The cousin is then put with Hector into a formal pattern of syntax and rhyme. While the marshals determine the order of the fight, Ulysses proceeds to a more complimentary character sketch than the one he gave Cressida. Citing the report of Aeneas, he defines the Liberal man - the qualities that are attributed to Troilus.

After the duel, Hector develops his own stylized account of the double nature of his cousin Ajax. Then the Greek generals arrive in sequence and greet Hector. Agamemnon contrives that his welcome shall be placed in a context which excludes the Trojan War as he isolates ‘this extant moment’ from the ‘formless ruin of oblivion’ that stretches before and after. Hector’s mockery of Menelaus depends on two facetious oaths and a jest from the Metamorphoses: Menelaus becomes lame Vulcan scorned both by Venus(Helen) and the Mars the cuckold maker(Paris).

Nestor translates Hector into a god, and then places himself and Hector in the perspective of history - he recalls his own fight with Laomedon founder of Troy, and judges Hector his superior. Hector retorts by translating Nestor, the ‘good old chronicle,’ into History itself.

Table of Contents | Printable Version