And a petition granted them, a strange one,— 216
To break the heart of generosity,
And make bold power look pale,—they threw their caps
As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon,
Shouting their emulation.
Men. What is granted them? 220
Mar. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,
Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus,
Sicinius Velutus, and I know not—'Sdeath!
The rabble should have first unroof'd the city, 224
Ere so prevail'd with me; it will in time
Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes
For insurrection's arguing.
Men. This is strange.
Mar. Go; get you home, you fragments! 228
Enter a Messenger, hastily.
Mess. Where's Caius Martius?
Mar. Here: what's the matter?
Mess. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.
Mar. I am glad on 't; then we shall ha' means to vent
Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders. 232
Enter Sicinius Velutus, Junius Brutus; Cominius,
Titus Lartius, with other Senators.
1. Sen. Martius, 'tis true that you have lately told us;
The Volsces are in arms.
Mar. They have a leader,
217 generosity: the gentry
226 Win upon: get ahead of
power: constituted authority
227 For . . . arguing: for insurgents to maintain
231 vent: dispose of
