As I, until before me stand This rebel chieftain and his band. Soldier. Have then thy wish! (He whistles, and soldiers rush in on all sides.) How say'st thou now? These are Clan Alpine's warriors true; And, Saxon,- -I,- -am Roderick Dhu! (King James starts back a little, then draws his sword, and places his back against the rock.) James. Come one, come all! this rock shall fly From its firm base as soon as I. (Roderick waves his hand and the soldiers retire.) Roderick. Fear not,-nay, that I need not say ;But doubt not aught from mine array. Thou art my guest,-I pledged my word As far as Coilantogle Ford. This murderous chief, this ruthless man, Will lead thee safe through watch and ward, James. A chieftain's vengeance thou shalt feel. A better meed have well deserved, Can naught but blood our feud atone, Roderick. No, stranger, none ! James. Nay,-first to James, at Stirling, go; When, if thou wilt be still his foe,— Or if the king shall not agree To grant thee grace and favor free,— I plight mine honor, oath, and word, Roderick. Thy rash presumption now shall rue A braid of his fair lady's hair. (Pointing to a braid on James's breast.) James. I thank thee, Roderick, for the word; It nerves my heart, it steels my sword. I had it from a frantic maid By thee dishonored and betrayed ;- QUARREL OF BRUTUS AND CASSIUS. Cassius. That you have wronged me, doth appear in this: You have condemned and noted Lucius Pella For taking bribes here of the Sardians; Brutus. You wronged yourself to write in such a case. Cas. At such a time as this, it is not meet Cas. I an itching pálm? You know that you are Brutus that speak this, Bru. The name of Cassius honors this corruption, Bru. Remember March, the Ides of March remember,Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake? What villain touched his body, that did stab, Cas. Brutus, bay not me! I'll not endure it. You forget yourself, Bru. Go to! you are not, Cassius. Cas. I am. Bru. I say you are not! Cas. Urge me no more: I shall forget myself. Have mind upon your health; tempt me no further! Bru. Away, slight man! Cas. Is 't possible? Bru. Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Cas. Must I endure all this? Bru. All this? ay, more! Fret till your proud heart break. Go, show your slaves how choleric you are, And make your bondmen tremble! Must I budge? You shall digest the venom of your spleen, Though it do split you; for, from this day forth, I'll use you for my mirth,—yea, for my laughter, Cas. Is it come to this? Bru. You say you are a better soldier: Let it appear so; make your vaunting true, And it shall please me well. For mine own part, I shall be glad to learn of noble men. Cas. You wrong me every way, you wrong me, Brutus ; I said, an elder soldier, not a better. Did I say better? Bru. If you did, I care not. Cas. When Cæsar lived, he durst not thus have moved me. Bru. Peace, peace; you durst not so have tempted him! Cas. I durst not? Bru. No. Cas. What? durst not tempt him? Bru. For your life, you durst not! Cas. Do not presume too much upon my love; Bru. You have done that you should be sorry for. denied me; And drop my blood for drachmas, than to wring To you for gold to pay my legions, Which denied me. you Was that done like Cassius? Should I have answered Caius Cassius so? Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts, Cas. I denied you not. Bru. You did. Cas. I did not:-he was but a fool That brought my answer back. Brutus hath rived Bru. I do not, till you practice them on me. Bru. I do not like your faults. Cas. A friendly eye could never see such faults. As huge as high Olympus. Cas. Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come! Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, For Cassius is aweary of the world: Hated by one he loves; braved by his brother; |