(V. iii. 39.)
But who shall say that
those dove’s eyes
Which can make gods forsworn,
(V. iii. 27.)
did not shed their influence on his mother’s demand, and help him to break his vindictive vow. Remember, too, that the sacrifice this implied would mean more to her than to Volumnia, for though she likewise can dedicate what she holds dearest on the altar of her country, her affections, her home, Marcius as an individual, bulk more largely in her life.
And if she loves him, we see how fondly he loves her. More than once or twice he alludes to his happiness as bridegroom, husband, and father. When she appears before him, his ejaculations and the tenderness of his appeal,
Best of my flesh,
Forgive my tyranny,
(V. iii. 42.)