Mess. The citizens of Corioli have issued, 10
And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle:
I saw our party to their trenches driven,[2678]
And then I came away.
Com. Though thou speak'st truth,[2679]
Methinks thou speak'st not well. How long is't since?
Mess. Above an hour, my lord. 15
Com. 'Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums:[2680]
How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,
And bring thy news so late?[2681]
Mess. Spies of the Volsces
Held me in chase, that I was forced to wheel
Three or four miles about; else had I, sir, 20
Half an hour since brought my report.
Enter Marcius.[2682]
Com. Who's yonder,
That does appear as he were flay'd? O gods!
He has the stamp of Marcius; and I have
Before-time seen him thus.
Mar. Come I too late?[2683]
Com. The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabor 25
More than I know the sound of Marcius' tongue[2684]
From every meaner man.[2685]
Mar. Come I too late?