A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius, bloody, with two or three Soldiers.
Auf. The town is ta'en![2769]
First Sol. 'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.[2770][2769]
Auf. Condition!
I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,
Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition![2771] 5
What good condition can a treaty find
I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, Marcius,
I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me;
And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter
As often as we eat. By the elements,[2772] 10
If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,
He's mine, or I am his: mine emulation
Hath not that honour in 't it had; for where
I thought to crush him in an equal force,
True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some way,[2773] 15
Or wrath or craft may get him.
First Sol. He's the devil.[2770]
Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd[2774][2775]
With only suffering stain by him; for him[2775][2776]
Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep nor sanctuary,[2777]
Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,[2778] 20
The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,
Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up[2779]
Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst
My hate to Marcius: where I find him, were it
At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,[2780] 25
Against the hospitable canon, would I
Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city;
Learn how 'tis held, and what they are that must
Be hostages for Rome.
First Sol. Will not you go?[2770]
Auf. I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you—[2781] 30
'Tis south the city mills—bring me word thither[2782]
How the world goes, that to the pace of it
I may spur on my journey.
First Sol. I shall, sir. [Exeunt.[2770][2783]