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Troilus and Cressida · Chapter

Scene II explained

Troilus and Cressida part at dawn after a night together, only to be interrupted by Pandarus and then Aeneas, who brings news that Cressida must be exchanged for Antenor and sent to the Greek camp.

What happens

Troilus and Cressida part at dawn after a night together, only to be interrupted by Pandarus and then Aeneas, who brings news that Cressida must be exchanged for Antenor and sent to the Greek camp. Cressida vows she will not leave Troilus.

Themes in this chapter

  • Love and Betrayal

    The lovers' parting is overshadowed by the impending separation and Cressida's forced exchange.

  • Order and Disorder

    The abrupt intrusion of political orders disrupts the private world of the lovers.

Characters to notice

  • Troilus

    Bids Cressida farewell at dawn, then learns of her forced exchange.

  • Cressida

    Reluctantly parts from Troilus and vows never to leave him.

  • Pandarus

    Interrupts the lovers, then laments the exchange order.

  • Aeneas

    Brings news of Cressida's exchange to Troilus.

Key passages

  • “Dear, trouble not yourself: the morn is cold.”

    Troilus tells Cressida not to worry about the cold morning.

    Troilus's gentle concern for Cressida.

  • “Night hath been too brief.”

    Cressida laments that their night together was too short.

    Cressida's regret at the brevity of their time together.

  • “I will not go, uncle: I have forgot my father; I know no touch of consanguinity; No kin, no love, no blood, no soul so near me As the sweet Troilus.”

    Cressida refuses to leave, claiming Troilus is closer to her than any family.

    Cressida's passionate declaration of loyalty to Troilus.

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