Scene III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house.
Enter Volumnia and Virgilia: they set them down on two low stools, and sew.[2588]
Vol. I pray you, daughter, sing, or express yourself in a
more comfortable sort: if my son were my husband, I should[2589]
freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than[2590]
in the embracements of his bed where he would show most[2591]
love. When yet he was but tender-bodied, and the only son 5
of my womb; when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze
his way; when, for a day of kings' entreaties, a mother[2592]
should not sell him an hour from her beholding; I, considering[2593]
how honour would become such a person; that it
was no better than picture-like to hang by the wall, if renown 10
made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek danger where
he was like to find fame. To a cruel war I sent him; from
whence he returned, his brows bound with oak. I tell thee,
daughter, I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was[2594]
a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself 15
a man.
Vir. But had he died in the business, madam: how then?
Vol. Then his good report should have been my son; I
therein would have found issue. Hear me profess sincerely:
had I a dozen sons, each in my love alike, and none less 20
dear than thine and my good Marcius, I had rather had[2595]
eleven die nobly for their country than one voluptuously
surfeit out of action.
Enter a Gentlewoman.
Gent. Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to visit you.
Vir. Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself. 25
Vol. Indeed, you shall not.[2596]
Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum;[2597]
See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair;[2598]
As children from a bear, the Volsces shunning him:[2599]
Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus:[2600] 30
'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,[2601]
Though you were born in Rome:' his bloody brow
With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,
Like to a harvest-man that's task'd to mow[2602]
Or all, or lose his hire.[2603] 35
Vir. His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!