Page:Julius Caesar (1919) Yale.djvu/45

Julius Cæsar, II. i  

Por. I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus. Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus, Is it excepted I should know no secrets That appertain to you? Am I yourself But, as it were, in sort or limitation, To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs Of your good pleasure? If it be no more, Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife.

Bru. You are my true and honourable wife, As dear to me as are the ruddy drops That visit my sad heart.

Por. If this were true then should I know this secret. I grant I am a woman, but, withal, A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife; I grant I am a woman, but, withal, A woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter. Think you I am no stronger than my sex, Being so father'd and so husbanded? Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose 'em. I have made strong proof of my constancy, Giving myself a voluntary wound, Here, in the thigh: can I bear that with patience And not my husband's secrets?

Bru. O ye gods, Render me worthy of this noble wife! Hark, hark! one knocks. Portia, go in awhile; And by and by thy bosom shall partake The secrets of my heart.  283 in limitation: only after a fashion or with restrictions 292 withal: with this saving reservation 295 Cato: Marcus Porcius Cato, 'of Utica' 