MARTIUS. They are dissolved. Hang ’em! They said they were an-hungry, sighed forth proverbs That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat, That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not Corn for the rich men only. With these shreds They vented their complainings, which being answered And a petition granted them—a strange one, To break the heart of generosity And make bold power look pale—they threw their caps As they would hang them on the horns o’ th’ moon, Shouting their emulation. MENENIUS. What is granted them? MARTIUS. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms, Of their own choice. One’s Junius Brutus, Sicinius Velutus, and I know not. ’Sdeath! The rabble should have first unroofed the city Ere so prevailed with me. It will in time Win upon power and throw forth greater themes For insurrection’s arguing. MENENIUS. This is strange. MARTIUS. Go get you home, you fragments. Enter a Messenger hastily. MESSENGER. Where’s Caius Martius? MARTIUS. Here. What’s the matter? MESSENGER. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms. MARTIUS. I am glad on’t. Then we shall ha’ means to vent Our musty superfluity. Enter Sicinius Velutus, Junius Brutus, two Tribunes; Cominius, Titus Lartius with other Senators. See, our best elders. FIRST SENATOR. Martius, ’tis true that you have lately told us: The Volsces are in arms. MARTIUS. They have a leader, Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to’t. I sin in envying his nobility, And, were I anything but what I am, I would wish me only he. COMINIUS. You have fought together. MARTIUS. Were half to half the world by th’ ears and he Upon my party, I’d revolt, to make Only my wars with him. He is a lion That I am proud to hunt. FIRST SENATOR. Then, worthy Martius, Attend upon Cominius to these wars. COMINIUS. It is your former promise. MARTIUS. Sir, it is, And I am constant.—Titus Lartius, thou Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus’ face. What, art thou stiff? Stand’st out? TITUS LARTIUS. No, Caius Martius, I’ll lean upon one crutch and fight with th’ other Ere stay behind this business. MENENIUS. O, true bred! FIRST SENATOR. Your company to th’ Capitol, where I know Our greatest friends attend us. TITUS LARTIUS. Lead you on. Follow Cominius. We must follow you; Right worthy your priority. COMINIUS. Noble Martius. FIRST SENATOR. [_To the Citizens_.] Hence to your homes, begone. MARTIUS. Nay, let them follow. The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither To gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutineers, Your valour puts well forth. Pray follow. [_Exeunt. Sicinius and Brutus remain_.] SICINIUS. Was ever man so proud as is this Martius? BRUTUS. He has no equal. SICINIUS. When we were chosen tribunes for the people— BRUTUS. Marked you his lip and eyes? SICINIUS. Nay, but his taunts. BRUTUS. Being moved, he will not spare to gird the gods. SICINIUS. Bemock the modest moon. BRUTUS. The present wars devour him! He is grown Too proud to be so valiant.