other region. Let us care not if the king's promises be unfulfilled, provided we may escape injury from him. There are, remote from here, peoples who will receive us gladly and who will besides ever hold us for lords.
145.
" Wherefore let us make our flight hence secretly, and let us go there together, you and I, and what time we have left to live in the world, heart of my body, let us live it together in delight. This I would wish and this is my desire, if it should accord with thine. This is the safer plan and every other course of action seemeth to me difficult. "
146.
Cressida made answer to him with a sigh: " Dear joy of mine, my heart's delight, all this and even more might be just as thou hast said. But I swear to thee, by those shafts of Love that on thy account have entered into my heart, commands, flatteries, O husband, will never turn my desire from thee.
147.
" But what thou didst say of our going away is not in my opinion wise counsel. Thou shouldst take thought and care in these grievous times of thee and thine. For should we make our departure, as thou hast said, thou mightest see three dire results ensue therefrom. One would come for the broken faith, which causeth more evil than others believe.
148.
" And that would be dangerous to thy kinsfolk. For if for a woman thou shouldst have left them bereft of aid and counsel, they would by their plight arouse in others fear of stratagems, and if I see clearly in my mind, you would be much blamed for it, nor would the truth ever be believed by any who had seen only this part of it.
149.
" And if any time demandeth faith and loyalty, it seemeth to be the time of war. For no one hath such power that he may long stand by himself alone; many join forces in the hope that what they risk for others will be risked for themselves. For if they put their trust in property and person, ruin followeth upon their hopes.
150.
" On the other hand what thinkest thou might be said among the people of thy going? They would not say that Love with his hot darts had led thee to such a decision but rather fear and baseness. Therefore hold thyself aloof from such thoughts, should they ever enter thy heart, if thy repute for valor, which echoeth so loudly, is at all dear to thee.
151.
" Then consider with how much infamy mine honor and chastity, held in the highest esteem, would be stained, nay ruined quite and lost to me, nor would they ever be redeemed by excuse or virtue that I could bring to bear, whatsoever I should do, were I to remain in life a hundred thousand years.
152.
" And besides this, I desire thee to take thought to what happeneth in the case of almost everything. There is nothing so base that doth not, if it be guarded well, make itself ardently desired, and the more thou dost yearn to possess it, the sooner doth loathing spring in thy heart, if full power be granted thee to see it, and even more, to keep it.
153.
" Our love which pleaseth thee so much, pleaseth thee because thou must act secretly and seldom come to this place. But if thou wilt have me freely, soon will be extinguished the glowing torch which now enkindleth thee — and me likewise. For if, as now, we wish our love to last, it must ever lie concealed.
154.
" Therefore take comfort and by turning thy back upon Fortune, conquer her and tire her out. No person in whom she might find a courageous soul would ever fall subject to her. Let us follow her course. In the meantime feign for thyself some journey and while upon it bate thy sighs, for on the tenth day shall I without fail make my return hither. "
155.
" If, " said Troilus then, " you are here on the tenth day, I am content. But in the meantime from whom shall my grievous woes have any solace? Since I cannot now, as thou knowest, pass one hour without great torment, if I see thee not, how then shall I contrive to pass ten days until thou returnest?
156.
" In God's name find some means to stay. Go not, if thou dost see any means. I know thee to be quick of wit, if I understand aright what I hear concerning thee. If thou lovest me thou mayest well perceive that I am all consumed with but one thought, that thou goest away, and if thou goest, thou mayest well believe what manner of life will then be mine. "
157.
" Alas, " said Cressida, " thou slayest me and beyond all belief of thine thou givest me excessive sadness I see that thou dost not believe in my promise as much as I thought. Ah, dear my sweet, why art thou of so little faith? Why dost thou rob thyself of all self-mastery? Who would believe that a man strong in arms might not endure the ten days' wait?
158.
" I think it by far the better part of wisdom to adopt the plan of which I told thee. Be content with it, sweet my lord, and hold it for certain within thy breast that my soul in my body weepeth at the thought of going far away from the sweet sight of thee, perhaps more than thou dost believe or think. I feel it strongly through all my senses.
159.
" To bide time, my soul, is often useful in order to gain time. I am not reft from thee, as thou seekest to prove, because I am given back to my father. Nor think thou in thy heart that I am so stupid that I cannot find means and ways to return to thee, whom I desire more than my life — I love thee far too much.
160.
" Wherefore I pray thee, if my prayer availeth, both for the great love thou hast for me and for the love that I bear thee, that thou console thyself for this my departure. If only thou couldst know how much it paineth me to see thy laments and to hear the deep-fetched sighs thou utterest, thou wouldst feel regret for them and it would grieve thee to give vent to so many tears.
161.
" For thee in joy and love I hope to live and quickly to return and find a means to thy delight and mine. See to it that I may behold thee so set at rest before my departure from thee that I may have no more pain than that which too ardent love hath planted in my mind. Do this I pray thee, sweet balm of my heart.
162.
" And I pray thee, while I am afar, let thyself not be caught by the pleasure thou takest in any woman or by any strange fancy. For if I should know of it, thou must be sure that I would slay myself like a mad woman, grieving for thee beyond all duty. Wouldst thou leave me for another, thou who knowest that I love thee more than woman ever loved man? "
163.
To this last part Troilus answered sighing: " Had I the wish to do that which thou dost now touch on with some suspicion, I cannot see how I ever should have the power to do it. So by loving hath love for thee caught me in its grip, I cannot see how I could still live on. This love I bear thee and its reason shall I explain to thee and in few brief words.
164.
" Beauty, which is often wont to take others in its net, drew me not to love thee, nor did gentle birth, which is ever like to catch the desire of the noble, draw me to love thee, nor yet did ornaments nor riches, in all of which thou art more abundant than was ever amorous lady, make me feel love for thee in my heart;
165.
" But thy noble and princely manners, thy excellence and thy courtly speech, thy ways more high-bred than those of any other lady, and thy graceful ladylike disdain, whereby every low-born desire and action seemeth base to thee — such art thou to me, O sovereign lady mine — have enthroned thee in my mind with love.
166.
" And these things neither years nor fickle fortune can snatch away. Wherefore with much anguish and the greatest anxiety I place my hope ever in the desire of having thee always. Woe's me, alas! What solace shall there be for all my sorrows, if thou goest hence, sweet my love? None surely, if not death forever. This will be the only end of my woes. "
167.
After they had long conversed and wept together, since dawn was drawing near, they left off and embraced one another closely. But when the cocks had long been crowing, after quite a thousand kisses, each arose, the one commending himself to the other, and thus they departed tearfully.
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