Page 2198 - Shakespeare - Vol. 2

Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, [10]
And as a suitor will I give him this.
My heart laments that virtue cannot live
Out of the teeth of emulation.

If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live;
If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive. [15]
Exit.

Scene IV IT

Enter Portia and Lucius.

PORTIA
I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House.
Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.
Why dost thou stay?

LUCIUS

To know my errand, madam.

PORTIA

I would have had thee there and here again
Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. [5]
O constancy, be strong upon my side;
Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue!

I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might.
How hard it is for women to keep counsel!
Art thou here yet?

LUCIUS
Madam, what should I do? [10]

Run to the Capitol, and nothing else?
And so return to you, and nothing else?

PORTIA
Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well,
For he went sickly forth; and take good note