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Dramatis PersonaeCAIUS MARCIUS, Afterwards CAIUS MARCIUS CORIOLANUS.TITUS LARTIUSCOMINIUSgenerals against the Volscians.MENENIUS AGRIPPA, friend to Coriolanus. SICINIUS VELUTUSJUNIUS BRUTUStribunes of the people.Young MARCUS, son to Coriolanus.A Roman Herald. TULLUS AUFIDIUS, general of the Volscians. Lieutenant to Aufidius. Conspirators with Aufidius.A Citizen of Antium.Two Volscian Guards.VOLUMNIA, mother to Coriolanus.VIRGILIA, wife to Coriolanus.VALERIA, friend to Virgilia.Gentlewoman, attending on Virgilia. Roman and Volscian Senators, Patricians, Aediles, Lictors, Soldiers, Citizens, Messengers, Servants to Aufidius, and other Attendants.SCENE Rome and the neighbourhood; Corioli and the neighbourhood; Antium.CORIOLANUSACT ISCENE I. Rome. A street.Enter a company of mutinous Citizens, with staves,
clubs, and other weaponsFirst CitizenBefore we proceed any further, hear me speak.AllSpeak, speak.First CitizenYou are all resolved rather to die than to famish?AllResolved. resolved.First CitizenFirst, you know Caius Marcius is chief enemy to the people.AllWe know't, we know't.First CitizenLet us kill him, and we'll have corn at our own price.Is't a verdict?AllNo more talking on't; let it be done: away, away!Second CitizenOne word, good citizens.First CitizenWe are accounted poor citizens, the patricians good.What authority surfeits on would relieve us: if theywould yield us but the superfluity, while it werewholesome, we might guess they relieved us humanely;but they think we are too dear: the leanness thatafflicts us, the object of our misery, is as aninventory to particularise their abundance; oursufferance is a gain to them Let us revenge this withour pikes, ere we become rakes: for the gods know Ispeak this in hunger for bread, not in thirst for revenge.Second CitizenWould you proceed especially against Caius Marcius?AllAgainst him first: he's a very dog to the commonalty.Second CitizenConsider you what services he has done for his country?First CitizenVery well; and could be content to give him goodreport fort, but that he pays himself with being proud.Second CitizenNay, but speak not maliciously.First CitizenI say unto you, what he hath done famously, he didit to that end: though soft-conscienced men can becontent to say it was for his country he did it toplease his mother and to be partly proud; which heis, even till the altitude of his virtue.Second CitizenWhat he cannot help in his nature, you account avice in him. You must in no way say he is covetous.First CitizenIf I must not, I need not be barren of accusations;he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition.Shouts withinWhat shouts are these? The other side o' the cityis risen: why stay we prating here? to the Capitol!AllCome, come.First CitizenSoft! who comes here?Enter MENENIUS AGRIPPASecond CitizenWorthy Menenius Agrippa; one that hath always lovedthe people.First CitizenHe's one honest enough: would all the rest were so!MENENIUSWhat work's, my countrymen, in hand? where go youWith bats and clubs? The matter? speak, I pray you.First CitizenOur business is not unknown to the senate; they havehad inkling this fortnight what we intend to do,which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say poorsuitors have strong breaths: they shall know wehave strong arms too.MENENIUSWhy, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,Will you undo yourselves?First CitizenWe cannot, sir, we are undone already.MENENIUSI tell you, friends, most charitable careHave the patricians of you. For your wants,Your suffering in this dearth, you may as wellStrike at the heaven with your staves as lift themAgainst the Roman state, whose course will onThe way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbsOf more strong link asunder than can everAppear in your impediment. For the dearth,The gods, not the patricians, make it, andYour knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack,You are transported by calamityThither where more attends you, and you slanderThe helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers,When you curse them as enemies.First CitizenCare for us! True, indeed! They ne'er cared for usyet: suffer us to famish, and their store-housescrammed with grain; make edicts for usury, tosupport usurers; repeal daily any wholesome actestablished against the rich, and provide morepiercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrainthe poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; andthere's all the love they bear us.MENENIUSEither you mustConfess yourselves wondrous malicious,Or be accused of folly. I shall tell youA pretty tale: it may be you have heard it;But, since it serves my purpose, I will ventureTo stale 't a little more.First CitizenWell, I'll hear it, sir: yet you must not think tofob off our disgrace with a tale: but, an 't pleaseyou, deliver.MENENIUSThere was a time when all the body's membersRebell'd against the belly, thus accused it:That only like a gulf it did remainI' the midst o' the body, idle and unactive,Still cupboarding the viand, never bearingLike labour with the rest, where the other instrumentsDid see and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel,And, mutually participate, did ministerUnto the appetite and affection commonOf the whole body. The belly answer'd--First CitizenWell, sir, what answer made the belly?MENENIUSSir, 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 smileAs well as speak--it tauntingly repliedTo the discontented members, the mutinous partsThat envied his receipt; even so most fitlyAs you malign our senators for thatThey are not such as you.First CitizenYour 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 helpsIn this our fabric, if that they--MENENIUSWhat then?'Fore me, this fellow speaks! What then? what then?First CitizenShould by the cormorant belly be restrain'd,Who is the sink o' the body,--MENENIUSWell, what then?First CitizenThe former agents, if they did complain,What could the belly answer?MENENIUSI will tell youIf you'll bestow a small--of what you have little--Patience awhile, you'll hear the belly's answer.First CitizenYe're long about it.MENENIUSNote me this, good friend;Your most grave belly was deliberate,Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd:'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 store-house and the shopOf the whole body: but, if you do remember,I send it through the rivers of your blood,Even to the court, the heart, to the seat o' the brain;And, through the cranks and offices of man,The strongest nerves and small inferior veinsFrom me receive that natural competencyWhereby they live: and though that all at once,You, my good friends,'--this says the belly, mark me,--First CitizenAy, sir; well, well.MENENIUS'Though all at once cannotSee what I do deliver out to each,Yet I can make my audit up, that allFrom me do back receive the flour of all,And leave me but the bran.' What say you to't?First CitizenIt was an answer: how apply you this?MENENIUSThe senators of Rome are this good belly,And you the mutinous members; for examineTheir counsels and their cares, digest things rightlyTouching the weal o' the common, you shall findNo public benefit which you receiveBut it proceeds or comes from them to youAnd no way from yourselves. What do you think,You, the great toe of this assembly?First CitizenI the great toe! why the great toe?MENENIUSFor that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest,Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st 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 MARCIUSHail, noble Marcius!MARCIUSThanks. What's the matter, you dissentious rogues,That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion,Make yourselves scabs?First CitizenWe have ever your good word.MARCIUSHe that will give good words to thee will flatterBeneath 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 isTo make him worthy whose offence subdues himAnd curse that justice did it.Who deserves greatnessDeserves your hate; and your affections areA sick man's appetite, who desires most thatWhich would increase his evil. He that dependsUpon your favours swims with fins of leadAnd 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 cityYou cry against the noble senate, who,Under the gods, keep you in awe, which elseWould feed on one another? What's their seeking?MENENIUSFor corn at their own rates; whereof, they say,The city is well stored.MARCIUSHang 'em! They say!They'll sit by the fire, and presume to knowWhat's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise,Who thrives and who declines; side factionsand give outConjectural marriages; making parties strongAnd feebling such as stand not in their likingBelow their cobbled shoes. They say there'sgrain enough!Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,And let me use my sword, I'll make a quarryWith thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as highAs I could pick my lance.MENENIUSNay, 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?MARCIUSThey are dissolved: hang 'em!They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs,That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat,That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent notCorn for the rich men only: with these shredsThey vented their complainings; which being answer'd,And a petition granted them, a strange one--To break the heart of generosity,And make bold power look pale--they threw their capsAs they would hang them on the horns o' the moon,Shouting their emulation.MENENIUSWhat is granted them?MARCIUSFive tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus,Sicinius Velutus, and I know not--'Sdeath!The rabble should have first unroof'd the city,Ere so prevail'd with me: it will in timeWin upon power and throw forth greater themesFor insurrection's arguing.MENENIUSThis is strange.MARCIUSGo, get you home, you fragments!Enter a Messenger, hastilyMessengerWhere's Caius Marcius?MARCIUSHere: what's the matter?MessengerThe news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.MARCIUSI am glad on 't: then we shall ha' means to ventOur musty superfluity. See, our best elders.Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators;
JUNIUS BRUTUS and SICINIUS VELUTUSFirst SenatorMarcius, 'tis true that you have lately told us;The Volsces are in arms.MARCIUSThey have a leader,Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to 't.I sin in envying his nobility,And were I any thing but what I am,I would wish me only he.COMINIUSYou have fought together.MARCIUSWere half to half the world by the ears and he.Upon my party, I'ld revolt to makeOnly my wars with him: he is a lionThat I am proud to hunt.First SenatorThen, worthy Marcius,Attend upon Cominius to these wars.COMINIUSIt is your former promise.MARCIUSSir, it is;And I am constant. Titus Lartius, thouShalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face.What, art thou stiff? stand'st out?TITUSNo, Caius Marcius;I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with t'other,Ere stay behind this business.MENENIUSO, true-bred!First SenatorYour company to the Capitol; where, I know,Our greatest friends attend us.TITUSTo COMINIUS Lead you on.To MARCIUS Follow Cominius; we must follow you;Right worthy you priority.COMINIUSNoble Marcius!First SenatorTo the Citizens Hence to your homes; be gone!MARCIUSNay, let them follow:The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thitherTo gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutiners,Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow.Citizens steal away. Exeunt all but SICINIUS
and BRUTUSSICINIUSWas ever man so proud as is this Marcius?BRUTUSHe has no equal.SICINIUSWhen we were chosen tribunes for the people,--BRUTUSMark'd you his lip and eyes?SICINIUSNay. but his taunts.BRUTUSBeing moved, he will not spare to gird the gods.SICINIUSBe-mock the modest moon.BRUTUSThe present wars devour him: he is grownToo proud to be so valiant.SICINIUSSuch a nature,Tickled with good success, disdains the shadowWhich he treads on at noon: but I do wonderHis insolence can brook to be commandedUnder Cominius.BRUTUSFame, at the which he aims,In whom already he's well graced, can notBetter be held nor more attain'd than byA place below the first: for what miscarriesShall be the general's fault, though he performTo the utmost of a man, and giddy censureWill then cry out of Marcius 'O if heHad borne the business!'SICINIUSBesides, if things go well,Opinion that so sticks on Marcius shallOf his demerits rob Cominius.BRUTUSCome:Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius.Though Marcius earned them not, and all his faultsTo Marcius shall be honours, though indeedIn aught he merit not.SICINIUSLet's hence, and hearHow the dispatch is made, and in what fashion,More than his singularity, he goesUpon this present action.BRUTUSLets along.ExeuntSCENE II. Corioli. The Senate-house.Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain SenatorsFirst SenatorSo, your opinion is, Aufidius,That they of Rome are entered in our counselsAnd know how we proceed.AUFIDIUSIs it not yours?What ever have been thought on in this state,That could be brought to bodily act ere RomeHad circumvention? 'Tis not four days goneSince I heard thence; these are the words: I thinkI have the letter here; yes, here it is.Reads'They have press'd a power, but it is not knownWhether for east or west: the dearth is great;The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd,Cominius, Marcius your old enemy,Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,These three lead on this preparationWhither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:Consider of it.'First SenatorOur army's in the fieldWe never yet made doubt but Rome was readyTo answer us.AUFIDIUSNor did you think it follyTo keep your great pretences veil'd till whenThey needs must show themselves; whichin the hatching,It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery.We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which wasTo take in many towns ere almost RomeShould know we were afoot.Second SenatorNoble Aufidius,Take your commission; hie you to your bands:Let us alone to guard Corioli:If they set down before 's, for the removeBring your army; but, I think, you'll findThey've not prepared for us.AUFIDIUSO, 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 Marcius chance to meet,'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strikeTill one can do no more.AllThe gods assist you!AUFIDIUSAnd keep your honours safe!First SenatorFarewell.Second SenatorFarewell.AllFarewell.ExeuntSCENE III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house.Enter VOLUMNIA and VIRGILIA they set them down
on two low stools, and sewVOLUMNIAI pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourself in amore comfortable sort: if my son were my husband, Ishould freelier rejoice in that absence wherein hewon honour than in the embracements of his bed wherehe would show most love. When yet he was buttender-bodied and the only son of my womb, whenyouth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way, whenfor a day of kings' entreaties a mother should notsell him an hour from her beholding, I, consideringhow honour would become such a person. that it wasno better than picture-like to hang by the wall, ifrenown made it not stir, was pleased to let him seekdanger where he was like to find fame. To a cruelwar I sent him; from whence he returned, his browsbound with oak. I tell thee, daughter, I sprang notmore in joy at first hearing he was a man-childthan now in first seeing he had proved himself aman.VIRGILIABut had he died in the business, madam; how then?VOLUMNIAThen his good report should have been my son; Itherein would have found issue. Hear me professsincerely: had I a dozen sons, each in my lovealike and none less dear than thine and my goodMarcius, I had rather had eleven die nobly for theircountry than one voluptuously surfeit out of action.Enter a GentlewomanGentlewomanMadam, the Lady Valeria is come to visit you.VIRGILIABeseech you, give me leave to retire myself.VOLUMNIAIndeed, you shall not.Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum,See him pluck Aufidius down by the 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 browWith his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,Like to a harvest-man that's task'd to mowOr all or lose his hire.VIRGILIAHis bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!VOLUMNIAAway, you fool! it more becomes a manThan gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba,When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelierThan Hector's forehead when it spit forth bloodAt Grecian sword, contemning. Tell Valeria,We are fit to bid her welcome.Exit GentlewomanVIRGILIAHeavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!VOLUMNIAHe'll beat Aufidius 'head below his kneeAnd tread upon his neck.Enter VALERIA, with an Usher and GentlewomanVALERIAMy ladies both, good day to you.VOLUMNIASweet madam.VIRGILIAI am glad to see your ladyship.VALERIAHow do you both? you are manifest house-keepers.What are you sewing here? A fine spot, in goodfaith. How does your little son?VIRGILIAI thank your ladyship; well, good madam.VOLUMNIAHe had rather see the swords, and hear a drum, thanlook upon his school-master.VALERIAO' my word, the father's son: I'll swear,'tis avery pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him o'Wednesday half an hour together: has such aconfirmed countenance. I saw him run after a gildedbutterfly: and when he caught it, he let it goagain; and after it again; and over and over hecomes, and again; catched it again; or whether hisfall enraged him, or how 'twas, he did so set histeeth and tear it; O, I warrant it, how he mammockedit!VOLUMNIAOne on 's father's moods.VALERIAIndeed, la, 'tis a noble child.VIRGILIAA crack, madam.VALERIACome, lay aside your stitchery; I must have you playthe idle husewife with me this afternoon.VIRGILIANo, good madam; I will not out of doors.VALERIANot out of doors!VOLUMNIAShe shall, she shall.VIRGILIAIndeed, no, by your patience; I'll not over thethreshold till my lord return from the wars.VALERIAFie, you confine yourself most unreasonably: come,you must go visit the good lady that lies in.VIRGILIAI will wish her speedy strength, and visit her withmy prayers; but I cannot go thither.VOLUMNIAWhy, I pray you?VIRGILIA'Tis not to save labour, nor that I want love.VALERIAYou would be another Penelope: yet, they say, allthe yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fillIthaca full of moths. Come; I would your cambricwere sensible as your finger, that you might leavepricking it for pity. Come, you shall go with us.VIRGILIANo, good madam, pardon me; indeed, I will not forth.VALERIAIn truth, la, go with me; and I'll tell youexcellent news of your husband.VIRGILIAO, good madam, there can be none yet.VALERIAVerily, I do not jest with you; there came news fromhim last night.VIRGILIAIndeed, madam?VALERIAIn earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it.Thus it is: the Volsces have an army forth; againstwhom Cominius the general is gone, with one part ofour Roman power: your lord and Titus Lartius are setdown before their city Corioli; they nothing doubtprevailing and to make it brief wars. This is true,on mine honour; and so, I pray, go with us.VIRGILIAGive me excuse, good madam; I will obey you in everything hereafter.VOLUMNIALet her alone, lady: as she is now, she will butdisease our better mirth.VALERIAIn troth, I think she would. Fare you well, then.Come, good sweet lady. Prithee, Virgilia, turn thysolemness out o' door. and go along with us.VIRGILIANo, at a word, madam; indeed, I must not. I wishyou much mirth.VALERIAWell, then, farewell.ExeuntSCENE IV. Before Corioli.Enter, with drum and colours, MARCIUS, TITUS
LARTIUS, Captains and Soldiers. To them a
MessengerMARCIUSYonder comes news. A wager they have met.LARTIUSMy horse to yours, no.MARCIUS'Tis done.LARTIUSAgreed.MARCIUSSay, has our general met the enemy?MessengerThey lie in view; but have not spoke as yet.LARTIUSSo, the good horse is mine.MARCIUSI'll buy him of you.LARTIUSNo, I'll nor sell nor give him: lend you him I willFor half a hundred years. Summon the town.MARCIUSHow far off lie these armies?MessengerWithin this mile and half.MARCIUSThen 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 wallsTutus Aufidius, is he within your walls?First SenatorNo, nor a man that fears you less than he,That's lesser than a little.Drums afar offHark! our drumsAre 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 pinn'd with rushes;They'll open of themselves.Alarum afar offHark you. far off!There is Aufidius; list, what work he makesAmongst your cloven army.MARCIUSO, they are at it!LARTIUSTheir noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!Enter the army of the VolscesMARCIUSThey fear us not, but issue forth their city.Now put your shields before your hearts, and fightWith 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. Re-enter MARCIUS cursingMARCIUSAll the contagion of the south light on you,You shames of Rome! you herd of--Boils and plaguesPlaster you o'er, that you may be abhorr'dFurther than seen and one infect anotherAgainst the wind a mile! You souls of geese,That bear the shapes of men, how have you runFrom slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell!All hurt behind; backs red, and faces paleWith flight and agued fear! Mend and charge home,Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foeAnd 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 followed.Another alarum. The Volsces fly, and MARCIUS
follows them to the gatesSo, 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.Enters the gatesFirst SoldierFool-hardiness; not I.Second SoldierNor I.MARCIUS is shut inFirst SoldierSee, they have shut him in.AllTo the pot, I warrant him.Alarum continuesRe-enter TITUS LARTIUSLARTIUSWhat is become of Marcius?AllSlain, sir, doubtless.First SoldierFollowing the fliers at the very heels,With them he enters; who, upon the sudden,Clapp'd to their gates: he is himself alone,To answer all the city.LARTIUSO noble fellow!Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,And, when it bows, stands up. Thou art left, Marcius:A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldierEven to Cato's wish, not fierce and terribleOnly in strokes; but, with thy grim looks andThe thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,Thou madst thine enemies shake, as if the worldWere feverous and did tremble.Re-enter MARCIUS, bleeding, assaulted by the enemyFirst SoldierLook, sir.LARTIUSO,'tis Marcius!Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.They fight, and all enter the citySCENE V. Corioli. A street.Enter certain Romans, with spoilsFirst RomanThis will I carry to Rome.Second RomanAnd I this.Third RomanA murrain on't! I took this for silver.Alarum continues still afar offEnter MARCIUS and TITUS LARTIUS with a trumpetMARCIUSSee here these movers that do prize their hoursAt a crack'd drachm! Cushions, leaden spoons,Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen wouldBury with those that wore them, these base slaves,Ere yet the fight be done, pack up: down with them!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, takeConvenient numbers to make good the city;Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will hasteTo help Cominius.LARTIUSWorthy sir, thou bleed'st;Thy exercise hath been too violent forA second course of fight.MARCIUSSir, praise me not;My work hath yet not warm'd me: fare you well:The blood I drop is rather physicalThan dangerous to me: to Aufidius thusI will appear, and fight.LARTIUSNow the fair goddess, Fortune,Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charmsMisguide thy opposers' swords! Bold gentleman,Prosperity be thy page!MARCIUSThy friend no lessThan those she placeth highest! So, farewell.LARTIUSThou worthiest Marcius!Exit MARCIUSGo, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;Call thither all the officers o' the town,Where they shall know our mind: away!ExeuntSCENE VI. Near the camp of Cominius.Enter COMINIUS, as it were in retire,
with soldiersCOMINIUSBreathe you, my friends: well fought;we are come offLike 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 heardThe charges of our friends. Ye Roman gods!Lead their successes as we wish our own,That both our powers, with smilingfronts encountering,May give you thankful sacrifice.Enter a MessengerThy news?MessengerThe citizens of Corioli have issued,And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle:I saw our party to their trenches driven,And then I came away.COMINIUSThough thou speak'st truth,Methinks thou speak'st not well.How long is't since?MessengerAbove 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?MessengerSpies of the VolscesHeld me in chase, that I was forced to wheelThree or four miles about, else had I, sir,Half an hour since brought my report.COMINIUSWho's yonder,That does appear as he were flay'd? O godsHe has the stamp of Marcius; and I haveBefore-time seen him thus.MARCIUSWithin Come I too late?COMINIUSThe shepherd knows not thunder from a tabourMore than I know the sound of Marcius' tongueFrom every meaner man.Enter MARCIUSMARCIUSCome I too late?COMINIUSAy, if you come not in the blood of others,But mantled in your own.MARCIUSO, let me clip yeIn arms as sound as when I woo'd, in heartAs merry as when our nuptial day was done,And tapers burn'd to bedward!COMINIUSFlower of warriors,How is it with Titus Lartius?MARCIUSAs with a man busied about decrees:Condemning some to death, and some to exile;Ransoming him, or pitying, threatening the other;Holding Corioli in the name of Rome,Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash,To let him slip at will.COMINIUSWhere is that slaveWhich told me they had beat you to your trenches?Where is he? call him hither.MARCIUSLet him alone;He did inform the truth: but for our gentlemen,The common file--a plague! tribunes for them!--The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat as they did budgeFrom rascals worse than they.COMINIUSBut how prevail'd you?MARCIUSWill the time serve to tell? I do not think.Where is the enemy? are you lords o' the field?If not, why cease you till you are so?COMINIUSMarcius,We have at disadvantage fought and didRetire to win our purpose.MARCIUSHow lies their battle? know you on which sideThey have placed their men of trust?COMINIUSAs I guess, Marcius,Their bands i' the vaward are the Antiates,Of their best trust; o'er them Aufidius,Their very heart of hope.MARCIUSI do beseech you,By all the battles wherein we have fought,By the blood we have shed together, by the vowsWe have made to endure friends, that you directlySet 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.COMINIUSThough I could wishYou were conducted to a gentle bathAnd balms applied to, you, yet dare I neverDeny your asking: take your choice of thoseThat best can aid your action.MARCIUSThose are theyThat most are willing. If any such be here--As it were sin to doubt--that love this paintingWherein you see me smear'd; if any fearLesser his person than an ill report;If any think brave death outweighs bad lifeAnd that his country's dearer than himself;Let him alone, or so many so minded,Wave thus, to express his disposition,And follow Marcius.They all shout and wave their swords, take him up in
their arms, and cast up their capsO, me alone! make you a sword of me?If these shows be not outward, which of youBut is four Volsces? none of you but isAble to bear against the great AufidiusA shield as hard as his. A certain number,Though thanks to all, must I selectfrom all: the restShall bear the business in some other fight,As cause will be obey'd. Please you to march;And four shall quickly draw out my command,Which men are best inclined.COMINIUSMarch on, my fellows:Make good this ostentation, and you shallDivide in all with us.ExeuntSCENE VII. The gates of Corioli.TITUS LARTIUS, having set a guard upon
Corioli, going with drum and trumpet toward
COMINIUS and CAIUS MARCIUS, enters with
Lieutenant, other Soldiers, and a ScoutLARTIUSSo, let the ports be guarded: keep your duties,As I have set them down. If I do send, dispatchThose centuries to our aid: the rest will serveFor a short holding: if we lose the field,We cannot keep the town.LieutenantFear not our care, sir.LARTIUSHence, and shut your gates upon's.Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us.ExeuntSCENE VIII. A field of battle.Alarum as in battle. Enter, from opposite sides,
MARCIUS and AUFIDIUSMARCIUSI'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate theeWorse than a promise-breaker.AUFIDIUSWe hate alike:Not Afric owns a serpent I abhorMore than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.MARCIUSLet the first budger die the other's slave,And the gods doom him after!AUFIDIUSIf I fly, Marcius,Holloa me like a hare.MARCIUSWithin these three hours, Tullus,Alone I fought in your Corioli walls,And made what work I pleased: 'tis not my bloodWherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revengeWrench up thy power to the highest.AUFIDIUSWert thou the HectorThat was the whip of your bragg'd progeny,Thou shouldst not scape me here.They fight, and certain Volsces come to the aid of
AUFIDIUS. MARCIUS fights till they be driven in
breathlessOfficious, and not valiant, you have shamed meIn your condemned seconds.ExeuntSCENE IX. The Roman camp.Flourish. Alarum. A retreat is sounded. Flourish.
Enter, from one side, COMINIUS with the Romans; from
the other side, MARCIUS, with his arm in a scarfCOMINIUSIf I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work,Thou'ldst not believe thy deeds: but I'll report itWhere senators shall mingle tears with smiles,Where great patricians shall attend and shrug,I' the end admire, where ladies shall be frighted,And, gladly quaked, hear more; where thedull tribunes,That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours,Shall say against their hearts 'We thank the godsOur Rome hath such a soldier.'Yet camest thou to a morsel of this feast,Having fully dined before.Enter TITUS LARTIUS, with his power,
from the pursuitLARTIUSO general,Here is the steed, we the caparison:Hadst thou beheld--MARCIUSPray now, no more: my mother,Who has a charter to extol her blood,When she does praise me grieves me. I have doneAs you have done; that's what I can; inducedAs you have been; that's for my country:He that has but effected his good willHath overta'en mine act.COMINIUSYou shall not beThe grave of your deserving; Rome must knowThe value of her own: 'twere a concealmentWorse than a theft, no less than a traducement,To hide your doings; and to silence that,Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd,Would seem but modest: therefore, I beseech youIn sign of what you are, not to rewardWhat you have done--before our army hear me.MARCIUSI have some wounds upon me, and they smartTo hear themselves remember'd.COMINIUSShould 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 allThe treasure in this field achieved and city,We render you the tenth, to be ta'en forth,Before the common distribution, atYour only choice.MARCIUSI thank you, general;But cannot make my heart consent to takeA bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it;And stand upon my common part with thoseThat have beheld the doing.A long flourish. They all cry 'Marcius! Marcius!'
cast up their caps and lances: COMINIUS and LARTIUS
stand bareMARCIUSMay these same instruments, which you profane,Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shallI' the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities beMade all of false-faced soothing!When steel grows soft as the parasite's silk,Let him be made a coverture for the wars!No more, I say! For that I have not wash'dMy nose that bled, or foil'd some debile wretch.--Which, without note, here's many else have done,--You shout me forthIn acclamations hyperbolical;As if I loved my little should be dietedIn praises sauced with lies.COMINIUSToo modest are you;More cruel to your good report than gratefulTo 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 MarciusWears 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 Corioli, call him,With all the applause and clamour of the host,CAIUS MARCIUS CORIOLANUS! BearThe addition nobly ever!Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drumsAllCaius Marcius Coriolanus!CORIOLANUSI will go wash;And when my face is fair, you shall perceiveWhether I blush or no: howbeit, I thank you.I mean to stride your steed, and at all timesTo undercrest your good additionTo the fairness of my power.COMINIUSSo, to our tent;Where, ere we do repose us, we will writeTo Rome of our success. You, Titus Lartius,Must to Corioli back: send us to RomeThe best, with whom we may articulate,For their own good and ours.LARTIUSI shall, my lord.CORIOLANUSThe gods begin to mock me. I, that nowRefused most princely gifts, am bound to begOf my lord general.COMINIUSTake't; 'tis yours. What is't?CORIOLANUSI sometime lay here in CorioliAt 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'erwhelm'd my pity: I request youTo give my poor host freedom.COMINIUSO, well begg'd!Were he the butcher of my son, he shouldBe free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.LARTIUSMarcius, his name?CORIOLANUSBy Jupiter! forgot.I am weary; yea, my memory is tired.Have we no wine here?COMINIUSGo we to our tent:The blood upon your visage dries; 'tis timeIt should be look'd to: come.ExeuntSCENE X. The camp of the Volsces.A flourish. Cornets. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS,
bloody, with two or three SoldiersAUFIDIUSThe town is ta'en!First Soldier'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.AUFIDIUSCondition!I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition!What good condition can a treaty findI' the part that is at mercy? Five times, Marcius,I have fought with thee: so often hast thou beat me,And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounterAs often as we eat. By the elements,If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,He's mine, or I am his: mine emulationHath not that honour in't it had; for whereI thought to crush him in an equal force,True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some wayOr wrath or craft may get him.First SoldierHe's the devil.AUFIDIUSBolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'dWith only suffering stain by him; for himShall 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 upTheir rotten privilege and custom 'gainstMy hate to Marcius: where I find him, were itAt home, upon my brother's guard, even there,Against the hospitable canon, would IWash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city;Learn how 'tis held; and what they are that mustBe hostages for Rome.First SoldierWill not you go?AUFIDIUSI am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you--'Tis south the city mills--bring me word thitherHow the world goes, that to the pace of itI may spur on my journey.First SoldierI shall, sir.ExeuntACT IISCENE I. Rome. A public place.Enter MENENIUS with the two Tribunes of the people,
SICINIUS and BRUTUS.MENENIUSThe augurer tells me we shall have news to-night.BRUTUSGood or bad?MENENIUSNot according to the prayer of the people, for theylove not Marcius.SICINIUSNature teaches beasts to know their friends.MENENIUSPray you, who does the wolf love?SICINIUSThe lamb.MENENIUSAy, to devour him; as the hungry plebeians would thenoble Marcius.BRUTUSHe's a lamb indeed, that baes like a bear.MENENIUSHe's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You twoare old men: tell me one thing that I shall ask you.BothWell, sir.MENENIUSIn what enormity is Marcius poor in, that you twohave not in abundance?BRUTUSHe's poor in no one fault, but stored with all.SICINIUSEspecially in pride.BRUTUSAnd topping all others in boasting.MENENIUSThis is strange now: do you two know how you arecensured here in the city, I mean of us o' theright-hand file? do you?BothWhy, how are we censured?MENENIUSBecause you talk of pride now,--will you not be angry?BothWell, well, sir, well.MENENIUSWhy, 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief ofoccasion will rob you of a great deal of patience:give your dispositions the reins, and be angry atyour pleasures; at the least if you take it as apleasure to you in being so. You blame Marcius forbeing proud?BRUTUSWe do it not alone, sir.MENENIUSI know you can do very little alone; for your helpsare many, or else your actions would grow wondroussingle: your abilities are too infant-like fordoing much alone. You talk of pride: O that youcould turn your eyes toward the napes of your necks,and make but an interior survey of your good selves!O that you could!BRUTUSWhat then, sir?MENENIUSWhy, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting,proud, violent, testy magistrates, alias fools, asany in Rome.SICINIUSMenenius, you are known well enough too.MENENIUSI am known to be a humorous patrician, and one thatloves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allayingTiber in't; said to be something imperfect infavouring the first complaint; hasty and tinder-likeupon too trivial motion; one that converses morewith the buttock of the night than with the foreheadof the morning: what I think I utter, and spend mymalice in my breath. Meeting two such wealsmen asyou are--I cannot call you Lycurguses--if the drinkyou give me touch my palate adversely, I make acrooked face at it. I can't say your worships havedelivered the matter well, when I find the ass incompound with the major part of your syllables: andthough I must be content to bear with those that sayyou are reverend grave men, yet they lie deadly thattell you you have good faces. If you see this inthe map of my microcosm, follows it that I am knownwell enough too? what barm can your bissonconspectuities glean out of this character, if I beknown well enough too?BRUTUSCome, sir, come, we know you well enough.MENENIUSYou know neither me, yourselves nor any thing. Youare ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs: youwear out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing acause between an orange wife and a fosset-seller;and then rejourn the controversy of three pence to asecond day of audience. When you are hearing amatter between party and party, if you chance to bepinched with the colic, you make faces likemummers; set up the bloody flag against allpatience; and, in roaring for a chamber-pot,dismiss the controversy bleeding the more entangledby your hearing: all the peace you make in theircause is, calling both the parties knaves. You area pair of strange ones.BRUTUSCome, come, you are well understood to be aperfecter giber for the table than a necessarybencher in the Capitol.MENENIUSOur very priests must become mockers, if they shallencounter such ridiculous subjects as you are. Whenyou speak best unto the purpose, it is not worth thewagging of your beards; and your beards deserve notso honourable a grave as to stuff a botcher'scushion, 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 predecessorssince Deucalion, though peradventure some of thebest of 'em were hereditary hangmen. God-den toyour worships: more of your conversation wouldinfect my brain, being the herdsmen of the beastlyplebeians: I will be bold to take my leave of you.BRUTUS and SICINIUS go asideEnter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and VALERIAHow now, my as fair as noble ladies,--and the moon,were she earthly, no nobler,--whither do you followyour eyes so fast?VOLUMNIAHonourable Menenius, my boy Marcius approaches; forthe love of Juno, let's go.MENENIUSHa! Marcius coming home!VOLUMNIAAy, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperousapprobation.MENENIUSTake my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee. Hoo!Marcius coming home!VOLUMNIAVIRGILIANay,'tis true.VOLUMNIALook, here's a letter from him: the state hathanother, his wife another; and, I think, there's oneat home for you.MENENIUSI will make my very house reel tonight: a letter forme!VIRGILIAYes, certain, there's a letter for you; I saw't.MENENIUSA letter for me! it gives me an estate of sevenyears' health; in which time I will make a lip atthe physician: the most sovereign prescription inGalen is but empiricutic, and, to this preservative,of no better report than a horse-drench. Is henot wounded? he was wont to come home wounded.VIRGILIAO, no, no, no.VOLUMNIAO, he is wounded; I thank the gods for't.MENENIUSSo do I too, if it be not too much: brings a'victory in his pocket? the wounds become him.VOLUMNIAOn's brows: Menenius, he comes the third time homewith the oaken garland.MENENIUSHas he disciplined Aufidius soundly?VOLUMNIATitus Lartius writes, they fought together, butAufidius got off.MENENIUSAnd 'twas time for him too, I'll warrant him that:an he had stayed by him, I would not have been sofidiused for all the chests in Corioli, and the goldthat's in them. Is the senate possessed of this?VOLUMNIAGood ladies, let's go. Yes, yes, yes; the senatehas letters from the general, wherein he gives myson the whole name of the war: he hath in thisaction outdone his former deeds doublyVALERIAIn troth, there's wondrous things spoke of him.MENENIUSWondrous! ay, I warrant you, and not without histrue purchasing.VIRGILIAThe gods grant them true!VOLUMNIATrue! pow, wow.MENENIUSTrue! I'll be sworn they are true.Where is he wounded?To the TribunesGod save your good worships! Marcius is cominghome: he has more cause to be proud. Where is he wounded?VOLUMNIAI' the shoulder and i' the left arm there will belarge cicatrices to show the people, when he shallstand for his place. He received in the repulse ofTarquin seven hurts i' the body.MENENIUSOne i' the neck, and two i' the thigh,--there'snine that I know.VOLUMNIAHe had, before this last expedition, twenty-fivewounds upon him.MENENIUSNow it's twenty-seven: every gash was an enemy's grave.A shout and flourishHark! the trumpets.VOLUMNIAThese are the ushers of Marcius: before him hecarries noise, and behind him he leaves tears:Death, that dark spirit, in 's nervy arm doth lie;Which, being advanced, declines, and then men die.A sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter COMINIUS the
general, and TITUS LARTIUS; between them, CORIOLANUS,
crowned with an oaken garland; with Captains and
Soldiers, and a HeraldHeraldKnow, Rome, that all alone Marcius did fightWithin Corioli gates: where he hath won,With fame, a name to Caius Marcius; theseIn honour follows Coriolanus.Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!FlourishAllWelcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!CORIOLANUSNo more of this; it does offend my heart:Pray now, no more.COMINIUSLook, sir, your mother!CORIOLANUSO,You have, I know, petition'd all the godsFor my prosperity!KneelsVOLUMNIANay, my good soldier, up;My gentle Marcius, worthy Caius, andBy deed-achieving honour newly named,--What is it?--Coriolanus must I call thee?--But O, thy wife!CORIOLANUSMy gracious silence, hail!Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home,That weep'st to see me triumph? Ay, my dear,Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear,And mothers that lack sons.MENENIUSNow, the gods crown thee!CORIOLANUSAnd live you yet?To VALERIAO my sweet lady, pardon.VOLUMNIAI know not where to turn: O, welcome home:And welcome, general: and ye're welcome all.MENENIUSA hundred thousand welcomes. I could weepAnd I could laugh, I am light and heavy. Welcome.A curse begin at very root on's heart,That is not glad to see thee! You are threeThat Rome should dote on: yet, by the faith of men,We have some old crab-trees hereat home that will notBe grafted to your relish. Yet welcome, warriors:We call a nettle but a nettle andThe faults of fools but folly.COMINIUSEver right.CORIOLANUSMenenius ever, ever.HeraldGive way there, and go on!CORIOLANUSTo VOLUMNIA and VIRGILIA Your hand, and yours:Ere in our own house I do shade my head,The good patricians must be visited;From whom I have received not only greetings,But with them change of honours.VOLUMNIAI have livedTo see inherited my very wishesAnd the buildings of my fancy: onlyThere's one thing wanting, which I doubt not butOur Rome will cast upon thee.CORIOLANUSKnow, good mother,I had rather be their servant in my way,Than sway with them in theirs.COMINIUSOn, to the Capitol!Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before.
BRUTUS and SICINIUS come forwardBRUTUSAll tongues speak of him, and the bleared sightsAre spectacled to see him: your prattling nurseInto a rapture lets her baby cryWhile she chats him: the kitchen malkin pinsHer richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck,Clambering the walls to eye him: stalls, bulks, windows,Are smother'd up, leads fill'd, and ridges horsedWith variable complexions, all agreeingIn earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamensDo press among the popular throngs and puffTo win a vulgar station: or veil'd damesCommit the war of white and damask inTheir nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoilOf Phoebus' burning kisses: such a potherAs if that whatsoever god who leads himWere slily crept into his human powersAnd gave him graceful posture.SICINIUSOn the sudden,I warrant him consul.BRUTUSThen our office may,During his power, go sleep.SICINIUSHe cannot temperately transport his honoursFrom where he should begin and end, but willLose those he hath won.BRUTUSIn that there's comfort.SICINIUSDoubt notThe commoners, for whom we stand, but theyUpon their ancient malice will forgetWith the least cause these his new honours, whichThat he will give them make I as little questionAs he is proud to do't.BRUTUSI heard him swear,Were he to stand for consul, never would heAppear i' the market-place nor on him putThe napless vesture of humility;Nor showing, as the manner is, his woundsTo the people, beg their stinking breaths.SICINIUS'Tis right.BRUTUSIt was his word: O, he would miss it ratherThan carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him,And the desire of the nobles.SICINIUSI wish no betterThan have him hold that purpose and to put itIn execution.BRUTUS'Tis most like he will.SICINIUSIt shall be to him then as our good wills,A sure destruction.BRUTUSSo it must fall outTo him or our authorities. For an end,We must suggest the people in what hatredHe still hath held them; that to's power he wouldHave made them mules, silenced their pleaders andDispropertied their freedoms, holding them,In human action and capacity,Of no more soul nor fitness for the worldThan camels in the war, who have their provandOnly for bearing burdens, and sore blowsFor sinking under them.SICINIUSThis, as you say, suggestedAt some time when his soaring insolenceShall touch the people--which time shall not want,If he be put upon 't; and that's as easyAs to set dogs on sheep--will be his fireTo kindle their dry stubble; and their blazeShall darken him for ever.Enter a MessengerBRUTUSWhat's the matter?MessengerYou are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thoughtThat Marcius shall be consul:I have seen the dumb men throng to see him andThe blind to bear him speak: matrons flung gloves,Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers,Upon him as he pass'd: the nobles bended,As to Jove's statue, and the commons madeA shower and thunder with their caps and shouts:I never saw the like.BRUTUSLet's to the Capitol;And carry with us ears and eyes for the time,But hearts for the event.SICINIUSHave with you.ExeuntSCENE II. The same. The Capitol.Enter two Officers, to lay cushionsFirst OfficerCome, come, they are almost here. How many standfor consulships?Second OfficerThree, they say: but 'tis thought of every oneCoriolanus will carry it.First OfficerThat's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance proud, andloves not the common people.Second OfficerFaith, there had been many great men that haveflattered the people, who ne'er loved them; and therebe many that they have loved, they know notwherefore: so that, if they love they know not why,they hate upon no better a ground: therefore, forCoriolanus neither to care whether they love or hatehim manifests the true knowledge he has in theirdisposition; and out of his noble carelessness letsthem plainly see't.First OfficerIf he did not care whether he had their love or no,he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neithergood nor harm: but he seeks their hate with greaterdevotion than can render it him; and leavesnothing undone that may fully discover him theiropposite. Now, to seem to affect the malice anddispleasure of the people is as bad as that which hedislikes, to flatter them for their love.Second OfficerHe hath deserved worthily of his country: and hisascent is not by such easy degrees as those who,having been supple and courteous to the people,bonneted, without any further deed to have them atan into their estimation and report: but he hath soplanted his honours in their eyes, and his actionsin their hearts, that for their tongues to besilent, and not confess so much, were a kind ofingrateful injury; to report otherwise, were amalice, that, giving itself the lie, would pluckreproof and rebuke from every ear that heard it.First OfficerNo more of him; he is a worthy man: make way, theyare coming.A sennet. Enter, with actors before them, COMINIUS
the consul, MENENIUS, CORIOLANUS, Senators,
SICINIUS and BRUTUS. The Senators take their
places; the Tribunes take their Places by
themselves. CORIOLANUS standsMENENIUSHaving determined of the Volsces andTo send for Titus Lartius, it remains,As the main point of this our after-meeting,To gratify his noble service thatHath thus stood for his country: therefore,please you,Most reverend and grave elders, to desireThe present consul, and last generalIn our well-found successes, to reportA little of that worthy work perform'dBy Caius Marcius Coriolanus, whomWe met here both to thank and to rememberWith honours like himself.First SenatorSpeak, good Cominius:Leave nothing out for length, and make us thinkRather our state's defective for requitalThan we to stretch it out.To the TribunesMasters o' the people,We do request your kindest ears, and after,Your loving motion toward the common body,To yield what passes here.SICINIUSWe are conventedUpon a pleasing treaty, and have heartsInclinable to honour and advanceThe theme of our assembly.BRUTUSWhich the ratherWe shall be blest to do, if he rememberA kinder value of the people thanHe hath hereto prized them at.MENENIUSThat's off, that's off;I would you rather had been silent. Please youTo hear Cominius speak?BRUTUSMost willingly;But yet my caution was more pertinentThan the rebuke you give it.MENENIUSHe loves your peopleBut tie him not to be their bedfellow.Worthy Cominius, speak.CORIOLANUS offers to go awayNay, keep your place.First SenatorSit, Coriolanus; never shame to hearWhat you have nobly done.CORIOLANUSYour horror's pardon:I had rather have my wounds to heal againThan hear say how I got them.BRUTUSSir, I hopeMy words disbench'd you not.CORIOLANUSNo, sir: yet oft,When blows have made me stay, I fled from words.You soothed not, therefore hurt not: butyour people,I love them as they weigh.MENENIUSPray now, sit down.CORIOLANUSI had rather have one scratch my head i' the sunWhen the alarum were struck than idly sitTo hear my nothings monster'd.ExitMENENIUSMasters of the people,Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter--That's thousand to one good one--when you now seeHe had rather venture all his limbs for honourThan one on's ears to hear it? Proceed, Cominius.COMINIUSI shall lack voice: the deeds of CoriolanusShould not be utter'd feebly. It is heldThat valour is the chiefest virtue, andMost dignifies the haver: if it be,The man I speak of cannot in the worldBe singly counterpoised. At sixteen years,When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he foughtBeyond the mark of others: our then dictator,Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight,When with his Amazonian chin he droveThe bristled lips before him: be bestridAn o'er-press'd Roman and i' the consul's viewSlew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met,And struck him on his knee: in that day's feats,When he might act the woman in the scene,He proved best man i' the field, and for his meedWas brow-bound with the oak. His pupil ageMan-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea,And in the brunt of seventeen battles sinceHe lurch'd all swords of the garland. For this last,Before and in Corioli, let me say,I cannot speak him home: he stopp'd the fliers;And by his rare example made the cowardTurn terror into sport: as weeds beforeA vessel under sail, so men obey'dAnd fell below his stem: his sword, death's stamp,Where it did mark, it took; from face to footHe was a thing of blood, whose every motionWas timed with dying cries: alone he enter'dThe mortal gate of the city, which he paintedWith shunless destiny; aidless came off,And with a sudden reinforcement struckCorioli like a planet: now all's his:When, by and by, the din of war gan pierceHis ready sense; then straight his doubled spiritRe-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate,And to the battle came he; where he didRun reeking o'er the lives of men, as if'Twere a perpetual spoil: and till we call'dBoth field and city ours, he never stoodTo ease his breast with panting.MENENIUSWorthy man!First SenatorHe cannot but with measure fit the honoursWhich we devise him.COMINIUSOur spoils he kick'd at,And look'd upon things precious as they wereThe common muck of the world: he covets lessThan misery itself would give; rewardsHis deeds with doing them, and is contentTo spend the time to end it.MENENIUSHe's right noble:Let him be call'd for.First SenatorCall Coriolanus.OfficerHe doth appear.Re-enter CORIOLANUSMENENIUSThe senate, Coriolanus, are well pleasedTo make thee consul.CORIOLANUSI do owe them stillMy life and services.MENENIUSIt then remainsThat you do speak to the people.CORIOLANUSI do beseech you,Let me o'erleap that custom, for I cannotPut on the gown, stand naked and entreat them,For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage: please youThat I may pass this doing.SICINIUSSir, the peopleMust have their voices; neither will they bateOne jot of ceremony.MENENIUSPut them not to't:Pray you, go fit you to the custom andTake to you, as your predecessors have,Your honour with your form.CORIOLANUSIt is apartThat I shall blush in acting, and might wellBe taken from the people.BRUTUSMark you that?CORIOLANUSTo brag unto them, thus I did, and thus;Show them the unaching scars which I should hide,As if I had received them for the hireOf their breath only!MENENIUSDo not stand upon't.We recommend to you, tribunes of the people,Our purpose to them: and to our noble consulWish we all joy and honour.SenatorsTo Coriolanus come all joy and honour!Flourish of cornets. Exeunt all but SICINIUS
and BRUTUSBRUTUSYou see how he intends to use the people.SICINIUSMay they perceive's intent! He will require them,As if he did contemn what he requestedShould be in them to give.BRUTUSCome, we'll inform themOf our proceedings here: on the marketplace,I know, they do attend us.ExeuntSCENE III. The same. The Forum.Enter seven or eight CitizensFirst CitizenOnce, if he do require our voices, we ought not to deny him.Second CitizenWe may, sir, if we will.Third CitizenWe have power in ourselves to do it, but it is apower that we have no power to do; for if he show ushis wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put ourtongues into those wounds and speak for them; so, ifhe tell us his noble deeds, we must also tell himour noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude ismonstrous, and for the multitude to be ingrateful,were to make a monster of the multitude: of thewhich we being members, should bring ourselves to bemonstrous members.First CitizenAnd to make us no better thought of, a little helpwill serve; for once we stood up about the corn, hehimself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.Third CitizenWe have been called so of many; not that our headsare some brown, some black, some auburn, some bald,but that our wits are so diversely coloured: andtruly I think if all our wits were to issue out ofone skull, they would fly east, west, north, south,and their consent of one direct way should be atonce to all the points o' the compass.Second CitizenThink you so? Which way do you judge my wit wouldfly?Third CitizenNay, your wit will not so soon out as another man'swill;'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head, butif it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward.Second CitizenWhy that way?Third CitizenTo lose itself in a fog, where being three partsmelted away with rotten dews, the fourth would returnfor conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife.Second CitizenYou are never without your tricks: you may, you may.Third CitizenAre you all resolved to give your voices? Butthat's no matter, the greater part carries it. Isay, if he would incline to the people, there wasnever a worthier man.Enter CORIOLANUS in a gown of humility, with MENENIUSHere he comes, and in the gown of humility: mark hisbehavior. We are not to stay all together, but tocome by him where he stands, by ones, by twos, andby threes. He's to make his requests byparticulars; wherein every one of us has a singlehonour, in giving him our own voices with our owntongues: therefore follow me, and I direct you howyou shall go by him.AllContent, content.Exeunt CitizensMENENIUSO sir, you are not right: have you not knownThe worthiest men have done't?CORIOLANUSWhat must I say?'I Pray, sir'--Plague upon't! I cannot bringMy tongue to such a pace:--'Look, sir, my wounds!I got them in my country's service, whenSome certain of your brethren roar'd and ranFrom the noise of our own drums.'MENENIUSO me, the gods!You must not speak of that: you must desire themTo think upon you.CORIOLANUSThink upon me! hang 'em!I would they would forget me, like the virtuesWhich our divines lose by 'em.MENENIUSYou'll mar all:I'll leave you: pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you,In wholesome manner.ExitCORIOLANUSBid them wash their facesAnd keep their teeth clean.Re-enter two of the CitizensSo, here comes a brace.Re-enter a third CitizenYou know the cause, air, of my standing here.Third CitizenWe do, sir; tell us what hath brought you to't.CORIOLANUSMine own desert.Second CitizenYour own desert!CORIOLANUSAy, but not mine own desire.Third CitizenHow not your own desire?CORIOLANUSNo, sir,'twas never my desire yet to trouble thepoor with begging.Third CitizenYou must think, if we give you any thing, we hope togain by you.CORIOLANUSWell then, I pray, your price o' the consulship?First CitizenThe price is to ask it kindly.CORIOLANUSKindly! Sir, I pray, let me ha't: I have wounds toshow you, which shall be yours in private. Yourgood voice, sir; what say you?Second CitizenYou shall ha' it, worthy sir.CORIOLANUSA match, sir. There's in all two worthy voicesbegged. I have your alms: adieu.Third CitizenBut this is something odd.Second CitizenAn 'twere to give again,--but 'tis no matter.Exeunt the three CitizensRe-enter two other CitizensCORIOLANUSPray you now, if it may stand with the tune of yourvoices that I may be consul, I have here thecustomary gown.Fourth CitizenYou have deserved nobly of your country, and youhave not deserved nobly.CORIOLANUSYour enigma?Fourth CitizenYou have been a scourge to her enemies, you havebeen a rod to her friends; you have not indeed lovedthe common people.CORIOLANUSYou should account me the more virtuous that I havenot been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter mysworn brother, the people, to earn a dearerestimation of them; 'tis a condition they accountgentle: and since the wisdom of their choice israther to have my hat than my heart, I will practisethe insinuating nod and be off to them mostcounterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit thebewitchment of some popular man and give itbountiful to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you,I may be consul.Fifth CitizenWe hope to find you our friend; and therefore giveyou our voices heartily.Fourth CitizenYou have received many wounds for your country.CORIOLANUSI will not seal your knowledge with showing them. Iwill make much of your voices, and so trouble you no further.Both CitizensThe gods give you joy, sir, heartily!ExeuntCORIOLANUSMost sweet voices!Better it is to die, better to starve,Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.Why in this woolvish toge 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 lie unswept,And mountainous error be too highly heaptFor truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,Let the high office and the honour goTo one that would do thus. I am half through;The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.Re-enter three Citizens moreHere come more voices.Your voices: for your voices I have fought;Watch'd for your voices; for Your voices bearOf wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice sixI have seen and heard of; for your voices haveDone many things, some less, some more your voices:Indeed I would be consul.Sixth CitizenHe has done nobly, and cannot go without any honestman's voice.Seventh CitizenTherefore let him be consul: the gods give him joy,and make him good friend to the people!All CitizensAmen, amen. God save thee, noble consul!ExeuntCORIOLANUSWorthy voices!Re-enter MENENIUS, with BRUTUS and SICINIUSMENENIUSYou have stood your limitation; and the tribunesEndue you with the people's voice: remainsThat, in the official marks invested, youAnon do meet the senate.CORIOLANUSIs this done?SICINIUSThe custom of request you have discharged:The people do admit you, and are summon'dTo meet anon, upon your approbation.CORIOLANUSWhere? at the senate-house?SICINIUSThere, Coriolanus.CORIOLANUSMay I change these garments?SICINIUSYou may, sir.CORIOLANUSThat I'll straight do; and, knowing myself again,Repair to the senate-house.MENENIUSI'll keep you company. Will you along?BRUTUSWe stay here for the people.SICINIUSFare you well.Exeunt CORIOLANUS and MENENIUSHe has it now, and by his looks methink'Tis warm at 's heart.BRUTUSWith a proud heart he wore his humble weeds.will you dismiss the people?Re-enter CitizensSICINIUSHow now, my masters! have you chose this man?First CitizenHe has our voices, sir.BRUTUSWe pray the gods he may deserve your loves.Second CitizenAmen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice,He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.Third CitizenCertainlyHe flouted us downright.First CitizenNo,'tis his kind of speech: he did not mock us.Second CitizenNot one amongst us, save yourself, but saysHe used us scornfully: he should have show'd usHis marks of merit, wounds received for's country.SICINIUSWhy, so he did, I am sure.CitizensNo, no; no man saw 'em.Third CitizenHe said he had wounds, which he could showin private;And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn,'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom,But by your voices, will not so permit me;Your voices therefore.' When we granted that,Here was 'I thank you for your voices: thank you:Your most sweet voices: now you have leftyour voices,I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?SICINIUSWhy either were you ignorant to see't,Or, seeing it, of such childish friendlinessTo yield your voices?BRUTUSCould you not have told himAs you were lesson'd, when he had no power,But was a petty servant to the state,He was your enemy, ever spake againstYour liberties and the charters that you bearI' the body of the weal; and now, arrivingA place of potency and sway o' the state,If he should still malignantly remainFast foe to the plebeii, your voices mightBe curses to yourselves? You should have saidThat as his worthy deeds did claim no lessThan what he stood for, so his gracious natureWould think upon you for your voices andTranslate his malice towards you into love,Standing your friendly lord.SICINIUSThus to have said,As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spiritAnd tried his inclination; from him pluck'dEither his gracious promise, which you might,As cause had call'd you up, have held him toOr else it would have gall'd his surly nature,Which easily endures not articleTying him to aught; so putting him to rage,You should have ta'en the advantage of his cholerAnd pass'd him unelected.BRUTUSDid you perceiveHe did solicit you in free contemptWhen he did need your loves, and do you thinkThat his contempt shall not be bruising to you,When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodiesNo heart among you? or had you tongues to cryAgainst the rectorship of judgment?SICINIUSHave youEre now denied the asker? and now againOf him that did not ask, but mock, bestowYour sued-for tongues?Third CitizenHe's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.Second CitizenAnd will deny him:I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.First CitizenI twice five hundred and their friends to piece 'em.BRUTUSGet you hence instantly, and tell those friends,They have chose a consul that will from them takeTheir liberties; make them of no more voiceThan dogs that are as often beat for barkingAs therefore kept to do so.SICINIUSLet them assemble,And on a safer judgment all revokeYour ignorant election; enforce his pride,And his old hate unto you; besides, forget notWith what contempt he wore the humble weed,How in his suit he scorn'd you; but your loves,Thinking upon his services, took from youThe apprehension of his present portance,Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashionAfter the inveterate hate he bears you.BRUTUSLayA fault on us, your tribunes; that we laboured,No impediment between, but that you mustCast your election on him.SICINIUSSay, you chose himMore after our commandment than as guidedBy your own true affections, and that your minds,Preoccupied with what you rather must doThan what you should, made you against the grainTo voice him consul: lay the fault on us.BRUTUSAy, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you.How youngly he began to serve his country,How long continued, and what stock he springs of,The noble house o' the Marcians, from whence cameThat Ancus Marcius, Numa's daughter's son,Who, after great Hostilius, here was king;Of the same house Publius and Quintus were,That our beat water brought by conduits hither;And Censorinus, nobly named so,Twice being by the people chosen censor,Was his great ancestor.SICINIUSOne thus descended,That hath beside well in his person wroughtTo be set high in place, we did commendTo your remembrances: but you have found,Scaling his present bearing with his past,That he's your fixed enemy, and revokeYour sudden approbation.BRUTUSSay, you ne'er had done't--Harp on that still--but by our putting on;And presently, when you have drawn your number,Repair to the Capitol.AllWe will so: almost allRepent in their election.Exeunt CitizensBRUTUSLet them go on;This mutiny were better put in hazard,Than stay, past doubt, for greater:If, as his nature is, he fall in rageWith their refusal, both observe and answerThe vantage of his anger.SICINIUSTo the Capitol, come:We will be there before the stream o' the people;And this shall seem, as partly 'tis, their own,Which we have goaded onward.ExeuntACT IIISCENE I. Rome. A street.Cornets. Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, all the
Gentry, COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other SenatorsCORIOLANUSTullus Aufidius then had made new head?LARTIUSHe had, my lord; and that it was which causedOur swifter composition.CORIOLANUSSo then the Volsces stand but as at first,Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road.Upon's again.COMINIUSThey are worn, lord consul, so,That we shall hardly in our ages seeTheir banners wave again.CORIOLANUSSaw you Aufidius?LARTIUSOn safe-guard he came to me; and did curseAgainst the Volsces, for they had so vilelyYielded the town: he is retired to Antium.CORIOLANUSSpoke he of me?LARTIUSHe did, my lord.CORIOLANUSHow? what?LARTIUSHow often he had met you, sword to sword;That of all things upon the earth he hatedYour person most, that he would pawn his fortunesTo hopeless restitution, so he mightBe call'd your vanquisher.CORIOLANUSAt Antium lives he?LARTIUSAt Antium.CORIOLANUSI wish I had a cause to seek him there,To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUSBehold, these are the tribunes of the people,The tongues o' the common mouth: I do despise them;For they do prank them in authority,Against all noble sufferance.SICINIUSPass no further.CORIOLANUSHa! what is that?BRUTUSIt will be dangerous to go on: no further.CORIOLANUSWhat makes this change?MENENIUSThe matter?COMINIUSHath he not pass'd the noble and the common?BRUTUSCominius, no.CORIOLANUSHave I had children's voices?First SenatorTribunes, give way; he shall to the market-place.BRUTUSThe people are incensed against him.SICINIUSStop,Or all will fall in broil.CORIOLANUSAre these your herd?Must these have voices, that can yield them nowAnd straight disclaim their tongues? What areyour offices?You being their mouths, why rule you not their teeth?Have you not set them on?MENENIUSBe calm, be calm.CORIOLANUSIt is a purposed thing, and grows by plot,To curb the will of the nobility:Suffer't, and live with such as cannot ruleNor ever will be ruled.BRUTUSCall't not a plot:The people cry you mock'd them, and of late,When corn was given them gratis, you repined;Scandal'd the suppliants for the people, call'd themTime-pleasers, flatterers, foes to nobleness.CORIOLANUSWhy, this was known before.BRUTUSNot to them all.CORIOLANUSHave you inform'd them sithence?BRUTUSHow! I inform them!CORIOLANUSYou are like to do such business.BRUTUSNot unlike,Each way, to better yours.CORIOLANUSWhy then should I be consul? By yond clouds,Let me deserve so ill as you, and make meYour fellow tribune.SICINIUSYou show too much of thatFor which the people stir: if you will passTo where you are bound, you must inquire your way,Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit,Or never be so noble as a consul,Nor yoke with him for tribune.MENENIUSLet's be calm.COMINIUSThe people are abused; set on. This palteringBecomes not Rome, nor has CoriolanusDeserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falselyI' the plain way of his merit.CORIOLANUSTell me of corn!This was my speech, and I will speak't again--MENENIUSNot now, not now.First SenatorNot in this heat, sir, now.CORIOLANUSNow, as I live, I will. My nobler friends,I crave their pardons:For the mutable, rank-scented many, let themRegard me as I do not flatter, andTherein behold themselves: I say again,In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senateThe cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition,Which we ourselves have plough'd for, sow'd,and scatter'd,By mingling them with us, the honour'd number,Who lack not virtue, no, nor power, but thatWhich they have given to beggars.MENENIUSWell, no more.First SenatorNo more words, we beseech you.CORIOLANUSHow! no more!As for my country I have shed my blood,Not fearing outward force, so shall my lungsCoin words till their decay against those measles,Which we disdain should tatter us, yet soughtThe very way to catch them.BRUTUSYou speak o' the people,As if you were a god to punish, notA man of their infirmity.SICINIUS'Twere wellWe let the people know't.MENENIUSWhat, what? his choler?CORIOLANUSCholer!Were I as patient as the midnight sleep,By Jove, 'twould be my mind!SICINIUSIt is a mindThat shall remain a poison where it is,Not poison any further.CORIOLANUSShall remain!Hear you this Triton of the minnows? mark youHis absolute 'shall'?COMINIUS'Twas from the canon.CORIOLANUS'Shall'!O good but most unwise patricians! why,You grave but reckless senators, have you thusGiven Hydra here to choose an officer,That with his peremptory 'shall,' being butThe horn and noise o' the monster's, wants not spiritTo say he'll turn your current in a ditch,And make your channel his? If he have powerThen vail your ignorance; if none, awakeYour dangerous lenity. If you are learn'd,Be not as common fools; if you are not,Let them have cushions by you. You are plebeians,If they be senators: and they are no less,When, both your voices blended, the great'st tasteMost palates theirs. They choose their magistrate,And such a one as he, who puts his 'shall,'His popular 'shall' against a graver benchThan ever frown in Greece. By Jove himself!It makes the consuls base: and my soul achesTo know, when two authorities are up,Neither supreme, how soon confusionMay enter 'twixt the gap of both and takeThe one by the other.COMINIUSWell, on to the market-place.CORIOLANUSWhoever gave that counsel, to give forthThe corn o' the storehouse gratis, as 'twas usedSometime in Greece,--MENENIUSWell, well, no more of that.CORIOLANUSThough there the people had more absolute power,I say, they nourish'd disobedience, fedThe ruin of the state.BRUTUSWhy, shall the people giveOne that speaks thus their voice?CORIOLANUSI'll give my reasons,More worthier than their voices. They know the cornWas not our recompense, resting well assuredThat ne'er did service for't: being press'd to the war,Even when the navel of the state was touch'd,They would not thread the gates. This kind of serviceDid not deserve corn gratis. Being i' the warTheir mutinies and revolts, wherein they show'dMost valour, spoke not for them: the accusationWhich they have often made against the senate,All cause unborn, could never be the motiveOf our so frank donation. Well, what then?How shall this bisson multitude digestThe senate's courtesy? Let deeds expressWhat's like to be their words: 'we did request it;We are the greater poll, and in true fearThey gave us our demands.' Thus we debaseThe nature of our seats and make the rabbleCall our cares fears; which will in timeBreak ope the locks o' the senate and bring inThe crows to peck the eagles.MENENIUSCome, enough.BRUTUSEnough, with over-measure.CORIOLANUSNo, take more:What may be sworn by, both divine and human,Seal what I end withal! This double worship,Where one part does disdain with cause, the otherInsult without all reason, where gentry, title, wisdom,Cannot conclude but by the yea and noOf general ignorance,--it must omitReal necessities, and give way the whileTo unstable slightness: purpose so barr'd,it follows,Nothing is done to purpose. Therefore, beseech you,--You that will be less fearful than discreet,That love the fundamental part of stateMore than you doubt the change on't, that preferA noble life before a long, and wishTo jump a body with a dangerous physicThat's sure of death without it, at once pluck outThe multitudinous tongue; let them not lickThe sweet which is their poison: your dishonourMangles true judgment and bereaves the stateOf that integrity which should become't,Not having the power to do the good it would,For the in which doth control't.BRUTUSHas said enough.SICINIUSHas spoken like a traitor, and shall answerAs traitors do.CORIOLANUSThou wretch, despite o'erwhelm thee!What should the people do with these bald tribunes?On whom depending, their obedience failsTo the greater bench: in a rebellion,When what's not meet, but what must be, was law,Then were they chosen: in a better hour,Let what is meet be said it must be meet,And throw their power i' the dust.BRUTUSManifest treason!SICINIUSThis a consul? no.BRUTUSThe aediles, ho!Enter an AEdileLet him be apprehended.SICINIUSGo, call the people:Exit AEdilein whose name myselfAttach thee as a traitorous innovator,A foe to the public weal: obey, I charge thee,And follow to thine answer.CORIOLANUSHence, old goat!Senators, &CWe'll surety him.COMINIUSAged sir, hands off.CORIOLANUSHence, rotten thing! or I shall shake thy bonesOut of thy garments.SICINIUSHelp, ye citizens!Enter a rabble of Citizens (Plebeians), with
the AEdilesMENENIUSOn both sides more respect.SICINIUSHere's he that would take from you all your power.BRUTUSSeize him, AEdiles!CitizensDown with him! down with him!Senators, &CWeapons, weapons, weapons!They all bustle about CORIOLANUS, crying'Tribunes!' 'Patricians!' 'Citizens!' 'What, ho!''Sicinius!' 'Brutus!' 'Coriolanus!' 'Citizens!''Peace, peace, peace!' 'Stay, hold, peace!'MENENIUSWhat is about to be? I am out of breath;Confusion's near; I cannot speak. You, tribunesTo the people! Coriolanus, patience!Speak, good Sicinius.SICINIUSHear me, people; peace!CitizensLet's hear our tribune: peace Speak, speak, speak.SICINIUSYou are at point to lose your liberties:Marcius would have all from you; Marcius,Whom late you have named for consul.MENENIUSFie, fie, fie!This is the way to kindle, not to quench.First SenatorTo unbuild the city and to lay all flat.SICINIUSWhat is the city but the people?CitizensTrue,The people are the city.BRUTUSBy the consent of all, we were establish'dThe people's magistrates.CitizensYou so remain.MENENIUSAnd so are like to do.COMINIUSThat is the way to lay the city flat;To bring the roof to the foundation,And bury all, which yet distinctly ranges,In heaps and piles of ruin.SICINIUSThis deserves death.BRUTUSOr let us stand to our authority,Or let us lose it. We do here pronounce,Upon the part o' the people, in whose powerWe were elected theirs, Marcius is worthyOf present death.SICINIUSTherefore lay hold of him;Bear him to the rock Tarpeian, and from thenceInto destruction cast him.