Page 2797 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

That both our powers, with smiling fronts encountering,
May give you thankful sacrifice!

Enter a Messenger.

Thy news?

MESSENGER
The citizens of Corioles have issued [10]

And given to Lartius and to Martius battle.
I saw our party to their trenches driven,
And then I came away.

COMINIUS
Though thou speak’st truth,
Methinks thou speak’st not well. How long is’t since?

MESSENGER
Above an hour, my lord. [15]

COMINIUS

’Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums.
How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,
And bring thy news so late?

MESSENGER
Spies of the Volsces

Held me in chase, that I was forced to wheel
Three or four miles about, else had I, sir, [20]
Half an hour since brought my report.

Enter Martius.

COMINIUS
Who’s yonder

That does appear as he were flayed? O gods!
He has the stamp of Martius, and I have