Page 2792 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

MESSENGER

Within this mile and half.

MARTIUS
Then shall we hear their ’larum, and they ours.
Now Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work, [10]
That we with smoking swords may march from hence

To help our fielded friends! Come, blow thy blast.

They sound a parley. Enter two Senators, with others, on the walls of
Corioles.

Tullus Aufidius, is he within your walls?

FIRST SENATOR
No, nor a man that fears you less than he:
That’s lesser than a little. (Drum afar off) Hark, our drums [15]

Are bringing forth our youth. We’ll break our walls
Rather than they shall pound us up. Our gates,
Which yet seem shut, we have but pinned with rushes;
They’ll open of themselves. (Alarum far off) Hark you, far off!

There is Aufidius. List what work be makes [20]
Amongst your cloven army.

MARTIUS
O, they are at it!

LARTIUS
Their noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!

Enter the army of the Volsces.

MARTIUS
They fear us not, but issue forth their city.

Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight
With hearts more proof than shields. Advance, brave Titus. [25]
They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts,
Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows.