Page 2807 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Scene X IT

A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius, bloody, with two or three
Soldiers.

AUFIDIUS
The town is ta’en.

FIRST SOLDIER

’Twill be delivered back on good condition.

AUFIDIUS

Condition?
I would I were a Roman, for I cannot,
Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition? [5]
What good condition can a treaty find

I’th’part that is at mercy? Five times, Martius,
I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me;
And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter
As often as we eat. By th’elements, [10]

If e’er again I meet him beard to beard,
He’s mine or I am his. Mine emulation
Hath not that honour in’t it had; for where
I thought to crush him in an equal force,

True sword to sword, I’ll potch at him some way [15]
Or wrath or craft may get him.

FIRST SOLDIER
He’s the devil.

AUFIDIUS
Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour’s poisoned
With only suffering stain by him; for him

Shall fly out of itself. Nor sleep nor sanctuary,
Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol, [20]
The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,
Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up