Coriolanus

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Coriolanus

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expandMe Act I.

expandMe Act I. Scene I. Rome. A street

1 - 1:    Act I. Scene I. Rome. A street

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

 

First Citizen (1)

Before we proceed any further, hear me speak.

 

All (2)

Speak, speak.

 

First Citizen (3)

You are all resolved rather to die than to famish?

 

All (4)

Resolved. resolved.

 

First Citizen (5)

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

 

All (6)

We know't, we know't.

 

First Citizen (7)

Let us kill him, and we'll have corn at our own price.

Is't a verdict?

 

All (8)

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

 

Second Citizen (9)

10

One word, good citizens.

 

First Citizen (10)

We are accounted poor citizens, the patricians good.

What authority surfeits on would relieve us: if they

would yield us but the superfluity, while it were

wholesome, we might guess they relieved us humanely;

but they think we are too dear: the leanness that

afflicts us, the object of our misery, is as an

inventory to particularise their abundance; our

sufferance is a gain to them Let us revenge this with

our pikes, ere we become rakes: for the gods know I

20

speak this in hunger for bread, not in thirst for revenge.

 

Second Citizen (11)

Would you proceed especially against Caius Marcius?

 

All (12)

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

 

Second Citizen (13)

Consider you what services he has done for his country?

 

First Citizen (14)

Very well; and could be content to give him good

report fort, but that he pays himself with being proud.

 

Second Citizen (15)

Nay, but speak not maliciously.

 

First Citizen (16)

I say unto you, what he hath done famously, he did

it to that end: though soft-conscienced men can be

content to say it was for his country he did it to

30

please his mother and to be partly proud; which he

is, even till the altitude of his virtue.

 

Second Citizen (17)

What he cannot help in his nature, you account a

vice in him. You must in no way say he is covetous.

 

First Citizen (18)

If I must not, I need not be barren of accusations;

he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition.

Shouts within

What shouts are these? The other side o' the city

is risen: why stay we prating here? to the Capitol!

 

All (19)

Come, come.

 

First Citizen (20)

Soft! who comes here?

Enter Menenius Agrippa

 

Second Citizen (21)

40

Worthy Menenius Agrippa; one that hath always loved

the people.

 

First Citizen (22)

He's one honest enough: would all the rest were so!

 

Menenius (23)

What work's, my countrymen, in hand? where go you

With bats and clubs? The matter? speak, I pray you.

 

First Citizen (24)

Our business is not unknown to the senate; they have

had inkling this fortnight what we intend to do,

which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say poor

suitors have strong breaths: they shall know we

have strong arms too.

 

Menenius (25)

50

Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,

Will you undo yourselves?

 

First Citizen (26)

We cannot, sir, we are undone already.

 

Menenius (27)

I tell you, friends, most charitable care

Have the patricians of you. For your wants,

Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well

Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them

Against the Roman state, whose course will on

The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs

Of more strong link asunder than can ever

60

Appear in your impediment. For the dearth,

The gods, not the patricians, make it, and

Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack,

You are transported by calamity

Thither where more attends you, and you slander

The helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers,

When you curse them as enemies.

 

First Citizen (28)

Care for us! True, indeed! They ne'er cared for us

yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses

crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to

70

support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act

established against the rich, and provide more

piercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain

the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; and

there's all the love they bear us.

 

Menenius (29)

Either you must

Confess yourselves wondrous malicious,

Or be accused of folly. I shall tell you

A pretty tale: it may be you have heard it;

But, since it serves my purpose, I will venture

80

To stale 't a little more.

 

First Citizen (30)

Well, I'll hear it, sir: yet you must not think to

fob off our disgrace with a tale: but, an 't please

you, deliver.

 

Menenius (31)

There was a time when all the body's members

Rebell'd against the belly, thus accused it:

That only like a gulf it did remain

I' the midst o' the body, idle and unactive,

Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing

Like labour with the rest, where the other instruments

90

Did see and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel,

And, mutually participate, did minister

Unto the appetite and affection common

Of the whole body. The belly answer'd--

 

First Citizen (32)

Well, sir, what answer made the belly?

 

Menenius (33)

Sir, I shall tell you. With a kind of smile,

Which ne'er came from the lungs, but even thus--

For, look you, I may make the belly smile

As well as speak--it tauntingly replied

To the discontented members, the mutinous parts

100

That envied his receipt; even so most fitly

As you malign our senators for that

They are not such as you.

 

First Citizen (34)

Your belly's answer? What!

The kingly-crowned head, the vigilant eye,

The counsellor heart, the arm our soldier,

Our steed the leg, the tongue our trumpeter.

With other muniments and petty helps

In this our fabric, if that they--

 

Menenius (35)

What then?

110

'Fore me, this fellow speaks! What then? what then?

 

First Citizen (36)

Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd,

Who is the sink o' the body,--

 

Menenius (37)

Well, what then?

 

First Citizen (38)

The former agents, if they did complain,

What could the belly answer?

 

Menenius (39)

I will tell you

If you'll bestow a small--of what you have little--

Patience awhile, you'll hear the belly's answer.

 

First Citizen (40)

Ye're long about it.

 

Menenius (41)

120

Note me this, good friend;

Your most grave belly was deliberate,

Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd:

'True is it, my incorporate friends,' quoth he,

'That I receive the general food at first,

Which you do live upon; and fit it is,

Because I am the store-house and the shop

Of the whole body: but, if you do remember,

I send it through the rivers of your blood,

Even to the court, the heart, to the seat o' the brain;

130

And, through the cranks and offices of man,

The strongest nerves and small inferior veins

From me receive that natural competency

Whereby they live: and though that all at once,

You, my good friends,'--this says the belly, mark me,--

 

First Citizen (42)

Ay, sir; well, well.

 

Menenius (43)

'Though all at once cannot

See what I do deliver out to each,

Yet I can make my audit up, that all

From me do back receive the flour of all,

140

And leave me but the bran.' What say you to't?

 

First Citizen (44)

It was an answer: how apply you this?

 

Menenius (45)

The senators of Rome are this good belly,

And you the mutinous members; for examine

Their counsels and their cares, digest things rightly

Touching the weal o' the common, you shall find

No public benefit which you receive

But it proceeds or comes from them to you

And no way from yourselves. What do you think,

You, the great toe of this assembly?

 

First Citizen (46)

150

I the great toe! why the great toe?

 

Menenius (47)

For that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest,

Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost:

Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run,

Lead'st first to win some vantage.

But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs:

Rome and her rats are at the point of battle;

The one side must have bale.

Enter Caius Marcius

Hail, noble Marcius!

 

Marcius (48)

Thanks. What's the matter, you dissentious rogues,

160

That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion,

Make yourselves scabs?

 

First Citizen (49)

We have ever your good word.

 

Marcius (50)

He that will give good words to thee will flatter

Beneath abhorring. What would you have, you curs,

That like nor peace nor war? the one affrights you,

The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you,

Where he should find you lions, finds you hares;

Where foxes, geese: you are no surer, no,

Than is the coal of fire upon the ice,

170

Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is

To make him worthy whose offence subdues him

And curse that justice did it.

Who deserves greatness

Deserves your hate; and your affections are

A sick man's appetite, who desires most that

Which would increase his evil. He that depends

Upon your favours swims with fins of lead

And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye! Trust Ye?

With every minute you do change a mind,

180

And call him noble that was now your hate,

Him vile that was your garland. What's the matter,

That in these several places of the city

You cry against the noble senate, who,

Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else

Would feed on one another? What's their seeking?

 

Menenius (51)

For corn at their own rates; whereof, they say,

The city is well stored.

 

Marcius (52)

Hang 'em! They say!

They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know

190

What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise,

Who thrives and who declines; side factions

and give out

Conjectural marriages; making parties strong

And feebling such as stand not in their liking

Below their cobbled shoes. They say there's

grain enough!

Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,

And let me use my sword, I'll make a quarry

With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high

200

As I could pick my lance.

 

Menenius (53)

Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded;

For though abundantly they lack discretion,

Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you,

What says the other troop?

 

Marcius (54)

They are dissolved: hang 'em!

They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs,

That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat,

That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not

Corn for the rich men only: with these shreds

210

They vented their complainings; which being answer'd,

And a petition granted them, a strange one--

To break the heart of generosity,

And make bold power look pale--they threw their caps

As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon,

Shouting their emulation.

 

Menenius (55)

What is granted them?

 

Marcius (56)

Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,

Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus,

Sicinius Velutus, and I know not--'Sdeath!

220

The rabble should have first unroof'd the city,

Ere so prevail'd with me: it will in time

Win upon power and throw forth greater themes

For insurrection's arguing.

 

Menenius (57)

This is strange.

 

Marcius (58)

Go, get you home, you fragments!

Enter a Messenger, hastily

 

Messenger (59)

Where's Caius Marcius?

 

Marcius (60)

Here: what's the matter?

 

Messenger (61)

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

 

Marcius (62)

I am glad on 't: then we shall ha' means to vent

230

Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders.

Enter Cominius, Titus Lartius, and other Senators; Junius Brutus and Sicinius Velutus

 

First Senator (63)

Marcius, 'tis true that you have lately told us;

The Volsces are in arms.

 

Marcius (64)

They have a leader,

Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to 't.

I sin in envying his nobility,

And were I any thing but what I am,

I would wish me only he.

 

Cominius (65)

You have fought together.

 

Marcius (66)

Were half to half the world by the ears and he.

240

Upon my party, I'ld revolt to make

Only my wars with him: he is a lion

That I am proud to hunt.

 

First Senator (67)

Then, worthy Marcius,

Attend upon Cominius to these wars.

 

Cominius (68)

It is your former promise.

 

Marcius (69)

Sir, it is;

And I am constant. Titus Lartius, thou

Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face.

What, art thou stiff? stand'st out?

 

Titus (70)

250

No, Caius Marcius;

I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with t'other,

Ere stay behind this business.

 

Menenius (71)

O, true-bred!

 

First Senator (72)

Your company to the Capitol; where, I know,

Our greatest friends attend us.

 

Titus (73)

[To Cominius] Lead you on.

To Marcius

Right worthy you priority.

 

Cominius (74)

Noble Marcius!

 

First Senator (75)

[To the Citizens] Hence to your homes; be gone!

 

Marcius (76)

260

Nay, let them follow:

The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither

To gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutiners,

Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow.

Citizens steal away. Exeunt all but Sicinius and Brutus

 

Sicinius (77)

Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius?

 

Brutus (78)

He has no equal.

 

Sicinius (79)

When we were chosen tribunes for the people,--

 

Brutus (80)

Mark'd you his lip and eyes?

 

Sicinius (81)

Nay. but his taunts.

 

Brutus (82)

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

 

Sicinius (83)

270

Be-mock the modest moon.

 

Brutus (84)

The present wars devour him: he is grown

Too proud to be so valiant.

 

Sicinius (85)

Such a nature,

Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow

Which he treads on at noon: but I do wonder

His insolence can brook to be commanded

Under Cominius.

 

Brutus (86)

Fame, at the which he aims,

In whom already he's well graced, can not

280

Better be held nor more attain'd than by

A place below the first: for what miscarries

Shall be the general's fault, though he perform

To the utmost of a man, and giddy censure

Will then cry out of Marcius 'O if he

Had borne the business!'

 

Sicinius (87)

Besides, if things go well,

Opinion that so sticks on Marcius shall

Of his demerits rob Cominius.

 

Brutus (88)

Come:

290

Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius.

Though Marcius earned them not, and all his faults

To Marcius shall be honours, though indeed

In aught he merit not.

 

Sicinius (89)

Let's hence, and hear

How the dispatch is made, and in what fashion,

More than his singularity, he goes

Upon this present action.

 

Brutus (90)

Lets along.

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene II. Corioli. The Senate-house

1 - 2:    Act I. Scene II. Corioli. The Senate-house

Enter Tullus Aufidius and certain Senators

 

First Senator (91)

So, your opinion is, Aufidius,

That they of Rome are entered in our counsels

And know how we proceed.

 

Aufidius (92)

Is it not yours?

What ever have been thought on in this state,

That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome

Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone

Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think

I have the letter here; yes, here it is.

Reads

10

'They have press'd a power, but it is not known

Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;

The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd,

Cominius, Marcius your old enemy,

Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,

And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,

These three lead on this preparation

Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:

Consider of it.'

 

First Senator (93)

Our army's in the field

20

We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready

To answer us.

 

Aufidius (94)

Nor did you think it folly

To keep your great pretences veil'd till when

They needs must show themselves; which

in the hatching,

It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery.

We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was

To take in many towns ere almost Rome

Should know we were afoot.

 

Second Senator (95)

30

Noble Aufidius,

Take your commission; hie you to your bands:

Let us alone to guard Corioli:

If they set down before 's, for the remove

Bring your army; but, I think, you'll find

They've not prepared for us.

 

Aufidius (96)

O, doubt not that;

I speak from certainties. Nay, more,

Some parcels of their power are forth already,

And only hitherward. I leave your honours.

40

If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,

'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike

Till one can do no more.

 

All (97)

The gods assist you!

 

Aufidius (98)

And keep your honours safe!

 

First Senator (99)

Farewell.

 

Second Senator (100)

Farewell.

 

All (101)

Farewell.

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house

1 - 3:    Act I. Scene III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house

Enter Volumnia and Virgilia they set them down on two low stools, and sew

 

Volumnia (102)

I pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourself in a

more comfortable sort: if my son were my husband, I

should freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he

won honour than in the embracements of his bed where

he would show most love. When yet he was but

tender-bodied and the only son of my womb, when

youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way, when

for a day of kings' entreaties a mother should not

sell him an hour from her beholding, I, considering

10

how honour would become such a person. that it was

no better than picture-like to hang by the wall, if

renown made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek

danger where he was like to find fame. To a cruel

war I sent him; from whence he returned, his brows

bound with oak. I tell thee, daughter, I sprang not

more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child

than now in first seeing he had proved himself a

man.

 

Virgilia (103)

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

 

Volumnia (104)

20

Then his good report should have been my son; I

therein would have found issue. Hear me profess

sincerely: had I a dozen sons, each in my love

alike and none less dear than thine and my good

Marcius, I had rather had eleven die nobly for their

country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action.

Enter a Gentlewoman

 

Gentlewoman (105)

Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to visit you.

 

Virgilia (106)

Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.

 

Volumnia (107)

Indeed, you shall not.

Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum,

30

See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair,

As children from a bear, the Volsces shunning him:

Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus:

'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,

Though you were born in Rome:' his bloody brow

With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,

Like to a harvest-man that's task'd to mow

Or all or lose his hire.

 

Virgilia (108)

His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!

 

Volumnia (109)

Away, you fool! it more becomes a man

40

Than gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba,

When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier

Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood

At Grecian sword, contemning. Tell Valeria,

We are fit to bid her welcome.

Exit Gentlewoman

 

Virgilia (110)

Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!

 

Volumnia (111)

He'll beat Aufidius 'head below his knee

And tread upon his neck.

Enter Valeria, with an Usher and Gentlewoman

 

Valeria (112)

My ladies both, good day to you.

 

Volumnia (113)

Sweet madam.

 

Virgilia (114)

50

I am glad to see your ladyship.

 

Valeria (115)

How do you both? you are manifest house-keepers.

What are you sewing here? A fine spot, in good

faith. How does your little son?

 

Virgilia (116)

I thank your ladyship; well, good madam.

 

Volumnia (117)

He had rather see the swords, and hear a drum, than

look upon his school-master.

 

Valeria (118)

O' my word, the father's son: I'll swear,'tis a

very pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him o'

Wednesday half an hour together: has such a

60

confirmed countenance. I saw him run after a gilded

butterfly: and when he caught it, he let it go

again; and after it again; and over and over he

comes, and again; catched it again; or whether his

fall enraged him, or how 'twas, he did so set his

teeth and tear it; O, I warrant it, how he mammocked

it!

 

Volumnia (119)

One on 's father's moods.

 

Valeria (120)

Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child.

 

Virgilia (121)

A crack, madam.

 

Valeria (122)

70

Come, lay aside your stitchery; I must have you play

the idle husewife with me this afternoon.

 

Virgilia (123)

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

 

Valeria (124)

Not out of doors!

 

Volumnia (125)

She shall, she shall.

 

Virgilia (126)

Indeed, no, by your patience; I'll not over the

threshold till my lord return from the wars.

 

Valeria (127)

Fie, you confine yourself most unreasonably: come,

you must go visit the good lady that lies in.

 

Virgilia (128)

I will wish her speedy strength, and visit her with

80

my prayers; but I cannot go thither.

 

Volumnia (129)

Why, I pray you?

 

Virgilia (130)

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

 

Valeria (131)

You would be another Penelope: yet, they say, all

the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill

Ithaca full of moths. Come; I would your cambric

were sensible as your finger, that you might leave

pricking it for pity. Come, you shall go with us.

 

Virgilia (132)

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

 

Valeria (133)

In truth, la, go with me; and I'll tell you

90

excellent news of your husband.

 

Virgilia (134)

O, good madam, there can be none yet.

 

Valeria (135)

Verily, I do not jest with you; there came news from

him last night.

 

Virgilia (136)

Indeed, madam?

 

Valeria (137)

In earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it.

Thus it is: the Volsces have an army forth; against

whom Cominius the general is gone, with one part of

our Roman power: your lord and Titus Lartius are set

down before their city Corioli; they nothing doubt

100

prevailing and to make it brief wars. This is true,

on mine honour; and so, I pray, go with us.

 

Virgilia (138)

Give me excuse, good madam; I will obey you in every

thing hereafter.

 

Volumnia (139)

Let her alone, lady: as she is now, she will but

disease our better mirth.

 

Valeria (140)

In troth, I think she would. Fare you well, then.

Come, good sweet lady. Prithee, Virgilia, turn thy

solemness out o' door. and go along with us.

 

Virgilia (141)

No, at a word, madam; indeed, I must not. I wish

110

you much mirth.

 

Valeria (142)

Well, then, farewell.

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene IV. Before Corioli

1 - 4:    Act I. Scene IV. Before Corioli

Enter, with drum and colours, Marcius, Titus Lartius, Captains and Soldiers. To them a Messenger

 

Marcius (143)

Yonder comes news. A wager they have met.

 

Lartius (144)

My horse to yours, no.

 

Marcius (145)

'Tis done.

 

Lartius (146)

Agreed.

 

Marcius (147)

Say, has our general met the enemy?

 

Messenger (148)

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

 

Lartius (149)

So, the good horse is mine.

 

Marcius (150)

I'll buy him of you.

 

Lartius (151)

No, I'll nor sell nor give him: lend you him I will

10

For half a hundred years. Summon the town.

 

Marcius (152)

How far off lie these armies?

 

Messenger (153)

Within this mile and half.

 

Marcius (154)

Then shall we hear their 'larum, and they ours.

Now, Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work,

That we with smoking swords may march from hence,

To help our fielded friends! Come, blow thy blast.

They sound a parley. Enter two Senators with others on the walls

Tutus Aufidius, is he within your walls?

 

First Senator (155)

No, nor a man that fears you less than he,

That's lesser than a little.

Drums afar off

20

Hark! our drums

Are bringing forth our youth. We'll break our walls,

Rather than they shall pound us up: our gates,

Which yet seem shut, we, have but pinn'd with rushes;

They'll open of themselves.

Alarum afar off

Hark you. far off!

There is Aufidius; list, what work he makes

Amongst your cloven army.

 

Marcius (156)

O, they are at it!

 

Lartius (157)

Their noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!

Enter the army of the Volsces

 

Marcius (158)

30

They fear us not, but issue forth their city.

Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight

With hearts more proof than shields. Advance,

brave Titus:

They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts,

Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows:

He that retires I'll take him for a Volsce,

And he shall feel mine edge.

Alarum. The Romans are beat back to their trenches. Enter Marcius cursing

 

Marcius (159)

All the contagion of the south light on you,

You shames of Rome! you herd of--Boils and plagues

40

Plaster you o'er, that you may be abhorr'd

Further than seen and one infect another

Against the wind a mile! You souls of geese,

That bear the shapes of men, how have you run

From slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell!

All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale

With flight and agued fear! Mend and charge home,

Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foe

And make my wars on you: look to't: come on;

If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives,

50

As they us to our trenches followed.

Another alarum. The Volsces fly, and Marcius follows them to the gates

So, now the gates are ope: now prove good seconds:

'Tis for the followers fortune widens them,

Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like.

Enters the gates

 

First Soldier (160)

Fool-hardiness; not I.

 

Second Soldier (161)

Nor I.

Marcius is shut in

 

First Soldier (162)

See, they have shut him in.

 

All (163)

To the pot, I warrant him.

Alarum continues

Enter Titus Lartius

 

Lartius (164)

What is become of Marcius?

 

All (165)

Slain, sir, doubtless.

 

First Soldier (166)

60

Following the fliers at the very heels,

With them he enters; who, upon the sudden,

Clapp'd to their gates: he is himself alone,

To answer all the city.

 

Lartius (167)

O noble fellow!

Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,

And, when it bows, stands up. Thou art left, Marcius:

A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,

Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier

Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible

70

Only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks and

The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,

Thou madst thine enemies shake, as if the world

Were feverous and did tremble.

Enter Marcius, bleeding, assaulted by the enemy

 

First Soldier (168)

Look, sir.

 

Lartius (169)

O,'tis Marcius!

Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.

They fight, and all Enter the city

expandMe Act I. Scene V. Corioli. A street

1 - 5:    Act I. Scene V. Corioli. A street

Enter certain Romans, with spoils

 

First Roman (170)

This will I carry to Rome.

 

Second Roman (171)

And I this.

 

Third Roman (172)

A murrain on't! I took this for silver.

Alarum continues still afar off

Enter Marcius and Titus Lartius with a trumpet

 

Marcius (173)

See here these movers that do prize their hours

At a crack'd drachm! Cushions, leaden spoons,

Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would

Bury with those that wore them, these base slaves,

Ere yet the fight be done, pack up: down with them!

And hark, what noise the general makes! To him!

10

There is the man of my soul's hate, Aufidius,

Piercing our Romans: then, valiant Titus, take

Convenient numbers to make good the city;

Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste

To help Cominius.

 

Lartius (174)

Worthy sir, thou bleed'st;

Thy exercise hath been too violent for

A second course of fight.

 

Marcius (175)

Sir, praise me not;

My work hath yet not warm'd me: fare you well:

20

The blood I drop is rather physical

Than dangerous to me: to Aufidius thus

I will appear, and fight.

 

Lartius (176)

Now the fair goddess, Fortune,

Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charms

Misguide thy opposers' swords! Bold gentleman,

Prosperity be thy page!

 

Marcius (177)

Thy friend no less

Than those she placeth highest! So, farewell.

 

Lartius (178)

Thou worthiest Marcius!

Exit Marcius

30

Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;

Call thither all the officers o' the town,

Where they shall know our mind: away!

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene VI. Near the camp of Cominius

1 - 6:    Act I. Scene VI. Near the camp of Cominius

Enter Cominius, as it were in retire, with soldiers

 

Cominius (179)

Breathe you, my friends: well fought;

we are come off

Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands,

Nor cowardly in retire: believe me, sirs,

We shall be charged again. Whiles we have struck,

By interims and conveying gusts we have heard

The charges of our friends. Ye Roman gods!

Lead their successes as we wish our own,

That both our powers, with smiling

10

fronts encountering,

May give you thankful sacrifice.

Enter a Messenger

Thy news?

 

Messenger (180)

The citizens of Corioli have issued,

And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle:

I saw our party to their trenches driven,

And then I came away.

 

Cominius (181)

Though thou speak'st truth,

Methinks thou speak'st not well.

How long is't since?

 

Messenger (182)

20

Above an hour, my lord.

 

Cominius (183)

'Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums:

How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,

And bring thy news so late?

 

Messenger (184)

Spies of the Volsces

Held me in chase, that I was forced to wheel

Three or four miles about, else had I, sir,

Half an hour since brought my report.

 

Cominius (185)

Who's yonder,

That does appear as he were flay'd? O gods

30

He has the stamp of Marcius; and I have

Before-time seen him thus.

 

Marcius (186)

[Within] Come I too late?

 

Cominius (187)

The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabour

More than I know the sound of Marcius' tongue

From every meaner man.

Enter Marcius

 

Marcius (188)

Come I too late?

 

Cominius (189)

Ay, if you come not in the blood of others,

But mantled in your own.

 

Marcius (190)

O, let me clip ye

40

In arms as sound as when I woo'd, in heart

As merry as when our nuptial day was done,

And tapers burn'd to bedward!

 

Cominius (191)

Flower of warriors,

How is it with Titus Lartius?

 

Marcius (192)

As with a man busied about decrees:

Condemning some to death, and some to exile;

Ransoming him, or pitying, threatening the other;

Holding Corioli in the name of Rome,

Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash,

50

To let him slip at will.

 

Cominius (193)

Where is that slave

Which told me they had beat you to your trenches?

Where is he? call him hither.

 

Marcius (194)

Let him alone;

He did inform the truth: but for our gentlemen,

The common file--a plague! tribunes for them!--

The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat as they did budge

From rascals worse than they.

 

Cominius (195)

But how prevail'd you?

 

Marcius (196)

60

Will the time serve to tell? I do not think.

Where is the enemy? are you lords o' the field?

If not, why cease you till you are so?

 

Cominius (197)

Marcius,

We have at disadvantage fought and did

Retire to win our purpose.

 

Marcius (198)

How lies their battle? know you on which side

They have placed their men of trust?

 

Cominius (199)

As I guess, Marcius,

Their bands i' the vaward are the Antiates,

70

Of their best trust; o'er them Aufidius,

Their very heart of hope.

 

Marcius (200)

I do beseech you,

By all the battles wherein we have fought,

By the blood we have shed together, by the vows

We have made to endure friends, that you directly

Set me against Aufidius and his Antiates;

And that you not delay the present, but,

Filling the air with swords advanced and darts,

We prove this very hour.

 

Cominius (201)

80

Though I could wish

You were conducted to a gentle bath

And balms applied to, you, yet dare I never

Deny your asking: take your choice of those

That best can aid your action.

 

Marcius (202)

Those are they

That most are willing. If any such be here--

As it were sin to doubt--that love this painting

Wherein you see me smear'd; if any fear

Lesser his person than an ill report;

90

If any think brave death outweighs bad life

And that his country's dearer than himself;

Let him alone, or so many so minded,

Wave thus, to express his disposition,

And follow Marcius.

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?

If these shows be not outward, which of you

But is four Volsces? none of you but is

Able to bear against the great Aufidius

A shield as hard as his. A certain number,

100

Though thanks to all, must I select

from all: the rest

Shall bear the business in some other fight,

As cause will be obey'd. Please you to march;

And four shall quickly draw out my command,

Which men are best inclined.

 

Cominius (203)

March on, my fellows:

Make good this ostentation, and you shall

Divide in all with us.

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene VII. The gates of Corioli

1 - 7:    Act I. 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 (204)

So, let the ports be guarded: keep your duties,

As I have set them down. If I do send, dispatch

Those centuries to our aid: the rest will serve

For a short holding: if we lose the field,

We cannot keep the town.

 

Lieutenant (205)

Fear not our care, sir.

 

Lartius (206)

Hence, and shut your gates upon's.

Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us.

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene VIII. A field of battle

1 - 8:    Act I. Scene VIII. A field of battle

Alarum as in battle. Enter, from opposite sides, Marcius and Aufidius

 

Marcius (207)

I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee

Worse than a promise-breaker.

 

Aufidius (208)

We hate alike:

Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor

More than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.

 

Marcius (209)

Let the first budger die the other's slave,

And the gods doom him after!

 

Aufidius (210)

If I fly, Marcius,

Holloa me like a hare.

 

Marcius (211)

10

Within these three hours, Tullus,

Alone I fought in your Corioli walls,

And made what work I pleased: 'tis not my blood

Wherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revenge

Wrench up thy power to the highest.

 

Aufidius (212)

Wert thou the Hector

That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny,

Thou shouldst not scape me here.

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

In your condemned seconds.

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene IX. The Roman camp

1 - 9:    Act I. 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 (213)

If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work,

Thou'ldst not believe thy deeds: but I'll report it

Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles,

Where great patricians shall attend and shrug,

I' the end admire, where ladies shall be frighted,

And, gladly quaked, hear more; where the

dull tribunes,

That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours,

Shall say against their hearts 'We thank the gods

10

Our Rome hath such a soldier.'

Yet camest thou to a morsel of this feast,

Having fully dined before.

Enter Titus Lartius, with his power, from the pursuit

 

Lartius (214)

O general,

Here is the steed, we the caparison:

Hadst thou beheld--

 

Marcius (215)

Pray now, no more: my mother,

Who has a charter to extol her blood,

When she does praise me grieves me. I have done

As you have done; that's what I can; induced

20

As you have been; that's for my country:

He that has but effected his good will

Hath overta'en mine act.

 

Cominius (216)

You shall not be

The grave of your deserving; Rome must know

The value of her own: 'twere a concealment

Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement,

To hide your doings; and to silence that,

Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd,

Would seem but modest: therefore, I beseech you

30

In sign of what you are, not to reward

What you have done--before our army hear me.

 

Marcius (217)

I have some wounds upon me, and they smart

To hear themselves remember'd.

 

Cominius (218)

Should they not,

Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude,

And tent themselves with death. Of all the horses,

Whereof we have ta'en good and good store, of all

The treasure in this field achieved and city,

We render you the tenth, to be ta'en forth,

40

Before the common distribution, at

Your only choice.

 

Marcius (219)

I thank you, general;

But cannot make my heart consent to take

A bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it;

And stand upon my common part with those

That have beheld the doing.

A long flourish. They all cry 'Marcius! Marcius!' cast up their caps and lances: Cominius and Lartius stand bare

 

Marcius (220)

May these same instruments, which you profane,

Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall

I' the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be

50

Made all of false-faced soothing!

When steel grows soft as the parasite's silk,

Let him be made a coverture for the wars!

No more, I say! For that I have not wash'd

My nose that bled, or foil'd some debile wretch.--

Which, without note, here's many else have done,--

You shout me forth

In acclamations hyperbolical;

As if I loved my little should be dieted

In praises sauced with lies.

 

Cominius (221)

60

Too modest are you;

More cruel to your good report than grateful

To us that give you truly: by your patience,

If 'gainst yourself you be incensed, we'll put you,

Like one that means his proper harm, in manacles,

Then reason safely with you. Therefore, be it known,

As to us, to all the world, that Caius Marcius

Wears this war's garland: in token of the which,

My noble steed, known to the camp, I give him,

With all his trim belonging; and from this time,

70

For what he did before Corioli, call him,

With all the applause and clamour of the host,

CAIUS Marcius Coriolanus! Bear

The addition nobly ever!

Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drums

 

All (222)

Caius Marcius Coriolanus!

 

Coriolanus (223)

I will go wash;

And when my face is fair, you shall perceive

Whether I blush or no: howbeit, I thank you.

I mean to stride your steed, and at all times

To undercrest your good addition

80

To the fairness of my power.

 

Cominius (224)

So, to our tent;

Where, ere we do repose us, we will write

To Rome of our success. You, Titus Lartius,

Must to Corioli back: send us to Rome

The best, with whom we may articulate,

For their own good and ours.

 

Lartius (225)

I shall, my lord.

 

Coriolanus (226)

The gods begin to mock me. I, that now

Refused most princely gifts, am bound to beg

90

Of my lord general.

 

Cominius (227)

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

 

Coriolanus (228)

I sometime lay here in Corioli

At a poor man's house; he used me kindly:

He cried to me; I saw him prisoner;

But then Aufidius was with in my view,

And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you

To give my poor host freedom.

 

Cominius (229)

O, well begg'd!

Were he the butcher of my son, he should

100

Be free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.

 

Lartius (230)

Marcius, his name?

 

Coriolanus (231)

By Jupiter! forgot.

I am weary; yea, my memory is tired.

Have we no wine here?

 

Cominius (232)

Go we to our tent:

The blood upon your visage dries; 'tis time

It should be look'd to: come.

Exeunt

expandMe Act I. Scene X. The camp of the Volsces

1 - 10:    Act I. Scene X. The camp of the Volsces

A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius, bloody, with two or three Soldiers

 

Aufidius (233)

The town is ta'en!

 

First Soldier (234)

'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.

 

Aufidius (235)

Condition!

I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,

Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition!

What good condition can a treaty find

I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, Marcius,

I have fought with thee: so often hast thou beat me,

And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter

10

As often as we eat. By the elements,

If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,

He's mine, or I am his: mine emulation

Hath not that honour in't it had; for where

I thought to crush him in an equal force,

True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some way

Or wrath or craft may get him.

 

First Soldier (236)

He's the devil.

 

Aufidius (237)

Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd

With only suffering stain by him; for him

20

Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep nor sanctuary,

Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,

The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,

Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up

Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst

My hate to Marcius: where I find him, were it

At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,

Against the hospitable canon, would I

Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city;

Learn how 'tis held; and what they are that must

30

Be hostages for Rome.

 

First Soldier (238)

Will not you go?

 

Aufidius (239)

I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you--

'Tis south the city mills--bring me word thither

How the world goes, that to the pace of it

I may spur on my journey.

 

First Soldier (240)

I shall, sir.

Exeunt

expandMe Act II.

expandMe Act II. Scene I. Rome. A public place

2 - 1:    Act II. Scene I. Rome. A public place

Enter Menenius with the two Tribunes of the people, Sicinius and Brutus.

 

Menenius (241)

The augurer tells me we shall have news today.

 

Brutus (242)

Good or bad?

 

Menenius (243)

Not according to the prayer of the people, for they

love not Marcius.

 

Sicinius (244)

Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.

 

Menenius (245)

Pray you, who does the wolf love?

 

Sicinius (246)

The lamb.

 

Menenius (247)

Ay, to devour him; as the hungry plebeians would the

noble Marcius.

 

Brutus (248)

10

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

 

Menenius (249)

He's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You two

are old men: tell me one thing that I shall ask you.

 

Both (250)

Well, sir.

 

Menenius (251)

In what enormity is Marcius poor in, that you two

have not in abundance?

 

Brutus (252)

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

 

Sicinius (253)

Especially in pride.

 

Brutus (254)

And topping all others in boasting.

 

Menenius (255)

This is strange now: do you two know how you are

20

censured here in the city, I mean of us o' the

right-hand file? do you?

 

Both (256)

Why, how are we censured?

 

Menenius (257)

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

 

Both (258)

Well, well, sir, well.

 

Menenius (259)

Why, 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief of

occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience:

give your dispositions the reins, and be angry at

your pleasures; at the least if you take it as a

pleasure to you in being so. You blame Marcius for

30

being proud?

 

Brutus (260)

We do it not alone, sir.

 

Menenius (261)

I know you can do very little alone; for your helps

are many, or else your actions would grow wondrous

single: your abilities are too infant-like for

doing much alone. You talk of pride: O that you

could turn your eyes toward the napes of your necks,

and make but an interior survey of your good selves!

O that you could!

 

Brutus (262)

What then, sir?

 

Menenius (263)

40

Why, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting,

proud, violent, testy magistrates, alias fools, as

any in Rome.

 

Sicinius (264)

Menenius, you are known well enough too.

 

Menenius (265)

I am known to be a humorous patrician, and one that

loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying

Tiber in't; said to be something imperfect in

favouring the first complaint; hasty and tinder-like

upon too trivial motion; one that converses more

with the buttock of the night than with the forehead

50

of the morning: what I think I utter, and spend my

malice in my breath. Meeting two such wealsmen as

you are--I cannot call you Lycurguses--if the drink

you give me touch my palate adversely, I make a

crooked face at it. I can't say your worships have

delivered the matter well, when I find the ass in

compound with the major part of your syllables: and

though I must be content to bear with those that say

you are reverend grave men, yet they lie deadly that

tell you you have good faces. If you see this in

60

the map of my microcosm, follows it that I am known

well enough too? what barm can your bisson

conspectuities glean out of this character, if I be

known well enough too?

 

Brutus (266)

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

 

Menenius (267)

You know neither me, yourselves nor any thing. You

are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs: you

wear out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a

cause between an orange wife and a fosset-seller;

and then rejourn the controversy of three pence to a

70

second day of audience. When you are hearing a

matter between party and party, if you chance to be

pinched with the colic, you make faces like

mummers; set up the bloody flag against all

patience; and, in roaring for a chamber-pot,

dismiss the controversy bleeding the more entangled

by your hearing: all the peace you make in their

cause is, calling both the parties knaves. You are

a pair of strange ones.

 

Brutus (268)

Come, come, you are well understood to be a

80

perfecter giber for the table than a necessary

bencher in the Capitol.

 

Menenius (269)

Our very priests must become mockers, if they shall

encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are. When

you speak best unto the purpose, it is not worth the

wagging of your beards; and your beards deserve not

so honourable a grave as to stuff a botcher's

cushion, or to be entombed in an ass's pack-

saddle. Yet you must be saying, Marcius is proud;

who in a cheap estimation, is worth predecessors

90

since Deucalion, though peradventure some of the

best of 'em were hereditary hangmen. God-den to

your worships: more of your conversation would

infect my brain, being the herdsmen of the beastly

plebeians: I will be bold to take my leave of you.

Brutus and Sicinius go aside

Enter Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria

How now, my as fair as noble ladies,--and the moon,

were she earthly, no nobler,--whither do you follow

your eyes so fast?

 

Volumnia (270)

Honourable Menenius, my boy Marcius approaches; for

the love of Juno, let's go.

 

Menenius (271)

100

Ha! Marcius coming home!

 

Volumnia (272)

Ay, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperous

approbation.

 

Menenius (273)

Take my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee. Hoo!

Marcius coming home!

 

Volumnia (274)

 

Virgilia (275)

Nay,'tis true.

 

Volumnia (276)

Look, here's a letter from him: the state hath

another, his wife another; and, I think, there's one

at home for you.

 

Menenius (277)

I will make my very house reel tonight: a letter for

110

me!

 

Virgilia (278)

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

 

Menenius (279)

A letter for me! it gives me an estate of seven

years' health; in which time I will make a lip at

the physician: the most sovereign prescription in

Galen is but empiricutic, and, to this preservative,

of no better report than a horse-drench. Is he

not wounded? he was wont to come home wounded.

 

Virgilia (280)

O, no, no, no.

 

Volumnia (281)

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

 

Menenius (282)

120

So do I too, if it be not too much: brings a'

victory in his pocket? the wounds become him.

 

Volumnia (283)

On's brows: Menenius, he comes the third time home

with the oaken garland.

 

Menenius (284)

Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?

 

Volumnia (285)

Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but

Aufidius got off.

 

Menenius (286)

And 'twas time for him too, I'll warrant him that:

an he had stayed by him, I would not have been so

fidiused for all the chests in Corioli, and the gold

130

that's in them. Is the senate possessed of this?

 

Volumnia (287)

Good ladies, let's go. Yes, yes, yes; the senate

has letters from the general, wherein he gives my

son the whole name of the war: he hath in this

action outdone his former deeds doubly

 

Valeria (288)

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

 

Menenius (289)

Wondrous! ay, I warrant you, and not without his

true purchasing.

 

Virgilia (290)

The gods grant them true!

 

Volumnia (291)

True! pow, wow.

 

Menenius (292)

140

True! I'll be sworn they are true.

Where is he wounded?

To the Tribunes

God save your good worships! Marcius is coming

home: he has more cause to be proud. Where is he wounded?

 

Volumnia (293)

I' the shoulder and i' the left arm there will be

large cicatrices to show the people, when he shall

stand for his place. He received in the repulse of

Tarquin seven hurts i' the body.

 

Menenius (294)

One i' the neck, and two i' the thigh,--there's

nine that I know.

 

Volumnia (295)

150

He had, before this last expedition, twenty-five

wounds upon him.

 

Menenius (296)

Now it's twenty-seven: every gash was an enemy's grave.

A shout and flourish

Hark! the trumpets.

 

Volumnia (297)

These are the ushers of Marcius: before him he

carries noise, and behind him he leaves tears:

Death, that dark spirit, in 's nervy arm doth lie;

Which, being advanced, declines, and then men die.

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 (298)

Know, Rome, that all alone Marcius did fight

Within Corioli gates: where he hath won,

160

With fame, a name to Caius Marcius; these

In honour follows Coriolanus.

Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!

Flourish

 

All (299)

Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!

 

Coriolanus (300)

No more of this; it does offend my heart:

Pray now, no more.

 

Cominius (301)

Look, sir, your mother!

 

Coriolanus (302)

O,

You have, I know, petition'd all the gods

For my prosperity!

Kneels

 

Volumnia (303)

170

Nay, my good soldier, up;

My gentle Marcius, worthy Caius, and

By deed-achieving honour newly named,--

What is it?--Coriolanus must I call thee?--

But O, thy wife!

 

Coriolanus (304)

My gracious silence, hail!

Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home,

That weep'st to see me triumph? Ay, my dear,

Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear,

And mothers that lack sons.

 

Menenius (305)

180

Now, the gods crown thee!

 

Coriolanus (306)

And live you yet?

To Valeria

O my sweet lady, pardon.

 

Volumnia (307)

I know not where to turn: O, welcome home:

And welcome, general: and ye're welcome all.

 

Menenius (308)

A hundred thousand welcomes. I could weep

And I could laugh, I am light and heavy. Welcome.

A curse begin at very root on's heart,

That is not glad to see thee! You are three

That Rome should dote on: yet, by the faith of men,

190

We have some old crab-trees here

at home that will not

Be grafted to your relish. Yet welcome, warriors:

We call a nettle but a nettle and

The faults of fools but folly.

 

Cominius (309)

Ever right.

 

Coriolanus (310)

Menenius ever, ever.

 

Herald (311)

Give way there, and go on!

 

Coriolanus (312)

[To Volumnia and Virgilia] Your hand, and yours:

Ere in our own house I do shade my head,

200

The good patricians must be visited;

From whom I have received not only greetings,

But with them change of honours.

 

Volumnia (313)

I have lived

To see inherited my very wishes

And the buildings of my fancy: only

There's one thing wanting, which I doubt not but

Our Rome will cast upon thee.

 

Coriolanus (314)

Know, good mother,

I had rather be their servant in my way,

210

Than sway with them in theirs.

 

Cominius (315)

On, to the Capitol!

Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before. Brutus and Sicinius come forward

 

Brutus (316)

All tongues speak of him, and the bleared sights

Are spectacled to see him: your prattling nurse

Into a rapture lets her baby cry

While she chats him: the kitchen malkin pins

Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck,

Clambering the walls to eye him: stalls, bulks, windows,

Are smother'd up, leads fill'd, and ridges horsed

With variable complexions, all agreeing

220

In earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamens

Do press among the popular throngs and puff

To win a vulgar station: or veil'd dames

Commit the war of white and damask in

Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil

Of Phoebus' burning kisses: such a pother

As if that whatsoever god who leads him

Were slily crept into his human powers

And gave him graceful posture.

 

Sicinius (317)

On the sudden,

230

I warrant him consul.

 

Brutus (318)

Then our office may,

During his power, go sleep.

 

Sicinius (319)

He cannot temperately transport his honours

From where he should begin and end, but will

Lose those he hath won.

 

Brutus (320)

In that there's comfort.

 

Sicinius (321)

Doubt not

The commoners, for whom we stand, but they

Upon their ancient malice will forget

240

With the least cause these his new honours, which

That he will give them make I as little question

As he is proud to do't.

 

Brutus (322)

I heard him swear,

Were he to stand for consul, never would he

Appear i' the market-place nor on him put

The napless vesture of humility;

Nor showing, as the manner is, his wounds

To the people, beg their stinking breaths.

 

Sicinius (323)

'Tis right.

 

Brutus (324)

250

It was his word: O, he would miss it rather

Than carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him,

And the desire of the nobles.

 

Sicinius (325)

I wish no better

Than have him hold that purpose and to put it

In execution.

 

Brutus (326)

'Tis most like he will.

 

Sicinius (327)

It shall be to him then as our good wills,

A sure destruction.

 

Brutus (328)

So it must fall out

260

To him or our authorities. For an end,

We must suggest the people in what hatred

He still hath held them; that to's power he would

Have made them mules, silenced their pleaders and

Dispropertied their freedoms, holding them,

In human action and capacity,

Of no more soul nor fitness for the world

Than camels in the war, who have their provand

Only for bearing burdens, and sore blows

For sinking under them.

 

Sicinius (329)

270

This, as you say, suggested

At some time when his soaring insolence

Shall touch the people--which time shall not want,

If he be put upon 't; and that's as easy

As to set dogs on sheep--will be his fire

To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze

Shall darken him for ever.

Enter a Messenger

 

Brutus (330)

What's the matter?

 

Messenger (331)

You are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thought

That Marcius shall be consul:

280

I have seen the dumb men throng to see him and

The blind to bear him speak: matrons flung gloves,

Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers,

Upon him as he pass'd: the nobles bended,

As to Jove's statue, and the commons made

A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts:

I never saw the like.

 

Brutus (332)

Let's to the Capitol;

And carry with us ears and eyes for the time,

But hearts for the event.

 

Sicinius (333)

290

Have with you.

Exeunt

expandMe Act II. Scene II. The same. The Capitol

2 - 2:    Act II. Scene II. The same. The Capitol

Enter two Officers, to lay cushions

 

First Officer (334)

Come, come, they are almost here. How many stand

for consulships?

 

Second Officer (335)

Three, they say: but 'tis thought of every one

Coriolanus will carry it.

 

First Officer (336)

That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance proud, and

loves not the common people.

 

Second Officer (337)

Faith, there had been many great men that have

flattered the people, who ne'er loved them; and there

be many that they have loved, they know not

10

wherefore: so that, if they love they know not why,

they hate upon no better a ground: therefore, for

Coriolanus neither to care whether they love or hate

him manifests the true knowledge he has in their

disposition; and out of his noble carelessness lets

them plainly see't.

 

First Officer (338)

If he did not care whether he had their love or no,

he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither

good nor harm: but he seeks their hate with greater

devotion than can render it him; and leaves

20

nothing undone that may fully discover him their

opposite. Now, to seem to affect the malice and

displeasure of the people is as bad as that which he

dislikes, to flatter them for their love.

 

Second Officer (339)

He hath deserved worthily of his country: and his

ascent is not by such easy degrees as those who,

having been supple and courteous to the people,

bonneted, without any further deed to have them at

an into their estimation and report: but he hath so

planted his honours in their eyes, and his actions

30

in their hearts, that for their tongues to be

silent, and not confess so much, were a kind of

ingrateful injury; to report otherwise, were a

malice, that, giving itself the lie, would pluck

reproof and rebuke from every ear that heard it.

 

First Officer (340)

No more of him; he is a worthy man: make way, they

are coming.

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 (341)

Having determined of the Volsces and

To send for Titus Lartius, it remains,

As the main point of this our after-meeting,

40

To gratify his noble service that

Hath thus stood for his country: therefore,

please you,

Most reverend and grave elders, to desire

The present consul, and last general

In our well-found successes, to report

A little of that worthy work perform'd

By Caius Marcius Coriolanus, whom

We met here both to thank and to remember

With honours like himself.

 

First Senator (342)

50

Speak, good Cominius:

Leave nothing out for length, and make us think

Rather our state's defective for requital

Than we to stretch it out.

To the Tribunes

Masters o' the people,

We do request your kindest ears, and after,

Your loving motion toward the common body,

To yield what passes here.

 

Sicinius (343)

We are convented

Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts

60

Inclinable to honour and advance

The theme of our assembly.

 

Brutus (344)

Which the rather

We shall be blest to do, if he remember

A kinder value of the people than

He hath hereto prized them at.

 

Menenius (345)

That's off, that's off;

I would you rather had been silent. Please you

To hear Cominius speak?

 

Brutus (346)

Most willingly;

70

But yet my caution was more pertinent

Than the rebuke you give it.

 

Menenius (347)

He loves your people

But tie him not to be their bedfellow.

Worthy Cominius, speak.

Coriolanus offers to go away

Nay, keep your place.

 

First Senator (348)

Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear

What you have nobly done.

 

Coriolanus (349)

Your horror's pardon:

I had rather have my wounds to heal again

80

Than hear say how I got them.

 

Brutus (350)

Sir, I hope

My words disbench'd you not.

 

Coriolanus (351)

No, sir: yet oft,

When blows have made me stay, I fled from words.

You soothed not, therefore hurt not: but

your people,

I love them as they weigh.

 

Menenius (352)

Pray now, sit down.

 

Coriolanus (353)

I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun

90

When the alarum were struck than idly sit

To hear my nothings monster'd.

Exit

 

Menenius (354)

Masters of the people,

Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter--

That's thousand to one good one--when you now see

He had rather venture all his limbs for honour

Than one on's ears to hear it? Proceed, Cominius.

 

Cominius (355)

I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus

Should not be utter'd feebly. It is held

That valour is the chiefest virtue, and

100

Most dignifies the haver: if it be,

The man I speak of cannot in the world

Be singly counterpoised. At sixteen years,

When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he fought

Beyond the mark of others: our then dictator,

Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight,

When with his Amazonian chin he drove

The bristled lips before him: be bestrid

An o'er-press'd Roman and i' the consul's view

Slew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met,

110

And struck him on his knee: in that day's feats,

When he might act the woman in the scene,

He proved best man i' the field, and for his meed

Was brow-bound with the oak. His pupil age

Man-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea,

And in the brunt of seventeen battles since

He lurch'd all swords of the garland. For this last,

Before and in Corioli, let me say,

I cannot speak him home: he stopp'd the fliers;

And by his rare example made the coward

120

Turn terror into sport: as weeds before

A vessel under sail, so men obey'd

And fell below his stem: his sword, death's stamp,

Where it did mark, it took; from face to foot

He was a thing of blood, whose every motion

Was timed with dying cries: alone he enter'd

The mortal gate of the city, which he painted

With shunless destiny; aidless came off,

And with a sudden reinforcement struck

Corioli like a planet: now all's his:

130

When, by and by, the din of war gan pierce

His ready sense; then straight his doubled spirit

Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate,

And to the battle came he; where he did

Run reeking o'er the lives of men, as if

'Twere a perpetual spoil: and till we call'd

Both field and city ours, he never stood

To ease his breast with panting.

 

Menenius (356)

Worthy man!

 

First Senator (357)

He cannot but with measure fit the honours

140

Which we devise him.

 

Cominius (358)

Our spoils he kick'd at,

And look'd upon things precious as they were

The common muck of the world: he covets less

Than misery itself would give; rewards

His deeds with doing them, and is content

To spend the time to end it.

 

Menenius (359)

He's right noble:

Let him be call'd for.

 

First Senator (360)

Call Coriolanus.

 

Officer (361)

150

He doth appear.

Enter Coriolanus

 

Menenius (362)

The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleased

To make thee consul.

 

Coriolanus (363)

I do owe them still

My life and services.

 

Menenius (364)

It then remains

That you do speak to the people.

 

Coriolanus (365)

I do beseech you,

Let me o'erleap that custom, for I cannot

Put on the gown, stand naked and entreat them,

160

For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage: please you

That I may pass this doing.

 

Sicinius (366)

Sir, the people

Must have their voices; neither will they bate

One jot of ceremony.

 

Menenius (367)

Put them not to't:

Pray you, go fit you to the custom and

Take to you, as your predecessors have,

Your honour with your form.

 

Coriolanus (368)

It is apart

170

That I shall blush in acting, and might well

Be taken from the people.

 

Brutus (369)

Mark you that?

 

Coriolanus (370)

To brag unto them, thus I did, and thus;

Show them the unaching scars which I should hide,

As if I had received them for the hire

Of their breath only!

 

Menenius (371)

Do not stand upon't.

We recommend to you, tribunes of the people,

Our purpose to them: and to our noble consul

180

Wish we all joy and honour.

 

Senators (372)

To Coriolanus come all joy and honour!

Flourish of cornets. Exeunt all but Sicinius and Brutus

 

Brutus (373)

You see how he intends to use the people.

 

Sicinius (374)

May they perceive's intent! He will require them,

As if he did contemn what he requested

Should be in them to give.

 

Brutus (375)

Come, we'll inform them

Of our proceedings here: on the marketplace,

I know, they do attend us.

Exeunt

expandMe Act II. Scene III. The same. The Forum

2 - 4:    Act II. Scene III. The same. The Forum

Enter seven or eight Citizens

 

First Citizen (376)

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

 

Second Citizen (377)

We may, sir, if we will.

 

Third Citizen (378)

We have power in ourselves to do it, but it is a

power that we have no power to do; for if he show us

his wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put our

tongues into those wounds and speak for them; so, if

he tell us his noble deeds, we must also tell him

our noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is

monstrous, and for the multitude to be ingrateful,

10

were to make a monster of the multitude: of the

which we being members, should bring ourselves to be

monstrous members.

 

First Citizen (379)

And to make us no better thought of, a little help

will serve; for once we stood up about the corn, he

himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.

 

Third Citizen (380)

We have been called so of many; not that our heads

are some brown, some black, some auburn, some bald,

but that our wits are so diversely coloured: and

truly I think if all our wits were to issue out of

20

one skull, they would fly east, west, north, south,

and their consent of one direct way should be at

once to all the points o' the compass.

 

Second Citizen (381)

Think you so? Which way do you judge my wit would

fly?

 

Third Citizen (382)

Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another man's

will;'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head, but

if it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward.

 

Second Citizen (383)

Why that way?

 

Third Citizen (384)

To lose itself in a fog, where being three parts

30

melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return

for conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife.

 

Second Citizen (385)

You are never without your tricks: you may, you may.

 

Third Citizen (386)

Are you all resolved to give your voices? But

that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I

say, if he would incline to the people, there was

never a worthier man.

Enter Coriolanus in a gown of humility, with Menenius

Here he comes, and in the gown of humility: mark his

behavior. We are not to stay all together, but to

come by him where he stands, by ones, by twos, and

40

by threes. He's to make his requests by

particulars; wherein every one of us has a single

honour, in giving him our own voices with our own

tongues: therefore follow me, and I direct you how

you shall go by him.

 

All (387)

Content, content.

Exeunt Citizens

 

Menenius (388)

O sir, you are not right: have you not known

The worthiest men have done't?

 

Coriolanus (389)

What must I say?

'I Pray, sir'--Plague upon't! I cannot bring

50

My tongue to such a pace:--'Look, sir, my wounds!

I got them in my country's service, when

Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran

From the noise of our own drums.'

 

Menenius (390)

O me, the gods!

You must not speak of that: you must desire them

To think upon you.

 

Coriolanus (391)

Think upon me! hang 'em!

I would they would forget me, like the virtues

Which our divines lose by 'em.

 

Menenius (392)

60

You'll mar all:

I'll leave you: pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you,

In wholesome manner.

Exit

 

Coriolanus (393)

Bid them wash their faces

And keep their teeth clean.

Enter two of the Citizens

So, here comes a brace.

Enter a third Citizen

You know the cause, air, of my standing here.

 

Third Citizen (394)

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

 

Coriolanus (395)

Mine own desert.

 

Second Citizen (396)

Your own desert!

 

Coriolanus (397)

70

Ay, but not mine own desire.

 

Third Citizen (398)

How not your own desire?

 

Coriolanus (399)

No, sir,'twas never my desire yet to trouble the

poor with begging.

 

Third Citizen (400)

You must think, if we give you any thing, we hope to

gain by you.

 

Coriolanus (401)

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

 

First Citizen (402)

The price is to ask it kindly.

 

Coriolanus (403)

Kindly! Sir, I pray, let me ha't: I have wounds to

show you, which shall be yours in private. Your

80

good voice, sir; what say you?

 

Second Citizen (404)

You shall ha' it, worthy sir.

 

Coriolanus (405)

A match, sir. There's in all two worthy voices

begged. I have your alms: adieu.

 

Third Citizen (406)

But this is something odd.

 

Second Citizen (407)

An 'twere to give again,--but 'tis no matter.

Exeunt the three Citizens

Enter two other Citizens

 

Coriolanus (408)

Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your

voices that I may be consul, I have here the

customary gown.

 

Fourth Citizen (409)

You have deserved nobly of your country, and you

90

have not deserved nobly.

 

Coriolanus (410)

Your enigma?

 

Fourth Citizen (411)

You have been a scourge to her enemies, you have

been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed loved

the common people.

 

Coriolanus (412)

You should account me the more virtuous that I have

not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my

sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer

estimation of them; 'tis a condition they account

gentle: and since the wisdom of their choice is

100

rather to have my hat than my heart, I will practise

the insinuating nod and be off to them most

counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the

bewitchment of some popular man and give it

bountiful to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you,

I may be consul.

 

Fifth Citizen (413)

We hope to find you our friend; and therefore give

you our voices heartily.

 

Fourth Citizen (414)

You have received many wounds for your country.

 

Coriolanus (415)

I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I

110

will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no further.

 

Both Citizens (416)

The gods give you joy, sir, heartily!

Exeunt

 

Coriolanus (417)

Most sweet voices!

Better it is to die, better to starve,

Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.

Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here,

To beg of Hob and Dick, that do appear,

Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to't:

What custom wills, in all things should we do't,

The dust on antique time would lie unswept,

120

And mountainous error be too highly heapt

For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,

Let the high office and the honour go

To one that would do thus. I am half through;

The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.

Enter three Citizens more

Here come more voices.

Your voices: for your voices I have fought;

Watch'd for your voices; for Your voices bear

Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six

I have seen and heard of; for your voices have

130

Done many things, some less, some more your voices:

Indeed I would be consul.

 

Sixth Citizen (418)

He has done nobly, and cannot go without any honest

man's voice.

 

Seventh Citizen (419)

Therefore let him be consul: the gods give him joy,

and make him good friend to the people!

 

All Citizens (420)

Amen, amen. God save thee, noble consul!

Exeunt

 

Coriolanus (421)

Worthy voices!

Enter Menenius, with Brutus and Sicinius

 

Menenius (422)

You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes

Endue you with the people's voice: remains

140

That, in the official marks invested, you

Anon do meet the senate.

 

Coriolanus (423)

Is this done?

 

Sicinius (424)

The custom of request you have discharged:

The people do admit you, and are summon'd

To meet anon, upon your approbation.

 

Coriolanus (425)

Where? at the senate-house?

 

Sicinius (426)

There, Coriolanus.

 

Coriolanus (427)

May I change these garments?

 

Sicinius (428)

You may, sir.

 

Coriolanus (429)

150

That I'll straight do; and, knowing myself again,

Repair to the senate-house.

 

Menenius (430)

I'll keep you company. Will you along?

 

Brutus (431)

We stay here for the people.

 

Sicinius (432)

Fare you well.

Exeunt Coriolanus and Menenius

He has it now, and by his looks methink

'Tis warm at 's heart.

 

Brutus (433)

With a proud heart he wore his humble weeds.

will you dismiss the people?

Enter Citizens

 

Sicinius (434)

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

 

First Citizen (435)

160

He has our voices, sir.

 

Brutus (436)

We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.

 

Second Citizen (437)

Amen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice,

He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.

 

Third Citizen (438)

Certainly

He flouted us downright.

 

First Citizen (439)

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

 

Second Citizen (440)

Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says

He used us scornfully: he should have show'd us

His marks of merit, wounds received for's country.

 

Sicinius (441)

170

Why, so he did, I am sure.

 

Citizens (442)

No, no; no man saw 'em.

 

Third Citizen (443)

He said he had wounds, which he could show

in private;

And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn,

'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom,

But by your voices, will not so permit me;

Your voices therefore.' When we granted that,

Here was 'I thank you for your voices: thank you:

Your most sweet voices: now you have left

180

your voices,

I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?

 

Sicinius (444)

Why either were you ignorant to see't,

Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness

To yield your voices?

 

Brutus (445)

Could you not have told him

As you were lesson'd, when he had no power,

But was a petty servant to the state,

He was your enemy, ever spake against

Your liberties and the charters that you bear

190

I' the body of the weal; and now, arriving

A place of potency and sway o' the state,

If he should still malignantly remain

Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might

Be curses to yourselves? You should have said

That as his worthy deeds did claim no less

Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature

Would think upon you for your voices and

Translate his malice towards you into love,

Standing your friendly lord.

 

Sicinius (446)

200

Thus to have said,

As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit

And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd

Either his gracious promise, which you might,

As cause had call'd you up, have held him to

Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature,

Which easily endures not article

Tying him to aught; so putting him to rage,

You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler

And pass'd him unelected.

 

Brutus (447)

210

Did you perceive

He did solicit you in free contempt

When he did need your loves, and do you think

That his contempt shall not be bruising to you,

When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies

No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry

Against the rectorship of judgment?

 

Sicinius (448)

Have you

Ere now denied the asker? and now again

Of him that did not ask, but mock, bestow

220

Your sued-for tongues?

 

Third Citizen (449)

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

 

Second Citizen (450)

And will deny him:

I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.

 

First Citizen (451)

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

 

Brutus (452)

Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends,

They have chose a consul that will from them take

Their liberties; make them of no more voice

Than dogs that are as often beat for barking

As therefore kept to do so.

 

Sicinius (453)

230

Let them assemble,

And on a safer judgment all revoke

Your ignorant election; enforce his pride,

And his old hate unto you; besides, forget not

With what contempt he wore the humble weed,

How in his suit he scorn'd you; but your loves,

Thinking upon his services, took from you

The apprehension of his present portance,

Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion

After the inveterate hate he bears you.

 

Brutus (454)

240

Lay

A fault on us, your tribunes; that we laboured,

No impediment between, but that you must

Cast your election on him.

 

Sicinius (455)

Say, you chose him

More after our commandment than as guided

By your own true affections, and that your minds,

Preoccupied with what you rather must do

Than what you should, made you against the grain

To voice him consul: lay the fault on us.

 

Brutus (456)

250

Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you.

How youngly he began to serve his country,

How long continued, and what stock he springs of,

The noble house o' the Marcians, from whence came

That Ancus Marcius, Numa's daughter's son,

Who, after great Hostilius, here was king;

Of the same house Publius and Quintus were,

That our beat water brought by conduits hither;

And [Censorinus,] nobly named so,

Twice being [by the people chosen] censor,

260

Was his great ancestor.

 

Sicinius (457)

One thus descended,

That hath beside well in his person wrought

To be set high in place, we did commend

To your remembrances: but you have found,

Scaling his present bearing with his past,

That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke

Your sudden approbation.

 

Brutus (458)

Say, you ne'er had done't--

Harp on that still--but by our putting on;

270

And presently, when you have drawn your number,

Repair to the Capitol.

 

All (459)

We will so: almost all

Repent in their election.

Exeunt Citizens

 

Brutus (460)

Let them go on;

This mutiny were better put in hazard,

Than stay, past doubt, for greater:

If, as his nature is, he fall in rage

With their refusal, both observe and answer

The vantage of his anger.

 

Sicinius (461)

280

To the Capitol, come:

We will be there before the stream o' the people;

And this shall seem, as partly 'tis, their own,

Which we have goaded onward.

Exeunt

expandMe Act III.

expandMe Act III. Scene I. Rome. A street

3 - 1:    Act III. Scene I. Rome. A street

Cornets. Enter Coriolanus, Menenius, all the Gentry, Cominius, Titus Lartius, and other Senators

 

Coriolanus (462)

Tullus Aufidius then had made new head?

 

Lartius (463)

He had, my lord; and that it was which caused

Our swifter composition.

 

Coriolanus (464)

So then the Volsces stand but as at first,

Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road.

Upon's again.

 

Cominius (465)

They are worn, lord consul, so,

That we shall hardly in our ages see

Their banners wave again.

 

Coriolanus (466)

10

Saw you Aufidius?

 

Lartius (467)

On safe-guard he came to me; and did curse

Against the Volsces, for they had so vilely

Yielded the town: he is retired to Antium.

 

Coriolanus (468)

Spoke he of me?

 

Lartius (469)

He did, my lord.

 

Coriolanus (470)

How? what?

 

Lartius (471)

How often he had met you, sword to sword;

That of all things upon the earth he hated

Your person most, that he would pawn his fortunes

20

To hopeless restitution, so he might

Be call'd your vanquisher.

 

Coriolanus (472)

At Antium lives he?

 

Lartius (473)

At Antium.

 

Coriolanus (474)

I wish I had a cause to seek him there,

To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.

Enter Sicinius and Brutus

Behold, these are the tribunes of the people,

The tongues o' the common mouth: I do despise them;

For they do prank them in authority,

Against all noble sufferance.

 

Sicinius (475)

30

Pass no further.

 

Coriolanus (476)

Ha! what is that?

 

Brutus (477)

It will be dangerous to go on: no further.

 

Coriolanus (478)

What makes this change?

 

Menenius (479)

The matter?

 

Cominius (480)

Hath he not pass'd the noble and the common?

 

Brutus (481)

Cominius, no.

 

Coriolanus (482)

Have I had children's voices?

 

First Senator (483)

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

 

Brutus (484)

The people are incensed against him.

 

Sicinius (485)

40

Stop,

Or all will fall in broil.

 

Coriolanus (486)

Are these your herd?

Must these have voices, that can yield them now

And straight disclaim their tongues? What are

your offices?

You being their mouths, why rule you not their teeth?

Have you not set them on?

 

Menenius (487)

Be calm, be calm.

 

Coriolanus (488)

It is a purposed thing, and grows by plot,

50

To curb the will of the nobility:

Suffer't, and live with such as cannot rule

Nor ever will be ruled.

 

Brutus (489)

Call't not a plot:

The people cry you mock'd them, and of late,

When corn was given them gratis, you repined;

Scandal'd the suppliants for the people, call'd them

Time-pleasers, flatterers, foes to nobleness.

 

Coriolanus (490)

Why, this was known before.

 

Brutus (491)

Not to them all.

 

Coriolanus (492)

60

Have you inform'd them sithence?

 

Brutus (493)

How! I inform them!

 

Coriolanus (494)

You are like to do such business.

 

Brutus (495)

Not unlike,

Each way, to better yours.

 

Coriolanus (496)

Why then should I be consul? By yond clouds,

Let me deserve so ill as you, and make me

Your fellow tribune.

 

Sicinius (497)

You show too much of that

For which the people stir: if you will pass

70

To where you are bound, you must inquire your way,

Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit,

Or never be so noble as a consul,

Nor yoke with him for tribune.

 

Menenius (498)

Let's be calm.

 

Cominius (499)

The people are abused; set on. This paltering

Becomes not Rome, nor has Coriolanus

Deserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falsely

I' the plain way of his merit.

 

Coriolanus (500)

Tell me of corn!

80

This was my speech, and I will speak't again--

 

Menenius (501)

Not now, not now.

 

First Senator (502)

Not in this heat, sir, now.

 

Coriolanus (503)

Now, as I live, I will. My nobler friends,

I crave their pardons:

For the mutable, rank-scented many, let them

Regard me as I do not flatter, and

Therein behold themselves: I say again,

In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate

The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition,

90

Which we ourselves have plough'd for, sow'd,

and scatter'd,

By mingling them with us, the honour'd number,

Who lack not virtue, no, nor power, but that

Which they have given to beggars.

 

Menenius (504)

Well, no more.

 

First Senator (505)

No more words, we beseech you.

 

Coriolanus (506)

How! no more!

As for my country I have shed my blood,

Not fearing outward force, so shall my lungs

100

Coin words till their decay against those measles,

Which we disdain should tatter us, yet sought

The very way to catch them.

 

Brutus (507)

You speak o' the people,

As if you were a god to punish, not

A man of their infirmity.

 

Sicinius (508)

'Twere well

We let the people know't.

 

Menenius (509)

What, what? his choler?

 

Coriolanus (510)

Choler!

110

Were I as patient as the midnight sleep,

By Jove, 'twould be my mind!

 

Sicinius (511)

It is a mind

That shall remain a poison where it is,

Not poison any further.

 

Coriolanus (512)

Shall remain!

Hear you this Triton of the minnows? mark you

His absolute 'shall'?

 

Cominius (513)

'Twas from the canon.

 

Coriolanus (514)

'Shall'!

120

O good but most unwise patricians! why,

You grave but reckless senators, have you thus

Given Hydra here to choose an officer,

That with his peremptory 'shall,' being but

The horn and noise o' the monster's, wants not spirit

To say he'll turn your current in a ditch,

And make your channel his? If he have power

Then vail your ignorance; if none, awake

Your dangerous lenity. If you are learn'd,

Be not as common fools; if you are not,

130

Let them have cushions by you. You are plebeians,

If they be senators: and they are no less,

When, both your voices blended, the great'st taste

Most palates theirs. They choose their magistrate,

And such a one as he, who puts his 'shall,'

His popular 'shall' against a graver bench

Than ever frown in Greece. By Jove himself!

It makes the consuls base: and my soul aches

To know, when two authorities are up,

Neither supreme, how soon confusion

140

May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take

The one by the other.

 

Cominius (515)

Well, on to the market-place.

 

Coriolanus (516)

Whoever gave that counsel, to give forth

The corn o' the storehouse gratis, as 'twas used

Sometime in Greece,--

 

Menenius (517)

Well, well, no more of that.

 

Coriolanus (518)

Though there the people had more absolute power,

I say, they nourish'd disobedience, fed

The ruin of the state.

 

Brutus (519)

150

Why, shall the people give

One that speaks thus their voice?

 

Coriolanus (520)

I'll give my reasons,

More worthier than their voices. They know the corn

Was not our recompense, resting well assured

That ne'er did service for't: being press'd to the war,

Even when the navel of the state was touch'd,

They would not thread the gates. This kind of service

Did not deserve corn gratis. Being i' the war

Their mutinies and revolts, wherein they show'd

160

Most valour, spoke not for them: the accusation

Which they have often made against the senate,

All cause unborn, could never be the motive

Of our so frank donation. Well, what then?

How shall this bisson multitude digest

The senate's courtesy? Let deeds express

What's like to be their words: 'we did request it;

We are the greater poll, and in true fear

They gave us our demands.' Thus we debase

The nature of our seats and make the rabble

170

Call our cares fears; which will in time

Break ope the locks o' the senate and bring in

The crows to peck the eagles.

 

Menenius (521)

Come, enough.

 

Brutus (522)

Enough, with over-measure.

 

Coriolanus (523)

No, take more:

What may be sworn by, both divine and human,

Seal what I end withal! This double worship,

Where one part does disdain with cause, the other

Insult without all reason, where gentry, title, wisdom,

180

Cannot conclude but by the yea and no

Of general ignorance,--it must omit

Real necessities, and give way the while

To unstable slightness: purpose so barr'd,

it follows,

Nothing is done to purpose. Therefore, beseech you,--

You that will be less fearful than discreet,

That love the fundamental part of state

More than you doubt the change on't, that prefer

A noble life before a long, and wish

190

To jump a body with a dangerous physic

That's sure of death without it, at once pluck out

The multitudinous tongue; let them not lick

The sweet which is their poison: your dishonour

Mangles true judgment and bereaves the state

Of that integrity which should become't,

Not having the power to do the good it would,

For the in which doth control't.

 

Brutus (524)

Has said enough.

 

Sicinius (525)

Has spoken like a traitor, and shall answer

200

As traitors do.

 

Coriolanus (526)

Thou wretch, despite o'erwhelm thee!

What should the people do with these bald tribunes?

On whom depending, their obedience fails

To the greater bench: in a rebellion,

When what's not meet, but what must be, was law,

Then were they chosen: in a better hour,

Let what is meet be said it must be meet,

And throw their power i' the dust.

 

Brutus (527)

Manifest treason!

 

Sicinius (528)

210

This a consul? no.

 

Brutus (529)

The aediles, ho!

Enter an Aedile

Let him be apprehended.

 

Sicinius (530)

Go, call the people:

Exit Aedile

in whose name myself

Attach thee as a traitorous innovator,

A foe to the public weal: obey, I charge thee,

And follow to thine answer.

 

Coriolanus (531)

Hence, old goat!

Senators, & C We'll surety him.

 

Cominius (532)

220

Aged sir, hands off.

 

Coriolanus (533)

Hence, rotten thing! or I shall shake thy bones

Out of thy garments.

 

Sicinius (534)

Help, ye citizens!

Enter a rabble of Citizens (Plebeians), with the Aediles

 

Menenius (535)

On both sides more respect.

 

Sicinius (536)

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

 

Brutus (537)

Seize him, Aediles!

 

Citizens (538)

Down with him! down with him!

Senators, & C Weapons, weapons, weapons!

They all bustle about Coriolanus, crying

'Tribunes!' 'Patricians!' 'Citizens!' 'What, ho!'

230

'Sicinius!' 'Brutus!' 'Coriolanus!' 'Citizens!'

'Peace, peace, peace!' 'Stay, hold, peace!'

 

Menenius (539)

What is about to be? I am out of breath;

Confusion's near; I cannot speak. You, tribunes

To the people! Coriolanus, patience!

Speak, good Sicinius.

 

Sicinius (540)

Hear me, people; peace!

 

Citizens (541)

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

 

Sicinius (542)

You are at point to lose your liberties:

Marcius would have all from you; Marcius,

240

Whom late you have named for consul.

 

Menenius (543)

Fie, fie, fie!

This is the way to kindle, not to quench.

 

First Senator (544)

To unbuild the city and to lay all flat.

 

Sicinius (545)

What is the city but the people?

 

Citizens (546)

True,

The people are the city.

 

Brutus (547)

By the consent of all, we were establish'd

The people's magistrates.

 

Citizens (548)

You so remain.

 

Menenius (549)

250

And so are like to do.

 

Cominius (550)

That is the way to lay the city flat;

To bring the roof to the foundation,

And bury all, which yet distinctly ranges,

In heaps and piles of ruin.

 

Sicinius (551)

This deserves death.

 

Brutus (552)

Or let us stand to our authority,

Or let us lose it. We do here pronounce,

Upon the part o' the people, in whose power

We were elected theirs, Marcius is worthy

260

Of present death.

 

Sicinius (553)

Therefore lay hold of him;

Bear him to the rock Tarpeian, and from thence

Into destruction cast him.

 

Brutus (554)

Aediles, seize him!

 

Citizens (555)

Yield, Marcius, yield!

 

Menenius (556)

Hear me one word;

Beseech you, tribunes, hear me but a word.

 

Aedile (557)

Peace, peace!

 

Menenius (558)

[To Brutus] Be that you seem, truly your

270

country's friend,

And temperately proceed to what you would

Thus violently redress.

 

Brutus (559)

Sir, those cold ways,

That seem like prudent helps, are very poisonous

Where the disease is violent. Lay hands upon him,

And bear him to the rock.

 

Coriolanus (560)

No, I'll die here.

Drawing his sword

There's some among you have beheld me fighting:

Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.

 

Menenius (561)

280

Down with that sword! Tribunes, withdraw awhile.

 

Brutus (562)

Lay hands upon him.

 

Cominius (563)

Help Marcius, help,

You that be noble; help him, young and old!

 

Citizens (564)

Down with him, down with him!

In this mutiny, the Tribunes, the Aediles, and the People, are beat in

 

Menenius (565)

Go, get you to your house; be gone, away!

All will be naught else.

 

Second Senator (566)

Get you gone.

 

Cominius (567)

Stand fast;

We have as many friends as enemies.

 

Menenius (568)

290

Sham it be put to that?

 

First Senator (569)

The gods forbid!

I prithee, noble friend, home to thy house;

Leave us to cure this cause.

 

Menenius (570)

For 'tis a sore upon us,

You cannot tent yourself: be gone, beseech you.

 

Cominius (571)

Come, sir, along with us.

 

Coriolanus (572)

I would they were barbarians--as they are,

Though in Rome litter'd--not Romans--as they are not,

Though calved i' the porch o' the Capitol--

 

Menenius (573)

300

Be gone;

Put not your worthy rage into your tongue;

One time will owe another.

 

Coriolanus (574)

On fair ground

I could beat forty of them.

 

Cominius (575)

I could myself

Take up a brace o' the best of them; yea, the

two tribunes:

But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic;

And manhood is call'd foolery, when it stands

310

Against a falling fabric. Will you hence,

Before the tag return? whose rage doth rend

Like interrupted waters and o'erbear

What they are used to bear.

 

Menenius (576)

Pray you, be gone:

I'll try whether my old wit be in request

With those that have but little: this must be patch'd

With cloth of any colour.

 

Cominius (577)

Nay, come away.

Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, and others

 

A Patrician (578)

This man has marr'd his fortune.

 

Menenius (579)

320

His nature is too noble for the world:

He would not flatter Neptune for his trident,

Or Jove for's power to thunder. His heart's his mouth:

What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent;

And, being angry, does forget that ever

He heard the name of death.

A noise within

Here's goodly work!

 

Second Patrician (580)

I would they were abed!

 

Menenius (581)

I would they were in Tiber! What the vengeance!

Could he not speak 'em fair?

Enter Brutus and Sicinius, with the rabble

 

Sicinius (582)

330

Where is this viper

That would depopulate the city and

Be every man himself?

 

Menenius (583)

You worthy tribunes,--

 

Sicinius (584)

He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock

With rigorous hands: he hath resisted law,

And therefore law shall scorn him further trial

Than the severity of the public power

Which he so sets at nought.

 

First Citizen (585)

He shall well know

340

The noble tribunes are the people's mouths,

And we their hands.

 

Citizens (586)

He shall, sure on't.

 

Menenius (587)

Sir, sir,--

 

Sicinius (588)

Peace!

 

Menenius (589)

Do not cry havoc, where you should but hunt

With modest warrant.

 

Sicinius (590)

Sir, how comes't that you

Have holp to make this rescue?

 

Menenius (591)

Hear me speak:

350

As I do know the consul's worthiness,

So can I name his faults,--

 

Sicinius (592)

Consul! what consul?

 

Menenius (593)

The consul Coriolanus.

 

Brutus (594)

He consul!

 

Citizens (595)

No, no, no, no, no.

 

Menenius (596)

If, by the tribunes' leave, and yours, good people,

I may be heard, I would crave a word or two;

The which shall turn you to no further harm

Than so much loss of time.

 

Sicinius (597)

360

Speak briefly then;

For we are peremptory to dispatch

This viperous traitor: to eject him hence

Were but one danger, and to keep him here

Our certain death: therefore it is decreed

He dies today.

 

Menenius (598)

Now the good gods forbid

That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude

Towards her deserved children is enroll'd

In Jove's own book, like an unnatural dam

370

Should now eat up her own!

 

Sicinius (599)

He's a disease that must be cut away.

 

Menenius (600)

O, he's a limb that has but a disease;

Mortal, to cut it off; to cure it, easy.

What has he done to Rome that's worthy death?

Killing our enemies, the blood he hath lost--

Which, I dare vouch, is more than that he hath,

By many an ounce--he dropp'd it for his country;

And what is left, to lose it by his country,

Were to us all, that do't and suffer it,

380

A brand to the end o' the world.

 

Sicinius (601)

This is clean kam.

 

Brutus (602)

Merely awry: when he did love his country,

It honour'd him.

 

Menenius (603)

The service of the foot

Being once gangrened, is not then respected

For what before it was.

 

Brutus (604)

We'll hear no more.

Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence:

Lest his infection, being of catching nature,

390

Spread further.

 

Menenius (605)

One word more, one word.

This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find

The harm of unscann'd swiftness, will too late

Tie leaden pounds to's heels. Proceed by process;

Lest parties, as he is beloved, break out,

And sack great Rome with Romans.

 

Brutus (606)

If it were so,--

 

Sicinius (607)

What do ye talk?

Have we not had a taste of his obedience?

400

Our aediles smote? ourselves resisted? Come.

 

Menenius (608)

Consider this: he has been bred i' the wars

Since he could draw a sword, and is ill school'd

In bolted language; meal and bran together

He throws without distinction. Give me leave,

I'll go to him, and undertake to bring him

Where he shall answer, by a lawful form,

In peace, to his utmost peril.

 

First Senator (609)

Noble tribunes,

It is the humane way: the other course

410

Will prove too bloody, and the end of it

Unknown to the beginning.

 

Sicinius (610)

Noble Menenius,

Be you then as the people's officer.

Masters, lay down your weapons.

 

Brutus (611)

Go not home.

 

Sicinius (612)

Meet on the market-place. We'll attend you there:

Where, if you bring not Marcius, we'll proceed

In our first way.

 

Menenius (613)

I'll bring him to you.

To the Senators

420

Let me desire your company: he must come,

Or what is worst will follow.

 

First Senator (614)

Pray you, let's to him.

Exeunt

expandMe Act III. Scene II. A room in Coriolanus's house

3 - 2:    Act III. Scene II. A room in Coriolanus'S house

Enter Coriolanus with Patricians

 

Coriolanus (615)

Let them puff all about mine ears, present me

Death on the wheel or at wild horses' heels,

Or pile ten hills on the Tarpeian rock,

That the precipitation might down stretch

Below the beam of sight, yet will I still

Be thus to them.

 

A Patrician (616)

You do the nobler.

 

Coriolanus (617)

I muse my mother

Does not approve me further, who was wont

10

To call them woollen vassals, things created

To buy and sell with groats, to show bare heads

In congregations, to yawn, be still and wonder,

When one but of my ordinance stood up

To speak of peace or war.

Enter Volumnia

I talk of you:

Why did you wish me milder? would you have me

False to my nature? Rather say I play

The man I am.

 

Volumnia (618)

O, sir, sir, sir,

20

I would have had you put your power well on,

Before you had worn it out.

 

Coriolanus (619)

Let go.

 

Volumnia (620)

You might have been enough the man you are,

With striving less to be so; lesser had been

The thwartings of your dispositions, if

You had not show'd them how ye were disposed

Ere they lack'd power to cross you.

 

Coriolanus (621)

Let them hang.

 

A Patrician (622)

Ay, and burn too.

Enter Menenius and Senators

 

Menenius (623)

30

Come, come, you have been too rough, something

too rough;

You must return and mend it.

 

First Senator (624)

There's no remedy;

Unless, by not so doing, our good city

Cleave in the midst, and perish.

 

Volumnia (625)

Pray, be counsell'd:

I have a heart as little apt as yours,

But yet a brain that leads my use of anger

To better vantage.

 

Menenius (626)

40

Well said, noble woman?

Before he should thus stoop to the herd, but that

The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic

For the whole state, I would put mine armour on,

Which I can scarcely bear.

 

Coriolanus (627)

What must I do?

 

Menenius (628)

Return to the tribunes.

 

Coriolanus (629)

Well, what then? what then?

 

Menenius (630)

Repent what you have spoke.

 

Coriolanus (631)

For them! I cannot do it to the gods;

50

Must I then do't to them?

 

Volumnia (632)

You are too absolute;

Though therein you can never be too noble,

But when extremities speak. I have heard you say,

Honour and policy, like unsever'd friends,

I' the war do grow together: grant that, and tell me,

In peace what each of them by the other lose,

That they combine not there.

 

Coriolanus (633)

Tush, tush!

 

Menenius (634)

A good demand.

 

Volumnia (635)

60

If it be honour in your wars to seem

The same you are not, which, for your best ends,

You adopt your policy, how is it less or worse,

That it shall hold companionship in peace

With honour, as in war, since that to both

It stands in like request?

 

Coriolanus (636)

Why force you this?

 

Volumnia (637)

Because that now it lies you on to speak

To the people; not by your own instruction,

Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you,

70

But with such words that are but rooted in

Your tongue, though but bastards and syllables

Of no allowance to your bosom's truth.

Now, this no more dishonours you at all

Than to take in a town with gentle words,

Which else would put you to your fortune and

The hazard of much blood.

I would dissemble with my nature where

My fortunes and my friends at stake required

I should do so in honour: I am in this,

80

Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;

And you will rather show our general louts

How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em,

For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard

Of what that want might ruin.

 

Menenius (638)

Noble lady!

Come, go with us; speak fair: you may salve so,

Not what is dangerous present, but the loss

Of what is past.

 

Volumnia (639)

I prithee now, my son,

90

Go to them, with this bonnet in thy hand;

And thus far having stretch'd it--here be with them--

Thy knee bussing the stones--for in such business

Action is eloquence, and the eyes of the ignorant

More learned than the ears--waving thy head,

Which often, thus, correcting thy stout heart,

Now humble as the ripest mulberry

That will not hold the handling: or say to them,

Thou art their soldier, and being bred in broils

Hast not the soft way which, thou dost confess,

100

Were fit for thee to use as they to claim,

In asking their good loves, but thou wilt frame

Thyself, forsooth, hereafter theirs, so far

As thou hast power and person.

 

Menenius (640)

This but done,

Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours;

For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free

As words to little purpose.

 

Volumnia (641)

Prithee now,

Go, and be ruled: although I know thou hadst rather

110

Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf

Than flatter him in a bower. Here is Cominius.

Enter Cominius

 

Cominius (642)

I have been i' the market-place; and, sir,'tis fit

You make strong party, or defend yourself

By calmness or by absence: all's in anger.

 

Menenius (643)

Only fair speech.

 

Cominius (644)

I think 'twill serve, if he

Can thereto frame his spirit.

 

Volumnia (645)

He must, and will

Prithee now, say you will, and go about it.

 

Coriolanus (646)

120

Must I go show them my unbarbed sconce?

Must I with base tongue give my noble heart

A lie that it must bear? Well, I will do't:

Yet, were there but this single plot to lose,

This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it

And throw't against the wind. To the market-place!

You have put me now to such a part which never

I shall discharge to the life.

 

Cominius (647)

Come, come, we'll prompt you.

 

Volumnia (648)

I prithee now, sweet son, as thou hast said

130

My praises made thee first a soldier, so,

To have my praise for this, perform a part

Thou hast not done before.

 

Coriolanus (649)

Well, I must do't:

Away, my disposition, and possess me

Some harlot's spirit! my throat of war be turn'd,

Which quired with my drum, into a pipe

Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice

That babies lulls asleep! the smiles of knaves

Tent in my cheeks, and schoolboys' tears take up

140

The glasses of my sight! a beggar's tongue

Make motion through my lips, and my arm'd knees,

Who bow'd but in my stirrup, bend like his

That hath received an alms! I will not do't,

Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth

And by my body's action teach my mind

A most inherent baseness.

 

Volumnia (650)

At thy choice, then:

To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour

Than thou of them. Come all to ruin; let

150

Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear

Thy dangerous stoutness, for I mock at death

With as big heart as thou. Do as thou list

Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me,

But owe thy pride thyself.

 

Coriolanus (651)

Pray, be content:

Mother, I am going to the market-place;

Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves,

Cog their hearts from them, and come home beloved

Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going:

160

Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul;

Or never trust to what my tongue can do

I' the way of flattery further.

 

Volumnia (652)

Do your will.

Exit

 

Cominius (653)

Away! the tribunes do attend you: arm yourself

To answer mildly; for they are prepared

With accusations, as I hear, more strong

Than are upon you yet.

 

Coriolanus (654)

The word is 'mildly.' Pray you, let us go:

Let them accuse me by invention, I

170

Will answer in mine honour.

 

Menenius (655)

Ay, but mildly.

 

Coriolanus (656)

Well, mildly be it then. Mildly!

Exeunt

expandMe Act III. Scene III. The same. The Forum

3 - 3:    Act III. Scene III. The same. The Forum

Enter Sicinius and Brutus

 

Brutus (657)

In this point charge him home, that he affects

Tyrannical power: if he evade us there,

Enforce him with his envy to the people,

And that the spoil got on the Antiates

Was ne'er distributed.

Enter an Aedile

What, will he come?

 

Aedile (658)

He's coming.

 

Brutus (659)

How accompanied?

 

Aedile (660)

With old Menenius, and those senators

10

That always favour'd him.

 

Sicinius (661)

Have you a catalogue

Of all the voices that we have procured

Set down by the poll?

 

Aedile (662)

I have; 'tis ready.

 

Sicinius (663)

Have you collected them by tribes?

 

Aedile (664)

I have.

 

Sicinius (665)

Assemble presently the people hither;

And when they bear me say 'It shall be so

I' the right and strength o' the commons,' be it either

20

For death, for fine, or banishment, then let them

If I say fine, cry 'Fine;' if death, cry 'Death.'

Insisting on the old prerogative

And power i' the truth o' the cause.

 

Aedile (666)

I shall inform them.

 

Brutus (667)

And when such time they have begun to cry,

Let them not cease, but with a din confused

Enforce the present execution

Of what we chance to sentence.

 

Aedile (668)

Very well.

 

Sicinius (669)

30

Make them be strong and ready for this hint,

When we shall hap to give 't them.

 

Brutus (670)

Go about it.

Exit Aedile

Put him to choler straight: he hath been used

Ever to conquer, and to have his worth

Of contradiction: being once chafed, he cannot

Be rein'd again to temperance; then he speaks

What's in his heart; and that is there which looks

With us to break his neck.

 

Sicinius (671)

Well, here he comes.

Enter Coriolanus, Menenius, and Cominius, with Senators and Patricians

 

Menenius (672)

40

Calmly, I do beseech you.

 

Coriolanus (673)

Ay, as an ostler, that for the poorest piece

Will bear the knave by the volume. The honour'd gods

Keep Rome in safety, and the chairs of justice

Supplied with worthy men! plant love among 's!

Throng our large temples with the shows of peace,

And not our streets with war!

 

First Senator (674)

Amen, amen.

 

Menenius (675)

A noble wish.

Enter Aedile, with Citizens

 

Sicinius (676)

Draw near, ye people.

 

Aedile (677)

50

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

 

Coriolanus (678)

First, hear me speak.

 

Both Tribunes (679)

Well, say. Peace, ho!

 

Coriolanus (680)

Shall I be charged no further than this present?

Must all determine here?

 

Sicinius (681)

I do demand,

If you submit you to the people's voices,

Allow their officers and are content

To suffer lawful censure for such faults

As shall be proved upon you?

 

Coriolanus (682)

60

I am content.

 

Menenius (683)

Lo, citizens, he says he is content:

The warlike service he has done, consider; think

Upon the wounds his body bears, which show

Like graves i' the holy churchyard.

 

Coriolanus (684)

Scratches with briers,

Scars to move laughter only.

 

Menenius (685)

Consider further,

That when he speaks not like a citizen,

You find him like a soldier: do not take

70

His rougher accents for malicious sounds,

But, as I say, such as become a soldier,

Rather than envy you.

 

Cominius (686)

Well, well, no more.

 

Coriolanus (687)

What is the matter

That being pass'd for consul with full voice,

I am so dishonour'd that the very hour

You take it off again?

 

Sicinius (688)

Answer to us.

 

Coriolanus (689)

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

 

Sicinius (690)

80

We charge you, that you have contrived to take

From Rome all season'd office and to wind

Yourself into a power tyrannical;

For which you are a traitor to the people.

 

Coriolanus (691)

How! traitor!

 

Menenius (692)

Nay, temperately; your promise.

 

Coriolanus (693)

The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people!

Call me their traitor! Thou injurious tribune!

Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths,

In thy hand clutch'd as many millions, in

90

Thy lying tongue both numbers, I would say

'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free

As I do pray the gods.

 

Sicinius (694)

Mark you this, people?

 

Citizens (695)

To the rock, to the rock with him!

 

Sicinius (696)

Peace!

We need not put new matter to his charge:

What you have seen him do and heard him speak,

Beating your officers, cursing yourselves,

Opposing laws with strokes and here defying

100

Those whose great power must try him; even this,

So criminal and in such capital kind,

Deserves the extremest death.

 

Brutus (697)

But since he hath

Served well for Rome,--

 

Coriolanus (698)

What do you prate of service?

 

Brutus (699)

I talk of that, that know it.

 

Coriolanus (700)

You?

 

Menenius (701)

Is this the promise that you made your mother?

 

Cominius (702)

Know, I pray you,--

 

Coriolanus (703)

110

I know no further:

Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death,

Vagabond exile, raying, pent to linger

But with a grain a day, I would not buy

Their mercy at the price of one fair word;

Nor cheque my courage for what they can give,

To have't with saying 'Good morrow.'

 

Sicinius (704)

For that he has,

As much as in him lies, from time to time

Envied against the people, seeking means

120

To pluck away their power, as now at last

Given hostile strokes, and that not in the presence

Of dreaded justice, but on the ministers

That do distribute it; in the name o' the people

And in the power of us the tribunes, we,

Even from this instant, banish him our city,

In peril of precipitation

From off the rock Tarpeian never more

To enter our Rome gates: i' the people's name,

I say it shall be so.

 

Citizens (705)

130

It shall be so, it shall be so; let him away:

He's banish'd, and it shall be so.

 

Cominius (706)

Hear me, my masters, and my common friends,--

 

Sicinius (707)

He's sentenced; no more hearing.

 

Cominius (708)

Let me speak:

I have been consul, and can show for Rome

Her enemies' marks upon me. I do love

My country's good with a respect more tender,

More holy and profound, than mine own life,

My dear wife's estimate, her womb's increase,

140

And treasure of my loins; then if I would

Speak that,--

 

Sicinius (709)

We know your drift: speak what?

 

Brutus (710)

There's no more to be said, but he is banish'd,

As enemy to the people and his country:

It shall be so.

 

Citizens (711)

It shall be so, it shall be so.

 

Coriolanus (712)

You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate

As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize

As the dead carcasses of unburied men

150

That do corrupt my air, I banish you;

And here remain with your uncertainty!

Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts!

Your enemies, with nodding of their plumes,

Fan you into despair! Have the power still

To banish your defenders; till at length

Your ignorance, which finds not till it feels,

Making not reservation of yourselves,

Still your own foes, deliver you as most

Abated captives to some nation

160

That won you without blows! Despising,

For you, the city, thus I turn my back:

There is a world elsewhere.

Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, Menenius, Senators, and Patricians

 

Aedile (713)

The people's enemy is gone, is gone!

 

Citizens (714)

Our enemy is banish'd! he is gone! Hoo! hoo!

Shouting, and throwing up their caps

 

Sicinius (715)

Go, see him out at gates, and follow him,

As he hath followed you, with all despite;

Give him deserved vexation. Let a guard

Attend us through the city.

 

Citizens (716)

Come, come; let's see him out at gates; come.

170

The gods preserve our noble tribunes! Come.

Exeunt

expandMe Act IV.

expandMe Act IV. Scene I. Rome. Before a gate of the city

4 - 1:    Act IV. Scene I. Rome. Before a gate of the city

Enter Coriolanus, Volumnia, Virgilia, Menenius, Cominius, with the young Nobility of Rome

 

Coriolanus (717)

Come, leave your tears: a brief farewell: the beast

With many heads butts me away. Nay, mother,

Where is your ancient courage? you were used

To say extremity was the trier of spirits;

That common chances common men could bear;

That when the sea was calm all boats alike

Show'd mastership in floating; fortune's blows,

When most struck home, being gentle wounded, craves

A noble cunning: you were used to load me

10

With precepts that would make invincible

The heart that conn'd them.

 

Virgilia (718)

O heavens! O heavens!

 

Coriolanus (719)

Nay! prithee, woman,--

 

Volumnia (720)

Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome,

And occupations perish!

 

Coriolanus (721)

What, what, what!

I shall be loved when I am lack'd. Nay, mother.

Resume that spirit, when you were wont to say,

If you had been the wife of Hercules,

20

Six of his labours you'ld have done, and saved

Your husband so much sweat. Cominius,

Droop not; adieu. Farewell, my wife, my mother:

I'll do well yet. Thou old and true Menenius,

Thy tears are salter than a younger man's,

And venomous to thine eyes. My sometime general,

I have seen thee stem, and thou hast oft beheld

Heart-hardening spectacles; tell these sad women

'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes,

As 'tis to laugh at 'em. My mother, you wot well

30

My hazards still have been your solace: and

Believe't not lightly--though I go alone,

Like to a lonely dragon, that his fen

Makes fear'd and talk'd of more than seen--your son

Will or exceed the common or be caught

With cautelous baits and practise.

 

Volumnia (722)

My first son.

Whither wilt thou go? Take good Cominius

With thee awhile: determine on some course,

More than a wild exposture to each chance

40

That starts i' the way before thee.

 

Coriolanus (723)

O the gods!

 

Cominius (724)

I'll follow thee a month, devise with thee

Where thou shalt rest, that thou mayst hear of us

And we of thee: so if the time thrust forth

A cause for thy repeal, we shall not send

O'er the vast world to seek a single man,

And lose advantage, which doth ever cool

I' the absence of the needer.

 

Coriolanus (725)

Fare ye well:

50

Thou hast years upon thee; and thou art too full

Of the wars' surfeits, to go rove with one

That's yet unbruised: bring me but out at gate.

Come, my sweet wife, my dearest mother, and

My friends of noble touch, when I am forth,

Bid me farewell, and smile. I pray you, come.

While I remain above the ground, you shall

Hear from me still, and never of me aught

But what is like me formerly.

 

Menenius (726)

That's worthily

60

As any ear can hear. Come, let's not weep.

If I could shake off but one seven years

From these old arms and legs, by the good gods,

I'ld with thee every foot.

 

Coriolanus (727)

Give me thy hand: Come.

Exeunt

expandMe Act IV. Scene II. The same. A street near the gate

4 - 2:    Act IV. Scene II. The same. A street near the gate

Enter Sicinius, Brutus, and an Aedile

 

Sicinius (728)

Bid them all home; he's gone, and we'll no further.

The nobility are vex'd, whom we see have sided

In his behalf.

 

Brutus (729)

Now we have shown our power,

Let us seem humbler after it is done

Than when it was a-doing.