EUL. Let Cæsar come: our land doth rust with ease, And wants an object, whose resisting power May strike out valorous flashes from her veins. So shadows give a picture life: so flames Grow brighter by a fanning blast. Nor think I am a courtier and no warrior born, Nor love object; for well my poet says:[277] _Militat omnis amans_, each lover is a soldier: I can join Cupid's bow and Mars his lance. A pewter-coat fits me as well as silk. It grieves me see our martial spirits trace The idle streets, while weapons by their side Dangle and lash their backs, as 'twere to upbraid Their needless use. Nor is it glory small They set upon us last, when their proud arms Fathom the land and seas, and reach both poles. On, then; so great a foe, so good a cause, Shall make our name more famous. So thinks Eulinus. CAS. Then, friends and princes, on this blade take oath,[278] First to your country to revenge her wrongs; And next to me, as general, to be led With unity and courage. [_They kiss the sword._ ALL. The gods bless Britain and Cassibelane. NEN. Now, royal friends, the heirs of mighty Brute, You see what storm hangs hovering o'er this land, Ready to pour down cataclysms[279] of blood: Let ancient glory then inflame your hearts. Beyond the craggy hills of grim-fac'd Death, Bright Honour keeps triumphant court, and deeds Of martial men live there in marble rolls. Death is but Charon to the fortunate isles; Porter to Fame. What though the Roman, arm'd with foreign spoil, Behind him lead the conquer'd world, and hope To sink our island with his army's weight: Yet we have gods and men and horse to fight, And we can bravely die. But our just cause, Your forward loves, and all our people edg'd With Dardan[280] spirit and the powerful name Of country, bid us hope for victory. We have a world within ourselves, whose breast No foreigner hath unrevenged press'd These thousand years. Though Rhine and Rhone can serve, And envy Thames his never captive stream, Yet maugre all, if we ourselves are true, We may despise what all the earth can do.[281] CAS. Let's then dismiss the legate with a frown: And draw our forces t'ward the sea, to join With the four kings of Kent, and so affront[282] His first arrival. But, before all, let Our priests and Druids, in their hallow'd groves, Propitiate the gods, and scan events By their mysterious arts. [_Exeunt._ SCENE II. EULINUS, HIRILDAS, ROLLANO. HIR. Well, so: your tongue's your own, though drunk or angry. ROL. Umh! [_Seals his mouth._ HIR. Speak not a word, upon your life: be dumb. ROL. Umh! [_Gives him money._