[_Exeunt_ ACHIL. HECT. AJAX, _one way;_ DIOMEDE
_another; and after him_ ULYSSES
_and_ TROILUS.

_Thers._ This Diomede's a false-hearted rogue, an unjust knave; I will
no more trust him when he winks with one eye, than I will a serpent
when he hisses. He will spend his mouth, and promise, like Brabbler
the hound; but when he performs, astronomers set it down for a
prodigy: though I long to see Hector, I cannot forbear dogging him.
They say he keeps a Trojan drab; and uses Calchas's tent, that
fugitive priest of Troy, that canonical rogue of our side. I'll after
him; nothing but whoring in this age; all incontinent rascals!
[_Exit_ THERSITES.

_Enter_ CALCHAS _and_ CRESSIDA.

_Calch._ O, what a blessing is a virtuous child!
Thou has reclaimed my mind, and calmed my passions
Of anger and revenge; my love to Troy
Revives within me, and my lost tiara
No more disturbs my mind.

_Cres._ A virtuous conquest!

_Calch._ I have a woman's longing to return;
But yet which way, without your aid, I know not.

_Cres._ Time must instruct us how.

_Calch._ You must dissemble love to Diomede still:
False Diomede, bred in Ulysses' school,
Can never be deceived,
But by strong arts and blandishments of love.
Put them in practice all; seem lost and won,
And draw him on, and give him line again.
This Argus then may close his hundred eyes,
And leave our flight more easy.

_Cres._ How can I answer this to love and Troilus?

_Calch._ Why, 'tis for him you do it; promise largely;
That ring he saw you wear, he much suspects
Was given you by a lover; let him have it.

_Diom._ [_Within._] Ho, Calchas, Calchas!

_Calch._ Hark! I hear his voice.
Pursue your project; doubt not the success.

_Cres._ Heaven knows, against my will; and yet my hopes,
This night to meet my Troilus, while 'tis truce,
Afford my mind some ease.

_Calch._ No more: retire. [_Exit_ CRESSIDA.

_Enter_ DIOMEDE: TROILUS _and_ ULYSSES _appear listening at one
Door, and_ THERSITES _watching at another._

_Diom._ I came to see your daughter, worthy Calchas.

_Calch._ My lord, I'll call her to you. [_Exit_ CALCHAS.

_Ulys._ [_To_ TROIL.] Stand where the torch may not discover us.

_Enter_ CRESSIDA.

_Troil._ Cressida comes forth to him!

_Diom._ How now, my charge?

_Cres._ Now, my sweet guardian; h