Coriolanus

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Original text
Act I, Scene I
Enter a Company of Mutinous Citizens, with Staues,
Clubs, and other weapons.

1. Citizen.
BEfore we proceed any further, heare me
speake.

All.
Speake, speake.

1. Cit.
You are all resolu'd rather to dy then to
famish?

All.
Resolu'd, resolu'd.

1. Cit.
First you know, Caius Martius is chiefe
enemy to the people.

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

1. Cit.
Let vs kill him, and wee'l haue Corne at
our own price. Is't a Verdict?

All.
No more talking on't; Let it be done, away, away

2. Cit.
One word, good Citizens.

1. Cit.
We are accounted poore Citizens, the Patricians
good: what Authority surfets one, would releeue
vs. If they would yeelde vs but the superfluitie while it
were wholsome, wee might guesse they releeued vs
humanely: But they thinke we are too deere, the leannesse
that afflicts vs, the obiect of our misery, is as an inuentory
to particularize their abundance, our sufferance is a
gaine to them. Let vs reuenge this with our Pikes, ere we
become Rakes. For the Gods know, I speake this in hunger
for Bread, not in thirst for Reuenge.

2. Cit.
Would you proceede especially against
Caius Martius.

All.
Against him first: He's a very dog to the
Commonalty.

2. Cit.
Consider you what Seruices he ha's
done for his Country?

1. Cit.
Very well, and could bee content to giue
him good report for't, but that hee payes himselfe with beeing
proud.

All.
Nay, but speak not maliciously.

1. Cit.
I say vnto you, what he hath done
Famouslie, he did it to that end: though soft conscienc'd
men can be content to say it was for his Countrey, he did
it to please his Mother, and to be partly proud, which he
is, euen to the altitude of his vertue.

2. Cit.
What he cannot helpe in his Nature, you
account a Vice in him: You must in no way say he is
couetous.

1. Cit.
If I must not, I neede not be barren of
Accusations he hath faults (with surplus) to tyre in
repetition.
Showts within.
What showts are these? The other side a'th City is risen:
why stay we prating heere? To th' Capitoll.

All.
Come, come.

1 Cit.
Soft, who comes heere?
Enter Menenius Agrippa.

2 Cit.
Worthy Menenius Agrippa, one that
hath alwayes lou'd the people.

1 Cit.
He's one honest enough, wold al the
rest wer so.

Men.
What work's my Countrimen in hand? / Where go you
with Bats and Clubs? The matter / Speake I pray you.

2 Cit.
Our busines is not vnknowne to th'
Senat, they haue had inkling this fortnight what we
intend to do, wt now wee'l shew em in deeds:they
say poore Suters haue strong breaths, they shal know
we haue strong arms too.

Menen.
Why Masters, my good Friends, mine honest Neighbours,
will you vndo your selues?

2 Cit.
We cannot Sir, we are vndone already.

Men.
I tell you Friends, most charitable care
Haue the Patricians of you for your wants.
Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well
Strike at the Heauen with your staues, as lift them
Against the Roman State, whose course will on
The way it takes: cracking ten thousand Curbes
Of more strong linke assunder, then can euer
Appeare in your impediment. For the Dearth,
The Gods, not the Patricians make it, and
Your knees to them (not armes) must helpe. Alacke,
You are transported by Calamity
Thether, where more attends you, and you slander
The Helmes o'th State; who care for you like Fathers,
When you curse them, as Enemies.

2 Cit.
Care for vs? True indeed, they nere
car'd for vs yet. Suffer vs to famish, and their Store-houses
cramm'd with Graine: Make Edicts for Vsurie, to
support Vsurers; repeale daily any wholsome Act established
against the rich, and prouide more piercing
Statutes daily, to chaine vp and restraine the poore. If the
Warres eate vs not vppe, they will; and there's all the loue they
beare vs.

Menen.
Either you must
Confesse your selues wondrous Malicious,
Or be accus'd of Folly. I shall tell you
A pretty Tale, it may be you haue heard it,
But since it serues my purpose, I will venture
To scale't a little more.

2 Citizen.
Well, Ile heare it Sir: yet you must not
thinke / To fobbe off our disgrace with a tale: / But and'tplease
you deliuer.

Men.
There was a time, when all the bodies members
Rebell'd against the Belly; thus accus'd it:
That onely like a Gulfe it did remaine
I'th midd'st a th' body, idle and vnactiue,
Still cubbording the Viand, neuer bearing
Like labour with the rest, where th' other Instruments
Did see, and heare, deuise, instruct, walke, feele,
And mutually participate, did minister
Vnto the appetite; and affection common
Of the whole body, the Belly answer'd.

2. Cit.
Well sir, what answer made the Belly.

Men.
Sir, I shall tell you with a kinde of Smile,
Which ne're came from the Lungs, but euen thus:
For looke you I may make the belly Smile,
As well as speake, it taintingly replyed
To'th' discontented Members, the mutinous parts
That enuied his receite: euen so most fitly,
As you maligne our Senators, for that
They are not such as you.

2. Cit.
Your Bellies answer: What
The Kingly crown'd head, the vigilant eye,
The Counsailor Heart, the Arme our Souldier,
Our Steed the Legge, the Tongue our Trumpeter,
With other Muniments and petty helpes
In this our Fabricke, if that they---

Men.
What then?
Fore me, this Fellow speakes. / What then? What then?

2. Cit.
Should by the Cormorant belly be restrain'd,
Who is the sinke a th' body.

Men.
Well, what then?

2. Cit.
The former Agents, if they did complaine,
What could the Belly answer?

Men.
I will tell you,
If you'l bestow a small (of what you haue little)
Patience awhile; you'st heare the Bellies answer.

2. Cit.
Y'are long about it.

Men.
Note me this good Friend;
Your most graue Belly was deliberate,
Not rash like his Accusers, and thus answered.
True is it my Incorporate Friends (quoth he)
That I receiue the generall Food at first
Which you do liue vpon: 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 Riuers of your blood
Euen to the Court, the Heart, to th' seate o'th' Braine,
And through the Crankes and Offices of man,
The strongest Nerues, and small inferiour Veines
From me receiue that naturall competencie
Whereby they liue. And though that all at once
(You my good Friends, this sayes the Belly) marke me.

2. Cit.
I sir, well, well.

Men.
Though all at once, cannot
See what I do deliuer out to each,
Yet I can make my Awdit vp, that all
From me do backe receiue the Flowre of all,
And leaue me but the Bran. What say you too't?

2. Cit.
It was an answer, how apply you this?

Men.
The Senators of Rome, are this good Belly,
And you the mutinous Members: For examine
Their Counsailes, and their Cares; disgest things rightly,
Touching the Weale a'th Common, you shall finde
No publique benefit which you receiue
But it proceeds, or comes from them to you,
And no way from your selues. What do you thinke?
You, the great Toe of this Assembly?

2. Cit.
I the great Toe? Why the great Toe?

Men.
For that being one o'th lowest, basest, poorest
Of this most wise Rebellion, thou goest formost:
Thou Rascall, that art worst in blood to run,
Lead'st first to win some vantage.
But make you ready your stiffe bats and clubs,
Rome, and her Rats, are at the point of battell,
The one side must haue baile.
Enter Caius Martius.
Hayle, Noble Martius.

Mar.
Thanks. What's the matter you dissentious rogues
That rubbing the poore Itch of your Opinion,
Make your selues Scabs.

2. Cit.
We haue euer your good word.

Mar.
He that will giue good words to thee, wil flatter
Beneath abhorring. What would you haue, you Curres,
That like nor Peace, nor Warre? The one affrights you,
The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you,
Where he should finde you Lyons, findes you Hares:
Where Foxes, Geese you are: No surer, no,
Then is the coale of fire vpon the Ice,
Or Hailstone in the Sun. Your Vertue is,
To make him worthy, whose offence subdues him,
And curse that Iustice did it. Who deserues Greatnes,
Deserues your Hate: and your Affections are
A sickmans Appetite; who desires most that
Which would encrease his euill. He that depends
Vpon your fauours, swimmes with finnes of Leade,
And hewes downe Oakes, with rushes. Hang ye: trust ye?
With euery Minute you do change a Minde,
And call him Noble, that was now your Hate:
Him vilde, that was your Garland. What's the matter,
That in these seuerall places of the Citie,
You cry against the Noble Senate, who
(Vnder the Gods) keepe you in awe, which else
Would feede on one another? What's their seeking?

Men.
For Corne at their owne rates, wherof they say
The Citie is well stor'd.

Mar.
Hang 'em: They say?
They'l sit by th' fire, and presume to know
What's done i'th Capitoll: Who's like to rise,
Who thriues, & who declines: Side factions, & giue out
Coniecturall Marriages, making parties strong,
And feebling such as stand not in their liking,
Below their cobled Shooes. They say ther's grain enough?
Would the Nobility lay aside their ruth,
And let me vse my Sword, I'de make a Quarrie
With thousands of these quarter'd slaues, as high
As I could picke my Lance.

Menen.
Nay these are almost thoroughly perswaded:
For though abundantly they lacke discretion
Yet are they passing Cowardly. But I beseech you,
What sayes the other Troope?

Mar.
They are dissolu'd: Hang em;
They said they were an hungry, sigh'd forth Prouerbes
That Hunger-broke stone wals: that dogges must eate
That meate was made for mouths. That the gods sent not
Corne for the Richmen onely: With these shreds
They vented their Complainings, which being answer'd
And a petition granted them, a strange one,
To breake the heart of generosity,
And make bold power looke pale, they threw their caps
As they would hang them on the hornes a'th Moone,
Shooting their Emulation.

Menen.
What is graunted them?

Mar.
Fiue Tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms
Of their owne choice. One's Iunius Brutus,
Sicinius Velutus, and I know not. Sdeath,
The rabble should haue first vnroo'st the City
Ere so preuayl'd with me; it will in time
Win vpon power, and throw forth greater Theames
For Insurrections arguing.

Menen.
This is strange.

Mar.
Go get you home you Fragments.
Enter a Messenger hastily.

Mess.
Where's Caius Martius?

Mar.
Heere: what's the matter?

Mes.
The newes is sir, the Volcies are in Armes.

Mar.
I am glad on't, then we shall ha meanes to vent
Our mustie superfluity. See our best Elders.
Enter Sicinius Velutus, Annius Brutus
Cominius, Titus Lartius, with other Senatours.

1. Sen.
Martius 'tis true, that you haue lately told vs,
The Volces are in Armes.

Mar.
They haue a Leader,
Tullus Auffidius that will put you too't:
I sinne in enuying his Nobility:
And were I any thing but what I am,
I would wish me onely he.

Com.
You haue fought together?

Mar.
Were halfe to halfe the world by th' eares, & he
vpon my partie, I'de reuolt to make
Onely my warres with him. He is a Lion
That I am proud to hunt.

1. Sen.
Then worthy Martius,
Attend vpon Cominius to these Warres.

Com.
It is your former promise.

Mar.
Sir it is,
And I am constant: Titus Lucius, thou
Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus face.
What art thou stiffe? Stand'st out?

Tit.
No Caius Martius,
Ile leane vpon one Crutch, and fight with tother,
Ere stay behinde this Businesse.

Men.
Oh true-bred.

Sen.
Your Company to'th' Capitoll, where I know
Our greatest Friends attend vs.

Tit.
Lead you on:
Follow Cominius, we must followe you,
right worthy you Priority.

Com.
Noble Martius.

Sen.
Hence to your homes, be gone.

Mar.
Nay let them follow,
The Volces haue much Corne: take these Rats thither,
To gnaw their Garners. Worshipfull Mutiners,
Your valour puts well forth: Pray follow.
Exeunt. Citizens steale away. Manet Sicin. &Brutus.

Sicin.
Was euer man so proud as is this Martius?

Bru.
He has no equall.

Sicin.
When we were chosen Tribunes for the people.

Bru.
Mark'd you his lip and eyes.

Sicin.
Nay, but his taunts.

Bru.
Being mou'd, he will not spare to gird the Gods.

Sicin.
Bemocke the modest Moone.

Bru.
The present Warres deuoure him, he is growne
Too proud to be so valiant.

Sicin.
Such a Nature,
tickled with good successe, disdaines the shadow
which he treads on at noone, but I do wonder,
his insolence can brooke to be commanded
vnder Cominius?

Bru.
Fame, at the which he aymes,
In whom already he's well grac'd, cannot
Better be held, nor more attain'd then by
A place below the first: for what miscarries
Shall be the Generals fault, though he performe
To th' vtmost of a man, and giddy censure
Will then cry out of Martius: Oh, if he
Had borne the businesse.

Sicin.
Besides, if things go well,
Opinion that so stickes on Martius, shall
Of his demerits rob Cominius.

Bru.
Come:
halfe all Cominius Honors are to Martius
Though Martius earn'd them not: and all his faults
To Martius shall be Honors, though indeed
In ought he merit not.

Sicin.
Let's hence, and heare
How the dispatch is made, and in what fashion
More then his singularity, he goes
Vpon this present Action.

Bru.
Let's along.
Exeunt
Original text
Act I, Scene II
Enter Tullus Auffidius with Senators of Coriolus.

1. Sen.
So, your opinion is Auffidius,
That they of Rome are entred in our Counsailes,
And know how we proceede,

Auf.
Is it not yours?
What euer haue bin thought one in this State
That could be brought to bodily act, ere Rome
Had circumuention: 'tis not foure dayes gone
Since I heard thence, these are the words, I thinke
I haue the Letter heere: yes, heere it is;
They haue prest a Power, but it is not knowne
Whether for East or West: the Dearth is great,
The people Mutinous: And it is rumour'd,
Cominius, Martius your old Enemy
(Who is of Rome worse hated then of you)
And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
These three leade on this Preparation
Whether 'tis bent: most likely, 'tis for you:
Consider of it.

1. Sen.
Our Armie's in the Field:
We neuer yet made doubt but Rome was ready
To answer vs.

Auf.
Nor did you thinke it folly,
To keepe your great pretences vayl'd, till when
They needs must shew themselues, which in the hatching
It seem'd appear'd to Rome. By the discouery,
We shalbe shortned in our ayme, which was
To take in many Townes, ere (almost) Rome
Should know we were a-foot.

2. Sen.
Noble Auffidius,
Take your Commission, hye you to your Bands,
Let vs alone to guard Corioles
If they set downe before's: for the remoue
Bring vp your Army: but (I thinke) you'l finde
Th'haue not prepar'd for vs.

Auf.
O doubt not that,
I speake from Certainties. Nay more,
Some parcels of their Power are forth already,
And onely hitherward. I leaue your Honors.
If we, and Caius Martius chance to meete,
'Tis sworne betweene vs, we shall euer strike
Till one can do no more.

All.
The Gods assist you.

Auf.
And keepe your Honors safe.

1. Sen.
Farewell.

2. Sen.
Farewell.

All.
Farewell.
Exeunt omnes.
Original text
Act I, Scene III
Enter Volumnia and Virgilia, mother and wife to
Martius: They set them downe on two lowe stooles and sowe.

Volum.
I pray you daughter sing, or expresse your selfe
in a more comfortable sort: If my Sonne were my Husband,
I should freelier reioyce in that absence wherein he wonne
Honor, then in the embracements of his Bed, where he
would shew most loue. When yet hee was but tender-bodied,
and the onely Sonne of my womb; when youth with
comelinesse pluck'd all gaze his way; when for a day of
Kings entreaties, a Mother should not sel him an houre
from her beholding; I considering how Honour would
become such a person, that it was no better then Picture-like
to hang by th' wall, if renowne made it not stirre,
was pleas'd to let him seeke danger, where he was like to
finde fame: To a cruell Warre I sent him, from whence he
return'd, his browes bound with Oake. I tell thee Daughter,
I sprang not more in ioy at first hearing he was a Man-child,
then now in first seeing he had proued himselfe a
man.

Virg.
But had he died in the Businesse Madame, how
then?

Volum.
Then his good report should haue beene my
Sonne, I therein would haue found issue. Heare me professe
sincerely, had I a dozen sons each in my loue alike, and
none lesse deere then thine, and my good Martius, I had
rather had eleuen dye Nobly for their Countrey, then one
voluptuously surfet out of Action.
Enter a Gentlewoman.

Gent.
Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to
visit you.

Virg.
Beseech you giue me leaue to retire my selfe.

Volum.
Indeed you shall not:
Me thinkes, I heare hither your Husbands Drumme:
See him plucke Auffidius downe by th' haire:
(As children from a Beare) the Volces shunning him:
Me thinkes I see him stampe thus, and call thus,
Come on you Cowards, you were got in feare
Though you were borne in Rome; his bloody brow
With his mail'd hand, then wiping, forth he goes
Like to a Haruest man, that task'd to mowe
Or all, or loose his hyre.

Virg.
His bloody Brow? Oh Iupiter, no blood.

Volum.
Away you Foole; it more becomes a man
Then gilt his Trophe. The brests of Hecuba
When she did suckle Hector, look'd not louelier
Then Hectors forhead, when it spit forth blood
At Grecian sword. Contenning, tell Valeria
We are fit to bid her welcome.
Exit Gent.

Vir.
Heauens blesse my Lord from fell Auffidius.

Vol.
Hee'l beat Auffidius head below his knee,
And treade vpon his necke.
Enter Valeria with an Vsher, and a Gentlewoman.

Val.
My Ladies both good day to you.

Vol.
Sweet Madam.

Vir.
I am glad to see your Ladyship.

Val.
How do you both? You are manifest house-keepers.
What are you sowing heere? A fine spotte in good faith.
How does your little Sonne?

Vir.
I thanke your Lady-ship: Well good Madam.

Vol.
He had rather see the swords, and heare a Drum,
then looke vpon his Schoolmaster.

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 you
play 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 the
threshold, 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 her
with 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 not
foorth.

Val.
In truth la go with me, and Ile tell you excellent
newes 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 whõ
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 you
in 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.
No / At a word Madam; Indeed I must not, / I
wish you much mirth.

Val.
Well, then farewell.
Exeunt Ladies.
Original text
Act I, Scene IV
Enter Martius, Titus Lartius, with Drumme and
Colours, with Captaines and Souldiers, 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 will
For 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 hence
To helpe our fielded Friends. Come, blow thy blast.
They Sound a Parley:
Enter two Senators with others on the Walles of
Corialus.
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 Drummes
Are bringing forth our youth: Wee'l breake our Walles
Rather then they shall pound vs vp our Gates,
Which yet seeme shut, we haue but pin'd with Rushes,
They'le open of themselues. Alarum farre off. Harke you, farre off
There is Auffidious. List what worke he makes
Among'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 fight
With 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 fellows
He that retires, Ile take him for a Volce,
And he shall feele mine edge.
Alarum, the Romans are beat back to their Trenches
Enter Martius Cursing.

Mar.
All the contagion of the South, light on you,
You Shames of Rome: you Heard of Byles and Plagues
Plaister you o're, that you may be abhorr'd
Farther then seene, and one infect another
Against the Winde a mile: you soules of Geese,
That beare the shapes of men, how haue you run
From Slaues, that Apes would beate; Pluto and Hell,
All hurt behinde, backes red, and faces pale
With 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.

All.
To th' pot I warrant him.
Alarum continues
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 sodaine
Clapt 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 art
Weare not so rich a Iewell. Thou was't a Souldier
Euen to Calues wish, not fierce and terrible
Onely in strokes, but with thy grim lookes, and
The Thunder-like percussion of thy sounds
Thou mad'st thine enemies shake, as if the World
Were 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.
Original text
Act I, Scene V
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.
Alarum continues still a-farre off.
Enter Martius, and Titus with a Trumpet.

Mar.
See heere these mouers, that do prize their hours
At a crack'd Drachme: Cushions, Leaden Spoones,
Irons of a Doit, Dublets that Hangmen would
Bury with those that wore them. These base slaues,
Ere yet the fight be done, packe vp, downe with them.
exeunt.
And harke, what noyse the Generall makes: To him
There is the man of my soules hate, Auffidious,
Piercing our Romanes: Then Valiant Titus take
Conuenient Numbers to make good the City,
Whil'st I with those that haue the spirit, wil haste
To 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 Physicall
Then 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 charmes
Misguide 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
Original text
Act I, Scene VI
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 strooke
By Interims and conueying gusts, we haue heard
The 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.
Enter a Messenger.
Thy Newes?

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 Volces
Held me in chace, that I was forc'd to wheele
Three or foure miles about, else had I sir
Halfe 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 haue
Before time seene him thus.

Mar.
Come I too late?

Com.
The Shepherd knowes not Thunder frõ a Taber,
More then I know the sound of Martius Tongue
From 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 ye
In 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 Slaue
Which 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 budge
From 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 wt side
They haue plac'd their men of trust?

Com.
As I guesse Martius,
Their Bands i'th Vaward are the Antients
Of 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 made / To endure Friends, that you directly
set me / Against Affidious, and his Antiats,
And that you not delay the present (but
Filling 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 neuer
Deny your asking, take your choice of those
That best can ayde your action.

Mar.
Those are they
That most are willing; if any such be heere,
(As it were sinne to doubt) that loue this painting
Wherein you see me smear'd, if any feare
Lessen 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
theirArmes, and cast vp their Caps.
Oh me alone, make you a sword of me:
If these shewes be not outward, which of you
But is foure Volces? None of you, but is
Able to beare against the great Auffidious
A 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 shall
Diuide in all, with vs.
Exeunt
Original text
Act I, Scene VII
Titus Lartius, hauing set a guard vpon Carioles,
going with Drum and Trumpet toward Cominius, and
Caius Martius, Enters with a Lieutenant, other Souldiours,
and a Scout.

Lar.
So, let the Ports be guarded; keepe your Duties
As I haue set them downe. If I do send, dispatch
Those Centuries to our ayd, the rest will serue
For 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
Original text
Act I, Scene VIII
Alarum, as in Battaile. Enter Martius and Auffidius at
seueral doores.

Mar.
Ile fight with none but thee, for I do hate thee
Worse then a Promise-breaker.

Auffid.
We hate alike:
Not Affricke ownes a Serpent I abhorre
More 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 Tullus
Alone I fought in your Corioles walles,
And made what worke I pleas'd: 'Tis not my blood,
Wherein thou seest me maskt, for thy Reuenge
Wrench 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 me
In your condemned Seconds.
Original text
Act I, Scene IX
Flourish. Alarum. A Retreat is sounded. Enter at one
Doore Cominius, with the Romanes: At another Doore
Martius, with his Arme in a Scarfe.

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 Gods
Our 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 reward
What you haue done, before our Armie heare me.

Martius.
I haue some Wounds vpon me, and they smart
To 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 take
A 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 Caps and Launces: Cominius and Lartius
stand bare.

Mar.
May these same Instruments, which you prophane,
Neuer sound more: when Drums and Trumpets shall
I'th' field proue flatterers, let Courts and Cities be
Made 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'd / My 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 dieted
In prayses, sawc'st with Lyes.

Com.
Too modest are you:
More cruell to your good report, then gratefull
To 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 Martius
Weares 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 perceiue
Whether I blush or no: howbeit, I thanke you,
I meane to stride your Steed, and at all times
To vnder-crest your good Addition,
To th' fairenesse of my power.

Com.
So, to our Tent:
Where ere we doe repose vs, we will write
To Rome of our successe: you Titus Lartius
Must to Corioles backe, send vs to Rome
The 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 you
To giue my poore Host freedome.

Com.
Oh well begg'd:
Were he the Butcher of my Sonne, he should
Be 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 time
It should be lookt too: come.
Exeunt.
Original text
Act I, Scene X
A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Auffidius bloudie,
with two or three Souldiors.

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 finde
I'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 encounter
As often as we eate. By th' Elements,
If ere againe I meet him beard to beard,
He's mine, or I am his: Mine Emulation
Hath not that Honor in't it had: For where
I 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 him
Shall 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 vp
Their rotten Priuiledge, and Custome 'gainst
My hate to Martius. Where I finde him, were it
At home, vpon my Brothers Guard, euen there
Against the hospitable Canon, would I
Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to th' Citie,
Learne how 'tis held, and what they are that must
Be 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 thither
How the world goes: that to the pace of it
I may spurre on my iourney.

Soul.
I shall sir.
Modern text
Act I, Scene I
Enter a company of mutinous Citizens, with staves,
clubs, and other weapons

FIRST CITIZEN
Before we proceed any further, hear me
speak.

ALL
Speak, speak.

FIRST CITIZEN
You are all resolved rather to die than to
famish?

ALL
Resolved, resolved.

FIRST CITIZEN
First, you know Caius Martius is chief
enemy to the people?

ALL
We know't, we know't.

FIRST CITIZEN
Let us kill him, and we'll have corn at
our own price. Is't a verdict?

ALL
No more talking on't. Let it be done. Away, away!

SECOND CITIZEN
One word, good citizens.

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

SECOND CITIZEN
Would you proceed especially against
Caius Martius?

FIRST CITIZEN
Against him first. He's a very dog to the
commonalty.

SECOND CITIZEN
Consider you what services he has
done for his country?

FIRST CITIZEN
Very well, and could be content to give
him good report for't, but that he pays himself with being
proud.

SECOND CITIZEN
Nay, but speak not maliciously.

FIRST CITIZEN
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 please his mother and to be partly proud, which he
is, even to the altitude of his virtue.

SECOND CITIZEN
What he cannot help in his nature, you
account a vice in him. You must in no way say he is
covetous.

FIRST CITIZEN
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'th' city is risen.
Why stay we prating here? To th' Capitol!

ALL
Come, come.

FIRST CITIZEN
Soft, who comes here?
Enter Menenius Agrippa

SECOND CITIZEN
Worthy Menenius Agrippa, one that
hath always loved the people.

FIRST CITIZEN
He's one honest enough. Would all the
rest were so!

MENENIUS
What work's, my countrymen, in hand? Where go you
With bats and clubs? The matter? Speak, I pray you.

FIRST CITIZEN
Our business is not unknown to th'
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
Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,
Will you undo yourselves?

FIRST CITIZEN
We cannot, sir, we are undone already.

MENENIUS
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
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'th' state, who care for you like fathers,
When you curse them as enemies.

FIRST CITIZEN
Care for us? True indeed! They ne'er
cared for us yet. Suffer us to famish, and their storehouses
crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to
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
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
To stale't a little more.

FIRST CITIZEN
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
There was a time when all the body's members
Rebelled against the belly, thus accused it:
That only like a gulf it did remain
I'th' midst o'th' body, idle and unactive,
Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing
Like labour with the rest, where th' other instruments
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 answered –

FIRST CITIZEN
Well, sir, what answer made the belly?

MENENIUS
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 th' discontented members, the mutinous parts
That envied his receipt; even so most fitly
As you malign our senators for that
They are not such as you.

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

FIRST CITIZEN
Should by the cormorant belly be restrained
Who is the sink o'th' body –

MENENIUS
Well, what then?

FIRST CITIZEN
The former agents, if they did complain,
What could the belly answer?

MENENIUS
I will tell you.
If you'll bestow a small – of what you have little –
Patience awhile, you'st hear the belly's answer.

FIRST CITIZEN
Y'are long about it.

MENENIUS
Note me this, good friend –
Your most grave belly was deliberate,
Not rash like his accusers, and thus answered.
‘ 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 storehouse 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 th' seat o'th' brain;
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
Ay, sir, well, well.

MENENIUS
‘ 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,
And leave me but the bran.’ What say you to't?

FIRST CITIZEN
It was an answer. How apply you this?

MENENIUS
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'th' 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
I the great toe? Why the great toe?

MENENIUS
For that being one o'th' lowest, basest, poorest
Of this most wise rebellion, thou goest 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 Martius
Hail, noble Martius!

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

FIRST CITIZEN
We have ever your good word.

MARTIUS
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,
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
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
For corn at their own rates, whereof they say
The city is well stored.

MARTIUS
Hang 'em! They say?
They'll sit by th' fire and presume to know
What's done i'th' 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'd make a quarry
With thousands of these quartered slaves as high
As I could pick my lance.

MENENIUS
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?

MARTIUS
They are dissolved. Hang 'em!
They said they were an-hungry, sighed 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
They vented their complainings; which being answered,
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'th' moon,
Shouting their emulation.

MENENIUS
What is granted them?

MARTIUS
Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,
Of their own choice. One's Junius Brutus, one
Sicinius Velutus, and I know not. 'Sdeath!
The rabble should have first unroofed the city
Ere so prevailed with me. It will in time
Win upon power and throw forth greater themes
For insurrection's arguing.

MENENIUS
This is strange.

MARTIUS
Go get you home, you fragments.
Enter a Messenger, hastily

MESSENGER
Where's Caius Martius?

MARTIUS
Here. What's the matter?

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

MARTIUS
I am glad on't. Then we shall ha' means to vent
Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders.
Enter Cominius, Titus Lartius, with other Senators;
Junius Brutus and Sicinius Velutus

FIRST SENATOR
Martius, 'tis true that you have lately told us:
The Volsces are in arms.

MARTIUS
They have a leader,
Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to't.
I sin in envying his nobility,
And were I anything but what I am,
I would wish me only he.

COMINIUS
You have fought together.

MARTIUS
Were half to half the world by th' ears and he
Upon my party, I'd revolt, to make
Only my wars with him. He is a lion
That I am proud to hunt.

FIRST SENATOR
Then, worthy Martius,
Attend upon Cominius to these wars.

COMINIUS
It is your former promise.

MARTIUS
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?

LARTIUS
No, Caius Martius,
I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with t'other
Ere stay behind this business.

MENENIUS
O, true bred!

FIRST SENATOR
Your company to th' Capitol, where I know
Our greatest friends attend us.

Lartius
(to Cominius)
Lead you on.
(to Martius) Follow Cominius. We must follow you.
Right worthy you priority.

COMINIUS
Noble Martius!

FIRST SENATOR
(to the Citizens)
Hence to your homes; be gone!

MARTIUS
Nay, let them follow.
The Volsces have much corn. Take these rats thither
To gnaw their garners. (Citizens steal away) Worshipful mutineers,
Your valour puts well forth. Pray follow.
Exeunt Patricians. Sicicnius and Brutus stay behind

SICINIUS
Was ever man so proud as is this Martius?

BRUTUS
He has no equal.

SICINIUS
When we were chosen tribunes for the people –

BRUTUS
Marked you his lip and eyes?

SICINIUS
Nay, but his taunts.

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

SICINIUS
Bemock the modest moon.

BRUTUS
The present wars devour him; he is grown
Too proud to be so valiant.

SICINIUS
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
Fame, at the which he aims –
In whom already he's well-graced – cannot
Better be held nor more attained than by
A place below the first; for what miscarries
Shall be the general's fault, though he perform
To th' utmost of a man, and giddy censure
Will then cry out of Martius, ‘ O, if he
Had borne the business!’

SICINIUS
Besides, if things go well,
Opinion that so sticks on Martius, shall
Of his demerits rob Cominius.

BRUTUS
Come.
Half all Cominius' honours are to Martius,
Though Martius earned them not; and all his faults
To Martius shall be honours, though indeed
In aught he merit not.

SICINIUS
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
Let's along.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene II
Enter Tullus Aufidius, with Senators of Corioles

FIRST SENATOR
So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
That they of Rome are entered in our counsels
And know how we proceed.

AUFIDIUS
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:
They have pressed a power, but it is not known
Whether for east or west. The dearth is great,
The people mutinous. And it is rumoured,
Cominius, Martius 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
Our army's in the field.
We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
To answer us.

AUFIDIUS
Nor did you think it folly
To keep your great pretences veiled till when
They needs must show themselves, which in the hatching,
It seemed, appeared to Rome. By the discovery
We shall be shortened in our aim, which was
To take in many towns ere almost Rome
Should know we were afoot.

SECOND SENATOR
Noble Aufidius,
Take your commission, hie you to your bands.
Let us alone to guard Corioles.
If they set down before's, for the remove
Bring up your army. But, I think, you'll find
Th' have not prepared for us.

AUFIDIUS
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.
If we and Caius Martius chance to meet,
'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
Till one can do no more.

ALL
The gods assist you!

AUFIDIUS
And keep your honours safe!

FIRST SENATOR
Farewell.

SECOND SENATOR
Farewell.

ALL
Farewell.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene III
Enter Volumnia and Virgilia, mother and wife to
Martius. They set them down on two low stools and sew

VOLUMNIA
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 how honour would
become such a person – that it was no better then picture-like
to hang by th' 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
But had he died in the business, madam, how
then?

VOLUMNIA
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 Martius, I had
rather had eleven die nobly for their country than one
voluptuously surfeit out of action.
Enter a Gentlewoman

GENTLEWOMAN
Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to
visit you.

VIRGILIA
Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.

VOLUMNIA
Indeed you shall not.
Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum;
See him pluck Aufidius down by th' 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 mailed hand then wiping, forth he goes,
Like to a harvest-man that's tasked to mow
Or all or lose his hire.

VIRGILIA
His bloody brow? O Jupiter, no blood!

VOLUMNIA
Away, you fool! It more becomes a man
Than gilt his trophy. The breasts of Hecuba,
When she did suckle Hector, looked 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
Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!

VOLUMNIA
He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee
And tread upon his neck.
Enter Valeria, with an Usher and a Gentlewoman

VALERIA
My ladies both, good day to you.

VOLUMNIA
Sweet madam!

VIRGILIA
I am glad to see your ladyship.

VALERIA
How do you both? You are manifest housekeepers.
What are you sewing here? A fine spot, in good faith.
How does your little son?

VIRGILIA
I thank your ladyship. Well, good madam.

VOLUMNIA
He had rather see the swords and hear a drum
than look upon his schoolmaster.

VALERIA
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 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 up 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, how he
mammocked it!

VOLUMNIA
One on's father's moods.

VALERIA
Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child.

VIRGILIA
A crack, madam.

VALERIA
Come, lay aside your stitchery. I must have you
play the idle housewife with me this afternoon.

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

VALERIA
Not out of doors?

VOLUMNIA
She shall, she shall.

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

VALERIA
Fie, you confine yourself most unreasonably.
Come, you must go visit the good lady that lies in.

VIRGILIA
I will wish her speedy strength and visit her
with my prayers, but I cannot go thither.

VOLUMNIA
Why, I pray you?

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

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

VALERIA
In truth, la, go with me, and I'll tell you excellent
news of your husband.

VIRGILIA
O, good madam, there can be none yet.

VALERIA
Verily I do not jest with you. There came news
from him last night.

VIRGILIA
Indeed, madam?

VALERIA
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 Corioles. They nothing doubt
prevailing and to make it brief wars. This is true, on
mine honour, and so, I pray, go with us.

VIRGILIA
Give me excuse, good madam, I will obey you
in everything hereafter.

VOLUMNIA
Let her alone, lady. As she is now, she will
but disease our better mirth.

VALERIA
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
No, at a word, madam. Indeed I must not. I
wish you much mirth.

VALERIA
Well, then, farewell.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene IV
Enter Martius, Titus Lartius, with Drum and
Colours, with Captains, and Soldiers, as before the city
Corioles. To them a Messenger

MARTIUS
Yonder comes news. A wager they have met.

LARTIUS
My horse to yours, no.

MARTIUS
'Tis done.

LARTIUS
Agreed.

MARTIUS
Say, has our general met the enemy?

MESSENGER
They lie in view, but have not spoke as yet.

LARTIUS
So, the good horse is mine.

MARTIUS
I'll buy him of you.

LARTIUS
No, I'll nor sell nor give him. Lend you him I will
For half a hundred years. (To the trumpeter) Summon the town.

MARTIUS
How far off lie these armies?

MESSENGER
Within this mile and half.

MARTIUS
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 of
Corioles
Tullus Aufidius, is he within your walls?

FIRST SENATOR
No, nor a man that fears you less than he:
That's lesser than a little. (Drum afar off) 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 pinned with rushes;
They'll open of themselves. (Alarum far off) Hark you, far off!
There is Aufidius. List what work he makes
Amongst your cloven army.

MARTIUS
O, they are at it!

LARTIUS
Their noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!
Enter the army of the Volsces

MARTIUS
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 Martius, cursing

MARTIUS
All the contagion of the south light on you,
You shames of Rome! You herd of – Boils and plagues
Plaster you o'er, that you may be abhorred
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,
As they us to our trenches. Follow's!
Alarum. The Volsces fly, and Martius follows
them to the gates, and is shut in
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.
He enters the gates

FIRST SOLDIER
Foolhardiness, not I.

SECOND SOLDIER
Nor I.

FIRST SOLDIER
See, they have shut him in.

ALL
To th' pot, I warrant him.
Alarum continues
Enter Titus Lartius

LARTIUS
What is become of Martius?

ALL
Slain, sir, doubtless.

FIRST SOLDIER
Following the fliers at the very heels,
With them he enters, who upon the sudden
Clapped to their gates. He is himself alone,
To answer all the city.

LARTIUS
O noble fellow!
Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,
And when it bows stand'st up. Thou art lost, Martius.
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
Only in strokes, but with thy grim looks and
The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds
Thou mad'st thine enemies shake, as if the world
Were feverous and did tremble.
Enter Martius, bleeding, assaulted by the enemy

FIRST SOLDIER
Look, sir.

LARTIUS
O,'tis Martius!
Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.
They fight, and all enter the city
Modern text
Act I, Scene V
Enter certain Romans, with spoils

FIRST ROMAN
This will I carry to Rome.

SECOND ROMAN
And I this.

THIRD ROMAN
A murrain on't! I took this for silver.
Alarum continues still afar off
Enter Martius and Titus Lartius with a Trumpeter

MARTIUS
See here these movers that do prize their hours
At a cracked drachma. 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!
Exeunt spoilers
And hark, what noise the general makes! To him!
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
Worthy sir, thou bleed'st.
Thy exercise hath been too violent
For a second course of fight.

MARTIUS
Sir, praise me not.
My work hath yet not warmed me. Fare you well.
The blood I drop is rather physical
Than dangerous to me. To Aufidius thus
I will appear and fight.

LARTIUS
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!

MARTIUS
Thy friend no less
Than those she placeth highest. So farewell.

LARTIUS
Thou worthiest Martius!
Exit Martius
Go sound thy trumpet in the market-place.
Call thither all the officers o'th' town,
Where they shall know our mind. Away!
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene VI
Enter Cominius, as it were in retire, with Soldiers

COMINIUS
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. The Roman gods
Lead their successes as we wish our own,
That both our powers, with smiling fronts encountering,
May give you thankful sacrifice!
Enter a Messenger
Thy news?

MESSENGER
The citizens of Corioles have issued
And given to Lartius and to Martius battle.
I saw our party to their trenches driven,
And then I came away.

COMINIUS
Though thou speak'st truth,
Methinks thou speak'st not well. How long is't since?

MESSENGER
Above an hour, my lord.

COMINIUS
'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
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.
Enter Martius

COMINIUS
Who's yonder
That does appear as he were flayed? O gods!
He has the stamp of Martius, and I have
Before-time seen him thus.

MARTIUS
(shouts)
Come I too late?

COMINIUS
The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabor
More than I know the sound of Martius' tongue
From every meaner man.

MARTIUS
Come I too late?

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

MARTIUS
O, let me clip ye
In arms as sound as when I wooed, in heart
As merry as when our nuptial day was done,
And tapers burned to bedward!

COMINIUS
Flower of warriors,
How is't with Titus Lartius?

MARTIUS
As with a man busied about decrees:
Condemning some to death and some to exile,
Ransoming him or pitying, threatening th' other;
Holding Corioles in the name of Rome
Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash,
To let him slip at will.

COMINIUS
Where is that slave
Which told me they had beat you to your trenches?
Where is he? Call him hither.

MARTIUS
Let him alone.
He did inform the truth – but for our gentlemen.
The common file – a plague! Tribunes for them! –
The mouse ne'er shunned the cat as they did budge
From rascals worse than they.

COMINIUS
But how prevailed you?

MARTIUS
Will the time serve to tell? I do not think.
Where is the enemy? Are you lords o'th' field?
If not, why cease you till you are so?

COMINIUS
Martius,
We have at disadvantage fought, and did
Retire to win our purpose.

MARTIUS
How lies their battle? Know you on which side
They have placed their men of trust?

COMINIUS
As I guess, Martius,
Their bands i'th' vaward are the Antiates,
Of their best trust; o'er them Aufidius,
Their very heart of hope.

MARTIUS
I do beseech you
By all the battles wherein we have fought,
By th' blood we have shed together, by th' 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
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.

MARTIUS
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 smeared; if any fear
Lesser his person than an ill report;
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 Martius.
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,
Though thanks to all, must I select from all. The rest
Shall bear the business in some other fight,
As cause will be obeyed. Please you to march;
And I shall quickly draw out my command,
Which men are best inclined.

COMINIUS
March on, my fellows.
Make good this ostentation, and you shall
Divide in all with us.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene VII
Titus Lartius, having set a guard upon Corioles,
going with Drum and Trumpet toward Cominius and
Caius Martius, enters with a Lieutenant, other Soldiers,
and a Scout

LARTIUS
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
Fear not our care, sir.

LARTIUS
Hence, and shut your gates upon's.
Our guider, come; to th' Roman camp conduct us.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene VIII
Alarum, as in battle. Enter Martius and Aufidius at
several doors

MARTIUS
I'll fight with none but thee, for I do hate thee
Worse than a promise-breaker.

AUFIDIUS
We hate alike.
Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor
More than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.

MARTIUS
Let the first budger die the other's slave,
And the gods doom him after.

AUFIDIUS
If I fly, Martius,
Holloa me like a hare.

MARTIUS
Within these three hours, Tullus,
Alone I fought in your Corioles walls,
And made what work I pleased. 'Tis not my blood
Wherein thou seest me masked. For thy revenge
Wrench up thy power to th' highest.

AUFIDIUS
Wert thou the Hector
That was the whip of your bragged progeny,
Thou shouldst not scape me here.
Here they fight, and certain Volsces come in the aid of
Aufidius. Martius fights till they be driven in
breathless
Officious and not valiant, you have shamed me
In your condemned seconds.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene IX
Flourish. Alarum. A retreat is sounded. Enter, at one
door, Cominius, with the Romans; at another door,
Martius, with his arm in a scarf

COMINIUS
If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work,
Thou't not believe thy deeds. But I'll report it
Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles;
Where great patricians shall attend and shrug,
I'th' 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
Our Rome hath such a soldier.’
Yet cam'st thou to a morsel of this feast,
Having fully dined before.
Enter Titus Lartius, with his power, from the pursuit

LARTIUS
O general,
Here is the steed, we the caparison.
Hadst thou beheld –

MARTIUS
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
As you have been – that's for my country.
He that has but effected his good will
Hath overta'en mine act.

COMINIUS
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 vouched,
Would seem but modest. Therefore, I beseech you –
In sign of what you are, not to reward
What you have done – before our army hear me.

MARTIUS
I have some wounds upon me, and they smart
To hear themselves remembered.

COMINIUS
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
Before the common distribution at
Your only choice.

MARTIUS
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 ‘ Martius! Martius!’,
cast up their caps and lances. Cominius and Lartius
stand bare

MARTIUS
May these same instruments which you profane
Never sound more! When drums and trumpets shall
I'th' field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be
Made all of false-faced soothing. When steel grows
Soft as the parasite's silk, let him be made
An overture for th' wars. No more, I say.
For that I have not washed my nose that bled,
Or foiled 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
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 Martius
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,
For what he did before Corioles, call him,
With all th' applause and clamour of the host,
Caius Martius Coriolanus.
Bear th' addition nobly ever!
Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drums

ALL
Caius Martius Coriolanus!

CORIOLANUS
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
To th' fairness of my power.

COMINIUS
So, to our tent,
Where, ere we do repose us, we will write
To Rome of our success. You, Titus Lartius,
Must to Corioles back. Send us to Rome
The best, with whom we may articulate
For their own good and ours.

LARTIUS
I shall, my lord.

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

COMINIUS
Take't, 'tis yours. What is't?

CORIOLANUS
I sometime lay here in Corioles
At a poor man's house; he used me kindly.
He cried to me; I saw him prisoner;
But then Aufidius was within my view,
And wrath o'erwhelmed my pity. I request you
To give my poor host freedom.

COMINIUS
O, well begged!
Were he the butcher of my son, he should
Be free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.

LARTIUS
Martius, his name?

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

COMINIUS
Go we to our tent.
The blood upon your visage dries, 'tis time
It should be looked to. Come.
Exeunt
Modern text
Act I, Scene X
A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius, bloody,
with two or three Soldiers

AUFIDIUS
The town is ta'en.

FIRST SOLDIER
'Twill be delivered back on good condition.

AUFIDIUS
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'th' part that is at mercy? Five times, Martius,
I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me;
And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter
As often as we eat. By th' 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
He's the devil.

AUFIDIUS
Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poisoned
With only suffering stain by him; for him
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 Martius. 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 th' city.
Learn how 'tis held, and what they are that must
Be hostages for Rome.

FIRST SOLDIER
Will not you go?

AUFIDIUS
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
I shall, sir.
Exeunt
x

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