Lart. I shall, my lord. Cor. The gods begin to mock me. I that now Com. Take it 'tis yours.-What is't? At a poor man's house; he us'd me kindly: And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you Com. Oh well begg'd! Were he the butcher of my son, he should Be free, as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus. Cor. By Jupiter, forgot : I am weary; yea, my memory is tir'd.- Com. Go we to our tent: The blood upon your visage dries: 'tis time [Exeunt. 1 Sol. He's the devil. [way; Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle: My valour's poison'd, With only suffering stain by him; for him Learn how 'tis held; and what they are, that 1 Sol. Will not you go? Auf. 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. 1 Sol. I shall, Sir. ACT II. [Exeunt. Men. Ay, to devour him; as the hungry plebeians would the noble Marcius. Bru. He's a lamb indeed, that baes like a bear. Men. He's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You two are old men; tell me one thing that I shall ask you. Both Trib. Well, Sir. Men. In what enormity is Marcius poor, that you two have not in abundance ? Bru. He's poor in no one fault, but stored with all. Sic. Especially, in pride. Bru. And topping all others in boasting. Men. This is strange now: Do you two know how you are censured here in the city, I mean of us o'the right hand file? Do you? Both Trib. Why, how are we censured? Men. Because you talk of pride now,-Will you not be angry? Both trib. Well, well, Sir, well. Men. Why 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief of occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience give your disposition the reins, and be angry at your pleasures; at the least, if you take it as a pleasure to you, in being so. You blame Marcius for being proud? Bru. We do it not alone, Sir. Men. I know you can do very little alone; for your helps are many; or else your actions would grow wondrous single: your abilities are too infant-like, for doing much alone. You talk of pride: Oh! that you could turn your eyes towards the napes of your necks, and make but an interior survey of your good selves! Oh! that you could! Bru. What then, Sir? Men. Why, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting, proud, violent, testy magistrates, (alias, fools) as any in Rome. Sic. Menenius, you are known well enough too. Men. I am known to be a humorous patrician, and one that loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying Tyber in't; said to be something imperfect, in favouring the first complaint: hasty and tinder-like, upon too trivial motion: one that converses more with the buttock of the night, than with the forehead of the morning. What I think, I utter; and spend my malice in my breath: Meeting two such wealstmen as you are, (I cannot call you Lycurguses) if the drink you gave me, touch my palate adversely, I make a crooked face at it. I cannot say, your worships have delivered the matter well, when I find the ass in compound with the major part of your syllables: and though I must be content to bear with those that say you are reverend grave men, yet they lie deadly that tell you have good faces. If you see this in the map of my mycrocosin, follows it, that I am known well enough too? What harm can your bisson conspectuities glean out of this character, if I be known well enough too. Bru. Come, Sir, come, we know you well enough. Men. You know neither me, yourselves, nor any thing. You are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs; you wear out a good wholesome forenoon, in bearing a cause between an orangewife and a fosset-seller; and then rejourn the controversy of three-pence to a second day of audience. When you are hearing a matter between party and party, if you chance to be pinched with the cholic, you make faces like mummers; set up the bloody flag against all patience; and, roaring for a chamber-pot, dismiss the controversy bleeding, the more entangled by your hearing all the peace you make in their cause is, calling both the parties knaves: You are a pair of strange ones. Bru. Come, come, you are well understood to be a perfecter giber for the table, than a necessary bencher in the Capitol. + Strike. Waited for Under my brother's Scene I. CORIOLANUS. Men. Our very priests must become mockers, if they shall encounter such ridiculous subjects When you speak best unto the puras you are. pose, it is not worth the wagging of your beards; and your beards deserve not so honourable a grave, as to stuff a botcher's cushion, or to be entombed in an ass's pack-saddle. Yet you must be saying, Marcius is proud; who, in a cheap estimation, is worth all your predecessors, since Deucalion; though, peradventure, some of the best of them were hereditary hangmen. Good e'en to your worships; more of your conversation would infect my brain, being the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians: I will be bold to take my leave of you. [BRU. and Sic. retire to the back of the Scene. Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and VALERIA, &c. How now, my as fair as noble ladies, (and the moon, were she earthly, no nobler) whither do you follow your eyes so fast? Vol. Honourable Menenius, my boy Marcius approaches; for the love of Juno, let's go. Men. Ha! Marcius coming home? Vol. Ay, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperous approbation. Men. Take my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee: -Hoo! Marcius coming home? Two Ladies. Nay, 'tis true. Vol. Look, here's a letter from him; the state hath another; his wife another; and I think, there's one at home for you. Men. I will make my very house reel to-night: -A letter for me? Vir. Yes, certain, there's a letter for you; I saw it. Men. A letter for me? It gives me an estate of seven years' health; in which time I will make a lip at the physician: the most sovereign prescription of Galen is but empiricutic, and, to this preservative, of no better report than a horsedrench. Is he not wounded? he was wont to come home wounded. Vir. Oh! no, no, no. Vol. Oh! he is wounded, I thank the gods] for't. Men. So do I to, if it be not too much :Brings 'a victory in his pocket?-The wounds become him. Vol. On's brows, Menenius: he comes the third time home with the oaken garland. Men. Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly? Vol. Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but Aufidius got off. Men. And 'twas time for him too, I'll warrant him that: an he had staid by him, I would not have been so fidiused for all the chests in Corioli, Is the senate and the gold that's in them. possessed of this? Vol. Good ladies, let's go :-Yes, yes, yes: the senate has letters from the general, wherein he gives my son the whole name of the war: he hath in this action outdone his former deeds doubly. Val. In troth, there's wondrous things spoke of him Men. Wondrous? ay, I warrant you, and not without his true purchasing, Vir. The gods grant them true! Men. True? I'll be sworn they are true:Where is he wounded?-God save your good worships! [To the Tribunes, who come forward.] Marcius is coming home: he has more cause to be proud. Where is he wounded? Vol. I'the shoulder, and i'the left arm: There will be large cicatrices to show the people, when He received in he shall stand for his place. the repulse of Tarquin, seven hurts i'the body. Men. One in the neck, and two in the thigh,there's nine that I know. Vol. He had, before this last expedition, twenty-five wounds upon him. • Informed. 9 Men. Now its twenty-seven: every gash was Vol. These are the ushers of Marcius: before die. A Sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter COMINIUS Within Corioli' gates: where he hath won, [Flourish. All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus! Cor. No more of this, it does offend my heart; Pray now, no more. Com. Look, Sir, your mother, Cor. Oh! You have I know, petition'd all the gods [Kneels. Vol. Nay, my good soldier, up; Cor. My gracious silence, hail! That weep'st to see me triumph? Ah, my dear, Men. Now the gods crown thee! home; And welcome, general;-And you are welcome all. Men. A hundred thousand welcomes: I could [come: weep, And I could laugh: I am light and heavy: WelA curse begin at very root of his heart, That is not glad to see thee !-You are three, That Rome should dote on yet, by the faith of men; will not Cor. Menenius, ever, ever. [To his Wife and Mother To see inherited my very wishes, Cor. Know, good mother, I had rather be their servant in my way, [Flourish. Coronets. Exeunt in state, as Are spectacled to see him: Your pratling nurse • My beautious silence, or, my silent grace + Fit C While she chats him: the kitchen malkin pins Are smother'd up, leads fill'd, and ridges hors'd In earnestness to see him seldý-shown fla- Do press among the popular throngs, and puff Of Phœbus' burning kisses: such a pother, Sic. On the sudden, I warrant him consul. Bru. Then our office may, During his power, go sleep. Sic. He cannot temperately transport his ho nours From where he should begin, and end; but will Bru. In that there's comfort. Sic. Doubt not the commoners, for whom we stand, nours; Which that he'll give them, make as little SCENE 11.-The same.-The Capitol. Enter two OFFICERS, to lay Cushions. 1 Off. Come, come, they are almost here: How many stand for consulships? 2 Off. Three, they say: but 'tis thought of every one Coriolanus will carry it. 1 Off. That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance proud, and loves not the common people. 2 Off. 'Faith, there have been many great men that have flatter'd the people, who ne'er loved them; and there be many that they have loved, they know not wherefore: so that if they love they know not why, they hate upon no better a ground Therefore, for Coriolanus neither to care whether they love or hate him, manifests the true knowledge he has in their disposition; and, out of his noble carelessness, lets them plainly see't. But they, upon their ancient malice, will 1 Off. If he did not care whether he had their Forget with the least cause these his new ho- love, or no, he waved indifferently 'twixt doing [tion them neither good nor harm; but he seeks their ques-hate with greater devotion than they can render it him; and leaves nothing undone, that may fully discover him their opposite. Now, to seem to affect the malice and displeasure of the people, is as bad as that which he dislikes, to flatter them for their love. Bru. I heard him swear, Were he to staud for consul, never would he Bru. It was his word: Oh! he would miss it, rather Only for bearing burdens, and sore blows For sinking under them. Sie. This, as you say, suggested At some time when his soaring insolence 2 Of. He hath deserved worthily of his country: And his ascent is not by such easy degrees as those, who, having been supple and courteous to the people, bonnetted, without any further deed to heave them at all into their estimation and report: but he hath so planted his honours in their eyes, and his actions in their hearts, that for their tongues to be silent, and not confess so much, were a kind of ingrateful injury: to report otherwise were a malice, that, giving itself the lie, would pluck reproof and rebuke from every ear that heard it. 1 Off. No more of him; he is a worthy man: Make way, they are coming. A Sennet. Enter, with LiCTORS, before them, COMINIUS the Consul, MENENIUS, CORIOLANUS, many other SENATORS, SICINIUS, and BRUTUS. The SENATORS take their places; the TRIBUNES take theirs also by themselves. Men. Having determin'd of the Volsces, and As the main point of this our after-meeting, Hath thus stood for his country: Therefore, please you, Most reverend and grave elders, to desire Shall teach the people, (which time shall not The present consul, and last general want, If he be put upon't and that's as easy, Enter a MESSENGER. Bru. What's the matter? Mess. You are sent for to the Capitol. thought, That Marcius shall be consul: I have seen blind In our well-found successes, to report A little of that worthy work perform❜d 1 Sen. Speak, good Cominius: The dumb men throng to see him, and the sweat and smoke. mon standing-place. Sic. We are convented Upon a pleasing treaty; and have hearts see Cor. It is a part He had rather venture all his limbs for honour, That I shall blush in acting, and might well Should not be utter'd feebly.-It is held, The man I speak of cannot in the world Bru. Mark you that! Cor. To brag unto them,-Thus I did, and thus ; Show them the unaching scars which I should hide, Men. Do not stand upon't.— We recommend to you, tribunes of the people, Our purpose to them;-and to our noble consul Wish we all joy and honour. Sen. To Coriolanus come all joy and honour ! [Flourish. Then exeunt SENATORS. Bru. You see how he intends to use the people Sic. May they perceive his intent! He that will require them, As if he did contemn what he requested Bru. Come, we'll inform them SCENE III.-The same.-The Forum. Enter several CITIZENS. 1 Cit. Once, if he do require our voices, we ought not to deny him. 2 Cit. We may, Sir, if we will. 3 Cit. We have power in ourselves to do it, but it is a power that we have no power to do: for if he show us his wounds, and tell us his deeds, we are to put our tongues into those wounds, and speak for them; so, if he tell us his noble deeds, we must also tell him our noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is monstrous and for the multitude to be ingrateful were to make a monster of the multitude; of the which, we, being members, should bring ourselves to be monstrous members. 1 Cit. And to make us no better thought of, a little help will serve for once, when we stood up about the corn, be himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude. 3 Cit. We have been called so of many; not that our heads are some brown, some black, some auburu, some bald, but that our wits are so diversly coloured and truly I think, if all cur • Avarice. wits were to issue out of one scull, they would fly east, west, north, south; and their consent of one direct way should be at once to all the points o'the compass. 2 Cit. Think you so? Which way, do you judge my wit would fly? 3 Cit. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another man's will; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head: but if it were at liberty, 'twould, sure south ward. 2 Cit. Why that way? 3 Cit. To lose itself in a fog; where, being three parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return for conscience' sake, to help to get thee a wife. Enter two other CITIZENS. Cor. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices, that I may be consul, I have here the customary gown. 3 Cit. You have deserved nobly of your country, and you have not deserved nobly. Cor. Your enigma ? 3 Cit. You have been a scourge to her enemies, you have been a rod to her friends; you have not, indeed, loved the common people. Cor. You should account me the more virtuous, that I have not been common in my love. 2 Cit. You are never without your tricks :-I will, Sir, flatter my sworn brother the people, You may, you may. to earn a dearer estimation of them; 'tis a con 3 Cit. Are you all resolved to give your voices?dition they account gentle and since the wisdom But that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I say, if he would incline to the people, there was never a worthier man. of their choice is rather to have my hat than my heart, I will practise the insinuating nod, and be off to them most counterfeitly: that is, Sir, I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountifully to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul. 4 Cit. We hope to find you our friend; and therefore give you our voices heartily. 3 Cit. You have received many wounds for your country. Cor. I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no further. Both Cit. The gods give you joy, Sir, hear[Exeunt. tily ! Cor. Most sweet voices !Better it is to die, better to starve, Than crave the hire which first we do deserve. Why in this woblvish gown should I stand here, To beg of Hob and Dick, that do appear, Their needless vouches: Custom calls me to't :What custom wills, in all things should we do't; The dust on antique time would He unswept, And mountainous error be too highly heap'd For truth to over-peer.-Rather than fool it so, Let the high office and the honour go. You must not speak of that: you must desire them To one that would do thus.-1 am half through ; To think upon you. Cor. Think upon me? Hang 'em! I would they would forget me, like the virtues Which our divines lose by them. Men. You'll mar all; The one part suffer'd, the other will I do. Here come more voices. Your voices; for your voices I have fought; Indeed, I would be consul. 5 Cit. He has done nobly, and cannot go without any honest man's voice, 6 Cit. Therefore let him be consul: The gods give him joy, and make him good friend to the people! All. Amen, Amen,— Cor. Worthy voices! [Exeunt CITIZENS. |