And call him noble that was now your hate, matter, That in these several places of the city You cry against the noble senate, who, 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 stored. 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 enough! Would the nobility lay aside their ruth, And let me use my sword, I'ld make a quarry Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly per- For though abundantly they lack discretion, you, What says the other troop? Mar. They are dissolved: hang 'em! They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth 190 200 That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat, 210 That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not Corn for the rich men only: with these shreds And a petition granted them, a strange one- And make bold power look pale-they threw their caps As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon, Shouting their emulation. Men. What is granted them? Mar. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms, 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! 220 Enter a Messenger, hastily. Here: what's the matter? Mess. Where's Caius Marcius? Mar. to vent Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders. 230 215. break the heart of generosity, give the death-blow to the power of the nobles. Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators; JUNIUS BRUTUS and SICINIUS VELUTUS. First Sen. Marcius, 'tis true that you have lately told us; The Volsces are in arms. Mar. They have a leader, Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to 't. I sin in envying his nobility, And were I any thing but what I am, I would wish me only he. Com. You have fought together? Mar. Were half to half the world by the ears, and he Upon my party, I'ld revolt, to make Only my wars with him: he is a lion That I am proud to hunt. First Sen. Attend upon Cominius to these wars. Then, worthy Marcius, 240 Sir, it is; Titus Lartius, thou Com. It is your former promise. Mar. And I am constant. Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face. What, art thou stiff? stand'st out? No, Caius Marcius; Tit. Men. O, true-bred! First Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where, Our greatest friends attend us. Tit. [To Com.] Lead you on. [To Mar.] Follow Cominius; we must follow you ; 250 Right worthy you priority. Com. Noble Marcius! 245. stiff, stubborn. First Sen. [To the Citizens] Hence to your homes; be gone! Mar. Nay, let them follow: The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither To gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutiners, Citizens steal away. Exeunt all but Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius? Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the people, Bru. Mark'd you his lip and eyes? Sic. Nay, but his taunts. Bru. Being moved, he will not spare to gird the gods. Sic. Be-mock the modest moon. Bru. The present wars devour him: he is grown Too proud to be so valiant. Such a nature, Sic. Bru. Fame, at the which he aims, In whom already he's well graced, can not Sic. Besides, if things go well, Opinion that so sticks on Marcius shall 263. to be, of being. 260 270 Of his demerits rob Cominius. Bru. Come: Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius, Though Marcius earn'd them not, and all his faults In aught he merit not. Sic. Let's hence, and hear 280 How the dispatch is made, and in what fashion, Upon this present action. Bru. Let's along. [Exeunt. SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate-house. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain Senators. Auf. [Reads] They have press'd a power, but it is not Whether for east or west: the dearth is great; 276. demerits, desert (in a good sense). 282. More than his singu ΤΟ larity, apart from his individual temperament. 2. enter'd in, privy to. |