SCENE XII.
Changes to the Camp of the Volsci.
A Flourish. Cornet. Enter Tullus Aufidius bloody,
with two or three soldiers.
Auf.
The town is ta'en!
Sol.
'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.
Auf.
Condition!
I would, I were a Roman; for I cannot,
8 note
Being a Volscian, be that I am. Condition?
What good condition can a treaty find
I' th' part that is at mercy? Five times, Marcius,
I have fought with thee, so often hast thou beat me,
-- 519 --
And would'st do so, I think, should we encounter
As often as we eat. By th' Elements,
If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,
He's mine, or I am his. Mine emulation
Hath not that honour in't, it had; for where
I thought to crush him in an equal force,
True Sword to Sword, I'll potch at him some way6Q0224,
Or wrath, or craft may get him.
Sol.
He's the Devil.
Auf.
Bolder, tho' not so subtle. My valour poison'd,
With only suffering stain by him, 9 note
for him
Shall flie out of itself: 1 note
not sleep nor sanctuary,
Being naked, sick, nor fane, nor Capitol,
The prayers of priests, nor times of sacrifice,
Embarrments all of fury, shall lift up
Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst
My hate to Marcius. Where I find him, were it
-- 520 --
* noteAt home, upon my brother's guard, even there,
Against the hospitable Canon, would I
Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to th' city;
Learn, how 'tis held; and what they are, that must
Be hostages for Rome.
Sol.
Will not you go?
Auf.
I am attended at the cypress grove.
I pray you,
('Tis South the city mills) bring me word thither
How the world goes, that to the pace of it
I may spur on my journey.
Sol.
I shall, Sir.
[Exeunt.
Samuel Johnson [1765], The plays of William Shakespeare, in eight volumes, with the corrections and illustrations of Various Commentators; To which are added notes by Sam. Johnson (Printed for J. and R. Tonson [and] C. Corbet [etc.], London) [word count] [S11001].
