AAjax
Tricks of Hermes? Tricks of Penelope, more like.
OdysseusAjax, what do you know about women? Stick to fighting, and spitting. Who else is here?
We all are. Lovers and defenders of Greece, as I know you are. And the best strategist we have.
Odysseus
You don't need me to return a whore to her marriage-bed.
You admire Helen as much as the rest of us! I seem to remember you fought for her hand.
Odysseus
[smiles] We all did. And look who won her. [nods in Menelaus' direction] No war should be fought for such a man.
In stealing Helen, the Trojan Prince insulted all of us.
Odysseus
It's not just about the girl, though, is it, Nestor? [glances at a tent on a hilltop] Is that Achilles?
[They stand as Agamemnon and Menelaus approach]
I know we've shared harsh words in the past. I'd just like to say-
Odysseus
All forgotten, my Lord. We have one enemy now.
[He and Menelaus embrace]
This war won't take long.
We get the queen back, and we teach them a lesson.
Odysseus
[sarcastically] The Gods will see to it.
Odysseus
Cruel wind. How long's it been blowing like this?
It's been gusting on-shore since we came.
Odysseus
If it doesn't? We can't sail in this. Did you make offerings to the Goddess?
In the haste of anger, rituals may have been neglected.
Odysseus
She's offended.
The offense is against us! The winds will change.
Get the priests and the seers. Make offerings of birds to the Goddess, now. Surely Artemis will understand.
SSeer
She demands... a sacrifice, of a dove purer than pure. I tried. I took a white dove in my hand, cut its' throat, but she just laughed. She said, "That is not the dove I mean" [stares at Agamemnon] The dove she wants... is human.
[after a long pause]... This will be prevented. Try again.
Don't say anything. There must be a way.
Odysseus
The Goddess was clear.
Why? Why demand that? To kill my own blood, why?!
Odysseus
So you can look a Trojan in the eye as you break into their city, and know that nothing they suffered can compare to what you suffered here.
What kind of justice is that?
Odysseus
The justice of war, my Lord.
Then we won't travel to Troy.
You will have us look like cowards!
Then you give up your child!
Hermione wasn't asked for!
... What if I offer myself? I'll slit my own throat-
OOdyssesus
Then we lose a leader, and gain nothing. [pause] There is no negotiation, sir. You know that.
Brother, we are running out of time.
Odysseus
We must find the best way to expedite-
[Agamemnon strikes him and grabs him by the throat]
"Expedite?" Expedite?! Do you have a heart?!
Odysseus
Yes, my Lord. But we are here, now. The winds will not change unless you do. Your men will not follow a King the Gods have abandoned.
[Agamemnon releases him]
Odysseus
We have another condition. Such an insult as King Menelaus has suffered... demands retribution.
We will return all gifts and make reparations.
Odysseus
These are King Agamemnon's demands. The Straits of the Dardanelles; you control them. You tax every cargo, every ship.
[Pandarus passes the terms to Priam]
Odysseus
I assure you, not.
Odysseus
A few years' hardship, nothing more. A lesson learned.
Oh, I see: this is why you're here. To destroy our economy.
We are here because you insulted my honor!
Odysseus
Don't be hasty. King Priam, consider the best option for your city.
I was the loudest voice in advocating Helen's return.
Odysseus
Hector is wise-
[sharply] Get out. And take your conditions with you.
[He smashes the tablet as Paris enters]
No one's taking her. [he brandishes his sword at Menelaus as Hector holds him back] No one.
Odysseus
This is a disgrace. A breach of the protocol.
Alexander! Put down your weapon. Your queen isn't going anywhere. [Paris lowers his sword] Troilus, Deiphobus, see them out.
We will bring the rage of the Gods down on your ASIATIC HEADS! [he storms out]
Odysseus
Think again. No one wants this war. Make a counter-offer-
Leave... and take your smooth tongue with you.
[Odysseus leaves. Achilles stands to leave; he smirks at Hector and Paris, sizing them up]
We will be back. [bows and leaves]
Odysseus
They won't hand her over.
But the boy's gone. Why keep her now?
Odysseus
Afraid we'll humiliate them, financially... and politically.
I won that duel. The terms were specific: immediate surrender... and the return of my wife.
Odysseus
Trickery got you the advantage, Menelaus. I'm not sure you can claim the moral high ground.
It was your idea to use the priest.
Odysseus
To weaken the prince's resolve. But you missed your chance.
[shakes his head] ... I didn't miss my chance.
Odysseus
You didn't kill him.
[enraged] You say that again.
Odysseus
You didn't kill him.
FUCK! [He grabs a knife and lunges at Odysseus; Ajax, Diomedes and Nestor draw their swords.]
NO! [Menelaus stops inches from Odysseus, who gazes coolly back at him] Put your swords away.
They have reneged on the conditions of the duel. Alexander fled, lost all rights to her, and to his life. And I want that coward found.
Odysseus
[nods] I have men roaming the hills.
Then double the numbers. I want him brought here for my brother's satisfaction... and for my own.
I thought you might come.
Odysseus
When does this stop? When we're all dead?
When the King feels in his soul the wrong he's done me, and gives me back my girl. That probably won't happen tonight.
Odysseus
They have twice the numbers. They have dozens of horses; you could have Trojan riders in your tent within hours.
Well, we'll be sure to welcome them. Won't we? [he glances at Patroclus, who chuckles]
Odysseus
Patroclus... help me.
See, I'm not like you, Odysseus. You like to win, regardless of the cause. If I feel the cause is wrong, I can't move. [Odysseus scoffs] My sword won't rise in my hand-
Stop this. We don't have time!
There's always time for thinking, Nestor.
We need your men, even if you won't fight.
Give me a reason, and I'll fight. One that isn't rape or pillage. You show me a higher calling that demands my power. Give me a cause, and I'll give you war. Can you? [pause] Thought not. So, in the absence of glory... you'll have to rely on your ways, Odysseus: the wiles of man. They've served you well up 'till now.
Odysseus
You'll regret this. I swear, by the Gods. [He and Nestor turn to leave]
What do you know of Gods?
BBriseis
You're attacking during the mourning period-
[Agamemnon grabs her by the throat]
You want to object? Because I'll give you something to object about. [He reaches for her breast, she pulls herself out of his grasp] When I get back.
[As he finishes putting his armor on, Briseis grabs a knife from his table. As she prepares to stab him from behind, Odysseus enters the tent; she hastily puts the knife behind her back]
Odysseus
Achilles is ready.
[to Menelaus] My brother, many years ago, I said I'd avenge your shame. Now I shall.
[they embrace and exit the tent]
Odysseus
That was foolish.
BBriseis
[throws the knife to the ground]... Just kill me. Let me join my brother.
[Odysseus picks up the knife, then hands it back to her]
Odysseus
Flee tonight, when the battle begins. My men won't stop you.
Troy: Fall of a City · 20 quotes
