illustrated scene of Toilus and Cressida, in profile, looking at one another with the setting sun in the background

Troilus and Cressida

by William Shakespeare

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"'Tis Mad Idolatry To Make The Service Greater Than The God"

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Context: The Greeks offer to end the Trojan War. King Priam of Troy and his sons Hector, Troilus, Paris, and Helenus discuss the Greek condition of peace, which is, namely, the return of Helen. Formerly the wife of Menelaus, a Greek king, Helen fell in love with Prince Paris of Troy and fled with him, abandoning her husband and thus precipitating the war. Now Hector urges his father and brothers to accept the Greek offer. He argues that Troy's armies have been decimated, and that the cause of it all is not worth the cost of her keeping.


TROILUS
What's aught but as 'tis valued?
HECTOR
But value dwells not in particular will;
It holds his estimate and dignity
As well wherein 'tis precious of itself
As in the prizer. 'Tis mad idolatry
To make the service greater than the god,
. . .

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"Time Hath, My Lord, A Wallet At His Back"