SICINIUS.
We should by this, to all our lamentation,
If he had gone forth consul, found it so.
BRUTUS.
The gods have well prevented it, and Rome
Sits safe and still without him.
Enter an Aedile.
AEDILE.
Worthy tribunes,
There is a slave, whom we have put in prison,
Reports the Volsces with two several powers
Are entered in the Roman territories,
And with the deepest malice of the war
Destroy what lies before ’em.
MENENIUS.
’Tis Aufidius,
Who, hearing of our Martius’ banishment,
Thrusts forth his horns again into the world,
Which were inshelled when Martius stood for Rome,
And durst not once peep out.
SICINIUS.
Come, what talk you of Martius?
BRUTUS.
Go see this rumourer whipped. It cannot be
The Volsces dare break with us.
MENENIUS.
Cannot be?
We have record that very well it can,
And three examples of the like hath been
Within my age. But reason with the fellow
Before you punish him, where he heard this,
Lest you shall chance to whip your information
And beat the messenger who bids beware
Of what is to be dreaded.
SICINIUS.
Tell not me.
I know this cannot be.
BRUTUS.
Not possible.