4 And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry1 Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded; For though abundantly they lack discretion, Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you, What says the other troop? Mar. They are dissolved: Hang 'em! They said, they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth pro verbs; That, hunger broke stone walls; that, dogs must eat; That, meat was made for mouths; that, the gods sent not Corn for the rich men only:-With these shreds They vented their complainings; which being answer'd, And a petition granted them, a strange one, (To break the heart of generosity, And make bold power look pale,) they threw their caps As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon, Shouting their emulation. Men. What is granted them? Mar. Five tribunes, to defend their vulgar wis doms, Of their own choice: One's Junius Brutus, Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes For insurrection's arguing. Men. This is strange. Mar. Go, get you home, you fragments! Enter a Messenger. Mess. Where's Caius Marcius? Mar. Here: What's the matter? Mess. The news is, sir, the Volces are in arms. Mar. I am glad on't; then we shall have means to vent Our musty superfluity:-See, our best elders. Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators; JUNIUS BRUTUS, and SICINIUS VELUTUS. 1 Sen. Marcius, 'tis true, that you have lately told us; The Volces are in arms. They have a leader, Mar. I sin in envying his nobility: And were I any thing but what I am, I would wish me only he. Com. You have fought together. Mar. Were half to half the world by the ears, and he Upon my party, I'd revolt, to make That I am proud to hunt. 1 Sen. Then, worthy Marcius, Attend upon Cominius to these wars. Com. It is your former promise. Sir, it is; And I am constant.-Titus Lartius, thou Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face: Tit. ་ No, Caius Marcius; I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other, Ere stay behind this business. Men. O, true bred! 1 Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where, I know, Our greatest friends attend us. Tit. Lead you on: Follow, Cominius; we must follow you; Right worthy your priority. Com. Noble Lartius! 1 Sen. Hence! To your homes, be gone. Mar. [To the Citizens. Nay, let them follow: The Volces have much corn; take these rats thither, To gnaw their garners:-Worshipful mutineers, Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow. [Exeunt Senators, Com. Mar. Tit. and Mene. Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius? Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the peo ple, Bru. Mark'd you his lip, and eyes? Sic. Nay, but his taunts. Bru. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the gods'. Sic. Be-mock the modest moon. Bru. The present wars devour him: he is grown Too proud to be so valiant. Sic. Such a nature, Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow Under Cominius. Bru. Fame, at the which he aims, Had borne the business! Sic. Besides, if things go well, Opinion, that so sticks on Marcius, shall Of his demerits rob Cominius. Bru. Come; Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius, Though Marcius earn'd them not; and all his faults To Marcius shall be honours, though, indeed, In aught he merit not. Sic. Let's hence, and hear How the despatch is made; and in what fashion, More than his singularity, he goes Upon this present action. Bru. Let's along. [Exeunt. SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate-House. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, and certain Senators. 1 Sen. So, your opinion is, Aufidius, That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels, Is it not yours? [reads. Auf. What ever hath been thought on in this state, That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome Had circumvention? "Tis not four days gone, Since I heard thence; These are the words: I think, I have the letter here; yes, here it is: They have press'd a power, but it is not known Whether for east, or west: The dearth is great; The people mutinous: and it is rumour'd, Cominius, Marcius your old enemy, (Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,) And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman, These three lead on this preparation Whither 'tis bent: most likely, 'tis for you: Consider of it. 1 Sen. Our army's in the field: We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready. |