ACTISCENEI。Rome。Astreet。EnteracompanyofmutinousCitizens，withstaves，clubs，andotherweaponsFirstCitizenBeforeweproceedanyfurther，hearmespeak。AllSpeak，speak。FirstCitizenYouareallresolvedrathertodiethantofamish？AllResolved。resolved。FirstCitizenFirst，youknowCaiusMarciusischiefenemytothepeople。AllWeknow’t，weknow’t。FirstCitizenLetuskillhim，andwe’llhavecornatourownprice。
Is’taverdict？AllNomoretalkingon’t；letitbedone：away，away!SecondCitizenOneword，goodcitizens。FirstCitizenWeareaccountedpoorcitizens，thepatriciansgood。
Whatauthoritysurfeitsonwouldrelieveus：iftheywouldyieldusbutthesuperfluity，whileitwerewholesome，wemightguesstheyrelievedushumanely；
buttheythinkwearetoodear：theleannessthatafflictsus，theobjectofourmisery，isasaninventorytoparticularisetheirabundance；oursufferanceisagaintothemLetusrevengethiswithourpikes，erewebecomerakes：forthegodsknowI
speakthisinhungerforbread，notinthirstforrevenge。SecondCitizenWouldyouproceedespeciallyagainstCaiusMarcius？AllAgainsthimfirst：he’saverydogtothecommonalty。SecondCitizenConsideryouwhatserviceshehasdoneforhiscountry？FirstCitizenVerywell；andcouldbecontenttogivehimgoodreportfort，butthathepayshimselfwithbeingproud。SecondCitizenNay，butspeaknotmaliciously。FirstCitizenIsayuntoyou，whathehathdonefamously，hedidittothatend：thoughsoft—consciencedmencanbecontenttosayitwasforhiscountryhedidittopleasehismotherandtobepartlyproud；whichheis，eventillthealtitudeofhisvirtue。SecondCitizenWhathecannothelpinhisnature，youaccountaviceinhim。Youmustinnowaysayheiscovetous。FirstCitizenIfImustnot，Ineednotbebarrenofaccusations；
hehathfaults，withsurplus，totireinrepetition。
ShoutswithinWhatshoutsarethese？Theothersideo’thecityisrisen：whystaywepratinghere？totheCapitol!AllCome，come。FirstCitizenSoft!whocomeshere？
EnterMENENIUSAGRIPPASecondCitizenWorthyMeneniusAgrippa；onethathathalwayslovedthepeople。FirstCitizenHe’sonehonestenough：wouldalltherestwereso!MENENIUSWhatwork’s，mycountrymen，inhand？wheregoyouWithbatsandclubs？Thematter？speak，Iprayyou。FirstCitizenOurbusinessisnotunknowntothesenate；
theyhavehadinklingthisfortnightwhatweintendtodo，whichnowwe’llshow’emindeeds。Theysaypoorsuitorshavestrongbreaths：theyshallknowwehavestrongarmstoo。MENENIUSWhy，masters，mygoodfriends，minehonestneighbours，Willyouundoyourselves？FirstCitizenWecannot，sir，weareundonealready。MENENIUSItellyou，friends，mostcharitablecareHavethepatriciansofyou。Foryourwants，Yoursufferinginthisdearth，youmayaswellStrikeattheheavenwithyourstavesasliftthemAgainsttheRomanstate，whosecoursewillonThewayittakes，crackingtenthousandcurbsOfmorestronglinkasunderthancaneverAppearinyourimpediment。Forthedearth，Thegods，notthepatricians，makeit，andYourkneestothem，notarms，musthelp。Alack，YouaretransportedbycalamityThitherwheremoreattendsyou，andyouslanderThehelmso’thestate，whocareforyoulikefathers，Whenyoucursethemasenemies。FirstCitizenCareforus!True，indeed!Theyne’ercaredforusyet：sufferustofamish，andtheirstore—housescrammedwithgrain；makeedictsforusury，tosupportusurers；repealdailyanywholesomeactestablishedagainsttherich，andprovidemorepiercingstatutesdaily，tochainupandrestrainthepoor。Ifthewarseatusnotup，theywill；
andthere’sallthelovetheybearus。MENENIUSEitheryoumustConfessyourselveswondrousmalicious，Orbeaccusedoffolly。IshalltellyouAprettytale：itmaybeyouhaveheardit；
But，sinceitservesmypurpose，IwillventureTostale’talittlemore。FirstCitizenWell，I’llhearit，sir：yetyoumustnotthinktofoboffourdisgracewithatale：but，an’tpleaseyou，deliver。MENENIUSTherewasatimewhenallthebody’smembersRebell’dagainstthebelly，thusaccusedit：
ThatonlylikeagulfitdidremainI’themidsto’thebody，idleandunactive，Stillcupboardingtheviand，neverbearingLikelabourwiththerest，wheretheotherinstrumentsDidseeandhear，devise，instruct，walk，feel，And，mutuallyparticipate，didministerUntotheappetiteandaffectioncommonOfthewholebody。Thebellyanswer’d——FirstCitizenWell，sir，whatanswermadethebelly？MENENIUSSir，Ishalltellyou。Withakindofsmile，Whichne’ercamefromthelungs，buteventhus——
For，lookyou，ImaymakethebellysmileAswellasspeak——ittauntinglyrepliedTothediscontentedmembers，themutinouspartsThatenviedhisreceipt；evensomostfitlyAsyoumalignoursenatorsforthatTheyarenotsuchasyou。FirstCitizenYourbelly’sanswer？What!
Thekingly—crownedhead，thevigilanteye，Thecounsellorheart，thearmoursoldier，Oursteedtheleg，thetongueourtrumpeter。
WithothermunimentsandpettyhelpsInthisourfabric，ifthatthey——MENENIUSWhatthen？
’Foreme，thisfellowspeaks!Whatthen？whatthen？FirstCitizenShouldbythecormorantbellyberestrain’d，Whoisthesinko’thebody，——MENENIUSWell，whatthen？FirstCitizenTheformeragents，iftheydidcomplain，Whatcouldthebellyanswer？MENENIUSIwilltellyouIfyou’llbestowasmall——ofwhatyouhavelittle——
Patienceawhile，you’llhearthebelly’sanswer。FirstCitizenYe’relongaboutit。MENENIUSNotemethis，goodfriend；
Yourmostgravebellywasdeliberate，Notrashlikehisaccusers，andthusanswer’d：
’Trueisit，myincorporatefriends，’quothhe，’ThatIreceivethegeneralfoodatfirst，Whichyoudoliveupon；andfititis，BecauseIamthestore—houseandtheshopOfthewholebody：but，ifyoudoremember，Isenditthroughtheriversofyourblood，Eventothecourt，theheart，totheseato’
thebrain；
And，throughthecranksandofficesofman，ThestrongestnervesandsmallinferiorveinsFrommereceivethatnaturalcompetencyWherebytheylive：andthoughthatallatonce，You，mygoodfriends，’——thissaysthebelly，markme，——FirstCitizenAy，sir；well，well。MENENIUS’ThoughallatoncecannotSeewhatIdodeliverouttoeach，YetIcanmakemyauditup，thatallFrommedobackreceivetheflourofall，Andleavemebutthebran。’Whatsayyouto’t？FirstCitizenItwasananswer：howapplyyouthis？MENENIUSThesenatorsofRomearethisgoodbelly，Andyouthemutinousmembers；forexamineTheircounselsandtheircares，digestthingsrightlyTouchingthewealo’thecommon，youshallfindNopublicbenefitwhichyoureceiveButitproceedsorcomesfromthemtoyouAndnowayfromyourselves。Whatdoyouthink，You，thegreattoeofthisassembly？FirstCitizenIthegreattoe!whythegreattoe？MENENIUSForthat，beingoneo’thelowest，basest，poorest，Ofthismostwiserebellion，thougo’stforemost：
Thourascal，thatartworstinbloodtorun，Lead’stfirsttowinsomevantage。
Butmakeyoureadyyourstiffbatsandclubs：
Romeandherratsareatthepointofbattle；
Theonesidemusthavebale。
EnterCAIUSMARCIUS
Hail，nobleMarcius!MARCIUSThanks。What’sthematter，youdissentiousrogues，That，rubbingthepooritchofyouropinion，Makeyourselvesscabs？FirstCitizenWehaveeveryourgoodword。MARCIUSHethatwillgivegoodwordstotheewillflatterBeneathabhorring。Whatwouldyouhave，youcurs，Thatlikenorpeacenorwar？theoneaffrightsyou，Theothermakesyouproud。Hethattruststoyou，Whereheshouldfindyoulions，findsyouhares；
Wherefoxes，geese：youarenosurer，no，Thanisthecoaloffireupontheice，Orhailstoneinthesun。YourvirtueisTomakehimworthywhoseoffencesubdueshimAndcursethatjusticedidit。
WhodeservesgreatnessDeservesyourhate；andyouraffectionsareAsickman’sappetite，whodesiresmostthatWhichwouldincreasehisevil。HethatdependsUponyourfavoursswimswithfinsofleadAndhewsdownoakswithrushes。Hangye!TrustYe？
Witheveryminuteyoudochangeamind，Andcallhimnoblethatwasnowyourhate，Himvilethatwasyourgarland。What’sthematter，ThatintheseseveralplacesofthecityYoucryagainstthenoblesenate，who，Underthegods，keepyouinawe，whichelseWouldfeedononeanother？What’stheirseeking？MENENIUSForcornattheirownrates；whereof，theysay，Thecityiswellstored。MARCIUSHang’em!Theysay!
They’llsitbythefire，andpresumetoknowWhat’sdonei’theCapitol；who’sliketorise，Whothrivesandwhodeclines；sidefactionsandgiveoutConjecturalmarriages；makingpartiesstrongAndfeeblingsuchasstandnotintheirlikingBelowtheircobbledshoes。Theysaythere’sgrainenough!
Wouldthenobilitylayasidetheirruth，Andletmeusemysword，I’llmakeaquarryWiththousandsofthesequarter’dslaves，ashighAsIcouldpickmylance。MENENIUSNay，thesearealmostthoroughlypersuaded；
Forthoughabundantlytheylackdiscretion，Yetaretheypassingcowardly。But，Ibeseechyou，Whatsaystheothertroop？MARCIUSTheyaredissolved：hang’em!
Theysaidtheywerean—hungry；sigh’dforthproverbs，Thathungerbrokestonewalls，thatdogsmusteat，Thatmeatwasmadeformouths，thatthegodssentnotCornfortherichmenonly：withtheseshredsTheyventedtheircomplainings；whichbeinganswer’d，Andapetitiongrantedthem，astrangeone——
Tobreaktheheartofgenerosity，Andmakeboldpowerlookpale——theythrewtheircapsAstheywouldhangthemonthehornso’themoon，Shoutingtheiremulation。MENENIUSWhatisgrantedthem？MARCIUSFivetribunestodefendtheirvulgarwisdoms，Oftheirownchoice：one’sJuniusBrutus，SiciniusVelutus，andIknownot——’Sdeath!
Therabbleshouldhavefirstunroof’dthecity，Eresoprevail’dwithme：itwillintimeWinuponpowerandthrowforthgreaterthemesForinsurrection’sarguing。MENENIUSThisisstrange。MARCIUSGo，getyouhome，youfragments!
EnteraMessenger，hastilyMessengerWhere’sCaiusMarcius？MARCIUSHere：what’sthematter？MessengerThenewsis，sir，theVolscesareinarms。MARCIUSIamgladon’t：thenweshallha’meanstoventOurmustysuperfluity。See，ourbestelders。
EnterCOMINIUS，TITUSLARTIUS，andotherSenators；JUNIUSBRUTUS
andSICINIUSVELUTUSFirstSenatorMarcius，’tistruethatyouhavelatelytoldus；
TheVolscesareinarms。MARCIUSTheyhavealeader，TullusAufidius，thatwillputyouto’t。
Isininenvyinghisnobility，AndwereIanythingbutwhatIam，Iwouldwishmeonlyhe。COMINIUSYouhavefoughttogether。MARCIUSWerehalftohalftheworldbytheearsandhe。
Uponmyparty，I’ldrevolttomakeOnlymywarswithhim：heisalionThatIamproudtohunt。FirstSenatorThen，worthyMarcius，AttenduponCominiustothesewars。COMINIUSItisyourformerpromise。MARCIUSSir，itis；
AndIamconstant。TitusLartius，thouShaltseemeoncemorestrikeatTullus’face。
What，artthoustiff？stand’stout？TITUSNo，CaiusMarcius；
I’llleanupononecrutchandfightwitht’other，Erestaybehindthisbusiness。MENENIUSO，true—bred!FirstSenatorYourcompanytotheCapitol；where，I
know，Ourgreatestfriendsattendus。TITUS[ToCOMINIUS]Leadyouon。
ToMARCIUS
Rightworthyyoupriority。COMINIUSNobleMarcius!FirstSenator[TotheCitizens]Hencetoyourhomes；
begone!MARCIUSNay，letthemfollow：
TheVolsceshavemuchcorn；taketheseratsthitherTognawtheirgarners。Worshipfulmutiners，Yourvalourputswellforth：pray，follow。
Citizensstealaway。ExeuntallbutSICINIUSandBRUTUSSICINIUSWasevermansoproudasisthisMarcius？BRUTUSHehasnoequal。SICINIUSWhenwewerechosentribunesforthepeople，——BRUTUSMark’dyouhislipandeyes？SICINIUSNay。buthistaunts。BRUTUSBeingmoved，hewillnotsparetogirdthegods。SICINIUSBe—mockthemodestmoon。BRUTUSThepresentwarsdevourhim：heisgrownTooproudtobesovaliant。SICINIUSSuchanature，Tickledwithgoodsuccess，disdainstheshadowWhichhetreadsonatnoon：butIdowonderHisinsolencecanbrooktobecommandedUnderCominius。BRUTUSFame，atthewhichheaims，Inwhomalreadyhe’swellgraced，cannotBetterbeheldnormoreattain’dthanbyAplacebelowthefirst：forwhatmiscarriesShallbethegeneral’sfault，thoughheperformTotheutmostofaman，andgiddycensureWillthencryoutofMarcius’OifheHadbornethebusiness!’SICINIUSBesides，ifthingsgowell，OpinionthatsosticksonMarciusshallOfhisdemeritsrobCominius。BRUTUSCome：
HalfallCominius’honoursaretoMarcius。
ThoughMarciusearnedthemnot，andallhisfaultsToMarciusshallbehonours，thoughindeedInaughthemeritnot。SICINIUSLet’shence，andhearHowthedispatchismade，andinwhatfashion，Morethanhissingularity，hegoesUponthispresentaction。BRUTUSLetsalong。
ExeuntSCENEII。Corioli。TheSenate—house。EnterTULLUSAUFIDIUSandcertainSenatorsFirstSenatorSo，youropinionis，Aufidius，ThattheyofRomeareenteredinourcounselsAndknowhowweproceed。AUFIDIUSIsitnotyours？
Whateverhavebeenthoughtoninthisstate，ThatcouldbebroughttobodilyactereRomeHadcircumvention？’TisnotfourdaysgoneSinceIheardthence；thesearethewords：IthinkIhavetheletterhere；yes，hereitis。
Reads’Theyhavepress’dapower，butitisnotknownWhetherforeastorwest：thedearthisgreat；
Thepeoplemutinous；anditisrumour’d，Cominius，Marciusyouroldenemy，WhoisofRomeworsehatedthanofyou，AndTitusLartius，amostvaliantRoman，ThesethreeleadonthispreparationWhither’tisbent：mostlikely’tisforyou：
Considerofit。’FirstSenatorOurarmy’sinthefieldWeneveryetmadedoubtbutRomewasreadyToanswerus。AUFIDIUSNordidyouthinkitfollyTokeepyourgreatpretencesveil’dtillwhenTheyneedsmustshowthemselves；whichinthehatching，Itseem’d，appear’dtoRome。Bythediscovery。
Weshallbeshorten’dinouraim，whichwasTotakeinmanytownserealmostRomeShouldknowwewereafoot。SecondSenatorNobleAufidius，Takeyourcommission；hieyoutoyourbands：
LetusalonetoguardCorioli：
Iftheysetdownbefore’s，fortheremoveBringyourarmy；but，Ithink，you’llfindThey’venotpreparedforus。AUFIDIUSO，doubtnotthat；
Ispeakfromcertainties。Nay，more，Someparcelsoftheirpowerareforthalready，Andonlyhitherward。Ileaveyourhonours。
IfweandCaiusMarciuschancetomeet，’TisswornbetweenusweshalleverstrikeTillonecandonomore。AllThegodsassistyou!AUFIDIUSAndkeepyourhonourssafe!FirstSenatorFarewell。SecondSenatorFarewell。AllFarewell。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Rome。AroominMarcius’house。EnterVOLUMNIAandVIRGILIAtheysetthemdownontwolowstools，andsewVOLUMNIAIprayyou，daughter，sing；orexpressyourselfinamorecomfortablesort：ifmysonweremyhusband，I
shouldfreelierrejoiceinthatabsencewhereinhewonhonourthanintheembracementsofhisbedwherehewouldshowmostlove。Whenyethewasbuttender—bodiedandtheonlysonofmywomb，whenyouthwithcomelinesspluckedallgazehisway，whenforadayofkings’entreatiesamothershouldnotsellhimanhourfromherbeholding，I，consideringhowhonourwouldbecomesuchaperson。thatitwasnobetterthanpicture—liketohangbythewall，ifrenownmadeitnotstir，waspleasedtolethimseekdangerwherehewasliketofindfame。ToacruelwarIsenthim；fromwhencehereturned，hisbrowsboundwithoak。Itellthee，daughter，Isprangnotmoreinjoyatfirsthearinghewasaman—childthannowinfirstseeinghehadprovedhimselfaman。VIRGILIAButhadhediedinthebusiness，madam；
howthen？VOLUMNIAThenhisgoodreportshouldhavebeenmyson；I
thereinwouldhavefoundissue。Hearmeprofesssincerely：hadIadozensons，eachinmylovealikeandnonelessdearthanthineandmygoodMarcius，Ihadratherhadelevendienoblyfortheircountrythanonevoluptuouslysurfeitoutofaction。
EnteraGentlewomanGentlewomanMadam，theLadyValeriaiscometovisityou。VIRGILIABeseechyou，givemeleavetoretiremyself。VOLUMNIAIndeed，youshallnot。
MethinksIhearhitheryourhusband’sdrum，SeehimpluckAufidiusdownbythehair，Aschildrenfromabear，theVolscesshunninghim：
MethinksIseehimstampthus，andcallthus：
’Comeon，youcowards!youweregotinfear，ThoughyouwereborninRome：’hisbloodybrowWithhismail’dhandthenwiping，forthhegoes，Liketoaharvest—manthat’stask’dtomowOrallorlosehishire。VIRGILIAHisbloodybrow!OJupiter，noblood!VOLUMNIAAway，youfool!itmorebecomesamanThangilthistrophy：thebreastsofHecuba，WhenshedidsuckleHector，look’dnotlovelierThanHector’sforeheadwhenitspitforthbloodAtGreciansword，contemning。TellValeria，Wearefittobidherwelcome。
ExitGentlewomanVIRGILIAHeavensblessmylordfromfellAufidius!VOLUMNIAHe’llbeatAufidius’headbelowhiskneeAndtreaduponhisneck。
EnterVALERIA，withanUsherandGentlewomanVALERIAMyladiesboth，gooddaytoyou。VOLUMNIASweetmadam。VIRGILIAIamgladtoseeyourladyship。VALERIAHowdoyouboth？youaremanifesthouse—keepers。
Whatareyousewinghere？Afinespot，ingoodfaith。Howdoesyourlittleson？VIRGILIAIthankyourladyship；well，goodmadam。VOLUMNIAHehadratherseetheswords，andhearadrum，thanlookuponhisschool—master。VALERIAO’myword，thefather’sson：I’llswear，’tisaveryprettyboy。O’mytroth，Ilookeduponhimo’
Wednesdayhalfanhourtogether：hassuchaconfirmedcountenance。Isawhimrunafteragildedbutterfly：andwhenhecaughtit，heletitgoagain；andafteritagain；andoverandoverhecomes，andagain；catcheditagain；orwhetherhisfallenragedhim，orhow’twas，hedidsosethisteethandtearit；O，Iwarrantit，howhemammockedit!VOLUMNIAOneon’sfather’smoods。VALERIAIndeed，la，’tisanoblechild。VIRGILIAAcrack，madam。VALERIACome，layasideyourstitchery；Imusthaveyouplaytheidlehusewifewithmethisafternoon。VIRGILIANo，goodmadam；Iwillnotoutofdoors。VALERIANotoutofdoors!VOLUMNIASheshall，sheshall。VIRGILIAIndeed，no，byyourpatience；I’llnotoverthethresholdtillmylordreturnfromthewars。VALERIAFie，youconfineyourselfmostunreasonably：
come，youmustgovisitthegoodladythatliesin。VIRGILIAIwillwishherspeedystrength，andvisitherwithmyprayers；butIcannotgothither。VOLUMNIAWhy，Iprayyou？VIRGILIA’Tisnottosavelabour，northatIwantlove。VALERIAYouwouldbeanotherPenelope：yet，theysay，alltheyarnshespuninUlysses’absencedidbutfillIthacafullofmoths。Come；Iwouldyourcambricweresensibleasyourfinger，thatyoumightleaveprickingitforpity。Come，youshallgowithus。VIRGILIANo，goodmadam，pardonme；indeed，Iwillnotforth。VALERIAIntruth，la，gowithme；andI’lltellyouexcellentnewsofyourhusband。VIRGILIAO，goodmadam，therecanbenoneyet。VALERIAVerily，Idonotjestwithyou；therecamenewsfromhimlastnight。VIRGILIAIndeed，madam？VALERIAInearnest，it’strue；Iheardasenatorspeakit。
Thusitis：theVolsceshaveanarmyforth；againstwhomCominiusthegeneralisgone，withonepartofourRomanpower：yourlordandTitusLartiusaresetdownbeforetheircityCorioli；theynothingdoubtprevailingandtomakeitbriefwars。Thisistrue，onminehonour；andso，Ipray，gowithus。VIRGILIAGivemeexcuse，goodmadam；Iwillobeyyouineverythinghereafter。VOLUMNIALetheralone，lady：assheisnow，shewillbutdiseaseourbettermirth。VALERIAIntroth，Ithinkshewould。Fareyouwell，then。
Come，goodsweetlady。Prithee，Virgilia，turnthysolemnessouto’door。andgoalongwithus。VIRGILIANo，ataword，madam；indeed，Imustnot。Iwishyoumuchmirth。VALERIAWell，then，farewell。
ExeuntSCENEIV。BeforeCorioli。Enter，withdrumandcolours，MARCIUS，TITUSLARTIUS，CaptainsandSoldiers。TothemaMessengerMARCIUSYondercomesnews。Awagertheyhavemet。LARTIUSMyhorsetoyours，no。MARCIUS’Tisdone。LARTIUSAgreed。MARCIUSSay，hasourgeneralmettheenemy？MessengerTheylieinview；buthavenotspokeasyet。LARTIUSSo，thegoodhorseismine。MARCIUSI’llbuyhimofyou。LARTIUSNo，I’llnorsellnorgivehim：lendyouhimIwillForhalfahundredyears。Summonthetown。MARCIUSHowfaroffliethesearmies？MessengerWithinthismileandhalf。MARCIUSThenshallweheartheir’larum，andtheyours。
Now，Mars，Iprithee，makeusquickinwork，Thatwewithsmokingswordsmaymarchfromhence，Tohelpourfieldedfriends!Come，blowthyblast。
Theysoundaparley。EntertwoSenatorswithothersonthewallsTutusAufidius，ishewithinyourwalls？FirstSenatorNo，noramanthatfearsyoulessthanhe，That’slesserthanalittle。
DrumsafaroffHark!ourdrumsArebringingforthouryouth。We’llbreakourwalls，Ratherthantheyshallpoundusup：ourgates，Whichyetseemshut，we，havebutpinn’dwithrushes；
They’llopenofthemselves。
AlarumafaroffHarkyou。faroff!
ThereisAufidius；list，whatworkhemakesAmongstyourclovenarmy。MARCIUSO，theyareatit!LARTIUSTheirnoisebeourinstruction。Ladders，ho!
EnterthearmyoftheVolscesMARCIUSTheyfearusnot，butissueforththeircity。
Nowputyourshieldsbeforeyourhearts，andfightWithheartsmoreproofthanshields。Advance，braveTitus：
Theydodisdainusmuchbeyondourthoughts，Whichmakesmesweatwithwrath。Comeon，myfellows：
HethatretiresI’lltakehimforaVolsce，Andheshallfeelmineedge。
Alarum。TheRomansarebeatbacktotheirtrenches。Re—enterMARCIUS
cursingMARCIUSAllthecontagionofthesouthlightonyou，YoushamesofRome!youherdof——BoilsandplaguesPlasteryouo’er，thatyoumaybeabhorr’dFurtherthanseenandoneinfectanotherAgainstthewindamile!Yousoulsofgeese，Thatbeartheshapesofmen，howhaveyourunFromslavesthatapeswouldbeat!Plutoandhell!
Allhurtbehind；backsred，andfacespaleWithflightandaguedfear!Mendandchargehome，Or，bythefiresofheaven，I’llleavethefoeAndmakemywarsonyou：lookto’t：comeon；
Ifyou’llstandfast，we’llbeatthemtotheirwives，Astheyustoourtrenchesfollowed。
Anotheralarum。TheVolscesfly，andMARCIUSfollowsthemtothegatesSo，nowthegatesareope：nowprovegoodseconds：
’Tisforthefollowersfortunewidensthem，Notforthefliers：markme，anddothelike。
EntersthegatesFirstSoldierFool—hardiness；notI。SecondSoldierNorI。
MARCIUSisshutinFirstSoldierSee，theyhaveshuthimin。AllTothepot，Iwarranthim。
AlarumcontinuesRe—enterTITUSLARTIUSLARTIUSWhatisbecomeofMarcius？AllSlain，sir，doubtless。FirstSoldierFollowingthefliersattheveryheels，Withthemheenters；who，uponthesudden，Clapp’dtotheirgates：heishimselfalone，Toanswerallthecity。LARTIUSOnoblefellow!
Whosensiblyoutdareshissenselesssword，And，whenitbows，standsup。Thouartleft，Marcius：
Acarbuncleentire，asbigasthouart，Werenotsorichajewel。ThouwastasoldierEventoCato’swish，notfierceandterribleOnlyinstrokes；but，withthygrimlooksandThethunder—likepercussionofthysounds，Thoumadstthineenemiesshake，asiftheworldWerefeverousanddidtremble。
Re—enterMARCIUS，bleeding，assaultedbytheenemyFirstSoldierLook，sir。LARTIUSO，’tisMarcius!
Let’sfetchhimoff，ormakeremainalike。
Theyfight，andallenterthecitySCENEV。Corioli。Astreet。EntercertainRomans，withspoilsFirstRomanThiswillIcarrytoRome。SecondRomanAndIthis。ThirdRomanAmurrainon’t!Itookthisforsilver。
AlarumcontinuesstillafaroffEnterMARCIUSandTITUSLARTIUSwithatrumpetMARCIUSSeeherethesemoversthatdoprizetheirhoursAtacrack’ddrachm!Cushions，leadenspoons，Ironsofadoit，doubletsthathangmenwouldBurywiththosethatworethem，thesebaseslaves，Ereyetthefightbedone，packup：downwiththem!
Andhark，whatnoisethegeneralmakes!Tohim!
Thereisthemanofmysoul’shate，Aufidius，PiercingourRomans：then，valiantTitus，takeConvenientnumberstomakegoodthecity；
WhilstI，withthosethathavethespirit，willhasteTohelpCominius。LARTIUSWorthysir，thoubleed’st；
ThyexercisehathbeentooviolentforAsecondcourseoffight。MARCIUSSir，praisemenot；
Myworkhathyetnotwarm’dme：fareyouwell：
ThebloodIdropisratherphysicalThandangeroustome：toAufidiusthusIwillappear，andfight。LARTIUSNowthefairgoddess，Fortune，Falldeepinlovewiththee；andhergreatcharmsMisguidethyopposers’swords!Boldgentleman，Prosperitybethypage!MARCIUSThyfriendnolessThanthosesheplacethhighest!So，farewell。LARTIUSThouworthiestMarcius!
ExitMARCIUS
Go，soundthytrumpetinthemarket—place；
Callthitheralltheofficerso’thetown，Wheretheyshallknowourmind：away!
ExeuntSCENEVI。NearthecampofCominius。EnterCOMINIUS，asitwereinretire，withsoldiersCOMINIUSBreatheyou，myfriends：wellfought；
wearecomeoffLikeRomans，neitherfoolishinourstands，Norcowardlyinretire：believeme，sirs，Weshallbechargedagain。Whileswehavestruck，ByinterimsandconveyinggustswehaveheardThechargesofourfriends。YeRomangods!
Leadtheirsuccessesaswewishourown，Thatbothourpowers，withsmilingfrontsencountering，Maygiveyouthankfulsacrifice。
EnteraMessengerThynews？MessengerThecitizensofCoriolihaveissued，AndgiventoLartiusandtoMarciusbattle：
Isawourpartytotheirtrenchesdriven，AndthenIcameaway。COMINIUSThoughthouspeak’sttruth，Methinksthouspeak’stnotwell。
Howlongis’tsince？MessengerAboveanhour，mylord。COMINIUS’Tisnotamile；brieflyweheardtheirdrums：
Howcouldstthouinamileconfoundanhour，Andbringthynewssolate？MessengerSpiesoftheVolscesHeldmeinchase，thatIwasforcedtowheelThreeorfourmilesabout，elsehadI，sir，Halfanhoursincebroughtmyreport。COMINIUSWho’syonder，Thatdoesappearashewereflay’d？OgodsHehasthestampofMarcius；andIhaveBefore—timeseenhimthus。MARCIUS[Within]ComeItoolate？COMINIUSTheshepherdknowsnotthunderfromatabourMorethanIknowthesoundofMarcius’tongueFromeverymeanerman。
EnterMARCIUSMARCIUSComeItoolate？COMINIUSAy，ifyoucomenotinthebloodofothers，Butmantledinyourown。MARCIUSO，letmeclipyeInarmsassoundaswhenIwoo’d，inheartAsmerryaswhenournuptialdaywasdone，Andtapersburn’dtobedward!COMINIUSFlowerofwarriors，HowisitwithTitusLartius？MARCIUSAswithamanbusiedaboutdecrees：
Condemningsometodeath，andsometoexile；
Ransominghim，orpitying，threateningtheother；
HoldingCorioliinthenameofRome，Evenlikeafawninggreyhoundintheleash，Tolethimslipatwill。COMINIUSWhereisthatslaveWhichtoldmetheyhadbeatyoutoyourtrenches？
Whereishe？callhimhither。MARCIUSLethimalone；
Hedidinformthetruth：butforourgentlemen，Thecommonfile——aplague!tribunesforthem!——
Themousene’ershunn’dthecatastheydidbudgeFromrascalsworsethanthey。COMINIUSButhowprevail’dyou？MARCIUSWillthetimeservetotell？Idonotthink。
Whereistheenemy？areyoulordso’thefield？
Ifnot，whyceaseyoutillyouareso？COMINIUSMarcius，WehaveatdisadvantagefoughtanddidRetiretowinourpurpose。MARCIUSHowliestheirbattle？knowyouonwhichsideTheyhaveplacedtheirmenoftrust？COMINIUSAsIguess，Marcius，Theirbandsi’thevawardaretheAntiates，Oftheirbesttrust；o’erthemAufidius，Theirveryheartofhope。MARCIUSIdobeseechyou，Byallthebattleswhereinwehavefought，Bythebloodwehaveshedtogether，bythevowsWehavemadetoendurefriends，thatyoudirectlySetmeagainstAufidiusandhisAntiates；
Andthatyounotdelaythepresent，but，Fillingtheairwithswordsadvancedanddarts，Weprovethisveryhour。COMINIUSThoughIcouldwishYouwereconductedtoagentlebathAndbalmsappliedto，you，yetdareIneverDenyyourasking：takeyourchoiceofthoseThatbestcanaidyouraction。MARCIUSThosearetheyThatmostarewilling。Ifanysuchbehere——
Asitweresintodoubt——thatlovethispaintingWhereinyouseemesmear’d；ifanyfearLesserhispersonthananillreport；
IfanythinkbravedeathoutweighsbadlifeAndthathiscountry’sdearerthanhimself；
Lethimalone，orsomanysominded，Wavethus，toexpresshisdisposition，AndfollowMarcius。
Theyallshoutandwavetheirswords，takehimupintheirarms，andcastuptheircapsO，mealone!makeyouaswordofme？
Iftheseshowsbenotoutward，whichofyouButisfourVolsces？noneofyoubutisAbletobearagainstthegreatAufidiusAshieldashardashis。Acertainnumber，Thoughthankstoall，mustIselectfromall：therestShallbearthebusinessinsomeotherfight，Ascausewillbeobey’d。Pleaseyoutomarch；
Andfourshallquicklydrawoutmycommand，Whichmenarebestinclined。COMINIUSMarchon，myfellows：
Makegoodthisostentation，andyoushallDivideinallwithus。
ExeuntSCENEVII。ThegatesofCorioli。TITUSLARTIUS，havingsetaguarduponCorioli，goingwithdrumandtrumpettowardCOMINIUSandCAIUSMARCIUS，enterswithLieutenant，otherSoldiers，andaScoutLARTIUSSo，lettheportsbeguarded：keepyourduties，AsIhavesetthemdown。IfIdosend，dispatchThosecenturiestoouraid：therestwillserveForashortholding：ifwelosethefield，Wecannotkeepthetown。LieutenantFearnotourcare，sir。LARTIUSHence，andshutyourgatesupon’s。
Ourguider，come；totheRomancampconductus。
ExeuntSCENEVIII。Afieldofbattle。Alarumasinbattle。Enter，fromoppositesides，MARCIUS
andAUFIDIUSMARCIUSI’llfightwithnonebutthee；forIdohatetheeWorsethanapromise—breaker。AUFIDIUSWehatealike：
NotAfricownsaserpentIabhorMorethanthyfameandenvy。Fixthyfoot。MARCIUSLetthefirstbudgerdietheother’sslave，Andthegodsdoomhimafter!AUFIDIUSIfIfly，Marcius，Holloamelikeahare。MARCIUSWithinthesethreehours，Tullus，AloneIfoughtinyourCorioliwalls，AndmadewhatworkIpleased：’tisnotmybloodWhereinthouseestmemask’d；forthyrevengeWrenchupthypowertothehighest。AUFIDIUSWertthoutheHectorThatwasthewhipofyourbragg’dprogeny，Thoushouldstnotscapemehere。
Theyfight，andcertainVolscescometotheaidofAUFIDIUS。MARCIUS
fightstilltheybedriveninbreathlessOfficious，andnotvaliant，youhaveshamedmeInyourcondemnedseconds。
ExeuntSCENEIX。TheRomancamp。Flourish。Alarum。Aretreatissounded。Flourish。Enter，fromoneside，COMINIUSwiththeRomans；fromtheotherside，MARCIUS，withhisarminascarfCOMINIUSIfIshouldtelltheeo’erthisthyday’swork，Thou’ldstnotbelievethydeeds：butI’llreportitWheresenatorsshallmingletearswithsmiles，Wheregreatpatriciansshallattendandshrug，I’theendadmire，whereladiesshallbefrighted，And，gladlyquaked，hearmore；wherethedulltribunes，That，withthefustyplebeians，hatethinehonours，Shallsayagainsttheirhearts’WethankthegodsOurRomehathsuchasoldier。’
Yetcamestthoutoamorselofthisfeast，Havingfullydinedbefore。
EnterTITUSLARTIUS，withhispower，fromthepursuitLARTIUSOgeneral，Hereisthesteed，wethecaparison：
Hadstthoubeheld——MARCIUSPraynow，nomore：mymother，Whohasachartertoextolherblood，Whenshedoespraisemegrievesme。IhavedoneAsyouhavedone；that’swhatIcan；inducedAsyouhavebeen；that’sformycountry：
HethathasbuteffectedhisgoodwillHathoverta’enmineact。COMINIUSYoushallnotbeThegraveofyourdeserving；RomemustknowThevalueofherown：’twereaconcealmentWorsethanatheft，nolessthanatraducement，Tohideyourdoings；andtosilencethat，Which，tothespireandtopofpraisesvouch’d，Wouldseembutmodest：therefore，IbeseechyouInsignofwhatyouare，nottorewardWhatyouhavedone——beforeourarmyhearme。MARCIUSIhavesomewoundsuponme，andtheysmartTohearthemselvesremember’d。COMINIUSShouldtheynot，Wellmighttheyfester’gainstingratitude，Andtentthemselveswithdeath。Ofallthehorses，Whereofwehaveta’engoodandgoodstore，ofallThetreasureinthisfieldachievedandcity，Werenderyouthetenth，tobeta’enforth，Beforethecommondistribution，atYouronlychoice。MARCIUSIthankyou，general；
ButcannotmakemyheartconsenttotakeAbribetopaymysword：Idorefuseit；
AndstanduponmycommonpartwiththoseThathavebeheldthedoing。
Alongflourish。Theyallcry’Marcius!Marcius!’castuptheircapsandlances：COMINIUSandLARTIUSstandbareMARCIUSMaythesesameinstruments，whichyouprofane，Neversoundmore!whendrumsandtrumpetsshallI’thefieldproveflatterers，letcourtsandcitiesbeMadealloffalse—facedsoothing!
Whensteelgrowssoftastheparasite’ssilk，Lethimbemadeacovertureforthewars!
Nomore，Isay!ForthatIhavenotwash’dMynosethatbled，orfoil’dsomedebilewretch。——
Which，withoutnote，here’smanyelsehavedone，——
YoushoutmeforthInacclamationshyperbolical；
AsifIlovedmylittleshouldbedietedInpraisessaucedwithlies。COMINIUSToomodestareyou；
MorecrueltoyourgoodreportthangratefulTousthatgiveyoutruly：byyourpatience，If’gainstyourselfyoubeincensed，we’llputyou，Likeonethatmeanshisproperharm，inmanacles，Thenreasonsafelywithyou。Therefore，beitknown，Astous，toalltheworld，thatCaiusMarciusWearsthiswar’sgarland：intokenofthewhich，Mynoblesteed，knowntothecamp，Igivehim，Withallhistrimbelonging；andfromthistime，ForwhathedidbeforeCorioli，callhim，Withalltheapplauseandclamourofthehost，CAIUSMARCIUSCORIOLANUS!BearTheadditionnoblyever!
Flourish。Trumpetssound，anddrumsAllCaiusMarciusCoriolanus!CORIOLANUSIwillgowash；
Andwhenmyfaceisfair，youshallperceiveWhetherIblushorno：howbeit，Ithankyou。
Imeantostrideyoursteed，andatalltimesToundercrestyourgoodadditionTothefairnessofmypower。COMINIUSSo，toourtent；
Where，erewedoreposeus，wewillwriteToRomeofoursuccess。You，TitusLartius，MusttoCorioliback：sendustoRomeThebest，withwhomwemayarticulate，Fortheirowngoodandours。LARTIUSIshall，mylord。CORIOLANUSThegodsbegintomockme。I，thatnowRefusedmostprincelygifts，amboundtobegOfmylordgeneral。COMINIUSTake’t；’tisyours。Whatis’t？CORIOLANUSIsometimelayhereinCorioliAtapoorman’shouse；heusedmekindly：
Hecriedtome；Isawhimprisoner；
ButthenAufidiuswaswithinmyview，Andwratho’erwhelm’dmypity：IrequestyouTogivemypoorhostfreedom。COMINIUSO，wellbegg’d!
Werehethebutcherofmyson，heshouldBefreeasisthewind。Deliverhim，Titus。LARTIUSMarcius，hisname？CORIOLANUSByJupiter!forgot。
Iamweary；yea，mymemoryistired。
Havewenowinehere？COMINIUSGowetoourtent：
Theblooduponyourvisagedries；’tistimeItshouldbelook’dto：come。
ExeuntSCENEX。ThecampoftheVolsces。Aflourish。Cornets。EnterTULLUSAUFIDIUS，bloody，withtwoorthreeSoldiersAUFIDIUSThetownista’en!FirstSoldier’Twillbedeliver’dbackongoodcondition。AUFIDIUSCondition!
IwouldIwereaRoman；forIcannot，BeingaVolsce，bethatIam。Condition!
WhatgoodconditioncanatreatyfindI’thepartthatisatmercy？Fivetimes，Marcius，Ihavefoughtwiththee：sooftenhastthoubeatme，Andwouldstdoso，Ithink，shouldweencounterAsoftenasweeat。Bytheelements，Ife’eragainImeethimbeardtobeard，He’smine，orIamhis：mineemulationHathnotthathonourin’tithad；forwhereIthoughttocrushhiminanequalforce，Trueswordtosword，I’llpotchathimsomewayOrwrathorcraftmaygethim。FirstSoldierHe’sthedevil。AUFIDIUSBolder，thoughnotsosubtle。Myvalour’spoison’dWithonlysufferingstainbyhim；forhimShallflyoutofitself：norsleepnorsanctuary，Beingnaked，sick，norfanenorCapitol，Theprayersofpriestsnortimesofsacrifice，Embarquementsalloffury，shallliftupTheirrottenprivilegeandcustom’gainstMyhatetoMarcius：whereIfindhim，wereitAthome，uponmybrother’sguard，eventhere，Againstthehospitablecanon，wouldI
Washmyfiercehandin’sheart。Goyoutothecity；
Learnhow’tisheld；andwhattheyarethatmustBehostagesforRome。FirstSoldierWillnotyougo？AUFIDIUSIamattendedatthecypressgrove：I
prayyou——
’Tissouththecitymills——bringmewordthitherHowtheworldgoes，thattothepaceofitImayspuronmyjourney。FirstSoldierIshall，sir。
ExeuntACTIISCENEI。Rome。Apublicplace。EnterMENENIUSwiththetwoTribunesofthepeople，SICINIUS
andBRUTUS。MENENIUSTheaugurertellsmeweshallhavenewsto—night。BRUTUSGoodorbad？MENENIUSNotaccordingtotheprayerofthepeople，fortheylovenotMarcius。SICINIUSNatureteachesbeaststoknowtheirfriends。MENENIUSPrayyou，whodoesthewolflove？SICINIUSThelamb。MENENIUSAy，todevourhim；asthehungryplebeianswouldthenobleMarcius。BRUTUSHe’salambindeed，thatbaeslikeabear。MENENIUSHe’sabearindeed，thatliveslikealamb。Youtwoareoldmen：tellmeonethingthatIshallaskyou。BothWell，sir。MENENIUSInwhatenormityisMarciuspoorin，thatyoutwohavenotinabundance？BRUTUSHe’spoorinnoonefault，butstoredwithall。SICINIUSEspeciallyinpride。BRUTUSAndtoppingallothersinboasting。MENENIUSThisisstrangenow：doyoutwoknowhowyouarecensuredhereinthecity，Imeanofuso’theright—handfile？doyou？BothWhy，howarewecensured？MENENIUSBecauseyoutalkofpridenow，——willyounotbeangry？BothWell，well，sir，well。MENENIUSWhy，’tisnogreatmatter；foraverylittlethiefofoccasionwillrobyouofagreatdealofpatience：
giveyourdispositionsthereins，andbeangryatyourpleasures；attheleastifyoutakeitasapleasuretoyouinbeingso。YoublameMarciusforbeingproud？BRUTUSWedoitnotalone，sir。MENENIUSIknowyoucandoverylittlealone；foryourhelpsaremany，orelseyouractionswouldgrowwondroussingle：yourabilitiesaretooinfant—likefordoingmuchalone。Youtalkofpride：Othatyoucouldturnyoureyestowardthenapesofyournecks，andmakebutaninteriorsurveyofyourgoodselves!
Othatyoucould!BRUTUSWhatthen，sir？MENENIUSWhy，thenyoushoulddiscoverabraceofunmeriting，proud，violent，testymagistrates，aliasfools，asanyinRome。SICINIUSMenenius，youareknownwellenoughtoo。MENENIUSIamknowntobeahumorouspatrician，andonethatlovesacupofhotwinewithnotadropofallayingTiberin’t；saidtobesomethingimperfectinfavouringthefirstcomplaint；hastyandtinder—likeupontootrivialmotion；onethatconversesmorewiththebuttockofthenightthanwiththeforeheadofthemorning：whatIthinkIutter，andspendmymaliceinmybreath。Meetingtwosuchwealsmenasyouare——IcannotcallyouLycurguses——ifthedrinkyougivemetouchmypalateadversely，Imakeacrookedfaceatit。Ican’tsayyourworshipshavedeliveredthematterwell，whenIfindtheassincompoundwiththemajorpartofyoursyllables：
andthoughImustbecontenttobearwiththosethatsayyouarereverendgravemen，yettheyliedeadlythattellyouyouhavegoodfaces。Ifyouseethisinthemapofmymicrocosm，followsitthatIamknownwellenoughtoo？whatbarmcanyourbissonconspectuitiesgleanoutofthischaracter，ifIbeknownwellenoughtoo？BRUTUSCome，sir，come，weknowyouwellenough。MENENIUSYouknowneitherme，yourselvesnoranything。Youareambitiousforpoorknaves’capsandlegs：
youwearoutagoodwholesomeforenooninhearingacausebetweenanorangewifeandafosset—seller；
andthenrejournthecontroversyofthreepencetoaseconddayofaudience。Whenyouarehearingamatterbetweenpartyandparty，ifyouchancetobepinchedwiththecolic，youmakefaceslikemummers；setupthebloodyflagagainstallpatience；and，inroaringforachamber—pot，dismissthecontroversybleedingthemoreentangledbyyourhearing：allthepeaceyoumakeintheircauseis，callingboththepartiesknaves。Youareapairofstrangeones。BRUTUSCome，come，youarewellunderstoodtobeaperfectergiberforthetablethananecessarybencherintheCapitol。MENENIUSOurverypriestsmustbecomemockers，iftheyshallencountersuchridiculoussubjectsasyouare。
Whenyouspeakbestuntothepurpose，itisnotworththewaggingofyourbeards；andyourbeardsdeservenotsohonourableagraveastostuffabotcher’scushion，ortobeentombedinanass’spack—
saddle。Yetyoumustbesaying，Marciusisproud；
whoinacheapestimation，isworthpredecessorssinceDeucalion，thoughperadventuresomeofthebestof’emwerehereditaryhangmen。God—dentoyourworships：moreofyourconversationwouldinfectmybrain，beingtheherdsmenofthebeastlyplebeians：Iwillbeboldtotakemyleaveofyou。
BRUTUSandSICINIUSgoasideEnterVOLUMNIA，VIRGILIA，andVALERIA
Hownow，myasfairasnobleladies，——andthemoon，weresheearthly，nonobler，——whitherdoyoufollowyoureyessofast？VOLUMNIAHonourableMenenius，myboyMarciusapproaches；
fortheloveofJuno，let’sgo。MENENIUSHa!Marciuscominghome!VOLUMNIAAy，worthyMenenius；andwithmostprosperousapprobation。MENENIUSTakemycap，Jupiter，andIthankthee。
Hoo!
Marciuscominghome!VOLUMNIAVIRGILIANay，’tistrue。VOLUMNIALook，here’saletterfromhim：thestatehathanother，hiswifeanother；and，Ithink，there’soneathomeforyou。MENENIUSIwillmakemyveryhousereeltonight：
aletterforme!VIRGILIAYes，certain，there’saletterforyou；
Isaw’t。MENENIUSAletterforme!itgivesmeanestateofsevenyears’health；inwhichtimeIwillmakealipatthephysician：themostsovereignprescriptioninGalenisbutempiricutic，and，tothispreservative，ofnobetterreportthanahorse—drench。Ishenotwounded？hewaswonttocomehomewounded。VIRGILIAO，no，no，no。VOLUMNIAO，heiswounded；Ithankthegodsfor’t。MENENIUSSodoItoo，ifitbenottoomuch：bringsa’
victoryinhispocket？thewoundsbecomehim。VOLUMNIAOn’sbrows：Menenius，hecomesthethirdtimehomewiththeoakengarland。MENENIUSHashedisciplinedAufidiussoundly？VOLUMNIATitusLartiuswrites，theyfoughttogether，butAufidiusgotoff。MENENIUSAnd’twastimeforhimtoo，I’llwarranthimthat：
anhehadstayedbyhim，IwouldnothavebeensofidiusedforallthechestsinCorioli，andthegoldthat’sinthem。Isthesenatepossessedofthis？VOLUMNIAGoodladies，let’sgo。Yes，yes，yes；
thesenatehaslettersfromthegeneral，whereinhegivesmysonthewholenameofthewar：hehathinthisactionoutdonehisformerdeedsdoublyVALERIAIntroth，there’swondrousthingsspokeofhim。MENENIUSWondrous!ay，Iwarrantyou，andnotwithouthistruepurchasing。VIRGILIAThegodsgrantthemtrue!VOLUMNIATrue!pow，wow。MENENIUSTrue!I’llbesworntheyaretrue。
Whereishewounded？
TotheTribunesGodsaveyourgoodworships!Marciusiscominghome：hehasmorecausetobeproud。Whereishewounded？VOLUMNIAI’theshoulderandi’theleftarmtherewillbelargecicatricestoshowthepeople，whenheshallstandforhisplace。HereceivedintherepulseofTarquinsevenhurtsi’thebody。MENENIUSOnei’theneck，andtwoi’thethigh，——there’sninethatIknow。VOLUMNIAHehad，beforethislastexpedition，twenty—fivewoundsuponhim。MENENIUSNowit’stwenty—seven：everygashwasanenemy’sgrave。
AshoutandflourishHark!thetrumpets。VOLUMNIAThesearetheushersofMarcius：beforehimhecarriesnoise，andbehindhimheleavestears：
Death，thatdarkspirit，in’snervyarmdothlie；
Which，beingadvanced，declines，andthenmendie。
Asennet。Trumpetssound。EnterCOMINIUSthegeneral，andTITUSLARTIUS；
betweenthem，CORIOLANUS，crownedwithanoakengarland；withCaptainsandSoldiers，andaHeraldHeraldKnow，Rome，thatallaloneMarciusdidfightWithinCorioligates：wherehehathwon，Withfame，anametoCaiusMarcius；theseInhonourfollowsCoriolanus。
WelcometoRome，renownedCoriolanus!
FlourishAllWelcometoRome，renownedCoriolanus!CORIOLANUSNomoreofthis；itdoesoffendmyheart：
Praynow，nomore。COMINIUSLook，sir，yourmother!CORIOLANUSO，Youhave，Iknow，petition’dallthegodsFormyprosperity!
KneelsVOLUMNIANay，mygoodsoldier，up；
MygentleMarcius，worthyCaius，andBydeed—achievinghonournewlynamed，——
Whatisit？——CoriolanusmustIcallthee？——
ButO，thywife!CORIOLANUSMygracioussilence，hail!
Wouldstthouhavelaugh’dhadIcomecoffin’dhome，Thatweep’sttoseemetriumph？Ay，mydear，SucheyesthewidowsinCorioliwear，Andmothersthatlacksons。MENENIUSNow，thegodscrownthee!CORIOLANUSAndliveyouyet？
ToVALERIA
Omysweetlady，pardon。VOLUMNIAIknownotwheretoturn：O，welcomehome：
Andwelcome，general：andye’rewelcomeall。MENENIUSAhundredthousandwelcomes。IcouldweepAndIcouldlaugh，Iamlightandheavy。Welcome。
Acursebeginatveryrooton’sheart，Thatisnotgladtoseethee!YouarethreeThatRomeshoulddoteon：yet，bythefaithofmen，Wehavesomeoldcrab—treeshereathomethatwillnotBegraftedtoyourrelish。Yetwelcome，warriors：
WecallanettlebutanettleandThefaultsoffoolsbutfolly。COMINIUSEverright。CORIOLANUSMeneniusever，ever。HeraldGivewaythere，andgoon!CORIOLANUS[ToVOLUMNIAandVIRGILIA]Yourhand，andyours：
EreinourownhouseIdoshademyhead，Thegoodpatriciansmustbevisited；
FromwhomIhavereceivednotonlygreetings，Butwiththemchangeofhonours。VOLUMNIAIhavelivedToseeinheritedmyverywishesAndthebuildingsofmyfancy：onlyThere’sonethingwanting，whichIdoubtnotbutOurRomewillcastuponthee。CORIOLANUSKnow，goodmother，Ihadratherbetheirservantinmyway，Thanswaywiththemintheirs。COMINIUSOn，totheCapitol!
Flourish。Cornets。Exeuntinstate，asbefore。BRUTUSandSICINIUS
comeforwardBRUTUSAlltonguesspeakofhim，andtheblearedsightsArespectacledtoseehim：yourprattlingnurseIntoaraptureletsherbabycryWhileshechatshim：thekitchenmalkinpinsHerrichestlockram’boutherreechyneck，Clamberingthewallstoeyehim：stalls，bulks，windows，Aresmother’dup，leadsfill’d，andridgeshorsedWithvariablecomplexions，allagreeingInearnestnesstoseehim：seld—shownflamensDopressamongthepopularthrongsandpuffTowinavulgarstation：orveil’ddamesCommitthewarofwhiteanddamaskinTheirnicely—gawdedcheekstothewantonspoilOfPhoebus’burningkisses：suchapotherAsifthatwhatsoevergodwholeadshimWereslilycreptintohishumanpowersAndgavehimgracefulposture。SICINIUSOnthesudden，Iwarranthimconsul。BRUTUSThenourofficemay，Duringhispower，gosleep。SICINIUSHecannottemperatelytransporthishonoursFromwhereheshouldbeginandend，butwillLosethosehehathwon。BRUTUSInthatthere’scomfort。SICINIUSDoubtnotThecommoners，forwhomwestand，buttheyUpontheirancientmalicewillforgetWiththeleastcausethesehisnewhonours，whichThathewillgivethemmakeIaslittlequestionAsheisproudtodo’t。BRUTUSIheardhimswear，Werehetostandforconsul，neverwouldheAppeari’themarket—placenoronhimputThenaplessvestureofhumility；
Norshowing，asthemanneris，hiswoundsTothepeople，begtheirstinkingbreaths。SICINIUS’Tisright。BRUTUSItwashisword：O，hewouldmissitratherThancarryitbutbythesuitofthegentrytohim，Andthedesireofthenobles。SICINIUSIwishnobetterThanhavehimholdthatpurposeandtoputitInexecution。BRUTUS’Tismostlikehewill。SICINIUSItshallbetohimthenasourgoodwills，Asuredestruction。BRUTUSSoitmustfalloutTohimorourauthorities。Foranend，WemustsuggestthepeopleinwhathatredHestillhathheldthem；thatto’spowerhewouldHavemadethemmules，silencedtheirpleadersandDispropertiedtheirfreedoms，holdingthem，Inhumanactionandcapacity，OfnomoresoulnorfitnessfortheworldThancamelsinthewar，whohavetheirprovandOnlyforbearingburdens，andsoreblowsForsinkingunderthem。SICINIUSThis，asyousay，suggestedAtsometimewhenhissoaringinsolenceShalltouchthepeople——whichtimeshallnotwant，Ifhebeputupon’t；andthat’saseasyAstosetdogsonsheep——willbehisfireTokindletheirdrystubble；andtheirblazeShalldarkenhimforever。
EnteraMessengerBRUTUSWhat’sthematter？MessengerYouaresentfortotheCapitol。’TisthoughtThatMarciusshallbeconsul：
IhaveseenthedumbmenthrongtoseehimandTheblindtobearhimspeak：matronsflunggloves，Ladiesandmaidstheirscarfsandhandkerchers，Uponhimashepass’d：thenoblesbended，AstoJove’sstatue，andthecommonsmadeAshowerandthunderwiththeircapsandshouts：
Ineversawthelike。BRUTUSLet’stotheCapitol；
Andcarrywithusearsandeyesforthetime，Butheartsfortheevent。SICINIUSHavewithyou。
