Page 2908 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

AUFIDIUS

I cannot help it now,
Unless by using means I lame the foot
Of our design. He bears himself more proudlier,

Even to my person, than I thought he would
When first I did embrace him. Yet his nature [10]
In that’s no changeling, and I must excuse
What cannot be amended.

LIEUTENANT
Yet I wish, sir −

I mean for your particular − you had not
Joined in commission with him, but either
Have born the action of yourself, or else [15]
To him had left it solely.

AUFIDIUS

I understand thee well, and be thou sure,
When he shall come to his account, he knows not
What I can urge against him. Although it seems,
And so he thinks, and is no less apparent [20]
To th’vulgar eye, that he bears all things fairly

And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state,
Fights dragon-like, and does achieve as soon
As draw his sword; yet he hath left undone

That which shall break his neck or hazard mine [25]
Whene’er we come to our account.

LIEUTENANT
Sir, I beseech you, think you he’ll carry Rome?

AUFIDIUS
All places yield to him ere he sits down,
And the nobility of Rome are his.
The senators and patricians love him too. [30]

The tribunes are no soldiers, and their people
Will be as rash in the repeal as hasty
To expel him thence. I think he’ll be to Rome