Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison, rather
Than pity note how much.
(V. ii. 91.)
He admits, then, that his wilful oblivion is “ingrate,” and realises that pity would consider the old relations.
Or, once more, almost at the close, when he feels himself in danger of yielding to the voice of nature, he utters the truculent prayer:
Let it be virtuous to be obstinate;
(V. iii. 26.)
which implies that he knew it was not.
On the other hand, with all his doggedness, he cannot be quite consequent in his rancour. He may lead her foes against his “thankless country” as he calls it, but he has a lurking kindliness even for the Rome he thinks he detests. As we learn from Aufidius’ speech:
Although it seems,