Page 2135 - Shakespeare - Vol. 1

To square for this? would it offend you then [100]
That both should speed?

CHIRON

Faith, not me.

DEMET RIUS

Nor me, so I were one.

AARON

For shame, be friends, and join for that you jar.
’Tis policy and stratagem must do
That you affect; and so must you resolve,
That what you cannot as you would achieve,
You must perforce accomplish as you may.
Take this of me: Lucrece was not more chaste
Than this Lavinia, Bassianus’ love.
A speedier course this ling’ring languishment [110]
Must we pursue and I have found the path.
My lords, a solemn hunting is in hand;
There will the lovely Roman ladies troop.
The forest walks are wide and spacious,
And many unfrequented plots there are
Fitted by kind for rape and villainy.
Single you thither then this dainty doe,
And strike her home by force, if not by words;
This way, or not at all, stand you in hope.
Come, come, our empress, with her sacred wit [120]
To villainy and vengeance consecrate,
Will we acquaint with all that we intend,
And she shall file our engines with advice,
That will not suffer you to square yourselves,
But to your wishes’ height advance you both,
The emperor’s court is like the house of Fame,
The palace full of tongues, of eyes, and ears;
The woods are ruthless, dreadful, deaf, and dull.
There speak, and strike, brave boys, and take your turns;
There serve your lust shadowed from heaven’s eye, [130]
And revel in Lavinia’s treasury.

CHIRON