Auf.
Go tell the lords o'th' city, I am here:
Deliver them this paper; having read it,
Bid them repair to the market-place, where I,
Even in theirs, and in the commons ears,
Will vouch the truth of it. He, I accuse,
The city ports by this hath enter'd, and
Intends t' appear before the people, hoping
To purge himself with words. Dispatch. Enter three or four conspirators of Aufidius's faction.
Most welcome!

1 Con.
How is it with our general?

Auf.
Even so,
As with a man by his own alms impoison'd,
And with his charity slain.

2 Con.
Most noble Sir,
If you do hold the same intent, wherein
You wish'd us parties; we'll deliver you
Of your great danger.

Auf.
Sir, I cannot tell;
We must proceed, as we do find the people.

3 Con.
The people will remain uncertain, whilst
'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either,
Makes the survivor heir of all.

Auf.
I know it;
And my pretext to strike at him admits
A good construction.
Being banish'd Rome, he came unto my hearth,
Presented to my knife his throat; I took him,
Made him joint servant with me; gave him way,
In all his own desires; nay, let him chuse
Out of my files, his projects to accomplish,
My best and freshest men; serv'd his designments,
In mine own person; holp to reap the fame,
Which he did make all his; and took some pride
To do myself this wrong; 'till at the last,
I seem'd his follower, not partner; and

He wag'd† ^note me with his countenance, as if
I had been mercenary.* ^note

1 Con.
So he did, my lord:
The army marvell'd at it, and, at last,
When he had carried Rome, and that we look'd
For no less spoil, than glory—

Auf.
There was it:
For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him:
At a few drops of women's rheum, which are
As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour
Of our great action; therefore, shall he die,
And I'll renew me, in his fall.
But, hark. [Drums and trumpets sound, with great shouts of the people.

1 Con.
Your native town you enter'd like a post,
And had no welcomes home, but he returns,
Splitting the air with noise.

Auf.
Say no more,
Here come the lords. Enter the lords of the city.

All Lords.
You are most welcome home.

Auf.
I have not deserv'd it.
But, worthy lords, have you with heed perus'd
What I have written?

All.
We have.

1 Lord.
And grieve to hear it.
What faults he made before the last, I think
Might have found easy fines: but there to end
Where he was to begin, and give away
The benefit of our levies, answering us
With our own charge, making a treaty, where
There was a yielding, admits no excuse.

Auf.
He approaches; you shall hear him.

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