|
2
[Enter a company of mutinous Citizens, with staves,] [p]clubs, and other weapons]
4
Before we proceed any further, hear me speak.
8
You are all resolved rather to die than to famish?
12
First, you know Caius CORIOLANUS is chief enemy to the people.
16
Let us kill him, and we'll have corn at our own price.
19
No more talking on't; let it be done: away, away!
21
One word, good citizens.
23
We are accounted poor citizens, the patricians good.
24
What authority surfeits on would relieve us: if they
25
would yield us but the superfluity, while it were
26
wholesome, we might guess they relieved us humanely;
27
but they think we are too dear: the leanness that
28
afflicts us, the object of our misery, is as an
29
inventory to particularise their abundance; our
30
sufferance is a gain to them Let us revenge this with
31
our pikes, ere we become rakes: for the gods know I
32
speak this in hunger for bread, not in thirst for revenge.
34
Would you proceed especially against Caius CORIOLANUS?
36
Against him first: he's a very dog to the commonalty.
38
Consider you what services he has done for his country?
40
Very well; and could be content to give him good
41
report fort, but that he pays himself with being proud.
43
Nay, but speak not maliciously.
45
I say unto you, what he hath done famously, he did
46
it to that end: though soft-conscienced men can be
47
content to say it was for his country he did it to
48
please his mother and to be partly proud; which he
49
is, even till the altitude of his virtue.
51
What he cannot help in his nature, you account a
52
vice in him. You must in no way say he is covetous.
54
If I must not, I need not be barren of accusations;
55
he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition.
57
What shouts are these? The other side o' the city
58
is risen: why stay we prating here? to the Capitol!
63
[Enter MENENIUS AGRIPPA]
65
Worthy Menenius Agrippa; one that hath always loved
68
He's one honest enough: would all the rest were so!
70
What work's, my countrymen, in hand? where go you
71
With bats and clubs? The matter? speak, I pray you.
73
Our business is not unknown to the senate; they have
74
had inkling this fortnight what we intend to do,
75
which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say poor
76
suitors have strong breaths: they shall know we
79
Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,
80
Will you undo yourselves?
82
We cannot, sir, we are undone already.
84
I tell you, friends, most charitable care
85
Have the patricians of you. For your wants,
86
Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well
87
Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them
88
Against the Roman state, whose course will on
89
The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs
90
Of more strong link asunder than can ever
91
Appear in your impediment. For the dearth,
92
The gods, not the patricians, make it, and
93
Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack,
94
You are transported by calamity
95
Thither where more attends you, and you slander
96
The helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers,
97
When you curse them as enemies.
99
Care for us! True, indeed! They ne'er cared for us
100
yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses
101
crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to
102
support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act
103
established against the rich, and provide more
104
piercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain
105
the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; and
106
there's all the love they bear us.
109
Confess yourselves wondrous malicious,
110
Or be accused of folly. I shall tell you
111
A pretty tale: it may be you have heard it;
112
But, since it serves my purpose, I will venture
113
To stale 't a little more.
115
Well, I'll hear it, sir: yet you must not think to
116
fob off our disgrace with a tale: but, an 't please
119
There was a time when all the body's members
120
Rebell'd against the belly, thus accused it:
121
That only like a gulf it did remain
122
I' the midst o' the body, idle and unactive,
123
Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing
124
Like labour with the rest, where the other instruments
125
Did see and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel,
126
And, mutually participate, did minister
127
Unto the appetite and affection common
128
Of the whole body. The belly answer'd—
130
Well, sir, what answer made the belly?
132
Sir, I shall tell you. With a kind of smile,
133
Which ne'er came from the lungs, but even thus—
134
For, look you, I may make the belly smile
135
As well as speak—it tauntingly replied
136
To the discontented members, the mutinous parts
137
That envied his receipt; even so most fitly
138
As you malign our senators for that
139
They are not such as you.
141
Your belly's answer? What!
142
The kingly-crowned head, the vigilant eye,
143
The counsellor heart, the arm our soldier,
144
Our steed the leg, the tongue our trumpeter.
145
With other muniments and petty helps
146
In this our fabric, if that they—
149
'Fore me, this fellow speaks! What then? what then?
151
Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd,
152
Who is the sink o' the body,—
156
The former agents, if they did complain,
157
What could the belly answer?
160
If you'll bestow a small—of what you have little—
161
Patience awhile, you'll hear the belly's answer.
165
Note me this, good friend;
166
Your most grave belly was deliberate,
167
Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd:
168
'True is it, my incorporate friends,' quoth he,
169
'That I receive the general food at first,
170
Which you do live upon; and fit it is,
171
Because I am the store-house and the shop
172
Of the whole body: but, if you do remember,
173
I send it through the rivers of your blood,
174
Even to the court, the heart, to the seat o' the brain;
175
And, through the cranks and offices of man,
176
The strongest nerves and small inferior veins
177
From me receive that natural competency
178
Whereby they live: and though that all at once,
179
You, my good friends,'—this says the belly, mark me,—
183
'Though all at once cannot
184
See what I do deliver out to each,
185
Yet I can make my audit up, that all
186
From me do back receive the flour of all,
187
And leave me but the bran.' What say you to't?
189
It was an answer: how apply you this?
191
The senators of Rome are this good belly,
192
And you the mutinous members; for examine
193
Their counsels and their cares, digest things rightly
194
Touching the weal o' the common, you shall find
195
No public benefit which you receive
196
But it proceeds or comes from them to you
197
And no way from yourselves. What do you think,
198
You, the great toe of this assembly?
200
I the great toe! why the great toe?
202
For that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest,
203
Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost:
204
Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run,
205
Lead'st first to win some vantage.
206
But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs:
207
Rome and her rats are at the point of battle;
208
The one side must have bale.
209
[Enter CAIUS CORIOLANUS]
210
Hail, noble CORIOLANUS!
212
Thanks. What's the matter, you dissentious rogues,
213
That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion,
214
Make yourselves scabs?
216
We have ever your good word.
218
He that will give good words to thee will flatter
219
Beneath abhorring. What would you have, you curs,
220
That like nor peace nor war? the one affrights you,
221
The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you,
222
Where he should find you lions, finds you hares;
223
Where foxes, geese: you are no surer, no,
224
Than is the coal of fire upon the ice,
225
Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is
226
To make him worthy whose offence subdues him
227
And curse that justice did it.
228
Who deserves greatness
229
Deserves your hate; and your affections are
230
A sick man's appetite, who desires most that
231
Which would increase his evil. He that depends
232
Upon your favours swims with fins of lead
233
And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye! Trust Ye?
234
With every minute you do change a mind,
235
And call him noble that was now your hate,
236
Him vile that was your garland. What's the matter,
237
That in these several places of the city
238
You cry against the noble senate, who,
239
Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else
240
Would feed on one another? What's their seeking?
242
For corn at their own rates; whereof, they say,
243
The city is well stored.
246
They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know
247
What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise,
248
Who thrives and who declines; side factions
250
Conjectural marriages; making parties strong
251
And feebling such as stand not in their liking
252
Below their cobbled shoes. They say there's
254
Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,
255
And let me use my sword, I'll make a quarry
256
With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high
257
As I could pick my lance.
259
Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded;
260
For though abundantly they lack discretion,
261
Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you,
262
What says the other troop?
264
They are dissolved: hang 'em!
265
They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs,
266
That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat,
267
That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not
268
Corn for the rich men only: with these shreds
269
They vented their complainings; which being answer'd,
270
And a petition granted them, a strange one—
271
To break the heart of generosity,
272
And make bold power look pale—they threw their caps
273
As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon,
274
Shouting their emulation.
276
What is granted them?
278
Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,
279
Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus,
280
Sicinius Velutus, and I know not—'Sdeath!
281
The rabble should have first unroof'd the city,
282
Ere so prevail'd with me: it will in time
283
Win upon power and throw forth greater themes
284
For insurrection's arguing.
288
Go, get you home, you fragments!
289
[Enter a Messenger, hastily]
291
Where's Caius CORIOLANUS?
293
Here: what's the matter?
295
The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.
297
I am glad on 't: then we shall ha' means to vent
298
Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders.
299
[Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators;]
300
JUNIUS BRUTUS and SICINIUS VELUTUS]
302
CORIOLANUS, 'tis true that you have lately told us;
303
The Volsces are in arms.
306
Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to 't.
307
I sin in envying his nobility,
308
And were I any thing but what I am,
309
I would wish me only he.
311
You have fought together.
313
Were half to half the world by the ears and he.
314
Upon my party, I'ld revolt to make
315
Only my wars with him: he is a lion
316
That I am proud to hunt.
318
Then, worthy CORIOLANUS,
319
Attend upon Cominius to these wars.
321
It is your former promise.
324
And I am constant. Titus TITUS, thou
325
Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face.
326
What, art thou stiff? stand'st out?
328
No, Caius CORIOLANUS;
329
I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with t'other,
330
Ere stay behind this business.
334
Your company to the Capitol; where, I know,
335
Our greatest friends attend us.
337
[To COMINIUS]Lead you on.
338
[To CORIOLANUS]Follow Cominius; we must follow you;]
339
Right worthy you priority.
343
[To the Citizens]Hence to your homes; be gone!
345
Nay, let them follow:
346
The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither
347
To gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutiners,
348
Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow.
349
[Citizens steal away. Exeunt all but SICINIUS]
352
Was ever man so proud as is this CORIOLANUS?
356
When we were chosen tribunes for the people,—
358
Mark'd you his lip and eyes?
362
Being moved, he will not spare to gird the gods.
364
Be-mock the modest moon.
366
The present wars devour him: he is grown
367
Too proud to be so valiant.
370
Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow
371
Which he treads on at noon: but I do wonder
372
His insolence can brook to be commanded
375
Fame, at the which he aims,
376
In whom already he's well graced, can not
377
Better be held nor more attain'd than by
378
A place below the first: for what miscarries
379
Shall be the general's fault, though he perform
380
To the utmost of a man, and giddy censure
381
Will then cry out of CORIOLANUS 'O if he
382
Had borne the business!'
384
Besides, if things go well,
385
Opinion that so sticks on CORIOLANUS shall
386
Of his demerits rob Cominius.
389
Half all Cominius' honours are to CORIOLANUS.
390
Though CORIOLANUS earned them not, and all his faults
391
To CORIOLANUS shall be honours, though indeed
392
In aught he merit not.
394
Let's hence, and hear
395
How the dispatch is made, and in what fashion,
396
More than his singularity, he goes
397
Upon this present action.
1
Corioli. The Senate-house.
2
[Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain Senators]
4
So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
5
That they of Rome are entered in our counsels
6
And know how we proceed.
9
What ever have been thought on in this state,
10
That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
11
Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone
12
Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think
13
I have the letter here; yes, here it is.
15
'They have press'd a power, but it is not known
16
Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;
17
The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd,
18
Cominius, CORIOLANUS your old enemy,
19
Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,
20
And Titus TITUS, a most valiant Roman,
21
These three lead on this preparation
22
Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:
25
Our army's in the field
26
We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
29
Nor did you think it folly
30
To keep your great pretences veil'd till when
31
They needs must show themselves; which
33
It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery.
34
We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was
35
To take in many towns ere almost Rome
36
Should know we were afoot.
39
Take your commission; hie you to your bands:
40
Let us alone to guard Corioli:
41
If they set down before 's, for the remove
42
Bring your army; but, I think, you'll find
43
They've not prepared for us.
46
I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
47
Some parcels of their power are forth already,
48
And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
49
If we and Caius CORIOLANUS chance to meet,
50
'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
51
Till one can do no more.
55
And keep your honours safe!
1
Rome. A room in CORIOLANUS’ house.
2
[Enter VOLUMNIA and VIRGILIA. they set them down] [p]on two low stools, and sew]
4
I pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourself in a
5
more comfortable sort: if my son were my husband, I
6
should freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he
7
won honour than in the embracements of his bed where
8
he would show most love. When yet he was but
9
tender-bodied and the only son of my womb, when
10
youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way, when
11
for a day of kings' entreaties a mother should not
12
sell him an hour from her beholding, I, considering
13
how honour would become such a person. that it was
14
no better than picture-like to hang by the wall, if
15
renown made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek
16
danger where he was like to find fame. To a cruel
17
war I sent him; from whence he returned, his brows
18
bound with oak. I tell thee, daughter, I sprang not
19
more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child
20
than now in first seeing he had proved himself a
23
But had he died in the business, madam; how then?
25
Then his good report should have been my son; I
26
therein would have found issue. Hear me profess
27
sincerely: had I a dozen sons, each in my love
28
alike and none less dear than thine and my good
29
CORIOLANUS, I had rather had eleven die nobly for their
30
country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action.
33
Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to visit you.
35
Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.
37
Indeed, you shall not.
38
Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum,
39
See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair,
40
As children from a bear, the Volsces shunning him:
41
Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus:
42
'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,
43
Though you were born in Rome:' his bloody brow
44
With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,
45
Like to a harvest-man that's task'd to mow
46
Or all or lose his hire.
48
His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!
50
Away, you fool! it more becomes a man
51
Than gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba,
52
When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier
53
Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood
54
At Grecian sword, contemning. Tell Valeria,
55
We are fit to bid her welcome.
58
Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!
60
He'll beat Aufidius 'head below his knee
61
And tread upon his neck.
62
[Enter VALERIA, with an Usher and Gentlewoman]
64
My ladies both, good day to you.
68
I am glad to see your ladyship.
70
How do you both? you are manifest house-keepers.
71
What are you sewing here? A fine spot, in good
72
faith. How does your little son?
74
I thank your ladyship; well, good madam.
76
He had rather see the swords, and hear a drum, than
77
look upon his school-master.
79
O' my word, the father's son: I'll swear,'tis a
80
very pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him o'
81
Wednesday half an hour together: has such a
82
confirmed countenance. I saw him run after a gilded
83
butterfly: and when he caught it, he let it go
84
again; and after it again; and over and over he
85
comes, and again; catched it again; or whether his
86
fall enraged him, or how 'twas, he did so set his
87
teeth and tear it; O, I warrant it, how he mammocked
90
One on 's father's moods.
92
Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child.
96
Come, lay aside your stitchery; I must have you play
97
the idle husewife with me this afternoon.
99
No, good madam; I will not out of doors.
103
She shall, she shall.
105
Indeed, no, by your patience; I'll not over the
106
threshold till my lord return from the wars.
108
Fie, you confine yourself most unreasonably: come,
109
you must go visit the good lady that lies in.
111
I will wish her speedy strength, and visit her with
112
my prayers; but I cannot go thither.
116
'Tis not to save labour, nor that I want love.
118
You would be another Penelope: yet, they say, all
119
the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill
120
Ithaca full of moths. Come; I would your cambric
121
were sensible as your finger, that you might leave
122
pricking it for pity. Come, you shall go with us.
124
No, good madam, pardon me; indeed, I will not forth.
126
In truth, la, go with me; and I'll tell you
127
excellent news of your husband.
129
O, good madam, there can be none yet.
131
Verily, I do not jest with you; there came news from
136
In earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it.
137
Thus it is: the Volsces have an army forth; against
138
whom Cominius the general is gone, with one part of
139
our Roman power: your lord and Titus TITUS are set
140
down before their city Corioli; they nothing doubt
141
prevailing and to make it brief wars. This is true,
142
on mine honour; and so, I pray, go with us.
144
Give me excuse, good madam; I will obey you in every
147
Let her alone, lady: as she is now, she will but
148
disease our better mirth.
150
In troth, I think she would. Fare you well, then.
151
Come, good sweet lady. Prithee, Virgilia, turn thy
152
solemness out o' door. and go along with us.
154
No, at a word, madam; indeed, I must not. I wish
157
Well, then, farewell.
2
[Enter, with drum and colours, CORIOLANUS, TITUS LARTIUS, Captains and Soldiers. To them a Messenger]
4
Yonder comes news. A wager they have met.
12
Say, has our general met the enemy?
14
They lie in view; but have not spoke as yet.
16
So, the good horse is mine.
20
No, I'll nor sell nor give him: lend you him I will
21
For half a hundred years. Summon the town.
23
How far off lie these armies?
25
Within this mile and half.
27
Then shall we hear their 'larum, and they ours.
28
Now, Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work,
29
That we with smoking swords may march from hence,
30
To help our fielded friends! Come, blow thy blast.
31
[They sound a parley. Enter two Senators with others]
33
Tutus Aufidius, is he within your walls?
35
No, nor a man that fears you less than he,
36
That's lesser than a little.
39
Are bringing forth our youth. We'll break our walls,
40
Rather than they shall pound us up: our gates,
41
Which yet seem shut, we, have but pinn'd with rushes;
42
They'll open of themselves.
45
There is Aufidius; list, what work he makes
46
Amongst your cloven army.
50
Their noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!
51
[Enter the army of the Volsces]
53
They fear us not, but issue forth their city.
54
Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight
55
With hearts more proof than shields. Advance,
57
They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts,
58
Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows:
59
He that retires I'll take him for a Volsce,
60
And he shall feel mine edge.
61
[Alarum. The Romans are beat back to their]
62
trenches. Re-enter CORIOLANUS cursing]
64
All the contagion of the south light on you,
65
You shames of Rome! you herd of—Boils and plagues
66
Plaster you o'er, that you may be abhorr'd
67
Further than seen and one infect another
68
Against the wind a mile! You souls of geese,
69
That bear the shapes of men, how have you run
70
From slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell!
71
All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale
72
With flight and agued fear! Mend and charge home,
73
Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foe
74
And make my wars on you: look to't: come on;
75
If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives,
76
As they us to our trenches followed.
77
[Another alarum. The Volsces fly, and CORIOLANUS]
78
follows them to the gates]
79
So, now the gates are ope: now prove good seconds:
80
'Tis for the followers fortune widens them,
81
Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like.
84
Fool-hardiness; not I.
87
[CORIOLANUS is shut in]
89
See, they have shut him in.
91
To the pot, I warrant him.
93
[Re-enter TITUS LARTIUS]
95
What is become of CORIOLANUS?
97
Slain, sir, doubtless.
99
Following the fliers at the very heels,
100
With them he enters; who, upon the sudden,
101
Clapp'd to their gates: he is himself alone,
102
To answer all the city.
105
Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,
106
And, when it bows, stands up. Thou art left, CORIOLANUS:
107
A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,
108
Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier
109
Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible
110
Only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks and
111
The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,
112
Thou madst thine enemies shake, as if the world
113
Were feverous and did tremble.
114
[Re-enter CORIOLANUS, bleeding, assaulted by the enemy]
119
Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.
120
[They fight, and all enter the city]
2
[Enter certain Romans, with spoils]
4
This will I carry to Rome.
8
A murrain on't! I took this for silver.
9
[Alarum continues still afar off]
10
[Enter CORIOLANUS and TITUS LARTIUS with a trumpet]
12
See here these movers that do prize their hours
13
At a crack'd drachm! Cushions, leaden spoons,
14
Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would
15
Bury with those that wore them, these base slaves,
16
Ere yet the fight be done, pack up: down with them!
17
And hark, what noise the general makes! To him!
18
There is the man of my soul's hate, Aufidius,
19
Piercing our Romans: then, valiant Titus, take
20
Convenient numbers to make good the city;
21
Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste
24
Worthy sir, thou bleed'st;
25
Thy exercise hath been too violent for
26
A second course of fight.
29
My work hath yet not warm'd me: fare you well:
30
The blood I drop is rather physical
31
Than dangerous to me: to Aufidius thus
32
I will appear, and fight.
34
Now the fair goddess, Fortune,
35
Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charms
36
Misguide thy opposers' swords! Bold gentleman,
37
Prosperity be thy page!
40
Than those she placeth highest! So, farewell.
42
Thou worthiest CORIOLANUS!
44
Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;
45
Call thither all the officers o' the town,
46
Where they shall know our mind: away!
1
Near the camp of Cominius.
2
[Enter COMINIUS, as it were in retire,] [p]with soldiers]
4
Breathe you, my friends: well fought;
6
Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands,
7
Nor cowardly in retire: believe me, sirs,
8
We shall be charged again. Whiles we have struck,
9
By interims and conveying gusts we have heard
10
The charges of our friends. Ye Roman gods!
11
Lead their successes as we wish our own,
12
That both our powers, with smiling
14
May give you thankful sacrifice.
18
The citizens of Corioli have issued,
19
And given to TITUS and to CORIOLANUS battle:
20
I saw our party to their trenches driven,
23
Though thou speak'st truth,
24
Methinks thou speak'st not well.
27
Above an hour, my lord.
29
'Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums:
30
How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,
31
And bring thy news so late?
34
Held me in chase, that I was forced to wheel
35
Three or four miles about, else had I, sir,
36
Half an hour since brought my report.
39
That does appear as he were flay'd? O gods
40
He has the stamp of CORIOLANUS; and I have
41
Before-time seen him thus.
43
[Within]Come I too late?
45
The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabour
46
More than I know the sound of CORIOLANUS' tongue
47
From every meaner man.
52
Ay, if you come not in the blood of others,
53
But mantled in your own.
56
In arms as sound as when I woo'd, in heart
57
As merry as when our nuptial day was done,
58
And tapers burn'd to bedward!
61
How is it with Titus TITUS?
63
As with a man busied about decrees:
64
Condemning some to death, and some to exile;
65
Ransoming him, or pitying, threatening the other;
66
Holding Corioli in the name of Rome,
67
Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash,
68
To let him slip at will.
71
Which told me they had beat you to your trenches?
72
Where is he? call him hither.
75
He did inform the truth: but for our gentlemen,
76
The common file—a plague! tribunes for them!—
77
The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat as they did budge
78
From rascals worse than they.
80
But how prevail'd you?
82
Will the time serve to tell? I do not think.
83
Where is the enemy? are you lords o' the field?
84
If not, why cease you till you are so?
87
We have at disadvantage fought and did
88
Retire to win our purpose.
90
How lies their battle? know you on which side
91
They have placed their men of trust?
93
As I guess, CORIOLANUS,
94
Their bands i' the vaward are the Antiates,
95
Of their best trust; o'er them Aufidius,
96
Their very heart of hope.
99
By all the battles wherein we have fought,
100
By the blood we have shed together, by the vows
101
We have made to endure friends, that you directly
102
Set me against Aufidius and his Antiates;
103
And that you not delay the present, but,
104
Filling the air with swords advanced and darts,
105
We prove this very hour.
108
You were conducted to a gentle bath
109
And balms applied to, you, yet dare I never
110
Deny your asking: take your choice of those
111
That best can aid your action.
114
That most are willing. If any such be here—
115
As it were sin to doubt—that love this painting
116
Wherein you see me smear'd; if any fear
117
Lesser his person than an ill report;
118
If any think brave death outweighs bad life
119
And that his country's dearer than himself;
120
Let him alone, or so many so minded,
121
Wave thus, to express his disposition,
122
And follow CORIOLANUS.
123
[They all shout and wave their swords, take him up in]
124
their arms, and cast up their caps]
125
O, me alone! make you a sword of me?
126
If these shows be not outward, which of you
127
But is four Volsces? none of you but is
128
Able to bear against the great Aufidius
129
A shield as hard as his. A certain number,
130
Though thanks to all, must I select
132
Shall bear the business in some other fight,
133
As cause will be obey'd. Please you to march;
134
And four shall quickly draw out my command,
135
Which men are best inclined.
137
March on, my fellows:
138
Make good this ostentation, and you shall
139
Divide in all with us.
2
[TITUS LARTIUS, having set a guard upon] [p]Corioli, going with drum and trumpet toward [p]COMINIUS and CAIUS CORIOLANUS, enters with [p]Lieutenant, other Soldiers, and a Scout]
4
So, let the ports be guarded: keep your duties,
5
As I have set them down. If I do send, dispatch
6
Those centuries to our aid: the rest will serve
7
For a short holding: if we lose the field,
8
We cannot keep the town.
10
Fear not our care, sir.
12
Hence, and shut your gates upon's.
13
Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us.
2
[Alarum as in battle. Enter, from opposite sides,] [p]CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS]
4
I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee
5
Worse than a promise-breaker.
8
Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor
9
More than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.
11
Let the first budger die the other's slave,
12
And the gods doom him after!
15
Holloa me like a hare.
17
Within these three hours, Tullus,
18
Alone I fought in your Corioli walls,
19
And made what work I pleased: 'tis not my blood
20
Wherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revenge
21
Wrench up thy power to the highest.
24
That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny,
25
Thou shouldst not scape me here.
26
[They fight, and certain Volsces come to the aid of]
27
AUFIDIUS. CORIOLANUS fights till they be driven in
29
Officious, and not valiant, you have shamed me
30
In your condemned seconds.
2
[Flourish. Alarum. A retreat is sounded. Flourish.] [p]Enter, from one side, COMINIUS with the Romans; from [p]the other side, CORIOLANUS, with his arm in a scarf]
4
If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work,
5
Thou'ldst not believe thy deeds: but I'll report it
6
Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles,
7
Where great patricians shall attend and shrug,
8
I' the end admire, where ladies shall be frighted,
9
And, gladly quaked, hear more; where the
11
That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours,
12
Shall say against their hearts 'We thank the gods
13
Our Rome hath such a soldier.'
14
Yet camest thou to a morsel of this feast,
15
Having fully dined before.
16
[Enter TITUS LARTIUS, with his power,]
20
Here is the steed, we the caparison:
23
Pray now, no more: my mother,
24
Who has a charter to extol her blood,
25
When she does praise me grieves me. I have done
26
As you have done; that's what I can; induced
27
As you have been; that's for my country:
28
He that has but effected his good will
29
Hath overta'en mine act.
32
The grave of your deserving; Rome must know
33
The value of her own: 'twere a concealment
34
Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement,
35
To hide your doings; and to silence that,
36
Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd,
37
Would seem but modest: therefore, I beseech you
38
In sign of what you are, not to reward
39
What you have done—before our army hear me.
41
I have some wounds upon me, and they smart
42
To hear themselves remember'd.
45
Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude,
46
And tent themselves with death. Of all the horses,
47
Whereof we have ta'en good and good store, of all
48
The treasure in this field achieved and city,
49
We render you the tenth, to be ta'en forth,
50
Before the common distribution, at
54
But cannot make my heart consent to take
55
A bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it;
56
And stand upon my common part with those
57
That have beheld the doing.
58
[A long flourish. They all cry 'CORIOLANUS! CORIOLANUS!']
59
cast up their caps and lances: COMINIUS and TITUS
62
May these same instruments, which you profane,
63
Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall
64
I' the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be
65
Made all of false-faced soothing!
66
When steel grows soft as the parasite's silk,
67
Let him be made a coverture for the wars!
68
No more, I say! For that I have not wash'd
69
My nose that bled, or foil'd some debile wretch.—
70
Which, without note, here's many else have done,—
72
In acclamations hyperbolical;
73
As if I loved my little should be dieted
74
In praises sauced with lies.
77
More cruel to your good report than grateful
78
To us that give you truly: by your patience,
79
If 'gainst yourself you be incensed, we'll put you,
80
Like one that means his proper harm, in manacles,
81
Then reason safely with you. Therefore, be it known,
82
As to us, to all the world, that Caius CORIOLANUS
83
Wears this war's garland: in token of the which,
84
My noble steed, known to the camp, I give him,
85
With all his trim belonging; and from this time,
86
For what he did before Corioli, call him,
87
With all the applause and clamour of the host,
88
CAIUS CORIOLANUS CORIOLANUS! Bear
89
The addition nobly ever!
90
[Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drums]
92
Caius CORIOLANUS Coriolanus!
95
And when my face is fair, you shall perceive
96
Whether I blush or no: howbeit, I thank you.
97
I mean to stride your steed, and at all times
98
To undercrest your good addition
99
To the fairness of my power.
102
Where, ere we do repose us, we will write
103
To Rome of our success. You, Titus TITUS,
104
Must to Corioli back: send us to Rome
105
The best, with whom we may articulate,
106
For their own good and ours.
110
The gods begin to mock me. I, that now
111
Refused most princely gifts, am bound to beg
114
Take't; 'tis yours. What is't?
116
I sometime lay here in Corioli
117
At a poor man's house; he used me kindly:
118
He cried to me; I saw him prisoner;
119
But then Aufidius was within my view,
120
And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you
121
To give my poor host freedom.
124
Were he the butcher of my son, he should
125
Be free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.
127
CORIOLANUS, his name?
130
I am weary; yea, my memory is tired.
131
Have we no wine here?
134
The blood upon your visage dries; 'tis time
135
It should be look'd to: come.
1
The camp of the Volsces.
2
[A flourish. Cornets. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS,] [p]bloody, with two or three Soldiers]
6
'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.
9
I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,
10
Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition!
11
What good condition can a treaty find
12
I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, CORIOLANUS,
13
I have fought with thee: so often hast thou beat me,
14
And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter
15
As often as we eat. By the elements,
16
If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,
17
He's mine, or I am his: mine emulation
18
Hath not that honour in't it had; for where
19
I thought to crush him in an equal force,
20
True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some way
21
Or wrath or craft may get him.
25
Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd
26
With only suffering stain by him; for him
27
Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep nor sanctuary,
28
Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,
29
The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,
30
Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up
31
Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst
32
My hate to CORIOLANUS: where I find him, were it
33
At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,
34
Against the hospitable canon, would I
35
Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city;
36
Learn how 'tis held; and what they are that must
41
I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you—
42
'Tis south the city mills—bring me word thither
43
How the world goes, that to the pace of it
44
I may spur on my journey.
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