Mar. They fear us not, but issue forth their city.[2640]
Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight
With hearts more proof than shields. Advance, brave Titus:[2641] 25
They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts,
Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows:[2642]
He that retires, I'll take him for a Volsce,[2643]
And he shall feel mine edge.
Alarum. The Romans are beat back to their trenches. Re-enter Marcius, cursing.[2644]
Mar. All the contagion of the south light on you,[2645] 30
You shames of Rome! you herd of—Boils and plagues[2646]
Plaster you o'er; that you may be abhorr'd
Farther than seen, and one infect another
Against the wind a mile! You souls of geese,
That bear the shapes of men, how have you run 35
From slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell!
All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale
With flight and agued fear! Mend, and charge home,
Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foe,
And make my wars on you: look to 't: come on; 40
If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives,[2647]
As they us to our trenches followed.[2647][2648]
Another alarum. The Volsces fly, and Marcius follows them to the gates.[2649]
So, now the gates are ope: now prove good seconds:
'Tis for the followers fortune widens them,
Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like. 45
[Enters the gates.[2650]
First Sol. Fool-hardiness; not I.
Sec. Sol. Nor I. [Marcius is shut in.[2651]
First Sol. See, they have shut him in.