The Tragedy of Coriolanus (complete text)

The Tragedy of Coriolanus

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ACT I

SCENE I. Rome. A street.

[Enter a company of mutinous Citizens, with staves, clubs, and other weapons]

First Citizen. Before we proceed any further, hear me speak.	1.1.1

All. Speak, speak.	1.1.2

First Citizen. You are all resolved rather to die than to famish?	1.1.3

All. Resolved. resolved.	1.1.4

First Citizen. First, you know Caius Marcius is chief enemy to the people.	1.1.5

All. We know't, we know't.	1.1.6

First Citizen. Let us kill him, and we'll have corn at our own price.	1.1.7
Is't a verdict?	1.1.8

All. No more talking on't; let it be done: away, away!	1.1.9

Second Citizen. One word, good citizens.	1.1.10

First Citizen. We are accounted poor citizens, the patricians good.	1.1.11
What authority surfeits on would relieve us: if they	1.1.12
would yield us but the superfluity, while it were	1.1.13
wholesome, we might guess they relieved us humanely;	1.1.14
but they think we are too dear: the leanness that	1.1.15
afflicts us, the object of our misery, is as an	1.1.16
inventory to particularise their abundance; our	1.1.17
sufferance is a gain to them Let us revenge this with	1.1.18
our pikes, ere we become rakes: for the gods know I	1.1.19
speak this in hunger for bread, not in thirst for revenge.	1.1.20

Second Citizen. Would you proceed especially against Caius Marcius?	1.1.21

All. Against him first: he's a very dog to the commonalty.	1.1.22

Second Citizen. Consider you what services he has done for his country?	1.1.23

First Citizen. Very well; and could be content to give him good	1.1.24
report fort, but that he pays himself with being proud.	1.1.25

Second Citizen. Nay, but speak not maliciously.	1.1.26

First Citizen. I say unto you, what he hath done famously, he did	1.1.27
it to that end: though soft-conscienced men can be	1.1.28
content to say it was for his country he did it to	1.1.29
please his mother and to be partly proud; which he	1.1.30
is, even till the altitude of his virtue.	1.1.31

Second Citizen. What he cannot help in his nature, you account a	1.1.32
vice in him. You must in no way say he is covetous.	1.1.33

First Citizen. If I must not, I need not be barren of accusations;	1.1.34
he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition.	1.1.35
[Shouts within]
What shouts are these? The other side o' the city	1.1.36
is risen: why stay we prating here? to the Capitol!	1.1.37

All. Come, come.	1.1.38

First Citizen. Soft! who comes here?	1.1.39

[Enter MENENIUS AGRIPPA]

Second Citizen. Worthy Menenius Agrippa; one that hath always loved	1.1.40
the people.	1.1.41

First Citizen. He's one honest enough: would all the rest were so!	1.1.42

Menenius. What work's, my countrymen, in hand? where go you	1.1.43
With bats and clubs? The matter? speak, I pray you.	1.1.44

First Citizen. Our business is not unknown to the senate; they have	1.1.45
had inkling this fortnight what we intend to do,	1.1.46
which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say poor	1.1.47
suitors have strong breaths: they shall know we	1.1.48
have strong arms too.	1.1.49

Menenius. Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,	1.1.50
Will you undo yourselves?	1.1.51

First Citizen. We cannot, sir, we are undone already.	1.1.52

Menenius. I tell you, friends, most charitable care	1.1.53
Have the patricians of you. For your wants,	1.1.54
Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well	1.1.55
Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them	1.1.56
Against the Roman state, whose course will on	1.1.57
The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs	1.1.58
Of more strong link asunder than can ever	1.1.59
Appear in your impediment. For the dearth,	1.1.60
The gods, not the patricians, make it, and	1.1.61
Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack,	1.1.62
You are transported by calamity	1.1.63
Thither where more attends you, and you slander	1.1.64
The helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers,	1.1.65
When you curse them as enemies.	1.1.66

First Citizen. Care for us! True, indeed! They ne'er cared for us	1.1.67
yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses	1.1.68
crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to	1.1.69
support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act	1.1.70
established against the rich, and provide more	1.1.71
piercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain	1.1.72
the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; and	1.1.73
there's all the love they bear us.	1.1.74

Menenius. Either you must	1.1.75
Confess yourselves wondrous malicious,	1.1.76
Or be accused of folly. I shall tell you	1.1.77
A pretty tale: it may be you have heard it;	1.1.78
But, since it serves my purpose, I will venture	1.1.79
To stale 't a little more.	1.1.80

First Citizen. Well, I'll hear it, sir: yet you must not think to	1.1.81
fob off our disgrace with a tale: but, an 't please	1.1.82
you, deliver.	1.1.83

Menenius. There was a time when all the body's members	1.1.84
Rebell'd against the belly, thus accused it:	1.1.85
That only like a gulf it did remain	1.1.86
I' the midst o' the body, idle and unactive,	1.1.87
Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing	1.1.88
Like labour with the rest, where the other instruments	1.1.89
Did see and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel,	1.1.90
And, mutually participate, did minister	1.1.91
Unto the appetite and affection common	1.1.92
Of the whole body. The belly answer'd--	1.1.93

First Citizen. Well, sir, what answer made the belly?	1.1.94

Menenius. Sir, I shall tell you. With a kind of smile,	1.1.95
Which ne'er came from the lungs, but even thus--	1.1.96
For, look you, I may make the belly smile	1.1.97
As well as speak--it tauntingly replied	1.1.98
To the discontented members, the mutinous parts	1.1.99
That envied his receipt; even so most fitly	1.1.100
As you malign our senators for that	1.1.101
They are not such as you.	1.1.102

First Citizen. Your belly's answer? What!	1.1.103
The kingly-crowned head, the vigilant eye,	1.1.104
The counsellor heart, the arm our soldier,	1.1.105
Our steed the leg, the tongue our trumpeter.	1.1.106
With other muniments and petty helps	1.1.107
In this our fabric, if that they--	1.1.108

Menenius. What then?	1.1.109
'Fore me, this fellow speaks! What then? what then?	1.1.110

First Citizen. Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd,	1.1.111
Who is the sink o' the body,--	1.1.112

Menenius. Well, what then?	1.1.113

First Citizen. The former agents, if they did complain,	1.1.114
What could the belly answer?	1.1.115

Menenius. I will tell you	1.1.116
If you'll bestow a small--of what you have little--	1.1.117
Patience awhile, you'll hear the belly's answer.	1.1.118

First Citizen. Ye're long about it.	1.1.119

Menenius. Note me this, good friend;	1.1.120
Your most grave belly was deliberate,	1.1.121
Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd:	1.1.122
'True is it, my incorporate friends,' quoth he,	1.1.123
'That I receive the general food at first,	1.1.124
Which you do live upon; and fit it is,	1.1.125
Because I am the store-house and the shop	1.1.126
Of the whole body: but, if you do remember,	1.1.127
I send it through the rivers of your blood,	1.1.128
Even to the court, the heart, to the seat o' the brain;	1.1.129
And, through the cranks and offices of man,	1.1.130
The strongest nerves and small inferior veins	1.1.131
From me receive that natural competency	1.1.132
Whereby they live: and though that all at once,	1.1.133
You, my good friends,'--this says the belly, mark me,--	1.1.134

First Citizen. Ay, sir; well, well.	1.1.135

Menenius. 'Though all at once cannot	1.1.136
See what I do deliver out to each,	1.1.137
Yet I can make my audit up, that all	1.1.138
From me do back receive the flour of all,	1.1.139
And leave me but the bran.' What say you to't?	1.1.140

First Citizen. It was an answer: how apply you this?	1.1.141

Menenius. The senators of Rome are this good belly,	1.1.142
And you the mutinous members; for examine	1.1.143
Their counsels and their cares, digest things rightly	1.1.144
Touching the weal o' the common, you shall find	1.1.145
No public benefit which you receive	1.1.146
But it proceeds or comes from them to you	1.1.147
And no way from yourselves. What do you think,	1.1.148
You, the great toe of this assembly?	1.1.149

First Citizen. I the great toe! why the great toe?	1.1.150

Menenius. For that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest,	1.1.151
Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost:	1.1.152
Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run,	1.1.153
Lead'st first to win some vantage.	1.1.154
But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs:	1.1.155
Rome and her rats are at the point of battle;	1.1.156
The one side must have bale.	1.1.157
[Enter CAIUS MARCIUS]
Hail, noble Marcius!	1.1.158

Marcius. Thanks. What's the matter, you dissentious rogues,	1.1.159
That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion,	1.1.160
Make yourselves scabs?	1.1.161

First Citizen. We have ever your good word.	1.1.162

Marcius. He that will give good words to thee will flatter	1.1.163
Beneath abhorring. What would you have, you curs,	1.1.164
That like nor peace nor war? the one affrights you,	1.1.165
The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you,	1.1.166
Where he should find you lions, finds you hares;	1.1.167
Where foxes, geese: you are no surer, no,	1.1.168
Than is the coal of fire upon the ice,	1.1.169
Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is	1.1.170
To make him worthy whose offence subdues him	1.1.171
And curse that justice did it.	1.1.172
Who deserves greatness	1.1.173
Deserves your hate; and your affections are	1.1.174
A sick man's appetite, who desires most that	1.1.175
Which would increase his evil. He that depends	1.1.176
Upon your favours swims with fins of lead	1.1.177
And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye! Trust Ye?	1.1.178
With every minute you do change a mind,	1.1.179
And call him noble that was now your hate,	1.1.180
Him vile that was your garland. What's the matter,	1.1.181
That in these several places of the city	1.1.182
You cry against the noble senate, who,	1.1.183
Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else	1.1.184
Would feed on one another? What's their seeking?	1.1.185

Menenius. For corn at their own rates; whereof, they say,	1.1.186
The city is well stored.	1.1.187

Marcius. Hang 'em! They say!	1.1.188
They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know	1.1.189
What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise,	1.1.190
Who thrives and who declines; side factions	1.1.191
and give out	1.1.192
Conjectural marriages; making parties strong	1.1.193
And feebling such as stand not in their liking	1.1.194
Below their cobbled shoes. They say there's	1.1.195
grain enough!	1.1.196
Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,	1.1.197
And let me use my sword, I'll make a quarry	1.1.198
With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high	1.1.199
As I could pick my lance.	1.1.200

Menenius. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded;	1.1.201
For though abundantly they lack discretion,	1.1.202
Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you,	1.1.203
What says the other troop?	1.1.204

Marcius. They are dissolved: hang 'em!	1.1.205
They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs,	1.1.206
That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat,	1.1.207
That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not	1.1.208
Corn for the rich men only: with these shreds	1.1.209
They vented their complainings; which being answer'd,	1.1.210
And a petition granted them, a strange one--	1.1.211
To break the heart of generosity,	1.1.212
And make bold power look pale--they threw their caps	1.1.213
As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon,	1.1.214
Shouting their emulation.	1.1.215

Menenius. What is granted them?	1.1.216

Marcius. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,	1.1.217
Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus,	1.1.218
Sicinius Velutus, and I know not--'Sdeath!	1.1.219
The rabble should have first unroof'd the city,	1.1.220
Ere so prevail'd with me: it will in time	1.1.221
Win upon power and throw forth greater themes	1.1.222
For insurrection's arguing.	1.1.223

Menenius. This is strange.	1.1.224

Marcius. Go, get you home, you fragments!	1.1.225

[Enter a Messenger, hastily]

Messenger. Where's Caius Marcius?	1.1.226

Marcius. Here: what's the matter?	1.1.227

Messenger. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.	1.1.228

Marcius. I am glad on 't: then we shall ha' means to vent	1.1.229
Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders.	1.1.230

[Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators; JUNIUS BRUTUS and SICINIUS VELUTUS]

First Senator. Marcius, 'tis true that you have lately told us;	1.1.231
The Volsces are in arms.	1.1.232

Marcius. They have a leader,	1.1.233
Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to 't.	1.1.234
I sin in envying his nobility,	1.1.235
And were I any thing but what I am,	1.1.236
I would wish me only he.	1.1.237

Cominius. You have fought together.	1.1.238

Marcius. Were half to half the world by the ears and he.	1.1.239
Upon my party, I'ld revolt to make	1.1.240
Only my wars with him: he is a lion	1.1.241
That I am proud to hunt.	1.1.242

First Senator. Then, worthy Marcius,	1.1.243
Attend upon Cominius to these wars.	1.1.244

Cominius. It is your former promise.	1.1.245

Marcius. Sir, it is;	1.1.246
And I am constant. Titus Lartius, thou	1.1.247
Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face.	1.1.248
What, art thou stiff? stand'st out?	1.1.249

Titus. No, Caius Marcius;	1.1.250
I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with t'other,	1.1.251
Ere stay behind this business.	1.1.252

Menenius. O, true-bred!	1.1.253

First Senator. Your company to the Capitol; where, I know,	1.1.254
Our greatest friends attend us.	1.1.255

Titus. [To COMINIUS] Lead you on.	1.1.256
[To MARCIUS]
Right worthy you priority.	1.1.257

Cominius. Noble Marcius!	1.1.258

First Senator. [To the Citizens] Hence to your homes; be gone!	1.1.259

Marcius. Nay, let them follow:	1.1.260
The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither	1.1.261
To gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutiners,	1.1.262
Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow.	1.1.263
[Citizens steal away. Exeunt all but SICINIUS and BRUTUS]

Sicinius. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius?	1.1.264

Brutus. He has no equal.	1.1.265

Sicinius. When we were chosen tribunes for the people,--	1.1.266

Brutus. Mark'd you his lip and eyes?	1.1.267

Sicinius. Nay. but his taunts.	1.1.268

Brutus. Being moved, he will not spare to gird the gods.	1.1.269

Sicinius. Be-mock the modest moon.	1.1.270

Brutus. The present wars devour him: he is grown	1.1.271
Too proud to be so valiant.	1.1.272

Sicinius. Such a nature,	1.1.273
Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow	1.1.274
Which he treads on at noon: but I do wonder	1.1.275
His insolence can brook to be commanded	1.1.276
Under Cominius.	1.1.277

Brutus. Fame, at the which he aims,	1.1.278
In whom already he's well graced, can not	1.1.279
Better be held nor more attain'd than by	1.1.280
A place below the first: for what miscarries	1.1.281
Shall be the general's fault, though he perform	1.1.282
To the utmost of a man, and giddy censure	1.1.283
Will then cry out of Marcius 'O if he	1.1.284
Had borne the business!'	1.1.285

Sicinius. Besides, if things go well,	1.1.286
Opinion that so sticks on Marcius shall	1.1.287
Of his demerits rob Cominius.	1.1.288

Brutus. Come:	1.1.289
Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius.	1.1.290
Though Marcius earned them not, and all his faults	1.1.291
To Marcius shall be honours, though indeed	1.1.292
In aught he merit not.	1.1.293

Sicinius. Let's hence, and hear	1.1.294
How the dispatch is made, and in what fashion,	1.1.295
More than his singularity, he goes	1.1.296
Upon this present action.	1.1.297

Brutus. Lets along.	1.1.298
[Exeunt]

SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate-house.

[Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain Senators]

First Senator. So, your opinion is, Aufidius,	1.2.1
That they of Rome are entered in our counsels	1.2.2
And know how we proceed.	1.2.3

Aufidius. Is it not yours?	1.2.4
What ever have been thought on in this state,	1.2.5
That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome	1.2.6
Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone	1.2.7
Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think	1.2.8
I have the letter here; yes, here it is.	1.2.9
[Reads]
'They have press'd a power, but it is not known	1.2.10
Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;	1.2.11
The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd,	1.2.12
Cominius, Marcius your old enemy,	1.2.13
Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,	1.2.14
And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,	1.2.15
These three lead on this preparation	1.2.16
Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:	1.2.17
Consider of it.'	1.2.18

First Senator. Our army's in the field	1.2.19
We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready	1.2.20
To answer us.	1.2.21

Aufidius. Nor did you think it folly	1.2.22
To keep your great pretences veil'd till when	1.2.23
They needs must show themselves; which	1.2.24
in the hatching,	1.2.25
It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery.	1.2.26
We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was	1.2.27
To take in many towns ere almost Rome	1.2.28
Should know we were afoot.	1.2.29

Second Senator. Noble Aufidius,	1.2.30
Take your commission; hie you to your bands:	1.2.31
Let us alone to guard Corioli:	1.2.32
If they set down before 's, for the remove	1.2.33
Bring your army; but, I think, you'll find	1.2.34
They've not prepared for us.	1.2.35

Aufidius. O, doubt not that;	1.2.36
I speak from certainties. Nay, more,	1.2.37
Some parcels of their power are forth already,	1.2.38
And only hitherward. I leave your honours.	1.2.39
If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,	1.2.40
'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike	1.2.41
Till one can do no more.	1.2.42

All. The gods assist you!	1.2.43

Aufidius. And keep your honours safe!	1.2.44

First Senator. Farewell.	1.2.45

Second Senator. Farewell.	1.2.46

All. Farewell.	1.2.47
[Exeunt]

SCENE III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house.

[Enter VOLUMNIA and VIRGILIA they set them down on two low stools, and sew]

Volumnia. I pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourself in a	1.3.1
more comfortable sort: if my son were my husband, I	1.3.2
should freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he	1.3.3
won honour than in the embracements of his bed where	1.3.4
he would show most love. When yet he was but	1.3.5
tender-bodied and the only son of my womb, when	1.3.6
youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way, when	1.3.7
for a day of kings' entreaties a mother should not	1.3.8
sell him an hour from her beholding, I, considering	1.3.9
how honour would become such a person. that it was	1.3.10
no better than picture-like to hang by the wall, if	1.3.11
renown made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek	1.3.12
danger where he was like to find fame. To a cruel	1.3.13
war I sent him; from whence he returned, his brows	1.3.14
bound with oak. I tell thee, daughter, I sprang not	1.3.15
more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child	1.3.16
than now in first seeing he had proved himself a	1.3.17
man.	1.3.18

Virgilia. But had he died in the business, madam; how then?	1.3.19

Volumnia. Then his good report should have been my son; I	1.3.20
therein would have found issue. Hear me profess	1.3.21
sincerely: had I a dozen sons, each in my love	1.3.22
alike and none less dear than thine and my good	1.3.23
Marcius, I had rather had eleven die nobly for their	1.3.24
country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action.	1.3.25

[Enter a Gentlewoman]

Gentlewoman. Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to visit you.	1.3.26

Virgilia. Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.	1.3.27

Volumnia. Indeed, you shall not.	1.3.28
Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum,	1.3.29
See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair,	1.3.30
As children from a bear, the Volsces shunning him:	1.3.31
Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus:	1.3.32
'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,	1.3.33
Though you were born in Rome:' his bloody brow	1.3.34
With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,	1.3.35
Like to a harvest-man that's task'd to mow	1.3.36
Or all or lose his hire.	1.3.37

Virgilia. His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!	1.3.38

Volumnia. Away, you fool! it more becomes a man	1.3.39
Than gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba,	1.3.40
When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier	1.3.41
Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood	1.3.42
At Grecian sword, contemning. Tell Valeria,	1.3.43
We are fit to bid her welcome.	1.3.44
[Exit Gentlewoman]

Virgilia. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!	1.3.45

Volumnia. He'll beat Aufidius 'head below his knee	1.3.46
And tread upon his neck.	1.3.47

[Enter VALERIA, with an Usher and Gentlewoman]

Valeria. My ladies both, good day to you.	1.3.48

Volumnia. Sweet madam.	1.3.49

Virgilia. I am glad to see your ladyship.	1.3.50

Valeria. How do you both? you are manifest house-keepers.	1.3.51
What are you sewing here? A fine spot, in good	1.3.52
faith. How does your little son?	1.3.53

Virgilia. I thank your ladyship; well, good madam.	1.3.54

Volumnia. He had rather see the swords, and hear a drum, than	1.3.55
look upon his school-master.	1.3.56

Valeria. O' my word, the father's son: I'll swear,'tis a	1.3.57
very pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him o'	1.3.58
Wednesday half an hour together: has such a	1.3.59
confirmed countenance. I saw him run after a gilded	1.3.60
butterfly: and when he caught it, he let it go	1.3.61
again; and after it again; and over and over he	1.3.62
comes, and again; catched it again; or whether his	1.3.63
fall enraged him, or how 'twas, he did so set his	1.3.64
teeth and tear it; O, I warrant it, how he mammocked	1.3.65
it!	1.3.66

Volumnia. One on 's father's moods.	1.3.67

Valeria. Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child.	1.3.68

Virgilia. A crack, madam.	1.3.69

Valeria. Come, lay aside your stitchery; I must have you play	1.3.70
the idle husewife with me this afternoon.	1.3.71

Virgilia. No, good madam; I will not out of doors.	1.3.72

Valeria. Not out of doors!	1.3.73

Volumnia. She shall, she shall.	1.3.74

Virgilia. Indeed, no, by your patience; I'll not over the	1.3.75
threshold till my lord return from the wars.	1.3.76

Valeria. Fie, you confine yourself most unreasonably: come,	1.3.77
you must go visit the good lady that lies in.	1.3.78

Virgilia. I will wish her speedy strength, and visit her with	1.3.79
my prayers; but I cannot go thither.	1.3.80

Volumnia. Why, I pray you?	1.3.81

Virgilia. 'Tis not to save labour, nor that I want love.	1.3.82

Valeria. You would be another Penelope: yet, they say, all	1.3.83
the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill	1.3.84
Ithaca full of moths. Come; I would your cambric	1.3.85
were sensible as your finger, that you might leave	1.3.86
pricking it for pity. Come, you shall go with us.	1.3.87

Virgilia. No, good madam, pardon me; indeed, I will not forth.	1.3.88

Valeria. In truth, la, go with me; and I'll tell you	1.3.89
excellent news of your husband.	1.3.90

Virgilia. O, good madam, there can be none yet.	1.3.91

Valeria. Verily, I do not jest with you; there came news from	1.3.92
him last night.	1.3.93

Virgilia. Indeed, madam?	1.3.94

Valeria. In earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it.	1.3.95
Thus it is: the Volsces have an army forth; against	1.3.96
whom Cominius the general is gone, with one part of	1.3.97
our Roman power: your lord and Titus Lartius are set	1.3.98
down before their city Corioli; they nothing doubt	1.3.99
prevailing and to make it brief wars. This is true,	1.3.100
on mine honour; and so, I pray, go with us.	1.3.101

Virgilia. Give me excuse, good madam; I will obey you in every	1.3.102
thing hereafter.	1.3.103

Volumnia. Let her alone, lady: as she is now, she will but	1.3.104
disease our better mirth.	1.3.105

Valeria. In troth, I think she would. Fare you well, then.	1.3.106
Come, good sweet lady. Prithee, Virgilia, turn thy	1.3.107
solemness out o' door. and go along with us.	1.3.108

Virgilia. No, at a word, madam; indeed, I must not. I wish	1.3.109
you much mirth.	1.3.110

Valeria. Well, then, farewell.	1.3.111
[Exeunt]

SCENE IV. Before Corioli.

[Enter, with drum and colours, MARCIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, Captains and Soldiers. To them a Messenger]

Marcius. Yonder comes news. A wager they have met.	1.4.1

Lartius. My horse to yours, no.	1.4.2

Marcius. 'Tis done.	1.4.3

Lartius. Agreed.	1.4.4

Marcius. Say, has our general met the enemy?	1.4.5

Messenger. They lie in view; but have not spoke as yet.	1.4.6

Lartius. So, the good horse is mine.	1.4.7

Marcius. I'll buy him of you.	1.4.8

Lartius. No, I'll nor sell nor give him: lend you him I will	1.4.9
For half a hundred years. Summon the town.	1.4.10

Marcius. How far off lie these armies?	1.4.11

Messenger. Within this mile and half.	1.4.12

Marcius. Then shall we hear their 'larum, and they ours.	1.4.13
Now, Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work,	1.4.14
That we with smoking swords may march from hence,	1.4.15
To help our fielded friends! Come, blow thy blast.	1.4.16
[They sound a parley. Enter two Senators with others on the walls]
Tutus Aufidius, is he within your walls?	1.4.17

First Senator. No, nor a man that fears you less than he,	1.4.18
That's lesser than a little.	1.4.19
[Drums afar off]
Hark! our drums	1.4.20
Are bringing forth our youth. We'll break our walls,	1.4.21
Rather than they shall pound us up: our gates,	1.4.22
Which yet seem shut, we, have but pinn'd with rushes;	1.4.23
They'll open of themselves.	1.4.24
[Alarum afar off]
Hark you. far off!	1.4.25
There is Aufidius; list, what work he makes	1.4.26
Amongst your cloven army.	1.4.27

Marcius. O, they are at it!	1.4.28

Lartius. Their noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!	1.4.29

[Enter the army of the Volsces]

Marcius. They fear us not, but issue forth their city.	1.4.30
Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight	1.4.31
With hearts more proof than shields. Advance,	1.4.32
brave Titus:	1.4.33
They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts,	1.4.34
Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows:	1.4.35
He that retires I'll take him for a Volsce,	1.4.36
And he shall feel mine edge.	1.4.37
[Alarum. The Romans are beat back to their trenches. Re-enter MARCIUS cursing]

Marcius. All the contagion of the south light on you,	1.4.38
You shames of Rome! you herd of--Boils and plagues	1.4.39
Plaster you o'er, that you may be abhorr'd	1.4.40
Further than seen and one infect another	1.4.41
Against the wind a mile! You souls of geese,	1.4.42
That bear the shapes of men, how have you run	1.4.43
From slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell!	1.4.44
All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale	1.4.45
With flight and agued fear! Mend and charge home,	1.4.46
Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foe	1.4.47
And make my wars on you: look to't: come on;	1.4.48
If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives,	1.4.49
As they us to our trenches followed.	1.4.50
[Another alarum. The Volsces fly, and MARCIUS follows them to the gates]
So, now the gates are ope: now prove good seconds:	1.4.51
'Tis for the followers fortune widens them,	1.4.52
Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like.	1.4.53

[Enters the gates]

First Soldier. Fool-hardiness; not I.	1.4.54

Second Soldier. Nor I.	1.4.55
[MARCIUS is shut in]

First Soldier. See, they have shut him in.	1.4.56

All. To the pot, I warrant him.	1.4.57
[Alarum continues]

[Re-enter TITUS LARTIUS]

Lartius. What is become of Marcius?	1.4.58

All. Slain, sir, doubtless.	1.4.59

First Soldier. Following the fliers at the very heels,	1.4.60
With them he enters; who, upon the sudden,	1.4.61
Clapp'd to their gates: he is himself alone,	1.4.62
To answer all the city.	1.4.63

Lartius. O noble fellow!	1.4.64
Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,	1.4.65
And, when it bows, stands up. Thou art left, Marcius:	1.4.66
A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,	1.4.67
Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier	1.4.68
Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible	1.4.69
Only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks and	1.4.70
The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,	1.4.71
Thou madst thine enemies shake, as if the world	1.4.72
Were feverous and did tremble.	1.4.73

[Re-enter MARCIUS, bleeding, assaulted by the enemy]

First Soldier. Look, sir.	1.4.74

Lartius. O,'tis Marcius!	1.4.75
Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.	1.4.76
[They fight, and all enter the city]

SCENE V. Corioli. A street.

[Enter certain Romans, with spoils]

First Roman. This will I carry to Rome.	1.5.1

Second Roman. And I this.	1.5.2

Third Roman. A murrain on't! I took this for silver.	1.5.3
[Alarum continues still afar off]

[Enter MARCIUS and TITUS LARTIUS with a trumpet]

Marcius. See here these movers that do prize their hours	1.5.4
At a crack'd drachm! Cushions, leaden spoons,	1.5.5
Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would	1.5.6
Bury with those that wore them, these base slaves,	1.5.7
Ere yet the fight be done, pack up: down with them!	1.5.8
And hark, what noise the general makes! To him!	1.5.9
There is the man of my soul's hate, Aufidius,	1.5.10
Piercing our Romans: then, valiant Titus, take	1.5.11
Convenient numbers to make good the city;	1.5.12
Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste	1.5.13
To help Cominius.	1.5.14

Lartius. Worthy sir, thou bleed'st;	1.5.15
Thy exercise hath been too violent for	1.5.16
A second course of fight.	1.5.17

Marcius. Sir, praise me not;	1.5.18
My work hath yet not warm'd me: fare you well:	1.5.19
The blood I drop is rather physical	1.5.20
Than dangerous to me: to Aufidius thus	1.5.21
I will appear, and fight.	1.5.22

Lartius. Now the fair goddess, Fortune,	1.5.23
Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charms	1.5.24
Misguide thy opposers' swords! Bold gentleman,	1.5.25
Prosperity be thy page!	1.5.26

Marcius. Thy friend no less	1.5.27
Than those she placeth highest! So, farewell.	1.5.28

Lartius. Thou worthiest Marcius!	1.5.29
[Exit MARCIUS]
Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;	1.5.30
Call thither all the officers o' the town,	1.5.31
Where they shall know our mind: away!	1.5.32
[Exeunt]

SCENE VI. Near the camp of Cominius.

[Enter COMINIUS, as it were in retire, with soldiers]

Cominius. Breathe you, my friends: well fought;	1.6.1
we are come off	1.6.2
Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands,	1.6.3
Nor cowardly in retire: believe me, sirs,	1.6.4
We shall be charged again. Whiles we have struck,	1.6.5
By interims and conveying gusts we have heard	1.6.6
The charges of our friends. Ye Roman gods!	1.6.7
Lead their successes as we wish our own,	1.6.8
That both our powers, with smiling	1.6.9
fronts encountering,	1.6.10
May give you thankful sacrifice.	1.6.11
[Enter a Messenger]
Thy news?	1.6.12

Messenger. The citizens of Corioli have issued,	1.6.13
And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle:	1.6.14
I saw our party to their trenches driven,	1.6.15
And then I came away.	1.6.16

Cominius. Though thou speak'st truth,	1.6.17
Methinks thou speak'st not well.	1.6.18
How long is't since?	1.6.19

Messenger. Above an hour, my lord.	1.6.20

Cominius. 'Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums:	1.6.21
How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,	1.6.22
And bring thy news so late?	1.6.23

Messenger. Spies of the Volsces	1.6.24
Held me in chase, that I was forced to wheel	1.6.25
Three or four miles about, else had I, sir,	1.6.26
Half an hour since brought my report.	1.6.27

Cominius. Who's yonder,	1.6.28
That does appear as he were flay'd? O gods	1.6.29
He has the stamp of Marcius; and I have	1.6.30
Before-time seen him thus.	1.6.31

Marcius. [Within] Come I too late?	1.6.32

Cominius. The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabour	1.6.33
More than I know the sound of Marcius' tongue	1.6.34
From every meaner man.	1.6.35

[Enter MARCIUS]

Marcius. Come I too late?	1.6.36

Cominius. Ay, if you come not in the blood of others,	1.6.37
But mantled in your own.	1.6.38

Marcius. O, let me clip ye	1.6.39
In arms as sound as when I woo'd, in heart	1.6.40
As merry as when our nuptial day was done,	1.6.41
And tapers burn'd to bedward!	1.6.42

Cominius. Flower of warriors,	1.6.43
How is it with Titus Lartius?	1.6.44

Marcius. As with a man busied about decrees:	1.6.45
Condemning some to death, and some to exile;	1.6.46
Ransoming him, or pitying, threatening the other;	1.6.47
Holding Corioli in the name of Rome,	1.6.48
Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash,	1.6.49
To let him slip at will.	1.6.50

Cominius. Where is that slave	1.6.51
Which told me they had beat you to your trenches?	1.6.52
Where is he? call him hither.	1.6.53

Marcius. Let him alone;	1.6.54
He did inform the truth: but for our gentlemen,	1.6.55
The common file--a plague! tribunes for them!--	1.6.56
The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat as they did budge	1.6.57
From rascals worse than they.	1.6.58

Cominius. But how prevail'd you?	1.6.59

Marcius. Will the time serve to tell? I do not think.	1.6.60
Where is the enemy? are you lords o' the field?	1.6.61
If not, why cease you till you are so?	1.6.62

Cominius. Marcius,	1.6.63
We have at disadvantage fought and did	1.6.64
Retire to win our purpose.	1.6.65

Marcius. How lies their battle? know you on which side	1.6.66
They have placed their men of trust?	1.6.67

Cominius. As I guess, Marcius,	1.6.68
Their bands i' the vaward are the Antiates,	1.6.69
Of their best trust; o'er them Aufidius,	1.6.70
Their very heart of hope.	1.6.71

Marcius. I do beseech you,	1.6.72
By all the battles wherein we have fought,	1.6.73
By the blood we have shed together, by the vows	1.6.74
We have made to endure friends, that you directly	1.6.75
Set me against Aufidius and his Antiates;	1.6.76
And that you not delay the present, but,	1.6.77
Filling the air with swords advanced and darts,	1.6.78
We prove this very hour.	1.6.79

Cominius. Though I could wish	1.6.80
You were conducted to a gentle bath	1.6.81
And balms applied to, you, yet dare I never	1.6.82
Deny your asking: take your choice of those	1.6.83
That best can aid your action.	1.6.84

Marcius. Those are they	1.6.85
That most are willing. If any such be here--	1.6.86
As it were sin to doubt--that love this painting	1.6.87
Wherein you see me smear'd; if any fear	1.6.88
Lesser his person than an ill report;	1.6.89
If any think brave death outweighs bad life	1.6.90
And that his country's dearer than himself;	1.6.91
Let him alone, or so many so minded,	1.6.92
Wave thus, to express his disposition,	1.6.93
And follow Marcius.	1.6.94
[They all shout and wave their swords, take him up in their arms, and cast up their caps]
O, me alone! make you a sword of me?	1.6.95
If these shows be not outward, which of you	1.6.96
But is four Volsces? none of you but is	1.6.97
Able to bear against the great Aufidius	1.6.98
A shield as hard as his. A certain number,	1.6.99
Though thanks to all, must I select	1.6.100
from all: the rest	1.6.101
Shall bear the business in some other fight,	1.6.102
As cause will be obey'd. Please you to march;	1.6.103
And four shall quickly draw out my command,	1.6.104
Which men are best inclined.	1.6.105

Cominius. March on, my fellows:	1.6.106
Make good this ostentation, and you shall	1.6.107
Divide in all with us.	1.6.108
[Exeunt]

SCENE VII. The gates of Corioli.

[TITUS LARTIUS, having set a guard upon Corioli, going with drum and trumpet toward COMINIUS and CAIUS MARCIUS, enters with Lieutenant, other Soldiers, and a Scout]

Lartius. So, let the ports be guarded: keep your duties,	1.7.1
As I have set them down. If I do send, dispatch	1.7.2
Those centuries to our aid: the rest will serve	1.7.3
For a short holding: if we lose the field,	1.7.4
We cannot keep the town.	1.7.5

Lieutenant. Fear not our care, sir.	1.7.6

Lartius. Hence, and shut your gates upon's.	1.7.7
Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us.	1.7.8
[Exeunt]

SCENE VIII. A field of battle.

[Alarum as in battle. Enter, from opposite sides, MARCIUS and AUFIDIUS]

Marcius. I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee	1.8.1
Worse than a promise-breaker.	1.8.2

Aufidius. We hate alike:	1.8.3
Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor	1.8.4
More than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.	1.8.5

Marcius. Let the first budger die the other's slave,	1.8.6
And the gods doom him after!	1.8.7

Aufidius. If I fly, Marcius,	1.8.8
Holloa me like a hare.	1.8.9

Marcius. Within these three hours, Tullus,	1.8.10
Alone I fought in your Corioli walls,	1.8.11
And made what work I pleased: 'tis not my blood	1.8.12
Wherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revenge	1.8.13
Wrench up thy power to the highest.	1.8.14

Aufidius. Wert thou the Hector	1.8.15
That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny,	1.8.16
Thou shouldst not scape me here.	1.8.17
[They fight, and certain Volsces come to the aid of AUFIDIUS. MARCIUS fights till they be driven in breathless]
Officious, and not valiant, you have shamed me	1.8.18
In your condemned seconds.	1.8.19
[Exeunt]

SCENE IX. The Roman camp.

[Flourish. Alarum. A retreat is sounded. Flourish. Enter, from one side, COMINIUS with the Romans; from the other side, MARCIUS, with his arm in a scarf]

Cominius. If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work,	1.9.1
Thou'ldst not believe thy deeds: but I'll report it	1.9.2
Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles,	1.9.3
Where great patricians shall attend and shrug,	1.9.4
I' the end admire, where ladies shall be frighted,	1.9.5
And, gladly quaked, hear more; where the	1.9.6
dull tribunes,	1.9.7
That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours,	1.9.8
Shall say against their hearts 'We thank the gods	1.9.9
Our Rome hath such a soldier.'	1.9.10
Yet camest thou to a morsel of this feast,	1.9.11
Having fully dined before.	1.9.12

[Enter TITUS LARTIUS, with his power, from the pursuit]

Lartius. O general,	1.9.13
Here is the steed, we the caparison:	1.9.14
Hadst thou beheld--	1.9.15

Marcius. Pray now, no more: my mother,	1.9.16
Who has a charter to extol her blood,	1.9.17
When she does praise me grieves me. I have done	1.9.18
As you have done; that's what I can; induced	1.9.19
As you have been; that's for my country:	1.9.20
He that has but effected his good will	1.9.21
Hath overta'en mine act.	1.9.22

Cominius. You shall not be	1.9.23
The grave of your deserving; Rome must know	1.9.24
The value of her own: 'twere a concealment	1.9.25
Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement,	1.9.26
To hide your doings; and to silence that,	1.9.27
Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd,	1.9.28
Would seem but modest: therefore, I beseech you	1.9.29
In sign of what you are, not to reward	1.9.30
What you have done--before our army hear me.	1.9.31

Marcius. I have some wounds upon me, and they smart	1.9.32
To hear themselves remember'd.	1.9.33

Cominius. Should they not,	1.9.34
Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude,	1.9.35
And tent themselves with death. Of all the horses,	1.9.36
Whereof we have ta'en good and good store, of all	1.9.37
The treasure in this field achieved and city,	1.9.38
We render you the tenth, to be ta'en forth,	1.9.39
Before the common distribution, at	1.9.40
Your only choice.	1.9.41

Marcius. I thank you, general;	1.9.42
But cannot make my heart consent to take	1.9.43
A bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it;	1.9.44
And stand upon my common part with those	1.9.45
That have beheld the doing.	1.9.46
[A long flourish. They all cry 'Marcius! Marcius!' cast up their caps and lances: COMINIUS and LARTIUS stand bare]

Marcius. May these same instruments, which you profane,	1.9.47
Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall	1.9.48
I' the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be	1.9.49
Made all of false-faced soothing!	1.9.50
When steel grows soft as the parasite's silk,	1.9.51
Let him be made a coverture for the wars!	1.9.52
No more, I say! For that I have not wash'd	1.9.53
My nose that bled, or foil'd some debile wretch.--	1.9.54
Which, without note, here's many else have done,--	1.9.55
You shout me forth	1.9.56
In acclamations hyperbolical;	1.9.57
As if I loved my little should be dieted	1.9.58
In praises sauced with lies.	1.9.59

Cominius. Too modest are you;	1.9.60
More cruel to your good report than grateful	1.9.61
To us that give you truly: by your patience,	1.9.62
If 'gainst yourself you be incensed, we'll put you,	1.9.63
Like one that means his proper harm, in manacles,	1.9.64
Then reason safely with you. Therefore, be it known,	1.9.65
As to us, to all the world, that Caius Marcius	1.9.66
Wears this war's garland: in token of the which,	1.9.67
My noble steed, known to the camp, I give him,	1.9.68
With all his trim belonging; and from this time,	1.9.69
For what he did before Corioli, call him,	1.9.70
With all the applause and clamour of the host,	1.9.71
CAIUS MARCIUS CORIOLANUS! Bear	1.9.72
The addition nobly ever!	1.9.73
[Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drums]

All. Caius Marcius Coriolanus!	1.9.74

Coriolanus. I will go wash;	1.9.75
And when my face is fair, you shall perceive	1.9.76
Whether I blush or no: howbeit, I thank you.	1.9.77
I mean to stride your steed, and at all times	1.9.78
To undercrest your good addition	1.9.79
To the fairness of my power.	1.9.80

Cominius. So, to our tent;	1.9.81
Where, ere we do repose us, we will write	1.9.82
To Rome of our success. You, Titus Lartius,	1.9.83
Must to Corioli back: send us to Rome	1.9.84
The best, with whom we may articulate,	1.9.85
For their own good and ours.	1.9.86

Lartius. I shall, my lord.	1.9.87

Coriolanus. The gods begin to mock me. I, that now	1.9.88
Refused most princely gifts, am bound to beg	1.9.89
Of my lord general.	1.9.90

Cominius. Take't; 'tis yours. What is't?	1.9.91

Coriolanus. I sometime lay here in Corioli	1.9.92
At a poor man's house; he used me kindly:	1.9.93
He cried to me; I saw him prisoner;	1.9.94
But then Aufidius was with in my view,	1.9.95
And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you	1.9.96
To give my poor host freedom.	1.9.97

Cominius. O, well begg'd!	1.9.98
Were he the butcher of my son, he should	1.9.99
Be free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.	1.9.100

Lartius. Marcius, his name?	1.9.101

Coriolanus. By Jupiter! forgot.	1.9.102
I am weary; yea, my memory is tired.	1.9.103
Have we no wine here?	1.9.104

Cominius. Go we to our tent:	1.9.105
The blood upon your visage dries; 'tis time	1.9.106
It should be look'd to: come.	1.9.107
[Exeunt]

SCENE X. The camp of the Volsces.

[A flourish. Cornets. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, bloody, with two or three Soldiers]

Aufidius. The town is ta'en!	1.10.1

First Soldier. 'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.	1.10.2

Aufidius. Condition!	1.10.3
I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,	1.10.4
Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition!	1.10.5
What good condition can a treaty find	1.10.6
I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, Marcius,	1.10.7
I have fought with thee: so often hast thou beat me,	1.10.8
And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter	1.10.9
As often as we eat. By the elements,	1.10.10
If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,	1.10.11
He's mine, or I am his: mine emulation	1.10.12
Hath not that honour in't it had; for where	1.10.13
I thought to crush him in an equal force,	1.10.14
True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some way	1.10.15
Or wrath or craft may get him.	1.10.16

First Soldier. He's the devil.	1.10.17

Aufidius. Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd	1.10.18
With only suffering stain by him; for him	1.10.19
Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep nor sanctuary,	1.10.20
Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,	1.10.21
The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,	1.10.22
Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up	1.10.23
Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst	1.10.24
My hate to Marcius: where I find him, were it	1.10.25
At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,	1.10.26
Against the hospitable canon, would I	1.10.27
Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city;	1.10.28
Learn how 'tis held; and what they are that must	1.10.29
Be hostages for Rome.	1.10.30

First Soldier. Will not you go?	1.10.31

Aufidius. I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you--	1.10.32
'Tis south the city mills--bring me word thither	1.10.33
How the world goes, that to the pace of it	1.10.34
I may spur on my journey.	1.10.35

First Soldier. I shall, sir.	1.10.36
[Exeunt]

ACT II

SCENE I. Rome. A public place.

[Enter MENENIUS with the two Tribunes of the people, SICINIUS and BRUTUS.]

Menenius. The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night.	2.1.1

Brutus. Good or bad?	2.1.2

Menenius. Not according to the prayer of the people, for they	2.1.3
love not Marcius.	2.1.4

Sicinius. Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.	2.1.5

Menenius. Pray you, who does the wolf love?	2.1.6

Sicinius. The lamb.	2.1.7

Menenius. Ay, to devour him; as the hungry plebeians would the	2.1.8
noble Marcius.	2.1.9

Brutus. He's a lamb indeed, that baes like a bear.	2.1.10

Menenius. He's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You two	2.1.11
are old men: tell me one thing that I shall ask you.	2.1.12

Both. Well, sir.	2.1.13

Menenius. In what enormity is Marcius poor in, that you two	2.1.14
have not in abundance?	2.1.15

Brutus. He's poor in no one fault, but stored with all.	2.1.16

Sicinius. Especially in pride.	2.1.17

Brutus. And topping all others in boasting.	2.1.18

Menenius. This is strange now: do you two know how you are	2.1.19
censured here in the city, I mean of us o' the	2.1.20
right-hand file? do you?	2.1.21

Both. Why, how are we censured?	2.1.22

Menenius. Because you talk of pride now,--will you not be angry?	2.1.23

Both. Well, well, sir, well.	2.1.24

Menenius. Why, 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief of	2.1.25
occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience:	2.1.26
give your dispositions the reins, and be angry at	2.1.27
your pleasures; at the least if you take it as a	2.1.28
pleasure to you in being so. You blame Marcius for	2.1.29
being proud?	2.1.30

Brutus. We do it not alone, sir.	2.1.31

Menenius. I know you can do very little alone; for your helps	2.1.32
are many, or else your actions would grow wondrous	2.1.33
single: your abilities are too infant-like for	2.1.34
doing much alone. You talk of pride: O that you	2.1.35
could turn your eyes toward the napes of your necks,	2.1.36
and make but an interior survey of your good selves!	2.1.37
O that you could!	2.1.38

Brutus. What then, sir?	2.1.39

Menenius. Why, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting,	2.1.40
proud, violent, testy magistrates, alias fools, as	2.1.41
any in Rome.	2.1.42

Sicinius. Menenius, you are known well enough too.	2.1.43

Menenius. I am known to be a humorous patrician, and one that	2.1.44
loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying	2.1.45
Tiber in't; said to be something imperfect in	2.1.46
favouring the first complaint; hasty and tinder-like	2.1.47
upon too trivial motion; one that converses more	2.1.48
with the buttock of the night than with the forehead	2.1.49
of the morning: what I think I utter, and spend my	2.1.50
malice in my breath. Meeting two such wealsmen as	2.1.51
you are--I cannot call you Lycurguses--if the drink	2.1.52
you give me touch my palate adversely, I make a	2.1.53
crooked face at it. I can't say your worships have	2.1.54
delivered the matter well, when I find the ass in	2.1.55
compound with the major part of your syllables: and	2.1.56
though I must be content to bear with those that say	2.1.57
you are reverend grave men, yet they lie deadly that	2.1.58
tell you you have good faces. If you see this in	2.1.59
the map of my microcosm, follows it that I am known	2.1.60
well enough too? what barm can your bisson	2.1.61
conspectuities glean out of this character, if I be	2.1.62
known well enough too?	2.1.63

Brutus. Come, sir, come, we know you well enough.	2.1.64

Menenius. You know neither me, yourselves nor any thing. You	2.1.65
are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs: you	2.1.66
wear out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a	2.1.67
cause between an orange wife and a fosset-seller;	2.1.68
and then rejourn the controversy of three pence to a	2.1.69
second day of audience. When you are hearing a	2.1.70
matter between party and party, if you chance to be	2.1.71
pinched with the colic, you make faces like	2.1.72
mummers; set up the bloody flag against all	2.1.73
patience; and, in roaring for a chamber-pot,	2.1.74
dismiss the controversy bleeding the more entangled	2.1.75
by your hearing: all the peace you make in their	2.1.76
cause is, calling both the parties knaves. You are	2.1.77
a pair of strange ones.	2.1.78

Brutus. Come, come, you are well understood to be a	2.1.79
perfecter giber for the table than a necessary	2.1.80
bencher in the Capitol.	2.1.81

Menenius. Our very priests must become mockers, if they shall	2.1.82
encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are. When	2.1.83
you speak best unto the purpose, it is not worth the	2.1.84
wagging of your beards; and your beards deserve not	2.1.85
so honourable a grave as to stuff a botcher's	2.1.86
cushion, or to be entombed in an ass's pack-	2.1.87
saddle. Yet you must be saying, Marcius is proud;	2.1.88
who in a cheap estimation, is worth predecessors	2.1.89
since Deucalion, though peradventure some of the	2.1.90
best of 'em were hereditary hangmen. God-den to	2.1.91
your worships: more of your conversation would	2.1.92
infect my brain, being the herdsmen of the beastly	2.1.93
plebeians: I will be bold to take my leave of you.	2.1.94
[BRUTUS and SICINIUS go aside]
[Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and VALERIA]
How now, my as fair as noble ladies,--and the moon,	2.1.95
were she earthly, no nobler,--whither do you follow	2.1.96
your eyes so fast?	2.1.97

Volumnia. Honourable Menenius, my boy Marcius approaches; for	2.1.98
the love of Juno, let's go.	2.1.99

Menenius. Ha! Marcius coming home!	2.1.100

Volumnia. Ay, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperous	2.1.101
approbation.	2.1.102

Menenius. Take my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee. Hoo!	2.1.103
Marcius coming home!	2.1.104

Volumnia [with Virgilia] Nay, 'tis true.	2.1.105

Volumnia. Look, here's a letter from him: the state hath	2.1.106
another, his wife another; and, I think, there's one	2.1.107
at home for you.	2.1.108

Menenius. I will make my very house reel tonight: a letter for	2.1.109
me!	2.1.110

Virgilia. Yes, certain, there's a letter for you; I saw't.	2.1.111

Menenius. A letter for me! it gives me an estate of seven	2.1.112
years' health; in which time I will make a lip at	2.1.113
the physician: the most sovereign prescription in	2.1.114
Galen is but empiricutic, and, to this preservative,	2.1.115
of no better report than a horse-drench. Is he	2.1.116
not wounded? he was wont to come home wounded.	2.1.117

Virgilia. O, no, no, no.	2.1.118

Volumnia. O, he is wounded; I thank the gods for't.	2.1.119

Menenius. So do I too, if it be not too much: brings a'	2.1.120
victory in his pocket? the wounds become him.	2.1.121

Volumnia. On's brows: Menenius, he comes the third time home	2.1.122
with the oaken garland.	2.1.123

Menenius. Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?	2.1.124

Volumnia. Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but	2.1.125
Aufidius got off.	2.1.126

Menenius. And 'twas time for him too, I'll warrant him that:	2.1.127
an he had stayed by him, I would not have been so	2.1.128
fidiused for all the chests in Corioli, and the gold	2.1.129
that's in them. Is the senate possessed of this?	2.1.130

Volumnia. Good ladies, let's go. Yes, yes, yes; the senate	2.1.131
has letters from the general, wherein he gives my	2.1.132
son the whole name of the war: he hath in this	2.1.133
action outdone his former deeds doubly	2.1.134

Valeria. In troth, there's wondrous things spoke of him.	2.1.135

Menenius. Wondrous! ay, I warrant you, and not without his	2.1.136
true purchasing.	2.1.137

Virgilia. The gods grant them true!	2.1.138

Volumnia. True! pow, wow.	2.1.139

Menenius. True! I'll be sworn they are true.	2.1.140
Where is he wounded?	2.1.141
[To the Tribunes]
God save your good worships! Marcius is coming	2.1.142
home: he has more cause to be proud. Where is he wounded?	2.1.143

Volumnia. I' the shoulder and i' the left arm there will be	2.1.144
large cicatrices to show the people, when he shall	2.1.145
stand for his place. He received in the repulse of	2.1.146
Tarquin seven hurts i' the body.	2.1.147

Menenius. One i' the neck, and two i' the thigh,--there's	2.1.148
nine that I know.	2.1.149

Volumnia. He had, before this last expedition, twenty-five	2.1.150
wounds upon him.	2.1.151

Menenius. Now it's twenty-seven: every gash was an enemy's grave.	2.1.152
[A shout and flourish]
Hark! the trumpets.	2.1.153

Volumnia. These are the ushers of Marcius: before him he	2.1.154
carries noise, and behind him he leaves tears:	2.1.155
Death, that dark spirit, in 's nervy arm doth lie;	2.1.156
Which, being advanced, declines, and then men die.	2.1.157

[A sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter COMINIUS the general, and TITUS LARTIUS; between them, CORIOLANUS, crowned with an oaken garland; with Captains and Soldiers, and a Herald]

Herald. Know, Rome, that all alone Marcius did fight	2.1.158
Within Corioli gates: where he hath won,	2.1.159
With fame, a name to Caius Marcius; these	2.1.160
In honour follows Coriolanus.	2.1.161
Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!	2.1.162
[Flourish]

All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!	2.1.163

Coriolanus. No more of this; it does offend my heart:	2.1.164
Pray now, no more.	2.1.165

Cominius. Look, sir, your mother!	2.1.166

Coriolanus. O,	2.1.167
You have, I know, petition'd all the gods	2.1.168
For my prosperity!	2.1.169
[Kneels]

Volumnia. Nay, my good soldier, up;	2.1.170
My gentle Marcius, worthy Caius, and	2.1.171
By deed-achieving honour newly named,--	2.1.172
What is it?--Coriolanus must I call thee?--	2.1.173
But O, thy wife!	2.1.174

Coriolanus. My gracious silence, hail!	2.1.175
Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home,	2.1.176
That weep'st to see me triumph? Ay, my dear,	2.1.177
Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear,	2.1.178
And mothers that lack sons.	2.1.179

Menenius Now, the gods crown thee!	2.1.180

Coriolanus. And live you yet?	2.1.181
[To VALERIA]
O my sweet lady, pardon.	2.1.182

Volumnia. I know not where to turn: O, welcome home:	2.1.183
And welcome, general: and ye're welcome all.	2.1.184

Menenius. A hundred thousand welcomes. I could weep	2.1.185
And I could laugh, I am light and heavy. Welcome.	2.1.186
A curse begin at very root on's heart,	2.1.187
That is not glad to see thee! You are three	2.1.188
That Rome should dote on: yet, by the faith of men,	2.1.189
We have some old crab-trees here	2.1.190
at home that will not	2.1.191
Be grafted to your relish. Yet welcome, warriors:	2.1.192
We call a nettle but a nettle and	2.1.193
The faults of fools but folly.	2.1.194

Cominius. Ever right.	2.1.195

Coriolanus. Menenius ever, ever.	2.1.196

Herald. Give way there, and go on!	2.1.197

Coriolanus. [To VOLUMNIA and VIRGILIA] Your hand, and yours:	2.1.198
Ere in our own house I do shade my head,	2.1.199
The good patricians must be visited;	2.1.200
From whom I have received not only greetings,	2.1.201
But with them change of honours.	2.1.202

Volumnia. I have lived	2.1.203
To see inherited my very wishes	2.1.204
And the buildings of my fancy: only	2.1.205
There's one thing wanting, which I doubt not but	2.1.206
Our Rome will cast upon thee.	2.1.207

Coriolanus. Know, good mother,	2.1.208
I had rather be their servant in my way,	2.1.209
Than sway with them in theirs.	2.1.210

Cominius. On, to the Capitol!	2.1.211
[Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before. BRUTUS and SICINIUS come forward]

Brutus. All tongues speak of him, and the bleared sights	2.1.212
Are spectacled to see him: your prattling nurse	2.1.213
Into a rapture lets her baby cry	2.1.214
While she chats him: the kitchen malkin pins	2.1.215
Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck,	2.1.216
Clambering the walls to eye him: stalls, bulks, windows,	2.1.217
Are smother'd up, leads fill'd, and ridges horsed	2.1.218
With variable complexions, all agreeing	2.1.219
In earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamens	2.1.220
Do press among the popular throngs and puff	2.1.221
To win a vulgar station: or veil'd dames	2.1.222
Commit the war of white and damask in	2.1.223
Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil	2.1.224
Of Phoebus' burning kisses: such a pother	2.1.225
As if that whatsoever god who leads him	2.1.226
Were slily crept into his human powers	2.1.227
And gave him graceful posture.	2.1.228

Sicinius. On the sudden,	2.1.229
I warrant him consul.	2.1.230

Brutus. Then our office may,	2.1.231
During his power, go sleep.	2.1.232

Sicinius. He cannot temperately transport his honours	2.1.233
From where he should begin and end, but will	2.1.234
Lose those he hath won.	2.1.235

Brutus. In that there's comfort.	2.1.236

Sicinius. Doubt not	2.1.237
The commoners, for whom we stand, but they	2.1.238
Upon their ancient malice will forget	2.1.239
With the least cause these his new honours, which	2.1.240
That he will give them make I as little question	2.1.241
As he is proud to do't.	2.1.242

Brutus. I heard him swear,	2.1.243
Were he to stand for consul, never would he	2.1.244
Appear i' the market-place nor on him put	2.1.245
The napless vesture of humility;	2.1.246
Nor showing, as the manner is, his wounds	2.1.247
To the people, beg their stinking breaths.	2.1.248

Sicinius. 'Tis right.	2.1.249

Brutus. It was his word: O, he would miss it rather	2.1.250
Than carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him,	2.1.251
And the desire of the nobles.	2.1.252

Sicinius. I wish no better	2.1.253
Than have him hold that purpose and to put it	2.1.254
In execution.	2.1.255

Brutus. 'Tis most like he will.	2.1.256

Sicinius. It shall be to him then as our good wills,	2.1.257
A sure destruction.	2.1.258

Brutus. So it must fall out	2.1.259
To him or our authorities. For an end,	2.1.260
We must suggest the people in what hatred	2.1.261
He still hath held them; that to's power he would	2.1.262
Have made them mules, silenced their pleaders and	2.1.263
Dispropertied their freedoms, holding them,	2.1.264
In human action and capacity,	2.1.265
Of no more soul nor fitness for the world	2.1.266
Than camels in the war, who have their provand	2.1.267
Only for bearing burdens, and sore blows	2.1.268
For sinking under them.	2.1.269

Sicinius. This, as you say, suggested	2.1.270
At some time when his soaring insolence	2.1.271
Shall touch the people--which time shall not want,	2.1.272
If he be put upon 't; and that's as easy	2.1.273
As to set dogs on sheep--will be his fire	2.1.274
To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze	2.1.275
Shall darken him for ever.	2.1.276

[Enter a Messenger]

Brutus. What's the matter?	2.1.277

Messenger. You are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thought	2.1.278
That Marcius shall be consul:	2.1.279
I have seen the dumb men throng to see him and	2.1.280
The blind to bear him speak: matrons flung gloves,	2.1.281
Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers,	2.1.282
Upon him as he pass'd: the nobles bended,	2.1.283
As to Jove's statue, and the commons made	2.1.284
A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts:	2.1.285
I never saw the like.	2.1.286

Brutus. Let's to the Capitol;	2.1.287
And carry with us ears and eyes for the time,	2.1.288
But hearts for the event.	2.1.289

Sicinius. Have with you.	2.1.290
[Exeunt]

SCENE II. The same. The Capitol.

[Enter two Officers, to lay cushions]

First Officer. Come, come, they are almost here. How many stand	2.2.1
for consulships?	2.2.2

Second Officer. Three, they say: but 'tis thought of every one	2.2.3
Coriolanus will carry it.	2.2.4

First Officer. That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance proud, and	2.2.5
loves not the common people.	2.2.6

Second Officer. Faith, there had been many great men that have	2.2.7
flattered the people, who ne'er loved them; and there	2.2.8
be many that they have loved, they know not	2.2.9
wherefore: so that, if they love they know not why,	2.2.10
they hate upon no better a ground: therefore, for	2.2.11
Coriolanus neither to care whether they love or hate	2.2.12
him manifests the true knowledge he has in their	2.2.13
disposition; and out of his noble carelessness lets	2.2.14
them plainly see't.	2.2.15

First Officer. If he did not care whether he had their love or no,	2.2.16
he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither	2.2.17
good nor harm: but he seeks their hate with greater	2.2.18
devotion than can render it him; and leaves	2.2.19
nothing undone that may fully discover him their	2.2.20
opposite. Now, to seem to affect the malice and	2.2.21
displeasure of the people is as bad as that which he	2.2.22
dislikes, to flatter them for their love.	2.2.23

Second Officer. He hath deserved worthily of his country: and his	2.2.24
ascent is not by such easy degrees as those who,	2.2.25
having been supple and courteous to the people,	2.2.26
bonneted, without any further deed to have them at	2.2.27
an into their estimation and report: but he hath so	2.2.28
planted his honours in their eyes, and his actions	2.2.29
in their hearts, that for their tongues to be	2.2.30
silent, and not confess so much, were a kind of	2.2.31
ingrateful injury; to report otherwise, were a	2.2.32
malice, that, giving itself the lie, would pluck	2.2.33
reproof and rebuke from every ear that heard it.	2.2.34

First Officer. No more of him; he is a worthy man: make way, they	2.2.35
are coming.	2.2.36

[A sennet. Enter, with actors before them, COMINIUS the consul, MENENIUS, CORIOLANUS, Senators, SICINIUS and BRUTUS. The Senators take their places; the Tribunes take their Places by themselves. CORIOLANUS stands]

Menenius. Having determined of the Volsces and	2.2.37
To send for Titus Lartius, it remains,	2.2.38
As the main point of this our after-meeting,	2.2.39
To gratify his noble service that	2.2.40
Hath thus stood for his country: therefore,	2.2.41
please you,	2.2.42
Most reverend and grave elders, to desire	2.2.43
The present consul, and last general	2.2.44
In our well-found successes, to report	2.2.45
A little of that worthy work perform'd	2.2.46
By Caius Marcius Coriolanus, whom	2.2.47
We met here both to thank and to remember	2.2.48
With honours like himself.	2.2.49

First Senator. Speak, good Cominius:	2.2.50
Leave nothing out for length, and make us think	2.2.51
Rather our state's defective for requital	2.2.52
Than we to stretch it out.	2.2.53
[To the Tribunes]
Masters o' the people,	2.2.54
We do request your kindest ears, and after,	2.2.55
Your loving motion toward the common body,	2.2.56
To yield what passes here.	2.2.57

Sicinius. We are convented	2.2.58
Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts	2.2.59
Inclinable to honour and advance	2.2.60
The theme of our assembly.	2.2.61

Brutus. Which the rather	2.2.62
We shall be blest to do, if he remember	2.2.63
A kinder value of the people than	2.2.64
He hath hereto prized them at.	2.2.65

Menenius. That's off, that's off;	2.2.66
I would you rather had been silent. Please you	2.2.67
To hear Cominius speak?	2.2.68

Brutus. Most willingly;	2.2.69
But yet my caution was more pertinent	2.2.70
Than the rebuke you give it.	2.2.71

Menenius. He loves your people	2.2.72
But tie him not to be their bedfellow.	2.2.73
Worthy Cominius, speak.	2.2.74
[CORIOLANUS offers to go away]
Nay, keep your place.	2.2.75

First Senator. Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear	2.2.76
What you have nobly done.	2.2.77

Coriolanus. Your horror's pardon:	2.2.78
I had rather have my wounds to heal again	2.2.79
Than hear say how I got them.	2.2.80

Brutus. Sir, I hope	2.2.81
My words disbench'd you not.	2.2.82

Coriolanus. No, sir: yet oft,	2.2.83
When blows have made me stay, I fled from words.	2.2.84
You soothed not, therefore hurt not: but	2.2.85
your people,	2.2.86
I love them as they weigh.	2.2.87

Menenius. Pray now, sit down.	2.2.88

Coriolanus. I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun	2.2.89
When the alarum were struck than idly sit	2.2.90
To hear my nothings monster'd.	2.2.91
[Exit]

Menenius. Masters of the people,	2.2.92
Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter--	2.2.93
That's thousand to one good one--when you now see	2.2.94
He had rather venture all his limbs for honour	2.2.95
Than one on's ears to hear it? Proceed, Cominius.	2.2.96

Cominius. I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus	2.2.97
Should not be utter'd feebly. It is held	2.2.98
That valour is the chiefest virtue, and	2.2.99
Most dignifies the haver: if it be,	2.2.100
The man I speak of cannot in the world	2.2.101
Be singly counterpoised. At sixteen years,	2.2.102
When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he fought	2.2.103
Beyond the mark of others: our then dictator,	2.2.104
Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight,	2.2.105
When with his Amazonian chin he drove	2.2.106
The bristled lips before him: be bestrid	2.2.107
An o'er-press'd Roman and i' the consul's view	2.2.108
Slew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met,	2.2.109
And struck him on his knee: in that day's feats,	2.2.110
When he might act the woman in the scene,	2.2.111
He proved best man i' the field, and for his meed	2.2.112
Was brow-bound with the oak. His pupil age	2.2.113
Man-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea,	2.2.114
And in the brunt of seventeen battles since	2.2.115
He lurch'd all swords of the garland. For this last,	2.2.116
Before and in Corioli, let me say,	2.2.117
I cannot speak him home: he stopp'd the fliers;	2.2.118
And by his rare example made the coward	2.2.119
Turn terror into sport: as weeds before	2.2.120
A vessel under sail, so men obey'd	2.2.121
And fell below his stem: his sword, death's stamp,	2.2.122
Where it did mark, it took; from face to foot	2.2.123
He was a thing of blood, whose every motion	2.2.124
Was timed with dying cries: alone he enter'd	2.2.125
The mortal gate of the city, which he painted	2.2.126
With shunless destiny; aidless came off,	2.2.127
And with a sudden reinforcement struck	2.2.128
Corioli like a planet: now all's his:	2.2.129
When, by and by, the din of war gan pierce	2.2.130
His ready sense; then straight his doubled spirit	2.2.131
Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate,	2.2.132
And to the battle came he; where he did	2.2.133
Run reeking o'er the lives of men, as if	2.2.134
'Twere a perpetual spoil: and till we call'd	2.2.135
Both field and city ours, he never stood	2.2.136
To ease his breast with panting.	2.2.137

Menenius. Worthy man!	2.2.138

First Senator. He cannot but with measure fit the honours	2.2.139
Which we devise him.	2.2.140

Cominius. Our spoils he kick'd at,	2.2.141
And look'd upon things precious as they were	2.2.142
The common muck of the world: he covets less	2.2.143
Than misery itself would give; rewards	2.2.144
His deeds with doing them, and is content	2.2.145
To spend the time to end it.	2.2.146

Menenius. He's right noble:	2.2.147
Let him be call'd for.	2.2.148

First Senator. Call Coriolanus.	2.2.149

Officer. He doth appear.	2.2.150

[Re-enter CORIOLANUS]

Menenius. The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleased	2.2.151
To make thee consul.	2.2.152

Coriolanus. I do owe them still	2.2.153
My life and services.	2.2.154

Menenius. It then remains	2.2.155
That you do speak to the people.	2.2.156

Coriolanus. I do beseech you,	2.2.157
Let me o'erleap that custom, for I cannot	2.2.158
Put on the gown, stand naked and entreat them,	2.2.159
For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage: please you	2.2.160
That I may pass this doing.	2.2.161

Sicinius. Sir, the people	2.2.162
Must have their voices; neither will they bate	2.2.163
One jot of ceremony.	2.2.164

Menenius. Put them not to't:	2.2.165
Pray you, go fit you to the custom and	2.2.166
Take to you, as your predecessors have,	2.2.167
Your honour with your form.	2.2.168

Coriolanus. It is apart	2.2.169
That I shall blush in acting, and might well	2.2.170
Be taken from the people.	2.2.171

Brutus. Mark you that?	2.2.172

Coriolanus. To brag unto them, thus I did, and thus;	2.2.173
Show them the unaching scars which I should hide,	2.2.174
As if I had received them for the hire	2.2.175
Of their breath only!	2.2.176

Menenius. Do not stand upon't.	2.2.177
We recommend to you, tribunes of the people,	2.2.178
Our purpose to them: and to our noble consul	2.2.179
Wish we all joy and honour.	2.2.180

Senators. To Coriolanus come all joy and honour!	2.2.181
[Flourish of cornets. Exeunt all but SICINIUS and BRUTUS]

Brutus. You see how he intends to use the people.	2.2.182

Sicinius. May they perceive's intent! He will require them,	2.2.183
As if he did contemn what he requested	2.2.184
Should be in them to give.	2.2.185

Brutus. Come, we'll inform them	2.2.186
Of our proceedings here: on the marketplace,	2.2.187
I know, they do attend us.	2.2.188
[Exeunt]

SCENE III. The same. The Forum.

[Enter seven or eight Citizens]

First Citizen. Once, if he do require our voices, we ought not to deny him.	2.3.1

Second Citizen. We may, sir, if we will.	2.3.2

Third Citizen. We have power in ourselves to do it, but it is a	2.3.3
power that we have no power to do; for if he show us	2.3.4
his wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put our	2.3.5
tongues into those wounds and speak for them; so, if	2.3.6
he tell us his noble deeds, we must also tell him	2.3.7
our noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is	2.3.8
monstrous, and for the multitude to be ingrateful,	2.3.9
were to make a monster of the multitude: of the	2.3.10
which we being members, should bring ourselves to be	2.3.11
monstrous members.	2.3.12

First Citizen. And to make us no better thought of, a little help	2.3.13
will serve; for once we stood up about the corn, he	2.3.14
himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.	2.3.15

Third Citizen. We have been called so of many; not that our heads	2.3.16
are some brown, some black, some auburn, some bald,	2.3.17
but that our wits are so diversely coloured: and	2.3.18
truly I think if all our wits were to issue out of	2.3.19
one skull, they would fly east, west, north, south,	2.3.20
and their consent of one direct way should be at	2.3.21
once to all the points o' the compass.	2.3.22

Second Citizen. Think you so? Which way do you judge my wit would	2.3.23
fly?	2.3.24

Third Citizen. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another man's	2.3.25
will;'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head, but	2.3.26
if it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward.	2.3.27

Second Citizen. Why that way?	2.3.28

Third Citizen. To lose itself in a fog, where being three parts	2.3.29
melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return	2.3.30
for conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife.	2.3.31

Second Citizen. You are never without your tricks: you may, you may.	2.3.32

Third Citizen. Are you all resolved to give your voices? But	2.3.33
that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I	2.3.34
say, if he would incline to the people, there was	2.3.35
never a worthier man.	2.3.36
[Enter CORIOLANUS in a gown of humility, with MENENIUS]
Here he comes, and in the gown of humility: mark his	2.3.37
behavior. We are not to stay all together, but to	2.3.38
come by him where he stands, by ones, by twos, and	2.3.39
by threes. He's to make his requests by	2.3.40
particulars; wherein every one of us has a single	2.3.41
honour, in giving him our own voices with our own	2.3.42
tongues: therefore follow me, and I direct you how	2.3.43
you shall go by him.	2.3.44

All. Content, content.	2.3.45
[Exeunt Citizens]

Menenius. O sir, you are not right: have you not known	2.3.46
The worthiest men have done't?	2.3.47

Coriolanus. What must I say?	2.3.48
'I Pray, sir'--Plague upon't! I cannot bring	2.3.49
My tongue to such a pace:--'Look, sir, my wounds!	2.3.50
I got them in my country's service, when	2.3.51
Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran	2.3.52
From the noise of our own drums.'	2.3.53

Menenius. O me, the gods!	2.3.54
You must not speak of that: you must desire them	2.3.55
To think upon you.	2.3.56

Coriolanus. Think upon me! hang 'em!	2.3.57
I would they would forget me, like the virtues	2.3.58
Which our divines lose by 'em.	2.3.59

Menenius. You'll mar all:	2.3.60
I'll leave you: pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you,	2.3.61
In wholesome manner.	2.3.62
[Exit]

Coriolanus. Bid them wash their faces	2.3.63
And keep their teeth clean.	2.3.64
[Re-enter two of the Citizens]
So, here comes a brace.	2.3.65
[Re-enter a third Citizen]
You know the cause, air, of my standing here.	2.3.66

Third Citizen. We do, sir; tell us what hath brought you to't.	2.3.67

Coriolanus. Mine own desert.	2.3.68

Second Citizen. Your own desert!	2.3.69

Coriolanus. Ay, but not mine own desire.	2.3.70

Third Citizen. How not your own desire?	2.3.71

Coriolanus. No, sir,'twas never my desire yet to trouble the	2.3.72
poor with begging.	2.3.73

Third Citizen. You must think, if we give you any thing, we hope to	2.3.74
gain by you.	2.3.75

Coriolanus. Well then, I pray, your price o' the consulship?	2.3.76

First Citizen. The price is to ask it kindly.	2.3.77

Coriolanus. Kindly! Sir, I pray, let me ha't: I have wounds to	2.3.78
show you, which shall be yours in private. Your	2.3.79
good voice, sir; what say you?	2.3.80

Second Citizen. You shall ha' it, worthy sir.	2.3.81

Coriolanus. A match, sir. There's in all two worthy voices	2.3.82
begged. I have your alms: adieu.	2.3.83

Third Citizen. But this is something odd.	2.3.84

Second Citizen. An 'twere to give again,--but 'tis no matter.	2.3.85
[Exeunt the three Citizens]

[Re-enter two other Citizens]

Coriolanus. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your	2.3.86
voices that I may be consul, I have here the	2.3.87
customary gown.	2.3.88

Fourth Citizen. You have deserved nobly of your country, and you	2.3.89
have not deserved nobly.	2.3.90

Coriolanus. Your enigma?	2.3.91

Fourth Citizen. You have been a scourge to her enemies, you have	2.3.92
been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed loved	2.3.93
the common people.	2.3.94

Coriolanus. You should account me the more virtuous that I have	2.3.95
not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my	2.3.96
sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer	2.3.97
estimation of them; 'tis a condition they account	2.3.98
gentle: and since the wisdom of their choice is	2.3.99
rather to have my hat than my heart, I will practise	2.3.100
the insinuating nod and be off to them most	2.3.101
counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the	2.3.102
bewitchment of some popular man and give it	2.3.103
bountiful to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you,	2.3.104
I may be consul.	2.3.105

Fifth Citizen. We hope to find you our friend; and therefore give	2.3.106
you our voices heartily.	2.3.107

Fourth Citizen. You have received many wounds for your country.	2.3.108

Coriolanus. I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I	2.3.109
will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no further.	2.3.110

Both Citizens. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily!	2.3.111
[Exeunt]

Coriolanus. Most sweet voices!	2.3.112
Better it is to die, better to starve,	2.3.113
Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.	2.3.114
Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here,	2.3.115
To beg of Hob and Dick, that do appear,	2.3.116
Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to't:	2.3.117
What custom wills, in all things should we do't,	2.3.118
The dust on antique time would lie unswept,	2.3.119
And mountainous error be too highly heapt	2.3.120
For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,	2.3.121
Let the high office and the honour go	2.3.122
To one that would do thus. I am half through;	2.3.123
The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.	2.3.124
[Re-enter three Citizens more]
Here come more voices.	2.3.125
Your voices: for your voices I have fought;	2.3.126
Watch'd for your voices; for Your voices bear	2.3.127
Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six	2.3.128
I have seen and heard of; for your voices have	2.3.129
Done many things, some less, some more your voices:	2.3.130
Indeed I would be consul.	2.3.131

Sixth Citizen. He has done nobly, and cannot go without any honest	2.3.132
man's voice.	2.3.133

Seventh Citizen. Therefore let him be consul: the gods give him joy,	2.3.134
and make him good friend to the people!	2.3.135

All Citizens. Amen, amen. God save thee, noble consul!	2.3.136
[Exeunt]

Coriolanus. Worthy voices!	2.3.137

[Re-enter MENENIUS, with BRUTUS and SICINIUS]

Menenius. You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes	2.3.138
Endue you with the people's voice: remains	2.3.139
That, in the official marks invested, you	2.3.140
Anon do meet the senate.	2.3.141

Coriolanus. Is this done?	2.3.142

Sicinius. The custom of request you have discharged:	2.3.143
The people do admit you, and are summon'd	2.3.144
To meet anon, upon your approbation.	2.3.145

Coriolanus. Where? at the senate-house?	2.3.146

Sicinius. There, Coriolanus.	2.3.147

Coriolanus. May I change these garments?	2.3.148

Sicinius. You may, sir.	2.3.149

Coriolanus. That I'll straight do; and, knowing myself again,	2.3.150
Repair to the senate-house.	2.3.151

Menenius. I'll keep you company. Will you along?	2.3.152

Brutus. We stay here for the people.	2.3.153

Sicinius. Fare you well.	2.3.154
[Exeunt CORIOLANUS and MENENIUS]
He has it now, and by his looks methink	2.3.155
'Tis warm at 's heart.	2.3.156

Brutus. With a proud heart he wore his humble weeds.	2.3.157
will you dismiss the people?	2.3.158

[Re-enter Citizens]

Sicinius How now, my masters! have you chose this man?	2.3.159

First Citizen. He has our voices, sir.	2.3.160

Brutus. We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.	2.3.161

Second Citizen. Amen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice,	2.3.162
He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.	2.3.163

Third Citizen. Certainly	2.3.164
He flouted us downright.	2.3.165

First Citizen. No,'tis his kind of speech: he did not mock us.	2.3.166

Second Citizen. Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says	2.3.167
He used us scornfully: he should have show'd us	2.3.168
His marks of merit, wounds received for's country.	2.3.169

Sicinius. Why, so he did, I am sure.	2.3.170

Citizens. No, no; no man saw 'em.	2.3.171

Third Citizen. He said he had wounds, which he could show	2.3.172
in private;	2.3.173
And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn,	2.3.174
'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom,	2.3.175
But by your voices, will not so permit me;	2.3.176
Your voices therefore.' When we granted that,	2.3.177
Here was 'I thank you for your voices: thank you:	2.3.178
Your most sweet voices: now you have left	2.3.179
your voices,	2.3.180
I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?	2.3.181

Sicinius. Why either were you ignorant to see't,	2.3.182
Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness	2.3.183
To yield your voices?	2.3.184

Brutus. Could you not have told him	2.3.185
As you were lesson'd, when he had no power,	2.3.186
But was a petty servant to the state,	2.3.187
He was your enemy, ever spake against	2.3.188
Your liberties and the charters that you bear	2.3.189
I' the body of the weal; and now, arriving	2.3.190
A place of potency and sway o' the state,	2.3.191
If he should still malignantly remain	2.3.192
Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might	2.3.193
Be curses to yourselves? You should have said	2.3.194
That as his worthy deeds did claim no less	2.3.195
Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature	2.3.196
Would think upon you for your voices and	2.3.197
Translate his malice towards you into love,	2.3.198
Standing your friendly lord.	2.3.199

Sicinius. Thus to have said,	2.3.200
As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit	2.3.201
And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd	2.3.202
Either his gracious promise, which you might,	2.3.203
As cause had call'd you up, have held him to	2.3.204
Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature,	2.3.205
Which easily endures not article	2.3.206
Tying him to aught; so putting him to rage,	2.3.207
You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler	2.3.208
And pass'd him unelected.	2.3.209

Brutus. Did you perceive	2.3.210
He did solicit you in free contempt	2.3.211
When he did need your loves, and do you think	2.3.212
That his contempt shall not be bruising to you,	2.3.213
When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies	2.3.214
No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry	2.3.215
Against the rectorship of judgment?	2.3.216

Sicinius. Have you	2.3.217
Ere now denied the asker? and now again	2.3.218
Of him that did not ask, but mock, bestow	2.3.219
Your sued-for tongues?	2.3.220

Third Citizen. He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.	2.3.221

Second Citizen. And will deny him:	2.3.222
I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.	2.3.223

First Citizen. I twice five hundred and their friends to piece 'em.	2.3.224

Brutus. Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends,	2.3.225
They have chose a consul that will from them take	2.3.226
Their liberties; make them of no more voice	2.3.227
Than dogs that are as often beat for barking	2.3.228
As therefore kept to do so.	2.3.229

Sicinius. Let them assemble,	2.3.230
And on a safer judgment all revoke	2.3.231
Your ignorant election; enforce his pride,	2.3.232
And his old hate unto you; besides, forget not	2.3.233
With what contempt he wore the humble weed,	2.3.234
How in his suit he scorn'd you; but your loves,	2.3.235
Thinking upon his services, took from you	2.3.236
The apprehension of his present portance,	2.3.237
Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion	2.3.238
After the inveterate hate he bears you.	2.3.239

Brutus. Lay	2.3.240
A fault on us, your tribunes; that we laboured,	2.3.241
No impediment between, but that you must	2.3.242
Cast your election on him.	2.3.243

Sicinius. Say, you chose him	2.3.244
More after our commandment than as guided	2.3.245
By your own true affections, and that your minds,	2.3.246
Preoccupied with what you rather must do	2.3.247
Than what you should, made you against the grain	2.3.248
To voice him consul: lay the fault on us.	2.3.249

Brutus. Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you.	2.3.250
How youngly he began to serve his country,	2.3.251
How long continued, and what stock he springs of,	2.3.252
The noble house o' the Marcians, from whence came	2.3.253
That Ancus Marcius, Numa's daughter's son,	2.3.254
Who, after great Hostilius, here was king;	2.3.255
Of the same house Publius and Quintus were,	2.3.256
That our beat water brought by conduits hither;	2.3.257
And [Censorinus,] nobly named so,	2.3.258
Twice being [by the people chosen] censor,	2.3.259
Was his great ancestor.	2.3.260

Sicinius. One thus descended,	2.3.261
That hath beside well in his person wrought	2.3.262
To be set high in place, we did commend	2.3.263
To your remembrances: but you have found,	2.3.264
Scaling his present bearing with his past,	2.3.265
That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke	2.3.266
Your sudden approbation.	2.3.267

Brutus. Say, you ne'er had done't--	2.3.268
Harp on that still--but by our putting on;	2.3.269
And presently, when you have drawn your number,	2.3.270
Repair to the Capitol.	2.3.271

All. We will so: almost all	2.3.272
Repent in their election.	2.3.273
[Exeunt Citizens]

Brutus. Let them go on;	2.3.274
This mutiny were better put in hazard,	2.3.275
Than stay, past doubt, for greater:	2.3.276
If, as his nature is, he fall in rage	2.3.277
With their refusal, both observe and answer	2.3.278
The vantage of his anger.	2.3.279

Sicinius. To the Capitol, come:	2.3.280
We will be there before the stream o' the people;	2.3.281
And this shall seem, as partly 'tis, their own,	2.3.282
Which we have goaded onward.	2.3.283
[Exeunt]

ACT III

SCENE I. Rome. A street.

[Cornets. Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, all the Gentry, COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators]

Coriolanus. Tullus Aufidius then had made new head?	3.1.1

Lartius. He had, my lord; and that it was which caused	3.1.2
Our swifter composition.	3.1.3

Coriolanus. So then the Volsces stand but as at first,	3.1.4
Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road.	3.1.5
Upon's again.	3.1.6

Cominius They are worn, lord consul, so,	3.1.7
That we shall hardly in our ages see	3.1.8
Their banners wave again.	3.1.9

Coriolanus. Saw you Aufidius?	3.1.10

Lartius. On safe-guard he came to me; and did curse	3.1.11
Against the Volsces, for they had so vilely	3.1.12
Yielded the town: he is retired to Antium.	3.1.13

Coriolanus. Spoke he of me?	3.1.14

Lartius. He did, my lord.	3.1.15

Coriolanus. How? what?	3.1.16

Lartius. How often he had met you, sword to sword;	3.1.17
That of all things upon the earth he hated	3.1.18
Your person most, that he would pawn his fortunes	3.1.19
To hopeless restitution, so he might	3.1.20
Be call'd your vanquisher.	3.1.21

Coriolanus. At Antium lives he?	3.1.22

Lartius. At Antium.	3.1.23

Coriolanus. I wish I had a cause to seek him there,	3.1.24
To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.	3.1.25
[Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS]
Behold, these are the tribunes of the people,	3.1.26
The tongues o' the common mouth: I do despise them;	3.1.27
For they do prank them in authority,	3.1.28
Against all noble sufferance.	3.1.29

Sicinius. Pass no further.	3.1.30

Coriolanus. Ha! what is that?	3.1.31

Brutus. It will be dangerous to go on: no further.	3.1.32

Coriolanus. What makes this change?	3.1.33

Menenius. The matter?	3.1.34

Cominius. Hath he not pass'd the noble and the common?	3.1.35

Brutus. Cominius, no.	3.1.36

Coriolanus. Have I had children's voices?	3.1.37

First Senator. Tribunes, give way; he shall to the market-place.	3.1.38

Brutus. The people are incensed against him.	3.1.39

Sicinius. Stop,	3.1.40
Or all will fall in broil.	3.1.41

Coriolanus. Are these your herd?	3.1.42
Must these have voices, that can yield them now	3.1.43
And straight disclaim their tongues? What are	3.1.44
your offices?	3.1.45
You being their mouths, why rule you not their teeth?	3.1.46
Have you not set them on?	3.1.47

Menenius. Be calm, be calm.	3.1.48

Coriolanus. It is a purposed thing, and grows by plot,	3.1.49
To curb the will of the nobility:	3.1.50
Suffer't, and live with such as cannot rule	3.1.51
Nor ever will be ruled.	3.1.52

Brutus. Call't not a plot:	3.1.53
The people cry you mock'd them, and of late,	3.1.54
When corn was given them gratis, you repined;	3.1.55
Scandal'd the suppliants for the people, call'd them	3.1.56
Time-pleasers, flatterers, foes to nobleness.	3.1.57

Coriolanus. Why, this was known before.	3.1.58

Brutus. Not to them all.	3.1.59

Coriolanus. Have you inform'd them sithence?	3.1.60

Brutus. How! I inform them!	3.1.61

Coriolanus. You are like to do such business.	3.1.62

Brutus. Not unlike,	3.1.63
Each way, to better yours.	3.1.64

Coriolanus. Why then should I be consul? By yond clouds,	3.1.65
Let me deserve so ill as you, and make me	3.1.66
Your fellow tribune.	3.1.67

Sicinius. You show too much of that	3.1.68
For which the people stir: if you will pass	3.1.69
To where you are bound, you must inquire your way,	3.1.70
Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit,	3.1.71
Or never be so noble as a consul,	3.1.72
Nor yoke with him for tribune.	3.1.73

Menenius. Let's be calm.	3.1.74

Cominius. The people are abused; set on. This paltering	3.1.75
Becomes not Rome, nor has Coriolanus	3.1.76
Deserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falsely	3.1.77
I' the plain way of his merit.	3.1.78

Coriolanus. Tell me of corn!	3.1.79
This was my speech, and I will speak't again--	3.1.80

Menenius. Not now, not now.	3.1.81

First Senator. Not in this heat, sir, now.	3.1.82

Coriolanus. Now, as I live, I will. My nobler friends,	3.1.83
I crave their pardons:	3.1.84
For the mutable, rank-scented many, let them	3.1.85
Regard me as I do not flatter, and	3.1.86
Therein behold themselves: I say again,	3.1.87
In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate	3.1.88
The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition,	3.1.89
Which we ourselves have plough'd for, sow'd,	3.1.90
and scatter'd,	3.1.91
By mingling them with us, the honour'd number,	3.1.92
Who lack not virtue, no, nor power, but that	3.1.93
Which they have given to beggars.	3.1.94

Menenius. Well, no more.	3.1.95

First Senator. No more words, we beseech you.	3.1.96

Coriolanus. How! no more!	3.1.97
As for my country I have shed my blood,	3.1.98
Not fearing outward force, so shall my lungs	3.1.99
Coin words till their decay against those measles,	3.1.100
Which we disdain should tatter us, yet sought	3.1.101
The very way to catch them.	3.1.102

Brutus. You speak o' the people,	3.1.103
As if you were a god to punish, not	3.1.104
A man of their infirmity.	3.1.105

Sicinius. 'Twere well	3.1.106
We let the people know't.	3.1.107

Menenius. What, what? his choler?	3.1.108

Coriolanus. Choler!	3.1.109
Were I as patient as the midnight sleep,	3.1.110
By Jove, 'twould be my mind!	3.1.111

Sicinius. It is a mind	3.1.112
That shall remain a poison where it is,	3.1.113
Not poison any further.	3.1.114

Coriolanus. Shall remain!	3.1.115
Hear you this Triton of the minnows? mark you	3.1.116
His absolute 'shall'?	3.1.117

Cominius. 'Twas from the canon.	3.1.118

Coriolanus. 'Shall'!	3.1.119
O good but most unwise patricians! why,	3.1.120
You grave but reckless senators, have you thus	3.1.121
Given Hydra here to choose an officer,	3.1.122
That with his peremptory 'shall,' being but	3.1.123
The horn and noise o' the monster's, wants not spirit	3.1.124
To say he'll turn your current in a ditch,	3.1.125
And make your channel his? If he have power	3.1.126
Then vail your ignorance; if none, awake	3.1.127
Your dangerous lenity. If you are learn'd,	3.1.128
Be not as common fools; if you are not,	3.1.129
Let them have cushions by you. You are plebeians,	3.1.130
If they be senators: and they are no less,	3.1.131
When, both your voices blended, the great'st taste	3.1.132
Most palates theirs. They choose their magistrate,	3.1.133
And such a one as he, who puts his 'shall,'	3.1.134
His popular 'shall' against a graver bench	3.1.135
Than ever frown in Greece. By Jove himself!	3.1.136
It makes the consuls base: and my soul aches	3.1.137
To know, when two authorities are up,	3.1.138
Neither supreme, how soon confusion	3.1.139
May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take	3.1.140
The one by the other.	3.1.141

Cominius. Well, on to the market-place.	3.1.142

Coriolanus. Whoever gave that counsel, to give forth	3.1.143
The corn o' the storehouse gratis, as 'twas used	3.1.144
Sometime in Greece,--	3.1.145

Menenius. Well, well, no more of that.	3.1.146

Coriolanus. Though there the people had more absolute power,	3.1.147
I say, they nourish'd disobedience, fed	3.1.148
The ruin of the state.	3.1.149

Brutus. Why, shall the people give	3.1.150
One that speaks thus their voice?	3.1.151

Coriolanus. I'll give my reasons,	3.1.152
More worthier than their voices. They know the corn	3.1.153
Was not our recompense, resting well assured	3.1.154
That ne'er did service for't: being press'd to the war,	3.1.155
Even when the navel of the state was touch'd,	3.1.156
They would not thread the gates. This kind of service	3.1.157
Did not deserve corn gratis. Being i' the war	3.1.158
Their mutinies and revolts, wherein they show'd	3.1.159
Most valour, spoke not for them: the accusation	3.1.160
Which they have often made against the senate,	3.1.161
All cause unborn, could never be the motive	3.1.162
Of our so frank donation. Well, what then?	3.1.163
How shall this bisson multitude digest	3.1.164
The senate's courtesy? Let deeds express	3.1.165
What's like to be their words: 'we did request it;	3.1.166
We are the greater poll, and in true fear	3.1.167
They gave us our demands.' Thus we debase	3.1.168
The nature of our seats and make the rabble	3.1.169
Call our cares fears; which will in time	3.1.170
Break ope the locks o' the senate and bring in	3.1.171
The crows to peck the eagles.	3.1.172

Menenius. Come, enough.	3.1.173

Brutus. Enough, with over-measure.	3.1.174

Coriolanus. No, take more:	3.1.175
What may be sworn by, both divine and human,	3.1.176
Seal what I end withal! This double worship,	3.1.177
Where one part does disdain with cause, the other	3.1.178
Insult without all reason, where gentry, title, wisdom,	3.1.179
Cannot conclude but by the yea and no	3.1.180
Of general ignorance,--it must omit	3.1.181
Real necessities, and give way the while	3.1.182
To unstable slightness: purpose so barr'd,	3.1.183
it follows,	3.1.184
Nothing is done to purpose. Therefore, beseech you,--	3.1.185
You that will be less fearful than discreet,	3.1.186
That love the fundamental part of state	3.1.187
More than you doubt the change on't, that prefer	3.1.188
A noble life before a long, and wish	3.1.189
To jump a body with a dangerous physic	3.1.190
That's sure of death without it, at once pluck out	3.1.191
The multitudinous tongue; let them not lick	3.1.192
The sweet which is their poison: your dishonour	3.1.193
Mangles true judgment and bereaves the state	3.1.194
Of that integrity which should become't,	3.1.195
Not having the power to do the good it would,	3.1.196
For the in which doth control't.	3.1.197

Brutus. Has said enough.	3.1.198

Sicinius. Has spoken like a traitor, and shall answer	3.1.199
As traitors do.	3.1.200

Coriolanus. Thou wretch, despite o'erwhelm thee!	3.1.201
What should the people do with these bald tribunes?	3.1.202
On whom depending, their obedience fails	3.1.203
To the greater bench: in a rebellion,	3.1.204
When what's not meet, but what must be, was law,	3.1.205
Then were they chosen: in a better hour,	3.1.206
Let what is meet be said it must be meet,	3.1.207
And throw their power i' the dust.	3.1.208

Brutus. Manifest treason!	3.1.209

Sicinius. This a consul? no.	3.1.210

Brutus. The aediles, ho!	3.1.211
[Enter an AEdile]
Let him be apprehended.	3.1.212

Sicinius. Go, call the people:	3.1.213
[Exit AEdile]
in whose name myself	3.1.214
Attach thee as a traitorous innovator,	3.1.215
A foe to the public weal: obey, I charge thee,	3.1.216
And follow to thine answer.	3.1.217

Coriolanus. Hence, old goat!	3.1.218
Senators, & C We'll surety him.	3.1.219

Cominius. Aged sir, hands off.	3.1.220

Coriolanus. Hence, rotten thing! or I shall shake thy bones	3.1.221
Out of thy garments.	3.1.222

Sicinius. Help, ye citizens!	3.1.223

[Enter a rabble of Citizens (Plebeians), with the AEdiles]

Menenius. On both sides more respect.	3.1.224

Sicinius. Here's he that would take from you all your power.	3.1.225

Brutus. Seize him, AEdiles!	3.1.226

Citizens. Down with him! down with him!	3.1.227
Senators, & C Weapons, weapons, weapons!	3.1.228
[They all bustle about CORIOLANUS, crying]
'Tribunes!' 'Patricians!' 'Citizens!' 'What, ho!'	3.1.229
'Sicinius!' 'Brutus!' 'Coriolanus!' 'Citizens!'	3.1.230
'Peace, peace, peace!' 'Stay, hold, peace!'	3.1.231

Menenius. What is about to be? I am out of breath;	3.1.232
Confusion's near; I cannot speak. You, tribunes	3.1.233
To the people! Coriolanus, patience!	3.1.234
Speak, good Sicinius.	3.1.235

Sicinius. Hear me, people; peace!	3.1.236

Citizens. Let's hear our tribune: peace Speak, speak, speak.	3.1.237

Sicinius. You are at point to lose your liberties:	3.1.238
Marcius would have all from you; Marcius,	3.1.239
Whom late you have named for consul.	3.1.240

Menenius. Fie, fie, fie!	3.1.241
This is the way to kindle, not to quench.	3.1.242

First Senator. To unbuild the city and to lay all flat.	3.1.243

Sicinius. What is the city but the people?	3.1.244

Citizens. True,	3.1.245
The people are the city.	3.1.246

Brutus. By the consent of all, we were establish'd	3.1.247
The people's magistrates.	3.1.248

Citizens. You so remain.	3.1.249

Menenius. And so are like to do.	3.1.250

Cominius. That is the way to lay the city flat;	3.1.251
To bring the roof to the foundation,	3.1.252
And bury all, which yet distinctly ranges,	3.1.253
In heaps and piles of ruin.	3.1.254

Sicinius. This deserves death.	3.1.255

Brutus. Or let us stand to our authority,	3.1.256
Or let us lose it. We do here pronounce,	3.1.257
Upon the part o' the people, in whose power	3.1.258
We were elected theirs, Marcius is worthy	3.1.259
Of present death.	3.1.260

Sicinius. Therefore lay hold of him;	3.1.261
Bear him to the rock Tarpeian, and from thence	3.1.262
Into destruction cast him.	3.1.263

Brutus. AEdiles, seize him!	3.1.264

Citizens. Yield, Marcius, yield!	3.1.265

Menenius. Hear me one word;	3.1.266
Beseech you, tribunes, hear me but a word.	3.1.267

Aedile. Peace, peace!	3.1.268

Menenius. [To BRUTUS] Be that you seem, truly your	3.1.269
country's friend,	3.1.270
And temperately proceed to what you would	3.1.271
Thus violently redress.	3.1.272

Brutus. Sir, those cold ways,	3.1.273
That seem like prudent helps, are very poisonous	3.1.274
Where the disease is violent. Lay hands upon him,	3.1.275
And bear him to the rock.	3.1.276

Coriolanus. No, I'll die here.	3.1.277
[Drawing his sword]
There's some among you have beheld me fighting:	3.1.278
Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.	3.1.279

Menenius. Down with that sword! Tribunes, withdraw awhile.	3.1.280

Brutus. Lay hands upon him.	3.1.281

Cominius. Help Marcius, help,	3.1.282
You that be noble; help him, young and old!	3.1.283

Citizens. Down with him, down with him!	3.1.284
[In this mutiny, the Tribunes, the AEdiles, and the People, are beat in]

Menenius. Go, get you to your house; be gone, away!	3.1.285
All will be naught else.	3.1.286

Second Senator. Get you gone.	3.1.287

Cominius. Stand fast;	3.1.288
We have as many friends as enemies.	3.1.289

Menenius. Sham it be put to that?	3.1.290

First Senator. The gods forbid!	3.1.291
I prithee, noble friend, home to thy house;	3.1.292
Leave us to cure this cause.	3.1.293

Menenius. For 'tis a sore upon us,	3.1.294
You cannot tent yourself: be gone, beseech you.	3.1.295

Cominius. Come, sir, along with us.	3.1.296

Coriolanus. I would they were barbarians--as they are,	3.1.297
Though in Rome litter'd--not Romans--as they are not,	3.1.298
Though calved i' the porch o' the Capitol--	3.1.299

Menenius. Be gone;	3.1.300
Put not your worthy rage into your tongue;	3.1.301
One time will owe another.	3.1.302

Coriolanus. On fair ground	3.1.303
I could beat forty of them.	3.1.304

Cominius. I could myself	3.1.305
Take up a brace o' the best of them; yea, the	3.1.306
two tribunes:	3.1.307
But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic;	3.1.308
And manhood is call'd foolery, when it stands	3.1.309
Against a falling fabric. Will you hence,	3.1.310
Before the tag return? whose rage doth rend	3.1.311
Like interrupted waters and o'erbear	3.1.312
What they are used to bear.	3.1.313

Menenius. Pray you, be gone:	3.1.314
I'll try whether my old wit be in request	3.1.315
With those that have but little: this must be patch'd	3.1.316
With cloth of any colour.	3.1.317

Cominius. Nay, come away.	3.1.318
[Exeunt CORIOLANUS, COMINIUS, and others]

A Patrician. This man has marr'd his fortune.	3.1.319

Menenius. His nature is too noble for the world:	3.1.320
He would not flatter Neptune for his trident,	3.1.321
Or Jove for's power to thunder. His heart's his mouth:	3.1.322
What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent;	3.1.323
And, being angry, does forget that ever	3.1.324
He heard the name of death.	3.1.325
[A noise within]
Here's goodly work!	3.1.326

Second Patrician. I would they were abed!	3.1.327

Menenius. I would they were in Tiber! What the vengeance!	3.1.328
Could he not speak 'em fair?	3.1.329

[Re-enter BRUTUS and SICINIUS, with the rabble]

Sicinius. Where is this viper	3.1.330
That would depopulate the city and	3.1.331
Be every man himself?	3.1.332

Menenius. You worthy tribunes,--	3.1.333

Sicinius. He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock	3.1.334
With rigorous hands: he hath resisted law,	3.1.335
And therefore law shall scorn him further trial	3.1.336
Than the severity of the public power	3.1.337
Which he so sets at nought.	3.1.338

First Citizen. He shall well know	3.1.339
The noble tribunes are the people's mouths,	3.1.340
And we their hands.	3.1.341

Citizens. He shall, sure on't.	3.1.342

Menenius. Sir, sir,--	3.1.343

Sicinius. Peace!	3.1.344

Menenius. Do not cry havoc, where you should but hunt	3.1.345
With modest warrant.	3.1.346

Sicinius. Sir, how comes't that you	3.1.347
Have holp to make this rescue?	3.1.348

Menenius. Hear me speak:	3.1.349
As I do know the consul's worthiness,	3.1.350
So can I name his faults,--	3.1.351

Sicinius. Consul! what consul?	3.1.352

Menenius. The consul Coriolanus.	3.1.353

Brutus. He consul!	3.1.354

Citizens. No, no, no, no, no.	3.1.355

Menenius. If, by the tribunes' leave, and yours, good people,	3.1.356
I may be heard, I would crave a word or two;	3.1.357
The which shall turn you to no further harm	3.1.358
Than so much loss of time.	3.1.359

Sicinius. Speak briefly then;	3.1.360
For we are peremptory to dispatch	3.1.361
This viperous traitor: to eject him hence	3.1.362
Were but one danger, and to keep him here	3.1.363
Our certain death: therefore it is decreed	3.1.364
He dies to-night.	3.1.365

Menenius. Now the good gods forbid	3.1.366
That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude	3.1.367
Towards her deserved children is enroll'd	3.1.368
In Jove's own book, like an unnatural dam	3.1.369
Should now eat up her own!	3.1.370

Sicinius. He's a disease that must be cut away.	3.1.371

Menenius. O, he's a limb that has but a disease;	3.1.372
Mortal, to cut it off; to cure it, easy.	3.1.373
What has he done to Rome that's worthy death?	3.1.374
Killing our enemies, the blood he hath lost--	3.1.375
Which, I dare vouch, is more than that he hath,	3.1.376
By many an ounce--he dropp'd it for his country;	3.1.377
And what is left, to lose it by his country,	3.1.378
Were to us all, that do't and suffer it,	3.1.379
A brand to the end o' the world.	3.1.380

Sicinius. This is clean kam.	3.1.381

Brutus. Merely awry: when he did love his country,	3.1.382
It honour'd him.	3.1.383

Menenius. The service of the foot	3.1.384
Being once gangrened, is not then respected	3.1.385
For what before it was.	3.1.386

Brutus. We'll hear no more.	3.1.387
Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence:	3.1.388
Lest his infection, being of catching nature,	3.1.389
Spread further.	3.1.390

Menenius. One word more, one word.	3.1.391
This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find	3.1.392
The harm of unscann'd swiftness, will too late	3.1.393
Tie leaden pounds to's heels. Proceed by process;	3.1.394
Lest parties, as he is beloved, break out,	3.1.395
And sack great Rome with Romans.	3.1.396

Brutus. If it were so,--	3.1.397

Sicinius. What do ye talk?	3.1.398
Have we not had a taste of his obedience?	3.1.399
Our aediles smote? ourselves resisted? Come.	3.1.400

Menenius. Consider this: he has been bred i' the wars	3.1.401
Since he could draw a sword, and is ill school'd	3.1.402
In bolted language; meal and bran together	3.1.403
He throws without distinction. Give me leave,	3.1.404
I'll go to him, and undertake to bring him	3.1.405
Where he shall answer, by a lawful form,	3.1.406
In peace, to his utmost peril.	3.1.407

First Senator. Noble tribunes,	3.1.408
It is the humane way: the other course	3.1.409
Will prove too bloody, and the end of it	3.1.410
Unknown to the beginning.	3.1.411

Sicinius. Noble Menenius,	3.1.412
Be you then as the people's officer.	3.1.413
Masters, lay down your weapons.	3.1.414

Brutus. Go not home.	3.1.415

Sicinius. Meet on the market-place. We'll attend you there:	3.1.416
Where, if you bring not Marcius, we'll proceed	3.1.417
In our first way.	3.1.418

Menenius. I'll bring him to you.	3.1.419
[To the Senators]
Let me desire your company: he must come,	3.1.420
Or what is worst will follow.	3.1.421

First Senator. Pray you, let's to him.	3.1.422
[Exeunt]

SCENE II. A room in CORIOLANUS'S house.

[Enter CORIOLANUS with Patricians]

Coriolanus. Let them puff all about mine ears, present me	3.2.1
Death on the wheel or at wild horses' heels,	3.2.2
Or pile ten hills on the Tarpeian rock,	3.2.3
That the precipitation might down stretch	3.2.4
Below the beam of sight, yet will I still	3.2.5
Be thus to them.	3.2.6

A Patrician. You do the nobler.	3.2.7

Coriolanus. I muse my mother	3.2.8
Does not approve me further, who was wont	3.2.9
To call them woollen vassals, things created	3.2.10
To buy and sell with groats, to show bare heads	3.2.11
In congregations, to yawn, be still and wonder,	3.2.12
When one but of my ordinance stood up	3.2.13
To speak of peace or war.	3.2.14
[Enter VOLUMNIA]
I talk of you:	3.2.15
Why did you wish me milder? would you have me	3.2.16
False to my nature? Rather say I play	3.2.17
The man I am.	3.2.18

Volumnia. O, sir, sir, sir,	3.2.19
I would have had you put your power well on,	3.2.20
Before you had worn it out.	3.2.21

Coriolanus. Let go.	3.2.22

Volumnia. You might have been enough the man you are,	3.2.23
With striving less to be so; lesser had been	3.2.24
The thwartings of your dispositions, if	3.2.25
You had not show'd them how ye were disposed	3.2.26
Ere they lack'd power to cross you.	3.2.27

Coriolanus. Let them hang.	3.2.28

A Patrician. Ay, and burn too.	3.2.29

[Enter MENENIUS and Senators]

Menenius. Come, come, you have been too rough, something	3.2.30
too rough;	3.2.31
You must return and mend it.	3.2.32

First Senator. There's no remedy;	3.2.33
Unless, by not so doing, our good city	3.2.34
Cleave in the midst, and perish.	3.2.35

Volumnia. Pray, be counsell'd:	3.2.36
I have a heart as little apt as yours,	3.2.37
But yet a brain that leads my use of anger	3.2.38
To better vantage.	3.2.39

Menenius. Well said, noble woman?	3.2.40
Before he should thus stoop to the herd, but that	3.2.41
The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic	3.2.42
For the whole state, I would put mine armour on,	3.2.43
Which I can scarcely bear.	3.2.44

Coriolanus. What must I do?	3.2.45

Menenius. Return to the tribunes.	3.2.46

Coriolanus. Well, what then? what then?	3.2.47

Menenius. Repent what you have spoke.	3.2.48

Coriolanus. For them! I cannot do it to the gods;	3.2.49
Must I then do't to them?	3.2.50

Volumnia. You are too absolute;	3.2.51
Though therein you can never be too noble,	3.2.52
But when extremities speak. I have heard you say,	3.2.53
Honour and policy, like unsever'd friends,	3.2.54
I' the war do grow together: grant that, and tell me,	3.2.55
In peace what each of them by the other lose,	3.2.56
That they combine not there.	3.2.57

Coriolanus. Tush, tush!	3.2.58

Menenius. A good demand.	3.2.59

Volumnia. If it be honour in your wars to seem	3.2.60
The same you are not, which, for your best ends,	3.2.61
You adopt your policy, how is it less or worse,	3.2.62
That it shall hold companionship in peace	3.2.63
With honour, as in war, since that to both	3.2.64
It stands in like request?	3.2.65

Coriolanus. Why force you this?	3.2.66

Volumnia. Because that now it lies you on to speak	3.2.67
To the people; not by your own instruction,	3.2.68
Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you,	3.2.69
But with such words that are but rooted in	3.2.70
Your tongue, though but bastards and syllables	3.2.71
Of no allowance to your bosom's truth.	3.2.72
Now, this no more dishonours you at all	3.2.73
Than to take in a town with gentle words,	3.2.74
Which else would put you to your fortune and	3.2.75
The hazard of much blood.	3.2.76
I would dissemble with my nature where	3.2.77
My fortunes and my friends at stake required	3.2.78
I should do so in honour: I am in this,	3.2.79
Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;	3.2.80
And you will rather show our general louts	3.2.81
How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em,	3.2.82
For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard	3.2.83
Of what that want might ruin.	3.2.84

Menenius. Noble lady!	3.2.85
Come, go with us; speak fair: you may salve so,	3.2.86
Not what is dangerous present, but the loss	3.2.87
Of what is past.	3.2.88

Volumnia. I prithee now, my son,	3.2.89
Go to them, with this bonnet in thy hand;	3.2.90
And thus far having stretch'd it--here be with them--	3.2.91
Thy knee bussing the stones--for in such business	3.2.92
Action is eloquence, and the eyes of the ignorant	3.2.93
More learned than the ears--waving thy head,	3.2.94
Which often, thus, correcting thy stout heart,	3.2.95
Now humble as the ripest mulberry	3.2.96
That will not hold the handling: or say to them,	3.2.97
Thou art their soldier, and being bred in broils	3.2.98
Hast not the soft way which, thou dost confess,	3.2.99
Were fit for thee to use as they to claim,	3.2.100
In asking their good loves, but thou wilt frame	3.2.101
Thyself, forsooth, hereafter theirs, so far	3.2.102
As thou hast power and person.	3.2.103

Menenius. This but done,	3.2.104
Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours;	3.2.105
For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free	3.2.106
As words to little purpose.	3.2.107

Volumnia. Prithee now,	3.2.108
Go, and be ruled: although I know thou hadst rather	3.2.109
Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf	3.2.110
Than flatter him in a bower. Here is Cominius.	3.2.111

[Enter COMINIUS]

Cominius. I have been i' the market-place; and, sir,'tis fit	3.2.112
You make strong party, or defend yourself	3.2.113
By calmness or by absence: all's in anger.	3.2.114

Menenius. Only fair speech.	3.2.115

Cominius. I think 'twill serve, if he	3.2.116
Can thereto frame his spirit.	3.2.117

Volumnia. He must, and will	3.2.118
Prithee now, say you will, and go about it.	3.2.119

Coriolanus. Must I go show them my unbarbed sconce?	3.2.120
Must I with base tongue give my noble heart	3.2.121
A lie that it must bear? Well, I will do't:	3.2.122
Yet, were there but this single plot to lose,	3.2.123
This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it	3.2.124
And throw't against the wind. To the market-place!	3.2.125
You have put me now to such a part which never	3.2.126
I shall discharge to the life.	3.2.127

Cominius. Come, come, we'll prompt you.	3.2.128

Volumnia. I prithee now, sweet son, as thou hast said	3.2.129
My praises made thee first a soldier, so,	3.2.130
To have my praise for this, perform a part	3.2.131
Thou hast not done before.	3.2.132

Coriolanus. Well, I must do't:	3.2.133
Away, my disposition, and possess me	3.2.134
Some harlot's spirit! my throat of war be turn'd,	3.2.135
Which quired with my drum, into a pipe	3.2.136
Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice	3.2.137
That babies lulls asleep! the smiles of knaves	3.2.138
Tent in my cheeks, and schoolboys' tears take up	3.2.139
The glasses of my sight! a beggar's tongue	3.2.140
Make motion through my lips, and my arm'd knees,	3.2.141
Who bow'd but in my stirrup, bend like his	3.2.142
That hath received an alms! I will not do't,	3.2.143
Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth	3.2.144
And by my body's action teach my mind	3.2.145
A most inherent baseness.	3.2.146

Volumnia At thy choice, then:	3.2.147
To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour	3.2.148
Than thou of them. Come all to ruin; let	3.2.149
Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear	3.2.150
Thy dangerous stoutness, for I mock at death	3.2.151
With as big heart as thou. Do as thou list	3.2.152
Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me,	3.2.153
But owe thy pride thyself.	3.2.154

Coriolanus. Pray, be content:	3.2.155
Mother, I am going to the market-place;	3.2.156
Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves,	3.2.157
Cog their hearts from them, and come home beloved	3.2.158
Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going:	3.2.159
Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul;	3.2.160
Or never trust to what my tongue can do	3.2.161
I' the way of flattery further.	3.2.162

Volumnia. Do your will.	3.2.163
[Exit]

Cominius. Away! the tribunes do attend you: arm yourself	3.2.164
To answer mildly; for they are prepared	3.2.165
With accusations, as I hear, more strong	3.2.166
Than are upon you yet.	3.2.167

Coriolanus. The word is 'mildly.' Pray you, let us go:	3.2.168
Let them accuse me by invention, I	3.2.169
Will answer in mine honour.	3.2.170

Menenius. Ay, but mildly.	3.2.171

Coriolanus. Well, mildly be it then. Mildly!	3.2.172
[Exeunt]

SCENE III. The same. The Forum.

[Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS]

Brutus. In this point charge him home, that he affects	3.3.1
Tyrannical power: if he evade us there,	3.3.2
Enforce him with his envy to the people,	3.3.3
And that the spoil got on the Antiates	3.3.4
Was ne'er distributed.	3.3.5
[Enter an AEdile]
What, will he come?	3.3.6

Aedile. He's coming.	3.3.7

Brutus. How accompanied?	3.3.8

Aedile. With old Menenius, and those senators	3.3.9
That always favour'd him.	3.3.10

Sicinius. Have you a catalogue	3.3.11
Of all the voices that we have procured	3.3.12
Set down by the poll?	3.3.13

Aedile. I have; 'tis ready.	3.3.14

Sicinius. Have you collected them by tribes?	3.3.15

Aedile. I have.	3.3.16

Sicinius. Assemble presently the people hither;	3.3.17
And when they bear me say 'It shall be so	3.3.18
I' the right and strength o' the commons,' be it either	3.3.19
For death, for fine, or banishment, then let them	3.3.20
If I say fine, cry 'Fine;' if death, cry 'Death.'	3.3.21
Insisting on the old prerogative	3.3.22
And power i' the truth o' the cause.	3.3.23

Aedile. I shall inform them.	3.3.24

Brutus. And when such time they have begun to cry,	3.3.25
Let them not cease, but with a din confused	3.3.26
Enforce the present execution	3.3.27
Of what we chance to sentence.	3.3.28

Aedile. Very well.	3.3.29

Sicinius. Make them be strong and ready for this hint,	3.3.30
When we shall hap to give 't them.	3.3.31

Brutus. Go about it.	3.3.32
[Exit AEdile]
Put him to choler straight: he hath been used	3.3.33
Ever to conquer, and to have his worth	3.3.34
Of contradiction: being once chafed, he cannot	3.3.35
Be rein'd again to temperance; then he speaks	3.3.36
What's in his heart; and that is there which looks	3.3.37
With us to break his neck.	3.3.38

Sicinius. Well, here he comes.	3.3.39

[Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, and COMINIUS, with Senators and Patricians]

Menenius. Calmly, I do beseech you.	3.3.40

Coriolanus. Ay, as an ostler, that for the poorest piece	3.3.41
Will bear the knave by the volume. The honour'd gods	3.3.42
Keep Rome in safety, and the chairs of justice	3.3.43
Supplied with worthy men! plant love among 's!	3.3.44
Throng our large temples with the shows of peace,	3.3.45
And not our streets with war!	3.3.46

First Senator. Amen, amen.	3.3.47

Menenius. A noble wish.	3.3.48

[Re-enter AEdile, with Citizens]

Sicinius. Draw near, ye people.	3.3.49

Aedile. List to your tribunes. Audience: peace, I say!	3.3.50

Coriolanus. First, hear me speak.	3.3.51

Both Tribunes. Well, say. Peace, ho!	3.3.52

Coriolanus. Shall I be charged no further than this present?	3.3.53
Must all determine here?	3.3.54

Sicinius. I do demand,	3.3.55
If you submit you to the people's voices,	3.3.56
Allow their officers and are content	3.3.57
To suffer lawful censure for such faults	3.3.58
As shall be proved upon you?	3.3.59

Coriolanus. I am content.	3.3.60

Menenius. Lo, citizens, he says he is content:	3.3.61
The warlike service he has done, consider; think	3.3.62
Upon the wounds his body bears, which show	3.3.63
Like graves i' the holy churchyard.	3.3.64

Coriolanus. Scratches with briers,	3.3.65
Scars to move laughter only.	3.3.66

Menenius. Consider further,	3.3.67
That when he speaks not like a citizen,	3.3.68
You find him like a soldier: do not take	3.3.69
His rougher accents for malicious sounds,	3.3.70
But, as I say, such as become a soldier,	3.3.71
Rather than envy you.	3.3.72

Cominius. Well, well, no more.	3.3.73

Coriolanus. What is the matter	3.3.74
That being pass'd for consul with full voice,	3.3.75
I am so dishonour'd that the very hour	3.3.76
You take it off again?	3.3.77

Sicinius. Answer to us.	3.3.78

Coriolanus. Say, then: 'tis true, I ought so.	3.3.79

Sicinius. We charge you, that you have contrived to take	3.3.80
From Rome all season'd office and to wind	3.3.81
Yourself into a power tyrannical;	3.3.82
For which you are a traitor to the people.	3.3.83

Coriolanus. How! traitor!	3.3.84

Menenius. Nay, temperately; your promise.	3.3.85

Coriolanus. The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people!	3.3.86
Call me their traitor! Thou injurious tribune!	3.3.87
Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths,	3.3.88
In thy hand clutch'd as many millions, in	3.3.89
Thy lying tongue both numbers, I would say	3.3.90
'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free	3.3.91
As I do pray the gods.	3.3.92

Sicinius. Mark you this, people?	3.3.93

Citizens. To the rock, to the rock with him!	3.3.94

Sicinius. Peace!	3.3.95
We need not put new matter to his charge:	3.3.96
What you have seen him do and heard him speak,	3.3.97
Beating your officers, cursing yourselves,	3.3.98
Opposing laws with strokes and here defying	3.3.99
Those whose great power must try him; even this,	3.3.100
So criminal and in such capital kind,	3.3.101
Deserves the extremest death.	3.3.102

Brutus. But since he hath	3.3.103
Served well for Rome,--	3.3.104

Coriolanus. What do you prate of service?	3.3.105

Brutus. I talk of that, that know it.	3.3.106

Coriolanus. You?	3.3.107

Menenius. Is this the promise that you made your mother?	3.3.108

Cominius. Know, I pray you,--	3.3.109

Coriolanus. I know no further:	3.3.110
Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death,	3.3.111
Vagabond exile, raying, pent to linger	3.3.112
But with a grain a day, I would not buy	3.3.113
Their mercy at the price of one fair word;	3.3.114
Nor cheque my courage for what they can give,	3.3.115
To have't with saying 'Good morrow.'	3.3.116

Sicinius. For that he has,	3.3.117
As much as in him lies, from time to time	3.3.118
Envied against the people, seeking means	3.3.119
To pluck away their power, as now at last	3.3.120
Given hostile strokes, and that not in the presence	3.3.121
Of dreaded justice, but on the ministers	3.3.122
That do distribute it; in the name o' the people	3.3.123
And in the power of us the tribunes, we,	3.3.124
Even from this instant, banish him our city,	3.3.125
In peril of precipitation	3.3.126
From off the rock Tarpeian never more	3.3.127
To enter our Rome gates: i' the people's name,	3.3.128
I say it shall be so.	3.3.129

Citizens. It shall be so, it shall be so; let him away:	3.3.130
He's banish'd, and it shall be so.	3.3.131

Cominius. Hear me, my masters, and my common friends,--	3.3.132

Sicinius. He's sentenced; no more hearing.	3.3.133

Cominius. Let me speak:	3.3.134
I have been consul, and can show for Rome	3.3.135
Her enemies' marks upon me. I do love	3.3.136
My country's good with a respect more tender,	3.3.137
More holy and profound, than mine own life,	3.3.138
My dear wife's estimate, her womb's increase,	3.3.139
And treasure of my loins; then if I would	3.3.140
Speak that,--	3.3.141

Sicinius. We know your drift: speak what?	3.3.142

Brutus. There's no more to be said, but he is banish'd,	3.3.143
As enemy to the people and his country:	3.3.144
It shall be so.	3.3.145

Citizens. It shall be so, it shall be so.	3.3.146

Coriolanus. You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate	3.3.147
As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize	3.3.148
As the dead carcasses of unburied men	3.3.149
That do corrupt my air, I banish you;	3.3.150
And here remain with your uncertainty!	3.3.151
Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts!	3.3.152
Your enemies, with nodding of their plumes,	3.3.153
Fan you into despair! Have the power still	3.3.154
To banish your defenders; till at length	3.3.155
Your ignorance, which finds not till it feels,	3.3.156
Making not reservation of yourselves,	3.3.157
Still your own foes, deliver you as most	3.3.158
Abated captives to some nation	3.3.159
That won you without blows! Despising,	3.3.160
For you, the city, thus I turn my back:	3.3.161
There is a world elsewhere.	3.3.162
[Exeunt CORIOLANUS, COMINIUS, MENENIUS, Senators, and Patricians]

Aedile. The people's enemy is gone, is gone!	3.3.163

Citizens. Our enemy is banish'd! he is gone! Hoo! hoo!	3.3.164
[Shouting, and throwing up their caps]

Sicinius. Go, see him out at gates, and follow him,	3.3.165
As he hath followed you, with all despite;	3.3.166
Give him deserved vexation. Let a guard	3.3.167
Attend us through the city.	3.3.168

Citizens. Come, come; let's see him out at gates; come.	3.3.169
The gods preserve our noble tribunes! Come.	3.3.170
[Exeunt]

ACT IV

SCENE I. Rome. Before a gate of the city.

[Enter CORIOLANUS, VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, MENENIUS, COMINIUS, with the young Nobility of Rome]

Coriolanus. Come, leave your tears: a brief farewell: the beast	4.1.1
With many heads butts me away. Nay, mother,	4.1.2
Where is your ancient courage? you were used	4.1.3
To say extremity was the trier of spirits;	4.1.4
That common chances common men could bear;	4.1.5
That when the sea was calm all boats alike	4.1.6
Show'd mastership in floating; fortune's blows,	4.1.7
When most struck home, being gentle wounded, craves	4.1.8
A noble cunning: you were used to load me	4.1.9
With precepts that would make invincible	4.1.10
The heart that conn'd them.	4.1.11

Virgilia. O heavens! O heavens!	4.1.12

Coriolanus. Nay! prithee, woman,--	4.1.13

Volumnia. Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome,	4.1.14
And occupations perish!	4.1.15

Coriolanus. What, what, what!	4.1.16
I shall be loved when I am lack'd. Nay, mother.	4.1.17
Resume that spirit, when you were wont to say,	4.1.18
If you had been the wife of Hercules,	4.1.19
Six of his labours you'ld have done, and saved	4.1.20
Your husband so much sweat. Cominius,	4.1.21
Droop not; adieu. Farewell, my wife, my mother:	4.1.22
I'll do well yet. Thou old and true Menenius,	4.1.23
Thy tears are salter than a younger man's,	4.1.24
And venomous to thine eyes. My sometime general,	4.1.25
I have seen thee stem, and thou hast oft beheld	4.1.26
Heart-hardening spectacles; tell these sad women	4.1.27
'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes,	4.1.28
As 'tis to laugh at 'em. My mother, you wot well	4.1.29
My hazards still have been your solace: and	4.1.30
Believe't not lightly--though I go alone,	4.1.31
Like to a lonely dragon, that his fen	4.1.32
Makes fear'd and talk'd of more than seen--your son	4.1.33
Will or exceed the common or be caught	4.1.34
With cautelous baits and practise.	4.1.35

Volumnia. My first son.	4.1.36
Whither wilt thou go? Take good Cominius	4.1.37
With thee awhile: determine on some course,	4.1.38
More than a wild exposture to each chance	4.1.39
That starts i' the way before thee.	4.1.40

Coriolanus. O the gods!	4.1.41

Cominius. I'll follow thee a month, devise with thee	4.1.42
Where thou shalt rest, that thou mayst hear of us	4.1.43
And we of thee: so if the time thrust forth	4.1.44
A cause for thy repeal, we shall not send	4.1.45
O'er the vast world to seek a single man,	4.1.46
And lose advantage, which doth ever cool	4.1.47
I' the absence of the needer.	4.1.48

Coriolanus. Fare ye well:	4.1.49
Thou hast years upon thee; and thou art too full	4.1.50
Of the wars' surfeits, to go rove with one	4.1.51
That's yet unbruised: bring me but out at gate.	4.1.52
Come, my sweet wife, my dearest mother, and	4.1.53
My friends of noble touch, when I am forth,	4.1.54
Bid me farewell, and smile. I pray you, come.	4.1.55
While I remain above the ground, you shall	4.1.56
Hear from me still, and never of me aught	4.1.57
But what is like me formerly.	4.1.58

Menenius. That's worthily	4.1.59
As any ear can hear. Come, let's not weep.	4.1.60
If I could shake off but one seven years	4.1.61
From these old arms and legs, by the good gods,	4.1.62
I'ld with thee every foot.	4.1.63

Coriolanus. Give me thy hand: Come.	4.1.64
[Exeunt]

SCENE II. The same. A street near the gate.

[Enter SICINIUS, BRUTUS, and an AEdile]

Sicinius. Bid them all home; he's gone, and we'll no further.	4.2.1
The nobility are vex'd, whom we see have sided	4.2.2
In his behalf.	4.2.3

Brutus. Now we have shown our power,	4.2.4
Let us seem humbler after it is done	4.2.5
Than when it was a-doing.	4.2.6

Sicinius. Bid them home:	4.2.7
Say their great enemy is gone, and they	4.2.8
Stand in their ancient strength.	4.2.9

Brutus. Dismiss them home.	4.2.10
[Exit AEdile]
Here comes his mother.	4.2.11

Sicinius. Let's not meet her.	4.2.12

Brutus. Why?	4.2.13

Sicinius. They say she's mad.	4.2.14

Brutus. They have ta'en note of us: keep on your way.	4.2.15

[Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and MENENIUS]

Volumnia. O, ye're well met: the hoarded plague o' the gods	4.2.16
Requite your love!	4.2.17

Menenius. Peace, peace; be not so loud.	4.2.18

Volumnia. If that I could for weeping, you should hear,--	4.2.19
Nay, and you shall hear some.	4.2.20
[To BRUTUS]
Will you be gone?	4.2.21

Virgilia. [To SICINIUS] You shall stay too: I would I had the power	4.2.22
To say so to my husband.	4.2.23

Sicinius. Are you mankind?	4.2.24

Volumnia. Ay, fool; is that a shame? Note but this fool.	4.2.25
Was not a man my father? Hadst thou foxship	4.2.26
To banish him that struck more blows for Rome	4.2.27
Than thou hast spoken words?	4.2.28

Sicinius. O blessed heavens!	4.2.29

Volumnia. More noble blows than ever thou wise words;	4.2.30
And for Rome's good. I'll tell thee what; yet go:	4.2.31
Nay, but thou shalt stay too: I would my son	4.2.32
Were in Arabia, and thy tribe before him,	4.2.33
His good sword in his hand.	4.2.34

Sicinius. What then?	4.2.35

Virgilia. What then!	4.2.36
He'ld make an end of thy posterity.	4.2.37

Volumnia. Bastards and all.	4.2.38
Good man, the wounds that he does bear for Rome!	4.2.39

Menenius. Come, come, peace.	4.2.40

Sicinius. I would he had continued to his country	4.2.41
As he began, and not unknit himself	4.2.42
The noble knot he made.	4.2.43

Brutus. I would he had.	4.2.44

Volumnia. 'I would he had'! 'Twas you incensed the rabble:	4.2.45
Cats, that can judge as fitly of his worth	4.2.46
As I can of those mysteries which heaven	4.2.47
Will not have earth to know.	4.2.48

Brutus. Pray, let us go.	4.2.49

Volumnia. Now, pray, sir, get you gone:	4.2.50
You have done a brave deed. Ere you go, hear this:--	4.2.51
As far as doth the Capitol exceed	4.2.52
The meanest house in Rome, so far my son--	4.2.53
This lady's husband here, this, do you see--	4.2.54
Whom you have banish'd, does exceed you all.	4.2.55

Brutus. Well, well, we'll leave you.	4.2.56

Sicinius. Why stay we to be baited	4.2.57
With one that wants her wits?	4.2.58

Volumnia. Take my prayers with you.	4.2.59
[Exeunt Tribunes]
I would the gods had nothing else to do	4.2.60
But to confirm my curses! Could I meet 'em	4.2.61
But once a-day, it would unclog my heart	4.2.62
Of what lies heavy to't.	4.2.63

Menenius. You have told them home;	4.2.64
And, by my troth, you have cause. You'll sup with me?	4.2.65

Volumnia. Anger's my meat; I sup upon myself,	4.2.66
And so shall starve with feeding. Come, let's go:	4.2.67
Leave this faint puling and lament as I do,	4.2.68
In anger, Juno-like. Come, come, come.	4.2.69

Menenius. Fie, fie, fie!	4.2.70
[Exeunt]

SCENE III. A highway between Rome and Antium.

[Enter a Roman and a Volsce, meeting]

Roman. I know you well, sir, and you know	4.3.1
me: your name, I think, is Adrian.	4.3.2

Volsce. It is so, sir: truly, I have forgot you.	4.3.3

Roman. I am a Roman; and my services are,	4.3.4
as you are, against 'em: know you me yet?	4.3.5

Volsce. Nicanor? no.	4.3.6

Roman. The same, sir.	4.3.7

Volsce. You had more beard when I last saw you; but your	4.3.8
favour is well approved by your tongue. What's the	4.3.9
news in Rome? I have a note from the Volscian state,	4.3.10
to find you out there: you have well saved me a	4.3.11
day's journey.	4.3.12

Roman. There hath been in Rome strange insurrections; the	4.3.13
people against the senators, patricians, and nobles.	4.3.14

Volsce. Hath been! is it ended, then? Our state thinks not	4.3.15
so: they are in a most warlike preparation, and	4.3.16
hope to come upon them in the heat of their division.	4.3.17

Roman. The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing	4.3.18
would make it flame again: for the nobles receive	4.3.19
so to heart the banishment of that worthy	4.3.20
Coriolanus, that they are in a ripe aptness to take	4.3.21
all power from the people and to pluck from them	4.3.22
their tribunes for ever. This lies glowing, I can	4.3.23
tell you, and is almost mature for the violent	4.3.24
breaking out.	4.3.25

Volsce. Coriolanus banished!	4.3.26

Roman. Banished, sir.	4.3.27

Volsce. You will be welcome with this intelligence, Nicanor.	4.3.28

Roman. The day serves well for them now. I have heard it	4.3.29
said, the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is	4.3.30
when she's fallen out with her husband. Your noble	4.3.31
Tullus Aufidius will appear well in these wars, his	4.3.32
great opposer, Coriolanus, being now in no request	4.3.33
of his country.	4.3.34

Volsce. He cannot choose. I am most fortunate, thus	4.3.35
accidentally to encounter you: you have ended my	4.3.36
business, and I will merrily accompany you home.	4.3.37

Roman. I shall, between this and supper, tell you most	4.3.38
strange things from Rome; all tending to the good of	4.3.39
their adversaries. Have you an army ready, say you?	4.3.40

Volsce. A most royal one; the centurions and their charges,	4.3.41
distinctly billeted, already in the entertainment,	4.3.42
and to be on foot at an hour's warning.	4.3.43

Roman. I am joyful to hear of their readiness, and am the	4.3.44
man, I think, that shall set them in present action.	4.3.45
So, sir, heartily well met, and most glad of your company.	4.3.46

Volsce. You take my part from me, sir; I have the most cause	4.3.47
to be glad of yours.	4.3.48

Roman. Well, let us go together.	4.3.49
[Exeunt]

SCENE IV. Antium. Before Aufidius's house.

[Enter CORIOLANUS in mean apparel, disguised and muffled]

Coriolanus. A goodly city is this Antium. City,	4.4.1
'Tis I that made thy widows: many an heir	4.4.2
Of these fair edifices 'fore my wars	4.4.3
Have I heard groan and drop: then know me not,	4.4.4
Lest that thy wives with spits and boys with stones	4.4.5
In puny battle slay me.	4.4.6
[Enter a Citizen]
Save you, sir.	4.4.7

Citizen. And you.	4.4.8

Coriolanus. Direct me, if it be your will,	4.4.9
Where great Aufidius lies: is he in Antium?	4.4.10

Citizen. He is, and feasts the nobles of the state	4.4.11
At his house this night.	4.4.12

Coriolanus. Which is his house, beseech you?	4.4.13

Citizen. This, here before you.	4.4.14

Coriolanus. Thank you, sir: farewell.	4.4.15
[Exit Citizen]
O world, thy slippery turns! Friends now fast sworn,	4.4.16
Whose double bosoms seem to wear one heart,	4.4.17
Whose house, whose bed, whose meal, and exercise,	4.4.18
Are still together, who twin, as 'twere, in love	4.4.19
Unseparable, shall within this hour,	4.4.20
On a dissension of a doit, break out	4.4.21
To bitterest enmity: so, fellest foes,	4.4.22
Whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep,	4.4.23
To take the one the other, by some chance,	4.4.24
Some trick not worth an egg, shall grow dear friends	4.4.25
And interjoin their issues. So with me:	4.4.26
My birth-place hate I, and my love's upon	4.4.27
This enemy town. I'll enter: if he slay me,	4.4.28
He does fair justice; if he give me way,	4.4.29
I'll do his country service.	4.4.30
[Exit]

SCENE V. The same. A hall in Aufidius's house.

[Music within. Enter a Servingman]

First Servingman. Wine, wine, wine! What service	4.5.1
is here! I think our fellows are asleep.	4.5.2
[Exit]

[Enter a second Servingman]

Second Servingman. Where's Cotus? my master calls	4.5.3
for him. Cotus!	4.5.4
[Exit]

[Enter CORIOLANUS]

Coriolanus A goodly house: the feast smells well; but I	4.5.5
Appear not like a guest.	4.5.6

[Re-enter the first Servingman]

First Servingman. What would you have, friend? whence are you?	4.5.7
Here's no place for you: pray, go to the door.	4.5.8
[Exit]

Coriolanus. I have deserved no better entertainment,	4.5.9
In being Coriolanus.	4.5.10

[Re-enter second Servingman]

Second Servingman. Whence are you, sir? Has the porter his eyes in his	4.5.11
head; that he gives entrance to such companions?	4.5.12
Pray, get you out.	4.5.13

Coriolanus. Away!	4.5.14

Second Servingman. Away! get you away.	4.5.15

Coriolanus. Now thou'rt troublesome.	4.5.16

Second Servingman. Are you so brave? I'll have you talked with anon.	4.5.17

[Enter a third Servingman. The first meets him]

Third Servingman. What fellow's this?	4.5.18

First Servingman. A strange one as ever I looked on: I cannot get him	4.5.19
out of the house: prithee, call my master to him.	4.5.20
[Retires]

Third Servingman. What have you to do here, fellow? Pray you, avoid	4.5.21
the house.	4.5.22

Coriolanus. Let me but stand; I will not hurt your hearth.	4.5.23

Third Servingman. What are you?	4.5.24

Coriolanus. A gentleman.	4.5.25

Third Servingman. A marvellous poor one.	4.5.26

Coriolanus. True, so I am.	4.5.27

Third Servingman. Pray you, poor gentleman, take up some other	4.5.28
station; here's no place for you; pray you, avoid: come.	4.5.29

Coriolanus. Follow your function, go, and batten on cold bits.	4.5.30
[Pushes him away]

Third Servingman. What, you will not? Prithee, tell my master what a	4.5.31
strange guest he has here.	4.5.32

Second Servingman. And I shall.	4.5.33
[Exit]

Third Servingman. Where dwellest thou?	4.5.34

Coriolanus. Under the canopy.	4.5.35

Third Servingman. Under the canopy!	4.5.36

Coriolanus. Ay.	4.5.37

Third Servingman. Where's that?	4.5.38

Coriolanus. I' the city of kites and crows.	4.5.39

Third Servingman. I' the city of kites and crows! What an ass it is!	4.5.40
Then thou dwellest with daws too?	4.5.41

Coriolanus. No, I serve not thy master.	4.5.42

Third Servingman. How, sir! do you meddle with my master?	4.5.43

Coriolanus. Ay; 'tis an honester service than to meddle with thy	4.5.44
mistress. Thou pratest, and pratest; serve with thy	4.5.45
trencher, hence!	4.5.46
[Beats him away. Exit third Servingman]

[Enter AUFIDIUS with the second Servingman]

Aufidius. Where is this fellow?	4.5.47

Second Servingman. Here, sir: I'ld have beaten him like a dog, but for	4.5.48
disturbing the lords within.	4.5.49
[Retires]

Aufidius. Whence comest thou? what wouldst thou? thy name?	4.5.50
Why speak'st not? speak, man: what's thy name?	4.5.51

Coriolanus. If, Tullus,	4.5.52
[Unmuffling]
Not yet thou knowest me, and, seeing me, dost not	4.5.53
Think me for the man I am, necessity	4.5.54
Commands me name myself.	4.5.55

Aufidius. What is thy name?	4.5.56

Coriolanus. A name unmusical to the Volscians' ears,	4.5.57
And harsh in sound to thine.	4.5.58

Aufidius. Say, what's thy name?	4.5.59
Thou hast a grim appearance, and thy face	4.5.60
Bears a command in't; though thy tackle's torn.	4.5.61
Thou show'st a noble vessel: what's thy name?	4.5.62

Coriolanus. Prepare thy brow to frown: know'st	4.5.63
thou me yet?	4.5.64

Aufidius. I know thee not: thy name?	4.5.65

Coriolanus. My name is Caius Marcius, who hath done	4.5.66
To thee particularly and to all the Volsces	4.5.67
Great hurt and mischief; thereto witness may	4.5.68
My surname, Coriolanus: the painful service,	4.5.69
The extreme dangers and the drops of blood	4.5.70
Shed for my thankless country are requited	4.5.71
But with that surname; a good memory,	4.5.72
And witness of the malice and displeasure	4.5.73
Which thou shouldst bear me: only that name remains;	4.5.74
The cruelty and envy of the people,	4.5.75
Permitted by our dastard nobles, who	4.5.76
Have all forsook me, hath devour'd the rest;	4.5.77
And suffer'd me by the voice of slaves to be	4.5.78
Whoop'd out of Rome. Now this extremity	4.5.79
Hath brought me to thy hearth; not out of hope--	4.5.80
Mistake me not--to save my life, for if	4.5.81
I had fear'd death, of all the men i' the world	4.5.82
I would have 'voided thee, but in mere spite,	4.5.83
To be full quit of those my banishers,	4.5.84
Stand I before thee here. Then if thou hast	4.5.85
A heart of wreak in thee, that wilt revenge	4.5.86
Thine own particular wrongs and stop those maims	4.5.87
Of shame seen through thy country, speed	4.5.88
thee straight,	4.5.89
And make my misery serve thy turn: so use it	4.5.90
That my revengeful services may prove	4.5.91
As benefits to thee, for I will fight	4.5.92
Against my canker'd country with the spleen	4.5.93
Of all the under fiends. But if so be	4.5.94
Thou darest not this and that to prove more fortunes	4.5.95
Thou'rt tired, then, in a word, I also am	4.5.96
Longer to live most weary, and present	4.5.97
My throat to thee and to thy ancient malice;	4.5.98
Which not to cut would show thee but a fool,	4.5.99
Since I have ever follow'd thee with hate,	4.5.100
Drawn tuns of blood out of thy country's breast,	4.5.101
And cannot live but to thy shame, unless	4.5.102
It be to do thee service.	4.5.103

Aufidius. O Marcius, Marcius!	4.5.104
Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart	4.5.105
A root of ancient envy. If Jupiter	4.5.106
Should from yond cloud speak divine things,	4.5.107
And say 'Tis true,' I'ld not believe them more	4.5.108
Than thee, all noble Marcius. Let me twine	4.5.109
Mine arms about that body, where against	4.5.110
My grained ash an hundred times hath broke	4.5.111
And scarr'd the moon with splinters: here I clip	4.5.112
The anvil of my sword, and do contest	4.5.113
As hotly and as nobly with thy love	4.5.114
As ever in ambitious strength I did	4.5.115
Contend against thy valour. Know thou first,	4.5.116
I loved the maid I married; never man	4.5.117
Sigh'd truer breath; but that I see thee here,	4.5.118
Thou noble thing! more dances my rapt heart	4.5.119
Than when I first my wedded mistress saw	4.5.120
Bestride my threshold. Why, thou Mars! I tell thee,	4.5.121
We have a power on foot; and I had purpose	4.5.122
Once more to hew thy target from thy brawn,	4.5.123
Or lose mine arm fort: thou hast beat me out	4.5.124
Twelve several times, and I have nightly since	4.5.125
Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thyself and me;	4.5.126
We have been down together in my sleep,	4.5.127
Unbuckling helms, fisting each other's throat,	4.5.128
And waked half dead with nothing. Worthy Marcius,	4.5.129
Had we no quarrel else to Rome, but that	4.5.130
Thou art thence banish'd, we would muster all	4.5.131
From twelve to seventy, and pouring war	4.5.132
Into the bowels of ungrateful Rome,	4.5.133
Like a bold flood o'er-bear. O, come, go in,	4.5.134
And take our friendly senators by the hands;	4.5.135
Who now are here, taking their leaves of me,	4.5.136
Who am prepared against your territories,	4.5.137
Though not for Rome itself.	4.5.138

Coriolanus. You bless me, gods!	4.5.139

Aufidius. Therefore, most absolute sir, if thou wilt have	4.5.140
The leading of thine own revenges, take	4.5.141
The one half of my commission; and set down--	4.5.142
As best thou art experienced, since thou know'st	4.5.143
Thy country's strength and weakness,--thine own ways;	4.5.144
Whether to knock against the gates of Rome,	4.5.145
Or rudely visit them in parts remote,	4.5.146
To fright them, ere destroy. But come in:	4.5.147
Let me commend thee first to those that shall	4.5.148
Say yea to thy desires. A thousand welcomes!	4.5.149
And more a friend than e'er an enemy;	4.5.150
Yet, Marcius, that was much. Your hand: most welcome!	4.5.151
[Exeunt CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS. The two Servingmen come forward]

First Servingman. Here's a strange alteration!	4.5.152

Second Servingman. By my hand, I had thought to have strucken him with	4.5.153
a cudgel; and yet my mind gave me his clothes made a	4.5.154
false report of him.	4.5.155

First Servingman. What an arm he has! he turned me about with his	4.5.156
finger and his thumb, as one would set up a top.	4.5.157

Second Servingman. Nay, I knew by his face that there was something in	4.5.158
him: he had, sir, a kind of face, methought,--I	4.5.159
cannot tell how to term it.	4.5.160

First Servingman. He had so; looking as it were--would I were hanged,	4.5.161
but I thought there was more in him than I could think.	4.5.162

Second Servingman. So did I, I'll be sworn: he is simply the rarest	4.5.163
man i' the world.	4.5.164

First Servingman. I think he is: but a greater soldier than he you wot on.	4.5.165

Second Servingman. Who, my master?	4.5.166

First Servingman. Nay, it's no matter for that.	4.5.167

Second Servingman. Worth six on him.	4.5.168

First Servingman. Nay, not so neither: but I take him to be the	4.5.169
greater soldier.	4.5.170

Second Servingman. Faith, look you, one cannot tell how to say that:	4.5.171
for the defence of a town, our general is excellent.	4.5.172

First Servingman. Ay, and for an assault too.	4.5.173

[Re-enter third Servingman]

Third Servingman. O slaves, I can tell you news,-- news, you rascals!	4.5.174

First Servingman [with Second Servingman] What, what, what? let's partake.	4.5.175

Third Servingman. I would not be a Roman, of all nations; I had as	4.5.176
lieve be a condemned man.	4.5.177

First Servingman [with Second Servingman] Wherefore? wherefore?	4.5.178

Third Servingman. Why, here's he that was wont to thwack our general,	4.5.179
Caius Marcius.	4.5.180

First Servingman. Why do you say 'thwack our general '?	4.5.181

Third Servingman. I do not say 'thwack our general;' but he was always	4.5.182
good enough for him.	4.5.183

Second Servingman. Come, we are fellows and friends: he was ever too	4.5.184
hard for him; I have heard him say so himself.	4.5.185

First Servingman. He was too hard for him directly, to say the troth	4.5.186
on't: before Corioli he scotched him and notched	4.5.187
him like a carbon ado.	4.5.188

Second Servingman. An he had been cannibally given, he might have	4.5.189
broiled and eaten him too.	4.5.190

First Servingman. But, more of thy news?	4.5.191

Third Servingman. Why, he is so made on here within, as if he were son	4.5.192
and heir to Mars; set at upper end o' the table; no	4.5.193
question asked him by any of the senators, but they	4.5.194
stand bald before him: our general himself makes a	4.5.195
mistress of him: sanctifies himself with's hand and	4.5.196
turns up the white o' the eye to his discourse. But	4.5.197
the bottom of the news is that our general is cut i'	4.5.198
the middle and but one half of what he was	4.5.199
yesterday; for the other has half, by the entreaty	4.5.200
and grant of the whole table. He'll go, he says,	4.5.201
and sowl the porter of Rome gates by the ears: he	4.5.202
will mow all down before him, and leave his passage polled.	4.5.203

Second Servingman. And he's as like to do't as any man I can imagine.	4.5.204

Third Servingman. Do't! he will do't; for, look you, sir, he has as	4.5.205
many friends as enemies; which friends, sir, as it	4.5.206
were, durst not, look you, sir, show themselves, as	4.5.207
we term it, his friends whilst he's in directitude.	4.5.208

First Servingman. Directitude! what's that?	4.5.209

Third Servingman. But when they shall see, sir, his crest up again,	4.5.210
and the man in blood, they will out of their	4.5.211
burrows, like conies after rain, and revel all with	4.5.212
him.	4.5.213

First Servingman. But when goes this forward?	4.5.214

Third Servingman. To-morrow; to-day; presently; you shall have the	4.5.215
drum struck up this afternoon: 'tis, as it were, a	4.5.216
parcel of their feast, and to be executed ere they	4.5.217
wipe their lips.	4.5.218

Second Servingman. Why, then we shall have a stirring world again.	4.5.219
This peace is nothing, but to rust iron, increase	4.5.220
tailors, and breed ballad-makers.	4.5.221

First Servingman. Let me have war, say I; it exceeds peace as far as	4.5.222
day does night; it's spritely, waking, audible, and	4.5.223
full of vent. Peace is a very apoplexy, lethargy;	4.5.224
mulled, deaf, sleepy, insensible; a getter of more	4.5.225
bastard children than war's a destroyer of men.	4.5.226

Second Servingman. 'Tis so: and as war, in some sort, may be said to	4.5.227
be a ravisher, so it cannot be denied but peace is a	4.5.228
great maker of cuckolds.	4.5.229

First Servingman. Ay, and it makes men hate one another.	4.5.230

Third Servingman. Reason; because they then less need one another.	4.5.231
The wars for my money. I hope to see Romans as cheap	4.5.232
as Volscians. They are rising, they are rising.	4.5.233

All. In, in, in, in!	4.5.234
[Exeunt]

SCENE VI. Rome. A public place.

[Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS]

Sicinius. We hear not of him, neither need we fear him;	4.6.1
His remedies are tame i' the present peace	4.6.2
And quietness of the people, which before	4.6.3
Were in wild hurry. Here do we make his friends	4.6.4
Blush that the world goes well, who rather had,	4.6.5
Though they themselves did suffer by't, behold	4.6.6
Dissentious numbers pestering streets than see	4.6.7
Our tradesmen with in their shops and going	4.6.8
About their functions friendly.	4.6.9

Brutus. We stood to't in good time.	4.6.10
[Enter MENENIUS]
Is this Menenius?	4.6.11

Sicinius. 'Tis he,'tis he: O, he is grown most kind of late.	4.6.12

Both Tribunes. Hail sir!	4.6.13

Menenius. Hail to you both!	4.6.14

Sicinius. Your Coriolanus	4.6.15
Is not much miss'd, but with his friends:	4.6.16
The commonwealth doth stand, and so would do,	4.6.17
Were he more angry at it.	4.6.18

Menenius. All's well; and might have been much better, if	4.6.19
He could have temporized.	4.6.20

Sicinius. Where is he, hear you?	4.6.21

Menenius. Nay, I hear nothing: his mother and his wife	4.6.22
Hear nothing from him.	4.6.23

[Enter three or four Citizens]

Citizens. The gods preserve you both!	4.6.24

Sicinius. God-den, our neighbours.	4.6.25

Brutus. God-den to you all, god-den to you all.	4.6.26

First Citizen. Ourselves, our wives, and children, on our knees,	4.6.27
Are bound to pray for you both.	4.6.28

Sicinius. Live, and thrive!	4.6.29

Brutus. Farewell, kind neighbours: we wish'd Coriolanus	4.6.30
Had loved you as we did.	4.6.31

Citizens. Now the gods keep you!	4.6.32

Both Tribunes. Farewell, farewell.	4.6.33
[Exeunt Citizens]

Sicinius. This is a happier and more comely time	4.6.34
Than when these fellows ran about the streets,	4.6.35
Crying confusion.	4.6.36

Brutus. Caius Marcius was	4.6.37
A worthy officer i' the war; but insolent,	4.6.38
O'ercome with pride, ambitious past all thinking,Self-loving,--	4.6.39

Sicinius. And affecting one sole throne,	4.6.41
Without assistance.	4.6.42

Menenius. I think not so.	4.6.43

Sicinius. We should by this, to all our lamentation,	4.6.44
If he had gone forth consul, found it so.	4.6.45

Brutus. The gods have well prevented it, and Rome	4.6.46
Sits safe and still without him.	4.6.47

[Enter an AEdile]

Aedile. Worthy tribunes,	4.6.48
There is a slave, whom we have put in prison,	4.6.49
Reports, the Volsces with two several powers	4.6.50
Are enter'd in the Roman territories,	4.6.51
And with the deepest malice of the war	4.6.52
Destroy what lies before 'em.	4.6.53

Menenius. 'Tis Aufidius,	4.6.54
Who, hearing of our Marcius' banishment,	4.6.55
Thrusts forth his horns again into the world;	4.6.56
Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome,	4.6.57
And durst not once peep out.	4.6.58

Sicinius. Come, what talk you	4.6.59
Of Marcius?	4.6.60

Brutus. Go see this rumourer whipp'd. It cannot be	4.6.61
The Volsces dare break with us.	4.6.62

Menenius. Cannot be!	4.6.63
We have record that very well it can,	4.6.64
And three examples of the like have been	4.6.65
Within my age. But reason with the fellow,	4.6.66
Before you punish him, where he heard this,	4.6.67
Lest you shall chance to whip your information	4.6.68
And beat the messenger who bids beware	4.6.69
Of what is to be dreaded.	4.6.70

Sicinius. Tell not me:	4.6.71
I know this cannot be.	4.6.72

Brutus. Not possible.	4.6.73

[Enter a Messenger]

Messenger. The nobles in great earnestness are going	4.6.74
All to the senate-house: some news is come	4.6.75
That turns their countenances.	4.6.76

Sicinius. 'Tis this slave;--	4.6.77
Go whip him, 'fore the people's eyes:--his raising;	4.6.78
Nothing but his report.	4.6.79

Messenger. Yes, worthy sir,	4.6.80
The slave's report is seconded; and more,	4.6.81
More fearful, is deliver'd.	4.6.82

Sicinius. What more fearful?	4.6.83

Messenger. It is spoke freely out of many mouths--	4.6.84
How probable I do not know--that Marcius,	4.6.85
Join'd with Aufidius, leads a power 'gainst Rome,	4.6.86
And vows revenge as spacious as between	4.6.87
The young'st and oldest thing.	4.6.88

Sicinius. This is most likely!	4.6.89

Brutus. Raised only, that the weaker sort may wish	4.6.90
Good Marcius home again.	4.6.91

Sicinius. The very trick on't.	4.6.92

Menenius. This is unlikely:	4.6.93
He and Aufidius can no more atone	4.6.94
Than violentest contrariety.	4.6.95

[Enter a second Messenger]

Second Messenger. You are sent for to the senate:	4.6.96
A fearful army, led by Caius Marcius	4.6.97
Associated with Aufidius, rages	4.6.98
Upon our territories; and have already	4.6.99
O'erborne their way, consumed with fire, and took	4.6.100
What lay before them.	4.6.101

[Enter COMINIUS]

Cominius. O, you have made good work!	4.6.102

Menenius. What news? what news?	4.6.103

Cominius. You have holp to ravish your own daughters and	4.6.104
To melt the city leads upon your pates,	4.6.105
To see your wives dishonour'd to your noses,--	4.6.106

Menenius. What's the news? what's the news?	4.6.107

Cominius. Your temples burned in their cement, and	4.6.108
Your franchises, whereon you stood, confined	4.6.109
Into an auger's bore.	4.6.110

Menenius. Pray now, your news?	4.6.111
You have made fair work, I fear me.--Pray, your news?--	4.6.112
If Marcius should be join'd with Volscians,--	4.6.113

Cominius. If!	4.6.114
He is their god: he leads them like a thing	4.6.115
Made by some other deity than nature,	4.6.116
That shapes man better; and they follow him,	4.6.117
Against us brats, with no less confidence	4.6.118
Than boys pursuing summer butterflies,	4.6.119
Or butchers killing flies.	4.6.120

Menenius. You have made good work,	4.6.121
You and your apron-men; you that stood so up much	4.6.122
on the voice of occupation and	4.6.123
The breath of garlic-eaters!	4.6.124

Cominius. He will shake	4.6.125
Your Rome about your ears.	4.6.126

Menenius. As Hercules	4.6.127
Did shake down mellow fruit.	4.6.128
You have made fair work!	4.6.129

Brutus. But is this true, sir?	4.6.130

Cominius. Ay; and you'll look pale	4.6.131
Before you find it other. All the regions	4.6.132
Do smilingly revolt; and who resist	4.6.133
Are mock'd for valiant ignorance,	4.6.134
And perish constant fools. Who is't can blame him?	4.6.135
Your enemies and his find something in him.	4.6.136

Menenius. We are all undone, unless	4.6.137
The noble man have mercy.	4.6.138

Cominius. Who shall ask it?	4.6.139
The tribunes cannot do't for shame; the people	4.6.140
Deserve such pity of him as the wolf	4.6.141
Does of the shepherds: for his best friends, if they	4.6.142
Should say 'Be good to Rome,' they charged him even	4.6.143
As those should do that had deserved his hate,	4.6.144
And therein show'd like enemies.	4.6.145

Menenius. 'Tis true:	4.6.146
If he were putting to my house the brand	4.6.147
That should consume it, I have not the face	4.6.148
To say 'Beseech you, cease.' You have made fair hands,	4.6.149
You and your crafts! you have crafted fair!	4.6.150

Cominius. You have brought	4.6.151
A trembling upon Rome, such as was never	4.6.152
So incapable of help.	4.6.153

Both Tribunes. Say not we brought it.	4.6.154

Menenius. How! Was it we? we loved him but, like beasts	4.6.155
And cowardly nobles, gave way unto your clusters,	4.6.156
Who did hoot him out o' the city.	4.6.157

Cominius. But I fear	4.6.158
They'll roar him in again. Tullus Aufidius,	4.6.159
The second name of men, obeys his points	4.6.160
As if he were his officer: desperation	4.6.161
Is all the policy, strength and defence,	4.6.162
That Rome can make against them.	4.6.163

[Enter a troop of Citizens]

Menenius. Here come the clusters.	4.6.164
And is Aufidius with him? You are they	4.6.165
That made the air unwholesome, when you cast	4.6.166
Your stinking greasy caps in hooting at	4.6.167
Coriolanus' exile. Now he's coming;	4.6.168
And not a hair upon a soldier's head	4.6.169
Which will not prove a whip: as many coxcombs	4.6.170
As you threw caps up will he tumble down,	4.6.171
And pay you for your voices. 'Tis no matter;	4.6.172
if he could burn us all into one coal,	4.6.173
We have deserved it.	4.6.174

Citizens. Faith, we hear fearful news.	4.6.175

First Citizen. For mine own part,	4.6.176
When I said, banish him, I said 'twas pity.	4.6.177

Second Citizen. And so did I.	4.6.178

Third Citizen. And so did I; and, to say the truth, so did very	4.6.179
many of us: that we did, we did for the best; and	4.6.180
though we willingly consented to his banishment, yet	4.6.181
it was against our will.	4.6.182

Cominius. Ye re goodly things, you voices!	4.6.183

Menenius. You have made	4.6.184
Good work, you and your cry! Shall's to the Capitol?	4.6.185

Cominius. O, ay, what else?	4.6.186
[Exeunt COMINIUS and MENENIUS]

Sicinius. Go, masters, get you home; be not dismay'd:	4.6.187
These are a side that would be glad to have	4.6.188
This true which they so seem to fear. Go home,	4.6.189
And show no sign of fear.	4.6.190

First Citizen. The gods be good to us! Come, masters, let's home.	4.6.191
I ever said we were i' the wrong when we banished	4.6.192
him.	4.6.193

Second Citizen. So did we all. But, come, let's home.	4.6.194
[Exeunt Citizens]

Brutus. I do not like this news.	4.6.195

Sicinius. Nor I.	4.6.196

Brutus. Let's to the Capitol. Would half my wealth	4.6.197
Would buy this for a lie!	4.6.198

Sicinius. Pray, let us go.	4.6.199
[Exeunt]

SCENE VII. A camp, at a small distance from Rome.

[Enter AUFIDIUS and his Lieutenant]

Aufidius. Do they still fly to the Roman?	4.7.1

Lieutenant. I do not know what witchcraft's in him, but	4.7.2
Your soldiers use him as the grace 'fore meat,	4.7.3
Their talk at table, and their thanks at end;	4.7.4
And you are darken'd in this action, sir,	4.7.5
Even by your own.	4.7.6

Aufidius. I cannot help it now,	4.7.7
Unless, by using means, I lame the foot	4.7.8
Of our design. He bears himself more proudlier,	4.7.9
Even to my person, than I thought he would	4.7.10
When first I did embrace him: yet his nature	4.7.11
In that's no changeling; and I must excuse	4.7.12
What cannot be amended.	4.7.13

Lieutenant. Yet I wish, sir,--	4.7.14
I mean for your particular,--you had not	4.7.15
Join'd in commission with him; but either	4.7.16
Had borne the action of yourself, or else	4.7.17
To him had left it solely.	4.7.18

Aufidius. I understand thee well; and be thou sure,	4.7.19
when he shall come to his account, he knows not	4.7.20
What I can urge against him. Although it seems,	4.7.21
And so he thinks, and is no less apparent	4.7.22
To the vulgar eye, that he bears all things fairly.	4.7.23
And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state,	4.7.24
Fights dragon-like, and does achieve as soon	4.7.25
As draw his sword; yet he hath left undone	4.7.26
That which shall break his neck or hazard mine,	4.7.27
Whene'er we come to our account.	4.7.28

Lieutenant. Sir, I beseech you, think you he'll carry Rome?	4.7.29

Aufidius. All places yield to him ere he sits down;	4.7.30
And the nobility of Rome are his:	4.7.31
The senators and patricians love him too:	4.7.32
The tribunes are no soldiers; and their people	4.7.33
Will be as rash in the repeal, as hasty	4.7.34
To expel him thence. I think he'll be to Rome	4.7.35
As is the osprey to the fish, who takes it	4.7.36
By sovereignty of nature. First he was	4.7.37
A noble servant to them; but he could not	4.7.38
Carry his honours even: whether 'twas pride,	4.7.39
Which out of daily fortune ever taints	4.7.40
The happy man; whether defect of judgment,	4.7.41
To fail in the disposing of those chances	4.7.42
Which he was lord of; or whether nature,	4.7.43
Not to be other than one thing, not moving	4.7.44
From the casque to the cushion, but commanding peace	4.7.45
Even with the same austerity and garb	4.7.46
As he controll'd the war; but one of these--	4.7.47
As he hath spices of them all, not all,	4.7.48
For I dare so far free him--made him fear'd,	4.7.49
So hated, and so banish'd: but he has a merit,	4.7.50
To choke it in the utterance. So our virtues	4.7.51
Lie in the interpretation of the time:	4.7.52
And power, unto itself most commendable,	4.7.53
Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair	4.7.54
To extol what it hath done.	4.7.55
One fire drives out one fire; one nail, one nail;	4.7.56
Rights by rights falter, strengths by strengths do fail.	4.7.57
Come, let's away. When, Caius, Rome is thine,	4.7.58
Thou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine.	4.7.59
[Exeunt]

ACT V

SCENE I. Rome. A public place.

[Enter MENENIUS, COMINIUS, SICINIUS, BRUTUS, and others]

Menenius. No, I'll not go: you hear what he hath said	5.1.1
Which was sometime his general; who loved him	5.1.2
In a most dear particular. He call'd me father:	5.1.3
But what o' that? Go, you that banish'd him;	5.1.4
A mile before his tent fall down, and knee	5.1.5
The way into his mercy: nay, if he coy'd	5.1.6
To hear Cominius speak, I'll keep at home.	5.1.7

Cominius. He would not seem to know me.	5.1.8

Menenius. Do you hear?	5.1.9

Cominius. Yet one time he did call me by my name:	5.1.10
I urged our old acquaintance, and the drops	5.1.11
That we have bled together. Coriolanus	5.1.12
He would not answer to: forbad all names;	5.1.13
He was a kind of nothing, titleless,	5.1.14
Till he had forged himself a name o' the fire	5.1.15
Of burning Rome.	5.1.16

Menenius. Why, so: you have made good work!	5.1.17
A pair of tribunes that have rack'd for Rome,	5.1.18
To make coals cheap,--a noble memory!	5.1.19

Cominius. I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon	5.1.20
When it was less expected: he replied,	5.1.21
It was a bare petition of a state	5.1.22
To one whom they had punish'd.	5.1.23

Menenius. Very well:	5.1.24
Could he say less?	5.1.25

Cominius. I offer'd to awaken his regard	5.1.26
For's private friends: his answer to me was,	5.1.27
He could not stay to pick them in a pile	5.1.28
Of noisome musty chaff: he said 'twas folly,	5.1.29
For one poor grain or two, to leave unburnt,	5.1.30
And still to nose the offence.	5.1.31

Menenius. For one poor grain or two!	5.1.32
I am one of those; his mother, wife, his child,	5.1.33
And this brave fellow too, we are the grains:	5.1.34
You are the musty chaff; and you are smelt	5.1.35
Above the moon: we must be burnt for you.	5.1.36

Sicinius. Nay, pray, be patient: if you refuse your aid	5.1.37
In this so never-needed help, yet do not	5.1.38
Upbraid's with our distress. But, sure, if you	5.1.39
Would be your country's pleader, your good tongue,	5.1.40
More than the instant army we can make,	5.1.41
Might stop our countryman.	5.1.42

Menenius. No, I'll not meddle.	5.1.43

Sicinius. Pray you, go to him.	5.1.44

Menenius. What should I do?	5.1.45

Brutus. Only make trial what your love can do	5.1.46
For Rome, towards Marcius.	5.1.47

Menenius. Well, and say that Marcius	5.1.48
Return me, as Cominius is return'd,	5.1.49
Unheard; what then?	5.1.50
But as a discontented friend, grief-shot	5.1.51
With his unkindness? say't be so?	5.1.52

Sicinius. Yet your good will	5.1.53
must have that thanks from Rome, after the measure	5.1.54
As you intended well.	5.1.55

Menenius. I'll undertake 't:	5.1.56
I think he'll hear me. Yet, to bite his lip	5.1.57
And hum at good Cominius, much unhearts me.	5.1.58
He was not taken well; he had not dined:	5.1.59
The veins unfill'd, our blood is cold, and then	5.1.60
We pout upon the morning, are unapt	5.1.61
To give or to forgive; but when we have stuff'd	5.1.62
These and these conveyances of our blood	5.1.63
With wine and feeding, we have suppler souls	5.1.64
Than in our priest-like fasts: therefore I'll watch him	5.1.65
Till he be dieted to my request,	5.1.66
And then I'll set upon him.	5.1.67

Brutus. You know the very road into his kindness,	5.1.68
And cannot lose your way.	5.1.69

Menenius. Good faith, I'll prove him,	5.1.70
Speed how it will. I shall ere long have knowledge	5.1.71
Of my success.	5.1.72
[Exit]

Cominius. He'll never hear him.	5.1.73

Sicinius. Not?	5.1.74

Cominius. I tell you, he does sit in gold, his eye	5.1.75
Red as 'twould burn Rome; and his injury	5.1.76
The gaoler to his pity. I kneel'd before him;	5.1.77
'Twas very faintly he said 'Rise;' dismiss'd me	5.1.78
Thus, with his speechless hand: what he would do,	5.1.79
He sent in writing after me; what he would not,	5.1.80
Bound with an oath to yield to his conditions:	5.1.81
So that all hope is vain.	5.1.82
Unless his noble mother, and his wife;	5.1.83
Who, as I hear, mean to solicit him	5.1.84
For mercy to his country. Therefore, let's hence,	5.1.85
And with our fair entreaties haste them on.	5.1.86
[Exeunt]

SCENE II. Entrance of the Volscian camp before Rome.

[Two Sentinels on guard.
Enter to them, MENENIUS]

First Senator. Stay: whence are you?	5.2.1

Second Senator. Stand, and go back.	5.2.2

Menenius. You guard like men; 'tis well: but, by your leave,	5.2.3
I am an officer of state, and come	5.2.4
To speak with Coriolanus.	5.2.5

First Senator. From whence?	5.2.6

Menenius. From Rome.	5.2.7

First Senator. You may not pass, you must return: our general	5.2.8
Will no more hear from thence.	5.2.9

Second Senator. You'll see your Rome embraced with fire before	5.2.10
You'll speak with Coriolanus.	5.2.11

Menenius. Good my friends,	5.2.12
If you have heard your general talk of Rome,	5.2.13
And of his friends there, it is lots to blanks,	5.2.14
My name hath touch'd your ears it is Menenius.	5.2.15

First Senator. Be it so; go back: the virtue of your name	5.2.16
Is not here passable.	5.2.17

Menenius. I tell thee, fellow,	5.2.18
The general is my lover: I have been	5.2.19
The book of his good acts, whence men have read	5.2.20
His name unparallel'd, haply amplified;	5.2.21
For I have ever verified my friends,	5.2.22
Of whom he's chief, with all the size that verity	5.2.23
Would without lapsing suffer: nay, sometimes,	5.2.24
Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground,	5.2.25
I have tumbled past the throw; and in his praise	5.2.26
Have almost stamp'd the leasing: therefore, fellow,	5.2.27
I must have leave to pass.	5.2.28

First Senator. Faith, sir, if you had told as many lies in his	5.2.29
behalf as you have uttered words in your own, you	5.2.30
should not pass here; no, though it were as virtuous	5.2.31
to lie as to live chastely. Therefore, go back.	5.2.32

Menenius. Prithee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius,	5.2.33
always factionary on the party of your general.	5.2.34

Second Senator. Howsoever you have been his liar, as you say you	5.2.35
have, I am one that, telling true under him, must	5.2.36
say, you cannot pass. Therefore, go back.	5.2.37

Menenius. Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would not	5.2.38
speak with him till after dinner.	5.2.39

First Senator. You are a Roman, are you?	5.2.40

Menenius. I am, as thy general is.	5.2.41

First Senator. Then you should hate Rome, as he does. Can you,	5.2.42
when you have pushed out your gates the very	5.2.43
defender of them, and, in a violent popular	5.2.44
ignorance, given your enemy your shield, think to	5.2.45
front his revenges with the easy groans of old	5.2.46
women, the virginal palms of your daughters, or with	5.2.47
the palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as	5.2.48
you seem to be? Can you think to blow out the	5.2.49
intended fire your city is ready to flame in, with	5.2.50
such weak breath as this? No, you are deceived;	5.2.51
therefore, back to Rome, and prepare for your	5.2.52
execution: you are condemned, our general has sworn	5.2.53
you out of reprieve and pardon.	5.2.54

Menenius. Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here, he would	5.2.55
use me with estimation.	5.2.56

Second Senator. Come, my captain knows you not.	5.2.57

Menenius. I mean, thy general.	5.2.58

First Senator. My general cares not for you. Back, I say, go; lest	5.2.59
I let forth your half-pint of blood; back,--that's	5.2.60
the utmost of your having: back.	5.2.61

Menenius. Nay, but, fellow, fellow,--	5.2.62

[Enter CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS]

Coriolanus. What's the matter?	5.2.63

Menenius. Now, you companion, I'll say an errand for you:	5.2.64
You shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall	5.2.65
perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from	5.2.66
my son Coriolanus: guess, but by my entertainment	5.2.67
with him, if thou standest not i' the state of	5.2.68
hanging, or of some death more long in	5.2.69
spectatorship, and crueller in suffering; behold now	5.2.70
presently, and swoon for what's to come upon thee.	5.2.71
[To CORIOLANUS]
The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy	5.2.72
particular prosperity, and love thee no worse than	5.2.73
thy old father Menenius does! O my son, my son!	5.2.74
thou art preparing fire for us; look thee, here's	5.2.75
water to quench it. I was hardly moved to come to	5.2.76
thee; but being assured none but myself could move	5.2.77
thee, I have been blown out of your gates with	5.2.78
sighs; and conjure thee to pardon Rome, and thy	5.2.79
petitionary countrymen. The good gods assuage thy	5.2.80
wrath, and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet	5.2.81
here,--this, who, like a block, hath denied my	5.2.82
access to thee.	5.2.83

Coriolanus. Away!	5.2.84

Menenius. How! away!	5.2.85

Coriolanus. Wife, mother, child, I know not. My affairs	5.2.86
Are servanted to others: though I owe	5.2.87
My revenge properly, my remission lies	5.2.88
In Volscian breasts. That we have been familiar,	5.2.89
Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison, rather	5.2.90
Than pity note how much. Therefore, be gone.	5.2.91
Mine ears against your suits are stronger than	5.2.92
Your gates against my force. Yet, for I loved thee,	5.2.93
Take this along; I writ it for thy sake	5.2.94
[Gives a letter]
And would have rent it. Another word, Menenius,	5.2.95
I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius,	5.2.96
Was my beloved in Rome: yet thou behold'st!	5.2.97

Aufidius. You keep a constant temper.	5.2.98
[Exeunt CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS]

First Senator. Now, sir, is your name Menenius?	5.2.99

Second Senator. 'Tis a spell, you see, of much power: you know the	5.2.100
way home again.	5.2.101

First Senator. Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your	5.2.102
greatness back?	5.2.103

Second Senator. What cause, do you think, I have to swoon?	5.2.104

Menenius. I neither care for the world nor your general: for	5.2.105
such things as you, I can scarce think there's any,	5.2.106
ye're so slight. He that hath a will to die by	5.2.107
himself fears it not from another: let your general	5.2.108
do his worst. For you, be that you are, long; and	5.2.109
your misery increase with your age! I say to you,	5.2.110
as I was said to, Away!	5.2.111
[Exit]

First Senator. A noble fellow, I warrant him.	5.2.112

Second Senator. The worthy fellow is our general: he's the rock, the	5.2.113
oak not to be wind-shaken.	5.2.114
[Exeunt]

SCENE III. The tent of Coriolanus.

[Enter CORIOLANUS, AUFIDIUS, and others]

Coriolanus. We will before the walls of Rome tomorrow	5.3.1
Set down our host. My partner in this action,	5.3.2
You must report to the Volscian lords, how plainly	5.3.3
I have borne this business.	5.3.4

Aufidius. Only their ends	5.3.5
You have respected; stopp'd your ears against	5.3.6
The general suit of Rome; never admitted	5.3.7
A private whisper, no, not with such friends	5.3.8
That thought them sure of you.	5.3.9

Coriolanus. This last old man,	5.3.10
Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome,	5.3.11
Loved me above the measure of a father;	5.3.12
Nay, godded me, indeed. Their latest refuge	5.3.13
Was to send him; for whose old love I have,	5.3.14
Though I show'd sourly to him, once more offer'd	5.3.15
The first conditions, which they did refuse	5.3.16
And cannot now accept; to grace him only	5.3.17
That thought he could do more, a very little	5.3.18
I have yielded to: fresh embassies and suits,	5.3.19
Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter	5.3.20
Will I lend ear to. Ha! what shout is this?	5.3.21
[Shout within]
Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow	5.3.22
In the same time 'tis made? I will not.	5.3.23
[Enter in mourning habits, VIRGILIA, VOLUMNIA, leading young MARCIUS, VALERIA, and Attendants]
My wife comes foremost; then the honour'd mould	5.3.24
Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand	5.3.25
The grandchild to her blood. But, out, affection!	5.3.26
All bond and privilege of nature, break!	5.3.27
Let it be virtuous to be obstinate.	5.3.28
What is that curt'sy worth? or those doves' eyes,	5.3.29
Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not	5.3.30
Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows;	5.3.31
As if Olympus to a molehill should	5.3.32
In supplication nod: and my young boy	5.3.33
Hath an aspect of intercession, which	5.3.34
Great nature cries 'Deny not.' let the Volsces	5.3.35
Plough Rome and harrow Italy: I'll never	5.3.36
Be such a gosling to obey instinct, but stand,	5.3.37
As if a man were author of himself	5.3.38
And knew no other kin.	5.3.39

Virgilia. My lord and husband!	5.3.40

Coriolanus. These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome.	5.3.41

Virgilia. The sorrow that delivers us thus changed	5.3.42
Makes you think so.	5.3.43

Coriolanus. Like a dull actor now,	5.3.44
I have forgot my part, and I am out,	5.3.45
Even to a full disgrace. Best of my flesh,	5.3.46
Forgive my tyranny; but do not say	5.3.47
For that 'Forgive our Romans.' O, a kiss	5.3.48
Long as my exile, sweet as my revenge!	5.3.49
Now, by the jealous queen of heaven, that kiss	5.3.50
I carried from thee, dear; and my true lip	5.3.51
Hath virgin'd it e'er since. You gods! I prate,	5.3.52
And the most noble mother of the world	5.3.53
Leave unsaluted: sink, my knee, i' the earth;	5.3.54
[Kneels]
Of thy deep duty more impression show	5.3.55
Than that of common sons.	5.3.56

Volumnia. O, stand up blest!	5.3.57
Whilst, with no softer cushion than the flint,	5.3.58
I kneel before thee; and unproperly	5.3.59
Show duty, as mistaken all this while	5.3.60
Between the child and parent.	5.3.61
[Kneels]

Coriolanus. What is this?	5.3.62
Your knees to me? to your corrected son?	5.3.63
Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach	5.3.64
Fillip the stars; then let the mutinous winds	5.3.65
Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun;	5.3.66
Murdering impossibility, to make	5.3.67
What cannot be, slight work.	5.3.68

Volumnia. Thou art my warrior;	5.3.69
I holp to frame thee. Do you know this lady?	5.3.70

Coriolanus. The noble sister of Publicola,	5.3.71
The moon of Rome, chaste as the icicle	5.3.72
That's curdied by the frost from purest snow	5.3.73
And hangs on Dian's temple: dear Valeria!	5.3.74

Volumnia. This is a poor epitome of yours,	5.3.75
Which by the interpretation of full time	5.3.76
May show like all yourself.	5.3.77

Coriolanus. The god of soldiers,	5.3.78
With the consent of supreme Jove, inform	5.3.79
Thy thoughts with nobleness; that thou mayst prove	5.3.80
To shame unvulnerable, and stick i' the wars	5.3.81
Like a great sea-mark, standing every flaw,	5.3.82
And saving those that eye thee!	5.3.83

Volumnia. Your knee, sirrah.	5.3.84

Coriolanus. That's my brave boy!	5.3.85

Volumnia. Even he, your wife, this lady, and myself,	5.3.86
Are suitors to you.	5.3.87

Coriolanus. I beseech you, peace:	5.3.88
Or, if you'ld ask, remember this before:	5.3.89
The thing I have forsworn to grant may never	5.3.90
Be held by you denials. Do not bid me	5.3.91
Dismiss my soldiers, or capitulate	5.3.92
Again with Rome's mechanics: tell me not	5.3.93
Wherein I seem unnatural: desire not	5.3.94
To ally my rages and revenges with	5.3.95
Your colder reasons.	5.3.96

Volumnia. O, no more, no more!	5.3.97
You have said you will not grant us any thing;	5.3.98
For we have nothing else to ask, but that	5.3.99
Which you deny already: yet we will ask;	5.3.100
That, if you fail in our request, the blame	5.3.101
May hang upon your hardness: therefore hear us.	5.3.102

Coriolanus. Aufidius, and you Volsces, mark; for we'll	5.3.103
Hear nought from Rome in private. Your request?	5.3.104

Volumnia. Should we be silent and not speak, our raiment	5.3.105
And state of bodies would bewray what life	5.3.106
We have led since thy exile. Think with thyself	5.3.107
How more unfortunate than all living women	5.3.108
Are we come hither: since that thy sight,	5.3.109
which should	5.3.110
Make our eyes flow with joy, hearts dance	5.3.111
with comforts,	5.3.112
Constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrow;	5.3.113
Making the mother, wife and child to see	5.3.114
The son, the husband and the father tearing	5.3.115
His country's bowels out. And to poor we	5.3.116
Thine enmity's most capital: thou barr'st us	5.3.117
Our prayers to the gods, which is a comfort	5.3.118
That all but we enjoy; for how can we,	5.3.119
Alas, how can we for our country pray.	5.3.120
Whereto we are bound, together with thy victory,	5.3.121
Whereto we are bound? alack, or we must lose	5.3.122
The country, our dear nurse, or else thy person,	5.3.123
Our comfort in the country. We must find	5.3.124
An evident calamity, though we had	5.3.125
Our wish, which side should win: for either thou	5.3.126
Must, as a foreign recreant, be led	5.3.127
With manacles thorough our streets, or else	5.3.128
triumphantly tread on thy country's ruin,	5.3.129
And bear the palm for having bravely shed	5.3.130
Thy wife and children's blood. For myself, son,	5.3.131
I purpose not to wait on fortune till	5.3.132
These wars determine: if I cannot persuade thee	5.3.133
Rather to show a noble grace to both parts	5.3.134
Than seek the end of one, thou shalt no sooner	5.3.135
March to assault thy country than to tread--	5.3.136
Trust to't, thou shalt not--on thy mother's womb,	5.3.137
That brought thee to this world.	5.3.138

Virgilia. Ay, and mine,	5.3.139
That brought you forth this boy, to keep your name	5.3.140
Living to time.	5.3.141

Young Marcius. A' shall not tread on me;	5.3.142
I'll run away till I am bigger, but then I'll fight.	5.3.143

Coriolanus. Not of a woman's tenderness to be,	5.3.144
Requires nor child nor woman's face to see.	5.3.145
I have sat too long.	5.3.146
[Rising]

Volumnia. Nay, go not from us thus.	5.3.147
If it were so that our request did tend	5.3.148
To save the Romans, thereby to destroy	5.3.149
The Volsces whom you serve, you might condemn us,	5.3.150
As poisonous of your honour: no; our suit	5.3.151
Is that you reconcile them: while the Volsces	5.3.152
May say 'This mercy we have show'd;' the Romans,	5.3.153
'This we received;' and each in either side	5.3.154
Give the all-hail to thee and cry 'Be blest	5.3.155
For making up this peace!' Thou know'st, great son,	5.3.156
The end of war's uncertain, but this certain,	5.3.157
That, if thou conquer Rome, the benefit	5.3.158
Which thou shalt thereby reap is such a name,	5.3.159
Whose repetition will be dogg'd with curses;	5.3.160
Whose chronicle thus writ: 'The man was noble,	5.3.161
But with his last attempt he wiped it out;	5.3.162
Destroy'd his country, and his name remains	5.3.163
To the ensuing age abhorr'd.' Speak to me, son:	5.3.164
Thou hast affected the fine strains of honour,	5.3.165
To imitate the graces of the gods;	5.3.166
To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air,	5.3.167
And yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt	5.3.168
That should but rive an oak. Why dost not speak?	5.3.169
Think'st thou it honourable for a noble man	5.3.170
Still to remember wrongs? Daughter, speak you:	5.3.171
He cares not for your weeping. Speak thou, boy:	5.3.172
Perhaps thy childishness will move him more	5.3.173
Than can our reasons. There's no man in the world	5.3.174
More bound to 's mother; yet here he lets me prate	5.3.175
Like one i' the stocks. Thou hast never in thy life	5.3.176
Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy,	5.3.177
When she, poor hen, fond of no second brood,	5.3.178
Has cluck'd thee to the wars and safely home,	5.3.179
Loaden with honour. Say my request's unjust,	5.3.180
And spurn me back: but if it be not so,	5.3.181
Thou art not honest; and the gods will plague thee,	5.3.182
That thou restrain'st from me the duty which	5.3.183
To a mother's part belongs. He turns away:	5.3.184
Down, ladies; let us shame him with our knees.	5.3.185
To his surname Coriolanus 'longs more pride	5.3.186
Than pity to our prayers. Down: an end;	5.3.187
This is the last: so we will home to Rome,	5.3.188
And die among our neighbours. Nay, behold 's:	5.3.189
This boy, that cannot tell what he would have	5.3.190
But kneels and holds up bands for fellowship,	5.3.191
Does reason our petition with more strength	5.3.192
Than thou hast to deny 't. Come, let us go:	5.3.193
This fellow had a Volscian to his mother;	5.3.194
His wife is in Corioli and his child	5.3.195
Like him by chance. Yet give us our dispatch:	5.3.196
I am hush'd until our city be a-fire,	5.3.197
And then I'll speak a little.	5.3.198
[He holds her by the hand, silent]

Coriolanus. O mother, mother!	5.3.199
What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope,	5.3.200
The gods look down, and this unnatural scene	5.3.201
They laugh at. O my mother, mother! O!	5.3.202
You have won a happy victory to Rome;	5.3.203
But, for your son,--believe it, O, believe it,	5.3.204
Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd,	5.3.205
If not most mortal to him. But, let it come.	5.3.206
Aufidius, though I cannot make true wars,	5.3.207
I'll frame convenient peace. Now, good Aufidius,	5.3.208
Were you in my stead, would you have heard	5.3.209
A mother less? or granted less, Aufidius?	5.3.210

Aufidius. I was moved withal.	5.3.211

Coriolanus. I dare be sworn you were:	5.3.212
And, sir, it is no little thing to make	5.3.213
Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But, good sir,	5.3.214
What peace you'll make, advise me: for my part,	5.3.215
I'll not to Rome, I'll back with you; and pray you,	5.3.216
Stand to me in this cause. O mother! wife!	5.3.217

Aufidius. [Aside] I am glad thou hast set thy mercy and	5.3.218
thy honour	5.3.219
At difference in thee: out of that I'll work	5.3.220
Myself a former fortune.	5.3.221
[The Ladies make signs to CORIOLANUS]

Coriolanus. Ay, by and by;	5.3.222
[To VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, & c]
But we will drink together; and you shall bear	5.3.223
A better witness back than words, which we,	5.3.224
On like conditions, will have counter-seal'd.	5.3.225
Come, enter with us. Ladies, you deserve	5.3.226
To have a temple built you: all the swords	5.3.227
In Italy, and her confederate arms,	5.3.228
Could not have made this peace.	5.3.229
[Exeunt]

SCENE IV. Rome. A public place.

[Enter MENENIUS and SICINIUS]

Menenius. See you yond coign o' the Capitol, yond	5.4.1
corner-stone?	5.4.2

Sicinius Why, what of that?	5.4.3

Menenius. If it be possible for you to displace it with your	5.4.4
little finger, there is some hope the ladies of	5.4.5
Rome, especially his mother, may prevail with him.	5.4.6
But I say there is no hope in't: our throats are	5.4.7
sentenced and stay upon execution.	5.4.8

Sicinius. Is't possible that so short a time can alter the	5.4.9
condition of a man!	5.4.10

Menenius. There is differency between a grub and a butterfly;	5.4.11
yet your butterfly was a grub. This Marcius is grown	5.4.12
from man to dragon: he has wings; he's more than a	5.4.13
creeping thing.	5.4.14

Sicinius. He loved his mother dearly.	5.4.15

Menenius. So did he me: and he no more remembers his mother	5.4.16
now than an eight-year-old horse. The tartness	5.4.17
of his face sours ripe grapes: when he walks, he	5.4.18
moves like an engine, and the ground shrinks before	5.4.19
his treading: he is able to pierce a corslet with	5.4.20
his eye; talks like a knell, and his hum is a	5.4.21
battery. He sits in his state, as a thing made for	5.4.22
Alexander. What he bids be done is finished with	5.4.23
his bidding. He wants nothing of a god but eternity	5.4.24
and a heaven to throne in.	5.4.25

Sicinius. Yes, mercy, if you report him truly.	5.4.26

Menenius. I paint him in the character. Mark what mercy his	5.4.27
mother shall bring from him: there is no more mercy	5.4.28
in him than there is milk in a male tiger; that	5.4.29
shall our poor city find: and all this is long of	5.4.30
you.	5.4.31

Sicinius. The gods be good unto us!	5.4.32

Menenius. No, in such a case the gods will not be good unto	5.4.33
us. When we banished him, we respected not them;	5.4.34
and, he returning to break our necks, they respect not us.	5.4.35

[Enter a Messenger]

Messenger. Sir, if you'ld save your life, fly to your house:	5.4.36
The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune	5.4.37
And hale him up and down, all swearing, if	5.4.38
The Roman ladies bring not comfort home,	5.4.39
They'll give him death by inches.	5.4.40

[Enter a second Messenger]

Sicinius. What's the news?	5.4.41

Second Messenger. Good news, good news; the ladies have prevail'd,	5.4.42
The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone:	5.4.43
A merrier day did never yet greet Rome,	5.4.44
No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.	5.4.45

Sicinius. Friend,	5.4.46
Art thou certain this is true? is it most certain?	5.4.47

Second Messenger. As certain as I know the sun is fire:	5.4.48
Where have you lurk'd, that you make doubt of it?	5.4.49
Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide,	5.4.50
As the recomforted through the gates. Why, hark you!	5.4.51
[Trumpets; hautboys; drums beat; all together]
The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries and fifes,	5.4.52
Tabours and cymbals and the shouting Romans,	5.4.53
Make the sun dance. Hark you!	5.4.54
[A shout within]

Menenius. This is good news:	5.4.55
I will go meet the ladies. This Volumnia	5.4.56
Is worth of consuls, senators, patricians,	5.4.57
A city full; of tribunes, such as you,	5.4.58
A sea and land full. You have pray'd well to-day:	5.4.59
This morning for ten thousand of your throats	5.4.60
I'd not have given a doit. Hark, how they joy!	5.4.61
[Music still, with shouts]

Sicinius. First, the gods bless you for your tidings; next,	5.4.62
Accept my thankfulness.	5.4.63

Second Messenger. Sir, we have all	5.4.64
Great cause to give great thanks.	5.4.65

Sicinius. They are near the city?	5.4.66

Second Messenger. Almost at point to enter.	5.4.67

Sicinius. We will meet them,	5.4.68
And help the joy.	5.4.69
[Exeunt]

SCENE V. The same. A street near the gate.

[Enter two Senators with VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, VALERIA, & c. passing over the stage, followed by Patricians and others]

First Senator. Behold our patroness, the life of Rome!	5.5.1
Call all your tribes together, praise the gods,	5.5.2
And make triumphant fires; strew flowers before them:	5.5.3
Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius,	5.5.4
Repeal him with the welcome of his mother;	5.5.5
Cry 'Welcome, ladies, welcome!'	5.5.6

All. Welcome, ladies, Welcome!	5.5.7
[A flourish with drums and trumpets. Exeunt]

SCENE VI. Antium. A public place.

[Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, with Attendants]

Aufidius. Go tell the lords o' the city I am here:	5.6.1
Deliver them this paper: having read it,	5.6.2
Bid them repair to the market place; where I,	5.6.3
Even in theirs and in the commons' ears,	5.6.4
Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accuse	5.6.5
The city ports by this hath enter'd and	5.6.6
Intends to appear before the people, hoping	5.6.7
To purge herself with words: dispatch.	5.6.8
[Exeunt Attendants]
[Enter three or four Conspirators of AUFIDIUS' faction]
Most welcome!	5.6.9

First Conspirator. How is it with our general?	5.6.10

Aufidius. Even so	5.6.11
As with a man by his own alms empoison'd,	5.6.12
And with his charity slain.	5.6.13

Second Conspirator. Most noble sir,	5.6.14
If you do hold the same intent wherein	5.6.15
You wish'd us parties, we'll deliver you	5.6.16
Of your great danger.	5.6.17

Aufidius. Sir, I cannot tell:	5.6.18
We must proceed as we do find the people.	5.6.19

Third Conspirator. The people will remain uncertain whilst	5.6.20
'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either	5.6.21
Makes the survivor heir of all.	5.6.22

Aufidius. I know it;	5.6.23
And my pretext to strike at him admits	5.6.24
A good construction. I raised him, and I pawn'd	5.6.25
Mine honour for his truth: who being so heighten'd,	5.6.26
He water'd his new plants with dews of flattery,	5.6.27
Seducing so my friends; and, to this end,	5.6.28
He bow'd his nature, never known before	5.6.29
But to be rough, unswayable and free.	5.6.30

Third Conspirator. Sir, his stoutness	5.6.31
When he did stand for consul, which he lost	5.6.32
By lack of stooping,--	5.6.33

Aufidius. That I would have spoke of:	5.6.34
Being banish'd for't, he came unto my hearth;	5.6.35
Presented to my knife his throat: I took him;	5.6.36
Made him joint-servant with me; gave him way	5.6.37
In all his own desires; nay, let him choose	5.6.38
Out of my files, his projects to accomplish,	5.6.39
My best and freshest men; served his designments	5.6.40
In mine own person; holp to reap the fame	5.6.41
Which he did end all his; and took some pride	5.6.42
To do myself this wrong: till, at the last,	5.6.43
I seem'd his follower, not partner, and	5.6.44
He waged me with his countenance, as if	5.6.45
I had been mercenary.	5.6.46

First Conspirator. So he did, my lord:	5.6.47
The army marvell'd at it, and, in the last,	5.6.48
When he had carried Rome and that we look'd	5.6.49
For no less spoil than glory,--	5.6.50

Aufidius. There was it:	5.6.51
For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him.	5.6.52
At a few drops of women's rheum, which are	5.6.53
As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour	5.6.54
Of our great action: therefore shall he die,	5.6.55
And I'll renew me in his fall. But, hark!	5.6.56
[Drums and trumpets sound, with great shouts of the People]

First Conspirator. Your native town you enter'd like a post,	5.6.57
And had no welcomes home: but he returns,	5.6.58
Splitting the air with noise.	5.6.59

Second Conspirator. And patient fools,	5.6.60
Whose children he hath slain, their base throats tear	5.6.61
With giving him glory.	5.6.62

Third Conspirator. Therefore, at your vantage,	5.6.63
Ere he express himself, or move the people	5.6.64
With what he would say, let him feel your sword,	5.6.65
Which we will second. When he lies along,	5.6.66
After your way his tale pronounced shall bury	5.6.67
His reasons with his body.	5.6.68

Aufidius. Say no more:	5.6.69
Here come the lords.	5.6.70

[Enter the Lords of the city]

All The Lords. You are most welcome home.	5.6.71

Aufidius. I have not deserved it.	5.6.72
But, worthy lords, have you with heed perused	5.6.73
What I have written to you?	5.6.74

Lords. We have.	5.6.75

First Lord. And grieve to hear't.	5.6.76
What faults he made before the last, I think	5.6.77
Might have found easy fines: but there to end	5.6.78
Where he was to begin and give away	5.6.79
The benefit of our levies, answering us	5.6.80
With our own charge, making a treaty where	5.6.81
There was a yielding,--this admits no excuse.	5.6.82

Aufidius. He approaches: you shall hear him.	5.6.83

[Enter CORIOLANUS, marching with drum and colours; commoners being with him]

Coriolanus. Hail, lords! I am return'd your soldier,	5.6.84
No more infected with my country's love	5.6.85
Than when I parted hence, but still subsisting	5.6.86
Under your great command. You are to know	5.6.87
That prosperously I have attempted and	5.6.88
With bloody passage led your wars even to	5.6.89
The gates of Rome. Our spoils we have brought home	5.6.90
Do more than counterpoise a full third part	5.6.91
The charges of the action. We have made peace	5.6.92
With no less honour to the Antiates	5.6.93
Than shame to the Romans: and we here deliver,	5.6.94
Subscribed by the consuls and patricians,	5.6.95
Together with the seal o' the senate, what	5.6.96
We have compounded on.	5.6.97

Aufidius. Read it not, noble lords;	5.6.98
But tell the traitor, in the high'st degree	5.6.99
He hath abused your powers.	5.6.100

Coriolanus. Traitor! how now!	5.6.101

Aufidius. Ay, traitor, Marcius!	5.6.102

Coriolanus. Marcius!	5.6.103

Aufidius. Ay, Marcius, Caius Marcius: dost thou think	5.6.104
I'll grace thee with that robbery, thy stol'n name	5.6.105
Coriolanus in Corioli?	5.6.106
You lords and heads o' the state, perfidiously	5.6.107
He has betray'd your business, and given up,	5.6.108
For certain drops of salt, your city Rome,	5.6.109
I say 'your city,' to his wife and mother;	5.6.110
Breaking his oath and resolution like	5.6.111
A twist of rotten silk, never admitting	5.6.112
Counsel o' the war, but at his nurse's tears	5.6.113
He whined and roar'd away your victory,	5.6.114
That pages blush'd at him and men of heart	5.6.115
Look'd wondering each at other.	5.6.116

Coriolanus. Hear'st thou, Mars?	5.6.117

Aufidius. Name not the god, thou boy of tears!	5.6.118

Coriolanus. Ha!	5.6.119

Aufidius. No more.	5.6.120

Coriolanus. Measureless liar, thou hast made my heart	5.6.121
Too great for what contains it. Boy! O slave!	5.6.122
Pardon me, lords, 'tis the first time that ever	5.6.123
I was forced to scold. Your judgments, my grave lords,	5.6.124
Must give this cur the lie: and his own notion--	5.6.125
Who wears my stripes impress'd upon him; that	5.6.126
Must bear my beating to his grave--shall join	5.6.127
To thrust the lie unto him.	5.6.128

First Lord. Peace, both, and hear me speak.	5.6.129

Coriolanus. Cut me to pieces, Volsces; men and lads,	5.6.130
Stain all your edges on me. Boy! false hound!	5.6.131
If you have writ your annals true, 'tis there,	5.6.132
That, like an eagle in a dove-cote, I	5.6.133
Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioli:	5.6.134
Alone I did it. Boy!	5.6.135

Aufidius. Why, noble lords,	5.6.136
Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune,	5.6.137
Which was your shame, by this unholy braggart,	5.6.138
'Fore your own eyes and ears?	5.6.139

All Conspirators. Let him die for't.	5.6.140

All The People. 'Tear him to pieces.' 'Do it presently.' 'He kill'd	5.6.141
my son.' 'My daughter.' 'He killed my cousin	5.6.142
Marcus.' 'He killed my father.'	5.6.143

Second Lord. Peace, ho! no outrage: peace!	5.6.144
The man is noble and his fame folds-in	5.6.145
This orb o' the earth. His last offences to us	5.6.146
Shall have judicious hearing. Stand, Aufidius,	5.6.147
And trouble not the peace.	5.6.148

Coriolanus. O that I had him,	5.6.149
With six Aufidiuses, or more, his tribe,	5.6.150
To use my lawful sword!	5.6.151

Aufidius. Insolent villain!	5.6.152

All Conspirators. Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill him!	5.6.153
[The Conspirators draw, and kill CORIOLANUS: AUFIDIUS stands on his body]

Lords. Hold, hold, hold, hold!	5.6.154

Aufidius. My noble masters, hear me speak.	5.6.155

First Lord. O Tullus,--	5.6.156

Second Lord. Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep.	5.6.157

Third Lord. Tread not upon him. Masters all, be quiet;	5.6.158
Put up your swords.	5.6.159

Aufidius. My lords, when you shall know--as in this rage,	5.6.160
Provoked by him, you cannot--the great danger	5.6.161
Which this man's life did owe you, you'll rejoice	5.6.162
That he is thus cut off. Please it your honours	5.6.163
To call me to your senate, I'll deliver	5.6.164
Myself your loyal servant, or endure	5.6.165
Your heaviest censure.	5.6.166

First Lord. Bear from hence his body;	5.6.167
And mourn you for him: let him be regarded	5.6.168
As the most noble corse that ever herald	5.6.169
Did follow to his urn.	5.6.170

Second Lord. His own impatience	5.6.171
Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame.	5.6.172
Let's make the best of it.	5.6.173

Aufidius. My rage is gone;	5.6.174
And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up.	5.6.175
Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one.	5.6.176
Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully:	5.6.177
Trail your steel pikes. Though in this city he	5.6.178
Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one,	5.6.179
Which to this hour bewail the injury,	5.6.180
Yet he shall have a noble memory. Assist.	5.6.181
[Exeunt, bearing the body of CORIOLANUS. A dead march sounded]

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