We have another condition. Such an insult as King Menelaus has suffered... demands retribution.
We will return all gifts and make reparations.
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]
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!
Don't be hasty. King Priam, consider the best option for your city.
HectorI was the loudest voice in advocating Helen's return.
Hector
[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.
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]
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]
Priam, he's coming. You need to talk to him.
[Hector and Andromache enter their chambers, accompanied by Cassandra]
Hector
[to Hecuba] Tell her, tell her what you did!
CCassandra
I already know-
Hector
I want you to hear it from them.
What is this? Get her out of here.
Hector
Don't move, Cassandra. Will you speak, or shall I?
Hector
You sent your newborn son to his death. You told your other children that wolves stole him, forced your wife to play along. Luckily, the man you employed for the task disobeyed your command. That is the only reason Alexander's still alive! Because a simple shepherd had a heart you never did.
I did what I thought was best for the city. I don't have to apologize to you, or anyone for that!
Hector
[Indicates Cassandra] What about her? She had a vision that Alexander would burn the city to the ground, that black blood would flow in the streets! You told her she was mad! [Priam looks guilty] You locked her up! You told me my sister was disturbed, that I couldn't see her, that she needed constant care?! That she shouldn't be allowed out to play, like other children! [pause] She was seven years old.
CCassandra
I don't want to be in here-
Hector
Stay where you are, Cassandra. When Alexander came back, you lied again.
Hector
You lied, and you lied, and now you hide away in your room like a child!
Hector
What kind of coward are you?
CCassandra
Please, let me go! [she tries to flee, Andromache stops her]
Let her go, Hector. [Andromache releases Cassandra, who leaves the room] ...Your father didn't force me. What we did, we did together.
Hector
Are you saying you gave away your son voluntarily? [Hecuba looks tearful] You lied to your children!
Well, you lied, too. You met Litos in Cilicia. He warned you to stop Alexander from returning.
[Hector glances quickly at Andromache]
Hector
Yes. I did meet Litos. Perhaps, I should have obeyed him. I had the chance, and I failed. [pause] I'm telling Pandarus to call off the search for Alexander.
What? But the Greeks will find him; you know what they'll do to him-
Hector
The Gods have been clear. He cannot be in Troy.
Hector
The risk is too great. I'm sorry. [to Priam] I'm taking over the running of the city now. I think it's for the best, don't you?
Hector
[visiting a dying teenage soldier] Are you all right, son?
AAstyanax
I saw you... as a boy. At the city games. [smiles] You wrestled your brother.
Hector
[nods] It was a good fight.
AAstyanax
Did I fight well?
Hector
[nods] ... What did you do before you became a soldier?
AAstyanax
Blacksmith's apprentice.
Hector
For your father?
AAstyanax
I am an orphan.
Hector
[shakes his head]... No. No, you are a Son of Troy. [puts his hand on the boy's shoulder]
AAstyanax
I'm ready to give my life for her. [he clasps Hector's hand]
Hector
What's your name?
[He dies, and Hector closes his eyes]
[As Achilles kills several of his prisoners outside the gates of Troy while calling for Hector to face him]
AAinia
I saw your man die on the beach. He begged for mercy like a raped servant girl. I've never seen a soldier die with less dignity.
[Achilles walks over to her and holds his knife to her throat]
AAinia
[sneering] My Queen will open your heart and drink your blood, you son of a whore.
Son of a goddess, actually. [he slits her throat] HECTOR!!
Please, don't go out there. Not today! Don't fight that man.
Hector
I have no choice.
Stay here with me, with our son! Please-
Hector
I would chose a short life as your husband, over a long life alone. [kisses her, their newborn son begins crying] I fight for you both. :[walks on]
Hector
OPEN THE GATES!
[The gate opens and he comes out to face Achilles, as his family watch from the walls. Achilles and Hector fight, with each of them taking wounds to the left shoulder]
Hector
You bleed like the rest of us!
[Enraged, Achilles charges Hector and they clash again. As Hector makes a counterattack, he over-extends his thrust and Achilles slashes across his sword hand, cutting off four fingers and causing Hector to scream in pain. Priam, Andromache and Hecuba begin to weep]
[pointing his sword at the helpless Hector] On your knees.
Hector
I'll die on my feet.
[Achilles stalks around Hector and slashes both his hamstrings, causing him to collapse in agony]
You will die on your knees.
[Andromache begins to sob; Paris stares at Achilles with murder in his eyes. Achilles glances up at them as he circles around Hector, then stabs him through the chest]
[leans close to Hector] When you get to the riverman, pause a while. Your wife and your son will be there shortly.
Troy: Fall of a City · 20 quotes
