Act I · Scene VIII
A field of battle.
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Alarum as in battle. Enter, from opposite sides, MARCIUS and AUFIDIUS
MARCIUS
I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate theeWorse than a promise-breaker.
AUFIDIUS
We hate alike:Not Afric owns a serpent I abhorMore than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.
MARCIUS
Let the first budger die the other's slave,And the gods doom him after!
AUFIDIUS
If I fly, Marcius,Holloa me like a hare.
MARCIUS
Within these three hours, Tullus,Alone I fought in your Corioli walls,And made what work I pleased: 'tis not my bloodWherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revengeWrench up thy power to the highest.
AUFIDIUS
Wert thou the HectorThat was the whip of your bragg'd progeny,Thou shouldst not scape me here.
They fight, and certain Volsces come to the aid of AUFIDIUS. MARCIUS fights till they be driven in breathless
AUFIDIUS
Officious, and not valiant, you have shamed meIn your condemned seconds.
Exeunt