Act 1. Scene IV - Page 2

Another alarum. The Volsces fly, and MARCIUS follows them to the gates

So, now the gates are ope: now prove good seconds:
'Tis for the followers fortune widens them,
Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like.

Enters the gates

First Soldier
Fool-hardiness; not I.

Second Soldier
Nor I.

MARCIUS is shut in

First Soldier
See, they have shut him in.

All
To the pot, I warrant him.

Alarum continues

Re-enter TITUS LARTIUS

LARTIUS
What is become of Marcius?

All
Slain, sir, doubtless.

First Soldier
Following the fliers at the very heels,
With them he enters; who, upon the sudden,
Clapp'd to their gates: he is himself alone,
To answer all the city.

LARTIUS
O noble fellow!
Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,
And, when it bows, stands up. Thou art left, Marcius:
A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,
Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier
Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible
Only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks and
The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,
Thou madst thine enemies shake, as if the world
Were feverous and did tremble.

Re-enter MARCIUS, bleeding, assaulted by the enemy

First Soldier
Look, sir.

LARTIUS
O,'tis Marcius!
Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.

They fight, and all enter the city