# Scene IV explained — Troilus and Cressida

> Chapter companion for Troilus and Cressida by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Troilus and Cressida are forced to part as Cressida is sent to the Greek camp in exchange for Antenor. They exchange vows of fidelity and tokens, but Troilus expresses jealousy and fear of Cressida's potential betrayal among the Greeks. Aeneas, Paris, and Diomedes arrive to escort Cressida away, and Troilus warns Diomedes to treat her well. The scene ends with the Trojan lords preparing for battle, emphasizing Hector's central role.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Betrayal

The central theme of the chapter: Troilus and Cressida's love is tested by forced separation, with Troilus's jealousy hinting at future betrayal.

### Time and Mortality

The urgency of parting and the 'injurious time' that steals their farewells, emphasizing the fleeting nature of their love and life.

### War and Futility

The backdrop of the Trojan War forces personal sacrifices, as love is subordinated to military and political exchanges.

## Character check-ins

### Troilus

Bids a painful farewell to Cressida, expressing deep love and jealousy; warns Diomedes to treat her well.

### Cressida

Grieves over her forced departure from Troy and Troilus, exchanges tokens and vows of fidelity.

### Pandarus

Attempts to moderate Cressida's grief and later laments the parting, quoting a rhyme about heavy hearts.

### Diomedes

Arrives to escort Cressida to the Greek camp; exchanges sharp words with Troilus over her treatment.

### Aeneas

Calls for Troilus and Cressida to hasten; later comments on the morning's delay and Hector's impending battle.

### Paris

Summons Troilus and urges the group to prepare for battle, noting Hector's trumpet.

## Key lines

> Injurious time now with a robber's haste Crams his rich thievery up, he knows not how: As many farewells as be stars in heaven, With distinct breath and consign'd kisses to them, He fumbles up into a lose adieu, And scants us with a single famish'd kiss, Distasted with the salt of broken tears.

Time, like a thief, rushes to steal our precious moments, compressing countless farewells and kisses into a single hurried goodbye, leaving us with only one bitter kiss mixed with tears.

_Troilus laments the cruel haste of their parting, personifying time as a robber._

> But I can tell that in each grace of these There lurks a still and dumb-discoursive devil That tempts most cunningly: but be not tempted.

I know that behind every charming quality of the Greek youths there hides a silent, persuasive devil that tempts you subtly—but do not give in.

_Troilus warns Cressida against the seductive allure of the Greek men, revealing his jealousy._

> I charge thee use her well, even for my charge; For, by the dreadful Pluto, if thou dost not, Though the great bulk Achilles be thy guard, I'll cut thy throat.

I command you to treat her well, simply because I ask it; by the god Pluto, if you don't, even if the mighty Achilles protects you, I will kill you.

_Troilus threatens Diomedes with death if he mistreats Cressida, showing his fierce protectiveness._

## Links

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