(IV. v. 60.)
As much material, though it is amplified and rearranged, has been incorporated, as we shall have to point out, in Coriolanus’ invective against the tribunate and the distribution of corn. Within a narrower compass we see the same adherence to North’s phraseology in Brutus’ instructions to the people, where, very notably, Shakespeare’s fidelity to his author has made it possible to supply an omission in the text with absolute certainty as to the sense and great probability as to the wording. The opening sentences of the Life run as follows:
The house of the Martians at Rome was of the number of the patricians, out of the which hath sprong many noble personages: whereof Ancus Martius was one, King Numaes daughters sonne, who was king of Rome after Tullus Hostilius. Of the same house were Publius, and Quintus, who brought Rome their best water they had by conducts. Censorinus also came of that familie, that was so surnamed, bicause the people had chosen him Censor twise.
Shakespeare puts the notifications in the Tribune’s mouth:
Say we read lectures to you,
How youngly he began to serve his country,
How long continued, and what stock he springs of,
The noble house o’ the Marcians, from whence came
That Ancus Martius, Numa’s daughter’s son,
Who, after great Hostilius, here was king: