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._

FOOTNOTE:

[155] _Estridge_,] i. e. _ostrich_.