FOLLOW THINE ENEMY IN A FIERY GULF,

THAN FLATTER HIM IN A BOWER.

Act 3.Scene. 2.

London, Published by Thomas Tegg, NIII, Cheapside, Aug. 1. 1814.

Printed by Dixon.

Hast not the soft way, which, thou dost confess,
Were fit for thee to use, as they to claim,

In asking their good loves; but thou wilt frame
Thyself, forsooth, hereafter theirs, so far

As thou hast power, and person.

This but done,

Men. Even as she speaks, why, all their hearts were yours: For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free

As words to little purpose.

Vol.

Pr'ythee now,

Go, and be rul'd: although, I know, thou had'st rather Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf,

Than flatter him in a bower.

Here is Cominius.

Enter COMINIUS.

Com. I have been i' th' market-place: and, sir, 'tis fit You make strong party, or defend yourself

By calmness, or by absence; all's in anger.

Men. Only fair speech.

Com.

I think, 'twill serve, if he

He must, and will:

Can thereto frame his spirit.

Vol.

Pr'ythee, now, say, you will, and go about it.

Cor. Must I go show them my unbarb'd sconce Must I With my base tongue, give to my noble heart

A lie, that it must bear? Well, I will do't:
Yet were there but this single plot to lose,
This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it,
And throw it against the wind.-To th' market-place :-
You have put me now to such a part, which never
I shall discharge to th' life.

Com.

Come, come, we'll prompt you.. Vol. I pr'ythee now, sweet son; as thou hast said,

My praises made thee first a soldier, so,

To have my praise for this, perform a part
Thou hast not done before.

Cor.

Well, I must do't:

Away, my disposition, and possess me

Some harlot's spirit! My throat of war be turn'd, Which quired with my drum, into a pipe

Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice

That babies lulls asleep! The smiles of knaves
Tent in my cheeks; and school-boys' tears take up
The glasses of my sight! A beggar's tongue
Make motion through my lips; and my arm'd knees,
Who bow'd but in my stirrop, bend like his
That hath receiv'd an alms!-I will not do't:
Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth,
And, by my body's action, teach my mind
A most inherent baseness.

Vol.
At thy choice then:
To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour,
Than thou of them. Come all to ruin; let
Thy mother rather feel thy pride, than fear
Thy dangerous stoutness; for I mock at death
With as big heart as thou. Do as thou list.

Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me;
But owe thy pride thyself.

Cor.

Pray, be content;
Mother, I am going to the market-place;

Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves,
Cog their hearts from them, and come home belov'd
Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going:
Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul;
Or never trust to what my tongue can do
I' th' way of flattery, further.

Vol.

Do your will.

[Exit.

Com. Away, the tribunes do attend you arm yourself

To answer mildly; for they are prepar'd
With accusations, as I hear, more strong
Than are upon you yet.

Cor. The word is, mildly:-Pray you, let us go:

Let them accuse me by invention, I

Will answer in mine honour.

Men.

Ay, but mildly.

[Exeunt,

Cor. Well, mildly be it then; mildly.

SCENE III.-The same. The Forum.

Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS.

Bru. In this point charge him home, that he affects

Tyrannical power: If he evade us there,

Enforce him with his envy to the people;

And that the spoil, got on the Antiates,
Was ne'er distributed.-

Ed. With old Menenius, and those senators That always favour'd him.

Sic.

Of all the voices that we have procur'd,

Set down by th' poll?

Æd.

Have you a catalogue

I have; 'tis ready, here.

..I have.

Sic. Have you collected them by tribes?
Ed.

Sic. Assemble presently the people hither: