Page 2468 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,
For quick accumulation of renown,
Which he achiev’d by the minute, lost his favour [20]
Who does i’ the wars more than his captain can,

Becomes his captain’s captain: and ambition,
The soldier’s virtue, rather makes choice of loss,
Than gain which darkens him.
I could do more to do Antonius good, [25]

But ’twould offend him. And in his offence
Should my performance perish.

SILIUS
Thou hast, Ventidius, that
Without the which a soldier and his sword
Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to Antony?

VENTIDIUS
I’ll humbly signify what in his name, [30]
That magical word of war, we have effected;
How with his banners, and his well-paid ranks,
The ne’er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia

We have jaded out o’ the field.

SILIUS
Where is he now?

VENTIDIUS
He purposeth to Athens, whither, with what haste [35]
The weight we must convey with ’s will permit,
We shall appear before him. On there, pass along!

(Exeunt.)

Scene II IT

(Rome. An ante-chamber in Cæsar’s house.)

Enter Agrippa at one door, Enobarbus at another.