Achilles and Priam in “Unfinished Business”

If you don't leave before it's light, I can't protect you from what might happen.

I told you, I'm not going back alone. I'd rather die here, with my son.

[to his men]... Bring him in. [They escort Priam into Achilles' tent] Hector brought this on himself, on the beach. He showed no mercy.

We know what he did. His mother wants to bury him, like you buried Patroclus.

Your son is not worthy of burial.

Why was Patroclus in your armor?

I refused to fight.

And the reason?

The king. Agamemnon took my spoils. A girl from Cilicia. He took her for his own, when he'd done nothing to win her.

So you took offense?

Yes.

So... why did Patroclus disobey you? Hmm? [they both sit]

Patroclus insisted we did our duty. Defend... what was ours. I told him not to do it, and he wouldn't listen.

Well, not everyone has your strength, Achilles. It takes a mighty pride to do nothing, when the world is falling around you.

Patroclus was reckless!

He was human.

Say it. If I had been, he would still be here, right?

[nods] And so would my son.

Tell me about him.

What do you mean?

Hector.

What?

He was a terror, what do you expect?

[nods] Me, too.

His mother spoiled him, but he grew up, and... well, he became a better man than me. [struggling to contain his grief] Hector had his mothers'... calm. He always knew what was needed. He... he really was the best of men. [Weeps]

[to his men] Get him some water. [The Myrmidons obey]

(sobbing) His mother... She will die without his body. Brother, help me. Please.