Act 2 — SCENE III.

The Siennese. A Camp before the Walls of Sienna.

Chambers shot off: a Flourish as to an Assault: after which, enter Gonzaga, Pierio, Roderigo, Jacomo, and Soldiers.

Gonz. Is the breach made assaultable?

Pier. Yes, and the moat Fill'd up; the cannoneer hath done his parts; We may enter six abreast.

Rod. There's not a man Dares show himself upon the wall.

Jac. Defeat not The soldiers' hoped-for spoil.

Pier. If you, sir, Delay the assault, and the city be given up To your discretion, you in honour cannot Use the extremity of war,—but, in Compassion to them, you to us prove cruel.

Jac. And an enemy to yourself.

Rod. A hindrance to The brave revenge you have vow'd.

Gonz. Temper your heat, And lose not, by too sudden rashness, that Which, be but patient, will be offer'd to you. Security ushers ruin; proud contempt Of an enemy three parts vanquish'd, with desire And greediness of spoil, have often wrested A certain victory from the conqueror's gripe. Discretion is the tutor of the war. Valour the pupil; and, when we command With lenity, and our direction's follow'd With cheerfulness, a prosperous end must crown Our works well undertaken.

Rod. Ours are finish'd——

Pier. If we make use of fortune.

Gonz. Her false smiles Deprive you of your judgments. The condition Of our affairs exacts a double care, And, like bifronted Janus, we must look Backward, as forward: though a flattering calm Bids us urge on, a sudden tempest raised, Not feared, much less expected, in our rear, May foully fall upon us, and distract us To our confusion.—

Enter a Scout, hastily.

Our scout! what brings Thy ghastly looks, and sudden speed?

Scout. The assurance Of a new enemy.

Gonz. This I foresaw and fear'd. What are they, know'st thou?

Scout. They are, by their colours, Sicilians, bravely mounted, and the brightness Of their rich armours doubly gilded with Reflection of the sun.

Gonz. From Sicily?—— The king in league! no war proclaim'd! 'tis foul: But this must be prevented, not disputed. Ha! how is this? your estridge[155] plumes, that but Even now, like quills of porcupines, seem'd to threaten The stars, drop at the rumour of a shower, And, like to captive colours, sweep the earth! Bear up; but in great dangers, greater minds Are never proud. Shall a few loose troops, untrain'd But in a customary ostentation, Presented as a sacrifice to your valours, Cause a dejection in you?

Pier. No dejection.

Rod. However startled, where you lead we'll follow.

Gonz. 'Tis bravely said. We will not stay their charge, But meet them man to man, and horse to horse. Pierio, in our absence hold our place; And with our foot men and those sickly troops Prevent a sally: I in mine own person, With part of the cavallery, will bid These hunters welcome to a bloody breakfast:— But I lose time.

Pier. I'll to my charge. [Exit.

Gonz. And we To ours: I'll bring you on.

Jac. If we come off, It's not amiss; if not, my state is settled. [Exeunt. Alarum within.