Page 2799 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Which told me they had beat you to your trenches? [40]
Where is he? Call him hither.

MARTIUS
Let him alone.
He did inform the truth − but for our gentlemen.
The common file − a plague! Tribunes for them! −

The mouse ne’er shunned the cat as they did budge
From rascals worse than they.

COMINIUS
But how prevailed you? [45]

MARTIUS
Will the time serve to tell? I do not think.

Where is the enemy? Are you lords o’th’field?
If not, why cease you till you are so?

COMINIUS
Martius,
We have at disadvantage fought, and did
Retire to win our purpose. [50]

MARTIUS
How lies their battle? Know you on which side

They have placed their men of trust?

COMINIUS
As I guess, Martius,
Their bands i’th’vaward are the Antiates,
Of their best trust; o’er them Aufidius,

Their very heart of hope.

MARTIUS
I do beseech you [55]
By all the battles wherein we have fought,
By th’blood we have shed together, by th’vows