AUFIDIUS
The town is ta’en.
SOLDIER
’Twill be delivered back on good condition.
AUFIDIUS
Condition?
I would I were a Roman, for I cannot,
Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition?
What good condition can a treaty find
I’ th’ part that is at mercy? Five times, Martius,
I have fought with ; so often beat me
And do so, I think, should we encounter
As often as we eat. By th’ elements,
If e’er again I meet him beard to beard,
He’s mine or I am his. Mine emulation
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,
Or wrath or craft may get him.
SOLDIER
He’s the devil.
AUFIDIUS
Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour’s poisoned
With only suff’ring stain by him; for him
Shall fly out of itself. Nor sleep nor sanctuary,
Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,
The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,
Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up
Their rotten privilege and custom ’gainst
My hate to Martius. Where I find him, were it
At home, upon my brother’s guard, even there,
Against the hospitable canon, would I
Wash my fierce hand in’s heart. Go you to th’ city;
Learn how held and what they are that must
Be hostages for Rome.
SOLDIER
Will not you go?
AUFIDIUS
I am attended at the cypress grove. I pray you—
south the city mills,—bring me word
How the world goes, that to the pace of it
I may spur on my journey.
SOLDIER
I shall, sir.