MARIUS. Sage and imperial senators of Rome, Not without good advisement have you seen Old Marius silent during your discourse: Yet not for that he fear'd to plead his cause, Or raise his honour trodden down by age, But that his words should not allure his friends To stand on stricter terms for his behoof. Six times the senate by election hath Made Marius consul over warlike Rome, And in that space nor Rome nor all the world Could ever say that Marius was untrue. These silver hairs, that hang upon my face, Are witnesses of my unfeigned zeal. The Cymbrians, that erewhile invaded France, And held the Roman empire in disdain, Lay all confounded under Marius' sword: Fierce Scipio, the mirror once of Rome, Whose loss as yet my inward soul bewails, Being ask'd who should succeed and bear his rule, Even this, quoth he, shall Scipio's armour bear; And therewithal clapp'd me upon the back.[103] If then, grave lords, my former-passed youth Was spent in bringing honours unto[104] Rome, Let then my age and latter date of years, Be sealed up for honour unto Rome. _Here enter_ SYLLA, _with Captains and Soldiers_. SULPITIUS. Sylla, what mean these arms and warlike troops? These glorious ensigns and these fierce alarm[s] 'Tis proudly done to brave the capitol! SYLLA. These arms, Sulpitius, are not borne for hate, But maintenance of my confirmed state: I come to Rome with no seditious thoughts, Except I find too froward injuries. SULPITIUS. But wisdom would you did forbear To yield these slight suspicions of contempt, Where as the senate studieth high affairs. SYLLA. What serious matters have these lords in hand? SULPITIUS. The senators with full decree appoint Old Marius for their captain-general, To lead thy legions into Asia, And fight against the fierce Mithridates. SYLLA. To Marius? Jolly stuff! Why then I see Your lordships mean to make a babe of me. J. BRUTUS. 'Tis true, Sylla, the senate hath agreed That Marius shall those bands and legions bear, Which you now hold, against Mithridates.