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Men.

Note me this, good friends;

1 Cit. If I must not, I need not be barren of accusation; he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repe-Your most grave belly was deliberate, tition. [Shouts within] What shouts are these? The other side o'the city is risen: Why stay we prating here to the Capitol.

Cit. Come, come.

1 Cit. Soft; who comes here?

Enter Menenius Agrippa.

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Men. What work's, my countrymen, in hand? Where go you

With bats and clubs? The matter? Speak, I pray you. 1 Cit. 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.

Men. Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest Will you undo yourselves? [neighbours, 1 Cit. We cannot, sir, we are undone already. Men. 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.

1 Cit. 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.

Men. 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.

1 Cit. 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.

Men. 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 inactive,
Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing [ments
Like labour with the rest; where the other instru-
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 answered,-

1 Cit. Well, sir, what answer made the belly? Men. 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 bis receipt; even so most filly
As you malign our senators, for that
They are not such as you.
1 Cit.

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-
Men.

What then?

'Fore me, this fellow speaks!-what then? what then? 1 Cit. Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd Who is the sink o'the body, Well, what then? 1 Cit. The former agents, if they did complain, What could the belly answer?

Men.

Men.

I will tell you; If you'll bestow a small (of what you have little), Patience, awhile, you'll hear the belly's answer. 1 Cit. You are long about it.

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,-
1 Cit. Ay, sir; well, well.
Men.
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?
1 Cit. It was an answer: How apply you this?
Men. 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 this assembly ?-

1 Cit. I the great toe? Why the great toe? [est,
Men. For that being one o'the lowest, basest, poor-
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!
Enter Caius Marcius.

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

1 Cit.

We have ever your good word. Mar. 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 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 bate: 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
With every minute you do change a mind; [ye?
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?
Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof, they
The city is well stor❜d.
[say,

Mar.
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, Cont
Who thrives, and who declines: side factions, and give
Conjectural marriages; making parties strong,
And feebling such as stand not in their liking,
Below their cobbled shoes. They say, there's grain
Would the nobility lay aside their ruth, [enough?
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."

Men. 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 pro

Mar.

verbs;

That, hunger broke stone walls; that, dogs must eat; That, meat was made for mouths; that, the gods sent Corn for the rich men only :-With these shreds [not

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This is strange.

Mar. Go, get you home, yon fragments!
Enter a Messenger.
Mess. Where's Caius Marcius?
Mar.
Here: What's the matter?
Mess. The news is, sir, the Volces are in arms.
Mar. I am glad on't; then we shall have means to
Our musty superfluity:-See, our best elders. [vent
Enter Cominius, Titus Lartius, and other Senators;
Junius Brutus, and Sicinius Velutus.

1 Sen. Marcius, 'tis true, that you have lately told us The Volces are in arms.

Mar.

They have a leader,
Tallus Aufidius, that will put you to't.
I sin in envying his nobility:

And were I any thing but what I am,
I would wish me only he.
Com.

You have fought together.
Mar. 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.

1 Sen.

Then, worthy Marcius,
Attend upon Cominius to these wars.
Com. It is your former promise.
Mar.
Sir, it is;
And I am constant.-Titus Lartius, thou
Shalt see me once more strike at Tulius' face:
What, art thou stiff? stand'st out?
Tit.
No, Caius Marcius;
I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other,"
Ere stay behind this business.
Men.

O, true bred!

1 Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where, I know,
Our greatest friends attend us.
Tit.

Lead you on :-
Follow, Cominius; we must follow you;
Right worthy your priority.

Com.

Noble Lartias!

1 Sen. Hence! To your homes, be gone.

Mar.

[To the Citizens. Nay, let them follow: The Volces have much corn; take these rats thither, To gnaw their garners :-Worshipful mutineers, Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow.

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SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate House. Enter Tullus Autidius, and certain Senators.

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

Auf.
Is it not yours?
What ever hath 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: [Reads.
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 wo se 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.
1 Sen.
Our army's in the field:
We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
To answer us.

Auf.

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.

2 Sen.

Noble Aufidius,
Take your commission; hie you to your bands;
Let us alone to guard Corioli:

If they set down before us, for the remove
Bring up your army; but, I think, you'll find
They have not prepared for us.
Auf.

O, doubt not that;

I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
Some parcels of their powers are forth already,
And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,
"Tis sworn between us, we shall never strike
Till one can do no more.
All.
The gods assist you!
Auf. And keep your honours safe!

1 Sen.
2 Sen.

All. Farewell.

Rome.

Farewell.
Farewell.
[Exeunt.

SCENE III.

An Apartment in Marcius' House.

[Exeunt Senators, Cominius, Marcius, Titus, Enter Volumnia and Virgilia: They sit down on two

and Menenius. Citizens steal away.

Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius?
Bru. He has no equal.

Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the people,
Bru. Mark'd you his lip, and eyes?
Sic.
Nay, but his taunts.
Bru. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the gods.
Sic. Be-mock the modest moon.
Bru. The present wars devour him he is grown
Too proud to be so valiant.

Sic.

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.

low Stools, and sew.

Vol. I pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourself in a more comfortable sort: If my son were my husband, I should 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 king's 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.

Bru.
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!
Sic.
Besides, if things go well, son; I therein would have found issue.
Opinion, that so sticks on Marcius, shall
Of his demerits rob Cominius.

Come ;

Bru.
Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcins,
Though Marcias earn'd them not; and all his faults

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

Vol. Then his good report should have been my
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 ont
of action.

KR

Enter a Gentlewoman.

Gent. Madam, the lady Valeria is come to visit you.
Vir. 'Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.
Vol. 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 Voices 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 harvest-man, that's task'd to mow
Or all, or lose his hire.

Vir. His bloody brow! O, Jupiter, no blood!
Vol. 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' contending.-Tell Valeria,
We are fit to bid her welcome.

[Exit Gent. Vir. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius! Vol. He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee,

And tread upon his neck.

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Mess.

Within this mile and half.
Mar. Then shall we hear their larum, and they ours.
Now, Mars, I pr'ythee, make as quick in work;
That we with smoking swords may march from hence,
To help our fielded friends !-Come, blow thy blast.
They sound a Parley. Enter, on the Walls, some
Senators, and others.

Re-enter Gentlewoman, with Valeria and her Usher. Tullas Aufidius, is he within your walls?
Val. My ladies both, good day to you.
Vol. Sweet madam,

Vir. 1 am glad to see your ladyship.

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

Vir. I thank your ladyship; well, good madam. Vol. He had rather see the swords, and hear a drum, than look upon his schoolmaster.

Val. O'my word, the father's son: I'll swear, 'tis a very pretty boy. O'my troth, I look'd 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! Vol. One of his father's moods. Val. Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child. Vir. A crack, madam.

Val. Come, lay aside your stitchery; I must have you play the idle buswife with me this afternoon. Vir. No, good madam: I will not out of doors. Val. Not out of doors?

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Vol. Why, I pray you?

Vir. 'Tis not to save labour, nor that I want love. Val. 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. Vir. No, good madam, pardon me; indeed, I will not forth.

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

Vir. O, good madam, there can be none yet. Val. Verily, I do not jest with you; there came news from him last night.

Vir. Indeed, madam?

1 Sen. No, nor a man that fears you less than he, That's lesser than a little. Hark, our drums [Alarums afar off. Are bringing forth our youth: We'll break our walls, Which yet seem shut, we have but pinn'd with rushes: Rather than they shall pound us up: our gates, They'll open of themselves. Hark you, far off;

[Other Alarums,

There is Aufidias; list, what work he makes
Amongst your cloven army.

Mar.
O, they are at it!
Lart. Their noise be our instruction.-Ladders, ho!
The Volces enter, and pass over the Stage.
Mar. 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
He that retires, I'll take him for a Volce, [fellows,
And he shall feel mine edge.
Alarum, and exeunt Romans and Volces, fighting.
The Romans are beaten back to their Trenches.
Re-enter Marcius.

Mar. All the contagion of the south light on you,
You shames of Rome: you heard 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; baeks red, and faces pale
With flight and agued 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 followed.
Another Alarum. The Volces and Romans re-enter,
and the Fight is renewed. The Volces retire into
Corioli, and Marcius follows them to the Gates.
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.

[He enters the Gates, and is shut in.
1 Sol. Fool-hardiness! not I.
2 Sol.
Nor I.
3 Sol.
See, they
[Alarum continues.
To the pot, I warrant him.
Enter Titus Lartius.

All.

Val. In earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it. Thus it is:-The Volces have an army forth; Have shut him in. 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.

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

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

Val. In troth, I think, she would :-Fare you well then.-Come, good sweet lady.-Pr'ythee, Virgilia, turn thy solemness out o'door, and go along with us. Vir. No at a word, madam; indeed, I must not. I wish you much mirth.

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Lart. What is become of Marcius?
All.

Slain, sir, doubtless
1 Sol. 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.

Lart.
O noble fellow !
Who, sensible, 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

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3 Rom. A murrain on't! I took this for silver. Alarum continues still ofar off. Enter Marcius and Titus Lartius, with a Trumpet. Mar. See here these movers, that do prize their hours

At a crack'd drachm! 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.-

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Marcius,

And hark, what noise the general makes!-To him:-We have at disadvantage fought, and did

There is the man of my soul's hate, 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.
Lart.

Worthy sir, thou bleed'st;
Thy exercise hath been too violent for
A second course of tight.
Mar.

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.
Lart.

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!
Mar.

Thy friend no less.
Than those she placeth highest! So farewell.
Lart. Thou worthiest Marcius! [Exit Marcius.
Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;
Call thither all the officers of the town,
Where they shall know our mind: Away. [Exeunt.
SCENE VI. Near the Camp of Cominius.
Enter Cominius and Forces, retreating.
Com. 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:-The Roman gods,
Lead their successes as we wish our own; [ing,
That both our powers, with smiling fronts encounter-
Enter a Messenger.

Retire, to win our purpose.

Mar. How lies their battle? Know you on which They have plac'd their men of trust? [side Com. As I guess, Marcius, Their bands in the vaward are the Antiates, Of their best trust o'er them Aufidius, Their very heart of hope. I do beseech you,

Mar. 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.

Com.

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.

Mar.

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, Waving his Hand] to express his dis-
And follow Marcius.
[position,
[They all shout, and wave their Swords; take him
up in their Arms, and cast up their Caps.
O me, alone! Make you a sword of me?
If these shows be not outward, which of you,
But is four Volces? 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: 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.

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Make good this ostentation, and you shall [since! Divide in all with us.

May give you thankful sacritice!-Thy news?
Mess. The citizens of Corioli have issued,
And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle:
I saw our party to their trenches driven,
And then I came away.
Com.
Though thou speak'st truth.
Methinks, thou speak'st not well. How long is't
Mess. Above an hour, my lord.
Com. "Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums:
How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,
And bring thy news so late?
Mess.
Spies of the Volces
Held me in chase, that I was forc'd to wheel
Three or four miles about; else had 1, sir,
Half an hour since brought my report.

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SCENE VII. The Gates of Corioli. Titos Lartius, having set a Guard upon Corioli, going with a Drum and Trumpet toward Cominius and Caius Marcius, enters with a Lieutenant, a Party of Soldiers, and a Scout.

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

Lieut.

Fear not our care, sir. Lart. Hence, and shut your gates upon us.-Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us. [Exeunt.

SCENE VIII. A Field of Battle between the Roman and the Volscian Camps.

Alarum. Enter Marcius and Aufidius. Mar. I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate Worse than a promise-breaker. [thee

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Halloo me like a hare. Mar.

If I fly, Mareius,

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

[They fight, and certain Volces come to the Aid
of Aufidius.

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

[Exeunt fighting, driven in by Marcius.

SCENE IX. The Roman Camp. Alarum. A Retreat is sounded. Flourish. Enter at one side, Cominius and Romans; at the other side Marcius, with his Arm in a Scarf, and other Romans.

Com. 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 dined before.

Enter Titus Lartius, with his Power, from the
Pursuit.
O general,
Here is the steed, we the caparison:
Hadst thou beheld-

Lart.

Mar. 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,

Com.

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

Of all the horses

Should they not, Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude, And tent themselves with death. (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.

Mar.

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.

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[A long Flourish. They all cry, Marcins! Marcius cast up their Caps and Lances: Cominius and Lartius stand bare. Mar. 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 the parasite's silk, let him be made
An overture for the wars! No more, I say;
For that I have not wash'd my nose that bled,

Or foii'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 saue'd with lies.

Too modest are you;

Com. 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, Caius Marcius Coriolanus.Bear the addition nobly ever!

[Flourish. Trumpets sound, and Drums. All, Caius Marcius Coriolanus! Cor. 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.
Com.
So, to our tent:
To Rome of our success.-You, Titus Lartius,
Where, ere we do repose us, we will write

Must to Corioli back: send us to Rome
For their own good, and ours.
The best, with whom we may articulate,

Lart.

I shall, my lord. Cor. 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! Cor. I sometime lay, here in Corioli, He cried to me; I saw him prisoner; At a poor man's house; he us'd me kindly:

Com.

But then Aufidius was within my view,
And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you
To give my poor host freedom."
Com.

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

By Jupiter, forgot:

I am weary; yea, my memory is tir'd.--
Have we no wine here?

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

[Exeunt.

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1 Sol. Twill be deliver'd back on good condition. Auf. Condition ?-

I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,
Being a Volce, 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 bis: 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.

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Auf. 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 his heart. Go you to the city:
Learn, how 'tis held; and what they are, that must
Be hostages for Rome.
1 Sol.

Will not you go?
Auf. I am attended at the cypress grove :
I pray you

("Tis south the city mills), bring me word thither How the world goes; that the pace of it

I may spur on my journey.

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