Page 2932 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

When he did stand for consul, which he lost
By lack of stooping −

AUFIDIUS
That I would have spoke of.
Being banished for’t, he came unto my hearth, [30]
Presented to my knife his throat. I took him,

Made him joint-servant with me, gave him way
In all his own desires; nay, let him choose
Out of my files, his projects to accomplish,

My best and freshest men; served his designments [135]
In mine own person; holp to reap the fame
Which he did end all his, and took some pride
To do myself this wrong. Till at the last
I seemed his follower, not partner; and

He waged me with his countenance as if [40]
I had been mercenary.

FIRST CONSPIRATOR
So he did, my lord;
The army marvelled at it. And, in the last,

When we had carried Rome and that we looked
For no less spoil than glory −

AUFIDIUS
There was it,
For which my sinews shall be stretched upon him. [45]
At a few drops of women’s rheum, which are

As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour
Of our great action. Therefore shall he die,
And I’ll renew me in his fall. But hark!

Drums and trumpets sound, with great shouts of the people.

FIRST CONSPIRATOR
Your native town you entered like a post, [50]

And had no welcomes home; but he returns
Splitting the air with noise.