And I may not defer to see the
day, either that my son be led prisoner in triumph by his natural
countrymen, or that he himself do triumph of them, and of his
natural country. For if it were so, that my request tended to save
thy country, in destroying the Volsces, I must confess, thou
wouldest hardly and doubtfully resolve on that. For as to destroy
thy natural country, it is altogether unmeet and unlawful, so were
it not just and less honourable to betray those that put their trust
in thee. But my only demand consisteth, to make a gaol delivery of
all evils, which delivereth equal benefit and safety, both to the
one and the other, but most honourable for the Volsces. For it shall
appear, that having victory in their hands, they have of special
favour granted us singular graces, peace and amity, albeit
themselves have no less part of both than we. Of which good, if so
it came to pass, thyself is the only author, and so hast thou the
only honour. But if it fail, and fall out contrary, thyself alone
deservedly shalt carry the shameful reproach and burthen of either
party. So, though the end of war be uncertain, yet this
notwithstanding is most certain, that if it be thy chance to
conquer, this benefit shalt thou reap of thy goodly conquest, to be
chronicled the plague and destroyer of thy country. And if fortune
overthrow thee, then the world will say, that through desire to,
revenge thy private injuries, thou hast for ever undone thy good
friends, who did most lovingly and courteously receive thee.
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