_Auf._ Nor did you think it folly To keep your great pretences veil'd till when[2578] 20 They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching, It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery[2579] We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was To take in many towns ere almost Rome Should know we were afoot. _Sec. Sen._ Noble Aufidius, 25 Take your commission; hie you to your bands: Let us alone to guard Corioli:[2580][2581] If they set down before 's, for the remove[2581][2582] Bring up your army; but, I think, you'll find They've not prepared for us.[2583] _Auf._ O, doubt not that; 30 I speak from certainties. Nay, more,[2584] Some parcels of their power are forth already,[2585] And only hitherward. I leave your honours. If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet, 'Tis sworn between us, we shall ever strike[2586] 35 Till one can do no more. _All._ The gods assist you! _Auf._ And keep your honours safe! _First Sen._ Farewell. _Sec. Sen._ Farewell. _All._ Farewell. [_Exeunt._[2587] SCENE III. _Rome. A room in Marcius' house._ _Enter_ VOLUMNIA _and_ VIRGILIA: _they set them down on two low stools, and sew_.[2588] _Vol._ I pray you, daughter, sing, or express yourself in a more comfortable sort: if my son were my husband, I should[2589] freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than[2590] in the embracements of his bed where he would show most[2591] love. When yet he was but tender-bodied, and the only son 5 of my womb; when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way; when, for a day of kings' entreaties, a mother[2592] should not sell him an hour from her beholding; I, considering[2593] how honour would become such a person; that it was no better than picture-like to hang by the wall, if renown 10 made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to find fame. To a cruel war I sent him; from whence he returned, his brows bound with oak. I tell thee, daughter, I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was[2594] a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself 15 a man. _Vir._ But had he died in the business, madam: how then? _Vol._ Then his good report should have been my son; I therein would have found issue. Hear me profess sincerely: had I a dozen sons, each in my love alike, and none less 20 dear than thine and my good Marcius, I had rather had[2595] eleven die nobly for their country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action. _Enter a_ Gentlewoman.