Act IScene VIII
A field of battle between the Roman and the Volscian camps
Alarum, as in battle. Enter Martius and Aufidius at several doors.
Martius
I’ll fight with none but thee, for I do hate theeWorse than a promise-breaker.
Aufidius
We hate alike.Not Afric owns a serpent I abhorMore than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.
Martius
Let the first budger die the other’s slave,And the gods doom him after!
Aufidius
If I fly, Martius,Hollo me like a hare.
Martius
Within these three hours, Tullus,Alone I fought in your Corioles’ walls,And made what work I pleased. ’Tis not my bloodWherein thou seest me masked. For thy revengeWrench up thy power to th’ highest.
Aufidius
Wert thou the HectorThat was the whip of your bragged progeny,Thou shouldst not scape me here.
Here they fight, and certain Volsces come to the aid of Aufidius.
Officious and not valiant, you have shamed meIn your condemned seconds.
Martius fights till they be driven in breathless. Aufidius and Martius exit, separately.