_Being consul (for the welfare both of father and son, with other thy accomplices), I have, under an honest policy, since my instalment in the consulship, caused all Sylla's friends that were indifferent, with the other neighbouring cities, to revolt. Octavius, my fellow-consul, with the rest of the senate, mistrusting me, and hearing how I sought to unite the old citizens with the new, hath wrought much trouble, but to no effect. I hope the soldiers of Capua shall follow our faction, for Sylla, hearing of these hurly-burlies, is hasting homeward, very fortunate in his wars against Mithridates. And it is to be feared that some of his friends here have certified him of my proceedings, and purpose to restore you. Cethegus and Lectorius I hear say are with you. Censorinus and Albinovanus will shortly visit you. Therefore haste and seek out your father, who is now, as I hear, about Minturnum. Levy what power you can with all expedition, and stay not_. Rome, the 5 Kalends of December. _Your unfeigned friend,_ CINNA, _Consul_. YOUNG MARIUS. Yea, fortune, shall young Marius climb aloft? Then woe to my repining foes in Rome! And if I live, sweet queen of change, thy shrines Shall shine with beauty 'midst the capitol. Lectorius, tell me what were best be done? LECTORIUS. To sea, my lord; seek your warlike sire: Send back this peasant with your full pretence, And think already that our pains have end, Since Cinna, with his followers, is your friend. YOUNG MARIUS. Yea, Romans, we will furrow through the foam Of swelling floods, and to the sacred twins Make sacrifice, to shield our ships from storms. Follow me, lords; come, gentle messenger, Thou shalt have gold and glory for thy pains. [_Exeunt_. ACTUS TERTIUS. SCENA PRIMA. _Enter_ CINNA, OCTAVIUS, ANTHONY, _Lictors, Citizens_. CINNA. Upbraiding senators, bewitch'd with wit, That term true justice innovation; You ministers of Sylla's mad conceits, Will consuls, think you, stoop to your controls? These younger citizens, my fellow-lords, Bound to maintain both Marius and his son, Crave but their due, and will be held as good For privilege as those of elder age; For they are men conform'd to feats of arms, That have both wit and courage to command. These favourites of Octavius, that[119] with age And palsies shake their javelins in their hands, Like heartless men attainted all with fear: And should they then overtop the youth? No, nor this consul, nor Mark Anthony, Shall make my followers faint or lose their right; But I will have them equal with the best.