Vol. He must, and will.
Prithee now, say you will, and go about it.
Cor. Must I go show them my unbarb'd sconce? must I,[3328][3329]
With my base tongue, give to my noble heart[3329] 100
A lie, that it must bear? Well, I will do't:[3330]
Yet, were there but this single plot to lose,[3331]
This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it,[3332]
And throw't against the wind. To the market-place!
You have put me now to such a part, which never[3333] 105
I shall discharge to the life.
Com. Come, come, we'll prompt you.
Vol. I prithee now, sweet son, as thou hast said[3334]
My praises made thee first a soldier, so,
To have my praise for this, perform a part
Thou hast not done before.
Cor. Well, I must do't: 110
Away, my disposition, and possess me
Some harlot's spirit! my throat of war be turn'd,
Which quired with my drum, into a pipe[3335]
Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice[3336]
That babies lulls asleep! the smiles of knaves[3337] 115
Tent in my cheeks, and schoolboys' tears take up
The glasses of my sight! a beggar's tongue[3338]
Make motion through my lips, and my arm'd knees,
Who bow'd but in my stirrup, bend like his[3339]
That hath received an alms! I will not do't; 120
Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth,
And by my body's action teach my mind
A most inherent baseness.
Vol. At thy choice then:
To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour
Than thou of them. Come all to ruin: let 125
Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear
Thy dangerous stoutness, for I mock at death
With as big heart as thou. Do as thou list.
Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me,[3340]
But owe thy pride thyself.[3341]
Cor. Pray, be content: 130
Mother, I am going to the market-place;[3342]
Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves,
Cog their hearts from them and come home beloved
Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going:
Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul; 135
Or never trust to what my tongue can do
I' the way of flattery further.
Vol. Do your will. [Exit.[3343]
Com. Away! the tribunes do attend you: arm yourself
To answer mildly; for they are prepared[3344]
With accusations, as I hear, more strong 140
Than are upon you yet.
Cor. The word is 'mildly.' Pray you, let us go:
Let them accuse me by invention, I
Will answer in mine honour.