die nobly for their country than one voluptu-
ously surfeit out of action. 28
Enter a Gentlewoman.
Gent. Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to
visit you.
Vir. Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.
Vol. Indeed, you shall not. 32
Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum,
See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair,
As children from a bear the Volsces shunning him:
Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus: 36
'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,
Though you were born in Rome.' His bloody brow
With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,
Like to a harvestman that's task'd to mow 40
Or all or lose his hire.
Vir. His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!
Vol. Away, you fool! it more becomes a man
Than gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba, 44
When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier
Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood,
At Grecian sword contemning. Tell Valeria
We are fit to bid her welcome. 48
Vir. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!
Vol. He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee,
And tread upon his neck.
Enter Valeria with an Usher, and a Gentlewoman.
Val. My ladies both, good day to you. 52
Vol. Sweet madam.
Vir. I am glad to see your ladyship.
28 out of action: in inactivity
40 task'd: assigned the task
44 Than . . . trophy: than gilding becomes his monument
47 contemning: showing defiance
