Page 2787 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3
P. 2787
VIRGILIA
Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.
VOLUMNIA
Indeed you shall not.
Methinks I hear hither your husband’s drum; [30]
See him pluck Aufidius down by th’hair;
As children from a bear, the Volsces shunning him.
Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus:
‘Come on, you cowards! You were got in fear,
Though you were born in Rome.’ His bloody brow [35]
With his mailed hand then wiping, forth he goes,
Like to a harvest-man that’s tasked to mow
Or all or lose his hire.
VIRGILIA
His bloody brow? O Jupiter, no blood!
VOLUMNIA
Away, you fool! It more becomes a man [40]
Than gilt his trophy. The breasts of Hecuba,
When she did suckle Hector, looked not lovelier
Than Hector’s forehead when it spit forth blood
At Grecian sword, contemning. Tell Valeria
We are fit to bid her welcome. [45]
Exit Gentlewoman.
VIRGILIA
Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!
VOLUMNIA
He’ll beat Aufidius’ head below his knee
And tread upon his neck.
Enter Valeria, with an Usher and a Gentlewoman.
VALERIA
