Before we proceed any further , hear me speak .

Speak , speak .

You are all resolved rather to die than to famish ?

Resolved , resolved .

First , you know Caius Marcius is chief enemy to the people .

We know't , we know't .

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

No more talking on't ; let it be done .
Away , away !

One word , good citizens .

We are accounted poor citizens , the patricians good . What authority surfeits on would relieve us . If they would yield us but the superfluity , while it were wholesome , we might guess they relieved us humanely ; but they think we are too dear : the leanness that afflicts us , the object of our misery , is as an inventory to particularise their abundance ; our sufferance is a gain to them . Let us revenge this with our pikes , ere we become rakes : for the gods know I speak this in hunger for bread , not in thirst for revenge .

Would you proceed especially against Caius Marcius ?

Against him first : he's a very dog to the commonalty .

Consider you what services he has done for his country ?

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

Nay , but speak not maliciously .

I say unto you , what he hath done famously , he did it to that end : though soft-conscienced men can be content to say it was for his country , he did it to please his mother , and to be partly proud ; which he is , even to the altitude of his virtue .

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

If I must not , I need not be barren of accusations : he hath faults , with surplus , to tire in repetition .

What shouts are these ? The other side o' the city is risen : why stay we prating here ? to the Capitol !

Come , come .

Soft ! who comes here ?


Worthy Menenius Agrippa ; one that hath always loved the people .

He's one honest enough : would all the rest were so !

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

Our business is not unknown to the senate ; they have had inkling this fortnight what we intend to do , which now we'll show 'em in deeds . They say poor suitors have strong breaths : they shall know we have strong arms too .

Why , masters , my good friends , mine honest neighbours ,
Will you undo yourselves ?

We cannot , sir ; we are undone already .

I tell you , friends , most charitable care 
Have the patricians of you . For your wants ,
Your suffering in this dearth , you may as well 
Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them 
Against the Roman state , whose course will on 
The way it takes , cracking ten thousand curbs 
Of more strong link asunder than can ever 
Appear in your impediment . For the dearth ,
The gods , not the patricians , make it , and 
Your knees to them , not arms , must help . Alack !
You are transported by calamity 
Thither where more attends you ; and you slander 
The helms o' the state , who care for you like fathers ,
When you curse them as enemies .

Care for us ! True , indeed ! They ne'er cared for us yet : suffer us to famish , and their storehouses crammed with grain ; make edicts for usury , to support usurers ; repeal daily any wholesome act established against the rich , and provide more piercing statutes daily to chain up and restrain the poor . If the wars eat us not up , they will ; and there's all the love they bear us .

Either you must 
Confess yourselves wondrous malicious ,
Or be accus'd of folly . I shall tell you 
A pretty tale : it may be you have heard it ;
But , since it serves my purpose , I will venture 
To scale't a little more .

Well , I'll hear it , sir ; yet you must not think to fob off our disgrace with a tale ; but , an't please you , deliver .

There was a time when all the body's members 
Rebell'd against the belly ; thus accus'd it :
That only like a gulf it did remain 
I' the midst o' the body , idle and unactive ,
Still cupboarding the viand , never bearing 
Like labour with the rest , where the other instruments 
Did see and hear , devise , instruct , walk , feel ,
And , mutually participate , did minister 
Unto the appetite and affection common 
Of the whole body . The belly answer'd ,

Well , sir , what answer made the belly ?

Sir , I shall tell you .With a kind of smile ,
Which ne'er came from the lungs , but even thus 
For , look you , I may make the belly smile 
As well as speak it tauntingly replied 
To the discontented members , the mutinous parts 
That envied his receipt ; even so most fitly 
As you malign our senators for that 
They are not such as you .

Your belly's answer ? What !
The kingly crowned head , the vigilant eye ,
The counsellor heart , the arm our soldier ,
Our steed the leg , the tongue our trumpeter ,
With other muniments and petty helps 
In this our fabric , if that they 

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

Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd ,
Who is the sink o' the body ,

Well , what then ?

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

I will tell you ;
If you'll bestow a small , of what you have little ,
Patience a while , you'll hear the belly's answer .

You're long about it .

Note 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 shop 
Of the whole body : but , if you do remember ,
I send it through the rivers of your blood ,
Even to the court , the heart , to the seat o' the brain ;
And , through the cranks and offices of man ,
The strongest nerves and small inferior veins 
From me receive that natural competency 
Whereby they live . And though that all at once ,
You , my good friends ,' this says the belly , mark me ,

Ay , sir ; well , well .

'Though all at once cannot 
See what I do deliver out to each ,
Yet I can make my audit up , that all 
From me do back receive the flour of all ,
And leave me but the bran .' What say you to't ?

It was an answer : how apply you this ?

The senators of Rome are this good belly ,
And you the mutinous members ; for , examine 
Their counsels and their cares , digest things rightly 
Touching the weal o' the common , you shall find 
No public benefit which you receive 
But it proceeds or comes from them to you ,
And no way from yourselves . What do you think ,
You , the great toe of this assembly ?

I the great toe ? Why the great toe ?

For 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 .

Hail , noble Marcius !

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

We have ever your good word .

He that will give good words to thee will flatter 
Beneath abhorring . What would you have , you curs ,
That like nor peace nor war ? the one affrights you ,
The other makes you proud . He that trusts to you ,
Where he should find you lions , finds you hares ;
Where foxes , geese : you are no surer , no ,
Than is the coal of fire upon the ice ,
Or hailstone in the sun . Your virtue is ,
To make him worthy whose offence subdues him ,
And curse that justice did it . Who deserves greatness 
Deserves your hate ; and your affections are 
A sick man's appetite , who desires most that 
Which would increase his evil . He that depends 
Upon your favours swims with fins of lead 
And hews down oaks with rushes . Hang ye ! Trust ye ?
With every minute you do change a mind ,
And call him noble that was now your hate ,
Him vile that was your garland . What's the matter ,
That in these several places of the city 
You cry against the noble senate , who ,
Under the gods , keep you in awe , which else 
Would feed on one another ? What's their seeking ?

For corn at their own rates ; whereof they say 
The city is well stor'd .

Hang 'em ! They say !
They'll sit by the fire , and presume to know 
What's done i' the Capitol ; who's like to rise ,
Who thrives , and who declines ; side factions , and give out 
Conjectural marriages ; making parties strong ,
And feebling such as stand not in their liking ,
Below their cobbled shoes . They say there's grain enough !
Would the nobility lay aside their ruth ,
And let me use my sword , I'd make a quarry 
With thousands of these quarter'd slaves , as high 
As I could pick my lance .

Nay , these are almost thoroughly persuaded ;
For though abundantly they lack discretion ,
Yet are they passing cowardly . But , I beseech you ,
What says the other troop ?

They are dissolv'd : 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 not 
Corn for the rich men only . With these shreds 
They 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 caps 
As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon ,
Shouting their emulation .

What is granted them ?

Five 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 time 
Win upon power , and throw forth greater themes 
For insurrection's arguing .

This is strange .

Go ; get you home , you fragments !


Where's Caius Marcius ?

Here : what's the matter ?

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

I am glad on't ; then we shall ha' means to vent 
Our musty superfluity . See , our best elders .


Marcius , 'tis true that you have lately told us ;
The Volsces are in arms .

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

You have fought together .

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

Then , worthy Marcius ,
Attend upon Cominius to these wars .

It is your former promise .

Sir , it is ;
And I am constant . Titus Lartius , thou 
Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face .
What ! art thou stiff ? stand'st out ?

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

O ! true-bred .

Your company to the Capitol ; where I know 
Our greatest friends attend us .

Lead you on :


Follow Cominius ; we must follow you ;
Right worthy you priority .

Noble Marcius !

Hence ! to your homes ! be gone .

Nay , let them follow :
The Volsces have much corn ; take these rats thither 
To gnaw their garners . Worshipful mutiners ,
Your valour puts well forth ; pray , follow .


Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius ?

He has no equal .

When we were chosen tribunes for the people ,

Mark'd you his lip and eyes ?

Nay , but his taunts .

Being mov'd , he will not spare to gird the gods .

Bemock the modest moon .

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

Such a nature ,
Tickled with good success , disdains the shadow 
Which he treads on at noon . But I do wonder 
His insolence can brook to be commanded 
Under Cominius .

Fame , at the which he aims ,
In whom already he is well grac'd , cannot 
Better be held nor more attain'd than by 
A place below the first ; for what miscarries 
Shall be the general's fault , though he perform 
To the utmost of a man ; and giddy censure 
Will then cry out of Marcius 'O ! if he 
Had borne the business .' 

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

Come :
Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius ,
Though Marcius earn'd them not ; and all his faults 
To Marcius shall be honours , though indeed 
In aught he merit not .

Let's hence and hear 
How the dispatch is made ; and in what fashion ,
More than his singularity , he goes 
Upon this present action .

Let's along .


So , your opinion is , Aufidius ,
That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels ,
And know how we proceed .

Is it not yours ?
What ever have been thought on in this state ,
That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome 
Had circumvention ? 'Tis not four days gone 
Since I heard thence ; these are the words : I think 
I have the letter here ; yes , here it is .
They have press'd a power , but it is not known 
Whether 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 preparation 
Whither 'tis bent : most likely 'tis for you :
Consider of it .

Our army's in the field :
We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready 
To answer us .

Nor did you think it folly 
To keep your great pretences veil'd till when 
They needs must show themselves ; which in the hatching ,
It seem'd , appear'd to Rome . By the discovery 
We shall be shorten'd in our aim , which was 
To take in many towns ere almost Rome 
Should know we were afoot .

Noble Aufidius ,
Take your commission ; hie you to your bands ;
Let us alone to guard Corioli :
If they set down before's , for the remove 
Bring up your army ; but , I think you'll find 
They've not prepared for us .

O ! doubt not that ;
I speak from certainties . Nay , more ;
Some parcels of their power are forth already ,
And only hitherward . I leave your honours .
If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet ,
'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike 
Till one can do no more .

The gods assist you !

And keep your honours safe !

Farewell .

Farewell .

Farewell .


I pray you , daughter , sing ; or express yourself in a more comfortable sort . If my son were my husband , I would freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than in the embracements of his bed where he would show most love . When yet he was but tender-bodied and the only son of my womb , when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way , when for a day of kings' entreaties a mother should not sell him an hour from her beholding , I , considering how honour would become such a person , that it was no better than picture-like to hang by the wall , if renown made it not stir , was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to find fame . To a cruel war I sent him ; from whence he returned , his brows bound with oak . I tell thee , daughter , I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself a man .

But had he died in the business , madam ; how then ?

Then , his good report should have been my son ; I therein would have found issue . Hear me profess sincerely : had I a dozen sons , each in my love alike , and none less dear than thine and my good Marcius , I had rather had eleven die nobly for their country than one voluptuously surfeit out of action .


Madam , the Lady Valeria is come to visit you .

Beseech you , give me leave to retire myself .

Indeed , 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 brow 
With his mail'd hand then wiping , forth he goes ,
Like to a harvestman that's task'd to mow 
Or all or lose his hire .

His bloody brow ! O Jupiter ! no blood .

Away , you fool ! it more becomes a man 
Than gilt his trophy : the breasts of Hecuba ,
When she did suckle Hector , look'd not lovelier 
Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood 
At Grecian swords , contemning . Tell Valeria 
We are fit to bid her welcome .


Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius !

He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee ,
And tread upon his neck .


My ladies both , good day to you .

Sweet madam .

I am glad to see your ladyship .

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

I thank your ladyship ; well , good madam .

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

O' my word , the father's son ; I'll swear 'tis a very pretty boy . O' my troth , I looked upon him o' Wednesday half an hour together : he has such a confirmed countenance . I saw him run after a gilded butterfly ; and when he caught it , he let it go again ; and after it again ; and over and over he comes , and up again ; catched it again : or whether his fall enraged him , or how 'twas , he did so set his teeth and tear it ; O ! I warrant , how he mammocked it !

One on's father's moods .

Indeed , la , 'tis a noble child .

A crack , madam .

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

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

Not out of doors !

She shall , she shall .

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

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

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

Why , I pray you ?

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

You would be another Penelope ; yet , they say , all the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths . Come ; I would your cambric were sensible as your finger , that you might leave pricking it for pity . Come , you shall go with us .

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

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

O , good madam , there can be none yet .

Verily , I do not jest with you ; there came news from him last night .

Indeed , madam ?

In earnest , it's true ; I heard a senator speak it . Thus it is : The Volsces have an army forth ; against whom Cominius the general is gone , with one part of our Roman power : your lord and Titus Lartius are set down before their city Corioli ; they nothing doubt prevailing and to make it brief wars . This is true , on mine honour ; and so , I pray , go with us .

Give me excuse , good madam ; I will obey you in every thing hereafter .

Let her alone , lady : as she is now she will but disease our better mirth .

In troth , I think she would . Fare you well then . Come , good sweet lady . Prithee , Virgilia , turn thy solemness out o' door , and go along with us .

No , at a word , madam ; indeed I must not . I wish you much mirth .

Well then , farewell .


Yonder comes news : a wager they have met .

My horse to yours , no .

'Tis done .

Agreed .

Say , has our general met the enemy ?

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

So the good horse is mine .

I'll buy him of you .

No , I'll nor sell nor give him ; lend you him I will 
For half a hundred years . Summon the town .

How far off lie these armies ?

Within this mile and half .

Then shall we hear their 'larum , and they ours .
Now , Mars , I prithee , make us quick in work ,
That we with smoking swords may march from hence ,
To help our fielded friends ! Come , blow thy blast .

Tullus Aufidius , is he within your walls ?

No , nor a man that fears you less than he ,
That's lesser than a little . Hark , our drums 

Are bringing forth our youth : we'll break our walls ,
Rather than they shall pound us up : our gates ,
Which yet seem shut , we have but pinn'd with rushes ;
They'll open of themselves . Hark you , far off !

There is Aufidius : list , what work he makes 
Amongst your cloven army .

O ! they are at it !

Their noise be our instruction . Ladders , ho !


They fear us not , but issue forth their city .
Now put your shields before your hearts , and fight 
With hearts more proof than shields . Advance , brave Titus :
They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts ,
Which makes me sweat with wrath . Come on , my fellows :
He that retires , I'll take him for a Volsce ,
And he shall feel mine edge .


All the contagion of the south light on you ,
You shames of Rome ! you herd of Boils and plagues 
Plaster you o'er , that you may be abhorr'd 
Further than seen , and one infect another 
Against the wind a mile ! You souls of geese ,
That bear the shapes of men , how have you run 
From slaves that apes would beat ! Pluto and hell !
All hurt behind ; backs red , and faces pale 
With flight and agu'd fear ! Mend and charge home ,
Or , by the fires of heaven , I'll leave the foe 
And make my wars on you ; look to 't : come on ;
If you'll stand fast , we'll beat them to their wives ,
As they us to our trenches follow'd .


So , now the gates are ope : now prove good seconds :
'Tis for the followers Fortune widens them ,
Not for the fliers : mark me , and do the like .


Foolhardiness ! not I .

Nor I .


See , they have shut him in .

To the pot , I warrant him .

What is become of Marcius ?

Slain , sir , doubtless .

Following 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 .

O 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 soldier 
Even to Cato's wish , not fierce and terrible 
Only in strokes ; but , with thy grim looks and 
The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds ,
Thou mad'st thine enemies shake , as if the world 
Were feverous and did tremble .


Look , sir !

O ! 'tis Marcius !
Let's fetch him off , or make remain alike .


This will I carry to Rome .

And I this .

A murrain on't ! I took this for silver .

See here these movers that do prize their hours 
At a crack'd drachme ! Cushions , leaden spoons ,
Irons of a doit , doublets that hangmen would 
Bury with those that wore them , these base slaves ,
Ere yet the fight be done , pack up . Down with them !
And hark , what noise the general makes ! To him !
There is the man of my soul's hate , Aufidius ,
Piercing our Romans : then , valiant Titus , take 
Convenient numbers to make good the city ,
Whilst I , with those that have the spirit , will haste 
To help Cominius .

Worthy sir , thou bleed'st ;
Thy exercise hath been too violent 
For a second course of fight .

Sir , praise me not ;
My work hath yet not warm'd me : fare you well :
The blood I drop is rather physical 
Than dangerous to me : to Aufidius thus 
I will appear , and fight .

Now the fair goddess , Fortune ,
Fall deep in love with thee ; and her great charms 
Misguide thy opposers' swords ! Bold gentleman ,
Prosperity be thy page !

Thy friend no less 
Than those she places highest ! So , farewell .

Thou worthiest Marcius !

Go , sound thy trumpet in the market-place ;
Call thither all the officers of the town ,
Where they shall know our mind . Away !


Breathe you , my friends : well fought ; we are come off 
Like Romans , neither foolish in our stands ,
Nor cowardly in retire : believe me , sirs ,
We shall be charg'd again . Whiles we have struck ,
By interims and conveying gusts we have heard 
The charges of our friends . Ye Roman gods !
Lead their successes as we wish our own ,
That both our powers , with smiling fronts encountering ,
May give you thankful sacrifice .

Thy news ?

The citizens of Corioli have issu'd ,
And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle :
I saw our party to their trenches driven ,
And then I came away .

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

Above an hour , my lord .

'Tis not a mile ; briefly we heard their drums :
How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour ,
And bring thy news so late ?

Spies of the Volsces 
Held me in chase , that I was forc'd to wheel 
Three or four miles about ; else had I , sir ,
Half an hour since brought my report .

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

Come I too late ?

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


Come I too late ?

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

O ! let me clip ye 
In arms as sound as when I woo'd , in heart 
As merry as when our nuptial day was done ,
And tapers burn'd to bedward .

Flower of warriors .
How is't with Titus Lartius ?

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

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

Let 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 budge 
From rascals worse than they .

But how prevail'd you ?

Will 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 ?

Marcius , we have at disadvantage fought ,
And did retire to win our purpose .

How lies their battle ? Know you on which side 
They have plac'd their men of trust ?

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

I do beseech you ,
By all the battles wherein we have fought ,
By the blood we have shed together , by the vows 
We have made to endure friends , that you directly 
Set me against Aufidius and his Antiates ;
And that you not delay the present , but ,
Filling the air with swords advanc'd and darts ,
We prove this very hour .

Though I could wish 
You were conducted to a gentle bath ,
And balms applied to you , yet dare I never 
Deny your asking : take your choice of those 
That best can aid your action .

Those are they 
That most are willing . If any such be here 
As it were sin to doubt that love this painting 
Wherein you see me smear'd ; if any fear 
Lesser his person than an ill report ;
If any think brave death outweighs bad life ,
And that his country's dearer than himself ;
Let him , alone , or so many so minded ,
Wave thus , to express his disposition ,
And follow Marcius .

O ! me alone ? Make you a sword of me ?
If these shows be not outward , which of you 
But is four Volsces ? None of you but is 
Able to bear against the great Aufidius 
A shield as hard as his . A certain number ,
Though thanks to all , must I select from all : the rest 
Shall bear the business in some other fight ,
As cause will be obey'd . Please you to march ;
And four shall quickly draw out my command ,
Which men are best inclin'd .

March on , my fellows :
Make good this ostentation , and you shall 
Divide in all with us .


So ; let the ports be guarded : keep your duties ,
As I have set them down . If I do send , dispatch 
Those centuries to our aid ; the rest will serve 
For a short holding : if we lose the field ,
We cannot keep the town .

Fear not our care , sir .

Hence , and shut your gates upon us .
Our guider , come ; to the Roman camp conduct us .


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

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

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

If I fly , Marcius ,
Halloo me like a hare .

Within these three hours , Tullus ,
Alone I fought in your Corioli walls ,
And made what work I pleas'd ; 'tis not my blood 
Wherein thou seest me mask'd ; for thy revenge 
Wrench up thy power to the highest .

Wert thou the Hector 
That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny ,
Thou shouldst not 'scape me here .

Officious , and not valiant , you have sham'd me 
In your condemned seconds .


If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work ,
Thou'lt not believe thy deeds : but I'll report it 
Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles ,
Where great patricians shall attend and shrug ,
I' the end , admire ; where ladies shall be frighted ,
And , gladly quak'd , hear more ; where the dull Tribunes ,
That , with the fusty plebeians , hate thine honours ,
Shall say , against their hearts ,
'We thank the gods our Rome hath such a soldier !' 
Yet cam'st thou to a morsel of this feast ,
Having fully din'd before .


O general ,
Here is the steed , we the caparison :
Hadst thou beheld 

Pray now , no more : my mother ,
Who has a charter to extol her blood ,
When she does praise me grieves me . I have done 
As you have done ; that's what I can ; induc'd 
As you have been ; that's for my country :
He that has but effected his good will 
Hath overta'en mine act .

You shall not be 
The grave of your deserving ; Rome must know 
The value of her own : 'twere a concealment 
Worse than a theft , no less than a traducement ,
To hide your doings ; and to silence that ,
Which , to the spire and top of praises vouch'd ,
Would seem but modest . Therefore , I beseech you ,
In sign of what you are , not to reward 
What you have done ,before our army hear me .

I have some wounds upon me , and they smart 
To hear themselves remember'd .

Should they not .
Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude ,
And tent themselves with death . Of all the horses ,
Whereof we have ta'en good , and good store , of all 
The treasure , in this field achiev'd and city ,
We render you the tenth ; to be ta'en forth ,
Before the common distribution ,
At your only choice .

I thank you , general ;
But cannot make my heart consent to take 
A bribe to pay my sword : I do refuse it ;
And stand upon my common part with those 
That have beheld the doing .

May these same instruments , which you profane ,
Never sound more ! When drums and trumpets shall 
I' the field prove flatterers , let courts and cities be 
Made all of false-fac'd soothing !
When steel grows soft as is the parasite's silk ,
Let him be made a coverture for the wars !
No more , I say ! For that I have not wash'd 
My nose that bled , or foil'd some debile wretch ,
Which , without note , here's many else have done ,
You shout me forth 
In acclamations hyperbolical ;
As if I lov'd my little should be dieted 
In praises sauc'd with lies .

Too modest are you ;
More cruel to your good report than grateful 
To us that give you truly . By your patience ,
If 'gainst yourself you be incens'd , 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 Marcius 
Wears this war's garland ; in token of the which ,
My noble steed , known to the camp , I give him ,
With all his trim belonging ; and from this time ,
For what he did before Corioli , call him ,
With all the applause and clamour of the host ,
The addition nobly ever !

Caius Marcius Coriolanus !


I will go wash ;
And when my face is fair , you shall perceive 
Whether I blush , or no : howbeit , I thank you .
I mean to stride your steed , and at all times 
To undercrest your good addition 
To the fairness of my power .

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

I shall , my lord .

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

Take it ; 'tis yours . What is't ?

I sometime lay here in Corioli 
At a poor man's house ; he us'd 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 you 
To give my poor host freedom .

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

Marcius , his name ?

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

Go we to our tent :
The blood upon your visage dries ; 'tis time 
It should be look'd to : come .

The town is ta'en !

'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition .

Condition !
I would I were a Roman ; for I cannot ,
Being a Volsce , be that I am . Condition !
What good condition can a treaty find 
I' 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 encounter 
As often as we eat . By the elements ,
If e'er again I meet him beard to beard ,
He is mine , or I am his : mine emulation 
Hath not that honour in't it had ; for where 
I thought to crush him in an equal force 
True sword to sword I'll potch at him some way 
Or wrath or craft may get him .

He's the devil .

Bolder , though not so subtle . My valour's poison'd 
With only suffering stain by him ; for him 
Shall fly out of itself . Nor sleep nor sanctuary ,
Being naked , sick , nor fane nor Capitol ,
The prayers of priests , nor times of sacrifice ,
Embarquements all of fury , shall lift up 
Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst 
My hate to Marcius . Where I find him , were it 
At home , upon my brother's guard , even there 
Against the hospitable canon , would I 
Wash my fierce hand in 's heart . Go you to the city ;
Learn how 'tis held , and what they are that must 
Be hostages for Rome .

Will not you go ?

I am attended at the cypress grove : I pray you 
'Tis south the city mills bring me word thither 
How the world goes , that to the pace of it 
I may spur on my journey .

I shall , sir .

The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night .

Good or bad ?

Not according to the prayer of the people , for they love not Marcius .

Nature teaches beasts to know their friends .

Pray you , who does the wolf love ?

The lamb .

Ay , to devour him ; as the hungry plebeians would the noble Marcius .

He's a lamb indeed , that baes like a bear .

He's a bear indeed , that lives like a lamb . You two are old men ; tell me one thing that I shall ask you .

Well , sir .

Well , sir .

In what enormity is Marcius poor in , that you two have not in abundance ?

He's poor in no one fault , but stored with all .

Especially in pride .

And topping all others in boasting .

This is strange now : do you two know how you are censured here in the city , I mean of us o' the right hand file ? Do you ?

Why , how are we censured ?

Because you talk of pride now ,Will you not be angry ?

Well , well , sir ; well .

Why , 'tis no great matter ; for a very little thief of occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience : give your dispositions the reins , and be angry at your pleasures ; at the least , if you take it as a pleasure to you in being so . You blame Marcius for being proud ?

We do it not alone , sir .

I know you can do very little alone ; for your helps are many , or else your actions would grow wondrous single : your abilities are too infant-like , for doing much alone . You talk of pride : O ! that you could turn your eyes towards the napes of your necks , and make but an interior survey of your good selves . O ! that you could .

What then , sir ?

Why , then you should discover a brace of unmeriting , proud , violent , testy magistrates alias fools as any in Rome .

Menenius , you are known well enough too .

I am known to be a humorous patrician , and one that loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying Tiber in't ; said to be something imperfect in favouring the first complaint ; hasty and tinder-like upon too trivial motion ; one that converses more with the buttock of the night than with the forehead of the morning . What I think I utter , and spend my malice in my breath . Meeting two such wealsmen as you are ,I cannot call you Lycurguses ,if the drink you give me touch my palate adversely , I make a crooked face at it . I cannot say your worships have delivered the matter well when I find the ass in compound with the major part of your syllables ; and though I must be content to bear with those that say you are reverend grave men , yet they lie deadly that tell you have good faces . If you see this in the map of my microcosm , follows it that I am known well enough too ? What harm can your bisson conspectuities glean out of this character , if I be known well enough too ?

Come , sir , come , we know you well enough .

You know neither me , yourselves , nor anything . You are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs : you wear out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a cause between an orange-wife and a fosset-seller , and then rejourn the controversy of three-pence to a second day of audience . When you are hearing a matter between party and party , if you chance to be pinched with the colic , you make faces like mummers , set up the bloody flag against all patience , and , in roaring for a chamber-pot , dismiss the controversy bleeding , the more entangled by your hearing : all the peace you make in their cause is , calling both the parties knaves . You are a pair of strange ones .

Come , come , you are well understood to be a perfecter giber for the table than a necessary bencher in the Capitol .

Our very priests must become mockers if they shall encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are . When you speak best unto the purpose it is not worth the wagging of your beards ; and your beards deserve not so honourable a grave as to stuff a botcher's cushion , or to be entombed in an ass's pack-saddle . Yet you must be saying Marcius is proud ; who , in a cheap estimation , is worth all your predecessors since Deucalion , though peradventure some of the best of 'em were hereditary hangmen . Good den to your worships : more of your conversation would infect my brain , being the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians : I will be bold to take my leave of you .


How now , my as fair as noble ladies ,and the moon , were she earthly , no nobler ,whither do you follow your eyes so fast ?

Honourable Menenius , my boy Marcius approaches ; for the love of Juno , let's go .

Ha ! Marcius coming home ?

Ay , worthy Menenius ; and with most prosperous approbation .

Take my cap , Jupiter , and I thank thee . Hoo ! Marcius coming home !

Nay , 'tis true .

Nay , 'tis true .

Look , here's a letter from him : the state hath another , his wife another ; and , I think , there's one at home for you .

I will make my very house reel to-night . A letter for me !

Yes , certain , there's a letter for you ; I saw it .

A letter for me ! It gives me an estate of seven years' health ; in which time I will make a lip at the physician : the most sovereign prescription in Galen is but empiricutic , and , to this preservative , of no better report than a horse-drench . Is he not wounded ? he was wont to come home wounded .

O ! no , no , no .

O ! he is wounded , I thank the gods for't .

So do I too , if it be not too much . Brings a' victory in his pocket ? The wounds become him .

On 's brows , Menenius ; he comes the third time home with the oaken garland .

Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly ?

Titus Lartius writes they fought together , but Aufidius got off .

And 'twas time for him too , I'll warrant him that : an he had stayed by him I would not have been so fidiused for all the chests in Corioli , and the gold that's in them . Is the senate possessed of this ?

Good ladies , let's go . Yes , yes , yes ; the senate has letters from the general , wherein he gives my son the whole name of the war . He hath in this action outdone his former deeds doubly .

In troth there's wondrous things spoke of him .

Wondrous ! ay , I warrant you , and not without his true purchasing .

The gods grant them true !

True ! pow , wow .

True ! I'll be sworn they are true . Where is he wounded ?


Where is he wounded ?

I' the shoulder , and i' the left arm : there will be large cicatrices to show the people when he shall stand for his place . He received in the repulse of Tarquin seven hurts i' the body .

One i' the neck , and two i' the thigh , there's nine that I know .

He had , before this last expedition , twenty-five wounds upon him .

Now , it's twenty-seven : every gash was an enemy's grave .

Hark ! the trumpets .

These are the ushers of Marcius : before him he carries noise , and behind him he leaves tears :
Death , that dark spirit , in 's nervy arm doth lie ;
Which , being advanc'd , declines , and then men die .


Know , Rome , that all alone Marcius did fight 
Within Corioli gates : where he hath won ,
With fame , a name to Caius Marcius ; these 
In honour follows Coriolanus .
Welcome to Rome , renowned Coriolanus !


Welcome to Rome , renowned Coriolanus !

No more of this ; it does offend my heart :
Pray now , no more .

Look , sir , your mother !

O !
You have , I know , petition'd all the gods 
For my prosperity .


Nay , my good soldier , up ;
My gentle Marcius , worthy Caius , and 
By deed-achieving honour newly nam'd ,
What is it ?Coriolanus must I call thee ?
But O ! thy wife !

My gracious silence , hail !
Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home ,
That weep'st to see me triumph ? Ah ! my dear ,
Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear ,
And mothers that lack sons .

Now , the gods crown thee !

And live you yet ?

O my sweet lady , pardon .

I know not where to turn : O ! welcome home ;
And welcome , general ; and ye're welcome all .

A hundred thousand welcomes : I could weep ,
And I could laugh ; I am light , and heavy . Welcome .
A curse begnaw at very root on 's heart 
That is not glad to see thee ! You are three 
That Rome should dote on ; yet , by the faith of men ,
We have some old crab-trees here at home that will not 
Be grafted to your relish . Yet , welcome , warriors !
We call a nettle but a nettle , and 
The faults of fools but folly .

Ever right .

Menenius , ever , ever .

Give way there , and go on !

Your hand , and yours :
Ere in our own house I do shade my head ,
The good patricians must be visited ;
From whom I have receiv'd not only greetings ,
But with them change of honours .

I have liv'd 
To see inherited my very wishes ,
And the buildings of my fancy : only 
There's one thing wanting , which I doubt not but 
Our Rome will cast upon thee .

Know , good mother ,
I had rather be their servant in my way 
Than sway with them in theirs .

On , to the Capitol !


All tongues speak of him , and the bleared sights 
Are spectacled to see him : your prattling nurse 
Into a rapture lets her baby cry 
While she chats him : the kitchen malkin pins 
Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck ,
Clambering the walls to eye him : stalls , bulks , windows ,
Are smother'd up , leads fill'd , and ridges hors'd 
With variable complexions , all agreeing 
In earnestness to see him : seld-shown flamens 
Do press among the popular throngs , and puff 
To win a vulgar station : our veil'd dames 
Commit the war of white and damask in 
Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil 
Of Ph bus' burning kisses : such a pother 
As if that whatsoever god who leads him 
Were slily crept into his human powers ,
And gave him graceful posture .

On the sudden 
I warrant him consul .

Then our office may ,
During his power , go sleep .

He cannot temperately transport his honours 
From where he should begin and end , but will 
Lose those he hath won .

In that there's comfort .

Doubt not , the commoners , for whom we stand ,
But they upon their ancient malice will 
Forget with the least cause these his new honours ,
Which that he'll give them , make I as little question 
As he is proud to do't .

I heard him swear ,
Were he to stand for consul , never would he 
Appear i' the market-place , nor on him put 
The napless vesture of humility ;
Nor , showing , as the manner is , his wounds 
To the people , beg their stinking breaths .

'Tis right .

It was his word . O ! he would miss it rather 
Than carry it but by the suit o' the gentry to him 
And the desire of the nobles .

I wish no better 
Than have him hold that purpose and to put it 
In execution .

'Tis most like he will .

It shall be to him then , as our good wills ,
A sure destruction .

So it must fall out 
To him or our authorities . For an end ,
We must suggest the people in what hatred 
He still hath held them ; that to his power he would 
Have made them mules , silenc'd their pleaders , and 
Dispropertied their freedoms ; holding them ,
In human action and capacity ,
Of no more soul nor fitness for the world 
Than camels in the war ; who have their provand 
Only for bearing burdens , and sore blows 
For sinking under them .

This , as you say , suggested 
At some time when his soaring insolence 
Shall teach the people which time shall not want ,
If he be put upon 't ; and that's as easy 
As to set dogs on sheep will be his fire 
To kindle their dry stubble ; and their blaze 
Shall darken him for ever .


What's the matter ?

You are sent for to the Capitol . 'Tis thought 
That Marcius shall be consul .
I have seen the dumb men throng to see him , and 
The blind to hear 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 made 
A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts :
I never saw the like .

Let's to the Capitol ;
And carry with us ears and eyes for the time ,
But hearts for the event .

Have with you .


Come , come , they are almost here .
How many stand for consulships ?

Three , they say ; but 'tis thought of every one Coriolanus will carry it .

That's a brave fellow ; but he's vengeance proud , and loves not the common people .

Faith , there have been many great men that have flattered the people , who ne'er loved them ; and there be many that they have loved , they know not wherefore : so that if they love they know not why , they hate upon no better a ground . Therefore , for Coriolanus neither to care whether they love or hate him manifests the true knowledge he has in their disposition ; and out of his noble carelessness lets them plainly see't .

If he did not care whether he had their love or no , he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither good nor harm ; but he seeks their hate with greater devotion than they can render it him ; and leaves nothing undone that may fully discover him their opposite . Now , to seem to affect the malice and displeasure of the people is as bad as that which he dislikes , to flatter them for their love .

He hath deserved worthily of his country ; and his ascent is not by such easy degrees as those who , having been supple and courteous to the people , bonneted , without any further deed to have them at all into their estimation and report ; but he hath so planted his honours in their eyes , and his actions in their hearts , that for their tongues to be silent , and not confess so much , were a kind of ingrateful injury ; to report otherwise , were a malice , that , giving itself the lie , would pluck reproof and rebuke from every ear that heard it .

No more of him ; he is a worthy man : make way , they are coming .

Having determin'd of the Volsces , and 
To send for Titus Lartius , it remains ,
As the main point of this our after-meeting ,
To gratify his noble service that 
Hath thus stood for his country : therefore , please you ,
Most reverend and grave elders , to desire 
The present consul , and last general 
In our well-found successes , to report 
A little of that worthy work perform'd 
By Caius Marcius Coriolanus , whom 
We meet here both to thank and to remember 
With honours like himself .

Speak , good Cominius :
Leave nothing out for length , and make us think 
Rather our state's defective for requital ,
Than we to stretch it out .

Masters o' the people ,
We do request your kindest ears , and , after ,
Your loving motion toward the common body ,
To yield what passes here .

We are convented 
Upon a pleasing treaty , and have hearts 
Inclinable to honour and advance 
The theme of our assembly .

Which the rather 
We shall be bless'd to do , if he remember 
A kinder value of the people than 
He hath hereto priz'd them at .

That's off , that's off ;
I would you rather had been silent . Please you 
To hear Cominius speak ?

Most willingly ;
But yet my caution was more pertinent 
Than the rebuke you give it .

He loves your people ;
But tie him not to be their bedfellow .
Worthy Cominius , speak .

Nay , keep your place .

Sit , Coriolanus ; never shame to hear 
What you have nobly done .

Your honours' pardon :
I had rather have my wounds to heal again 
Than hear say how I got them .

Sir , I hope 
My words disbench'd you not .

No , sir : yet oft ,
When blows have made me stay , I fled from words .
You sooth'd not , therefore hurt not . But your people ,
I love them as they weigh .

Pray now , sit down .

I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun 
When the alarum were struck than idly sit 
To hear my nothings monster'd .


Masters of the people ,
Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter ,
That's thousand to one good one ,when you now see 
He had rather venture all his limbs for honour 
Than one on 's ears to hear it . Proceed , Cominius .

I shall lack voice : the deeds of Coriolanus 
Should not be utter'd feebly . It is held 
That valour is the chiefest virtue , and 
Most dignifies the haver : if it be ,
The man I speak of cannot in the world 
Be singly counterpois'd . At sixteen years ,
When Tarquin made a head for Rome , he fought 
Beyond the mark of others ; our then dictator ,
Whom with all praise I point at , saw him fight ,
When with his Amazonian chin he drove 
The bristled lips before him . He bestrid 
An o'er-press'd Roman , and i' the consul's view 
Slew 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 prov'd best man i' the field , and for his meed 
Was brow-bound with the oak . His pupil age 
Man-enter'd thus , he waxed like a sea ,
And in the brunt of seventeen battles since 
He 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 coward 
Turn terror into sport : as weeds before 
A vessel under sail , so men obey'd ,
And fell below his stem : his sword , death's stamp ,
Where it did mark , it took ; from face to foot 
He was a thing of blood , whose every motion 
Was tim'd with dying cries : alone he enter'd 
The mortal gate of the city , which he painted 
With shunless destiny ; aidless came off ,
And with a sudden re-enforcement struck 
Corioli like a planet . Now all's his :
When by and by the din of war 'gan pierce 
His ready sense ; then straight his doubled spirit 
Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate ,
And to the battle came he ; where he did 
Run reeking o'er the lives of men , as if 
'Twere a perpetual spoil ; and till we call'd 
Both field and city ours , he never stood 
To ease his breast with panting .

Worthy man !

He cannot but with measure fit the honours 
Which we devise him .

Our spoils he kick'd at ,
And look'd upon things precious as they were 
The common muck o' the world : he covets less 
Than misery itself would give ; rewards 
His deeds with doing them , and is content 
To spend the time to end it .

He's right noble :
Let him be call'd for .

Call Coriolanus .

He doth appear .


The senate , Coriolanus , are well pleas'd 
To make thee consul .

I do owe them still 
My life and services .

It then remains 
That you do speak to the people .

I do beseech you ,
Let me o'erleap that custom , for I cannot 
Put on the gown , stand naked , and entreat them ,
For my wounds' sake , to give their suffrage : please you ,
That I may pass this doing .

Sir , the people 
Must have their voices ; neither will they bate 
One jot of ceremony .

Put them not to 't :
Pray you , go fit you to the custom , and 
Take to you , as your predecessors have ,
Your honour with your form .

It is a part 
That I shall blush in acting , and might well 
Be taken from the people .

Mark you that ?

To brag unto them , thus I did , and thus ;
Show them the unaching scars which I should hide ,
As if I had receiv'd them for the hire 
Of their breath only !

Do not stand upon't .
We recommend to you , tribunes of the people ,
Our purpose to them ; and to our noble consul 
Wish we all joy and honour .

To Coriolanus come all joy and honour !


You see how he intends to use the people .

May they perceive 's intent ! He will require them ,
As if he did contemn what he requested 
Should be in them to give .

Come ; we'll inform them 
Of our proceedings here : on the market-place 
I know they do attend us .


Once , if he do require our voices , we ought not to deny him .

We may , sir , if we will .

We have power in ourselves to do it , but it is a power that we have no power to do ; for if he show us his wounds , and tell us his deeds , we are to put our tongues into those wounds and speak for them ; so , if he tell us his noble deeds , we must also tell him our noble acceptance of them . Ingratitude is monstrous , and for the multitude to be ingrateful were to make a monster of the multitude ; of the which , we being members , should bring ourselves to be monstrous members .

And to make us no better thought of , a little help will serve ; for once we stood up about the corn , he himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude .

We have been called so of many ; not that our heads are some brown , some black , some abram , some bald , but that our wits are so diversely coloured : and truly I think , if all our wits were to issue out of one skull , they would fly east , west , north , south ; and their consent of one direct way should be at once to all the points o' the compass .

Think you so ? Which way do you judge my wit would fly ?

Nay , your wit will not so soon out as another man's will ; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head ; but if it were at liberty , 'twould , sure , southward .

Why that way ?

To lose itself in a fog ; where being three parts melted away with rotten dews , the fourth would return for conscience' sake , to help to get thee a wife .

You are never without your tricks . you may , you may .

Are you all resolved to give your voices ? But that's no matter , the greater part carries it . I say , if he would incline to the people , there was never a worthier man .

Here he comes , and in a gown of humility mark his behaviour . We are not to stay all together , but to come by him where he stands , by ones , by twos , and by threes . He's to make his requests by particulars ; wherein every one of us has a single honour , in giving him our own voices with our own tongues : therefore follow me , and I'll direct you how you shall go by him .

Content , content .


O , sir , you are not right : have you not known 
The worthiest men have done't ?

What must I say ?
'I pray , sir ,' Plague upon't ! I cannot bring 
My tongue to such a pace . 'Look , sir , my wounds !
I got them in my country's service , when 
Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran 
From the noise of our own drums .' 

O me ! the gods !
You must not speak of that : you must desire them 
To think upon you .

Think upon me ! Hang 'em !
I would they would forget me , like the virtues 
Which our divines lose by 'em .

You'll mar all :
I'll leave you . Pray you , speak to 'em , I pray you ,
In wholesome manner .

Bid them wash their faces ,
And keep their teeth clean .

So , here comes a brace .

You know the cause , sir , of my standing here ?

We do , sir ; tell us what hath brought you to 't .

Mine own desert .

Your own desert !

Ay , not mine own desire .

How ! not your own desire ?

No , sir , 'twas never my desire yet to trouble the poor with begging .

You must think , if we give you any thing , we hope to gain by you .

Well , then , I pray , your price o' the consulship ?

The price is , to ask it kindly .

Kindly ! sir , I pray , let me ha 't : I have wounds to show you , which shall be yours in private . Your good voice , sir ; what say you ?

You shall ha 't , worthy sir .

A match , sir . There is in all two worthy voices begged . I have your alms : adieu .

But this is something odd .

An 'twere to give again ,but 'tis no matter .

Pray you now , if it may stand with the tune of your voices that I may be consul , I have here the customary gown .

You have deserved nobly of your country , and you have not deserved nobly .

Your enigma ?

You have been a scourge to her enemies , you have been a rod to her friends ; you have not indeed loved the common people .

You should account me the more virtuous that I have not been common in my love . I will , sir , flatter my sworn brother the people , to earn a dearer estimation of them ; 'tis a condition they account gentle : and since the wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my heart , I will practise the insinuating nod , and be off to them most counterfeitly ; that is , sir , I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man , and give it bountifully to the desirers . Therefore , beseech you , I may be consul .

We hope to find you our friend , and therefore give you our voices heartily .

You have received many wounds for your country .

I will not seal your knowledge with showing them . I will make much of your voices , and so trouble you no further .

The gods give you joy , sir , heartily !


Most 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 heap'd 
For truth to o'er-peer . Rather than fool it so ,
Let the high office and the honour go 
To one that would do thus . I am half through ;
The one part suffer'd , the other will I do .
Here come more voices .


Your voices : for your voices I have fought ;
Watch'd for your voices ; for your voices bear 
Of wounds two dozen odd ; battles thrice six 
I have seen and heard of ; for your voices have 
Done many things , some less , some more ; your voices :

Indeed , I would be consul .

He has done nobly , and cannot go without any honest man's voice .

Therefore let him be consul . The gods give him joy , and make him good friend to the people !

Amen , amen .
God save thee , noble consul !


Worthy voices !


You have stood your limitation ; and the tribunes 
Endue you with the people's voice : remains 
That , in the official marks invested , you 
Anon do meet the senate .

Is this done ?

The custom of request you have discharg'd :
The people do admit you , and are summon'd 
To meet anon , upon your approbation .

Where ? at the senate-house ?

There , Coriolanus .

May I change these garments ?

You may , sir .

That I'll straight do ; and , knowing myself again ,
Repair to the senate-house .

I'll keep you company . Will you along ?

We stay here for the people .

Fare you well .

He has it now ; and by his looks , methinks ,
'Tis warm at's heart .

With a proud heart he wore 
His humble weeds . Will you dismiss the people ?


How now , my masters ! have you chose this man ?

He has our voices , sir .

We pray the gods he may deserve your love .

Amen , sir . To my poor unworthy notice ,
He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices .

Certainly ,
He flouted us downright .

No , 'tis his kind of speech ; he did not mock us .

Not one amongst us , save yourself , but says 
He used us scornfully : he should have show'd us 
His marks of merit , wounds receiv'd for's country .

Why , so he did , I am sure .

No , no ; no man saw 'em .

He said he had wounds , which he could show in 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 left your voices 
I have no further with you .' Was not this mockery ?

Why , either were you ignorant to see 't ,
Or , seeing it , of such childish friendliness 
To yield your voices ?

Could you not have told him 
As you were lesson'd , when he had no power ,
But was a petty servant to the state ,
He was your enemy , ever spake against 
Your liberties and the charters that you bear 
I' the body of the weal ; and now , arriving 
A place of potency and sway o' the state ,
If he should still malignantly remain 
Fast foe to the plebeii , your voices might 
Be curses to yourselves ? You should have said 
That as his worthy deeds did claim no less 
Than what he stood for , so his gracious nature 
Would think upon you for your voices and 
Translate his malice towards you into love ,
Standing your friendly lord .

Thus to have said ,
As you were fore-advis'd , had touch'd his spirit 
And tried his inclination ; from him pluck'd 
Either his gracious promise , which you might ,
As cause had call'd you up , have held him to ;
Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature ,
Which easily endures not article 
Tying him to aught ; so , putting him to rage ,
You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler ,
And pass'd him unelected .

Did you perceive 
He did solicit you in free contempt 
When he did need your loves , and do you think 
That his contempt shall not be bruising to you 
When he hath power to crush ? Why , had your bodies 
No heart among you ? or had you tongues to cry 
Against the rectorship of judgment ?

Have you 
Ere now denied the asker ? and now again 
Of him that did not ask , but mock , bestow 
Your su'd-for tongues ?

He's not confirm'd ; we may deny him yet .

And will deny him :
I'll have five hundred voices of that sound .

Ay , twice five hundred and their friends to piece 'em .

Get you hence instantly , and tell those friends ,
They have chose a consul that will from them take 
Their liberties ; make them of no more voice 
Than dogs that are as often beat for barking 
As therefore kept to do so .

Let them assemble ;
And , on a safer judgment , all revoke 
Your ignorant election . Enforce his pride ,
And his old hate unto you ; besides , forget not 
With what contempt he wore the humble weed ;
How in his suit he scorn'd you ; but your loves ,
Thinking upon his services , took from you 
The apprehension of his present portance ,
Which most gibingly , ungravely , he did fashion 
After the inveterate hate he bears you .

Lay 
A fault on us , your tribunes ; that we labour'd ,
No impediment between ,but that you must 
Cast your election on him .

Say , you chose him 
More after our commandment than as guided 
By your own true affections ; and that , your minds ,
Pre-occupied with what you rather must do 
Than what you should , made you against the grain 
To voice him consul : lay the fault on us .

Ay , spare us not . Say we read lectures to you ,
How youngly he began to serve his country ,
How long continu'd , and what stock he springs of ,
The noble house o' the Marcians , from whence came 
That Ancus Marcius , Numa's daughter's son ,
Who , after great Hostilius , here was king ;
Of the same house Publius and Quintus were ,
That our best water brought by conduits hither ;
And Censorinus , that was so surnam'd ,
And nobly nam'd so , twice being censor ,
Was his great ancestor .

One thus descended ,
That hath , beside , well in his person wrought 
To be set high in place , we did commend 
To your remembrances : but you have found ,
Scaling his present bearing with his past ,
That he's your fixed enemy , and revoke 
Your sudden approbation .

Say 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 .

We will so ; almost all 
Repent in their election .


Let them go on ;
This mutiny were better put in hazard 
Than stay , past doubt , for greater .
If , as his nature is , he fall in rage 
With their refusal , both observe and answer 
The vantage of his anger .

To 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 .

Tullus Aufidius then had made new head ?

He had , my lord ; and that it was which caus'd 
Our swifter composition .

So then the Volsces stand but as at first ,
Ready , when time shall prompt them , to make road 
Upon 's again .

They are worn , lord consul , so ,
That we shall hardly in our ages see 
Their banners wave again .

Saw you Aufidius ?

On safe-guard he came to me ; and did curse 
Against the Volsces , for they had so vilely 
Yielded the town : he is retir'd to Antium .

Spoke he of me ?

He did , my lord .

How ? what ?

How often he had met you , sword to sword ;
That of all things upon the earth he hated 
Your person most , that he would pawn his fortunes 
To hopeless restitution , so he might 
Be call'd your vanquisher .

At Antium lives he ?

At Antium .

I wish I had a cause to seek him there ,
To oppose his hatred fully . Welcome home .


Behold ! 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 .

Pass no further .

Ha ! what is that ?

It will be dangerous to go on : no further .

What makes this change ?

The matter ?

Hath he not pass'd the noble and the common ?

Cominius , no .

Have I had children's voices ?

Tribunes , give way ; he shall to the market-place .

The people are incens'd against him .

Stop ,
Or all will fall in broil .

Are these your herd ?
Must these have voices , that can yield them now ,
And straight disclaim their tongues ? What are your offices ?
You being their mouths , why rule you not their teeth ?
Have you not set them on ?

Be calm , be calm .

It is a purpos'd thing , and grows by plot ,
To curb the will of the nobility :
Suffer't , and live with such as cannot rule 
Nor ever will be rul'd .

Call't not a plot :
The people cry you mock'd them , and of late ,
When corn was given them gratis , you repin'd ;
Scandall'd the suppliants for the people , call'd them 
Time-pleasers , flatterers , foes to nobleness .

Why , this was known before .

Not to them all .

Have you inform'd them sithence ?

How ! I inform them !

You are like to do such business .

Not unlike ,
Each way , to better yours .

Why then should I be consul ? By yond clouds ,
Let me deserve so ill as you , and make me 
Your fellow tribune .

You show too much of that 
For which the people stir ; if you will pass 
To 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 .

Let's be calm .

The people are abus'd ; set on . This paltering 
Becomes not Rome , nor has Coriolanus 
Deserv'd this so dishonour'd rub , laid falsely 
I' the plain way of his merit .

Tell me of corn !
This was my speech , and I will speak't again ,

Not now , not now .

Not in this heat , sir , now .

Now , as I live , I will . My nobler friends ,
I crave their pardons :
For the mutable , rank-scented many , let them 
Regard me as I do not flatter , and 
Therein behold themselves : I say again ,
In soothing them we nourish 'gainst our senate 
The 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'd not virtue , no , nor power , but that 
Which they have given to beggars .

Well , no more .

No more words , we beseech you .

How ! no more !
As for my country I have shed my blood ,
Not fearing outward force , so shall my lungs 
Coin words till they decay against those measles ,
Which we disdain should tetter us , yet sought 
The very way to catch them .

You speak o' the people ,
As if you were a god to punish , not 
A man of their infirmity .

'Twere well 
We let the people know't .

What , what ? his choler ?

Choler !
Were I as patient as the midnight sleep ,
By Jove , 'twould be my mind !

It is a mind 
That shall remain a poison where it is ,
Not poison any further .

Shall remain !
Hear you this Triton of the minnows ? mark you 
His absolute 'shall ?' 

'Twas from the canon .

'Shall !' 
O good but most unwise patricians ! why ,
You grave but reckless senators , have you thus 
Given Hydra here to choose an officer ,
That with his peremptory 'shall ,' being but 
The horn and noise o' the monster's , wants not spirit 
To say he'll turn your current in a ditch ,
And make your channel his ? If he have power ,
Then vail your ignorance ; if none , awake 
Your dangerous lenity . If you are learned ,
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 taste 
Most palates theirs . They choose their magistrate ,
And such a one as he , who puts his 'shall ,' 
His popular 'shall ,' against a graver bench 
Than ever frown'd in Greece . By Jove himself !
It makes the consuls base ; and my soul aches 
To know , when two authorities are up ;
Neither supreme , how soon confusion 
May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take 
The one by the other .

Well , on to the market-place .

Whoever gave that counsel , to give forth 
The corn o' the store-house gratis , as 'twas us'd 
Sometime in Greece ,

Well , well ; no more of that .

Though there the people had more absolute power ,
I say , they nourish'd disobedience , fed 
The ruin of the state .

Why , shall the people give 
One that speaks thus their voice ?

I'll give my reasons ,
More worthier than their voices . They know the corn 
Was not our recompense , resting well assur'd 
They 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 service 
Did not deserve corn gratis . Being i' the war ,
Their mutinies and revolts , wherein they show'd 
Most valour , spoke not for them . The accusation 
Which they have often made against the senate ,
All cause unborn , could never be the motive 
Of our so frank donation . Well , what then ?
How shall this bisson multitude digest 
The senate's courtesy ? Let deeds express 
What's like to be their words : 'We did request it ;
We are the greater poll , and in true fear 
They gave us our demands .' Thus we debase 
The nature of our seats , and make the rabble 
Call our cares , fears ; which will in time break ope 
The locks o' the senate , and bring in the crows 
To peck the eagles .

Come , enough .

Enough , with over-measure .

No , 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 other 
Insult without all reason ; where gentry , title , wisdom ,
Cannot conclude , but by the yea and no 
Of general ignorance ,it must omit 
Real necessities , and give way the while 
To 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 state 
More than you doubt the change on 't , that prefer 
A noble life before a long , and wish 
To jump a body with a dangerous physic 
That's sure of death without it , at once pluck out 
The multitudinous tongue ; let them not lick 
The sweet which is their poison . Your dishonour 
Mangles true judgment , and bereaves the state 
Of that integrity which should become it ,
Not having the power to do the good it would ,
For the ill which doth control 't .

He has said enough .

He has spoken like a traitor , and shall answer 
As traitors do .

Thou wretch ! despite o'erwhelm thee !
What should the people do with these bald tribunes ?
On whom depending , their obedience fails 
To 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 .

Manifest treason !

This a consul ? no .

The  diles , ho ! Let him be apprehended .


Go , call the people ;

in whose name , myself 
Attach thee as a traitorous innovator ,
A foe to the public weal : obey , I charge thee ,
And follow to thine answer .

Hence , old goat !

We'll surety him .

Aged sir , hands off .

Hence , rotten thing ! or I shall shake thy bones 
Out of thy garments .

Help , ye citizens !


On both sides more respect .

Here's he that would take from you all your power .

Seize him ,  diles !

Down with him !down with him !

Weapons !weapons !weapons !

What is about to be ?I am out of breath ;
Confusion's near ; I cannot speak . You , tribunes 
To the people ! Coriolanus , patience !
Speak , good Sicinius .

Hear me , people ; peace !

Let's hear our tribune :Peace !Speak , speak , speak .

You are at point to lose your liberties :
Marcius would have all from you ; Marcius ,
Whom late you have nam'd for consul .

Fie , fie , fie !
This is the way to kindle , not to quench .

To unbuild the city and to lay all flat .

What is the city but the people ?

True ,
The people are the city .

By the consent of all , we were establish'd 
The people's magistrates .

You so remain .

And so are like to do .

That 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 .

This deserves death .

Or let us stand to our authority ,
Or let us lose it . We do here pronounce ,
Upon the part o' the people , in whose power 
We were elected theirs , Marcius is worthy 
Of present death .

Therefore lay hold of him ;
Bear him to the rock Tarpeian , and from thence 
Into destruction cast him .

diles , seize him !

Yield , Marcius , yield !

Hear me one word ;
Beseech you , tribunes , hear me but a word .

Peace , peace !

Be that you seem , truly your country's friends ,
And temperately proceed to what you would 
Thus violently redress .

Sir , those cold ways ,
That seem like prudent helps , are very poisonous 
Where the disease is violent . Lay hands upon him ,
And bear him to the rock .

No , I'll die here .

There's some among you have beheld me fighting :
Come , try upon yourselves what you have seen me .

Down with that sword ! Tribunes , withdraw awhile .

Lay hands upon him .

Help Marcius , help ,
You that be noble ; help him , young and old !

Down with him !down with him !


Go , get you to your house ; be gone , away !
All will be naught else .

Get you gone .

Stand fast ;
We have as many friends as enemies .

Shall it be put to that ?

The gods forbid !
I prithee , noble friend , home to thy house ;
Leave us to cure this cause .

For 'tis a sore upon us ,
You cannot tent yourself : be gone , beseech you .

Come , sir , along with us .

I would they were barbarians ,as they are ,
Though in Rome litter'd ,not Romans ,as they are not ,
Though calv'd i' the porch o' the Capitol ,

Be gone ;
Put not your worthy rage into your tongue ;
One time will owe another .

On fair ground 
I could beat forty of them .

I could myself 
Take up a brace o' the best of them ; yea , the two tribunes .

But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic ;
And manhood is call'd foolery when it stands 
Against a falling fabric . Will you hence ,
Before the tag return ? whose rage doth rend 
Like interrupted waters and o'erbear 
What they are us'd to bear .

Pray you , be gone .
I'll try whether my old wit be in request 
With those that have but little : this must be patch'd 
With cloth of any colour .

Nay , come away .


This man has marr'd his fortune .

His nature is too noble for the world :
He would not flatter Neptune for his trident ,
Or Jove for 's power to thunder . His heart's his mouth :
What his breast forges , that his tongue must vent ;
And , being angry , does forget that ever 
He heard the name of death .

Here's goodly work !

I would they were a-bed !

I would they were in Tiber ! What the vengeance !
Could he not speak 'em fair ?


Where is this viper 
That would depopulate the city and 
Be every man himself ?

You worthy tribunes ,

He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock 
With rigorous hands : he hath resisted law ,
And therefore law shall scorn him further trial 
Than the severity of the public power ,
Which he so sets at nought .

He shall well know 
The noble tribunes are the people's mouths ,
And we their hands .

He shall , sure on't .

Sir , sir ,

Peace !

Do not cry havoc , where you should but hunt 
With modest warrant .

Sir , how comes 't that you 
Have holp to make this rescue ?

Hear me speak :
As I do know the consul's worthiness ,
So can I name his faults .

Consul ! what consul ?

The Consul Coriolanus .

He consul !

No , no , no , no , no .

If , by the tribunes' leave , and yours , good people ,
I may be heard , I would crave a word or two ,
The which shall turn you to no further harm 
Than so much loss of time .

Speak briefly then ;
For we are peremptory to dispatch 
This viperous traitor . To eject him hence 
Were but one danger , and to keep him here 
Our certain death ; therefore it is decreed 
He dies to-night .

Now the good gods forbid 
That our renowned Rome , whose gratitude 
Towards her deserved children is enroll'd 
In Jove's own book , like an unnatural dam 
Should now eat up her own !

He's a disease that must be cut away .

O ! he's a limb that has but a disease ;
Mortal to cut it off ; to cure it easy .
What has he done to Rome that's worthy death ?
Killing our enemies , the blood he hath lost ,
Which , I dare vouch , is more than that he hath 
By many an ounce ,he dropp'd it for his country ;
And what is left , to lose it by his country ,
Were to us all , that do't and suffer it ,
A brand to th' end o' the world .

This is clean kam .

Merely awry : when he did love his country 
It honour'd him .

The service of the foot 
Being once gangren'd , is not then respected 
For what before it was .

We'll hear no more .
Pursue him to his house , and pluck him thence ,
Lest his infection , being of catching nature ,
Spread further .

One word more , one word .
This tiger-footed rage , when it shall find 
The harm of unscann'd swiftness , will , too late ,
Tie leaden pounds to's heels . Proceed by process ;
Lest parties as he is belov'd break out ,
And sack great Rome with Romans .

If 'twere so ,

What do ye talk ?
Have we not had a taste of his obedience ?
Our  diles smote ? ourselves resisted ? Come !

Consider this : he has been bred i' the wars 
Since he could draw a sword , and is ill school'd 
In bolted language ; meal and bran together 
He throws without distinction . Give me leave ,
I'll go to him , and undertake to bring him 
Where he shall answer by a lawful form ,
In peace ,to his utmost peril .

Noble tribunes ,
It is the humane way : the other course 
Will prove too bloody , and the end of it 
Unknown to the beginning .

Noble Menenius ,
Be you then as the people's officer .
Masters , lay down your weapons .

Go not home .

Meet on the market-place . We'll attend you there :
Where , if you bring not Marcius , we'll proceed 
In our first way .

I'll bring him to you .


Let me desire your company . He must come ,
Or what is worst will follow .

Pray you , let's to him .


Let them pull all about mine ears ; present me 
Death on the wheel , or at wild horses' heels ;
Or pile ten hills on the Tarpeian rock ,
That the precipitation might down stretch 
Below the beam of sight ; yet will I still 
Be thus to them .

You do the nobler .

I muse my mother 
Does not approve me further , who was wont 
To call them woollen vassals , things created 
To buy and sell with groats , to show bare heads 
In congregations , to yawn , be still , and wonder ,
When one but of my ordinance stood up 
To speak of peace or war .


I talk of you :
Why did you wish me milder ? Would you have me 
False to my nature ? Rather say I play 

The man I am .

O ! sir , sir , sir ,
I would have had you put your power well on 
Before you had worn it out .

Let go .

You might have been enough the man you are 
With striving less to be so : lesser had been 
The thwarting of your dispositions if 
You had not show'd them how you were dispos'd ,
Ere they lack'd power to cross you .

Let them hang .

Ay , and burn too .


Come , come ; you have been too rough , something too rough ;
You must return and mend it .

There's no remedy ;
Unless , by not so doing , our good city 
Cleave in the midst , and perish .

Pray be counsell'd .
I have a heart of mettle apt as yours ,
But yet a brain that leads my use of anger 
To better vantage .

Well said , noble woman !
Before he should thus stoop to the herd , but that 
The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic 
For the whole state , I would put mine armour on ,
Which I can scarcely bear .

What must I do ?

Return to the tribunes .

Well , what then ? what then ?

Repent what you have spoke .

For them ! I cannot do it to the gods ;
Must I then do't to them ?

You are too absolute ;
Though therein you can never be too noble ,
But when extremities speak . I have heard you say ,
Honour and policy , like unsever'd friends ,
I' the war do grow together : grant that , and tell me ,
In peace what each of them by th' other lose ,
That they combine not there .

Tush , tush !

A good demand .

If it be honour in your wars to seem 
The same you are not ,which , for your best ends ,
You adopt your policy ,how is it less or worse ,
That it shall hold companionship in peace 
With honour , as in war , since that to both 
It stands in like request ?

Why force you this ?

Because that now it lies you on to speak 
To the people ; not by your own instruction ,
Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you ,
But with such words that are but rooted in 
Your tongue , though but bastards and syllables 
Of no allowance to your bosom's truth .
Now , this no more dishonours you at all 
Than to take in a town with gentle words ,
Which else would put you to your fortune and 
The hazard of much blood .
I would dissemble with my nature where 
My fortunes and my friends at stake requir'd 
I should do so in honour : I am in this ,
Your wife , your son , these senators , the nobles ;
And you will rather show our general louts 
How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em ,
For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard 
Of what that want might ruin .

Noble lady !
Come , go with us ; speak fair ; you may salve so ,
Not what is dangerous present , but the loss 
Of what is past .

I prithee now , my son ,
Go to them , with this bonnet in thy hand ;
And thus far having stretch'd it ,here be with them ,
Thy knee bussing the stones ,for in such business 
Action is eloquence , and the eyes of the ignorant 
More learned than the ears ,waving thy head ,
Which often , thus , correcting thy stout heart ,
Now humble as the ripest mulberry 
That will not hold the handling : or say to them ,
Thou art their soldier , and being bred in broils 
Hast not the soft way which , thou dost confess ,
Were fit for thee to use as they to claim ,
In asking their good loves ; but thou wilt frame 
Thyself , forsooth , hereafter theirs , so far 
As thou hast power and person .

This but done ,
Even as she speaks , why , their hearts were yours ;
For they have pardons , being ask'd , as free 
As words to little purpose .

Prithee now ,
Go , and be rul'd ; although I know thou hadst rather 
Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf 
Than flatter him in a bower . Here is Cominius .


I have been i' the market-place ; and , sir , 'tis fit 
You make strong party , or defend yourself 
By calmness or by absence : all's in anger .

Only fair speech .

I think 'twill serve if he 
Can thereto frame his spirit .

He must , and will .
Prithee now , say you will , and go about it .

Must I go show them my unbarbed sconce ?
Must I with my base tongue give to my noble heart 
A lie that it must bear ? Well , I will do't :
Yet , were there but this single plot to lose ,
This mould of Marcius , they to dust should grind it ,
And throw 't against the wind . To the market-place !
You have put me now to such a part which never 
I shall discharge to the life .

Come , come , we'll prompt you .

I prithee now , sweet son , as thou hast said 
My praises made thee first a soldier , so ,
To have my praise for this , perform a part 
Thou hast not done before .

Well , I must do 't :
Away , my disposition , and possess me 
Some harlot's spirit ! My throat of war be turn'd ,
Which quired with my drum , into a pipe 
Small as a eunuch , or the virgin voice 
That babies lulls asleep ! The smiles of knaves 
Tent in my cheeks , and school-boys' tears take up 
The glasses of my sight ! A beggar's tongue 
Make motion through my lips , and my arm'd knees ,
Who bow'd but in my stirrup , bend like his 
That hath receiv'd an alms ! I will not do 't ,
Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth ,
And by my body's action teach my mind 
A most inherent baseness .

At thy choice then :
To beg of thee it is my more dishonour 
Than thou of them . Come all to ruin ; let 
Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear 
Thy dangerous stoutness , for I mock at death 
With as big heart as thou . Do as thou list ,
Thy valiantness was mine , thou suck'dst it from me ,
But owe thy pride thyself .

Pray , be content :
Mother , I am going to the market-place ;
Chide me no more . I'll mountebank their loves ,
Cog their hearts from them , and come home belov'd 
Of all the trades in Rome . Look , I am going :
Commend me to my wife . I'll return consul ,
Or never trust to what my tongue can do 
I' the way of flattery further .

Do your will .


Away ! the tribunes do attend you : arm yourself 
To answer mildly ; for they are prepar'd 
With accusations , as I hear , more strong 
Than are upon you yet .

The word is 'mildly .' 

Pray you , let us go :
Let them accuse me by invention , I 
Will answer in mine honour .

Ay , but mildly .

Well , mildly be it then . Mildly !


In this point charge him home , that he affects 
Tyrannical power : if he evade us there ,
Enforce him with his envy to the people ,
And that the spoil got on the Antiates 
Was ne'er distributed .

What , will he come ?

He's coming .

How accompanied ?

With old Menenius , and those senators 
That always favour'd him .

Have you a catalogue 
Of all the voices that we have procur'd ,
Set down by the poll ?

I have ; 'tis ready .

Have you collected them by tribes ?

I have .

Assemble presently the people hither ;
And when they hear me say , 'It shall be so ,
I' the right and strength o' the commons ,' be it either 
For death , for fine , or banishment , then let them ,
If I say , fine , cry 'fine ,' if death , cry 'death ,' 
Insisting on the old prerogative 
And power i' the truth o' the cause .

I shall inform them .

And when such time they have begun to cry ,
Let them not cease , but with a din confus'd 
Enforce the present execution 
Of what we chance to sentence .

Very well .

Make them be strong and ready for this hint ,
When we shall hap to give 't them .

Go about it .

Put him to choler straight . He hath been us'd 
Ever to conquer , and to have his worth 
Of contradiction : being once chaf'd , he cannot 
Be rein'd again to temperance ; then he speaks 
What's in his heart ; and that is there which looks 
With us to break his neck .

Well , here he comes .


Calmly , I do beseech you .

Ay , as an ostler , that for the poorest piece 
Will bear the knave by the volume . The honour'd gods 
Keep Rome in safety , and the chairs of justice 
Supplied with worthy men ! plant love among us !
Throng our large temples with the shows of peace ,
And not our streets with war !

Amen , amen .

A noble wish .


Draw near , ye people .

List to your tribunes ; audience ; peace ! I say .

First , hear me speak .

Well , say . Peace , ho !

Shall I be charg'd no further than this present ?
Must all determine here ?

I do demand ,
If you submit you to the people's voices ,
Allow their officers , and are content 
To suffer lawful censure for such faults 
As shall be prov'd upon you ?

I am content .

Lo ! citizens , he says he is content :
The war-like service he has done , consider ; think 
Upon the wounds his body bears , which show 
Like graves i' the holy churchyard .

Scratches with briers ,
Scars to move laughter only .

Consider further ,
That when he speaks not like a citizen ,
You find him like a soldier : do not take 
His rougher accents for malicious sounds ,
But , as I say , such as become a soldier ,
Rather than envy you .

Well , well ; no more .

What is the matter ,
That being pass'd for consul with full voice 
I am so dishonour'd that the very hour 
You take it off again ?

Answer to us .

Say , then : 'tis true , I ought so .

We charge you , that you have contriv'd to take 
From Rome all season'd office , and to wind 
Yourself into a power tyrannical ;
For which you are a traitor to the people .

How ! Traitor !

Nay , temperately ; your promise .

The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people !
Call me their traitor ! Thou injurious tribune !
Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths ,
In thy hands clutch'd as many millions , in 
Thy lying tongue both numbers , I would say 
'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free 
As I do pray the gods .

Mark you this , people !

To the rock !to the rock with him !

Peace !
We need not put new matter to his charge :
What you have seen him do , and heard him speak ,
Beating your officers , cursing yourselves ,
Opposing laws with strokes , and here defying 
Those whose great power must try him ; even this ,
So criminal and in such capital kind ,
Deserves the extremest death .

But since he hath 
Serv'd well for Rome ,

What do you prate of service ?

I talk of that , that know it .

You !

Is this the promise that you made your mother ?

Know , I pray you ,

I'll know no further :
Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death ,
Vagabond exile , flaying , pent to linger 
But with a grain a day , I would not buy 
Their mercy at the price of one fair word ,
Nor check my courage for what they can give ,
To have 't with saying 'Good morrow .' 

For that he has ,
As much as in him lies ,from time to time 
Envied against the people , seeking means 
To pluck away their power , as now at last 
Given hostile strokes , and that not in the presence 
Of dreaded justice , but on the ministers 
That do distribute it ; in the name o' the people ,
And in the power of us the tribunes , we ,
Even from this instant , banish him our city ,
In peril of precipitation 
From off the rock Tarpeian , never more 
To enter our Rome gates : i' the people's name ,
I say , it shall be so .

It shall be so ,It shall be so ,Let him away .
He's banish'd , and it shall be so .

Hear me , my masters , and my common friends ,

He's sentenc'd ; no more hearing .

Let me speak :
I have been consul , and can show for Rome 
Her enemies' marks upon me . I do love 
My country's good with a respect more tender ,
More holy , and profound , than mine own life ,
My dear wife's estimate , her womb's increase ,
And treasure of my loins ; then if I would 
Speak that 

We know your drift : speak what ?

There's no more to be said , but he is banish'd ,
As enemy to the people and his country :
It shall be so .

It shall be so ,it shall be so .

You common cry of curs ! whose breath I hate 
As reek o' the rotten fens , whose loves I prize 
As the dead carcases of unburied men 
That do corrupt my air , I banish you ;
And here remain with your uncertainty !
Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts !
Your enemies , with nodding of their plumes ,
Fan you into despair ! Have the power still 
To banish your defenders ; till at length 
Your ignorance ,which finds not , till it feels ,
Making but reservation of yourselves ,
Still your own foes ,deliver you as most 
Abated captives to some nation 
That won you without blows ! Despising ,
For you , the city , thus I turn my back :
There is a world elsewhere .


The people's enemy is gone , is gone !

Our enemy is banish'd !he is gone !Hoo ! hoo !


Go , see him out at gates , and follow him ,
As he hath follow'd you , with all despite ;
Give him deserv'd vexation . Let a guard 
Attend us through the city .

Come , come ,let us see him out at gates ! come !
The gods preserve our noble tribunes ! Come !

Come , leave your tears : a brief farewell : the beast 
With many heads butts me away . Nay , mother ,
Where is your ancient courage ? you were us'd ,
To say extremity was the trier of spirits ;
That common chances common men could bear ;
That when the sea was calm all boats alike 
Show'd mastership in floating ; fortune's blows ,
When most struck home , being gentle wounded , craves 
A noble cunning : you were us'd to load me 
With precepts that would make invincible 
The heart that conn'd them .

O heavens ! O heavens !

Nay , I prithee , woman ,

Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome ,
And occupations perish !

What , what , what !
I shall be lov'd when I am lack'd . Nay , mother ,
Resume that spirit , when you were wont to say ,
If you had been the wife of Hercules ,
Six of his labours you'd have done , and sav'd 
Your husband so much sweat . Cominius ,
Droop not ; adieu . Farewell , my wife ! my mother !
I'll do well yet . Thou old and true Menenius ,
Thy tears are salter than a younger man's .
And venomous to thine eyes . My sometime general ,
I have seen thee stern , and thou hast oft beheld 
Heart-hardening spectacles ; tell these sad women 
'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes 
As 'tis to laugh at them . My mother , you wot well 
My hazards still have been your solace ; and 
Believe 't not lightly ,though I go alone 
Like to a lonely dragon , that his fen 
Makes fear'd and talk'd of more than seen ,your son 
Will or exceed the common or be caught 
With cautelous baits and practice .

My first son ,
Whither wilt thou go ? Take good Cominius 
With thee awhile : determine on some course ,
More than a wild exposture to each chance 
That starts i' the way before thee .

O the gods !

I'll follow thee a month , devise with thee 
Where thou shalt rest , that thou mayst hear of us ,
And we of thee : so , if the time thrust forth 
A cause for thy repeal , we shall not send 
O'er the vast world to seek a single man ,
And lose advantage , which doth ever cool 
I' the absence of the needer .

Fare ye well :
Thou hast years upon thee ; and thou art too full 
Of the wars' surfeits , to go rove with one 
That's yet unbruis'd : bring me but out at gate .
Come , my sweet wife , my dearest mother , and 
My friends of noble touch , when I am forth ,
Bid me farewell , and smile . I pray you , come .
While I remain above the ground you shall 
Hear from me still ; and never of me aught 
But what is like me formerly .

That's worthily 
As any ear can hear . Come , let's not weep .
If I could shake off but one seven years 
From these old arms and legs , by the good gods ,
I'd with thee every foot .

Give me thy hand :
Come .


Bid them all home ; he's gone , and we'll no further .
The nobility are vex'd , whom we see have sided 
In his behalf .

Now we have shown our power ,
Let us seem humbler after it is done 
Than when it was a-doing .

Bid them home ;
Say their great enemy is gone , and they 
Stand in their ancient strength .

Dismiss them home .


Here comes his mother .

Let's not meet her .

Why ?

They say she's mad .

They have ta'en note of us : keep on your way .

O ! you're well met . The hoarded plague o' the gods 
Requite your love !

Peace , peace ! be not so loud .

If that I could for weeping , you should hear ,
Nay , and you shall hear some .

Will you be gone ?

You shall stay too . I would I had the power 
To say so to my husband .

Are you mankind ?

Ay , fool ; is that a shame ? Note but this fool .
Was not a man my father ? Hadst thou foxship 
To banish him that struck more blows for Rome 
Than thou hast spoken words ?

O blessed heavens !

More noble blows than ever thou wise words ;
And for Rome's good . I'll tell thee what ; yet go :
Nay , but thou shalt stay too : I would my son 
Were in Arabia , and thy tribe before him ,
His good sword in his hand .

What then ?

What then !
He'd make an end of thy posterity .

Bastards and all .
Good man , the wounds that he does bear for Rome !

Come , come : peace !

I would he had continu'd to his country 
As he began , and not unknit himself 
The noble knot he made .

I would he had .

'I would he had !' 'Twas you incens'd the rabble :
Cats , that can judge as fitly of his worth 
As I can of those mysteries which heaven 
Will not have earth to know .

Pray , let us go .

Now , pray , sir , get you gone :
You have done a brave deed . Ere you go , hear this :
As far as doth the Capitol exceed 
The meanest house in Rome , so far my son ,
This lady's husband here , this , do you see ,
Whom you have banish'd , does exceed you all .

Well , well , we'll leave you .

Why stay we to be baited 
With one that wants her wits ?

Take my prayers with you .

I would the gods had nothing else to do 
But to confirm my curses ! Could I meet 'em 
But once a day , it would unclog my heart 
Of what lies heavy to 't .

You have told them home ,
And , by my troth , you have cause . You'll sup with me ?

Anger's my meat ; I sup upon myself ,
And so shall starve with feeding . Come , let's go .
Leave this faint puling and lament as I do ,
In anger , Juno-like . Come , come , come .

Fie , fie , fie !


I know you well , sir , and you know me : your name I think is Adrian .

It is so , sir : truly , I have forget you .

I am a Roman ; and my services are , as you are , against 'em : know you me yet ?

Nicanor ? No .

The same , sir .

You had more beard , when I last saw you ; but your favour is well approved by your tongue . What's the news in Rome ? I have a note from the Volscian state to find you out there : you have well saved me a day's journey .

There hath been in Rome strange insurrections : the people against the senators , patricians , and nobles .

Hath been ! Is it ended then ? Our state thinks not-so ; they are in a most war-like preparation , and hope to come upon them in the heat of their division .

The main blaze of it is past , but a small thing would make it flame again . For the nobles receive so to heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus , that they are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people and to pluck from them their tribunes for ever . This lies glowing , I can tell you , and is almost mature for the violent breaking out .

Coriolanus banished !

Banished , sir .

You will be welcome with this intelligence , Nicanor .

The day serves well for them now . I have heard it said , the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is when she's fallen out with her husband . Your noble Tullus Aufidius will appear well in these wars , his great opposer , Coriolanus , being now in no request of his country .

He cannot choose . I am most fortunate , thus accidentally to encounter you : you have ended my business , and I will merrily accompany you home .

I shall , between this and supper , tell you most strange things from Rome ; all tending to the good of their adversaries . Have you an army ready , say you ?

A most royal one : the centurions and their charges distinctly billeted , already in the entertainment , and to be on foot at an hour's warning .

I am joyful to hear of their readiness , and am the man , I think , that shall set them in present action . So , sir , heartily well met , and most glad of your company .

You take my part from me , sir ; I have the most cause to be glad of yours .

Well , let us go together .


A goodly city is this Antium . City ,
'Tis I that made thy widows : many an heir 
Of these fair edifices 'fore my wars 
Have I heard groan and drop : then , know me not ,
Lest that thy wives with spits and boys with stones 
In puny battle slay me .

Save you , sir .

And you .

Direct me , if it be your will ,
Where great Aufidius lies . Is he in Antium ?

He is , and feasts the nobles of the state 
At his house this night .

Which is his house , beseech you ?

This , here before you .

Thank you , sir . Farewell .

O world ! thy slippery turns . Friends now fast sworn ,
Whose double bosoms seem to wear one heart ,
Whose hours , whose bed , whose meal , and exercise ,
Are still together , who twin , as 'twere , in love 
Unseparable , shall within this hour ,
On a dissension of a doit , break out 
To bitterest enmity : so , fellest foes ,
Whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep 
To take the one the other , by some chance ,
Some trick not worth an egg , shall grow dear friends 
And interjoin their issues . So with me :
My birth-place hate I , and my love's upon 
This enemy town . I'll enter : if he slay me ,
He does fair justice ; if he give me way ,
I'll do his country service .


Wine , wine , wine ! What service is here ! I think our fellows are asleep .

Where's Cotus ? my master calls for him . Cotus !

A goodly house : the feast smells well ; but I 
Appear not like a guest .


What would you have , friend ? Whence are you ? Here's no place for you : pray , go to the door .


I have deserv'd no better entertainment ,
In being Coriolanus .


Whence are you , sir ? Has the porter his eyes in his head , that he gives entrance to such companions ? Pray , get you out .

Away !

'Away !' Get you away .

Now , thou art troublesome .

Are you so brave ? I'll have you talked with anon .


What fellow's this ?

A strange one as ever I looked on :
I cannot get him out o' the house : prithee , call my master to him .

What have you to do here , fellow ? Pray you , avoid the house .

Let me but stand ; I will not hurt your hearth .

What are you ?

A gentleman .

A marvellous poor one .

True , so I am .

Pray you , poor gentleman , take up some other station ; here's no place for you ; pray you , avoid : come .

Follow your function ; go , and batten on cold bits .


What , you will not ? Prithee , tell my master what a strange guest he has here .

And I shall .


Where dwell'st thou ?

Under the canopy .

'Under the canopy !' 

Ay .

Where's that ?

I' the city of kites and crows .

'I' the city of kites and crows !' What an ass it is ! Then thou dwell'st with daws too ?

No ; I serve not thy master .

How sir ! Do you meddle with my master ?

Ay ; 'tis an honester service than to meddle with thy mistress .
Thou prat'st , and prat'st : serve with thy trencher . Hence .

Where is this fellow ?

Here , sir : I'd have beaten him like a dog , but for disturbing the lords within .

Whence com'st thou ? what wouldst thou ? Thy name ?
Why speak'st not ? Speak , man : what's thy name ?

If , Tullus ,
Not yet thou know'st me , and , seeing me , dost not 
Think me for the man I am , necessity 
Commands me name myself .

What is thy name ?


A name unmusical to the Volscians' ears ,
And harsh in sound to thine .

Say , what's thy name ?
Thou hast a grim appearance , and thy face 
Bears a command in 't ; though thy tackle's torn ,
Thou show'st a noble vessel . What's thy name ?

Prepare thy brow to frown . Know'st thou me yet ?

I know thee not . Thy name ?

My name is Caius Marcius , who hath done 
To thee particularly , and to all the Volsces ,
Great hurt and mischief ; thereto witness may 
My surname , Coriolanus : the painful service ,
The extreme dangers , and the drops of blood 
Shed for my thankless country , are requited 
But with that surname ; a good memory ,
And witness of the malice and displeasure 
Which thou shouldst bear me : only that name remains ;
The cruelty and envy of the people ,
Permitted by our dastard nobles , who 
Have all forsook me , hath devour'd the rest ;
And suffer'd me by the voice of slaves to be 
Whoop'd out of Rome . Now this extremity 
Hath brought me to thy hearth ; not out of hope ,
Mistake me not , to save my life ; for if 
I had fear'd death , of all the men i' the world 
I would have 'voided thee ; but in mere spite ,
To be full quit of those my banishers ,
Stand I before thee here . Then if thou hast 
A heart of wreak in thee , that will revenge 
Thine own particular wrongs and stop those maims 
Of shame seen through thy country , speed thee straight ,
And make my misery serve thy turn : so use it ,
That my revengeful services may prove 
As benefits to thee , for I will fight 
Against my canker'd country with the spleen 
Of all the under fiends . But if so be 
Thou dar'st not this , and that to prove more fortunes 
Thou art tir'd , then , in a word , I also am 
Longer to live most weary , and present 
My throat to thee and to thy ancient malice ;
Which not to cut would show thee but a fool ,
Since I have ever follow'd thee with hate ,
Drawn tuns of blood out of thy country's breast ,
And cannot live but to thy shame , unless 
It be to do thee service .

O Marcius , Marcius !
Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart 
A root of ancient envy . If Jupiter 
Should from yond cloud speak divine things ,
And say , ''Tis true ,' I'd not believe them more 
Than thee , all noble Marcius . Let me twine 
Mine arms about that body , where against 
My grained ash a hundred times hath broke ,
And scarr'd the moon with splinters : here I clip 
The anvil of my sword , and do contest 
As hotly and as nobly with thy love 
As ever in ambitious strength I did 
Contend against thy valour . Know thou first ,
I lov'd the maid I married ; never man 
Sigh'd truer breath ; but that I see thee here ,
Thou noble thing ! more dances my rapt heart 
Than when I first my wedded mistress saw 
Bestride my threshold . Why , thou Mars ! I tell thee ,
We have a power on foot ; and I had purpose 
Once more to hew thy target from thy brawn ,
Or lose mine arm for 't . Thou hast beat me out 
Twelve several times , and I have nightly since 
Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thyself and me ;
We have been down together in my sleep ,
Unbuckling helms , fisting each other's throat ,
And wak'd half dead with nothing . Worthy Marcius ,
Had we no quarrel else to Rome , but that 
Thou art thence banish'd , we would muster all 
From twelve to seventy , and , pouring war 
Into the bowels of ungrateful Rome ,
Like a bold flood o'er-bear . O ! come ; go in ,
And take our friendly senators by the hands ,
Who now are here , taking their leaves of me ,
Who am prepar'd against your territories ,
Though not for Rome itself .

You bless me , gods !

Therefore , most absolute sir , if thou wilt have 
The leading of thine own revenges , take 
The one half of my commission , and set down ,
As best thou art experienc'd , since thou know'st 
Thy country's strength and weakness , thine own ways ;
Whether to knock against the gates of Rome ,
Or rudely visit them in parts remote ,
To fright them , ere destroy . But come in :
Let me commend thee first to those that shall 
Say yea to thy desires . A thousand welcomes !
And more a friend than e'er an enemy ;
Yet , Marcius , that was much . Your hand : most welcome !


Here's a strange alteration !

By my hand , I had thought to have strucken him with a cudgel ; and yet my mind gave me his clothes made a false report of him .

What an arm he has ! He turned me about with his finger and his thumb , as one would set up a top .

Nay , I knew by his face that there was something in him : he had , sir , a kind of face , methought ,I cannot tell how to term it .

He had so ; looking as it were , would I were hanged but I thought there was more in him than I could think .

So did I , I'll be sworn : he is simply the rarest man i' the world .

I think he is ; but a greater soldier than he you wot on .

Who ? my master ?

Nay , it's no matter for that .

Worth six on him .

Nay , not so neither ; but I take him to be the greater soldier .

Faith , look you , one cannot tell how to say that : for the defence of a town our general is excellent .

Ay , and for an assault too .


O slaves ! I can tell you news ; news , you rascals .

What , what , what ? let's partake .

What , what , what ? let's partake .

I would not be a Roman , of all nations ; I had as lief be a condemned man .

Wherefore ? wherefore ?

Wherefore ? wherefore ?

Why , here's he that was wont to thwack our general , Caius Marcius .

Why do you say 'thwack our general ?' 

I do not say , 'thwack our general ;' but he was always good enough for him .

Come , we are fellows and friends : he was ever too hard for him ; I have heard him say so himself .

He was too hard for him ,directly to say the truth on 't : before Corioli he scotched him and notched him like a carbonado .

An he had been cannibally given , he might have broiled and eaten him too .

But , more of thy news .

Why , he is so made on here within , as if he were son and heir to Mars ; set at upper end o' the table ; no question asked him by any of the senators , but they stand bald before him . Our general himself makes a mistress of him ; sanctifies himself with 's hand , and turns up the white o' the eye to his discourse . But the bottom of the news is , our general is out i' the middle , and but one half of what he was yesterday , for the other has half , by the entreaty and grant of the whole table . He'll go , he says , and sowle the porter of Rome gates by the ears : he will mow down all before him , and leave his passage polled .

And he's as like to do 't as any man I can imagine .

Do 't ! he will do 't for look you , sir he has as many friends as enemies ; which friends , sir as it were durst not look you , sir show themselves as we term it his friends , whilst he's in directitude .

Directitude ! what's that ?

But when they shall see , sir , his crest up again , and the man in blood , they will out of their burrows , like comes after rain , and revel all with him .

But when goes this forward ?

To-morrow ; to-day ; presently . You shall have the drum struck up this afternoon ; 'tis , as it were , a parcel of their feast , and to be executed ere they wipe their lips .

Why , then we shall have a stirring world again . This peace is nothing but to rust iron , increase tailors , and breed ballad-makers .

Let me have war , say I ; it exceeds peace as far as day does night ; it's spritely , waking , audible , and full of vent . Peace is a very apoplexy , lethargy ; mulled , deaf , sleepy , insensible ; a getter of more bastard children than war's a destroyer of men .

'Tis so : and as war , in some sort , may be said to be a ravisher , so it cannot be denied but peace is a great maker of cuckolds .

Ay , and it makes men hate one another .

Reason : because they then less need one another . The wars for my money . I hope to see Romans as cheap as Volscians . They are rising , they are rising .

In , in , in , in !


We hear not of him , neither need we fear him ;
His remedies are tame i' the present peace 
And quietness o' the people , which before 
Were in wild hurry . Here do we make his friends 
Blush that the world goes well , who rather had ,
Though they themselves did suffer by 't , behold 
Dissentious numbers pestering streets , than see 
Our tradesmen singing in their shops and going 
About their functions friendly .


We stood to 't in good time . Is this Menenius ?

'Tis he , 'tis he O ! he is grown most kind 
Of late . Hail , sir !

Hail to you both !

Your Coriolanus is not much miss'd 
But with his friends : the commonwealth doth stand ,
And so would do , were he more angry at it .

All's well ; and might have been much better , if 
He could have temporiz'd .

Where is he , hear you ?

Nay , I hear nothing : his mother and his wife 
Hear nothing from him .


The gods preserve you both !

Good den , our neighbours .

Good den to you all , good den to you all .

Ourselves , our wives , and children , on our knees ,
Are bound to pray for you both .

Live , and thrive !

Farewell , kind neighbours : we wish'd Coriolanus 
Had lov'd you as we did .

Now the gods keep you !

Farewell , farewell .


Farewell , farewell .

This is a happier and more comely time 
Than when these fellows ran about the streets 
Crying confusion .

Caius Marcius was 
A worthy officer i' the war ; but insolent ,
O'ercome with pride , ambitious past all thinking ,
Self-loving ,

And affecting one sole throne .
Without assistance .

I think not so .

We should by this , to all our lamentation ,
If he had gone forth consul , found it so .

The gods have well prevented it , and Rome 
Sits safe and still without him .


Worthy tribunes ,
There is a slave , whom we have put in prison ,
Reports , the Volsces with two several powers 
Are enter'd in the Roman territories ,
And with the deepest malice of the war 
Destroy what lies before them .

'Tis Aufidius ,
Who , hearing of our Marcius' banishment ,
Thrusts forth his horns again into the world ;
Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome ,
And durst not once peep out .

Come , what talk you of Marcius ?

Go see this rumourer whipp'd . It cannot be 
The Volsces dare break with us .

Cannot be !
We have record that very well it can ,
And three examples of the like have been 
Within my age . But reason with the fellow ,
Before you punish him , where he heard this ,
Lest you shall chance to whip your information ,
And beat the messenger who bids beware 
Of what is to be dreaded .

Tell not me :
I know this cannot be .

Not possible .


The nobles in great earnestness are going 
All to the senate-house : some news is come ,
That turns their countenances .

'Tis this slave .
Go whip him 'fore the people's eyes : his raising ;
Nothing but his report .

Yes , worthy sir ,
The slave's report is seconded ; and more ,
More fearful , is deliver'd .

What more fearful ?

It is spoke freely out of many mouths 
How probable I do not know that Marcius ,
Join'd with Aufidius , leads a power 'gainst Rome ,
And vows revenge as spacious as between 
The young'st and oldest thing .

This is most likely .

Rais'd only , that the weaker sort may wish 
Good Marcius home again .

The very trick on 't .

This is unlikely :
He and Aufidius can no more atone ,
Than violentest contrariety .


You are sent for to the senate :
A fearful army , led by Caius Marcius ,
Associated with Aufidius , rages 
Upon our territories ; and have already 
O'erborne their way , consum'd with fire , and took 
What lay before them .


O ! you have made good work !

What news ? what news ?

You have holp to ravish your own daughters ; and 
To melt the city leads upon your pates .
To see your wives dishonour'd to your noses ,

What's the news ? what's the news ?

Your temples burned in their cement , and 
Your franchises , whereon you stood , confin'd 
Into an auger's bore .

Pray now , your news ?
You have made fair work , I fear me . Pray , your news ?
If Marcius should be join'd with Volscians ,

If !
He is their god : he leads them like a thing 
Made by some other deity than Nature ,
That shapes man better ; and they follow him ,
Against us brats , with no less confidence 
Than boys pursuing summer butterflies ,
Or butchers killing flies .

You have made good work ,
You , and your apron-men ; you that stood so much 
Upon the voice of occupation and 
The breath of garlic-eaters !

He will shake 
Your Rome about your ears .

As Hercules 
Did shake down mellow fruit . You have made fair work !

But is this true , sir ?

Ay ; and you'll look pale 
Before you find it other . All the regions 
Do smilingly revolt ; and who resist 
Are mock'd for valiant ignorance ,
And perish constant fools . Who is't can blame him ?
Your enemies , and his , find something in him .

We are all undone unless 
The noble man have mercy .

Who shall ask it ?
The tribunes cannot do't for shame ; the people 
Deserve such pity of him as the wolf 
Does of the shepherds : for his best friends , if they 
Should say , 'Be good to Rome ,' they charg'd him even 
As those should do that had deserv'd his hate ,
And therein show'd like enemies .

'Tis true :
If he were putting to my house the brand 
That should consume it , I have not the face 
To say , 'Beseech you , cease .' You have made fair hands ,
You and your crafts ! you have crafted fair !

You have brought 
A trembling upon Rome , such as was never 
So incapable of help .

Say not we brought it .

Say not we brought it .

How ! Was it we ? We lov'd him ; but , like beasts 
And cowardly nobles , gave way unto your clusters ,
Who did hoot him out o' the city .

But I fear 
They'll roar him in again . Tullus Aufidius ,
The second name of men , obeys his points 
As if he were his officer : desperation 
Is all the policy , strength , and defence ,
That Rome can make against them .


Here come the clusters .
And is Aufidius with him ? You are they 
That made the air unwholesome , when you cast 
Your stinking greasy caps in hooting at 
Coriolanus' exile . Now he's coming ;
And not a hair upon a soldier's head 
Which will not prove a whip : as many coxcombs 
As you threw caps up will he tumble down ,
And pay you for your voices . 'Tis no matter ;
If he could burn us all into one coal ,
We have deserv'd it .

Faith , we hear fearful news .

For mine own part ,
When I said banish him , I said 'twas pity .

And so did I .

And so did I ; and , to say the truth , so did very many of us . That we did we did for the best ; and though we willingly consented to his banishment , yet it was against our will .

You're goodly things , you voices !

You have made 
Good work , you and your cry ! Shall's to the Capitol ?

O ! ay ; what else ?


Go , masters , get you home ; be not dismay'd :
These are a side that would be glad to have 
This true which they so seem to fear . Go home ,
And show no sign of fear .

The gods be good to us ! Come , masters , let's home . I ever said we were i' the wrong when we banished him .

So did we all . But come , let's home .


I do not like this news .

Nor I .

Let's to the Capitol . Would half my wealth 
Would buy this for a lie !

Pray let us go .


Do they still fly to the Roman ?

I do not know what witchcraft's in him , but 
Your soldiers use him as the grace 'fore meat ,
Their talk at table , and their thanks at end ;
And you are darken'd in this action , sir ,
Even by your own .

I cannot help it now ,
Unless , by using means , I lame the foot 
Of our design . He bears himself more proudlier ,
Even to my person , than I thought he would 
When first I did embrace him ; yet his nature 
In that's no changeling , and I must excuse 
What cannot be amended .

Yet , I wish , sir ,
I mean for your particular ,you had not 
Join'd in commission with him ; but either 
Had borne the action of yourself , or else 
To him had left it solely .

I understand thee well ; and be thou sure ,
When he shall come to his account , he knows not 
What I can urge against him . Although it seems ,
And so he thinks , and is no less apparent 
To the vulgar eye , that he bears all things fairly ,
And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state ,
Fights dragon-like , and does achieve as soon 
As draw his sword ; yet he hath left undone 
That which shall break his neck or hazard mine ,
Whene'er we come to our account .

Sir , I beseech you , think you he'll carry Rome ?

All places yield to him ere he sits down ;
And the nobility of Rome are his :
The senators and patricians love him too :
The tribunes are no soldiers ; and their people 
Will be as rash in the repeal as hasty 
To expel him thence . I think he'll be to Rome 
As is the osprey to the fish , who takes it 
By sovereignty of nature . First he was 
A noble servant to them , but he could not 
Carry his honours even ; whether 'twas pride ,
Which out of daily fortune ever taints 
The happy man ; whether defect of judgment ,
To fail in the disposing of those chances 
Which he was lord of ; or whether nature ,
Not to be other than one thing , not moving 
From the casque to the cushion , but commanding peace 
Even with the same austerity and garb 
As he controll'd the war ; but one of these ,
As he hath spices of them all , not all ,
For I dare so far free him , made him fear'd ,
So hated , and so banish'd : but he has a merit 
To choke it in the utterance . So our virtues 
Lie in the interpretation of the time ;
And power , unto itself most commendable ,
Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair 
To extol what it hath done .
One fire drives out one fire ; one nail , one nail ;
Rights by rights falter , strengths by strengths do fail .
Come , let's away . When , Caius , Rome is thine ,
Thou art poor'st of all ; then shortly art thou mine .

No , I'll not go : you hear what he hath said 
Which was sometime his general ; who lov'd him 
In a most dear particular . He call'd me father :
But what o' that ? Go , you that banish'd him ;
A mile before his tent fall down , and knee 
The way into his mercy . Nay , if he coy'd 
To hear Cominius speak , I'll keep at home .

He would not seem to know me .

Do you hear ?

Yet one time he did call me by my name .
I urg'd our old acquaintance , and the drops 
That we have bled together . Coriolanus 
He would not answer to ; forbad all names ;
He was a kind of nothing , titleless ,
Till he had forg'd himself a name o' the fire 
Of burning Rome .

Why , so : you have made good work !
A pair of tribunes that have rack'd for Rome ,
To make coals cheap : a noble memory !

I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon 
When it was less expected : he replied ,
It was a bare petition of a state 
To one whom they had punish'd .

Very well .
Could he say less ?

I offer'd to awaken his regard 
For's private friends : his answer to me was ,
He could not stay to pick them in a pile 
Of noisome musty chaff : he said 'twas folly ,
For one poor grain or two , to leave unburnt ,
And still to nose the offence .

For one poor grain or two !
I am one of those ; his mother , wife , his child ,
And this brave fellow too , we are the grains :
You are the musty chaff , and you are smelt 
Above the moon . We must be burnt for you .

Nay , pray , be patient : if you refuse your aid 
In this so-never-needed help , yet do not 
Upbraid's with our distress . But , sure , if you 
Would be your country's pleader , your good tongue ,
More than the instant army we can make ,
Might stop our countryman .

No ; I'll not meddle .

Pray you , go to him .

What should I do ?

Only make trial what your love can do 
For Rome , towards Marcius .

Well ; and say that Marcius 
Return me , as Cominius is return'd ,
Unheard ; what then ?
But as a discontented friend , grief-shot 
With his unkindness ? say 't be so ?

Yet your good will 
Must have that thanks from Rome , after the measure 
As you intended well .

I'll undertake it :
I think he'll hear me . Yet , to bite his lip ,
And hum at good Cominius , much unhearts me .
He was not taken well ; he had not din'd :
The veins unfill'd , our blood is cold , and then 
We pout upon the morning , are unapt 
To give or to forgive ; but when we have stuff'd 
These pipes and these conveyances of our blood 
With wine and feeding , we have suppler souls 
Than in our priest-like fasts : therefore , I'll watch him 
Till he be dieted to my request ,
And then I'll set upon him .

You know the very road into his kindness ,
And cannot lose your way .

Good faith , I'll prove him ,
Speed how it will . I shall ere long have knowledge 
Of my success .


He'll never hear him .

Not ?

I tell you he does sit in gold , his eye 
Red as 'twould burn Rome , and his injury 
The gaoler to his pity . I kneel'd before him ;
'Twas very faintly he said 'Rise ;' dismiss'd me 
Thus , with his speechless hand : what he would do 
He sent in writing after me ; what he would not ,
Bound with an oath to yield to his conditions :
So that all hope is vain 
Unless his noble mother and his wife ,
Who , as I hear , mean to solicit him 
For mercy to his country . Therefore let's hence ,
And with our fair entreaties haste them on .


Stay ! whence are you ?

Stand ! and go back .

You guard like men ; 'tis well ; but , by your leave ,
I am an officer of state , and come 
To speak with Coriolanus .

From whence ?

From Rome .

You may not pass ; you must return : our general 
Will no more hear from thence .

You'll see your Rome embrac'd with fire before 
You'll speak with Coriolanus .

Good my friends ,
If you have heard your general talk of Rome ,
And of his friends there , it is lots to blanks 
My name hath touch'd your ears : it is Menenius .

Be it so ; go back : the virtue of your name 
Is not here passable .

I tell thee , fellow ,
Thy general is my lover : I have been 
The book of his good acts , whence men have read 
His fame unparallel'd , haply amplified ;
For I have ever glorified my friends 
Of whom he's chief with all the size that verity 
Would without lapsing suffer : nay , sometimes ,
Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground ,
I have tumbled past the throw , and in his praise 
Have almost stamp'd the leasing . Therefore , fellow ,
I must have leave to pass .

Faith , sir , if you had told as many lies in his behalf as you have uttered words in your own , you should not pass here ; no , though it were as virtuous to lie as to live chastely . Therefore go back .

Prithee , fellow , remember my name is Menenius , always factionary on the party of your general .

Howsoever you have been his liar as you say you have I am one that , telling true under him , must say you cannot pass . Therefore go back .

Has he dined , canst thou tell ? for I would not speak with him till after dinner .

You are a Roman , are you ?

I am as thy general is .

Then you should hate Rome , as he does . Can you , when you have pushed out your gates the very defender of them , and , in a violent popular ignorance , given your enemy your shield , think to front his revenges with the easy groans of old women , the virginal palms of your daughters , or with the palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as you seem to be ? Can you think to blow out the intended fire your city is ready to flame in with such weak breath as this ? No , you are deceived ; therefore , back to Rome , and prepare for your execution : you are condemned , our general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardon .

Sirrah , if thy captain know I were here , he would use me with estimation .

Come , my captain knows you not .

I mean , thy general .

My general cares not for you .
Back , I say : go , lest I let forth your half-pint of blood ; back , that's the utmost of your having : back .

Nay , but , fellow , fellow ,


What's the matter ?

Now , you companion , I'll say an errand for you : you shall know now that I am in estimation ; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son Coriolanus : guess , but by my entertainment with him , if thou standest not i' the state of hanging , or of some death more long in spectatorship , and crueller in suffering ; behold now presently , and swound for what's to come upon thee .

The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular prosperity , and love thee no worse than thy old father Menenius does ! O my son ! my son ! thou art preparing fire for us ; look thee , here's water to quench it . I was hardly moved to come to thee ; but being assured none but myself could move thee , I have been blown out of your gates with sighs ; and conjure thee to pardon Rome , and thy petitionary countrymen . The good gods assuage thy wrath , and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here ; this , who , like a block , hath denied my access to thee .

Away !

How ! away !

Wife , mother , child , I know not . My affairs 
Are servanted to others : though I owe 
My revenge properly , my remission lies 
In Volscian breasts . That we have been familiar ,
Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison , rather 
Than pity note how much . Therefore , be gone :
Mine ears against your suits are stronger than 
Your gates against my force . Yet , for I lov'd thee ,
Take this along ; I writ it for thy sake ,

And would have sent it . Another word , Menenius ,
I will not hear thee speak . This man , Aufidius ,
Was my belov'd in Rome : yet thou behold'st !

You keep a constant temper .


Now , sir , is your name Menenius ?

'Tis a spell , you see , of much power . You know the way home again .

Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your greatness back ?

What cause , do you think , I have to swound ?

I neither care for the world , nor your general : for such things as you , I can scarce think there's any , ye're so slight . He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from another . Let your general do his worst . For you , be that you are , long ; and your misery increase with your age ! I say to you , as I was said to , Away !


A noble fellow , I warrant him .

The worthy fellow is our general : he is the rock , the oak not to be wind-shaken .


We will before the walls of Rome to-morrow 
Set down our host . My partner in this action ,
You must report to the Volscian lords , how plainly 
I have borne this business .

Only their ends 
You have respected ; stopp'd your ears against 
The general suit of Rome ; never admitted 
A private whisper ; no , not with such friends 
That thought them sure of you .

This last old man ,
Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome ,
Lov'd me above the measure of a father ;
Nay , godded me indeed . Their latest refuge 
Was to send him ; for whose old love I have ,
Though I show'd sourly to him , once more offer'd 
The first conditions , which they did refuse ,
And cannot now accept , to grace him only 
That thought he could do more . A very little 
I have yielded to ; fresh embassies and suits ,
Nor from the state , nor private friends , hereafter 
Will I lend ear to .

Ha ! what shout is this ?
Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow 
In the same time 'tis made ? I will not .


My wife comes foremost ; then the honour'd mould 
Wherein this trunk was fram'd , and in her hand 
The grandchild to her blood . But out , affection !
All bond and privilege of nature , break !
Let it be virtuous to be obstinate .
What is that curtsy worth ? or those doves' eyes ,
Which can make gods forsworn ? I melt , and am not 
Of stronger earth than others . My mother bows ,
As if Olympus to a molehill should 
In supplication nod ; and my young boy 
Hath an aspect of intercession , which 
Great nature cries , 'Deny not .' Let the Volsces 
Plough Rome , and harrow Italy ; I'll never 
Be such a gosling to obey instinct , but stand 
As if a man were author of himself 

And knew no other kin .

My lord and husband !

These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome .

The sorrow that delivers us thus chang'd 
Makes you think so .

Like a dull actor now ,
I have forgot my part , and I am out ,
Even to a full disgrace . Best of my flesh ,
Forgive my tyranny ; but do not say 
For that , 'Forgive our Romans .' O ! a kiss 
Long as my exile , sweet as my revenge !
Now , by the jealous queen of heaven , that kiss 
I carried from thee , dear , and my true lip 
Hath virgin'd it e'er since . You gods ! I prate ,
And the most noble mother of the world 
Leave unsaluted . Sink , my knee , i' the earth ;

Of thy deep duty more impression show 
Than that of common sons .

O ! stand up bless'd ;
Whilst , with no softer cushion than the flint ,
I kneel before thee , and unproperly 
Show duty , as mistaken all this while 
Between the child and parent .


What is this ?
Your knees to me ! to your corrected son !
Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach 
Fillip the stars ; then let the mutinous winds 
Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun ,
Murd'ring impossibility , to make 
What cannot be , slight work .

Thou art my warrior ;
I holp to frame thee . Do you know this lady ?

The noble sister of Publicola ,
The moon of Rome ; chaste as the icicle 
That's curdied by the frost from purest snow ,
And hangs on Dian's temple : dear Valeria !

This is a poor epitome of yours ,

Which by the interpretation of full time 
May show like all yourself .

The god of soldiers ,
With the consent of supreme Jove , inform 
Thy thoughts with nobleness ; that thou mayst prove 
To shame unvulnerable , and stick i' the wars 
Like a great sea-mark , standing every flaw ,
And saving those that eye thee !

Your knee , sirrah .

That's my brave boy !

Even he , your wife , this lady , and myself ,
Are suitors to you .

I beseech you , peace :
Or , if you'd ask , remember this before :
The things I have forsworn to grant may never 
Be held by you denials . Do not bid me 
Dismiss my soldiers , or capitulate 
Again with Rome's mechanics : tell me not 
Wherein I seem unnatural : desire not 
To allay my rages and revenges with 
Your colder reasons .

O ! no more , no more ;
You have said you will not grant us any thing ;
For we have nothing else to ask but that 
Which you deny already : yet we will ask ;
That , if you fail in our request , the blame 
May hang upon your hardness . Therefore , hear us .

Aufidius , and you Volsces , mark ; for we'll 
Hear nought from Rome in private . Your request ?

Should we be silent and not speak , our raiment 
And state of bodies would bewray what life 
We have led since thy exile . Think with thyself 
How more unfortunate than all living women 
Are we come hither : since that thy sight , which should 
Make our eyes flow with joy , hearts dance with comforts ,
Constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrow ;
Making the mother , wife , and child to see 
The son , the husband , and the father tearing 
His country's bowels out . And to poor we 
Thine enmity's most capital : thou barr'st us 
Our prayers to the gods , which is a comfort 
That all but we enjoy ; for how can we ,
Alas ! how can we for our country pray ,
Whereto we are bound , together with thy victory ,
Whereto we are bound ? Alack ! or we must lose 
The country , our dear nurse , or else thy person ,
Our comfort in the country . We must find 
An evident calamity , though we had 
Our wish , which side should win ; for either thou 
Must , as a foreign recreant , be led 
With manacles through our streets , or else 
Triumphantly tread on thy country's ruin ,
And bear the palm for having bravely shed 
Thy wife and children's blood . For myself , son ,
I purpose not to wait on Fortune till 
These wars determine : if I cannot persuade thee 
Rather to show a noble grace to both parts 
Than seek the end of one , thou shalt no sooner 
March to assault thy country than to tread 
Trust to't , thou shalt not on thy mother's womb ,
That brought thee to this world .

Ay , and mine ,
That brought you forth this boy , to keep your name 
Living to time .

A' shall not tread on me :
I'll run away till I am bigger , but then I'll fight .

Not of a woman's tenderness to be ,
Requires nor child nor woman's face to see .
I have sat too long .


Nay , go not from us thus .
If it were so , that our request did tend 
To save the Romans , thereby to destroy 
The Volsces whom you serve , you might condemn us ,
As poisonous of your honour : no ; our suit 
Is , that you reconcile them : while the Volsces 
May say , 'This mercy we have show'd ;' the Romans ,
'This we receiv'd ;' and each in either side 
Give the all-hail to thee , and cry , 'Be bless'd 
For making up this peace !' Thou know'st , great son ,
The end of war's uncertain ; but this certain ,
That , if thou conquer Rome , the benefit 
Which thou shalt thereby reap is such a name 
Whose repetition will be dogg'd with curses ;
Whose chronicle thus writ : 'The man was noble ,
But with his last attempt he wip'd it out ,
Destroy'd his country , and his name remains 
To the ensuing age abhorr'd .' Speak to me , son !
Thou hast affected the fine strains of honour ,
To imitate the graces of the gods ;
To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air ,
And yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt 
That should but rive an oak . Why dost not speak ?
Think'st thou it honourable for a noble man 
Still to remember wrongs ? Daughter , speak you :
He cares not for your weeping . Speak thou , boy :
Perhaps thy childishness will move him more 
Than can our reasons . There is no man in the world 
More bound to 's mother ; yet here he lets me prate 
Like one i' the stocks . Thou hast never in thy life 
Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy ;
When she poor hen ! fond of no second brood 
Has cluck'd thee to the wars , and safely home ,
Loaden with honour . Say my request's unjust ,
And spurn me back ; but if it be not so ,
Thou art not honest , and the gods will plague thee ,
That thou restrain'st from me the duty which 
To a mother's part belongs . He turns away :
Down , ladies ; let us shame him with our knees .
To his surname Coriolanus 'longs more pride 
Than pity to our prayers . Down : an end ;
This is the last : so we will home to Rome ,
And die among our neighbours . Nay , behold us .
This boy , that cannot tell what he would have ,
But kneels and holds up hands for fellowship ,
Does reason our petition with more strength 
Than thou hast to deny 't . Come , let us go :
This fellow had a Volscian to his mother ;
His wife is in Corioli , and his child 
Like him by chance . Yet give us our dispatch :
I am hush'd until our city be a-fire ,
And then I'll speak a little .


O , mother , mother !
What have you done ? Behold ! the heavens do ope ,
The gods look down , and this unnatural scene 
They laugh at . O my mother ! mother ! O !
You have won a happy victory to Rome ;
But , for your son , believe it , O ! believe it ,
Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd ,
If not most mortal to him . But let it come .
Aufidius , though I cannot make true wars ,
I'll frame convenient peace . Now , good Aufidius ,
Were you in my stead , would you have heard 
A mother less , or granted less , Aufidius ?

I was mov'd withal .

I dare be sworn you were :
And , sir , it is no little thing to make 
Mine eyes to sweat compassion . But , good sir ,
What peace you'll make , advise me : for my part ,
I'll not to Rome , I'll back with you ; and pray you ,
Stand to me in this cause . O mother ! wife !

I am glad thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour 
At difference in thee : out of that I'll work 
Myself a former fortune .


Ay , by and by ;
But we will drink together ; and you shall bear 
A better witness back than words , which we ,
On like conditions , would have counter-seal'd .
Come , enter with us . Ladies , you deserve 
To have a temple built you : all the swords 
In Italy , and her confederate arms ,
Could not have made this peace .


See you yond coign o' the Capitol , yond corner-stone ?

Why , what of that ?

If it be possible for you to displace it with your little finger , there is some hope the ladies of Rome , especially his mother , may prevail with him . But I say , there is no hope in 't . Our throats are sentenced and stay upon execution .

Is't possible that so short a time can alter the condition of a man ?

There is differency between a grub and a butterfly ; yet your butterfly was a grub . This Marcius is grown from man to dragon : he has wings ; he's more than a creeping thing .

He loved his mother dearly .

So did he me ; and he no more remembers his mother now than an eight-year-old horse . The tartness of his face sours ripe grapes : when he walks , he moves like an engine , and the ground shrinks before his treading : he is able to pierce a corslet with his eye ; talks like a knell , and his hum is a battery . He sits in his state , as a thing made for Alexander . What he bids be done is finished with his bidding . He wants nothing of a god but eternity and a heaven to throne in .

Yes , mercy , if you report him truly .

I paint him in the character . Mark what mercy his mother shall bring from him : there is no more mercy in him than there is milk in a male tiger ; that shall our poor city find : and all this is 'long of you .

The gods be good unto us !

No , in such a case the gods will not be good unto us . When we banished him , we respected not them ; and , he returning to break our necks , they respect not us .


Sir , if you'd save your life , fly to your house :
The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune ,
And hale him up and down ; all swearing , if 
The Roman ladies bring not comfort home ,
They'll give him death by inches .


What's the news ?

Good news , good news ! the ladies have prevail'd ,
The Volscians are dislodg'd , and Marcius gone .
A merrier day did never yet greet Rome ,
No , not the expulsion of the Tarquins .

Friend ,
Art thou certain this is true ? is it most certain ?

As certain as I know the sun is fire :
Where have you lurk'd that you make doubt of it ?
Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide ,
As the recomforted through the gates . Why , hark you !

The trumpets , sackbuts , psalteries , and fifes ,
Tabors , and cymbals , and the shouting Romans ,
Make the sun dance . Hark you !


This is good news :
I will go meet the ladies . This Volumnia 
Is worth of consuls , senators , patricians ,
A city full ; of tribunes , such as you ,
A sea and land full . You have pray'd well to-day :
This morning for ten thousand of your throats 
I'd not have given a doit . Hark , how they joy !


First , the gods bless you for your tidings ; next ,
Accept my thankfulness .

Sir , we have all 
Great cause to give great thanks .

They are near the city ?

Almost at point to enter .

We will meet them ,
And help the joy .

Behold our patroness , the life of Rome !
Call all your tribes together , praise the gods ,
And make triumphant fires ; strew flowers before them :
Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius ;
Repeal him with the welcome of his mother ;
Cry , 'Welcome , ladies , welcome !' 

Welcome , ladies ,
Welcome !


Go tell the lords o' the city I am here :
Deliver them this paper : having read it ,
Bid them repair to the market-place ; where I ,
Even in theirs and in the commons' ears ,
Will vouch the truth of it . Him I accuse 
The city ports by this hath enter'd , and 
Intends to appear before the people , hoping 
To purge himself with words : dispatch .


Most welcome !

How is it with our general ?

Even so 
As with a man by his own alms empoison'd ,
And with his charity slain .

Most noble sir ,
If you do hold the same intent wherein 
You wish'd us parties , we'll deliver you 
Of your great danger .

Sir , I cannot tell :
We must proceed as we do find the people .

The people will remain uncertain whilst 
'Twixt you there's difference ; but the fall of either 
Makes the survivor heir of all .

I know it ;
And my pretext to strike at him admits 
A good construction . I rais'd him , and I pawn'd 
Mine honour for his truth : who being so heighten'd ,
He water'd his new plants with dews of flattery ,
Seducing so my friends ; and , to this end ,
He bow'd his nature , never known before 
But to be rough , unswayable , and free .

Sir , his stoutness 
When he did stand for consul , which he lost 
By lack of stooping ,

That I would have spoke of :
Being banish'd for't , he came unto my hearth ;
Presented to my knife his throat : I took him ;
Made him joint-servant with me ; gave him way 
In all his own desires ; nay , let him choose 
Out of my files , his projects to accomplish ,
My best and freshest men ; serv'd his designments 
In mine own person ; holp to reap the fame 
Which he did end all his ; and took some pride 
To do myself this wrong : till , at the last ,
I seem'd his follower , not partner ; and 
He wag'd me with his countenance , as if 
I had been mercenary .

So he did , my lord :
The army marvell'd at it ; and , in the last ,
When we had carried Rome , and that we look'd 
For no less spoil than glory ,

There was it ;
For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him .
At a few drops of women's rheum , which are 
As cheap as lies , he sold the blood and labour 
Of our great action : therefore shall he die ,
And I'll renew me in his fall . But , hark !


Your native town you enter'd like a post ,
And had no welcomes home ; but he returns ,
Splitting the air with noise .

And patient fools ,
Whose children he hath slain , their base throats tear 
With giving him glory .

Therefore , at your vantage ,
Ere he express himself , or move the people 
With what he would say , let him feel your sword ,
Which we will second . When he lies along ,
After your way his tale pronounc'd shall bury 
His reasons with his body .

Say no more :
Here come the lords .


You are most welcome home .

I have not deserv'd it .
But , worthy lords , have you with heed perus'd 
What I have written to you ?

We have .

And grieve to hear 't .
What faults he made before the last , I think 
Might have found easy fines ; but there to end 
Where he was to begin , and give away 
The benefit of our levies , answering us 
With our own charge , making a treaty where 
There was a yielding , this admits no excuse .

He approaches : you shall hear him .


Hail , lords ! I am return'd your soldier ;
No more infected with my country's love 
Than when I parted hence , but still subsisting 
Under your great command . You are to know ,
That prosperously I have attempted and 
With bloody passage led your wars even to 
The gates of Rome . Our spoils we have brought home 
Do more than counterpoise a full third part 
The charges of the action . We have made peace 
With no less honour to the Antiates 
Than shame to the Romans ; and we here deliver ,
Subscrib'd by the consuls and patricians ,
Together with the seal o' the senate , what 
We have compounded on .

Read it not , noble lords ;
But tell the traitor in the highest degree 
He hath abus'd your powers .

Traitor ! How now ?

Ay , traitor , Marcius .

Marcius !

Ay , Marcius , Caius Marcius . Dost thou think 
I'll grace thee with that robbery , thy stol'n name 
Coriolanus in Corioli ?
You lords and heads of the state , perfidiously 
He has betray'd your business , and given up ,
For certain drops of salt , your city Rome ,
I say 'your city ,' to his wife and mother ;
Breaking his oath and resolution like 
A twist of rotten silk , never admitting 
Counsel o' the war , but at his nurse's tears 
He whin'd and roar'd away your victory ,
That pages blush'd at him , and men of heart 
Look'd wondering each at other .

Hear'st thou , Mars ?

Name not the god , thou boy of tears .

Ha !

No more .

Measureless liar , thou hast made my heart 
Too great for what contains it . Boy ! O slave !
Pardon me , lords , 'tis the first time that ever 
I was forc'd to scold . Your judgments , my grave lords ,
Must give this cur the lie : and his own notion 
Who wears my stripes impress'd upon him , that 
Must bear my beating to his grave shall join 
To thrust the lie unto him .

Peace , both , and hear me speak .

Cut me to pieces , Volsces ; men and lads ,
Stain all your edges on me . Boy ! False hound !
If you have writ your annals true , 'tis there ,
That , like an eagle in a dove-cote , I 
Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioli :
Alone I did it . Boy !

Why , noble lords ,
Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune ,
Which was your shame , by this unholy braggart ,
'Fore your own eyes and ears ?

Let him die for 't .

Tear him to pieces .Do it presently .He killed my son .My daughter .He killed my cousin Marcus .He killed my father .

Peace , ho ! no outrage : peace !
The man is noble and his fame folds in 
This orb o' the earth . His last offences to us 
Shall have judicious hearing . Stand , Aufidius ,
And trouble not the peace .

O ! that I had him ,
With six Aufidiuses , or more , his tribe ,
To use my lawful sword !

Insolent villain !

Kill , kill , kill , kill , kill him !


Hold , hold , hold , hold !

My noble masters , hear me speak .

O Tullus !

Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep .

Tread not upon him . Masters all , be quiet .
Put up your swords .

My lords , when you shall know ,as in this rage ,
Provok'd by him , you cannot ,the great danger 
Which this man's life did owe you , you'll rejoice 
That he is thus cut off . Please it your honours 
To call me to your senate , I'll deliver 
Myself your loyal servant , or endure 
Your heaviest censure .

Bear from hence his body ;
And mourn you for him ! Let him be regarded 
As the most noble corse that ever herald 
Did follow to his urn .

His own impatience 
Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame .
Let's make the best of it .

My rage is gone ,
And I am struck with sorrow . Take him up :
Help , three o' the chiefest soldiers ; I'll be one .
Beat thou the drum , that it speak mournfully ;
Trail your steel pikes . Though in this city he 
Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one ,
Which to this hour bewail the injury ,
Yet he shall have a noble memory .
Assist .