Scene II The Camp Before Ardea
Enter two Soldiers meeting as in the watch.
1st Soldier.
Stand, who goes there?
2nd Soldier.
A friend.
1st Soldier.
Stir not, for if thou dost I’ll broach thee straight upon this pike. The word?
2nd Soldier.
Porsenna.
1st Soldier.
Pass;—stay, who walks the round to-night? the general, or any of his captains?
2nd Soldier.
Horatius hath the charge; the other chieftains
Rest in the general’s tent; there’s no commander
Of any note, but revel with the prince:
And I amongst the rest am charged to attend
Upon their rouse.
1st Soldier.
Pass freely; I this night must stand ’twixt them and danger. The time of night?
2nd Soldier.
The clock last told eleven.
1st Soldier.
The powers celestial
That have took Rome in charge, protect it still!
Again good-night. [Exit 2nd Soldier.] Thus must poor soldiers do;
Whilst their commanders are with dainties fed,
And sleep on down, the earth must be our bed. [Exit.