Patroclus And Briseis Quotes

“Be careful tomorrow,' she says. 'Best of men. Best of the Myrmidons...It is truth,' she says. 'Let it stand, for once.”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles

“Her lips touched mine. I was so surprised I did not move. Her mouth was soft and a little hesitant. Her eyes were sweetly closed. Of habit, of its own accord, my mouth parted. A moment passed like this, the ground beneath us, the breeze sifting flower scents. Then she drew back, eyes down, waiting for judgement. My pulse sounded in my ears, but it was not as Achilles made it sound. It was something more like surprise, and fear that I would hurt her. I put my hand to hers.
She knew, then.”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles

“I know that you love him,' she said, hesitating a little before each word. 'I know. But I thought that - some men have wives and lovers both.'
Her face looked very small, and so sad that I could not be silent. 'Briseis,' I said, 'If I ever wished to take a wife, it would be you.'
'But you do not wish to take a wife.'
'No,' I said, as gently as I could.”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles

“You have never deserved him. I do not know why he ever loved you. You care only for yourself!'
Achilles' gaze lifts to meet hers. She is afraid, but does not draw back. 'I hope that Hector kills you.'
The breath rasps in his throat. 'Do you think I do not hope the same?”
― Madeline Miller, The Song of Achilles