SCENE X.
The Camp of the Volsces.
A Flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius,
bloody, with two or three Soldiers.
Auf.
The town is ta'en!
1 Sol.
'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.
Auf.
Condition!—
I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,
Being a Volsce, be that I am.—Condition!
What good condition can a treaty find
I' the part that is at mercy?—Five times, Marcius,
I have fought with thee: so often hast thou beat me;
And would'st do so, I think, should we encounter
As often as we eat.—By the elements,
If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,
He is 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 way,
Or wrath, or craft, may get him.
-- 171 --
1 Sol.
He's the devil.
Auf.
Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd,
With only suffering stain by him; for him
Shall fly out of itself1 note. Nor sleep, nor sanctuary,
Being naked, sick; nor fane, nor Capitol,
The prayers of priests, nor times of sacrifice,
Embarquements all of fury2 note, shall lift up
Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst
My hate to Marcius. Where I find him, were it
At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,
Against the hospitable canon, would I
Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city:
Learn, how 'tis held; and what they are, that must
Be hostages for Rome.
1 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.
1 Sol.
I shall, sir.
[Exeunt.
J. Payne Collier [1842–1844], The works of William Shakespeare. The text formed from an entirely new collation of the old editions: with the various readings, notes, a life of the poet, and a history of the Early English stage. By J. Payne Collier, Esq. F.S.A. In eight volumes (Whittaker & Co. [etc.], London) [word count] [S10101].
