Selected Plays — Act III (Part 4 of 10)

so march like a moving fort. Ere this day run,
We shall have ground to add to Rome, well won.

[Exeunt.

SCENE III.—The open Country between the Camps.

Enter Caratach and Nennius.

Nen. The Roman is advanced; from yond’ hill’s brow
We may behold him, Caratach.

Car. Let’s thither;

[Drums within at one place afar off.

I see the dust fly. Now I see the body.
Observe ’em, Nennius; by Heaven, a handsome body,
And, of a few, strongly and wisely jointed!
Suetonius is a soldier.

Nen. As I take it,
That’s he that gallops by the regiments,
Viewing their preparations.

Car. Very likely;
He shows no less than general. See how bravely
The body moves, and in the head how proudly
The captains stick like plumes; he comes apace on.
Good Nennius, go, and bid my stout lieutenant
Bring on the first square body to oppose ’em,
And, as he charges, open to enclose ’em;
The queen move next with hers, and wheel about,
To gain their backs, in which I’ll lead the vanguard.
We shall have bloody crowns this day, I see by’t.
Haste thee, good Nennius; I’ll follow instantly.

[Exit Nennius.

How close they march, as if they grew together.

[March.

No place but lined alike, sure from oppression!
They will not charge this figure; we must charge ’em,
And charge ’em home at both ends, van and rear;

[Drums in another place afar off.

They never totter else. I hear our music,
And must attend it. Hold, good sword, but this day,
And bite hard where I hound thee! and hereafter
I’ll make a relic of thee, for young soldiers
To come like pilgrims to, and kiss for conquests.

[Exit.

SCENE IV.—In front of the Roman Camp.

Enter Junius, Curius, and Decius.

Jun. Now is the time; the fellow stays.

Dec. What think ye?

Cur. I think ’tis true.

Jun. Alas, if ’twere a question,
If any doubt or hazard fell into’t,
Do ye think mine own discretion so self- blind,
My care of ye so naked, to run headlong?

Dec. Let’s take Petillius with us!