Pandarus To Troilus Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

*What's the problem now?
You're weeping and wailing like a woman
whose lover has left her again! That's
the way of the world, you imbecile!
We've got thousands of bloodthirsty
Greeks on the beach lusting for our
Trojan asses! Stand to like a warrior! *

The befuddled Troilus sat silent,
his crested helmet at his feet.

*Look here, I promise you Cressida's
fair flesh in exchange for an afternoon
killing loathsome Greek helots!
You know Pandarus is a man of his word!
I see by your erect bearing that you're already
prepared and eager to engage the enemy!
Think again of fair Cressida bathing her tresses
in the cool waterbath! That's my man! *

And Troilus rose from the bench
as lust for battle rose in his veins
and blood engorged him
a spear of mighty strength!