Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else Would feed on one another?-What's their seeking? Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof, they say, The city is well stor❜d. Mar. Hang 'em! They say? They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know What's done i'the Capitol: who's like to rise, Who thrives, and who declines: side factions, and give out Conjectural marriages; making parties strong, And feebling such as stand not in their liking, Below their cobbled shoes. They say, there's grain enough? Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,1 And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry2 With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high As I could pick3 my lance. Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded; For though abundantly they lack discretion, Mar. They are dissolved: Hang 'em! They said, they were a 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, (1) Pity, compassion. (3) Pitch. (2) Heap of dead. Shouting their emulation.I 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 Men. This is strange. Mar. Go, get you home, you fragments! Enter a Messenger. Mes. Where's Caius Marcius? Mar. Here: What's the matter? Mes. 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. And were Í any thing but what I am, 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 Only my wars with him: he is a lion That I am proud to hunt. 1 Sen. Then, worthy Marcius, 1) Faction. (2) For insurgents to debate upon. Cominius to these wars. your former promise. Sir, it is; n constant.-Titus Lartius, thou see me once more strike at Tullus' face: at, art thou stiff? stand'st out? 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. Com. Lead you on: 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:2-Worshipful mutineers, Your valour puts3 well forth: pray follow. [Exeunt Senators, Com. Mar. Tit. and Menen. Citizens steal away. Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius? Bru. He has no equal. Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the people, Bru. Mark'd you his lip, and eyes? Sic! Nay, but his taunts. Bru. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird4 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, (1) Right worthy of precedence. (2) Granaries. (3) Shows itself. VOL. VI. (4) Sneer. Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow Bru. Sic. Besides, if things go well, Opinion, that so sticks on Marcius, shall Of his demerits2 rob Cominius. Bru. Come: Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius, Sic. Let's hence, and hear How the despatch is made; and in what fashion, More than in singularity, he goes Upon his present action. Bru. 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, (1) Demerits and merits had anciently the same meaning. (2) Pre-occupation. [Reads. I have the letter here; yes, here it is: (Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,) Whither 'tis bent: most likely, 'tis for you: 1. Sen. Our army's in the field: We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready To answer us. Auf. Nor did you think it folly, To keep your great pretences veil'd, till when They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching, It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery, We shall be shorten'd in our aim; which was, To take in many towns, ere, almost, Rome Should know we were afoot. Noble Aufidius, your bands: you to 2 Sen. If they set down before us, for the remove Auf. O, doubt not that; 1 speak from certainties. Nay, more. Some parcels of their powers are forth already, Au. The gods assist you! Auf. And keep your honours safe! 1 Sen. 2 Sen. (1) To subdue. Farewell. Farewell. |