AAjax
Tricks of Hermes? Tricks of Penelope, more like.
Ajax, 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.
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.
[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.
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]
MenelausI know we've shared harsh words in the past. I'd just like to say-
All forgotten, my Lord. We have one enemy now.
[He and Menelaus embrace]
This war won't take long.
Menelaus
We get the queen back, and we teach them a lesson.
[sarcastically] The Gods will see to it.
Menelaus
They must.
Cruel wind. How long's it been blowing like this?
It's been gusting on-shore since we came.
Menelaus
It'll change.
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.
Menelaus
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.
Menelaus
Speak, man. What is it?
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.
Menelaus
Brother-
Don't say anything. There must be a way.
Why? Why demand that? To kill my own blood, why?!
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?
The justice of war, my Lord.
Then we won't travel to Troy.
Menelaus
You will have us look like cowards!
Then you give up your child!
Menelaus
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.
Menelaus
Brother, we are running out of time.
We must find the best way to expedite-
[Agamemnon strikes him and grabs him by the throat]
"Expedite?" Expedite?! Do you have a heart?!
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]
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.
Menelaus
We are here because you insulted my honor!
Don't be hasty. King Priam, consider the best option for your city.
I was the loudest voice in advocating Helen's return.
[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.
Menelaus
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]
They won't hand her over.
But the boy's gone. Why keep her now?
Afraid we'll humiliate them, financially... and politically.
Menelaus
I won that duel. The terms were specific: immediate surrender... and the return of my wife.
Trickery got you the advantage, Menelaus. I'm not sure you can claim the moral high ground.
Menelaus
It was your idea to use the priest.
To weaken the prince's resolve. But you missed your chance.
Menelaus
[shakes his head] ... I didn't miss my chance.
Menelaus
[enraged] You say that again.
Menelaus
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.
[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.
Troy: Fall of a City · 20 quotes
