THERSITES

Ay, but that fool knows not himself.

AJAX

Therefore I beat thee.

THERSITES

Lo, lo, lo, lo, what modicums of wit he utters! his
evasions have ears thus long. I have bobbed his
brain more than he has beat my bones: I will buy
nine sparrows for a penny, and his pia mater is not
worth the nineth part of a sparrow. This lord,
Achilles, Ajax, who wears his wit in his belly and
his guts in his head, I'll tell you what I say of
him.

ACHILLES

What?

THERSITES

I say, this Ajax–

Ajax offers to beat him

ACHILLES

Nay, good Ajax.

THERSITES

Has not so much wit–

ACHILLES

Nay, I must hold you.

THERSITES

As will stop the eye of Helen's needle, for whom he
comes to fight.

ACHILLES

Peace, fool!

THERSITES

I would have peace and quietness, but the fool will
not: he there: that he: look you there.

AJAX

O thou damned cur! I shall–

ACHILLES

Will you set your wit to a fool's?