Cor. This last old man,[3762]
Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome,
Loved me above the measure of a father, 10
Nay, godded me indeed. Their latest refuge
Was to send him; for whose old love I have,
Though I show'd sourly to him, once more offer'd
The first conditions, which they did refuse[3763]
And cannot now accept; to grace him only[3764] 15
That thought he could do more, a very little[3764]
I have yielded to: fresh embassies and suits,[3765]
Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter[3766]
Will I lend ear to. [Shout within.] Ha! what shout is this?[3767]
Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow 20
In the same time 'tis made? I will not.
Enter, in mourning habits, Virgilia, Volumnia, leading young Marcius, Valeria, and Attendants.[3768]
My wife comes foremost; then the honour'd mould
Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand
The grandchild to her blood. But out, affection!
All bond and privilege of nature, break![3769] 25
Let it be virtuous to be obstinate.
What is that curtsy worth? or those doves' eyes,[3770]
Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not
Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows;
As if Olympus to a molehill should 30
In supplication nod: and my young boy
Hath an aspect of intercession, which
Great nature cries 'Deny not.' Let the Volsces
Plough Rome, and harrow Italy: I'll never
Be such a gosling to obey instinct; but stand, 35
As if a man were author of himself[3771][3772]
And knew no other kin.[3772]
Vir. My lord and husband!
Cor. These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome.
Vir. The sorrow that delivers us thus changed
Makes you think so.
Cor. Like a dull actor now[3773] 40
I have forgot my part and I am out,[3773]
Even to a full disgrace. Best of my flesh,[3773]
Forgive my tyranny; but do not say,
For that 'Forgive our Romans.' O, a kiss
Long as my exile, sweet as my revenge! 45
Now, by the jealous queen of heaven, that kiss
I carried from thee, dear, and my true lip
Hath virgin'd it e'er since. You gods! I prate,[3774]
And the most noble mother of the world
Leave unsaluted: sink, my knee, i' the earth; [Kneels. 50
Of thy deep duty more impression show[3775]
Than that of common sons.
Vol. O, stand up blest!
Whilst, with no softer cushion than the flint,
I kneel before thee, and unproperly
Show duty, as mistaken all this while[3776] 55
Between the child and parent. [Kneels.
Cor. What is this?[3777][3778]
Your knees to me? to your corrected son?[3778]
Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach[3779]
Fillip the stars; then let the mutinous winds[3780]
Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun, 60
Murdering impossibility, to make
What cannot be, slight work.
Vol. Thou art my warrior;[3781]
I holp to frame thee. Do you know this lady?[3781][3782]