Cho. Thou hastest, Hector, before thou knowest clearly what is happening; for we do not know for certain whether our foes are flying.
Hec. What reason else had the Argive host to kindle fires?
Cho. I cannot say; my soul doth much misgive me.
Hec. If this thou fearest, be sure there's nought thou wouldst not fear.
Cho. Never aforetime did the enemy kindle such a blaze.
Hec. No, nor ever before did they suffer such shameful defeat and rout.
Cho. This thou didst achieve; look now to what remains to do.
Hec. I have but one word to say, "Arm, arm against the foe!"
Cho. Lo! where Æneas comes, in hot haste too, as though he hath news to tell his friends.
Æn. Why, Hector, have the sentinels in terror made their way through the host to thy couch to hold a midnight conclave and disturb the army?
Hec. Case thee in thy coat of mail, Æneas.
Æn. How now? are tidings come of some secret stratagem set on foot during the night by the foe?
Hec. They are flying, these foes of ours, and going aboard their ships.
Æn. What sure proof canst thou give of this?
Hec. The livelong night they are kindling blazing torches; methinks they will not wait for the morrow, but after lighting brands upon their ships' decks will leave this land and fly to their homes.
Æn. And thou, wherefore dost thou gird thee with thy sword?
Hec. With my spear will I stop them even as they fly and leap aboard their ships, and my hand shall be heavy upon them; for shameful it were in us, aye, and cowardly as well
