Epeisodion 1
SHEPHERD.
Ho, Master! Enter HECTOR from tent.
I would it ofttimes were my luck to share
As goodly news with thee as now I bear.
265
HECTOR.
What dulness hangs about these shepherds! Block,P. 16, 1. 267. Hector is as bluff and hasty here as he is impulsively obstinate in 1. 319 ff., p. 19, impulsively frank to Rhesus in 1. 393 ff., p. 23, and splendidly courteous under the gibes of the wounded charioteer, 1. 856 ff., p. 47. A fine stage character, if not a very subtle study.
Com’st thou to us with tidings of thy flock
Here in the field in arms? Who wants thee here?
Thou know’st my house; thou know’st my father’s.
Tell all about thy lucky lambs.—Now go.
270
SHEPHERD.
Dull wits, we shepherds! Aye, ’twas alway so.
Yet still, there is some good news to be told.
HECTOR.
A truce there to thy gossip of the fold!
Our dealings are of war, of sword and spear.
SHEPHERD.
Aye; so were mine. That is what brought me here.
275
A chief comes yonder, leading a great band
Of spears, with help to thee and all the land.
HECTOR.
From whence? How do his name and lineage run?
SHEPHERD.
He comes from Thrace, the River Strymon’s son.
HECTOR.
Rhesus! Not Rhesus, here on Trojan soil?
280
SHEPHERD.
Thou hast guessed. That eases me of half my toil.
