her chamber, gave
herself a great gash withal in her thigh, that she was
straight all of a gore blood: and incontinently after a
vehement fever took her, by reason of the pain of her wound.
Then perceiving her husband was marvellously out of quiet, and
that he could take no rest, even in her greatest pain of all
she spake in this sort unto him: 'I being, O Brutus,' said
she, 'the daughter of Cato, was married unto thee; not to be
thy bed-fellow and companion in bed and at board only, like a
harlot, but to be partaker also with thee of thy good and evil
fortune. Now for thyself, I can find no cause of fault in thee
touching our match: but for my part, how may I shew my duty
towards thee and how much I would do for thy sake; if I cannot
constantly bear a secret mischance or grief with thee, which
requireth secrecy and fidelity? I confess that a woman's wit
commonly is too weak to keep a secret safely: but yet, Brutus,
good education, and the company of virtuous men, have some
power to reform the defect of nature. And for my self, I have
this benefit moreover, that I am the daughter of Cato, and
wife of Brutus. This notwithstanding, I did not trust to any
of these things before, until that now I have found by
experience, that no pain or grief whatsoever can overcome me.'
With those words she shewed him her wound on her thigh, and
told him what she had done to prove herself. Brutus was amazed
to hear what she said unto him, and lifting up his hands to
heaven, he besought the gods to give him the grace he might
bring his enterprise to so good pass, that he might be found a
husband, worthy of so noble a wife as Porcia: so he then did
comfort her the best he could."--_Marcus Brutus._]

[Note A: the correct classical spelling.]

[Note B: i.e. versed.]

[Note 285-286: In the outskirts or borders, and not at the
center or near the heart. The image is exceedingly apposite
and expressive.]

[Page 63]

BRUTUS. You are my true and honourable wife,
As dear to me as are the ruddy drops
That visit my sad heart. 290

PORTIA. 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. 295
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