Val. A my word the Fathers Sonne: Ile sweare 'tis a very pretty boy. A my troth, I look'd vpon him a Wensday halfe an houre together: ha's such a confirm'd countenance. I saw him run after a gilded Butterfly, & when he caught it, he let it go againe, and after it againe, and ouer and ouer he comes, and vp againe: catcht it again: or whether his fall enrag'd him, or how 'twas, hee did so set his teeth, and teare it. Oh, I warrant how he mammockt it
Vol. One on's Fathers moods
Val. Indeed la, tis a Noble childe
Virg. A Cracke Madam
Val. Come, lay aside your stitchery, I must haue youplay the idle Huswife with me this afternoone
Virg. No (good Madam)I will not out of doores
Val. Not out of doores?Volum. She shall, she shall
Virg. Indeed no, by your patience; Ile not ouer thethreshold, till my Lord returne from the Warres
Val. Fye, you confine your selfe most vnreasonably:Come, you must go visit the good Lady that lies in
Virg. I will wish her speedy strength, and visite herwith my prayers: but I cannot go thither
Volum. Why I pray you
Vlug. 'Tis not to saue labour, nor that I want loue
Val. You would be another Penelope: yet they say, all the yearne she spun in Vlisses absence, did but fill Athica full of Mothes. Come, I would your Cambrick were sensible as your finger, that you might leaue pricking it for pitie. Come you shall go with vs
Vir. No good Madam, pardon me, indeed I will notfoorth
Val. In truth la go with me, and Ile tell you excellentnewes of your Husband
Virg. Oh good Madam, there can be none yet
Val. Verily I do not iest with you: there came newes from him last night
Vir. Indeed Madam
Val. In earnest it's true; I heard a Senatour speake it. Thus it is: the Volcies haue an Army forth, against who[m] Cominius the Generall is gone, with one part of our Romane power. Your Lord, and Titus Lartius, are set down before their Citie Carioles, they nothing doubt preuailing, and to make it breefe Warres. This is true on mine Honor, and so I pray go with vs
Virg. Giue me excuse good Madame, I will obey youin euery thing heereafter
Vol. Let her alone Ladie, as she is now:She will but disease our better mirth
Valeria. In troth I thinke she would:Fare you well then. Come good sweet Ladie.Prythee Virgilia turne thy solemnesse out a doore,And go along with vs
Virgil. NoAt a word Madam; Indeed I must not,I wish you much mirth
Val. Well, then farewell.
Exeunt. Ladies.
Enter Martius, Titus Lartius, with Drumme and Colours, withCaptaines andSouldiers, as before the City Corialus: to them a Messenger.
Martius. Yonder comes Newes:A Wager they haue met
Lar. My horse to yours, no
Mar. Tis done
Lart. Agreed
Mar. Say, ha's our Generall met the Enemy?Mess. They lye in view, but haue not spoke as yet
Lart. So, the good Horse is mine
Mart. Ile buy him of you
Lart. No, Ile nor sel, nor giue him: Lend you him I willFor halfe a hundred yeares: Summon the Towne
Mar. How farre off lie these Armies?Mess. Within this mile and halfe
Mar. Then shall we heare their Larum, & they Ours.Now Mars, I prythee make vs quicke in worke,That we with smoaking swords may march from henceTo helpe our fielded Friends. Come, blow thy blast.
They Sound a Parley: Enter two Senators with others on the WallesofCorialus.
Tullus Auffidious, is he within your Walles? 1.Senat. No, nor a man that feares you lesse then he, That's lesser then a little:
Drum a farre off.
Hearke, our DrummesAre bringing forth our youth: Wee'l breake our WallesRather then they shall pound vs vp our Gates,Which yet seeme shut, we haue but pin'd with Rushes,They'le open of themselues. Harke you, farre off
Alarum farre off.
There is Auffidious. List what worke he makesAmong'st your clouen Army
Mart. Oh they are at it
Lart. Their noise be our instruction. Ladders hoa.Enter the Army of the Volces.
Mar. They feare vs not, but issue forth their Citie.Now put your Shields before your hearts, and fightWith hearts more proofe then Shields.Aduance braue Titus,They do disdaine vs much beyond our Thoughts,which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on my fellowsHe that retires, Ile take him for a Volce,And he shall feele mine edge.
Alarum, the Romans are beat back to their Trenches Enter MartiusCursing.
Mar. All the contagion of the South, light on you,You Shames of Rome: you Heard of Byles and PlaguesPlaister you o're, that you may be abhorr'dFarther then seene, and one infect anotherAgainst the Winde a mile: you soules of Geese,That beare the shapes of men, how haue you runFrom Slaues, that Apes would beate; Pluto and Hell,All hurt behinde, backes red, and faces paleWith flight and agued feare, mend and charge home,Or by the fires of heauen, Ile leaue the Foe,And make my Warres on you: Looke too't: Come on,If you'l stand fast, wee'l beate them to their Wiues,As they vs to our Trenches followes.
Another Alarum, and Martius followes them to gates, and is shut in.
So, now the gates are ope: now proue good Seconds,'Tis for the followers Fortune, widens them,Not for the flyers: Marke me, and do the like.Enter the Gati.
1.Sol. Foole-hardinesse, not I
2.Sol. Nor I
1.Sol. See they haue shut him in.
Alarum continues
All. To th' pot I warrant him.
Enter Titus Lartius
Tit. What is become of Martius?All. Slaine (Sir) doubtlesse
1.Sol. Following the Flyers at the very heeles,With them he enters: who vpon the sodaineClapt to their Gates, he is himselfe alone,To answer all the City
Lar. Oh Noble Fellow!Who sensibly out-dares his sencelesse Sword,And when it bowes, stand'st vp: Thou art left Martius,A Carbuncle intire: as big as thou artWeare not so rich a Iewell. Thou was't a SouldierEuen to Calues wish, not fierce and terribleOnely in strokes, but with thy grim lookes, andThe Thunder-like percussion of thy soundsThou mad'st thine enemies shake, as if the WorldWere Feauorous, and did tremble.Enter Martius bleeding, assaulted by the Enemy.
1.Sol. Looke Sir
Lar. O 'tis Martius.Let's fetch him off, or make remaine alike.
They fight, and all enter the City.
Enter certaine Romanes with spoiles.
1.Rom. This will I carry to Rome
2.Rom. And I this
3.Rom. A Murrain on't, I tooke this for Siluer.
Exeunt.
Alarum continues still a-farre off.
Enter Martius, and Titus with a Trumpet.
Mar. See heere these mouers, that do prize their hoursAt a crack'd Drachme: Cushions, Leaden Spoones,Irons of a Doit, Dublets that Hangmen wouldBury with those that wore them. These base slaues,Ere yet the fight be done, packe vp, downe with them.And harke, what noyse the Generall makes: To himThere is the man of my soules hate, Auffidious,Piercing our Romanes: Then Valiant Titus takeConuenient Numbers to make good the City,Whil'st I with those that haue the spirit, wil hasteTo helpe Cominius
Lar. Worthy Sir, thou bleed'st,Thy exercise hath bin too violent,For a second course of Fight
Mar. Sir, praise me not:My worke hath yet not warm'd me. Fare you well:The blood I drop, is rather PhysicallThen dangerous to me: To Auffidious thus, I will appear and fight
Lar. Now the faire Goddesse Fortune,Fall deepe in loue with thee, and her great charmesMisguide thy Opposers swords, Bold Gentleman:Prosperity be thy Page
Mar. Thy Friend no lesse,Then those she placeth highest: So farewell
Lar. Thou worthiest Martius,Go sound thy Trumpet in the Market place,Call thither all the Officers a'th' Towne,Where they shall know our minde. Away.
Exeunt.
Enter Cominius as it were in retire, with soldiers.
Com. Breath you my friends, wel fought, we are come off,Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands,Nor Cowardly in retyre: Beleeue me Sirs,We shall be charg'd againe. Whiles we haue strookeBy Interims and conueying gusts, we haue heardThe Charges of our Friends. The Roman Gods,Leade their successes, as we wish our owne,That both our powers, with smiling Fronts encountring,May giue you thankfull Sacrifice. Thy Newes?Enter a Messenger.
Mess. The Cittizens of Corioles haue yssued,And giuen to Lartius and to Martius Battaile:I saw our party to their Trenches driuen,And then I came away
Com. Though thou speakest truth,Me thinkes thou speak'st not well. How long is't since?Mes. Aboue an houre, my Lord
Com. 'Tis not a mile: briefely we heard their drummes.How could'st thou in a mile confound an houre,And bring thy Newes so late?Mes. Spies of the VolcesHeld me in chace, that I was forc'd to wheeleThree or foure miles about, else had I sirHalfe an houre since brought my report.Enter Martius.
Com. Whose yonder,That doe's appeare as he were Flead? O Gods,He has the stampe of Martius, and I haueBefore time seene him thus
Mar. Come I too late?Com. The Shepherd knowes not Thunder fro[m] a Taber,More then I know the sound of Martius TongueFrom euery meaner man
Martius. Come I too late?Com. I, if you come not in the blood of others,But mantled in your owne
Mart. Oh! let me clip yeIn Armes as sound, as when I woo'd in heart;As merry, as when our Nuptiall day was done,And Tapers burnt to Bedward
Com. Flower of Warriors, how is't with Titus Lartius?Mar. As with a man busied about Decrees:Condemning some to death, and some to exile,Ransoming him, or pittying, threatning th' other;Holding Corioles in the name of Rome,Euen like a fawning Grey-hound in the Leash,To let him slip at will
Com. Where is that SlaueWhich told me they had beate you to your Trenches?Where is he? Call him hither
Mar. Let him alone,He did informe the truth: but for our Gentlemen,The common file, (a plague-Tribunes for them)The Mouse ne're shunn'd the Cat, as they did budgeFrom Rascals worse then they
Com. But how preuail'd you?Mar. Will the time serue to tell, I do not thinke:Where is the enemy? Are you Lords a'th Field?If not, why cease you till you are so?Com. Martius, we haue at disaduantage fought,And did retyre to win our purpose
Mar. How lies their Battell? Know you on w sideThey haue plac'd their men of trust?Com. As I guesse Martius,Their Bands i'th Vaward are the AntientsOf their best trust: O're them Auffidious,Their very heart of Hope
Mar. I do beseech you,By all the Battailes wherein we haue fought,By th' Blood we haue shed together,By th' Vowes we haue madeTo endure Friends, that you directly set meAgainst Affidious, and his Antiats,And that you not delay the present (butFilling the aire with Swords aduanc'd) and Darts,We proue this very houre
Com. Though I could wish,You were conducted to a gentle Bath,And Balmes applyed to you, yet dare I neuerDeny your asking, take your choice of thoseThat best can ayde your action
Mar. Those are theyThat most are willing; if any such be heere,(As it were sinne to doubt) that loue this paintingWherein you see me smear'd, if any feareLessen his person, then an ill report:If any thinke, braue death out-weighes bad life,And that his Countries deerer then himselfe,Let him alone: Or so many so minded,Waue thus to expresse his disposition,And follow Martius.
They all shout and waue their swords, take him vp in their Armes, and cast vp their Caps.
Oh me alone, make you a sword of me:If these shewes be not outward, which of youBut is foure Volces? None of you, but isAble to beare against the great AuffidiousA Shield, as hard as his. A certaine number(Though thankes to all) must I select from all:The rest shall beare the businesse in some other fight(As cause will be obey'd:) please you to March,And foure shall quickly draw out my Command,Which men are best inclin'd
Com. March on my Fellowes:Make good this ostentation, and you shallDiuide in all, with vs.
Exeunt.
Titus Lartius, hauing set a guard vpon Carioles, going with DrumandTrumpet toward Cominius, and Caius Martius, Enters with aLieutenant,other Souldiours, and a Scout.
Lar. So, let the Ports be guarded; keepe your DutiesAs I haue set them downe. If I do send, dispatchThose Centuries to our ayd, the rest will serueFor a short holding, if we loose the Field,We cannot keepe the Towne
Lieu. Feare not our care Sir
Lart. Hence; and shut your gates vpon's:Our Guider come, to th' Roman Campe conduct vs.
Exit
Alarum, as in Battaile.
Enter Martius and Auffidius at seueral doores.
Mar. Ile fight with none but thee, for I do hate theeWorse then a Promise-breaker
Auffid. We hate alike:Not Affricke ownes a Serpent I abhorreMore then thy Fame and Enuy: Fix thy foot
Mar. Let the first Budger dye the others Slaue,And the Gods doome him after
Auf. If I flye Martius, hollow me like a Hare
Mar. Within these three houres TullusAlone I fought in your Corioles walles,And made what worke I pleas'd: 'Tis not my blood,Wherein thou seest me maskt, for thy ReuengeWrench vp thy power to th' highest
Auf. Wer't thou the Hector,That was the whip of your bragg'd Progeny,Thou should'st not scape me heere.
Heere they fight, and certaine Volces come in the ayde of Auffi. Martius fights til they be driuen in breathles.
Officious and not valiant, you haue sham'd meIn your condemned Seconds.
Flourish. Alarum. A Retreat is sounded. Enter at one DooreCominius, withthe Romanes: At another Doore Martius, with his Arme in aScarfe.
Com. If I should tell thee o're this thy dayes Worke,Thou't not beleeue thy deeds: but Ile report it,Where Senators shall mingle teares with smiles,Where great Patricians shall attend, and shrug,I'th' end admire: where Ladies shall be frighted,And gladly quak'd, heare more: where the dull Tribunes,That with the fustie Plebeans, hate thine Honors,Shall say against their hearts, We thanke the GodsOur Rome hath such a Souldier.Yet cam'st thou to a Morsell of this Feast,Hauing fully din'd before.Enter Titus with his Power, from the Pursuit.
Titus Lartius. Oh Generall:Here is the Steed, wee the Caparison:Hadst thou beheld-Martius. Pray now, no more:My Mother, who ha's a Charter to extoll her Bloud,When she do's prayse me, grieues me:I haue done as you haue done, that's what I can,Induc'd as you haue beene, that's for my Countrey:He that ha's but effected his good will,Hath ouerta'ne mine Act
Com. You shall not be the Graue of your deseruing,Rome must know the value of her owne:'Twere a Concealement worse then a Theft,No lesse then a Traducement,To hide your doings, and to silence that,Which to the spire, and top of prayses vouch'd,Would seeme but modest: therefore I beseech you,In signe of what you are, not to rewardWhat you haue done, before our Armie heare me
Martius. I haue some Wounds vpon me, and they smartTo heare themselues remembred
Com. Should they not:Well might they fester 'gainst Ingratitude,And tent themselues with death: of all the Horses,Whereof we haue ta'ne good, and good store of all,The Treasure in this field atchieued, and Citie,We render you the Tenth, to be ta'ne forth,Before the common distribution,At your onely choyse
Martius. I thanke you Generall:But cannot make my heart consent to takeA Bribe, to pay my Sword: I doe refuse it,And stand vpon my common part with those,That haue beheld the doing.
A long flourish. They all cry, Martius, Martius, cast vp their CapsandLaunces: Cominius and Lartius stand bare.
Mar. May these same Instruments, which you prophane,Neuer sound more: when Drums and Trumpets shallI'th' field proue flatterers, let Courts and Cities beMade all of false-fac'd soothing:When Steele growes soft, as the Parasites Silke,Let him be made an Ouerture for th' Warres:No more I say, for that I haue not wash'dMy Nose that bled, or foyl'd some debile Wretch,Which without note, here's many else haue done,You shoot me forth in acclamations hyperbolicall,As if I lou'd my little should be dietedIn prayses, sawc'st with Lyes
Com. Too modest are you:More cruell to your good report, then gratefullTo vs, that giue you truly: by your patience,If 'gainst your selfe you be incens'd, wee'le put you(Like one that meanes his proper harme) in Manacles,Then reason safely with you: Therefore be it knowne,As to vs, to all the World, That Caius MartiusWeares this Warres Garland: in token of the which,My Noble Steed, knowne to the Campe, I giue him,With all his trim belonging; and from this time,For what he did before Corioles, call him,With all th' applause and Clamor of the Hoast,Marcus Caius Coriolanus. Beare th' addition Nobly euer?Flourish. Trumpets sound, and Drums.
Omnes. Marcus Caius Coriolanus
Martius. I will goe wash:And when my Face is faire, you shall perceiueWhether I blush or no: howbeit, I thanke you,I meane to stride your Steed, and at all timesTo vnder-crest your good Addition,To th' fairenesse of my power
Com. So, to our Tent:Where ere we doe repose vs, we will writeTo Rome of our successe: you Titus LartiusMust to Corioles backe, send vs to RomeThe best, with whom we may articulate,For their owne good, and ours
Lartius. I shall, my Lord
Martius. The Gods begin to mocke me:I that now refus'd most Princely gifts,Am bound to begge of my Lord Generall
Com. Tak't, 'tis yours: what is't?Martius. I sometime lay here in Corioles,At a poore mans house: he vs'd me kindly,He cry'd to me: I saw him Prisoner:But then Auffidius was within my view,And Wrath o're-whelm'd my pittie: I request youTo giue my poore Host freedome
Com. Oh well begg'd:Were he the Butcher of my Sonne, he shouldBe free, as is the Winde: deliuer him, Titus
Lartius. Martius, his Name
Martius. By Iupiter forgot:I am wearie, yea, my memorie is tyr'd:Haue we no Wine here?Com. Goe we to our Tent:The bloud vpon your Visage dryes, 'tis timeIt should be lookt too: come.
Exeunt.
A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Auffidius bloudie, with two orthreeSouldiors.
Auffi. The Towne is ta'ne
Sould. 'Twill be deliuer'd backe on good Condition
Auffid. Condition?I would I were a Roman, for I cannot,Being a Volce, be that I am. Condition?What good Condition can a Treatie findeI'th' part that is at mercy? fiue times, Martius,I haue fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me:And would'st doe so, I thinke, should we encounterAs often as we eate. By th' Elements,If ere againe I meet him beard to beard,He's mine, or I am his: Mine EmulationHath not that Honor in't it had: For whereI thought to crush him in an equall Force,True Sword to Sword: Ile potche at him some way,Or Wrath, or Craft may get him
Sol. He's the diuell
Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle: my valors poison'd,With onely suff'ring staine by him: for himShall flye out of it selfe, nor sleepe, nor sanctuary,Being naked, sicke; nor Phane, nor Capitoll,The Prayers of Priests, nor times of Sacrifice:Embarquements all of Fury, shall lift vpTheir rotten Priuiledge, and Custome 'gainstMy hate to Martius. Where I finde him, were itAt home, vpon my Brothers Guard, euen thereAgainst the hospitable Canon, would IWash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to th' Citie,Learne how 'tis held, and what they are that mustBe Hostages for Rome
Soul. Will not you go?Auf. I am attended at the Cyprus groue. I pray you('Tis South the City Mils) bring me word thitherHow the world goes: that to the pace of itI may spurre on my iourney
Soul. I shall sir.
Actus Secundus.
Enter Menenius with the two Tribunes of the people, Sicinius &Brutus.
Men. The Agurer tels me, wee shall haue Newes tonight
Bru. Good or bad?Men. Not according to the prayer of the people, forthey loue not Martius
Sicin. Nature teaches Beasts to know their Friends
Men. Pray you, who does the Wolfe loue?Sicin. The Lambe
Men. I, to deuour him, as the hungry Plebeians wouldthe Noble Martius
Bru. He's a Lambe indeed, that baes like a Beare
Men. Hee's a Beare indeede, that liues like a Lambe. You two are old men, tell me one thing that I shall aske you
Both. Well sir
Men. In what enormity is Martius poore in, that youtwo haue not in abundance?Bru. He's poore in no one fault, but stor'd withall
Sicin. Especially in Pride
Bru. And topping all others in boasting
Men. This is strange now: Do you two know, howyou are censured heere in the City, I mean of vs a'th' righthand File, do you?Both. Why? how are we censur'd?Men. Because you talke of Pride now, will you notbe angry
Both. Well, well sir, well
Men. Why 'tis no great matter: for a very little theefe of Occasion, will rob you of a great deale of Patience: Giue your dispositions the reines, and bee angry at your pleasures (at the least) if you take it as a pleasure to you, in being so: you blame Martius for being proud
Brut. We do it not alone, sir
Men. I know you can doe very little alone, for your helpes are many, or else your actions would growe wondrous single: your abilities are to Infant-like, for dooing much alone. You talke of Pride: Oh, that you could turn your eyes toward the Napes of your neckes, and make but an Interiour suruey of your good selues. Oh that you could
Both. What then sir?Men. Why then you should discouer a brace of vnmeriting,proud, violent, testie Magistrates (alias Fooles)as any in Rome
Sicin. Menenius, you are knowne well enough too
Men. I am knowne to be a humorous Patritian, and one that loues a cup of hot Wine, with not a drop of alaying Tiber in't: Said, to be something imperfect in fauouring the first complaint, hasty and Tinder-like vppon, to triuiall motion: One, that conuerses more with the Buttocke of the night, then with the forhead of the morning. What I think, I vtter, and spend my malice in my breath. Meeting two such Weales men as you are (I cannot call you Licurgusses,) if the drinke you giue me, touch my Palat aduersly, I make a crooked face at it, I can say, your Worshippes haue deliuer'd the matter well, when I finde the Asse in compound, with the Maior part of your syllables. And though I must be content to beare with those, that say you are reuerend graue men, yet they lye deadly, that tell you haue good faces, if you see this in the Map of my Microcosme, followes it that I am knowne well enough too? What harme can your beesome Conspectuities gleane out of this Charracter, if I be knowne well enough too
Bru. Come sir come, we know you well enough
Menen. You know neither mee, your selues, nor any thing: you are ambitious, for poore knaues cappes and legges: you weare out a good wholesome Forenoone, in hearing a cause betweene an Orendge wife, and a Forfetseller, and then reiourne the Controuersie of three-pence to a second day of Audience. When you are hearing a matter betweene party and party, if you chaunce to bee pinch'd with the Collike, you make faces like Mummers, set vp the bloodie Flagge against all Patience, and in roaring for a Chamber-pot, dismisse the Controuersie bleeding, the more intangled by your hearing: All the peace you make in their Cause, is calling both the parties Knaues. You are a payre of strange ones
Bru. Come, come, you are well vnderstood to bee a perfecter gyber for the Table, then a necessary Bencher in the Capitoll
Men. Our very Priests must become Mockers, if they shall encounter such ridiculous Subiects as you are, when you speake best vnto the purpose. It is not woorth the wagging of your Beards, and your Beards deserue not so honourable a graue, as to stuffe a Botchers Cushion, or to be intomb'd in an Asses Packe-saddle; yet you must bee saying, Martius is proud: who in a cheape estimation, is worth all your predecessors, since Deucalion, though peraduenture some of the best of 'em were hereditarie hangmen. Godden to your Worships, more of your conuersation would infect my Braine, being the Heardsmen of the Beastly Plebeans. I will be bold to take my leaue of you.
Bru. and Scic. Aside.
Enter Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria.
How now (my as faire as Noble) Ladyes, and the Moone were shee Earthly, no Nobler; whither doe you follow your Eyes so fast? Volum. Honorable Menenius, my Boy Martius approches: for the loue of Iuno let's goe
Menen. Ha? Martius comming home?Volum. I, worthy Menenius, and with most prosperousapprobation
Menen. Take my Cappe Iupiter, and I thanke thee:hoo, Martius comming home?2.Ladies. Nay, 'tis true
Volum. Looke, here's a Letter from him, the State hath another, his Wife another, and (I thinke) there's one at home for you
Menen. I will make my very house reele to night:A Letter for me?Virgil. Yes certaine, there's a Letter for you, I saw't
Menen. A Letter for me? it giues me an Estate of seuen yeeres health; in which time, I will make a Lippe at the Physician: The most soueraigne Prescription in Galen, is but Emperickqutique; and to this Preseruatiue, of no better report then a Horse-drench. Is he not wounded? he was wont to come home wounded? Virgil. Oh no, no, no
Volum. Oh, he is wounded, I thanke the Gods for't
Menen. So doe I too, if it be not too much: brings aVictorie in his Pocket? the wounds become him
Volum. On's Browes: Menenius, hee comes the thirdtime home with the Oaken Garland
Menen. Ha's he disciplin'd Auffidius soundly?Volum. Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, butAuffidius got off
Menen. And 'twas time for him too, Ile warrant him that: and he had stay'd by him, I would not haue been so fiddious'd, for all the Chests in Carioles, and the Gold that's in them. Is the Senate possest of this? Volum. Good Ladies let's goe. Yes, yes, yes: The Senate ha's Letters from the Generall, wherein hee giues my Sonne the whole Name of the Warre: he hath in this action out-done his former deeds doubly
Valer. In troth, there's wondrous things spoke of him
Menen. Wondrous: I, I warrant you, and not without his true purchasing
Virgil. The Gods graunt them true
Volum. True? pow waw
Mene. True? Ile be sworne they are true: where is hee wounded, God saue your good Worships? Martius is comming home: hee ha's more cause to be prowd: where is he wounded? Volum. Ith' Shoulder, and ith' left Arme: there will be large Cicatrices to shew the People, when hee shall stand for his place: he receiued in the repulse of Tarquin seuen hurts ith' Body
Mene. One ith' Neck, and two ith' Thigh, there's ninethat I know
Volum. Hee had, before this last Expedition, twentiefiue Wounds vpon him
Mene. Now it's twentie seuen; euery gash was anEnemies Graue. Hearke, the Trumpets.
A showt, and flourish.
Volum. These are the Vshers of Martius:Before him, hee carryes Noyse;And behinde him, hee leaues Teares:Death, that darke Spirit, in's neruie Arme doth lye,Which being aduanc'd, declines, and then men dye.
A Sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter Cominius the Generall, and TitusLatius:betweene them Coriolanus, crown'd with an Oaken Garland, withCaptaines andSouldiers, and a Herauld.
Herauld. Know Rome, that all alone Martius did fightWithin Corioles Gates: where he hath wonne,With Fame, a Name to Martius Caius:These in honor followes Martius Caius Coriolanus.Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus.
Sound. Flourish.
All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus
Coriol. No more of this, it does offend my heart: pray now no more
Com. Looke, Sir, your Mother
Coriol. Oh! you haue, I know, petition'd all the Gods for my prosperitie.
Kneeles.
Volum. Nay, my good Souldier, vp:My gentle Martius, worthy Caius,And by deed-atchieuing Honor newly nam'd,What is it (Coriolanus) must I call thee?But oh, thy Wife
Corio. My gracious silence, hayle:Would'st thou haue laugh'd, had I come Coffin'd home,That weep'st to see me triumph? Ah my deare,Such eyes the Widowes in Carioles were,And Mothers that lacke Sonnes
Mene. Now the Gods Crowne thee
Com. And liue you yet? Oh my sweet Lady, pardon
Volum. I know not where to turne.Oh welcome home: and welcome Generall,And y'are welcome all
Mene. A hundred thousand Welcomes:I could weepe, and I could laugh,I am light, and heauie; 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, we haueSome old Crab-trees here at home,That will not be grafted to your Rallish.Yet welcome Warriors:Wee call a Nettle, but a Nettle;And the faults of fooles, but folly
Com. Euer right
Cor. Menenius, euer, euer
Herauld. Giue way there, and goe on
Cor. Your Hand, and yours?Ere in our owne house I doe shade my Head,The good Patricians must be visited,From whom I haue receiu'd not onely greetings,But with them, change of Honors
Volum. I haue liued,To see inherited my very Wishes,And the Buildings of my Fancie:Onely there's one thing wanting,Which (I doubt not) but our RomeWill cast vpon thee
Cor. Know, good Mother,I had rather be their seruant in my way,Then sway with them in theirs
Com. On, to the Capitall.Flourish. Cornets.
Exeunt. in State, as before.
Enter Brutus and Scicinius
Bru. All tongues speake of him, and the bleared sightsAre spectacled to see him. Your pratling NurseInto a rapture lets her Baby crie,While she chats him: the Kitchin Malkin pinnesHer richest Lockram 'bout her reechie necke,Clambring the Walls to eye him:Stalls, Bulkes, Windowes, are smother'd vp,Leades fill'd, and Ridges hors'dWith variable Complexions; all agreeingIn earnestnesse to see him: seld-showne FlaminsDoe presse among the popular Throngs, and puffeTo winne a vulgar station: our veyl'd DamesCommit the Warre of White and DamaskeIn their nicely gawded Cheekes, toth' wanton spoyleOf Phoebus burning Kisses: such a poother,As if that whatsoeuer God, who leades him,Were slyly crept into his humane powers,And gaue him gracefull posture
Scicin. On the suddaine, I warrant him Consull
Brutus. Then our Office may, during his power, goesleepe
Scicin. He cannot temp'rately transport his Honors,From where he should begin, and end, but willLose those he hath wonne
Brutus. In that there's comfort
Scici. Doubt not,The Commoners, for whom we stand, but theyVpon their ancient mallice, will forgetWith the least cause, these his new Honors,Which that he will giue them, make I as little question,As he is prowd to doo't
Brutus. I heard him sweare,Were he to stand for Consull, neuer would heAppeare i'th' Market place, nor on him putThe Naples Vesture of Humilitie,Nor shewing (as the manner is) his WoundsToth' People, begge their stinking Breaths
Scicin. 'Tis right
Brutus. It was his word:Oh he would misse it, rather then carry it,But by the suite of the Gentry to him,And the desire of the Nobles
Scicin. I wish no better, then haue him hold that purpose,and to put it in execution
Brutus. 'Tis most like he will
Scicin. It shall be to him then, as our good wills; asure destruction
Brutus. So it must fall outTo him, or our Authorities, for an end.We must suggest the People, in what hatredHe still hath held them: that to's power he wouldHaue made them Mules, silenc'd their Pleaders,And dispropertied their Freedomes; holding them,In humane Action, and Capacitie,Of no more Soule, nor fitnesse for the World,Then Cammels in their Warre, who haue their ProuandOnely for bearing Burthens, and sore blowesFor sinking vnder them
Scicin. This (as you say) suggested,At some time, when his soaring InsolenceShall teach the People, which time shall not want,If he be put vpon't, and that's as easie,As to set Dogges on Sheepe, will be his fireTo kindle their dry Stubble: and their BlazeShall darken him for euer.Enter a Messenger.
Brutus. What's the matter?Mess. You are sent for to the Capitoll:'Tis thought, that Martius shall be Consull:I haue seene the dumbe men throng to see him,And the blind to heare him speak: Matrons flong Gloues,Ladies and Maids their Scarffes, and Handkerchers,Vpon him as he pass'd: the Nobles bendedAs to Ioues Statue, and the Commons madeA Shower, and Thunder, with their Caps, and Showts:I neuer saw the like
Brutus. Let's to the Capitoll,And carry with vs Eares and Eyes for th' time,But Hearts for the euent
Scicin. Haue with you.
Exeunt.
Enter two Officers, to lay Cushions, as it were, in the Capitoll.
1.Off. Come, come, they are almost here: how manystand for Consulships?2.Off. Three, they say: but 'tis thought of euery one,Coriolanus will carry it
1.Off. That's a braue fellow: but hee's vengeance prowd, and loues not the common people
2.Off. 'Faith, there hath beene many great men that haue flatter'd the people, who ne're loued them; and there be many that they haue loued, they know not wherefore: so that if they loue they know not why, they hate vpon no better a ground. Therefore, for Coriolanus neyther to care whether they loue, or hate him, manifests the true knowledge he ha's in their disposition, and out of his Noble carelesnesse lets them plainely see't
1.Off. If he did not care whether he had their loue, or no, hee waued indifferently, 'twixt doing them neyther good, nor harme: but hee seekes their hate with greater deuotion, then they can render it him; and leaues nothing vndone, that may fully discouer him their opposite. Now to seeme to affect the mallice and displeasure of the People, is as bad, as that which he dislikes, to flatter them for their loue
2.Off. Hee hath deserued worthily of his Countrey, and his assent is not by such easie degrees as those, who hauing beene supple and courteous to the People, Bonnetted, without any further deed, to haue them at all into their estimation, and report: but hee hath so planted his Honors in their Eyes, and his actions in their Hearts, that for their Tongues to be silent, and not confesse so much, were a kinde of ingratefull Iniurie: to report otherwise, were a Mallice, that giuing it selfe the Lye, would plucke reproofe and rebuke from euery Eare that heard it
1.Off. No more of him, hee's a worthy man: make way, they are comming.
A Sennet. Enter the Patricians, and the Tribunes of the People,Lictorsbefore them: Coriolanus, Menenius, Cominius the Consul:Scicinius andBrutus take their places by themselues: Coriolanus stands.
Menen. Hauing determin'd of the Volces,And to send for Titus Lartius: it remaines,As the maine Point of this our after-meeting,To gratifie his Noble seruice, that hathThus stood for his Countrey. Therefore please you,Most reuerend and graue Elders, to desireThe present Consull, and last Generall,In our well-found Successes, to reportA little of that worthy Worke, perform'dBy Martius Caius Coriolanus: whomWe met here, both to thanke, and to remember,With Honors like himselfe
1.Sen. Speake, good Cominius:Leaue nothing out for length, and make vs thinkeRather our states defectiue for requitall,Then we to stretch it out. Masters a'th' People,We doe request your kindest eares: and afterYour louing motion toward the common Body,To yeeld what passes here
Scicin. We are conuented vpon a pleasing Treatie, and haue hearts inclinable to honor and aduance the Theame of our Assembly
Brutus. Which the rather wee shall be blest to doe, if he remember a kinder value of the People, then he hath hereto priz'd them at
Menen. That's off, that's off: I would you rather hadbeen silent: Please you to heare Cominius speake?Brutus. Most willingly: but yet my Caution wasmore pertinent then the rebuke you giue it
Menen. He loues your People, but tye him not to betheir Bed-fellow: Worthie Cominius speake.
Coriolanus rises, and offers to goe away.
Nay, keepe your place
Senat. Sit Coriolanus: neuer shame to heareWhat you haue Nobly done
Coriol. Your Honors pardon:I had rather haue my Wounds to heale againe,Then heare say how I got them
Brutus. Sir, I hope my words dis-bench'd you not?Coriol. No Sir: yet oft,When blowes haue made me stay, I fled from words.You sooth'd not, therefore hurt not: but your People,I loue them as they weigh-Menen. Pray now sit downe
Corio. I had rather haue one scratch my Head i'th' Sun,When the Alarum were strucke, then idly sitTo heare my Nothings monster'd.Exit Coriolanus
Menen. Masters of the People,Your multiplying Spawne, how can he flatter?That's thousand to one good one, when you now seeHe had rather venture all his Limbes for Honor,Then on ones Eares to heare it. Proceed Cominius
Com. I shall lacke voyce: the deeds of CoriolanusShould not be vtter'd feebly: it is held,That Valour is the chiefest Vertue,And most dignifies the hauer: if it be,The man I speake of, cannot in the WorldBe singly counter-poys'd. At sixteene yeeres,When Tarquin made a Head for Rome, he foughtBeyond the marke of others: our then Dictator,Whom with all prayse I point at, saw him fight,When with his Amazonian Shinne he droueThe brizled Lippes before him: he bestridAn o're-prest Roman, and i'th' Consuls viewSlew three Opposers: Tarquins selfe he met,And strucke him on his Knee: in that dayes feates,When he might act the Woman in the Scene,He prou'd best man i'th' field, and for his meedWas Brow-bound with the Oake. His Pupill ageMan-entred thus, he waxed like a Sea,And in the brunt of seuenteene Battailes since,He lurcht all Swords of the Garland: for this last,Before, and in Corioles, let me sayI cannot speake him home: he stopt the flyers,And by his rare example made the CowardTurne terror into sport: as Weeds beforeA Vessell vnder sayle, so men obey'd,And fell below his Stem: his Sword, Deaths stampe,Where it did marke, it tooke from face to foot:He was a thing of Blood, whose euery motionWas tim'd with dying Cryes: alone he entredThe mortall Gate of th' Citie, which he paintedWith shunlesse destinie: aydelesse came off,And with a sudden re-inforcement struckeCarioles like a Planet: now all's his,When by and by the dinne of Warre gan pierceHis readie sence: then straight his doubled spiritRequickned what in flesh was fatigate,And to the Battaile came he, where he didRunne reeking o're the liues of men, as if 'twereA perpetuall spoyle: and till we call'dBoth Field and Citie ours, he neuer stoodTo ease his Brest with panting
Menen. Worthy man
Senat. He cannot but with measure fit the Honorswhich we deuise him
Com. Our spoyles he kickt at,And look'd vpon things precious, as they wereThe common Muck of the World: he couets lesseThen Miserie it selfe would giue, rewards his deedsWith doing them, and is contentTo spend the time, to end it
Menen. Hee's right Noble, let him be call'd for
Senat. Call Coriolanus
Off. He doth appeare.Enter Coriolanus.
Menen. The Senate, Coriolanus, are well pleas'd to makethee Consull
Corio. I doe owe them still my Life, and Seruices
Menen. It then remaines, that you doe speake to thePeople
Corio. I doe beseech you,Let me o're-leape that custome: for I cannotPut on the Gowne, stand naked, and entreat themFor my Wounds sake, to giue their sufferage:Please you that I may passe this doing
Scicin. Sir, the People must haue their Voyces,Neyther will they bate one iot of Ceremonie
Menen. Put them not too't:Pray you goe fit you to the Custome,And take to you, as your Predecessors haue,Your Honor with your forme
Corio. It is a part that I shall blush in acting,And might well be taken from the People
Brutus. Marke you that
Corio. To brag vnto them, thus I did, and thusShew them th' vnaking Skarres, which I should hide,As if I had receiu'd them for the hyreOf their breath onely
Menen. Doe not stand vpon't:We recommend to you Tribunes of the PeopleOur purpose to them, and to our Noble ConsullWish we all Ioy, and Honor
Senat. To Coriolanus come all ioy and Honor.Flourish Cornets. Then Exeunt. Manet Sicinius and Brutus.
Bru. You see how he intends to vse the people
Scicin. May they perceiue's intent: he wil require themAs if he did contemne what he requested,Should be in them to giue
Bru. Come, wee'l informe themOf our proceedings heere on th' Market place,I know they do attend vs.Enter seuen or eight Citizens.
1.Cit. Once if he do require our voyces, wee ought not to deny him
2.Cit. We may Sir if we will
3.Cit. We haue power in our selues to do it, but it is a power that we haue no power to do: For, if hee shew vs his wounds, and tell vs his deeds, we are to put our tongues into those wounds, and speake for them: So if he tel vs his Noble deeds, we must also tell him our Noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is monstrous, and for the multitude to be ingratefull, were to make a Monster of the multitude; of the which, we being members, should bring our selues to be monstrous members
1.Cit. And to make vs no better thought of a little helpe will serue: for once we stood vp about the Corne, he himselfe stucke not to call vs the many-headed Multitude
3.Cit. We haue beene call'd so of many, not that our heads are some browne, some blacke, some Abram, some bald; but that our wits are so diuersly Coulord; and truely I thinke, if all our wittes were to issue out of one Scull, they would flye East, West, North, South, and their consent of one direct way, should be at once to all the points a'th Compasse
2.Cit. Thinke you so? Which way do you iudge my wit would flye
3.Cit. Nay your wit will not so soone out as another mans will, 'tis strongly wadg'd vp in a blocke-head: but if it were at liberty, 'twould sure Southward
2 Cit. Why that way?3 Cit. To loose it selfe in a Fogge, where being threeparts melted away with rotten Dewes, the fourth wouldreturne for Conscience sake, to helpe to get thee a Wife
2 Cit. You are neuer without your trickes, you may, you may
3 Cit. Are you all resolu'd to giue your voyces? But that's no matter, the greater part carries it, I say. If hee would incline to the people, there was neuer a worthier man. Enter Coriolanus in a gowne of Humility, with Menenius.
Heere he comes, and in the Gowne of humility, marke his behauiour: we are not to stay altogether, but to come by him where he stands, by ones, by twoes, & by threes. He's to make his requests by particulars, wherein euerie one of vs ha's a single Honor, in giuing him our own voices with our owne tongues, therefore follow me, and Ile direct you how you shall go by him
All. Content, content
Men. Oh Sir, you are not right: haue you not knowneThe worthiest men haue done't?Corio. What must I say, I pray Sir?Plague vpon't, I cannot bringMy tongue to such a pace. Looke Sir, my wounds,I got them in my Countries Seruice, whenSome certaine of your Brethren roar'd, and ranneFrom th' noise of our owne Drummes
Menen. Oh me the Gods, you must not speak of that,You must desire them to thinke vpon you
Coriol. Thinke vpon me? Hang 'em,I would they would forget me, like the VertuesWhich our Diuines lose by em
Men. You'l marre all,Ile leaue you: Pray you speake to em, I pray youIn wholsome manner.
Exit
Enter three of the Citizens.
Corio. Bid them wash their Faces,And keepe their teeth cleane: So, heere comes a brace,You know the cause (Sir) of my standing heere
3 Cit. We do Sir, tell vs what hath brought you too't
Corio. Mine owne desert
2 Cit. Your owne desert
Corio. I, but mine owne desire
3 Cit. How not your owne desire?Corio. No Sir, 'twas neuer my desire yet to trouble thepoore with begging
3 Cit. You must thinke if we giue you any thing, we hope to gaine by you
Corio. Well then I pray, your price a'th' Consulship
1 Cit. The price is, to aske it kindly
Corio. Kindly sir, I pray let me ha't: I haue wounds toshew you, which shall bee yours in priuate: your goodvoice sir, what say you?2 Cit. You shall ha't worthy Sir
Corio. A match Sir, there's in all two worthie voycesbegg'd: I haue your Almes, Adieu
3 Cit. But this is something odde
2 Cit. And 'twere to giue againe: but 'tis no matter.
Exeunt. Enter two other Citizens.
Coriol. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices, that I may bee Consull, I haue heere the Customarie Gowne
1. You haue deserued Nobly of your Countrey, and you haue not deserued Nobly
Coriol. Your aenigma
1. You haue bin a scourge to her enemies, you haue bin a Rod to her Friends, you haue not indeede loued the Common people
Coriol. You should account mee the more Vertuous, that I haue not bin common in my Loue, I will sir flatter my sworne Brother the people to earne a deerer estimation of them, 'tis a condition they account gentle: & since the wisedome of their choice, is rather to haue my Hat, then my Heart, I will practice the insinuating nod, and be off to them most counterfetly, that is sir, I will counterfet the bewitchment of some popular man, and giue it bountifull to the desirers: Therefore beseech you, I may be Consull
2. Wee hope to finde you our friend: and therefore giue you our voices heartily
1. You haue receyued many wounds for your Countrey
Coriol. I wil not Seale your knowledge with shewing them. I will make much of your voyces, and so trouble you no farther
Both. The Gods giue you ioy Sir heartily
Coriol. Most sweet Voyces:Better it is to dye, better to sterue,Then craue the higher, which first we do deserue.Why in this Wooluish tongue should I stand heere,To begge of Hob and Dicke, that does appeereTheir needlesse Vouches: Custome calls me too't.What Custome wills in all things, should we doo't?The Dust on antique Time would lye vnswept,And mountainous Error be too highly heapt,For Truth to o're-peere. Rather then foole it so,Let the high Office and the Honor goTo one that would doe thus. I am halfe through,The one part suffered, the other will I doe.Enter three Citizens more.
Here come moe Voyces.Your Voyces? for your Voyces I haue sought,Watcht for your Voyces: for your Voyces, beareOf Wounds, two dozen odde: Battailes thrice sixI haue seene, and heard of: for your Voyces,Haue done many things, some lesse, some more:Your Voyces? Indeed I would be Consull
1.Cit. Hee ha's done Nobly, and cannot goe withoutany honest mans Voyce
2.Cit. Therefore let him be Consull: the Gods giue himioy, and make him good friend to the People
All. Amen, Amen. God saue thee, Noble Consull
Corio. Worthy Voyces.Enter Menenius, with Brutus and Scicinius.
Mene. You haue stood your Limitation:And the Tribunes endue you with the Peoples Voyce,Remaines, that in th' Officiall Markes inuested,You anon doe meet the Senate
Corio. Is this done?Scicin. The Custome of Request you haue discharg'd:The People doe admit you, and are summon'dTo meet anon, vpon your approbation
Corio. Where? at the Senate-house?Scicin. There, Coriolanus
Corio. May I change these Garments?Scicin. You may, Sir
Cori. That Ile straight do: and knowing my selfe again,Repayre toth' Senatehouse
Mene. Ile keepe you company. Will you along?Brut. We stay here for the People
Scicin. Fare you well.
Exeunt. Coriol. and Mene.
He ha's it now: and by his Lookes, me thinkes,'Tis warme at's heart
Brut. With a prowd heart he wore his humble Weeds:Will you dismisse the People?Enter the Plebeians.
Scici. How now, my Masters, haue you chose this man?1.Cit. He ha's our Voyces, Sir
Brut. We pray the Gods, he may deserue your loues
2.Cit. Amen, Sir: to my poore vnworthy notice, He mock'd vs, when he begg'd our Voyces
3.Cit. Certainely, he flowted vs downe-right
1.Cit. No, 'tis his kind of speech, he did not mock vs
2.Cit. Not one amongst vs, saue your selfe, but sayes He vs'd vs scornefully: he should haue shew'd vs His Marks of Merit, Wounds receiu'd for's Countrey
Scicin. Why so he did, I am sure
All. No, no: no man saw 'em
3.Cit. Hee said hee had Wounds,Which he could shew in priuate:And with his Hat, thus wauing it in scorne,I would be Consull, sayes he: aged Custome,But by your Voyces, will not so permit me.Your Voyces therefore: when we graunted that,Here was, I thanke you for your Voyces, thanke youYour most sweet Voyces: now you haue left your Voyces,I haue no further with you. Was not this mockerie?Scicin. Why eyther were you ignorant to see't?Or seeing it, of such Childish friendlinesse,To yeeld your Voyces?Brut. Could you not haue told him,As you were lesson'd: When he had no Power,But was a pettie seruant to the State,He was your Enemie, euer spake againstYour Liberties, and the Charters that you beareI'th' Body of the Weale: and now arriuingA place of Potencie, and sway o'th' State,If he should still malignantly remaineFast Foe toth' Plebeij, your Voyces mightBe Curses to your selues. You should haue said,That as his worthy deeds did clayme no lesseThen what he stood for: so his gracious natureWould thinke vpon you, for your Voyces,And translate his Mallice towards you, into Loue,Standing your friendly Lord
Scicin. Thus to haue said,As you were fore-aduis'd, had toucht his Spirit,And try'd his Inclination: from him plucktEyther his gracious Promise, which you mightAs cause had call'd you vp, haue held him to;Or else it would haue gall'd his surly nature,Which easily endures not Article,Tying him to ought, so putting him to Rage,You should haue ta'ne th' aduantage of his Choller,And pass'd him vnelected
Brut. Did you perceiue,He did sollicite you in free Contempt,When he did need your Loues: and doe you thinke,That his Contempt shall not be brusing to you,When he hath power to crush? Why, had your BodyesNo Heart among you? Or had you Tongues, to cryAgainst the Rectorship of Iudgement?Scicin. Haue you, ere now, deny'd the asker:And now againe, of him that did not aske, but mock,Bestow your su'd-for Tongues?3.Cit. Hee's not confirm'd, we may deny him yet
2.Cit. And will deny him:Ile haue fiue hundred Voyces of that sound
1.Cit. I twice fiue hundred, & their friends, to piece 'em
Brut. Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends,They haue chose a Consull, that will from them takeTheir Liberties, make them of no more VoyceThen Dogges, that are as often beat for barking,As therefore kept to doe so
Scici. Let them assemble: and on a safer Iudgement,All reuoke your ignorant election: Enforce his Pride,And his old Hate vnto you: besides, forget notWith what Contempt he wore the humble Weed,How in his Suit he scorn'd you: but your Loues,Thinking vpon his Seruices, tooke from youTh' apprehension of his present portance,Which most gibingly, vngrauely, he did fashionAfter the inueterate Hate he beares you
Brut. Lay a fault on vs, your Tribunes,That we labour'd (no impediment betweene)But that you must cast your Election on him
Scici. Say you chose him, more after our commandment,Then as guided by your owne true affections, and thatYour Minds pre-occupy'd with what you rather must do,Then what you should, made you against the graineTo Voyce him Consull. Lay the fault on vs
Brut. I, spare vs not: Say, we read Lectures to you,How youngly he began to serue his Countrey,How long continued, and what stock he springs of,The Noble House o'th'Martians: from whence cameThat Ancus Martius, Numaes Daughters Sonne:Who after great Hostilius here was King,Of the same House Publius and Quintus were,That our best Water, brought by Conduits hither,And Nobly nam'd, so twice being Censor,Was his great Ancestor
Scicin. One thus descended,That hath beside well in his person wrought,To be set high in place, we did commendTo your remembrances: but you haue found,Skaling his present bearing with his past,That hee's your fixed enemie; and reuokeYour suddaine approbation
Brut. Say you ne're had don't,(Harpe on that still) but by our putting on:And presently, when you haue drawne your number,Repaire toth' Capitoll
All. We will so: almost all repent in their election.
Exeunt. Plebeians.
Brut. Let them goe on:This Mutinie were better put in hazard,Then stay past doubt, for greater:If, as his nature is, he fall in rageWith their refusall, both obserue and answerThe vantage of his anger
Scicin. Toth' Capitoll, come:We will be there before the streame o'th' People:And this shall seeme, as partly 'tis, their owne,Which we haue goaded on-ward.
Exeunt.
Actus Tertius.
Cornets. Enter Coriolanus, Menenius, all the Gentry, Cominius,TitusLatius, and other Senators.
Corio. Tullus Auffidius then had made new head
Latius. He had, my Lord, and that it was which caus'dOur swifter Composition
Corio. So then the Volces stand but as at first,Readie when time shall prompt them, to make roadeVpon's againe
Com. They are worne (Lord Consull) so,That we shall hardly in our ages seeTheir Banners waue againe
Corio. Saw you Auffidius?Latius. On safegard he came to me, and did curseAgainst the Volces, for they had so vildlyYeelded the Towne: he is retyred to Antium
Corio. Spoke he of me?Latius. He did, my Lord
Corio. How? what?Latius. How often he had met you Sword to Sword:That of all things vpon the Earth, he hatedYour person most: That he would pawne his fortunesTo hopelesse restitution, so he mightBe call'd your Vanquisher
Corio. At Antium liues he?Latius. At Antium
Corio. I wish I had a cause to seeke him there,To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.Enter Scicinius and Brutus.
Behold, these are the Tribunes of the People,The Tongues o'th' Common Mouth. I do despise them:For they doe pranke them in Authoritie,Against all Noble sufferance
Scicin. Passe no further
Cor. Hah? what is that?Brut. It will be dangerous to goe on- No further
Corio. What makes this change?Menen. The matter?Com. Hath he not pass'd the Noble, and the Common?Brut. Cominius, no