1

Ment.

1 Cit. Jf I must not, I need not be barren of acca

Note me this, good friends ; sation; he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repe-Your most grave belly was deliberate, tition. (Shouts within] What shouts are these ! The Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd : other side o'the city is risen: Why stay we prating True is it, my incorporate friends, quoth he, here! to the Capitol.

That I receive the general food at first, Cil. Come, come.

Which you do live upon : and fit it is; 1 Cit. Soft; who comes here?

Because I am the store-house, and the shop

of the whole body : But if you do remember, Enter Menenius Agrippa.

I send it through the rivers of your blood, 2 Cit. Worthy Menenias Agrippa ; one that bath Even to the court, the heart, -to the seat o'the brain; always loved the people.

And, through the cranks and offices of man,
i čit. He's one honest enough ; 'Would all the The strongest nerves, and small inferior veins,
rest were so !

From me receire that natural competency
Men. What work's, my countrymen, in hand? Whereby they live :: And though that all at once,
Where go you

You, my good friends (this says the belly), mark me-
With bats and clubs! The matter? Speak, I pray you. 1 Cit. Ay, sir; well, well.
1 Cit. Our business is not anknown to the sepate ; Men.

Though all at once cannot they have had inkling, this fortnight, what we intend see what I do deliver out to each; to do, which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say, Yet I can make my audit up, that all poor suitors have strong breaths; they shall know, we From me do back receive the flour of all, have strong arms too.

And leave me but the bran. What say you to't ?
Men. Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest 1 Cit. It was an answer: How apply you this?
Will you updo yourselves?

[neighbours, Men. The senators of Rome are this good belly,
1 Cit. We cannot, sir, we are undone already. And you the motinous members : For examine
Men. I tell you, friends, most charitable care Their counsels, and their eares; digest things rightly,
Have the patricians of you. For your wants, Touching the weal o'the commonyou shall find,
Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well No public benefit, which you receive,
Strike at the heaven with your slaves, as lift them But it proceeds, or comes, from them to you,
Against the Roman state ; whose course will on And no way from yourselves.-- What do you think?
The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs You, the great toe of this assembly l-
Of more strong link asunder, than can ever

1 Cit. I the great toe? Why the great toe! Cest, Appear in your impediment for the dearth,

Men. For that being one o'the lowest, basest, poorThe gods, not the patricians, make it; and

of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost :
Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack, Thou rascal, that art worst in blood, to run
You are transported by calamity

Lead'st first to win some vantage.
Thither where more attends yon; and you slander But make you ready your stiff hats and clubs;
The helms o'tke state, who care for you like fathers, Rome and her rats are at the point of battle,
When you curse them as enemies.

The one side must have bale.- Hail, noble Marcius !
I Cit. Care for us !-'True, indeed !--They ne'er
cared for us yet. Suffer us to famish, and their store-

Enter Caius Marcius. houses crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, Mar. Thanks.-What's the matter, you dissentito support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act

ous rogues, established against the rich; and provide more pierc- That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, ing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain the poor. Make yourselves scabs ? If the wars eat us not up, they will; and there's all 1 Cit.

We bave ever your good word. the love they bear us.

Mar. He that will give good words to thee, will Men. Either you'must

flatter Confess yourselves wondrous malicious,

Beneath abhorring.-What would you have, you curs, Or be accos'd of folly. I shall tell you

That like nor peace nor war! the one afl'rights you, A pretty tale; it may be, you have heard it; The other makes you proad. He that trusts you, But, since it serves my purpose, I will ventare Where he should find you lions, finds you bares : To scale't a little more.

Where foxes, geese : You are no surer, no,
1 Cit. Well, l'll hear it, sir : yet yon must not Than is the coal of fire upon the ice,
think to fob off our disgrace with a tale : but, an't Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is,
please you, deliver.

To make him worthy, whose offence subdoes him,
Men. There was a time,when all the body's members And curse that justice did it. Who deserves greatcess,
Rebell'd against the belly, thus accus'a 'it : Deserves your bate: and your affections are
That only like a gulf it did remain

A sick man's appetite, who desires most that l'the midst o'the body, idle and inactive,

Which would increase his evil. He that depends
Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing [ments Upon your favours, swims with fins of lead,
Like labonr with the rest ; where the other instru- And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang yel Trust
Did see, and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel, With every minute you do change a mind; [ye?
And, mutually participate, did ininister

And call him noble, that was now your hate,
Unto the appetite and affection common

Him vile, that was your garland, What's the matter,
Of the whole body. The belly answered,

That in these several places of the city
I Cit. Well, sir, what answer made the belly! You cry against the noble senate, who,
Men. Sir, I shall tell you.-With a kind of smile, Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else
Which ne'er came from the lungs, but even thus Would feed on one another ! - What's their seeking?
(Por, look you, I may make the belly smile,

Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof, they
As well as speak), it tauntingly replied

The city is well stor'd.

(say, To the discontented members, the mutinous parts Mar.

Hang 'em! They say ! That envied bis receipt; even so most filly

They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know As you malign our senators, for that

What's done i'the Capitol : who's like to rise, Cout They are not such as you.

Who thrives, and who declines: side factions, and give 1 Cit.

Your belly's answer : What! Conjectural marriages ; making parties strong, The kingly-crowned head, the vigilant eye,

And feebling such as stand not in their liking, The counsellor heart, the arm our soldier,

Below their cobbled shoes. They say, there's grain Our steed the leg, the tongue our trumpeter, Would the nobility lay aside their ruth, Cenough? With other muniments and petty helps

And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry In this our fabric, is that they

With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high Men.

What then ? As I could pick my lance. 'Fore me, this fellow speaks!-what then? what then! Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded ;

1 Cit. Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd For though abundantly they lack discretion, Who is the sink o'the body,

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

Well, what then!

What says the other troop? 1 Cit. The former agents, if they did complain, Mar.

They are dissolv'd : Hang 'em!
What could the belly answer!

They said, they were an hungry; sigb'd forih pro-
Men.
I will tell you;

verbs
If you'll bestow a small (of what you have little), That, hunger broke stone walls; that, dogs most eat;
Patience, awhile, you'll hear the belly's answer. That, meat was inade for mouths; that, the gods sent
I Cit. You are long about it.

Corn for the rich men only :-With these shreds (not

They vented their complainings; which being an- To Marcius shall be honours, though, indeed,
And a petition granted them, a strange one (swer'd, In aught he merit not.
(To break the beart of generosity,

Sic.

Let's hence, and bear
And inake bold power look pale), they threw their caps How the despatch is made; and in what fashion,
As they would hang them on the horns o'the moon, More than in singularity, he goes
Sbouting tbeir emulation.

Upon his present action.
Men.
What is granted them! Bru.

Let's along

[Exeunt. Mar. Five tribunes, to defend their vulgar wisdoms, Of their own choice : One's Junius Brutus,

SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate House. Sicinius Velatus, and I know not-'Sdeath!

Enter Tollus Autidius, and certain Senators. The rabble should have first unroof'd the city; Ere so prevail'd with me: it will in time

1 Sen. So, your opinion is, Aufidius, Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes

That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels,
For insurrection's arguing.

And know how we proceed.
Men.
This is strange:
Auf

Is it not yours?
Mar. Go, get you home, you fragments !

What ever hath been thought on in this state,

That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
Enter a Messenger.

Had circumvention ? "Tis not four days gone,
Mess. Where's Caius Marcius ?

Since I heard thence; these are the words : I think, Mar. Here: What's the matter! I have the letter here! yes, here it is :

[Reads. Mess. The news is, sir, the Volces are in arms. They have press'd a power, but it is not known

Mar. I am glad on't; then we shall have means to whether for east or west. The dearth is great; Our musty superfluity :-See, our best elders. (vent The people mutinous : and it is rumour'd,

Cominius, Marcius, your old enemy
Enter Comivias, Titus Lartius, and other Senators ; | Who is Rome wo se hated than of you),
Junius Brutus, and Sicinius Velutus.

And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
1 Sen. Marcius, 'tis true, that you have lately told us These three lead on this preparation
The Volces are in arms.

Whither 'lis bent : most likely, 'lis for you:
Mar.
They have a leader,

Consider of it.
Tollus Aufidius, that will put you to't.

1 Sen.

Our army's in the field : I sin in en vying his nobility:

We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready And were I any thing but what I am,

To answer us. I would wish me only he.

Auf Nor did you think it folly, Com.

You have fought together. To keep your great pretences veil'd, till when Mar. Were half to half the world by the ears,

and he They needs must show themselves; which in the Upon my parly, I'd revolt, to make

hatching, Oply my wars with him : he is a lion

It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery, That I am proud to hunt.

We shall be shorten'd in our aim; which was 1 Sen.

Then, worthy Marcius, To take in many lowns, ere, almost, Rome Attend upon Cominius to these wars.

Should know we were afoot. Com. It is your former promise.

2 Sen.

Noble Autidius, Mar.

Sir, it is;

Take your commission; hie you to your bands; And I am constant.-Titus Lartins, thou

Let us alone to guard Corioli:
Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face: If they set down before us, for the remove
What, art thou stiff! stand'st out!

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

No, Caius Marcias; They have not prepared for us. I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other, Auf:

0, doubt not that ;

I Ere stay behind this business.

speak from certainties. Nay, more, Men

0, true bred! Some pareels of their powers are forth already, 1 Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where, I know, And only bitherward. I leave your honoors. Our greatest friends attend us.

If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet, Tit.

Lead you on :

"Tis sworn between us, we shall never strike Follow, Cominius; we must follow you;

Till one can do no more. Right worthy your priority.

AU.

The gods assist you !
Com.
Noble Lartias!

Auf. And keep your honours sale! i Sen. Hence! To your homes, be gone.

I Sen.

Farewell. [To the Citizens 2 Sen.

Farewell. Mar. Nay, let them follow : All. Farewell.

(Exeunt. The Volces have much corn; take these rats thither,

SCENE II.
To gnaw their garners :-Worshipful mutineers,
Your valour pets well forth: pray, follow,

Rome. An Apartment Marcius' House.
(Eseunt Senators, Cominius, Marcius, Titus, Enter Volumnia and Virgilia : They sit down on two
and Menenius. Citizens steal arcay.

lor Stools, and sew. Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcias! Bru. He has no equal.

Vol. I pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourSic. When we were chosen tribanes for the people, self in a inore comfortable sort : If my son were my Bru. Mark'd you his lip, and eyes!

husband, I should freelier rejoice in that absence Sic.

Nay, but his taunts. wherein he won honour, than in the embracements Bru. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the gods. of his bed, where he would show most love. When Sic. Be-mock the modest moon.

yet he was but tender bodied, and the only son of my Bru. The present wars devour him : he is grown womb; when youth with comeliness plucked all Too proud to be so valiant.

gaze his way; when, for a day of king's entreaties, a Sic.

Such a nature,

mother shonld not sell him an hour from her beholdTickled with good success, disdains the shadow ing; I.--considering bow honour vould become such Which he treads on at noon : But I do wonder, a person ; that it was no better than pictare-like to His insolence can brook to be commanded

bang by the wall, if renown made it not stir,-was Under Cominins.

pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to Bru.

Fame, at the which he aims, find fame. To a cruel war I sent him ; from whence To whom already he is well grao'd, ---cannot he returned, his brows bound with oak. I tell thee, Better be held, nor more attain'd, than by

daughter,--I sprang not more in joy at first hearing A place below the first: for what miscarries

he was a man-child, than now in first seeing he had Shall be the general's fault, though he perform proved himself a man. To the utmost of a man; and giddy censure

Vir. But had he died in the business, madam, how Will then cry out of Marcius, o, if he

then ? Had borne the business!

Vol. Then his good report should have been my Sic.

Besides, if things go well, son; I therein would have found issue. Hear me Opinion, that so sticks on Marcius, shall

profess sincerely :-Had I a dozen sons-ench in my of his demerits rob Cominius.

love alike, and none less dear than thine and my Bru.

Come ;

good Mareius, --I had rather had eleven die nobly Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcias,

for their country, than one voluptuously surfeit ont Though Marcias earn'd them not; and all his faults of action,

KR

Enter a Gentlewoman.

SCENE IV. Before Corioli. Gent. Madam, the lady Valeria is come to visit you. Enter, with Drum and Colours, Marcius, Titas LarVir. 'Bestech you, give me leave to retire myself. tius, Officers, and Soldiers. To them a MessenVol. Indeed, you shall not.

ger. Methinks, I hear hither your husband's drum ; Mar. Yonder comes news:--A wager, they have See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair ;

Lart. My horse to yours, no.

[met. As children from a bear, the Voices shanning him : Mar.

'Tis done. Methinks, 1 see bim stamp thas, and call thus, Lart.

Agreed. Come on, you cowards; you were got in fear,

Mar. Say, has our general met the enemy? Though you were born in Rome : His bloody brow

Mess. They lie in view ; but have not spoke as yet. With his mail'd band then wiping, forth he goes;

Lart. So, the good horse is mine. Like to a harvest-man, that's task'd to mow

Mar.

l'il buy him of you. Or all, or lose his hire.

Lart. No, I'll nor sell, nor give him : lend you Vir. His bloody brow! 0, Jupiter, no blood !

him, I will, Vol. Away, you fool! it more becomes a man, For half a hundred years.-Summon the town. Than gilt hís trophy: The breasts of Hecuba,

Mar. How far off lie the armies ! When she did sockle Hector, look'd not lovelier

Mess.

Within this mile and half. Than Hector's forehead, when it spit forth blood Mar. Then shall we hear their larum, and they ours. At Grecian swords' contending.-Tell Valeria, Now, Mars, I pr'ythee, make as quick in work ; We are fit to bid her welcome. [Exit Gent. That we with smoking swords may mareb from hence, Vir. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!

To help our fielded friends !--Come, blow thy blast. Vol. He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee, And tread upon his neck.

They sound a Parley. Enter, on the Walls, some

Senators, and others.
Re-enter Gentleroman, with Valeria and her Usher. Tallos Aufidius, is he within your walls ?
Val. My ladies both, good day to you.

1 Sen. No, por a man that fears you less than he, Vol. Sweet madan,

That's lesser tban a little. Hark, our drums Vir. 1 am glad to see your ladyship.

(Alarums afar off. Val. How do you both? you are manifest house. Are bringing forth our youth: We'll break our walls, keepers. What, are you sewing here ? A fine spot, Rather ban they shall pound us up: our gates, in good faith.-How does your little son!

Which yet seen slut, we have but pion'd with rushes: Vir. I thank your ladyship; well, good madam. Vol. He had rather see the swords, and hear a There is Aufidias ; list, wbat work he makes

They'll open of themselves. Hark you, far off ;

[Other Alarums. drum, than look upon his schoolmaster. Val. O'my word, the father's son: I'll swear, 'tis Amongst your cloven army.

Mar. a very pretty boy. O'my troth, I look'd upon him

0, they are at it! o'Wednesday half an hour together : he has such a

Lart. Their noise be our instruction.- Ladders, ho! contirmed countenance. I saw him run after a gilded The Volces enter, and pass over the Slage. butterfly, and when he caught it, he let it go again; and after'it again ; and over and over he comes, and Now put your shields before your bearts, and fight

Mar. They fear us not, but issue forth their city. up again; catched it again: or whether his fall en

With heurts more proof than shields.-Advance, brave raged him, or how 'twas, he did so set his teeth,

Titus : and tear it: 0, I warrant, how he mammocked it! Vol. One of his father's moods.

They do disdain as much beyond our thoughts,

Which makes me sweat with wrath.-Come on, my Val. Indeed, la, 'lis a noble child.

He that retires, I'll take hiin for a Volce, (fellows, Vir. A crack, madam.

Val. Come, lay aside your stitchery; I must have And he shall feel mine edge. you play the idle buswife with me this afternoon.

Alarum, and exeunt Romans and Volces, fighting. Vir. No, good madam: I will not out of doors.

The Romans are beaten back to their irenches. Val. Not out of doors?

Re-enter Marcius. Vol. She shall, she sball.

Mar. All the contagion of the south light on you, Vir. Indeed, no, by your patience : I will not over You shames of Rome : you heard of-Boils and plagues the threshold, till my lord return from the wars. Plaster you o'er ; that you may be abhorr'd

Val. Fie, you contine yourself most unreasonably : Further than seen, and one infect another Come, you must go visit the good lady that lies in. Against the wind a mile! You souls of

Vir. I will wish her speedy strength, and visit her That bear the shapes of men, how have you ran with my prayers; but I cannot go thither.

Froin slaves that apes would beat? Pluto and hell! Vol. Why, I pray you !

All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale Vir. 'Tis not to save labour, nor that I want love. With fight and agued fear! Mend, and charge bome,

Val. You would be another Penelope : yet, they or, by the fires of heaven, l'Il leave the foe, say, all the yarn she spun, in Ulysses' absence, did And make my wars on you : look to't: Come on; but fill Ithaca full of moths. Come; I would, your If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives, cambric were sensible as your finger, that you might As they us to our trenches followed. leave pricking it for pity. Come, you shall go with us. Vir. No, good madam, pardon me ; indeed, I will Another Alarum. The Volces and Romans re-enter,

and the Fight is renewed. The Volces retire into not forth. Val. In truth, la, go with me; and I'll tell you so, now the gates are ope :-Now prove good seconds :

Corioli, and Marcius follores them to the Gates. excellent news of your husband.

'Tis for the followers fortune widens them, Vir. O, good madam, there can be none yet.

Not for the fliers : mark me, and do the like. Val. Verily, I do not jest with you ; there came

(He enters the Gates, and is shut in. news from him last night.

1 Sol, Fool-hardiness! not I. Vir. Indeed, madam ?

2 Sol.

Nor I. Val. In earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it. Thus it is :-The Volces have an arıny forth; Have shut him in.

3 Sol.

See, they

[Alarum continues. against whom Cominius the general is gone, with one

AU. part of our Roman power : your lord, and Titus Lar

To the pot, I warrant him. tias, are set down before their city Corioli; they

Enter Titus Lartius. nothing doubt prevailing, and to make it brief wars. Lart. What is become of Marcius! This is true, on mine honour; and so, I pray, go AU.

Slain, sir, doubtless with us.

1 Sol. Following the fliers at the very heels, Vir. Give me excuse, good madam ; I will obey With them he enters; who, upon the sudden, you in every thing hereafter.

Clapp'd to their gates; he is himself alone, Vol. Let her alone, lady; as she is now, she will To answer all the city. but disease our better mirth.

Lart.

O noble fellow ! Val. In troth, I think, she would :-Fare you well Who, sensible, outdares his senseless sword, then.--Come, good sweet lady.- Pr’ythee, Virgilia, And, when it bows, stands up! Thou art left, Marcius : turn thy solemness out o'door, and go along with us. A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,

Vir. No : at a word, madain ; indeed, I'must not. Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier I wish you much inirth.

Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible Val. Well, then farewell.

{Exeunt. Only in strokes; but, with thy griin looks, and

geese,

Mar.

The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,

In arms as sound, as when I woo'd ; in heart
Thou mad'st thine enemies shake, as if the world As merry, as when our nuptial day was done,
Were feverous, and did tremble.

And tapers burn'd to bedward.
Com

Flower of warriors, Re-enter Marcius, bleeding, assaulted by the Enemy. 1 Sol.

How is't with Titus Lartins !

Look, sir. Lart.

Mar. As with a man busied about decrees:

'Tis Marcius : Condemning some to death, and some to exile ; Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike. [They fight, and all enter the City. Holding Corioli in the name of Rome,

Ransoming him, or pitying, threat'ning the other; SCENE V. Within the Town. A Street. Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash, Enter certain Romans, with Spoils.

To let him slip at will.
Com.

Where is that slave,
1 Rom. This I will carry to Rome.
2 Rom. And I this.

Which told me they had beat you to your trenches ! 3 Rom. A murrain oa't! I took this for silver.

Where is he? Call hin hither. [ Alarum continues still ofar off. He did inform the truth : But for our gentlemen,

Mar.

Let him alone, Enter Marcius and Titus Lartius, with a Trumpet.

The common file, (A plague !-Tribunes for them !) Mar. See bere these movers, that do prize their The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat, as they did budge hours

From rascals worse than they. At a crack'd drachm! Cushions, leaden spoons,

Com.

But how prevail'd you ? Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would

Mar. Will the time serve to tell? I do not thinkBury with those that wore them, these base slaves, Where is the enemy? are you lords o'the field ! Ere yet the fight be done, pack up :-Down with If not, why cease you till you are so ! them.

Сот.

Marcius, And hark, what noise the general makes! - To him:- We have at disadvantage fought, and did There is the man of my soul's hate, Autidios, Retire, to win our purpose. Piercing our Romans: Tben, valiant Titus, take Mar. How lies their battle? Know you on which Convenient numbers to make good the city;

They have plac'd their men of trust?

(side Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste Con.

As I guess, Marcius, To help Cominius.

Their bands in the vaward are the Antiates, Lart.

Worthy sir, thou bleed'st; of their best trust : o'er them Aufidius, Thy exercise hath been too violent for

Their very heart of bope. A second course of tight.

Mar.

I do beseech you, Mar.

Sir, praise me not : By all the battles wherein we have fought, My work hath yet not warm'd me : Fare you well. By the blood we have shed together, by the vows The blood I drop is rather physical,

We have made to endure friends, that you directly Than dangerous to me : To Antidius thus

Set me against Aufidios, and his Antiates : I will appear, and fight.

And that you not delay the present; but, Lart.

Now the fair goddess, Fortune, Filling the air with swords advanc'd, and darts, Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charms We prove this very hour. Misguide thy opposers' swords ! Bold gentleman, Com.

Though I could wish Prosperity be thy page!

You were condocted to a gentle bath,
Thy friend no less

And balms applied to you, yet dare I never
Than those she placeth highest! So farewell. Deny your asking; take your choice of those

Lart. Thou worthiest Marcius - [Exit Marcius. That best can aid your action. Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;

Mar.

Those are they Call thither all the officers of the lown,

That most are willing :-If any such be here Where they shall know our mind : Away. (Exeunt. (As it were sin to doubt), that love this painting SCENE VI. Near the Camp of Cominios.

Wherein you see me smear'd; if any fear

Lesser his person than an ill report
Enter Cominius and Forces, retreating. If any thiok, brave death outweighs bad life,
Com. Breathe you, my friends; well fought, we And that his country's dearer than himself;
are come off

Let him, alone, or so many, so minded,
Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands,

Wave thus, [Waving his Hand) to express bis disNor cowardly in retire: believe me, sirs,

And follow Marcius.

(position, We shall be charg'd again. Whiles we have struck, [They all shout, and wave their Svorils; lake kini By interims, and conveying gusts, we have heard

up in their Arms, and cast up their Cops. The charges of our friends:- The Roman gods, O me, alone! Make you a sword of me! Lead their successes as we wish our own; [ing, If these shows be not ontward, which of you, That both our powers, with smiling fronts encounter Bat is four Volces ? None of you, but is Enter a Messenger.

Able to bear against the great A utidius May give you thankful sacritice !-Thy news!

A shield as hard as his. A certain number, Mess. The citizens of Corioli have issued,

Though thanks to all, must I select: the rest And given to Larties and to Murcius battle

Shall bear the business in some other fight, I saw our party to their trenches driven,

As cause will be obey'd. Please you to march ; And then I came away.

And four shall quickly draw out my command, Com. 'Though thou speak'st truth.

Which men are best inclin'd.
Com.

March on, my fellows:
Methinks, thou speak'st not well. How long is't
Mess. Above an hour, my lord.

[since

Make
? good this ostentation, and you shall
Divide in all with us.

(Exeunt. Com. 'Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums : How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,

SCENE VII. The Gates of Corioli.
And bring thy news so late!
Mess.

Spies of the Voloes

Titus Lartius, having set a Guard upon Corioli, going Held me in chase, that I was forc'd to wheel

with a Drum and Trumpet tonard Cominius and Three or four miles about; else bad 1, sir,

Caius Marcius, enters with a Lieutenant, a Parly Half an hour since brought my report.

of Soldiers, and a Scout.

Lart. So let the ports be guarded : keep your duties, Enter Marcius.

As I have set them down. If I do send, despatch Com.

Who's yonder, Those centuries to our aid; the rest will serve That does appear as he were fay'd 1 O guds! For a short holding : If we lose the tield, He has the stamp of Marcius; and I have

We cannot keep the town. Before-time seen him thus.

Lieut.

Fear pot our care, sir. Mar. Come I too late?

Lart. Hence, and shut your gates upon us.-Com. The shepherd knows not thunder from a Our guider, come ; to the Roman camp conduct us. tabor,

[Excunt. More than I know the sound of Marcius' tongue, From every meaner man's.

SCENE VIII. A Field of Battle between the Roman Mar. Come I too late ?

and the Volscian Camps. Com. Ay, if you come not in the blood of others, Alarum. Enter Marcius and Aufidius. Bot mantled in your own.

Mar. I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate Mar. 0! let me clip you Worse than a promise-breaker.

(thet

Auf.

Auf

We hate alike;
Com.

Too modest are you; Not Afrio owns a serpent, I abhor

More cruel to your good report, than grateful More than thy fame and envy: Fix thy foot. To us that give you traly : by your patience,

Mar. Let the first budger die the other's slave, If 'gainst yourself you bé incens'd, we'll put you And the gods doom him after !

(Like one that means his proper barm), in manacles,

If I fly, Mareius, Then reason safely with you.--Therefore, be it known, Halloo me like a hare.

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

Within these three hours, Tullas, Wears this war's garland in token of the which, Alone I fought in your Corioli walls,

My noble steed, known to the camp, I give him, And made what work I pleas'd; 'Tis not my blood, With all his trim belonging; and, from this time, Wherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revenge, For what he did before Corioli, call him, Wrench ap thy power to the highest.

With all the applause and clamour of the host, Auf.

Wert thou the Hector, Caius Marcius Coriolanus. That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny,

Bear the addition nobly ever! Thou shouldst not scape me here.

( Flourish. Trumpets sound, and Drums, [They Aght, and certain olees come to the Aid All. Caius Marcius Coriolanus ! of Aufidius.

Cor. I will go wash;
Officious, and not valiant-you have sham'd me And when my face is fair, you shall perceive
In your condemned seconds.

Whether I blush, or no : How beit, I thank you :(Exeunt fighting, driven in by Marcius. I mean to stride your steed; and, at all times,

To undercrest your good addition,
SCENE IX. The Roman Camp.

To the fairness of my power.
Alarum. A Retreat is sounded. Flourish. Enter where, ere we do repose as, we will write

Com

So, to our tent: at one side, Cominius and Romans; at the other side Marcius, with his Arm in a Scarf, and other To Rome of our success.--You, Titus Lartius, Romans.

Must to Corioli back : send us to Rome Com. If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work, For their own good, and ours.

The best, with whom we may articulate, Thoa'lt not believe thy deeds : but I'll report it,

Lart. Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles;

I shall, my lord. Where great patricians shall attend, and shrug,

Cor. The gods begin to mock me. I that now

Refus'd most princely gifts, am bound to beg I'the end, admire ; where ladies shall be frighted,

of my lord general. And, gladly quak'd, hear more; where the dull tri

Com.

Take it: 'tis yours-What is't? bunes,

Cor. I sometime lay, here in Corioli,
That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours,
Shall say, against their hearts-We thank the gods, He cried to me; I saw him prisoner;

At a poor man's house; he us'd me kindly:
Our Rome hath such a soldier!

But then Anfidias was within my view, Yet cam'st thou to a morsel of this feast,

And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity : I request you Having fully dined before.

To give my poor host freedom. Enter Titus Lartius, with his Power, from the Com.

0, well begg'd! Pursuit.

Were he the butcher of my son, he should
Lart.
O general,

Be free as is the wind. Deliver bim, Titus.
Here is the steed, we the caparison :

Lart. Marcius, his name? Hadst thou beheld

Cor.

By Jupiter, forgot :Mar.

Pray now, no more : my mother, I am weary; yea, my memory is tir’d. Who has a charter to extol her blood,

Have we no wine here? When she does praise me, grieves me. I have done, Com.

Go we to our tent: As you have done ; that's what I can ; induc'd The blood upon your visage dries : 'tis time As you have been that's for my country :

It should be look'd to: come.

[Exeunt. He, that has but effected his good will,

SCENE X. The Camp of the Volces.
Hath overta'en mine act.
Com.
You sball not be

A Flourish. Cornets, Enter Tullus Aufidius, The grave of your deserving ; Roine must know

bloody, with two or three Soldiers. The value of her own: 'were a concealment

Auf. The town is ta'en !
Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement, I Sol. "Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.
To hide your doings ; and to silence that,

Auf. Condition !
Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd, I would I were a Roman; for I cannnt,
Would seem but modest : Therefore, I beseech you Being a Volce, be that I am.-Condition !
(In sign of what you are, not to reward

What good condition can a treaty find
What you have done), before our army hear me. l'the part that is at mercy ? Five times, Marcius,

Mar. I bave some wounds upon me, and they smart I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me; To hear themselves rememberia.

And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter Com.

Should they not, As often as we eat.-By the elements,
Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude, If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,
And ient themselves with death. Of all the horses He is mine, or I am bis : Mine emulation
(Whereof we have ta’en good, and guod store), of all Hath not that honour in't, it had; for where
The treasure, in this field achiev'd, and city, I thought to crush him in an equal force
We render you the tenth; to be ta'en forth,

(True sword to sword), I'll poteh at lim some way; Before the common distribution, at

Or wruth, or craft, may get him. Your only cboice.

1 Sol.

He's the devil. mar. I thank you, general;

Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle : My valour's But cannot make my heart consent to take

poison's, A bribe, to pay my sword : I do refuse it ;

With only suffering stain by him ; for him And stand upon my common part with those

Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep, nor sanctuary, That have beheld the doing.

Being naked, sick: nor face, nor Capitol, [A long Flourish. They all cry, Marcias ! Mar- The prayers of priests, nor times of sacrifice,

cius! cast up their caps and Lances : Comi- Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up nius and Lartius stand bare.

Their rottea privilege and custom 'gainst Mar. May these same instruments, which you My hate to Marcius : where I find bim, were it profane,

Ai home, apon my brother's guard, even there Never sound more! When drums and trumpets shall Against the hospitable canon, would I I'the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be Wash my tierce hand in his heart. Go you to the city : Made all of false-fac'd soothing: When steel grows Learn, how 'tis held; and what they are, that must Soft as the parasite's silk, let bim be made

Be hostages for Rome. An overture for the wars! No more, I say ;

1 Sol.

Will not you go? For that I have not wash'd my nose that bled, Auf. I am attended at the cypress grove : Or foil'd some debile wretch, -which, without note, I pray you Here's many else have done, --you shout me forth ('i'is south the city mills), bring me word thither In aoclamations hyperbolical ;

How the world goes ; that the pace of it As if I lov'd my little should be dieted

I may spur on my journey. In praises saue'd with lies.

1 šol.

I shall, sir. (Exeunt.