[Discussing Paris and Helen]
Hector:
Father, I know this is the last thing we need.
Priam:
It is the will of the gods. Everything is in their hands. But I'm surprised you let him bring her.
Hector:
If I'd let him fight Menelaus for her, you'd be burning a son's body instead of welcoming a daughter.
Priam:
We could send peace envoys to Menelaus.
Hector:
You know Menelaus, he'd spear their heads to his gate.
Priam:
What would you have me do?
Hector:
Put her on a ship, and send her home.
Priam:
Women have always loved Paris, and he has loved them back, but this is different. Something has changed in him. If we send her home to Menelaus, he will follow her.
Hector:
This is my country, and these are my countrymen. I don't want to see them suffer so my brother can have his prize. And it's not just the Spartans coming after her. By now Menelaus has gone to Agamemnon, and Agamemnon has wanted to destroy us for years. Once we're out of the way, he controls the seas.
Priam:
Enemies have been attacking us for centuries. Our walls still stand.
Hector:
Father... we can't win this war.
Priam:
Apollo watches over us. Even Agamemnon is no match for the gods.
Hector:
[sarcastically] And how many battalions does the sun god command?
Priam:
[sternly] Do not mock the gods! When you were very young, you came down with scarlet fever. Your little hand was so hot. The healer said you would not last the night. I went down to Apollo's temple, and I prayed until the sun came up. That walk back to the palace was the longest of my life. When I went into your mother's room, and you were sleeping in her arms, the fever had broken. I promised that day to dedicate my life to the gods, I will not break my promise. For thirty years I have worked for peace, thirty years. Paris is a fool sometimes, I know that, but I will fight a thousand wars before letting him die.
Hector:
Forgive me, father, but you won't be the one fighting.
