ACT I. SCENE 1

The plain in front of Troy; the city walls; the sea; and, in the distance, Tenedos. Morning, without the gates. Joyful crowds of men, women, and children pour through the open doors. They gather about the strange wooden horse which stands without, and excitedly inquire what it means, and what shall be done with it. Thymoetes voices the sentiment of one party that it should be taken within the walls and set upon the citadel; while Capys and his adherents urge that they should examine the mystery where it stands, and destroy it. Great confusion reigns. The sentiment of Thymoetes seems about to prevail (26-39).

Enter Laocoön, running, followed by a band of priestly attendants, and shouting while still at some distance.

_Laocoön_ (42-49):

What madness, wretched citizens, is this? Can you believe your enemies have fled, Or can you think that any gifts of Greeks Are innocent of guile? So have you learned To judge Ulysses? No, within this horse The crafty Greeks are lying even now, Or else its towering bulk has been contrived To give them spying place upon our homes, Or chance to scale our city’s battlements. Be sure some dark design is hidden here. Trust not the horse, my friends; whate’er it is, I fear the Greeks, though armed with gifts alone.

He hurls his spear, which sticks fast in the wooden horse and stands quivering there.