[Alarum. A retreat.
Hark how these murderous Romans, viper-like,
Seek to bewray their fellow-citizens.
O wretched world, from whence with speedy flight
True love, true zeal, true honour late is fled!
SOLDIER. What makes my lord so careless and secure,
To leave the breach and here lament alone?
YOUNG MARIUS. Not fear, my friend, for I could never fly;
But study how with honour for to die.
I pray thee, call the chiefest citizens;
I must advise them in a weighty cause:
Here shall they meet me; and, until they come,
I will go view the danger of the breach.
[Exit YOUNG MARIUS, with the Soldiers.
Enter, with drums and Soldiers, LUCRETIUS, with
other Romans, as TUDITANUS, &c.
LUCRETIUS. Say, Tuditanus, didst thou ever see
So desperate defence as this hath been.
TUDITANUS. As in Numidia, tigers wanting food,
Or, as in Lybia, lions full of ire,
So fare these Romans on Praeneste walls.
LUCRETIUS. Their valour, Tuditanus, and resist,
The man-like fight of younger Marius,
Makes me amaz'd to see their miseries,
And pity them, although they be my foes.
What said I? Foes? O Rome, with ruth I see
Thy state consum'd through folly and dissension!
Well, sound a parley; I will see if words
[Sound a parley—YOUNG MARIUS appears upon the walls with the Citizens.