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The Tragedie of Coriolanus

Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.

Enter a Company of Mutinous Citizenswith StauesClubsand
other
weapons.

1. Citizen. Before we proceed any furtherheare me speake
All. Speakespeake

1.Cit. You are all resolu'd rather to dy then
to famish?
All. Resolu'dresolu'd

1.Cit. First you knowCaius Martius is chiefe enemy
to the people

All. We know'twe know't

1.Cit. Let vs kill himand wee'l haue Corne at our own

price. Is't a Verdict?
All. No more talking on't; Let it be doneawayaway
2.Cit. One wordgood Citizens

1.Cit. We are accounted poore Citizensthe Patricians
good: what Authority surfets onewould releeue
vs. If they would yeelde vs but the superfluitie while it
were wholsomewee might guesse they releeued vs humanely:
But they thinke we are too deerethe leannesse
that afflicts vsthe obiect of our miseryis as an inuentory
to particularize their abundanceour sufferance is a
gaine to them. Let vs reuenge this with our Pikesere
we become Rakes. For the Gods knowI speake this in
hunger for Breadnot in thirst for Reuenge

2.Cit. Would you proceede especially against Caius
Martius

All. Against him first: He's a very dog to the Commonalty

2.Cit. Consider you what Seruices he ha's done for his
Country?

1.Cit. Very welland could bee content to giue him
good report for'tbut that hee payes himselfe with beeing
proud

All. Naybut speak not maliciously

1.Cit. I say vnto youwhat he hath done Famouslie
he did it to that end: though soft conscienc'd men can be
content to say it was for his Countreyhe did it to please
his Motherand to be partly proudwhich he iseuen to
the altitude of his vertue

2.Cit. What he cannot helpe in his Natureyou account


a Vice in him: You must in no way say he is couetous

1.Cit. If I must notI neede not be barren of Accusations
he hath faults (with surplus) to tyre in repetition.

Showts within.

What showts are these? The other side a'th City is risen:
why stay we prating heere? To th' Capitoll

All. Comecome

1 Cit. Softwho comes heere?
Enter Menenius Agrippa.

2 Cit. Worthy Menenius Agrippaone that hath alwayes
lou'd the people

1 Cit. He's one honest enoughwold al the rest wer so

Men. What work's my Countrimen in hand?
Where go you with Bats and Clubs? The matter
Speake I pray you

2 Cit. Our busines is not vnknowne to th' Senatthey
haue had inkling this fortnight what we intend to dow
now wee'l shew em in deeds: they say poore Suters haue
strong breathsthey shal know we haue strong arms too

Menen. Why Mastersmy good Friendsmine honest
Neighbourswill you vndo your selues?
2 Cit. We cannot Sirwe are vndone already

Men. I tell you Friendsmost charitable care
Haue the Patricians of you for your wants.
Your suffering in this dearthyou may as well
Strike at the Heauen with your stauesas lift them
Against the Roman Statewhose course will on
The way it takes: cracking ten thousand Curbes
Of more strong linke assunderthen can euer
Appeare in your impediment. For the Dearth
The Godsnot the Patricians make itand
Your knees to them (not armes) must helpe. Alacke
You are transported by Calamity
Thetherwhere more attends youand you slander
The Helmes o'th State; who care for you like Fathers
When you curse themas Enemies

2 Cit. Care for vs? True indeedthey nere car'd for vs
yet. Suffer vs to famishand their Store-houses cramm'd
with Graine: Make Edicts for Vsurieto support Vsurers;
repeale daily any wholsome Act established against
the richand prouide more piercing Statutes dailyto
chaine vp and restraine the poore. If the Warres eate vs
not vppethey will; and there's all the loue they beare
vs

Menen. Either you must
Confesse your selues wondrous Malicious
Or be accus'd of Folly. I shall tell you
A pretty Taleit may be you haue heard it
But since it serues my purposeI will venture
To scale't a little more


2 Citizen. Well
Ile heare it Sir: yet you must not thinke
To fobbe off our disgrace with a tale:
But and't please you deliuer

Men. There was a timewhen all the bodies members
Rebell'd against the Belly; thus accus'd it:
That onely like a Gulfe it did remaine
I'th midd'st a th' bodyidle and vnactiue
Still cubbording the Viandneuer bearing
Like labour with the restwhere th' other Instruments
Did seeand hearedeuiseinstructwalkefeele
And mutually participatedid minister
Vnto the appetite; and affection common
Of the whole bodythe Belly answer'd

2.Cit. Well sirwhat answer made the Belly

Men. SirI shall tell you with a kinde of Smile
Which ne're came from the Lungsbut euen thus:
For looke you I may make the belly Smile
As well as speakeit taintingly replyed
To'th' discontented Membersthe mutinous parts
That enuied his receite: euen so most fitly
As you maligne our Senatorsfor that
They are not such as you

2.Cit. Your Bellies answer: What
The Kingly crown'd headthe vigilant eye
The Counsailor Heartthe Arme our Souldier
Our Steed the Leggethe Tongue our Trumpeter
With other Muniments and petty helpes
In this our Fabrickeif that they


Men. What then? Fore methis Fellow speakes.
What then? What then?
2.Cit. Should by the Cormorant belly be restrain'd
Who is the sinke a th' body

Men. Wellwhat then?
2.Cit. The former Agentsif they did complaine
What could the Belly answer?

Men. I will tell you
If you'l bestow a small (of what you haue little)
Patience awhile; you'st heare the Bellies answer

2.Cit. Y'are long about it

Men. Note me this good Friend;
Your most graue Belly was deliberate
Not rash like his Accusersand thus answered.
True is it my Incorporate Friends (quoth he)
That I receiue the generall Food at first
Which you do liue vpon: and fit it is
Because I am the Store-houseand the Shop
Of the whole Body. Butif you do remember
I send it through the Riuers of your blood
Euen to the Courtthe Heartto th' seate o'th' Braine
And through the Crankes and Offices of man
The strongest Neruesand small inferiour Veines
From me receiue that naturall competencie
Whereby they liue. And though that all at once
(You my good Friendsthis sayes the Belly) marke me

2.Cit. I sirwellwell


Men. Though all at oncecannot
See what I do deliuer out to each
Yet I can make my Awdit vpthat all
From me do backe receiue the Flowre of all
And leaue me but the Bran. What say you too't?

2.Cit. It was an answerhow apply you this?

Men. The Senators of Romeare this good Belly
And you the mutinous Members: For examine
Their Counsailesand their Cares; disgest things rightly
Touching the Weale a'th Commonyou shall finde
No publique benefit which you receiue
But it proceedsor comes from them to you
And no way from your selues. What do you thinke?
Youthe great Toe of this Assembly?

2.Cit. I the great Toe? Why the great Toe?

Men. For that being one o'th lowestbasestpoorest
Of this most wise Rebellionthou goest formost:
Thou Rascallthat art worst in blood to run
Lead'st first to win some vantage.
But make you ready your stiffe bats and clubs
Romeand her Ratsare at the point of battell
The one side must haue baile.
Enter Caius Martius.

HayleNoble Martius

Mar. Thanks. What's the matter you dissentious rogues
That rubbing the poore Itch of your Opinion
Make your selues Scabs

2.Cit. We haue euer your good word

Mar. He that will giue good words to theewil flatter
Beneath abhorring. What would you haueyou Curres
That like nor Peacenor Warre? The one affrights you
The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you
Where he should finde you Lyonsfindes you Hares:
Where FoxesGeese you are: No surerno
Then is the coale of fire vpon the Ice
Or Hailstone in the Sun. Your Vertue is
To make him worthywhose offence subdues him
And curse that Iustice did it. Who deserues Greatnes
Deserues your Hate: and your Affections are
A sickmans Appetite; who desires most that
Which would encrease his euill. He that depends
Vpon your fauoursswimmes with finnes of Leade
And hewes downe Oakeswith rushes. Hang ye: trust ye?
With euery Minute you do change a Minde
And call him Noblethat was now your Hate:
Him vildethat was your Garland. What's the matter
That in these seuerall places of the Citie
You cry against the Noble Senatewho
(Vnder the Gods) keepe you in awewhich else
Would feede on one another? What's their seeking?

Men. For Corne at their owne rateswherof they say
The Citie is well stor'd

Mar. Hang 'em: They say?
They'l sit by th' fireand presume to know
What's done i'th Capitoll: Who's like to rise
Who thriues& who declines: Side factions& giue out
Coniecturall Marriagesmaking parties strong
And feebling such as stand not in their liking


Below their cobled Shooes. They say ther's grain enough?
Would the Nobility lay aside their ruth
And let me vse my SwordI'de make a Quarrie
With thousands of these quarter'd slauesas high
As I could picke my Lance

Menen. Nay these are almost thoroughly perswaded:
For though abundantly they lacke discretion
Yet are they passing Cowardly. But I beseech you
What sayes the other Troope?

Mar. They are dissolu'd: Hang em;
They said they were an hungrysigh'd forth Prouerbes
That Hunger-broke stone wals: that dogges must eate
That meate was made for mouths. That the gods sent not
Corne for the Richmen onely: With these shreds
They vented their Complainingswhich being answer'd
And a petition granted thema strange one
To breake the heart of generosity
And make bold power looke palethey threw their caps
As they would hang them on the hornes a'th Moone
Shooting their Emulation

Menen. What is graunted them?

Mar. Fiue Tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms
Of their owne choice. One's Iunius Brutus
Sicinius Velutusand I know not. Sdeath
The rabble should haue first vnroo'st the City
Ere so preuayl'd with me; it will in time
Win vpon powerand throw forth greater Theames
For Insurrections arguing

Menen. This is strange

Mar. Go get you home you Fragments.
Enter a Messenger hastily.

Mess. Where's Caius Martius?
Mar. Heere: what's the matter!
Mes. The newes is sirthe Volcies are in Armes


Mar. I am glad on'tthen we shall ha meanes to vent
Our mustie superfluity. See our best Elders.
Enter Sicinius VelutusAnnius Brutus CominiusTitus Lartius
with other
Senatours.

1.Sen. Martius 'tis truethat you haue lately told vs
The Volces are in Armes

Mar. They haue a Leader
Tullus Auffidius that will put you too't:
I sinne in enuying his Nobility:
And were I any thing but what I am
I would wish me onely he

Com. You haue fought together?

Mar. Were halfe to halfe the world by th' eares& he
vpon my partieI'de reuolt to make
Onely my warres with him. He is a Lion
That I am proud to hunt

1.Sen. Then worthy Martius
Attend vpon Cominius to these Warres


Com. It is your former promise

Mar. Sir it is
And I am constant: Titus Luciusthou
Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus face.
What art thou stiffe? Stand'st out?

Tit. No Caius Martius
Ile leane vpon one Crutchand fight with tother
Ere stay behinde this Businesse

Men. Oh true-bred

Sen. Your Company to'th' Capitollwhere I know
Our greatest Friends attend vs

Tit. Lead you on: Follow Cominiuswe must followe
youright worthy your Priority

Com. Noble Martius

Sen. Hence to your homesbe gone

Mar. Nay let them follow
The Volces haue much Corne: take these Rats thither
To gnaw their Garners. Worshipfull Mutiners
Your valour puts well forth: Pray follow.

Exeunt.

Citizens steale away. Manet Sicin. & Brutus.

Sicin. Was euer man so proud as is this Martius?
Bru. He has no equall


Sicin. When we were chosen Tribunes for the people

Bru. Mark'd you his lip and eyes

Sicin. Naybut his taunts

Bru. Being mou'dhe will not spare to gird the Gods

Sicin. Bemocke the modest Moone

Bru. The present Warres deuoure himhe is growne
Too proud to be so valiant

Sicin. Such a Naturetickled with good successedisdaines
the shadow which he treads on at noonebut I do
wonderhis insolence can brooke to be commanded vnder
Cominius?

Bru. Fameat the which he aymes
In whom already he's well grac'dcannot
Better be heldnor more attain'd then by
A place below the first: for what miscarries
Shall be the Generals faultthough he performe
To th' vtmost of a manand giddy censure
Will then cry out of Martius: Ohif he
Had borne the businesse

Sicin. Besidesif things go well
Opinion that so stickes on Martiusshall
Of his demerits rob Cominius


Bru. Come: halfe all Cominius Honors are to Martius
Though Martius earn'd them not: and all his faults
To Martius shall be Honorsthough indeed
In ought he merit not

Sicin. Let's henceand heare
How the dispatch is madeand in what fashion
More then his singularityhe goes
Vpon this present Action

Bru. Let's along.

Exeunt.

Enter Tullus Auffidius with Senators of Coriolus.

1.Sen. Soyour opinion is Auffidius
That they of Rome are entred in our Counsailes
And know how we proceede

Auf. Is it not yours?
What euer haue bin thought one in this State
That could be brought to bodily actere Rome
Had circumuention: 'tis not foure dayes gone
Since I heard thencethese are the wordsI thinke
I haue the Letter heere: yesheere it is;
They haue prest a Powerbut it is not knowne
Whether for East or West: the Dearth is great
The people Mutinous: And it is rumour'd
CominiusMartius your old Enemy
(Who is of Rome worse hated then of you)
And Titus Lartiusa most valiant Roman
These three leade on this Preparation
Whether 'tis bent: most likely'tis for you:
Consider of it

1.Sen. Our Armie's in the Field:
We neuer yet made doubt but Rome was ready
To answer vs

Auf. Nor did you thinke it folly
To keepe your great pretences vayl'dtill when
They needs must shew themselueswhich in the hatching
It seem'd appear'd to Rome. By the discouery
We shalbe shortned in our aymewhich was
To take in many Townesere (almost) Rome
Should know we were a-foot

2.Sen. Noble Auffidius
Take your Commissionhye you to your Bands
Let vs alone to guard Corioles
If they set downe before's: for the remoue
Bring vp your Army: but (I thinke) you'l finde
Th'haue not prepar'd for vs

Auf. O doubt not that
I speake from Certainties. Nay more
Some parcels of their Power are forth already
And onely hitherward. I leaue your Honors.
If weand Caius Martius chance to meete
'Tis sworne betweene vswe shall euer strike
Till one can do no more

All. The Gods assist you


Auf. And keepe your Honors safe

1.Sen. Farewell

2.Sen. Farewell

All. Farewell.

Exeunt. omnes.

Enter Volumnia and Virgiliamother and wife to Martius: They set
them
downe on two lowe stooles and sowe.

Volum. I pray you daughter singor expresse your selfe
in a more comfortable sort: If my Sonne were my Husband
I should freelier reioyce in that absence wherein
he wonne Honorthen in the embracements of his Bed
where he would shew most loue. When yet hee was but
tender-bodiedand the onely Sonne of my womb; when
youth with comelinesse pluck'd all gaze his way; when
for a day of Kings entreatiesa Mother should not sel him
an houre from her beholding; I considering how Honour
would become such a personthat it was no better then
Picture-like to hang by th' wallif renowne made it not
stirrewas pleas'd to let him seeke dangerwhere he was
like to finde fame: To a cruell Warre I sent himfrom
whence he return'dhis browes bound with Oake. I tell
thee DaughterI sprang not more in ioy at first hearing
he was a Man-childthen now in first seeing he had proued
himselfe a man

Virg. But had he died in the Businesse Madamehow
then?

Volum. Then his good report should haue beene my
SonneI therein would haue found issue. Heare me professe
sincerelyhad I a dozen sons each in my loue alike
and none lesse deere then thineand my good MartiusI
had rather had eleuen dye Nobly for their Countreythen
one voluptuously surfet out of Action.
Enter a Gentlewoman.

Gent. Madamthe lady Valeria is come to visit you

Virg. Beseech you giue me leaue to retire my selfe

Volum. Indeed you shall not:
Me thinkesI heare hither your Husbands Drumme:
See him plucke Auffidius downe by th' haire:
(As children from a Beare) the Volces shunning him:
Me thinkes I see him stampe thusand call thus
Come on you Cowardsyou were got in feare
Though you were borne in Rome; his bloody brow
With his mail'd handthen wipingforth he goes
Like to a Haruest manthat task'd to mowe
Or allor loose his hyre

Virg. His bloody Brow? Oh Iupiterno blood

Volum. Away you Foole; it more becomes a man
Then gilt his Trophe. The brests of Hecuba
When she did suckle Hectorlook'd not louelier
Then Hectors forheadwhen it spit forth blood
At Grecian sword. Contenningtell Valeria


We are fit to bid her welcome.

Exit Gent.

Vir. Heauens blesse my Lord from fell Auffidius

Vol. Hee'l beat Auffidius head below his knee
And treade vpon his necke.
Enter Valeria with an Vsherand a Gentlewoman.

Val. My Ladies both good day to you

Vol. Sweet Madam

Vir. I am glad to see your Ladyship

Val. How do you both? You are manifest house-keepers.
What are you sowing heere? A fine spotte in good
faith. How does your little Sonne?

Vir. I thanke your Lady-ship: Well good Madam

Vol. He had rather see the swordsand heare a Drum
then looke vpon his Schoolmaster

Val. A my word the Fathers Sonne: Ile sweare 'tis a
very pretty boy. A my trothI look'd vpon him a Wensday
halfe an houre together: ha's such a confirm'd countenance.
I saw him run after a gilded Butterfly& when
he caught ithe let it go againeand after it againeand ouer
and ouer he comesand vp againe: catcht it again: or
whether his fall enrag'd himor how 'twashee did so set
his teethand teare it. OhI warrant how he mammockt
it

Vol. One on's Fathers moods

Val. Indeed latis a Noble childe

Virg. A Cracke Madam

Val. Comelay aside your stitcheryI must haue you
play the idle Huswife with me this afternoone

Virg. No (good Madam)
I will not out of doores

Val. Not out of doores?
Volum. She shallshe shall


Virg. Indeed noby your patience; Ile not ouer the
thresholdtill my Lord returne from the Warres

Val. Fyeyou confine your selfe most vnreasonably:
Comeyou must go visit the good Lady that lies in

Virg. I will wish her speedy strengthand visite her
with my prayers: but I cannot go thither

Volum. Why I pray you

Vlug. 'Tis not to saue labournor that I want loue

Val. You would be another Penelope: yet they sayall
the yearne she spun in Vlisses absencedid but fill Athica


full of Mothes. ComeI would your Cambrick were sensible
as your fingerthat you might leaue pricking it for
pitie. Come you shall go with vs

Vir. No good Madampardon meindeed I will not
foorth

Val. In truth la go with meand Ile tell you excellent
newes of your Husband

Virg. Oh good Madamthere can be none yet

Val. Verily I do not iest with you: there came newes
from him last night

Vir. Indeed Madam

Val. In earnest it's true; I heard a Senatour speake it.
Thus it is: the Volcies haue an Army forthagainst who[m]
Cominius the Generall is gonewith one part of our Romane
power. Your Lordand Titus Lartiusare set down
before their Citie Cariolesthey nothing doubt preuailing
and to make it breefe Warres. This is true on mine
Honorand so I pray go with vs

Virg. Giue me excuse good MadameI will obey you
in euery thing heereafter

Vol. Let her alone Ladieas she is now:
She will but disease our better mirth

Valeria. In troth I thinke she would:
Fare you well then. Come good sweet Ladie.
Prythee Virgilia turne thy solemnesse out a doore
And go along with vs

Virgil. No
At a word Madam; Indeed I must not
I wish you much mirth

Val. Wellthen farewell.

Exeunt. Ladies.

Enter MartiusTitus Lartiuswith Drumme and Colourswith
Captaines and
Souldiersas before the City Corialus: to them a Messenger.

Martius. Yonder comes Newes:
A Wager they haue met

Lar. My horse to yoursno

Mar. Tis done

Lart. Agreed

Mar. Sayha's our Generall met the Enemy?
Mess. They lye in viewbut haue not spoke as yet


Lart. Sothe good Horse is mine

Mart. Ile buy him of you


Lart. NoIle nor selnor giue him: Lend you him I will
For halfe a hundred yeares: Summon the Towne

Mar. How farre off lie these Armies?
Mess. Within this mile and halfe


Mar. Then shall we heare their Larum& they Ours.
Now MarsI prythee make vs quicke in worke
That we with smoaking swords may march from hence
To helpe our fielded Friends. Comeblow thy blast.

They Sound a Parley: Enter two Senators with others on the Walles
of
Corialus.

Tullus Auffidiousis he within your Walles?
1.Senat. Nonor a man that feares you lesse then he
That's lesser then a little:

Drum a farre off.

Hearkeour Drummes
Are bringing forth our youth: Wee'l breake our Walles
Rather then they shall pound vs vp our Gates
Which yet seeme shutwe haue but pin'd with Rushes
They'le open of themselues. Harke youfarre off

Alarum farre off.

There is Auffidious. List what worke he makes
Among'st your clouen Army

Mart. Oh they are at it

Lart. Their noise be our instruction. Ladders hoa.
Enter the Army of the Volces.

Mar. They feare vs notbut issue forth their Citie.
Now put your Shields before your heartsand fight
With hearts more proofe then Shields.
Aduance braue Titus
They do disdaine vs much beyond our Thoughts
which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on my fellows
He that retiresIle take him for a Volce
And he shall feele mine edge.

Alarumthe Romans are beat back to their Trenches Enter Martius
Cursing.

Mar. All the contagion of the Southlight on you
You Shames of Rome: you Heard of Byles and Plagues
Plaister you o'rethat you may be abhorr'd
Farther then seeneand one infect another
Against the Winde a mile: you soules of Geese
That beare the shapes of menhow haue you run
From Slauesthat Apes would beate; Pluto and Hell
All hurt behindebackes redand faces pale
With flight and agued fearemend and charge home
Or by the fires of heauenIle leaue the Foe
And make my Warres on you: Looke too't: Come on
If you'l stand fastwee'l beate them to their Wiues
As they vs to our Trenches followes.

Another Alarumand Martius followes them to gatesand is shut


in.


Sonow the gates are ope: now proue good Seconds
'Tis for the followers Fortunewidens them
Not for the flyers: Marke meand do the like.
Enter the Gati.


1.Sol. Foole-hardinessenot I

2.Sol. Nor I

1.Sol. See they haue shut him in.

Alarum continues

All. To th' pot I warrant him.

Enter Titus Lartius

Tit. What is become of Martius?
All. Slaine (Sir) doubtlesse


1.Sol. Following the Flyers at the very heeles
With them he enters: who vpon the sodaine
Clapt to their Gateshe is himselfe alone
To answer all the City

Lar. Oh Noble Fellow!
Who sensibly out-dares his sencelesse Sword
And when it bowesstand'st vp: Thou art left Martius
A Carbuncle intire: as big as thou art
Weare not so rich a Iewell. Thou was't a Souldier
Euen to Calues wishnot fierce and terrible
Onely in strokesbut with thy grim lookesand
The Thunder-like percussion of thy sounds
Thou mad'st thine enemies shakeas if the World
Were Feauorousand did tremble.
Enter Martius bleedingassaulted by the Enemy.

1.Sol. Looke Sir

Lar. O 'tis Martius.
Let's fetch him offor make remaine alike.

They fightand all enter the City.

Enter certaine Romanes with spoiles.

1.Rom. This will I carry to Rome

2.Rom. And I this

3.Rom. A Murrain on'tI tooke this for Siluer.

Exeunt.

Alarum continues still a-farre off.

Enter Martiusand Titus with a Trumpet.

Mar. See heere these mouersthat do prize their hours
At a crack'd Drachme: CushionsLeaden Spoones
Irons of a DoitDublets that Hangmen would
Bury with those that wore them. These base slaues


Ere yet the fight be donepacke vpdowne with them.
And harkewhat noyse the Generall makes: To him
There is the man of my soules hateAuffidious
Piercing our Romanes: Then Valiant Titus take
Conuenient Numbers to make good the City
Whil'st I with those that haue the spiritwil haste
To helpe Cominius

Lar. Worthy Sirthou bleed'st
Thy exercise hath bin too violent
For a second course of Fight

Mar. Sirpraise me not:
My worke hath yet not warm'd me. Fare you well:
The blood I dropis rather Physicall
Then dangerous to me: To Auffidious thusI will appear and fight

Lar. Now the faire Goddesse Fortune
Fall deepe in loue with theeand her great charmes
Misguide thy Opposers swordsBold Gentleman:
Prosperity be thy Page

Mar. Thy Friend no lesse
Then those she placeth highest: So farewell

Lar. Thou worthiest Martius
Go sound thy Trumpet in the Market place
Call thither all the Officers a'th' Towne
Where they shall know our minde. Away.

Exeunt.

Enter Cominius as it were in retirewith soldiers.

Com. Breath you my friendswel foughtwe are come off
Like Romansneither foolish in our stands
Nor Cowardly in retyre: Beleeue me Sirs
We shall be charg'd againe. Whiles we haue strooke
By Interims and conueying gustswe haue heard
The Charges of our Friends. The Roman Gods
Leade their successesas we wish our owne
That both our powerswith smiling Fronts encountring
May giue you thankfull Sacrifice. Thy Newes?
Enter a Messenger.

Mess. The Cittizens of Corioles haue yssued
And giuen to Lartius and to Martius Battaile:
I saw our party to their Trenches driuen
And then I came away

Com. Though thou speakest truth
Me thinkes thou speak'st not well. How long is't since?
Mes. Aboue an houremy Lord

Com. 'Tis not a mile: briefely we heard their drummes.
How could'st thou in a mile confound an houre
And bring thy Newes so late?

Mes. Spies of the Volces
Held me in chacethat I was forc'd to wheele
Three or foure miles aboutelse had I sir
Halfe an houre since brought my report.
Enter Martius.

Com. Whose yonder


That doe's appeare as he were Flead? O Gods
He has the stampe of Martiusand I haue
Before time seene him thus

Mar. Come I too late?

Com. The Shepherd knowes not Thunder fro[m] a Taber
More then I know the sound of Martius Tongue
From euery meaner man

Martius. Come I too late?
Com. Iif you come not in the blood of others
But mantled in your owne

Mart. Oh! let me clip ye
In Armes as soundas when I woo'd in heart;
As merryas when our Nuptiall day was done
And Tapers burnt to Bedward

Com. Flower of Warriorshow is't with Titus Lartius?

Mar. As with a man busied about Decrees:
Condemning some to deathand some to exile
Ransoming himor pittyingthreatning th' other;
Holding Corioles in the name of Rome
Euen like a fawning Grey-hound in the Leash
To let him slip at will

Com. Where is that Slaue
Which told me they had beate you to your Trenches?
Where is he? Call him hither

Mar. Let him alone
He did informe the truth: but for our Gentlemen
The common file(a plague-Tribunes for them)
The Mouse ne're shunn'd the Catas they did budge
From Rascals worse then they

Com. But how preuail'd you?

Mar. Will the time serue to tellI do not thinke:
Where is the enemy? Are you Lords a'th Field?
If notwhy cease you till you are so?

Com. Martiuswe haue at disaduantage fought
And did retyre to win our purpose

Mar. How lies their Battell? Know you on w side
They haue plac'd their men of trust?

Com. As I guesse Martius
Their Bands i'th Vaward are the Antients
Of their best trust: O're them Auffidious
Their very heart of Hope

Mar. I do beseech you
By all the Battailes wherein we haue fought
By th' Blood we haue shed together
By th' Vowes we haue made
To endure Friendsthat you directly set me
Against Affidiousand his Antiats
And that you not delay the present (but
Filling the aire with Swords aduanc'd) and Darts
We proue this very houre

Com. Though I could wish
You were conducted to a gentle Bath
And Balmes applyed to youyet dare I neuer
Deny your askingtake your choice of those


That best can ayde your action

Mar. Those are they
That most are willing; if any such be heere
(As it were sinne to doubt) that loue this painting
Wherein you see me smear'dif any feare
Lessen his personthen an ill report:
If any thinkebraue death out-weighes bad life
And that his Countries deerer then himselfe
Let him alone: Or so many so minded
Waue thus to expresse his disposition
And follow Martius.

They all shout and waue their swordstake him vp in their Armes
and cast
vp their Caps.


Oh me alonemake you a sword of me:
If these shewes be not outwardwhich of you
But is foure Volces? None of youbut is
Able to beare against the great Auffidious
A Shieldas hard as his. A certaine number
(Though thankes to all) must I select from all:
The rest shall beare the businesse in some other fight
(As cause will be obey'd:) please you to March
And foure shall quickly draw out my Command
Which men are best inclin'd


Com. March on my Fellowes:
Make good this ostentationand you shall
Diuide in allwith vs.

Exeunt.

Titus Lartiushauing set a guard vpon Cariolesgoing with Drum
and
Trumpet toward Cominiusand Caius MartiusEnters with a
Lieutenant
other Souldioursand a Scout.

Lar. Solet the Ports be guarded; keepe your Duties
As I haue set them downe. If I do senddispatch
Those Centuries to our aydthe rest will serue
For a short holdingif we loose the Field
We cannot keepe the Towne

Lieu. Feare not our care Sir

Lart. Hence; and shut your gates vpon's:
Our Guider cometo th' Roman Campe conduct vs.

Exit

Alarumas in Battaile.

Enter Martius and Auffidius at seueral doores.

Mar. Ile fight with none but theefor I do hate thee
Worse then a Promise-breaker

Auffid. We hate alike:
Not Affricke ownes a Serpent I abhorre
More then thy Fame and Enuy: Fix thy foot


Mar. Let the first Budger dye the others Slaue
And the Gods doome him after

Auf. If I flye Martiushollow me like a Hare

Mar. Within these three houres Tullus
Alone I fought in your Corioles walles
And made what worke I pleas'd: 'Tis not my blood
Wherein thou seest me masktfor thy Reuenge
Wrench vp thy power to th' highest

Auf. Wer't thou the Hector
That was the whip of your bragg'd Progeny
Thou should'st not scape me heere.

Heere they fightand certaine Volces come in the ayde of Auffi.
Martius
fights til they be driuen in breathles.


Officious and not valiantyou haue sham'd me
In your condemned Seconds.


Flourish. Alarum. A Retreat is sounded. Enter at one Doore
Cominiuswith
the Romanes: At another Doore Martiuswith his Arme in a
Scarfe.


Com. If I should tell thee o're this thy dayes Worke
Thou't not beleeue thy deeds: but Ile report it
Where Senators shall mingle teares with smiles
Where great Patricians shall attendand shrug
I'th' end admire: where Ladies shall be frighted
And gladly quak'dheare more: where the dull Tribunes
That with the fustie Plebeanshate thine Honors
Shall say against their heartsWe thanke the Gods
Our Rome hath such a Souldier.
Yet cam'st thou to a Morsell of this Feast
Hauing fully din'd before.
Enter Titus with his Powerfrom the Pursuit.

Titus Lartius. Oh Generall:
Here is the Steedwee the Caparison:
Hadst thou beheld


Martius. Pray nowno more:
My Motherwho ha's a Charter to extoll her Bloud
When she do's prayse megrieues me:
I haue done as you haue donethat's what I can
Induc'd as you haue beenethat's for my Countrey:
He that ha's but effected his good will
Hath ouerta'ne mine Act

Com. You shall not be the Graue of your deseruing
Rome must know the value of her owne:
'Twere a Concealement worse then a Theft
No lesse then a Traducement
To hide your doingsand to silence that
Which to the spireand top of prayses vouch'd
Would seeme but modest: therefore I beseech you
In signe of what you arenot to reward
What you haue donebefore our Armie heare me

Martius. I haue some Wounds vpon meand they smart
To heare themselues remembred


Com. Should they not:
Well might they fester 'gainst Ingratitude
And tent themselues with death: of all the Horses
Whereof we haue ta'ne goodand good store of all
The Treasure in this field atchieuedand Citie
We render you the Tenthto be ta'ne forth
Before the common distribution
At your onely choyse

Martius. I thanke you Generall:
But cannot make my heart consent to take
A Bribeto pay my Sword: I doe refuse it
And stand vpon my common part with those
That haue beheld the doing.

A long flourish. They all cryMartiusMartiuscast vp their Caps
and
Launces: Cominius and Lartius stand bare.

Mar. May these same Instrumentswhich you prophane
Neuer sound more: when Drums and Trumpets shall
I'th' field proue flattererslet Courts and Cities be
Made all of false-fac'd soothing:
When Steele growes softas the Parasites Silke
Let him be made an Ouerture for th' Warres:
No more I sayfor that I haue not wash'd
My Nose that bledor foyl'd some debile Wretch
Which without notehere's many else haue done
You shoot me forth in acclamations hyperbolicall
As if I lou'd my little should be dieted
In praysessawc'st with Lyes

Com. Too modest are you:
More cruell to your good reportthen gratefull
To vsthat giue you truly: by your patience
If 'gainst your selfe you be incens'dwee'le put you
(Like one that meanes his proper harme) in Manacles
Then reason safely with you: Therefore be it knowne
As to vsto all the WorldThat Caius Martius
Weares this Warres Garland: in token of the which
My Noble Steedknowne to the CampeI giue him
With all his trim belonging; and from this time
For what he did before Coriolescall him
With all th' applause and Clamor of the Hoast
Marcus Caius Coriolanus. Beare th' addition Nobly euer?
Flourish. Trumpets soundand Drums.

Omnes. Marcus Caius Coriolanus

Martius. I will goe wash:
And when my Face is faireyou shall perceiue
Whether I blush or no: howbeitI thanke you
I meane to stride your Steedand at all times
To vnder-crest your good Addition
To th' fairenesse of my power

Com. Soto our Tent:
Where ere we doe repose vswe will write
To Rome of our successe: you Titus Lartius
Must to Corioles backesend vs to Rome
The bestwith whom we may articulate
For their owne goodand ours

Lartius. I shallmy Lord


Martius. The Gods begin to mocke me:
I that now refus'd most Princely gifts
Am bound to begge of my Lord Generall

Com. Tak't'tis yours: what is't?

Martius. I sometime lay here in Corioles
At a poore mans house: he vs'd me kindly
He cry'd to me: I saw him Prisoner:
But then Auffidius was within my view
And Wrath o're-whelm'd my pittie: I request you
To giue my poore Host freedome

Com. Oh well begg'd:
Were he the Butcher of my Sonnehe should
Be freeas is the Winde: deliuer himTitus

Lartius. Martiushis Name

Martius. By Iupiter forgot:
I am wearieyeamy memorie is tyr'd:
Haue we no Wine here?

Com. Goe we to our Tent:
The bloud vpon your Visage dryes'tis time
It should be lookt too: come.

Exeunt.

A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Auffidius bloudiewith two or
three
Souldiors.

Auffi. The Towne is ta'ne

Sould. 'Twill be deliuer'd backe on good Condition

Auffid. Condition?
I would I were a Romanfor I cannot
Being a Volcebe that I am. Condition?
What good Condition can a Treatie finde
I'th' part that is at mercy? fiue timesMartius
I haue fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me:
And would'st doe soI thinkeshould we encounter
As often as we eate. By th' Elements
If ere againe I meet him beard to beard
He's mineor I am his: Mine Emulation
Hath not that Honor in't it had: For where
I thought to crush him in an equall Force
True Sword to Sword: Ile potche at him some way
Or Wrathor Craft may get him

Sol. He's the diuell

Auf. Bolderthough not so subtle: my valors poison'd
With onely suff'ring staine by him: for him
Shall flye out of it selfenor sleepenor sanctuary
Being nakedsicke; nor Phanenor Capitoll
The Prayers of Priestsnor times of Sacrifice:
Embarquements all of Furyshall lift vp
Their rotten Priuiledgeand Custome 'gainst
My hate to Martius. Where I finde himwere it
At homevpon my Brothers Guardeuen there
Against the hospitable Canonwould I
Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to th' Citie


Learne how 'tis heldand what they are that must
Be Hostages for Rome

Soul. Will not you go?

Auf. I am attended at the Cyprus groue. I pray you
('Tis South the City Mils) bring me word thither
How the world goes: that to the pace of it
I may spurre on my iourney

Soul. I shall sir.

Actus Secundus.

Enter Menenius with the two Tribunes of the peopleSicinius &
Brutus.

Men. The Agurer tels mewee shall haue Newes to
night

Bru. Good or bad?
Men. Not according to the prayer of the peoplefor
they loue not Martius

Sicin. Nature teaches Beasts to know their Friends

Men. Pray youwho does the Wolfe loue?
Sicin. The Lambe


Men. Ito deuour himas the hungry Plebeians would
the Noble Martius

Bru. He's a Lambe indeedthat baes like a Beare

Men. Hee's a Beare indeedethat liues like a Lambe.
You two are old mentell me one thing that I shall aske
you

Both. Well sir

Men. In what enormity is Martius poore inthat you
two haue not in abundance?
Bru. He's poore in no one faultbut stor'd withall

Sicin. Especially in Pride

Bru. And topping all others in boasting

Men. This is strange now: Do you two knowhow
you are censured heere in the CityI mean of vs a'th' right
hand Filedo you?

Both. Why? how are we censur'd?

Men. Because you talke of Pride nowwill you not
be angry

Both. Wellwell sirwell

Men. Why 'tis no great matter: for a very little theefe
of Occasionwill rob you of a great deale of Patience:
Giue your dispositions the reinesand bee angry at your
pleasures (at the least) if you take it as a pleasure to youin
being so: you blame Martius for being proud

Brut. We do it not alonesir


Men. I know you can doe very little alonefor your
helpes are manyor else your actions would growe wondrous
single: your abilities are to Infant-likefor dooing
much alone. You talke of Pride: Ohthat you could turn
your eyes toward the Napes of your neckesand make
but an Interiour suruey of your good selues. Oh that you
could

Both. What then sir?

Men. Why then you should discouer a brace of vnmeriting
proudviolenttestie Magistrates (alias Fooles)
as any in Rome

Sicin. Meneniusyou are knowne well enough too

Men. I am knowne to be a humorous Patritianand
one that loues a cup of hot Winewith not a drop of alaying
Tiber in't: Saidto be something imperfect in fauouring
the first complainthasty and Tinder-like vpponto
triuiall motion: Onethat conuerses more with the Buttocke
of the nightthen with the forhead of the morning.
What I thinkI vtterand spend my malice in my breath.
Meeting two such Weales men as you are (I cannot call
you Licurgusses) if the drinke you giue metouch my Palat
aduerslyI make a crooked face at itI can sayyour
Worshippes haue deliuer'd the matter wellwhen I finde
the Asse in compoundwith the Maior part of your syllables.
And though I must be content to beare with those
that say you are reuerend graue menyet they lye deadly
that tell you haue good facesif you see this in the Map
of my Microcosmefollowes it that I am knowne well enough
too? What harme can your beesome Conspectuities
gleane out of this Charracterif I be knowne well enough
too

Bru. Come sir comewe know you well enough

Menen. You know neither meeyour seluesnor any
thing: you are ambitiousfor poore knaues cappes and
legges: you weare out a good wholesome Forenoonein
hearing a cause betweene an Orendge wifeand a Forfetseller
and then reiourne the Controuersie of three-pence
to a second day of Audience. When you are hearing a
matter betweene party and partyif you chaunce to bee
pinch'd with the Collikeyou make faces like Mummers
set vp the bloodie Flagge against all Patienceand
in roaring for a Chamber-potdismisse the Controuersie
bleedingthe more intangled by your hearing: All the
peace you make in their Causeis calling both the parties
Knaues. You are a payre of strange ones

Bru. Comecomeyou are well vnderstood to bee a
perfecter gyber for the Tablethen a necessary Bencher in
the Capitoll

Men. Our very Priests must become Mockersif they
shall encounter such ridiculous Subiects as you arewhen
you speake best vnto the purpose. It is not woorth the
wagging of your Beardsand your Beards deserue not so
honourable a graueas to stuffe a Botchers Cushionor to
be intomb'd in an Asses Packe-saddle; yet you must bee
sayingMartius is proud: who in a cheape estimationis
worth all your predecessorssince Deucalionthough peraduenture


some of the best of 'em were hereditarie hangmen.
Godden to your Worshipsmore of your conuersation
would infect my Brainebeing the Heardsmen of
the Beastly Plebeans. I will be bold to take my leaue of
you.

Bru. and Scic. Aside.

Enter VolumniaVirgiliaand Valeria.

How now (my as faire as Noble) Ladyesand the Moone
were shee Earthlyno Nobler; whither doe you follow
your Eyes so fast?

Volum. Honorable Meneniusmy Boy Martius approches:
for the loue of Iuno let's goe

Menen. Ha? Martius comming home?
Volum. Iworthy Meneniusand with most prosperous
approbation

Menen. Take my Cappe Iupiterand I thanke thee:
hooMartius comming home?
2.Ladies. Nay'tis true

Volum. Lookehere's a Letter from himthe State hath
anotherhis Wife anotherand (I thinke) there's one at
home for you

Menen. I will make my very house reele to night:
A Letter for me?
Virgil. Yes certainethere's a Letter for youI saw't

Menen. A Letter for me? it giues me an Estate of seuen
yeeres health; in which timeI will make a Lippe at
the Physician: The most soueraigne Prescription in Galen
is but Emperickqutique; and to this Preseruatiueof no
better report then a Horse-drench. Is he not wounded?
he was wont to come home wounded?

Virgil. Oh nonono

Volum. Ohhe is woundedI thanke the Gods for't

Menen. So doe I tooif it be not too much: brings a
Victorie in his Pocket? the wounds become him

Volum. On's Browes: Meneniushee comes the third
time home with the Oaken Garland

Menen. Ha's he disciplin'd Auffidius soundly?
Volum. Titus Lartius writesthey fought togetherbut
Auffidius got off

Menen. And 'twas time for him tooIle warrant him
that: and he had stay'd by himI would not haue been so
fiddious'dfor all the Chests in Cariolesand the Gold
that's in them. Is the Senate possest of this?

Volum. Good Ladies let's goe. Yesyesyes: The
Senate ha's Letters from the Generallwherein hee giues
my Sonne the whole Name of the Warre: he hath in this
action out-done his former deeds doubly

Valer. In troththere's wondrous things spoke of him

Menen. Wondrous: II warrant youand not without


his true purchasing

Virgil. The Gods graunt them true

Volum. True? pow waw

Mene. True? Ile be sworne they are true: where is
hee woundedGod saue your good Worships? Martius
is comming home: hee ha's more cause to be prowd:
where is he wounded?

Volum. Ith' Shoulderand ith' left Arme: there will be
large Cicatrices to shew the Peoplewhen hee shall stand
for his place: he receiued in the repulse of Tarquin seuen
hurts ith' Body

Mene. One ith' Neckand two ith' Thighthere's nine
that I know

Volum. Hee hadbefore this last Expeditiontwentie
fiue Wounds vpon him

Mene. Now it's twentie seuen; euery gash was an
Enemies Graue. Hearkethe Trumpets.

A showtand flourish.

Volum. These are the Vshers of Martius:
Before himhee carryes Noyse;
And behinde himhee leaues Teares:
Deaththat darke Spiritin's neruie Arme doth lye
Which being aduanc'ddeclinesand then men dye.

A Sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter Cominius the Generalland Titus
Latius:
betweene them Coriolanuscrown'd with an Oaken Garlandwith
Captaines and
Souldiersand a Herauld.

Herauld. Know Romethat all alone Martius did fight
Within Corioles Gates: where he hath wonne
With Famea Name to Martius Caius:
These in honor followes Martius Caius Coriolanus.
Welcome to Romerenowned Coriolanus.

Sound. Flourish.

All. Welcome to Romerenowned Coriolanus

Coriol. No more of thisit does offend my heart: pray
now no more

Com. LookeSiryour Mother

Coriol. Oh! you haueI knowpetition'd all the Gods
for my prosperitie.

Kneeles.

Volum. Naymy good Souldiervp:
My gentle Martiusworthy Caius
And by deed-atchieuing Honor newly nam'd
What is it (Coriolanus) must I call thee?
But ohthy Wife


Corio. My gracious silencehayle:
Would'st thou haue laugh'dhad I come Coffin'd home
That weep'st to see me triumph? Ah my deare
Such eyes the Widowes in Carioles were
And Mothers that lacke Sonnes

Mene. Now the Gods Crowne thee

Com. And liue you yet? Oh my sweet Ladypardon

Volum. I know not where to turne.
Oh welcome home: and welcome Generall
And y'are welcome all

Mene. A hundred thousand Welcomes:
I could weepeand I could laugh
I am lightand heauie; welcome:
A Curse begin at very root on's heart
That is not glad to see thee.
You are threethat Rome should dote on:
Yet by the faith of menwe haue
Some old Crab-trees here at home
That will not be grafted to your Rallish.
Yet welcome Warriors:
Wee call a Nettlebut a Nettle;
And the faults of foolesbut folly

Com. Euer right

Cor. Meneniuseuereuer

Herauld. Giue way thereand goe on

Cor. Your Handand yours?
Ere in our owne house I doe shade my Head
The good Patricians must be visited
From whom I haue receiu'd not onely greetings
But with themchange of Honors

Volum. I haue liued
To see inherited my very Wishes
And the Buildings of my Fancie:
Onely there's one thing wanting
Which (I doubt not) but our Rome
Will cast vpon thee

Cor. Knowgood Mother
I had rather be their seruant in my way
Then sway with them in theirs

Com. Onto the Capitall.
Flourish. Cornets.

Exeunt. in Stateas before.

Enter Brutus and Scicinius

Bru. All tongues speake of himand the bleared sights
Are spectacled to see him. Your pratling Nurse
Into a rapture lets her Baby crie
While she chats him: the Kitchin Malkin pinnes
Her richest Lockram 'bout her reechie necke
Clambring the Walls to eye him:
StallsBulkesWindowesare smother'd vp


Leades fill'dand Ridges hors'd
With variable Complexions; all agreeing
In earnestnesse to see him: seld-showne Flamins
Doe presse among the popular Throngsand puffe
To winne a vulgar station: our veyl'd Dames
Commit the Warre of White and Damaske
In their nicely gawded Cheekestoth' wanton spoyle
Of Phoebus burning Kisses: such a poother
As if that whatsoeuer Godwho leades him
Were slyly crept into his humane powers
And gaue him gracefull posture

Scicin. On the suddaineI warrant him Consull

Brutus. Then our Office mayduring his powergoe
sleepe

Scicin. He cannot temp'rately transport his Honors
From where he should beginand endbut will
Lose those he hath wonne

Brutus. In that there's comfort

Scici. Doubt not
The Commonersfor whom we standbut they
Vpon their ancient mallicewill forget
With the least causethese his new Honors
Which that he will giue themmake I as little question
As he is prowd to doo't

Brutus. I heard him sweare
Were he to stand for Consullneuer would he
Appeare i'th' Market placenor on him put
The Naples Vesture of Humilitie
Nor shewing (as the manner is) his Wounds
Toth' Peoplebegge their stinking Breaths

Scicin. 'Tis right

Brutus. It was his word:
Oh he would misse itrather then carry it
But by the suite of the Gentry to him
And the desire of the Nobles

Scicin. I wish no betterthen haue him hold that purpose
and to put it in execution

Brutus. 'Tis most like he will

Scicin. It shall be to him thenas our good wills; a
sure destruction

Brutus. So it must fall out
To himor our Authoritiesfor an end.
We must suggest the Peoplein what hatred
He still hath held them: that to's power he would
Haue made them Mulessilenc'd their Pleaders
And dispropertied their Freedomes; holding them
In humane Actionand Capacitie
Of no more Soulenor fitnesse for the World
Then Cammels in their Warrewho haue their Prouand
Onely for bearing Burthensand sore blowes
For sinking vnder them


Scicin. This (as you say) suggested
At some timewhen his soaring Insolence
Shall teach the Peoplewhich time shall not want
If he be put vpon'tand that's as easie
As to set Dogges on Sheepewill be his fire
To kindle their dry Stubble: and their Blaze
Shall darken him for euer.
Enter a Messenger.

Brutus. What's the matter?

Mess. You are sent for to the Capitoll:
'Tis thoughtthat Martius shall be Consull:
I haue seene the dumbe men throng to see him
And the blind to heare him speak: Matrons flong Gloues
Ladies and Maids their Scarffesand Handkerchers
Vpon him as he pass'd: the Nobles bended
As to Ioues Statueand the Commons made
A Showerand Thunderwith their Capsand Showts:
I neuer saw the like

Brutus. Let's to the Capitoll
And carry with vs Eares and Eyes for th' time
But Hearts for the euent

Scicin. Haue with you.

Exeunt.

Enter two Officersto lay Cushionsas it werein the Capitoll.

1.Off. Comecomethey are almost here: how many
stand for Consulships?
2.Off. Threethey say: but 'tis thought of euery one
Coriolanus will carry it

1.Off. That's a braue fellow: but hee's vengeance
prowdand loues not the common people

2.Off. 'Faiththere hath beene many great men that
haue flatter'd the peoplewho ne're loued them; and there
be many that they haue louedthey know not wherefore:
so that if they loue they know not whythey hate vpon
no better a ground. Thereforefor Coriolanus neyther to
care whether they loueor hate himmanifests the true
knowledge he ha's in their dispositionand out of his Noble
carelesnesse lets them plainely see't

1.Off. If he did not care whether he had their loueor
nohee waued indifferently'twixt doing them neyther
goodnor harme: but hee seekes their hate with greater
deuotionthen they can render it him; and leaues nothing
vndonethat may fully discouer him their opposite. Now
to seeme to affect the mallice and displeasure of the People
is as badas that which he dislikesto flatter them for
their loue

2.Off. Hee hath deserued worthily of his Countrey
and his assent is not by such easie degrees as thosewho
hauing beene supple and courteous to the PeopleBonnetted
without any further deedto haue them at all into
their estimationand report: but hee hath so planted his
Honors in their Eyesand his actions in their Heartsthat
for their Tongues to be silentand not confesse so much
were a kinde of ingratefull Iniurie: to report otherwise


were a Mallicethat giuing it selfe the Lyewould plucke
reproofe and rebuke from euery Eare that heard it

1.Off. No more of himhee's a worthy man: make
waythey are comming.

A Sennet. Enter the Patriciansand the Tribunes of the People
Lictors
before them: CoriolanusMeneniusCominius the Consul:
Scicinius and
Brutus take their places by themselues: Coriolanus stands.


Menen. Hauing determin'd of the Volces
And to send for Titus Lartius: it remaines
As the maine Point of this our after-meeting
To gratifie his Noble seruicethat hath
Thus stood for his Countrey. Therefore please you
Most reuerend and graue Eldersto desire
The present Consulland last Generall
In our well-found Successesto report
A little of that worthy Workeperform'd
By Martius Caius Coriolanus: whom
We met hereboth to thankeand to remember
With Honors like himselfe

1.Sen. Speakegood Cominius:
Leaue nothing out for lengthand make vs thinke
Rather our states defectiue for requitall
Then we to stretch it out. Masters a'th' People
We doe request your kindest eares: and after
Your louing motion toward the common Body
To yeeld what passes here

Scicin. We are conuented vpon a pleasing Treatieand
haue hearts inclinable to honor and aduance the Theame
of our Assembly

Brutus. Which the rather wee shall be blest to doeif
he remember a kinder value of the Peoplethen he hath
hereto priz'd them at

Menen. That's offthat's off: I would you rather had
been silent: Please you to heare Cominius speake?
Brutus. Most willingly: but yet my Caution was
more pertinent then the rebuke you giue it

Menen. He loues your Peoplebut tye him not to be
their Bed-fellow: Worthie Cominius speake.

Coriolanus risesand offers to goe away.

Naykeepe your place

Senat. Sit Coriolanus: neuer shame to heare
What you haue Nobly done

Coriol. Your Honors pardon:
I had rather haue my Wounds to heale againe
Then heare say how I got them

Brutus. SirI hope my words dis-bench'd you not?

Coriol. No Sir: yet oft
When blowes haue made me stayI fled from words.
You sooth'd nottherefore hurt not: but your People


I loue them as they weighMenen.
Pray now sit downe

Corio. I had rather haue one scratch my Head i'th' Sun
When the Alarum were struckethen idly sit
To heare my Nothings monster'd.
Exit Coriolanus

Menen. Masters of the People
Your multiplying Spawnehow can he flatter?
That's thousand to one good onewhen you now see
He had rather venture all his Limbes for Honor
Then on ones Eares to heare it. Proceed Cominius

Com. I shall lacke voyce: the deeds of Coriolanus
Should not be vtter'd feebly: it is held
That Valour is the chiefest Vertue
And most dignifies the hauer: if it be
The man I speake ofcannot in the World
Be singly counter-poys'd. At sixteene yeeres
When Tarquin made a Head for Romehe fought
Beyond the marke of others: our then Dictator
Whom with all prayse I point atsaw him fight
When with his Amazonian Shinne he droue
The brizled Lippes before him: he bestrid
An o're-prest Romanand i'th' Consuls view
Slew three Opposers: Tarquins selfe he met
And strucke him on his Knee: in that dayes feates
When he might act the Woman in the Scene
He prou'd best man i'th' fieldand for his meed
Was Brow-bound with the Oake. His Pupill age
Man-entred thushe waxed like a Sea
And in the brunt of seuenteene Battailes since
He lurcht all Swords of the Garland: for this last
Beforeand in Corioleslet me say
I cannot speake him home: he stopt the flyers
And by his rare example made the Coward
Turne terror into sport: as Weeds before
A Vessell vnder sayleso men obey'd
And fell below his Stem: his SwordDeaths stampe
Where it did markeit tooke from face to foot:
He was a thing of Bloodwhose euery motion
Was tim'd with dying Cryes: alone he entred
The mortall Gate of th' Citiewhich he painted
With shunlesse destinie: aydelesse came off
And with a sudden re-inforcement strucke
Carioles like a Planet: now all's his
When by and by the dinne of Warre gan pierce
His readie sence: then straight his doubled spirit
Requickned what in flesh was fatigate
And to the Battaile came hewhere he did
Runne reeking o're the liues of menas if 'twere
A perpetuall spoyle: and till we call'd
Both Field and Citie ourshe neuer stood
To ease his Brest with panting

Menen. Worthy man

Senat. He cannot but with measure fit the Honors
which we deuise him

Com. Our spoyles he kickt at
And look'd vpon things preciousas they were
The common Muck of the World: he couets lesse


Then Miserie it selfe would giuerewards his deeds
With doing themand is content
To spend the timeto end it

Menen. Hee's right Noblelet him be call'd for

Senat. Call Coriolanus

Off. He doth appeare.
Enter Coriolanus.

Menen. The SenateCoriolanusare well pleas'd to make
thee Consull

Corio. I doe owe them still my Lifeand Seruices

Menen. It then remainesthat you doe speake to the
People

Corio. I doe beseech you
Let me o're-leape that custome: for I cannot
Put on the Gownestand nakedand entreat them
For my Wounds saketo giue their sufferage:
Please you that I may passe this doing

Scicin. Sirthe People must haue their Voyces
Neyther will they bate one iot of Ceremonie

Menen. Put them not too't:
Pray you goe fit you to the Custome
And take to youas your Predecessors haue
Your Honor with your forme

Corio. It is a part that I shall blush in acting
And might well be taken from the People

Brutus. Marke you that

Corio. To brag vnto themthus I didand thus
Shew them th' vnaking Skarreswhich I should hide
As if I had receiu'd them for the hyre
Of their breath onely

Menen. Doe not stand vpon't:
We recommend to you Tribunes of the People
Our purpose to themand to our Noble Consull
Wish we all Ioyand Honor

Senat. To Coriolanus come all ioy and Honor.
Flourish Cornets. Then Exeunt. Manet Sicinius and Brutus.

Bru. You see how he intends to vse the people

Scicin. May they perceiue's intent: he wil require them
As if he did contemne what he requested
Should be in them to giue

Bru. Comewee'l informe them
Of our proceedings heere on th' Market place
I know they do attend vs.
Enter seuen or eight Citizens.

1.Cit. Once if he do require our voyceswee ought
not to deny him


2.Cit. We may Sir if we will

3.Cit. We haue power in our selues to do itbut it is
a power that we haue no power to do: Forif hee shew vs
his woundsand tell vs his deedswe are to put our tongues
into those woundsand speake for them: So if he tel
vs his Noble deedswe must also tell him our Noble acceptance
of them. Ingratitude is monstrousand for the
multitude to be ingratefullwere to make a Monster of
the multitude; of the whichwe being membersshould
bring our selues to be monstrous members

1.Cit. And to make vs no better thought of a little
helpe will serue: for once we stood vp about the Corne
he himselfe stucke not to call vs the many-headed Multitude

3.Cit. We haue beene call'd so of manynot that our
heads are some brownesome blackesome Abramsome
bald; but that our wits are so diuersly Coulord; and truely
I thinkeif all our wittes were to issue out of one Scull
they would flye EastWestNorthSouthand their consent
of one direct wayshould be at once to all the points
a'th Compasse

2.Cit. Thinke you so? Which way do you iudge my
wit would flye

3.Cit. Nay your wit will not so soone out as another
mans will'tis strongly wadg'd vp in a blocke-head: but
if it were at liberty'twould sure Southward

2 Cit. Why that way?

3 Cit. To loose it selfe in a Foggewhere being three
parts melted away with rotten Dewesthe fourth would
returne for Conscience saketo helpe to get thee a Wife

2 Cit. You are neuer without your trickesyou may
you may

3 Cit. Are you all resolu'd to giue your voyces? But
that's no matterthe greater part carries itI say. If hee
would incline to the peoplethere was neuer a worthier
man.
Enter Coriolanus in a gowne of Humilitywith Menenius.

Heere he comesand in the Gowne of humilitymarke
his behauiour: we are not to stay altogetherbut to come
by him where he standsby onesby twoes& by threes.
He's to make his requests by particularswherein euerie
one of vs ha's a single Honorin giuing him our own voices
with our owne tonguestherefore follow meand Ile
direct you how you shall go by him

All. Contentcontent

Men. Oh Siryou are not right: haue you not knowne
The worthiest men haue done't?

Corio. What must I sayI pray Sir?
Plague vpon'tI cannot bring
My tongue to such a pace. Looke Sirmy wounds
I got them in my Countries Seruicewhen
Some certaine of your Brethren roar'dand ranne
From th' noise of our owne Drummes


Menen. Oh me the Godsyou must not speak of that
You must desire them to thinke vpon you

Coriol. Thinke vpon me? Hang 'em
I would they would forget melike the Vertues
Which our Diuines lose by em

Men. You'l marre all
Ile leaue you: Pray you speake to emI pray you
In wholsome manner.

Exit

Enter three of the Citizens.

Corio. Bid them wash their Faces
And keepe their teeth cleane: Soheere comes a brace
You know the cause (Sir) of my standing heere

3 Cit. We do Sirtell vs what hath brought you too't

Corio. Mine owne desert

2 Cit. Your owne desert

Corio. Ibut mine owne desire

3 Cit. How not your owne desire?
Corio. No Sir'twas neuer my desire yet to trouble the
poore with begging

3 Cit. You must thinke if we giue you any thingwe
hope to gaine by you

Corio. Well then I prayyour price a'th' Consulship

1 Cit. The price isto aske it kindly

Corio. Kindly sirI pray let me ha't: I haue wounds to
shew youwhich shall bee yours in priuate: your good
voice sirwhat say you?

2 Cit. You shall ha't worthy Sir

Corio. A match Sirthere's in all two worthie voyces
begg'd: I haue your AlmesAdieu

3 Cit. But this is something odde

2 Cit. And 'twere to giue againe: but 'tis no matter.

Exeunt. Enter two other Citizens.

Coriol. Pray you nowif it may stand with the tune
of your voicesthat I may bee ConsullI haue heere the
Customarie Gowne

1. You haue deserued Nobly of your Countreyand
you haue not deserued Nobly
Coriol. Your aenigma

1. You haue bin a scourge to her enemiesyou haue
bin a Rod to her Friendsyou haue not indeede loued the

Common people

Coriol. You should account mee the more Vertuous
that I haue not bin common in my LoueI will sir flatter
my sworne Brother the people to earne a deerer estimation
of them'tis a condition they account gentle: & since
the wisedome of their choiceis rather to haue my Hat
then my HeartI will practice the insinuating nodand be
off to them most counterfetlythat is sirI will counterfet
the bewitchment of some popular manand giue it
bountifull to the desirers: Therefore beseech youI may
be Consull

2. Wee hope to finde you our friend: and therefore
giue you our voices heartily
1. You haue receyued many wounds for your Countrey
Coriol. I wil not Seale your knowledge with shewing
them. I will make much of your voycesand so trouble
you no farther

Both. The Gods giue you ioy Sir heartily

Coriol. Most sweet Voyces:
Better it is to dyebetter to sterue
Then craue the higherwhich first we do deserue.
Why in this Wooluish tongue should I stand heere
To begge of Hob and Dickethat does appeere
Their needlesse Vouches: Custome calls me too't.
What Custome wills in all thingsshould we doo't?
The Dust on antique Time would lye vnswept
And mountainous Error be too highly heapt
For Truth to o're-peere. Rather then foole it so
Let the high Office and the Honor go
To one that would doe thus. I am halfe through
The one part sufferedthe other will I doe.
Enter three Citizens more.

Here come moe Voyces.
Your Voyces? for your Voyces I haue sought
Watcht for your Voyces: for your Voycesbeare
Of Woundstwo dozen odde: Battailes thrice six
I haue seeneand heard of: for your Voyces
Haue done many thingssome lessesome more:
Your Voyces? Indeed I would be Consull


1.Cit. Hee ha's done Noblyand cannot goe without
any honest mans Voyce

2.Cit. Therefore let him be Consull: the Gods giue him
ioyand make him good friend to the People

All. AmenAmen. God saue theeNoble Consull

Corio. Worthy Voyces.
Enter Meneniuswith Brutus and Scicinius.

Mene. You haue stood your Limitation:
And the Tribunes endue you with the Peoples Voyce
Remainesthat in th' Officiall Markes inuested
You anon doe meet the Senate

Corio. Is this done?


Scicin. The Custome of Request you haue discharg'd:
The People doe admit youand are summon'd
To meet anonvpon your approbation

Corio. Where? at the Senate-house?
Scicin. ThereCoriolanus


Corio. May I change these Garments?
Scicin. You maySir


Cori. That Ile straight do: and knowing my selfe again
Repayre toth' Senatehouse

Mene. Ile keepe you company. Will you along?
Brut. We stay here for the People


Scicin. Fare you well.

Exeunt. Coriol. and Mene.

He ha's it now: and by his Lookesme thinkes
'Tis warme at's heart

Brut. With a prowd heart he wore his humble Weeds:
Will you dismisse the People?
Enter the Plebeians.

Scici. How nowmy Mastershaue you chose this man?
1.Cit. He ha's our VoycesSir


Brut. We pray the Godshe may deserue your loues

2.Cit. AmenSir: to my poore vnworthy notice
He mock'd vswhen he begg'd our Voyces

3.Cit. Certainelyhe flowted vs downe-right

1.Cit. No'tis his kind of speechhe did not mock vs

2.Cit. Not one amongst vssaue your selfebut sayes
He vs'd vs scornefully: he should haue shew'd vs
His Marks of MeritWounds receiu'd for's Countrey

Scicin. Why so he didI am sure

All. Nono: no man saw 'em

3.Cit. Hee said hee had Wounds
Which he could shew in priuate:
And with his Hatthus wauing it in scorne
I would be Consullsayes he: aged Custome
But by your Voyceswill not so permit me.
Your Voyces therefore: when we graunted that
Here wasI thanke you for your Voycesthanke you
Your most sweet Voyces: now you haue left your Voyces
I haue no further with you. Was not this mockerie?

Scicin. Why eyther were you ignorant to see't?
Or seeing itof such Childish friendlinesse
To yeeld your Voyces?

Brut. Could you not haue told him
As you were lesson'd: When he had no Power
But was a pettie seruant to the State
He was your Enemieeuer spake against
Your Libertiesand the Charters that you beare


I'th' Body of the Weale: and now arriuing
A place of Potencieand sway o'th' State
If he should still malignantly remaine
Fast Foe toth' Plebeijyour Voyces might
Be Curses to your selues. You should haue said
That as his worthy deeds did clayme no lesse
Then what he stood for: so his gracious nature
Would thinke vpon youfor your Voyces
And translate his Mallice towards youinto Loue
Standing your friendly Lord

Scicin. Thus to haue said
As you were fore-aduis'dhad toucht his Spirit
And try'd his Inclination: from him pluckt
Eyther his gracious Promisewhich you might
As cause had call'd you vphaue held him to;
Or else it would haue gall'd his surly nature
Which easily endures not Article
Tying him to oughtso putting him to Rage
You should haue ta'ne th' aduantage of his Choller
And pass'd him vnelected

Brut. Did you perceiue
He did sollicite you in free Contempt
When he did need your Loues: and doe you thinke
That his Contempt shall not be brusing to you
When he hath power to crush? Whyhad your Bodyes
No Heart among you? Or had you Tonguesto cry
Against the Rectorship of Iudgement?

Scicin. Haue youere nowdeny'd the asker:
And now againeof him that did not askebut mock
Bestow your su'd-for Tongues?

3.Cit. Hee's not confirm'dwe may deny him yet

2.Cit. And will deny him:
Ile haue fiue hundred Voyces of that sound

1.Cit. I twice fiue hundred& their friendsto piece 'em

Brut. Get you hence instantlyand tell those friends
They haue chose a Consullthat will from them take
Their Libertiesmake them of no more Voyce
Then Doggesthat are as often beat for barking
As therefore kept to doe so

Scici. Let them assemble: and on a safer Iudgement
All reuoke your ignorant election: Enforce his Pride
And his old Hate vnto you: besidesforget not
With what Contempt he wore the humble Weed
How in his Suit he scorn'd you: but your Loues
Thinking vpon his Seruicestooke from you
Th' apprehension of his present portance
Which most gibinglyvngrauelyhe did fashion
After the inueterate Hate he beares you

Brut. Lay a fault on vsyour Tribunes
That we labour'd (no impediment betweene)
But that you must cast your Election on him

Scici. Say you chose himmore after our commandment
Then as guided by your owne true affectionsand that
Your Minds pre-occupy'd with what you rather must do
Then what you shouldmade you against the graine
To Voyce him Consull. Lay the fault on vs


Brut. Ispare vs not: Saywe read Lectures to you
How youngly he began to serue his Countrey
How long continuedand what stock he springs of
The Noble House o'th'Martians: from whence came
That Ancus MartiusNumaes Daughters Sonne:
Who after great Hostilius here was King
Of the same House Publius and Quintus were
That our best Waterbrought by Conduits hither
And Nobly nam'dso twice being Censor
Was his great Ancestor

Scicin. One thus descended
That hath beside well in his person wrought
To be set high in placewe did commend
To your remembrances: but you haue found
Skaling his present bearing with his past
That hee's your fixed enemie; and reuoke
Your suddaine approbation

Brut. Say you ne're had don't
(Harpe on that still) but by our putting on:
And presentlywhen you haue drawne your number
Repaire toth' Capitoll

All. We will so: almost all repent in their election.

Exeunt. Plebeians.

Brut. Let them goe on:
This Mutinie were better put in hazard
Then stay past doubtfor greater:
Ifas his nature ishe fall in rage
With their refusallboth obserue and answer
The vantage of his anger

Scicin. Toth' Capitollcome:
We will be there before the streame o'th' People:
And this shall seemeas partly 'tistheir owne
Which we haue goaded on-ward.

Exeunt.


Actus Tertius.


Cornets. Enter CoriolanusMeneniusall the GentryCominius
Titus
Latiusand other Senators.


Corio. Tullus Auffidius then had made new head

Latius. He hadmy Lordand that it was which caus'd
Our swifter Composition

Corio. So then the Volces stand but as at first
Readie when time shall prompt themto make roade
Vpon's againe

Com. They are worne (Lord Consull) so
That we shall hardly in our ages see
Their Banners waue againe

Corio. Saw you Auffidius?


Latius. On safegard he came to meand did curse
Against the Volcesfor they had so vildly
Yeelded the Towne: he is retyred to Antium

Corio. Spoke he of me?
Latius. He didmy Lord


Corio. How? what?

Latius. How often he had met you Sword to Sword:
That of all things vpon the Earthhe hated
Your person most: That he would pawne his fortunes
To hopelesse restitutionso he might
Be call'd your Vanquisher

Corio. At Antium liues he?
Latius. At Antium


Corio. I wish I had a cause to seeke him there
To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.
Enter Scicinius and Brutus.

Beholdthese are the Tribunes of the People
The Tongues o'th' Common Mouth. I do despise them:
For they doe pranke them in Authoritie
Against all Noble sufferance


Scicin. Passe no further

Cor. Hah? what is that?
Brut. It will be dangerous to goe on- No further


Corio. What makes this change?
Menen. The matter?
Com. Hath he not pass'd the Nobleand the Common?
Brut. Cominiusno


Corio. Haue I had Childrens Voyces?
Senat. Tribunes giue wayhe shall toth' Market place

Brut. The People are incens'd against him

Scicin. Stopor all will fall in broyle

Corio. Are these your Heard?
Must these haue Voycesthat can yeeld them now
And straight disclaim their toungs? what are your Offices?
You being their Moutheswhy rule you not their Teeth?
Haue you not set them on?

Mene. Be calmebe calme

Corio. It is a purpos'd thingand growes by Plot
To curbe the will of the Nobilitie:
Suffer'tand liue with such as cannot rule
Nor euer will be ruled

Brut. Call't not a Plot:
The People cry you mockt them: and of late
When Corne was giuen them gratisyou repin'd
Scandal'd the Suppliants: for the Peoplecall'd them
Time-pleasersflatterersfoes to Noblenesse

Corio. Why this was knowne before

Brut. Not to them all


Corio. Haue you inform'd them sithence?
Brut. How? I informe them?
Com. You are like to doe such businesse


Brut. Not vnlike each way to better yours

Corio. Why then should I be Consull? by yond Clouds
Let me deserue so ill as youand make me
Your fellow Tribune

Scicin. You shew too much of that
For which the People stirre: if you will passe
To where you are boundyou must enquire your way
Which you are out ofwith a gentler spirit
Or neuer be so Noble as a Consull
Nor yoake with him for Tribune

Mene. Let's be calme

Com. The People are abus'd: set onthis paltring
Becomes not Rome: nor ha's Coriolanus
Deseru'd this so dishonor'd Rublayd falsely
I'th' plaine Way of his Merit

Corio. Tell me of Corne: this was my speech
And I will speak't againe

Mene. Not nownot now

Senat. Not in this heatSirnow

Corio. Now as I liueI will.
My Nobler friendsI craue their pardons:
For the mutable ranke-sented Meynie
Let them regard meas I doe not flatter
And therein behold themselues: I say againe
In soothing themwe nourish 'gainst our Senate
The Cockle of RebellionInsolenceSedition
Which we our selues haue plowed forsow'd& scatter'd
By mingling them with vsthe honor'd Number
Who lack not Vertuenonor Powerbut that
Which they haue giuen to Beggers

Mene. Wellno more

Senat. No more wordswe beseech you

Corio. How? no more?
As for my CountryI haue shed my blood
Not fearing outward force: So shall my Lungs
Coine words till their decayagainst those Meazels
Which we disdaine should Tetter vsyet sought
The very way to catch them

Bru. You speake a'th' peopleas if you were a God
To punish; Not a manof their Infirmity

Sicin. 'Twere well we let the people know't

Mene. Whatwhat? His Choller?
Cor. Choller? Were I as patient as the midnight sleep
By Ioue'twould be my minde


Sicin. It is a minde that shall remain a poison
Where it is: not poyson any further

Corio. Shall remaine?
Heare you this Triton of the Minnoues? Marke you
His absolute Shall?

Com. 'Twas from the Cannon

Cor. Shall? O God! but most vnwise Patricians: why
You grauebut wreaklesse Senatorshaue you thus
Giuen Hidra heere to choose an Officer
That with his peremptory Shallbeing but
The horneand noise o'th' Monsterswants not spirit
To sayhee'l turne your Current in a ditch
And make your Channell his? If he haue power
Then vale your Ignorance: If noneawake
Your dangerous Lenity: If you are Learn'd
Be not as common Fooles; if you are not
Let them haue Cushions by you. You are Plebeians
If they be Senators: and they are no lesse
When both your voices blendedthe great'st taste
Most pallates theirs. They choose their Magistrate
And such a one as hewho puts his Shall
His popular Shallagainst a grauer Bench
Then euer frown'd in Greece. By Ioue himselfe
It makes the Consuls base; and my Soule akes
To knowwhen two Authorities are vp
Neither Supreame; How soone Confusion
May enter 'twixt the gap of Bothand take
The one by th' other

Com. Wellon to'th' Market place

Corio. Who euer gaue that Counsellto giue forth
The Corne a'th' Store-house gratisas 'twas vs'd
Sometime in Greece

Mene. Wellwellno more of that

Cor. Thogh there the people had more absolute powre
I say they norisht disobedience: fedthe ruin of the State

Bru. Why shall the people giue
One that speakes thustheir voyce?

Corio. Ile giue my Reasons
More worthier then their Voyces. They know the Corne
Was not our recompenceresting well assur'd
They ne're did seruice for't; being prest to'th' Warre
Euen when the Nauell of the State was touch'd
They would not thred the Gates: This kinde of Seruice
Did not deserue Corne gratis. Being i'th' Warre
There Mutinies and Reuoltswherein they shew'd
Most Valour spoke not for them. Th' Accusation
Which they haue often made against the Senate
All cause vnbornecould neuer be the Natiue
Of our so franke Donation. Wellwhat then?
How shall this Bosome-multiplieddigest
The Senates Courtesie? Let deeds expresse
What's like to be their wordsWe did request it
We are the greater poleand in true feare
They gaue vs our demands. Thus we debase
The Nature of our Seatsand make the Rabble
Call our CaresFeares; which will in time
Breake ope the Lockes a'th' Senateand bring in


The Crowes to pecke the Eagles

Mene. Come enough

Bru. Enoughwith ouer measure

Corio. Notake more.
What may be sworne byboth Diuine and Humane
Seale what I end withall. This double worship
Whereon part do's disdaine with causethe other
Insult without all reason: where GentryTitlewisedom
Cannot concludebut by the yea and no
Of generall Ignoranceit must omit
Reall Necessitiesand giue way the while
To vnstable Slightnesse. Purpose so barr'dit followes
Nothing is done to purpose. Therefore beseech you
You that will be lesse fearefullthen discreet
That loue the Fundamentall part of State
More then you doubt the change on't: That preferre
A Noble lifebefore a Longand Wish
To iumpe a Body with a dangerous Physicke
That's sure of death without it: at once plucke out
The Multitudinous Tonguelet them not licke
The sweet which is their poyson. Your dishonor
Mangles true iudgementand bereaues the State
Of that Integrity which should becom't:
Not hauing the power to do the good it would
For th' ill which doth controul't

Bru. Has said enough

Sicin. Ha's spoken like a Traitorand shall answer
As Traitors do

Corio. Thou wretchdespight ore-whelme thee:
What should the people do with these bald Tribunes?
On whom dependingtheir obedience failes
To'th' greater Benchin a Rebellion:
When what's not meetbut what must bewas Law
Then were they chosen: in a better houre
Let what is meetbe saide it must be meet
And throw their power i'th' dust

Bru. Manifest Treason

Sicin. This a Consull? No.
Enter an aedile.

Bru. The Ediles hoe: Let him be apprehended:

Sicin. Go call the peoplein whose name my Selfe
Attach thee as a Traitorous Innouator:
A Foe to'th' publike Weale. Obey I charge thee
And follow to thine answer

Corio. Hence old Goat

All. Wee'l Surety him

Com. Ag'd sirhands off

Corio. Hence rotten thingor I shall shake thy bones
Out of thy Garments

Sicin. Helpe ye Citizens.


Enter a rabble of Plebeians with the Aediles.

Mene. On both sides more respect

Sicin. Heere's heethat would take from you all your
power

Bru. Seize him Aediles

All. Downe with himdowne with him

2 Sen. Weaponsweaponsweapons:

They all bustle about Coriolanus.

TribunesPatriciansCitizens: what ho:
SiciniusBrutusCoriolanusCitizens

All. Peacepeacepeacestayholdpeace

Mene. What is about to be? I am out of Breath
Confusions neereI cannot speake. YouTribunes
To'th' people: Coriolanuspatience: Speak good Sicinius

Scici. Heare mePeople peace

All. Let's here our Tribune: peacespeakespeake
speake

Scici. You are at point to lose your Liberties:
Martius would haue all from you; Martius
Whom late you haue nam'd for Consull

Mene. Fiefiefiethis is the way to kindlenot to
quench

Sena. To vnbuild the Citieand to lay all flat

Scici. What is the Citiebut the People?
All. Truethe People are the Citie


Brut. By the consent of allwe were establish'd the
Peoples Magistrates

All. You so remaine

Mene. And so are like to doe

Com. That is the way to lay the Citie flat
To bring the Roofe to the Foundation
And burie allwhich yet distinctly raunges
In heapesand piles of Ruine

Scici. This deserues Death

Brut. Or let vs stand to our Authoritie
Or let vs lose it: we doe here pronounce
Vpon the part o'th' Peoplein whose power
We were elected theirsMartius is worthy
Of present Death

Scici. Therefore lay hold of him:
Beare him toth' Rock Tarpeianand from thence
Into destruction cast him


Brut. aediles seize him

All Ple. Yeeld Martiusyeeld

Mene. Heare me one word'beseech you Tribunes
heare me but a word

Aediles. Peacepeace

Mene. Be that you seemetruly your Countries friend
And temp'rately proceed to what you would
Thus violently redresse

Brut. Sirthose cold wayes
That seeme like prudent helpesare very poysonous
Where the Disease is violent. Lay hands vpon him
And beare him to the Rock.

Corio. drawes his Sword.

Corio. NoIle die here:
There's some among you haue beheld me fighting
Come trie vpon your selueswhat you haue seene me

Mene. Downe with that SwordTribunes withdraw
a while

Brut. Lay hands vpon him

Mene. Helpe Martiushelpe: you that be noblehelpe
him young and old

All. Downe with himdowne with him.

Exeunt.

In this Mutiniethe Tribunesthe aedilesand the People are beat
in.

Mene. Goeget you to our House: be goneaway.
All will be naught else

2.Sena. Get you gone

Com. Stand fastwe haue as many friends as enemies

Mene. Shall it be put to that?

Sena. The Gods forbid:
I prythee noble friendhome to thy House
Leaue vs to cure this Cause

Mene. For 'tis a Sore vpon vs
You cannot Tent your selfe: be gone'beseech you

Corio. Come Siralong with vs

Mene. I would they were Barbariansas they are
Though in Rome litter'd: not Romansas they are not
Though calued i'th' Porch o'th' Capitoll:
Be goneput not your worthy Rage into your Tongue
One time will owe another

Corio. On faire groundI could beat fortie of them


Mene. I could my selfe take vp a Brace o'th' best of
themyeathe two Tribunes

Com. But now 'tis oddes beyond Arithmetick
And Manhood is call'd Fooleriewhen it stands
Against a falling Fabrick. Will you hence
Before the Tagge returne? whose Rage doth rend
Like interrupted Watersand o're-beare
What they are vs'd to beare

Mene. Pray you be gone:
Ile trie whether my old Wit be in request
With those that haue but little: this must be patcht
With Cloth of any Colour

Com. Naycome away.

Exeunt. Coriolanus and Cominius.

Patri. This man ha's marr'd his fortune

Mene. His nature is too noble for the World:
He would not flatter Neptune for his Trident
Or Iouefor's power to Thunder: his Heart's his Mouth:
What his Brest forgesthat his Tongue must vent
And being angrydoes forget that euer
He heard the Name of Death.

A Noise within.

Here's goodly worke

Patri. I would they were a bed

Mene. I would they were in Tyber.
What the vengeancecould he not speake 'em faire?
Enter Brutus and Sicinius with the rabble againe.

Sicin. Where is this Viper
That would depopulate the city& be euery man himself
Mene. You worthy Tribunes

Sicin. He shall be throwne downe the Tarpeian rock
With rigorous hands: he hath resisted Law
And therefore Law shall scorne him further Triall
Then the seuerity of the publike Power
Which he so sets at naught

1 Cit. He shall well know the Noble Tribunes are
The peoples mouthsand we their hands

All. He shall sure ont

Mene. Sirsir

Sicin. Peace

Me. Do not cry hauockewhere you shold but hunt
With modest warrant

Sicin. Sirhow com'st that you haue holpe
To make this rescue?
Mene. Heere me speake? As I do know


The Consuls worthinesseso can I name his Faults

Sicin. Consull? what Consull?
Mene. The Consull Coriolanus


Bru. He Consull

All. Nonononono

Mene. If by the Tribunes leaue
And yours good people
I may be heardI would craue a word or two
The which shall turne you to no further harme
Then so much losse of time

Sic. Speake breefely then
For we are peremptory to dispatch
This Viporous Traitor: to eiect him hence
Were but one dangerand to keepe him heere
Our certaine death: therefore it is decreed
He dyes to night

Menen. Now the good Gods forbid
That our renowned Romewhose gratitude
Towards her deserued Childrenis enroll'd
In Ioues owne Bookelike an vnnaturall Dam
Should now eate vp her owne

Sicin. He's a Disease that must be cut away

Mene. Oh he's a Limbethat ha's but a Disease
Mortallto cut it off: to cure iteasie.
What ha's he done to Romethat's worthy death?
Killing our Enemiesthe blood he hath lost
(Which I dare vouchis more then that he hath
By many an Ounce) he dropp'd it for his Country:
And what is leftto loose it by his Countrey
Were to vs all that doo'tand suffer it
A brand to th' end a'th World

Sicin. This is cleane kamme

Brut. Meerely awry:
When he did loue his Countryit honour'd him

Menen. The seruice of the foote
Being once gangren'dis not then respected
For what before it was

Bru. Wee'l heare no more:
Pursue him to his houseand plucke him thence
Least his infection being of catching nature
Spred further

Menen. One word moreone word:
This Tiger-footed-ragewhen it shall find
The harme of vnskan'd swiftnessewill (too late)
Tye Leaden pounds too's heeles. Proceed by Processe
Least parties (as he is belou'd) breake out
And sacke great Rome with Romanes

Brut. If it were so?
Sicin. What do ye talke?
Haue we not had a taste of his Obedience?


Our Ediles smot: our selues resisted: come

Mene. Consider this: He ha's bin bred i'th' Warres
Since a could draw a Swordand is ill-school'd
In boulted Language: Meale and Bran together
He throwes without distinction. Giue me leaue
Ile go to himand vndertake to bring him in peace
Where he shall answer by a lawfull Forme
(In peace) to his vtmost perill

1.Sen. Noble Tribunes
It is the humane way: the other course
Will proue to bloody: and the end of it
Vnknowne to the Beginning

Sic. Noble Meneniusbe you then as the peoples officer:
Masterslay downe your Weapons

Bru. Go not home

Sic. Meet on the Market place: wee'l attend you there:
Where if you bring not Martiuswee'l proceede
In our first way

Menen. Ile bring him to you.
Let me desire your company: he must come
Or what is worst will follow

Sena. Pray you let's to him.

Exeunt. Omnes.

Enter Coriolanus with Nobles.

Corio. Let them pull all about mine earespresent me
Death on the Wheeleor at wilde Horses heeles
Or pile ten hilles on the Tarpeian Rocke
That the precipitation might downe stretch
Below the beame of sight; yet will I still
Be thus to them.
Enter Volumnia.

Noble. You do the Nobler

Corio. I muse my Mother
Do's not approue me furtherwho was wont
To call them Wollen Vassailesthings created
To buy and sell with Groatsto shew bare heads
In Congregationsto yawnebe stilland wonder
When one but of my ordinance stood vp
To speake of Peaceor Warre. I talke of you
Why did you wish me milder? Would you haue me
False to my Nature? Rather sayI play
The man I am

Volum. Oh sirsirsir
I would haue had you put your power well on
Before you had worne it out

Corio. Let go

Vol. You might haue beene enough the man you are
With striuing lesse to be so: Lesser had bin
The things of your dispositionsif


You had not shew'd them how ye were dispos'd
Ere they lack'd power to crosse you

Corio. Let them hang

Volum. Iand burne too.
Enter Menenius with the Senators.

Men. Comecomeyou haue bin too roughsomthing
too rough: you must returneand mend it

Sen. There's no remedy
Vnlesse by not so doingour good Citie
Cleaue in the midd'stand perish

Volum. Pray be counsail'd;
I haue a heart as little apt as yours
But yet a brainethat leades my vse of Anger
To better vantage

Mene. Well saidNoble woman:
Before he should thus stoope to'th' heartbut that
The violent fit a'th' time craues it as Physicke
For the whole State; I would put mine Armour on
Which I can scarsely beare

Corio. What must I do?
Mene. Returne to th' Tribunes


Corio. Wellwhat then? what then?
Mene. Repentwhat you haue spoke


Corio. For themI cannot do it to the Gods
Must I then doo't to them?

Volum. You are too absolute
Though therein you can neuer be too Noble
But when extremities speake. I haue heard you say
Honor and Policylike vnseuer'd Friends
I'th' Warre do grow together: Grant thatand tell me
In Peacewhat each of them by th' other loose
That they combine not there?

Corio. Tushtush

Mene. A good demand

Volum. If it be Honor in your Warresto seeme
The same you are notwhich for your best ends
You adopt your policy: How is it lesse or worse
That it shall hold Companionship in Peace
With Honouras in Warre; since that to both
It stands in like request

Corio. Why force you this?

Volum. Becausethat
Now it lyes you on to speake to th' people:
Not by your owne instructionnor by'th' matter
Which your heart prompts youbut with such words
That are but roated in your Tongue;
Though but Bastardsand Syllables
Of no allowanceto your bosomes truth.
Nowthis no more dishonors you at all
Then to take in a Towne with gentle words
Which else would put you to your fortuneand
The hazard of much blood.


I would dissemble with my Naturewhere
My Fortunes and my Friends at stakerequir'd
I should do so in Honor. I am in this
Your Wifeyour Sonne: These Senatorsthe Nobles
And youwill rather shew our generall Lowts
How you can frownethen spend a fawne vpon 'em
For the inheritance of their louesand safegard
Of what that want might ruine

Menen. Noble Lady
Come goe with vsspeake faire: you may salue so
Not what is dangerous presentbut the losse
Of what is past

Volum. I prythee nowmy Sonne
Goe to themwith this Bonnet in thy hand
And thus farre hauing stretcht it (here be with them)
Thy Knee bussing the stones: for in such businesse
Action is eloquenceand the eyes of th' ignorant
More learned then the eareswauing 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 Souldierand being bred in broyles
Hast not the soft waywhich thou do'st confesse
Were fit for thee to vseas they to clayme
In asking their good louesbut thou wilt frame
Thy selfe (forsooth) hereafter theirs so farre
As thou hast power and person

Menen. This but done
Euen as she speakeswhy their hearts were yours:
For they haue Pardonsbeing ask'das free
As words to little purpose

Volum. Prythee now
Goeand be rul'd: although I know thou hadst rather
Follow thine Enemie in a fierie Gulfe
Then flatter him in a Bower.
Enter Cominius.

Here is Cominius

Com. I haue beene i'th' Market place: and Sir 'tis fit
You make strong partieor defend your selfe
By calmenesseor by absence: all's in anger

Menen. Onely faire speech

Com. I thinke 'twill serueif he can thereto frame his
spirit

Volum. He mustand will:
Prythee now say you willand goe about it

Corio. Must I goe shew them my vnbarb'd Sconce?
Must I with my base Tongue giue to my Noble Heart
A Lyethat it must beare well? I will doo't:
Yet were there but this single Plotto loose
This Mould of Martiusthey to dust should grinde it
And throw't against the Winde. Toth' Market place:
You haue put me now to such a partwhich neuer
I shall discharge toth' Life


Com. Comecomewee'le prompt you

Volum. I prythee now sweet Sonas thou hast said
My praises made thee first a Souldier; so
To haue my praise for thisperforme a part
Thou hast not done before

Corio. WellI must doo't:
Away my dispositionand possesse me
Some Harlots spirit: My throat of Warre be turn'd
Which quier'd with my Drumme into a Pipe
Small as an Eunuchor the Virgin voyce
That Babies lull a-sleepe: The smiles of Knaues
Tent in my cheekesand Schoole-boyes Teares take vp
The Glasses of my sight: A Beggars Tongue
Make motion through my Lipsand my Arm'd knees
Who bow'd but in my Stirropbend like his
That hath receiu'd an Almes. I will not doo't
Least I surcease to honor mine owne truth
And by my Bodies actionteach my Minde
A most inherent Basenesse

Volum. At thy choice then:
To begge of theeit is my more dis-honor
Then thou of them. Come all to ruinelet
Thy Mother rather feele thy Pridethen feare
Thy dangerous Stoutnesse: for I mocke at death
With as bigge heart as thou. Do as thou list
Thy Valiantnesse was minethou suck'st it from me:
But owe thy Pride thy selfe

Corio. Pray be content:
MotherI am going to the Market place:
Chide me no more. Ile Mountebanke their Loues
Cogge their Hearts from themand come home belou'd
Of all the Trades in Rome. LookeI am going:
Commend me to my WifeIle returne Consull
Or neuer trust to what my Tongue can do
I'th way of Flattery further

Volum. Do your will.

Exit Volumnia

Com. Awaythe Tribunes do attend you: arm your self
To answer mildely: for they are prepar'd
With Accusationsas I heare more strong
Then are vpon you yet

Corio. The word isMildely. Pray you let vs go
Let them accuse me by inuention: I
Will answer in mine Honor

Menen. Ibut mildely

Corio. Well mildely be it thenMildely.

Exeunt.

Enter Sicinius and Brutus.

Bru. In this point charge him homethat he affects
Tyrannicall power: If he euade vs there
Inforce him with his enuy to the people


And that the Spoile got on the Antiats
Was ne're distributed. Whatwill he come?
Enter an Edile.

Edile. Hee's comming

Bru. How accompanied?
Edile. With old Meneniusand those Senators
That alwayes fauour'd him

Sicin. Haue you a Catalogue
Of all the Voices that we haue procur'dset downe by'th Pole?
Edile. I haue: 'tis ready

Sicin. Haue you collected them by Tribes?
Edile. I haue


Sicin. Assemble presently the people hither:
And when they heare me sayit shall be so
I'th' right and strength a'th' Commons: be it either
For deathfor fineor Banishmentthen let them
If I say Finecry Fine; if Deathcry Death
Insisting on the olde prerogatiue
And power i'th Truth a'th Cause

Edile. I shall informe them

Bru. And when such time they haue begun to cry
Let them not ceasebut with a dinne confus'd
Inforce the present Execution
Of what we chance to Sentence

Edi. Very well

Sicin. Make them be strongand ready for this hint
When we shall hap to giu't them

Bru. Go about it
Put him to Choller straitehe hath bene vs'd
Euer to conquerand to haue his worth
Of contradiction. Being once chafthe cannot
Be rein'd againe to Temperancethen he speakes
What's in his heartand that is there which lookes
With vs to breake his necke.
Enter CoriolanusMeneniusand Cominiuswith others.

Sicin. Wellheere he comes

Mene. CalmelyI do beseech you

Corio. Ias an Hostlerthat fourth poorest peece
Will beare the Knaue by'th Volume:
Th' honor'd Goddes
Keepe Rome in safetyand the Chaires of Iustice
Supplied with worthy menplant loue amongs
Through our large Temples with y shewes of peace
And not our streets with Warre

1 Sen. AmenAmen

Mene. A Noble wish.
Enter the Edile with the Plebeians.

Sicin. Draw neere ye people


Edile. List to your Tribunes. Audience:
Peace I say

Corio. First heare me speake

Both Tri. Wellsay: Peace hoe

Corio. Shall I be charg'd no further then this present?
Must all determine heere?

Sicin. I do demand
If you submit you to the peoples voices
Allow their Officersand are content
To suffer lawfull Censure for such faults
As shall be prou'd vpon you

Corio. I am Content

Mene. Lo Citizenshe sayes he is Content.
The warlike Seruice he ha's doneconsider: Thinke
Vpon the wounds his body beareswhich shew
Like Graues i'th holy Church-yard

Corio. Scratches with Briarsscarres to moue
Laughter onely

Mene. Consider further:
That when he speakes not like a Citizen
You finde him like a Soldier: do not take
His rougher Actions for malicious sounds:
But as I saysuch as become a Soldier
Rather then enuy you

Com. Wellwellno more

Corio. What is the matter
That being past for Consull with full voyce:
I am so dishonour'dthat the very houre
You take it off againe

Sicin. Answer to vs

Corio. Say then: 'tis trueI ought so

Sicin. We charge youthat you haue contriu'd to take
From Rome all season'd Officeand to winde
Your selfe into a power tyrannicall
For which you are a Traitor to the people

Corio. How? Traytor?
Mene. Nay temperately: your promise


Corio. The fires i'th' lowest hell. Fould in the people:
Call me their Traitorthou iniurious Tribune.
Within thine eyes sate twenty thousand deaths
In thy hands clutcht: as many Millions in
Thy lying tongueboth numbers. I would say
Thou lyest vnto theewith a voice as free
As I do pray the Gods

Sicin. Marke you this people?
All. To'th' Rocketo'th' Rocke with him


Sicin. Peace:
We neede not put new matter to his charge:


What you haue seene him doand heard him speake:
Beating your Officerscursing your selues
Opposing Lawes with stroakesand heere defying
Those whose great power must try him.
Euen this so criminalland in such capitall kinde
Deserues th' extreamest death


Bru. But since he hath seru'd well for Rome

Corio. What do you prate of Seruice

Brut. I talke of thatthat know it

Corio. You?
Mene. Is this the promise that you made your mother

Com. KnowI pray you

Corio. Ile know no further:
Let them pronounce the steepe Tarpeian death
Vagabond exileFleaingpent to linger
But with a graine a dayI would not buy
Their mercieat the price of one faire word
Nor checke my Courage for what they can giue
To haue't with sayingGood morrow

Sicin. For that he ha's
(As much as in him lies) from time to time
Enui'd against the people; seeking meanes
To plucke away their power: as now at last
Giuen Hostile strokesand that not in the presence
Of dreaded Iusticebut on the Ministers
That doth distribute it. In the name a'th' people
And in the power of vs the Tribuneswee
(Eu'n from this instant) banish him our Citie
In perill of precipitation
From off the Rocke Tarpeianneuer more
To enter our Rome gates. I'th' Peoples name
I say it shall bee so

All. It shall be soit shall be so: let him away:
Hee's banish'dand it shall be so

Com. Heare me my Mastersand my common friends

Sicin. He's sentenc'd: No more hearing

Com. Let me speake:
I haue bene Consulland can shew from Rome
Her Enemies markes vpon me. I do loue
My Countries goodwith a respect more tender
More holyand profoundthen mine owne life
My deere Wiues estimateher wombes encrease
And treasure of my Loynes: then if I would
Speake that

Sicin. We know your drift. Speake what?

Bru. There's no more to be saidbut he is banish'd
As Enemy to the peopleand his Countrey.
It shall bee so

All. It shall be soit shall be so

Corio. You common cry of Curswhose breath I hate


As reeke a'th' rotten Fennes: whose Loues I prize
As the dead Carkasses of vnburied men
That do corrupt my Ayre: I banish you
And heere remaine with your vncertaintie.
Let euery feeble Rumor shake your hearts:
Your Enemieswith nodding of their Plumes
Fan you into dispaire: Haue the power still
To banish your Defenderstill at length
Your ignorance (which findes not till it feeles
Making but reseruation of your selues
Still your owne Foes) deliuer you
As most abated Captiuesto some Nation
That wonne you without blowesdespising
For you the City. Thus I turne my backe;
There is a world elsewhere.


Exeunt. CoriolanusCominiuswith Cumalijs. They all shoutand
throw vp
their Caps.


Edile. The peoples Enemy is goneis gone

All. Our enemy is banish'dhe is gone: Hoooo

Sicin. Go see him out at Gatesand follow him

As he hath follow'd youwith all despight

Giue him deseru'd vexation. Let a guard

Attend vs through the City

All. Comecomelets see him out at gatescome:
The Gods preserue our Noble Tribunescome.

Exeunt.

Actus Quartus.

Enter CoriolanusVolumniaVirgiliaMeneniusCominiuswith
the yong
Nobility of Rome.

Corio. Come leaue your teares: a brief farwel: the beast

With many heads butts me away. Nay Mother

Where is your ancient Courage? You were vs'd

To sayExtreamities was the trier of spirits

That common chances. Common men could beare

That when the Sea was calmeall Boats alike

Shew'd Mastership in floating. Fortunes blowes

When most strooke homebeing gentle woundedcraues

A Noble cunning. You were vs'd to load me

With Precepts that would make inuincible

The heart that conn'd them

Virg. Oh heauens! O heauens!
Corio. NayI prythee woman


Vol. Now the Red Pestilence strike al Trades in Rome
And Occupations perish

Corio. Whatwhatwhat:

I shall be lou'd when I am lack'd. Nay Mother

Resume that Spiritwhen you were wont to say

If you had beene the Wife of Hercules

Six of his Labours youl'd haue doneand sau'd


Your Husband so much swet. Cominius
Droope notAdieu: Farewell my Wifemy Mother
Ile do well yet. Thou old and true Menenius
Thy teares are salter then a yonger mans
And venomous to thine eyes. My (sometime) Generall
I haue seene the Sterneand thou hast oft beheld
Heart-hardning spectacles. Tell these sad women
Tis fond to waile ineuitable strokes
As 'tis to laugh at 'em. My Motheryou wot well
My hazards still haue beene your solaceand
Beleeu't not lightlythough I go alone
Like to a lonely Dragonthat his Fenne
Makes fear'dand talk'd of more then seene: your Sonne
Will or exceed the Commonor be caught
With cautelous baits and practice

Volum. My first sonne
Whether will thou go? Take good Cominius
With thee awhile: Determine on some course
More then a wilde expostureto each chance
That starts i'th' way before thee

Corio. O the Gods!

Com. Ile follow thee a Monethdeuise with thee
Where thou shalt restthat thou may'st heare of vs
And we of thee. So if the time thrust forth
A cause for thy Repealewe shall not send
O're the vast worldto seeke a single man
And loose aduantagewhich doth euer coole
Ith' absence of the needer

Corio. Fare ye well:
Thou hast yeares vpon theeand thou art too full
Of the warres surfetsto go roue with one
That's yet vnbruis'd: bring me but out at gate.
Come my sweet wifemy deerest Motherand
My Friends of Noble touch: when I am forth
Bid me farewelland smile. I pray you come:
While I remaine aboue the groundyou shall
Heare from me stilland neuer of me ought
But what is like me formerly

Menen. That's worthily
As any eare can heare. Comelet's not weepe
If I could shake off but one seuen yeeres
From these old armes and leggesby the good Gods
I'ld with theeeuery foot

Corio. Giue me thy handcome.

Exeunt.

Enter the two TribunesSiciniusand Brutuswith the Edile.

Sicin. Bid them all homehe's gone: & wee'l no further
The Nobility are vexedwhom we see haue sided
In his behalfe

Brut. Now we haue shewne our power
Let vs seeme humbler after it is done
Then when it was a dooing

Sicin. Bid them home: say their great enemy is gone
And theystand in their ancient strength


Brut. Dismisse them home. Here comes his Mother.
Enter VolumniaVirgiliaand Menenius.

Sicin. Let's not meet her

Brut. Why?
Sicin. They say she's mad


Brut. They haue tane note of vs: keepe on your way

Volum. Oh y'are well met:
Th' hoorded plague a'th' Gods requit your loue

Menen. Peacepeacebe not so loud

Volum. If that I could for weepingyou should heare
Nayand you shall heare some. Will you be gone?
Virg. You shall stay too: I would I had the power
To say so to my Husband

Sicin. Are you mankinde?

Volum. I fooleis that a shame. Note but this Foole
Was not a man my Father? Had'st thou Foxship
To banish him that strooke more blowes for Rome
Then thou hast spoken words

Sicin. Oh blessed Heauens!

Volum. Moe Noble blowesthen euer y wise words.
And for Romes goodIle tell thee what: yet goe:
Nay but thou shalt stay too: I would my Sonne
Were in Arabiaand thy Tribe before him
His good Sword in his hand

Sicin. What then?
Virg. When then? Hee'ld make an end of thy posterity
Volum. Bastardsand all.

Good manthe Wounds that he does beare for Rome!
Menen. Comecomepeace

Sicin. I would he had continued to his Country
As he beganand not vnknit himselfe
The Noble knot he made

Bru. I would he had

Volum. I would he had? Twas thou incenst the rable.
Catsthat can iudge as fitly of his worth
As I can of those Mysteries which heauen
Will not haue earth to know

Brut. Pray let's go

Volum. Now pray sir get you gone.
You haue done a braue deede: Ere you goheare this:
As farre as doth the Capitoll exceede
The meanest house in Rome; so farre my Sonne
This Ladies Husband heere; this (do you see)
Whom you haue banish'ddoes exceed you all

Bru. Wellwellwee'l leaue you

Sicin. Why stay we to be baited
With one that wants her Wits.


Exit Tribunes.

Volum. Take my Prayers with you.
I would the Gods had nothing else to do
But to confirme my Cursses. Could I meete 'em
But once a dayit would vnclogge my heart
Of what lyes heauy too't

Mene. You haue told them home
And by my troth you haue cause: you'l Sup with me

Volum. Angers my Meate: I suppe vpon my selfe
And so shall sterue with Feeding: comelet's go
Leaue this faint-pulingand lament as I do
In AngerIuno-like: Comecomecome.

Exeunt.

Mene. Fiefiefie.
Enter.

Enter a Romanand a Volce.

Rom. I know you well sirand you know mee: your
name I thinke is Adrian

Volce. It is so sirtruly I haue forgot you

Rom. I am a Romanand my Seruices are as you are
against 'em. Know you me yet

Volce. Nicanor: no

Rom. The same sir

Volce. You had more Beard when I last saw youbut
your Fauour is well appear'd by your Tongue. What's
the Newes in Rome: I haue a Note from the Volcean
state to finde you out there. You haue well saued mee a
dayes iourney

Rom. There hath beene in Rome straunge Insurrections:
The peopleagainst the SenatoursPatriciansand
Nobles

Vol. Hath bin; is it ended then? Our State thinks not
sothey are in a most warlike preparation& hope to com
vpon themin the heate of their diuision

Rom. The maine blaze of it is pastbut a small thing
would make it flame againe. For the Nobles receyue so
to heartthe Banishment of that worthy Coriolanusthat
they are in a ripe aptnesseto take al power from the people
and to plucke from them their Tribunes for euer.
This lyes glowing I can tell youand is almost mature for
the violent breaking out

Vol. Coriolanus Banisht?
Rom. Banish'd sir


Vol. You will be welcome with this intelligence Nicanor

Rom. The day serues well for them now. I haue heard
it saidethe fittest time to corrupt a mans Wifeis when


shee's falne out with her Husband. Your Noble Tullus
Auffidius will appeare well in these Warreshis great
Opposer Coriolanus being now in no request of his countrey

Volce. He cannot choose: I am most fortunatethus
accidentally to encounter you. You haue ended my Businesse
and I will merrily accompany you home

Rom. I shall betweene this and Suppertell you most
strange things from Rome: all tending to the good of
their Aduersaries. Haue you an Army ready say you?

Vol. A most Royall one: The Centurionsand their
charges distinctly billetted already in th' entertainment
and to be on foot at an houres warning

Rom. I am ioyfull to heare of their readinesseand am
the man I thinkethat shall set them in present Action. So
sirheartily well metand most glad of your Company

Volce. You take my part from me sirI haue the most
cause to be glad of yours

Rom. Welllet vs go together.

Exeunt.

Enter Coriolanus in meane Apparrelldisguisdand muffled.

Corio. A goodly City is this Antium. Citty
'Tis I that made thy Widdowes: Many an heyre
Of these faire Edifices fore my Warres
Haue I heard groaneand drop: Then know me not
Least that thy Wiues with Spitsand Boyes with stones
In puny Battell slay me. Saue you sir.
Enter a Citizen.

Cit. And you

Corio. Direct meif it be your willwhere great Auffidius
lies: Is he in Antium?
Cit. He isand Feasts the Nobles of the Stateat his
house this night

Corio. Which is his housebeseech you?
Cit. This heere before you


Corio. Thanke you sirfarewell.

Exit Citizen


Oh Worldthy slippery turnes! Friends now fast sworn
Whose double bosomes seemes to weare one heart
Whose Houreswhose Bedwhose Meale and Exercise
Are still together: who Twin (as 'twere) in Loue
Vnseparableshall within this houre
On a dissention of a Doitbreake out
To bitterest Enmity: So fellest Foes
Whose Passionsand whose Plots haue broke their sleep
To take the one the otherby some chance
Some tricke not worth an Eggeshall grow deere friends
And inter-ioyne their yssues. So with me
My Birth-place haue Iand my loues vpon
This Enemie Towne: Ile enterif he slay me
He does faire Iustice: if he giue me way



Ile do his Country Seruice.

Enter.

Musicke playes. Enter a Seruingman.

1 Ser. WineWineWine: What seruice is heere? I
thinke our Fellowes are asleepe.

Enter another Seruingman.

2 Ser. Where's Cotus: my M[aster]. cals for him: Cotus.

Exit

Enter Coriolanus.

Corio. A goodly House:
The Feast smels well: but I appeare not like a Guest.
Enter the first Seruingman.

1 Ser. What would you haue Friend? whence are you?
Here's no place for you: pray go to the doore?

Exit

Corio. I haue deseru'd no better entertainmentin being
Coriolanus.
Enter second Seruant.

2 Ser. Whence are you sir? Ha's the Porter his eyes in
his headthat he giues entrance to such Companions?
Pray get you out

Corio. Away

2 Ser. Away? Get you away

Corio. Now th'art troublesome

2 Ser. Are you so braue: Ile haue you talkt with anon
Enter 3 Seruingmanthe 1 meets him.

3 What Fellowes this?

1 A strange one as euer I look'd on: I cannot get him
out o'thhouse: Prythee call my Master to him

3 What haue you to do here fellow? Pray you auoid
the house

Corio. Let me but standI will not hurt your Harth

3 What are you?
Corio. A Gentleman


3 A maru'llous poore one

Corio. Trueso I am

3 Pray you poore Gentlemantake vp some other station:
Heere's no place for youpray you auoid: Come

Corio. Follow your Functiongoand batten on colde
bits.


Pushes him away from him.

3 What you will not? Prythee tell my Maister what
a strange Guest he ha's heere

2 And I shall.

Exit second Seruingman.

3 Where dwel'st thou?
Corio. Vnder the Canopy


3 Vnder the Canopy?
Corio. I


3 Where's that?
Corio. I'th City of Kites and crowes


3 I'th City of Kites and Crowes? What an Asse it is
then thou dwel'st with Dawes too?
Corio. NoI serue not thy Master

3 How sir? Do you meddle with my Master?

Corio. Itis an honester seruicethen to meddle with
thy Mistris: Thou prat'stand prat'stserue with thy trencher:
Hence.

Beats him away

Enter Auffidius with the Seruingman.

Auf. Where is this Fellow?
2 Here sirI'de haue beaten him like a doggebut for
disturbing the Lords within

Auf. Whence com'st thou? What wouldst y? Thy name?
Why speak'st not? Speake man: What's thy name?

Corio. If Tullus not yet thou know'st meand seeing
medost not thinke me for the man I amnecessitie commands
me name my selfe

Auf. What is thy name?
Corio. A name vnmusicall to the Volcians eares
And harsh in sound to thine

Auf. Saywhat's thy name?
Thou hast a Grim apparanceand thy Face
Beares a Command in't: Though thy Tackles torne
Thou shew'st a Noble Vessell: What's thy name?

Corio. Prepare thy brow to frowne: knowst y me yet?
Auf. I know thee not? Thy Name:
Corio. My name is Caius Martiuswho hath done


To thee particularlyand to all the Volces
Great hurt and Mischiefe: thereto witnesse may
My Surname Coriolanus. The painfull Seruice
The extreme Dangersand the droppes of Blood
Shed for my thanklesse Countryare requitted:
But with that Surnamea good memorie
And witnesse of the Malice and Displeasure
Which thou should'st beare meonly that name remains.
The Cruelty and Enuy of the people
Permitted by our dastard Nobleswho
Haue all forsooke mehath deuour'd the rest:


And suffer'd me by th' voyce of Slaues to be
Hoop'd out of Rome. Now this extremity
Hath brought me to thy Harthnot out of Hope
(Mistake me not) to saue my life: for if
I had fear'd deathof all the Men i'th' World
I would haue voided thee. But in meere spight
To be full quit of those my Banishers
Stand I before thee heere: Then if thou hast
A heart of wreake in theethat wilt reuenge
Thine owne particular wrongsand stop those maimes
Of shame seene through thy Countryspeed thee straight
And make my misery serue thy turne: So vse it
That my reuengefull Seruices may proue
As Benefits to thee. For I will fight
Against my Cankred Countreywith the Spleene
Of all the vnder Fiends. But if so be
Thou dar'st not thisand that to proue more Fortunes
Th'art tyr'dthen in a wordI also am
Longer to liue most wearie: and present
My throat to theeand to thy Ancient Malice:
Which not to cutwould shew thee but a Foole
Since I haue euer followed thee with hate
Drawne Tunnes of Blood out of thy Countries brest
And cannot liue but to thy shamevnlesse
It be to do thee seruice

Auf. Oh MartiusMartius;
Each word thou hast spokehath weeded from my heart
A roote of Ancient Enuy. If Iupiter
Should from yond clowd speake diuine things
And say 'tis true; I'de not beleeue them more
Then thee all-Noble Martius. Let me twine
Mine armes about that bodywhere against
My grained Ash an hundred times hath broke
And scarr'd the Moone with splinters: heere I cleep
The Anuile of my Swordand do contest
As hotlyand as Nobly with thy Loue
As euer in Ambitious strengthI did
Contend against thy Valour. Know thou first
I lou'd the Maid I married: neuer man
Sigh'd truer breath. But that I see thee heere
Thou Noble thingmore dances my rapt heart
Then when I first my wedded Mistris saw
Bestride my Threshold. Whythou Mars I tell thee
We haue a Power on foote: and I had purpose
Once more to hew thy Target from thy Brawne
Or loose mine Arme for't: Thou hast beate mee out
Twelue seuerall timesand I haue nightly since
Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thy selfe and me:
We haue beene downe together in my sleepe
Vnbuckling Helmesfisting each others Throat
And wak'd halfe dead with nothing. Worthy Martius
Had we no other quarrell else to Romebut that
Thou art thence Banish'dwe would muster all
From twelueto seuentie: and powring Warre
Into the bowels of vngratefull Rome
Like a bold Flood o're-beate. Oh comego in
And take our friendly Senators by'th' hands
Who now are heeretaking their leaues of mee
Who am prepar'd against your Territories
Though not for Rome it selfe

Corio. You blesse me Gods


Auf. Therefore most absolute Sirif thou wilt haue
The leading of thine owne Reuengestake
Th' one halfe of my Commissionand set downe
As best thou art experienc'dsince thou know'st
Thy Countries strength and weaknessethine own waies
Whether to knocke against the Gates of Rome
Or rudely visit them in parts remote
To fright themere destroy. But come in
Let me commend thee firstto those that shall
Say yea to thy desires. A thousand welcomes
And more a Friendthen ere an Enemie
Yet Martius that was much. Your hand: most welcome.

Exeunt.

Enter two of the Seruingmen.

1 Heere's a strange alteration?

2 By my handI had thoght to haue stroken him with
a Cudgelland yet my minde gaue mehis cloathes made
a false report of him

1 What an Arme he hashe turn'd me about with his
finger and his thumbeas one would set vp a Top

2 NayI knew by his face that there was some-thing
in him. He had sira kinde of face me thoughtI cannot
tell how to tearme it

1 He had solooking as it werewould I were hang'd
but I thought there was more in himthen I could think

2 So did IIle be sworne: He is simply the rarest man
i'th' world

1 I thinke he is: but a greater soldier then he
You wot one

2 Who my Master?
1 Nayit's no matter for that


2 Worth six on him

1 Nay not so neither: but I take him to be the greater
Souldiour

2 Faith looke youone cannot tell how to say that: for
the Defence of a Towneour Generall is excellent

1 Iand for an assault too.
Enter the third Seruingman.

3 Oh SlauesI can tell you NewesNews you Rascals
Both. Whatwhatwhat? Let's partake


3 I would not be a Roman of all Nations; I had as
liue be a condemn'd man

Both. Wherefore? Wherefore?
3 Why here's he that was wont to thwacke our Generall
Caius Martius

1 Why do you saythwacke our Generall?
3 I do not say thwacke our Generallbut he was alwayes


good enough for him

2 Come we are fellowes and friends: he was euer too
hard for himI haue heard him say so himselfe

1 He was too hard for him directlyto say the Troth
on't before Corioleshe scotcht himand notcht him like a
Carbinado

2 And hee had bin Cannibally giuenhee might haue
boyld and eaten him too

1 But more of thy Newes

3 Why he is so made on heere withinas if hee were
Son and Heire to Marsset at vpper end o'th' Table: No
question askt him by any of the Senatorsbut they stand
bald before him. Our Generall himselfe makes a Mistris
of himSanctifies himselfe with's handand turnes vp the
white o'th' eye to his Discourse. But the bottome of the
Newes isour Generall is cut i'th' middle& but one halfe
of what he was yesterday. For the other ha's halfeby
the intreaty and graunt of the whole Table. Hee'l go he
sayesand sole the Porter of Rome Gates by th' eares. He
will mowe all downe before himand leaue his passage
poul'd

2 And he's as like to do'tas any man I can imagine

3 Doo't? he will doo't: for look you sirhe has as many
Friends as Enemies: which Friends sir as it weredurst
not (looke you sir) shew themselues (as we terme it) his
Friendswhilest he's in Directitude

1 Directitude? What's that?

3 But when they shall see sirhis Crest vp againeand
the man in bloodthey will out of their Burroughes (like
Conies after Raine) and reuell all with him

1 But when goes this forward:

3 To morrowto daypresentlyyou shall haue the
Drum strooke vp this afternoone: 'Tis as it were a parcel
of their Feastand to be executed ere they wipe their lips

2 Why then wee shall haue a stirring World againe:
This peace is nothingbut to rust Ironencrease Taylors
and breed Ballad-makers

1 Let me haue Warre say Iit exceeds peace as farre
as day do's night: It's sprightly walkingaudibleand full
of Vent. Peaceis a very ApoplexyLethargiemull'd
deafesleepeinsensiblea getter of more bastard Children
then warres a destroyer of men

2 'Tis soand as warres in some sort may be saide to
be a Rauisherso it cannot be deniedbut peace is a great
maker of Cuckolds

1 Iand it makes men hate one another

3 Reasonbecause they then lesse neede one another:
The Warres for my money. I hope to see Romanes as
cheape as Volcians. They are risingthey are rising

Both. Inininin.


Exeunt.

Enter the two TribunesSiciniusand Brutus.

Sicin. We heare not of himneither need we fear him
His remedies are tamethe present peace
And quietnesse of the peoplewhich before
Were in wilde hurry. Heere do we make his Friends
Blushthat the world goes well: who rather had
Though they themselues did suffer by'tbehold
Dissentious numbers pestring streetsthen see
Our Tradesmen singing in their shopsand going
About their Functions friendly.
Enter Menenius.

Bru. We stood too't in good time. Is this Menenius?
Sicin. 'Tis he'tis he: O he is grown most kind of late:
Haile Sir

Mene. Haile to you both

Sicin. Your Coriolanus is not much mistbut with his
Friends: the Commonwealth doth standand so would
dowere he more angry at it

Mene. All's welland might haue bene much better
if he could haue temporiz'd

Sicin. Where is heheare you?

Mene. Nay I heare nothing:
His Mother and his wifeheare nothing from him.
Enter three or foure Citizens.

All. The Gods preserue you both

Sicin. Gooden our Neighbours

Bru. Gooden to you allgooden to you all

1 Our seluesour wiuesand childrenon our knees
Are bound to pray for you both

Sicin. Liueand thriue

Bru. Farewell kinde Neighbours:
We wisht Coriolanus had lou'd you as we did

All. Now the Gods keepe you

Both Tri. Farewellfarewell.

Exeunt. Citizens

Sicin. This is a happier and more comely time
Then when these Fellowes ran about the streets
Crying Confusion

Bru. Caius Martius was
A worthy Officer i'th' Warrebut Insolent
O'recome with PrideAmbitiouspast all thinking
Selfe-louing

Sicin. And affecting one sole Thronewithout assista[n]ce


Mene. I thinke not so

Sicin. We should by thisto all our Lamention
If he had gone forth Consullfound it so

Bru. The Gods haue well preuented itand Rome
Sits safe and stillwithout him.
Enter an aedile.

Aedile. Worthy Tribunes
There is a Slaue whom we haue put in prison
Reports the Volces with two seuerall Powers
Are entred in the Roman Territories
And with the deepest malice of the Warre
Destroywhat lies before' em

Mene. 'Tis Auffidius
Who hearing of our Martius Banishment
Thrusts forth his hornes againe into the world
Which were In-shell'dwhen Martius stood for Rome
And durst not once peepe out

Sicin. Comewhat talke you of Martius

Bru. Go see this Rumorer whiptit cannot be
The Volces dare breake with vs

Mene. Cannot be?
We haue Recordthat very well it can
And three examples of the likehath beene
Within my Age. But reason with the fellow
Before you punish himwhere he heard this
Least you shall chance to whip your Information
And beate the Messengerwho bids beware
Of what is to be dreaded

Sicin. Tell not me: I know this cannot be

Bru. Not possible.
Enter a Messenger.

Mes. The Nobles in great earnestnesse are going
All to the Senate-house: some newes is comming
That turnes their Countenances

Sicin. 'Tis this Slaue:
Go whip him fore the peoples eyes: His raising
Nothing but his report

Mes. Yes worthy Sir
The Slaues report is secondedand more
More fearfull is deliuer'd

Sicin. What more fearefull?

Mes. It is spoke freely out of many mouths
How probable I do not knowthat Martius
Ioyn'd with Auffidiusleads a power 'gainst Rome
And vowes Reuenge as spaciousas betweene
The yong'st and oldest thing

Sicin. This is most likely

Bru. Rais'd onelythat the weaker sort may wish
Good Martius home againe


Sicin. The very tricke on't

Mene. This is vnlikely
Heand Auffidius can no more attone
Then violent'st Contrariety.
Enter Messenger.

Mes. You are sent for to the Senate:
A fearefull Armyled by Caius Martius
Associated with AuffidiusRages
Vpon our Territoriesand haue already
O're-borne their wayconsum'd with fireand tooke
What lay before them.
Enter Cominius.

Com. Oh you haue made good worke

Mene. What newes? What newes?

Com. You haue holp to rauish your owne daughters&
To melt the Citty Leades vpon your pates
To see your Wiues dishonour'd to your Noses

Mene. What's the newes? What's the newes?

Com. Your Temples burned in their Cimentand
Your Franchiseswhereon you stoodconfin'd
Into an Augors boare

Mene. Pray nowyour Newes:
You haue made faire worke I feare me: pray your newes
If Martius should be ioyn'd with Volceans

Com. If? He is their Godhe leads them like a thing
Made by some other Deity then Nature
That shapes man Better: and they follow him
Against vs Bratswith no lesse Confidence
Then Boyes pursuing Summer Butter-flies
Or Butchers killing Flyes

Mene. You haue made good worke
You and your Apron men: youthat stood so much
Vpon the voyce of occupationand
The breath of Garlicke-eaters

Com. Hee'l shake your Rome about your eares

Mene. As Hercules did shake downe Mellow Fruite:
You haue made faire worke

Brut. But is this true sir?

Com. Iand you'l looke pale
Before you finde it other. All the Regions
Do smilingly Reuoltand who resists
Are mock'd for valiant Ignorance
And perish constant Fooles: who is't can blame him?
Your Enemies and hisfinde something in him

Mene. We are all vndonevnlesse
The Noble man haue mercy

Com. Who shall aske it?
The Tribunes cannot doo't for shame; the people
Deserue such pitty of himas the Wolfe
Doe's of the Shepheards: For his best Friendsif they


Should say be good to Romethey charg'd himeuen
As those should do that had deseru'd his hate
And therein shew'd like Enemies

Me. 'Tis trueif he were putting to my housethe brand
That should consume itI haue not the face
To saybeseech you cease. You haue made faire hands
You and your Craftsyou haue crafted faire

Com. You haue brought
A Trembling vpon Romesuch as was neuer
S' incapeable of helpe

Tri. Say notwe brought it

Mene. How? Was't we? We lou'd him
But like Beastsand Cowardly Nobles
Gaue way vnto your Clusterswho did hoote
Him out o'th' Citty

Com. But I feare
They'l roare him in againe. Tullus Affidius
The second name of menobeyes his points
As if he were his Officer: Desperation
Is all the PolicyStrengthand Defence
That Rome can make against them.
Enter a Troope of Citizens.

Mene. Heere come the Clusters.
And is Auffidius with him? You are they
That made the Ayre vnwholsomewhen you cast
Your stinkinggreasie Capsin hooting
At Coriolanus Exile. Now he's comming
And not a haire vpon a Souldiers head
Which will not proue a whip: As many Coxcombes
As you threw Caps vpwill he tumble downe
And pay you for your voyces. 'Tis no matter
If he could burne vs all into one coale
We haue deseru'd it

Omnes. Faithwe heare fearfull Newes

1 Cit. For mine owne part
When I said banish himI said 'twas pitty

2 And so did I

3 And so did I: and to say the truthso did very many
of vsthat we did we did for the bestand though wee
willingly consented to his Banishmentyet it was against
our will

Com. Y'are goodly thingsyou Voyces

Mene. You haue made good worke
You and your cry. Shal's to the Capitoll?
Com. Oh Iwhat else?

Exeunt. both.

Sicin. Go Masters get you homebe not dismaid
These are a Sidethat would be glad to haue
This truewhich they so seeme to feare. Go home
And shew no signe of Feare


1 Cit. The Gods bee good to vs: Come Masters let's
homeI euer said we were i'th wrongwhen we banish'd
him

2 Cit. So did we all. But comelet's home.

Exit Cit.

Bru. I do not like this Newes

Sicin. Nor I

Bru. Let's to the Capitoll: would halfe my wealth
Would buy this for a lye

Sicin. Pray let's go.

Exeunt. Tribunes.

Enter Auffidius with his Lieutenant.

Auf. Do they still flye to'th' Roman?

Lieu. I do not know what Witchcraft's in him: but
Your Soldiers vse him as the Grace 'fore meate
Their talke at Tableand their Thankes at end
And you are darkned in this action Sir
Euen by your owne

Auf. I cannot helpe it now
Vnlesse by vsing meanes I lame the foote
Of our designe. He beares himselfe more proudlier
Euen to my personthen I thought he would
When first I did embrace him. Yet his Nature
In that's no Changelingand I must excuse
What cannot be amended

Lieu. Yet I wish Sir
(I meane for your particular) you had not
Ioyn'd in Commission with him: but either haue borne
The action of your selfeor else to himhad left it soly

Auf. I vnderstand thee welland be thou sure
When he shall come to his accounthe knowes not
What I can vrge against himalthough it seemes
And so he thinkesand is no lesse apparant
To th' vulgar eyethat he beares all things fairely:
And shewes good Husbandry for the Volcian State
Fights Dragon-likeand does atcheeue as soone
As draw his Sword: yet he hath left vndone
That which shall breake his neckeor hazard mine
When ere we come to our account

Lieu. SirI beseech youthink you he'l carry Rome?

Auf. All places yeelds to him ere he sits downe
And the Nobility of Rome are his:
The Senators and Patricians loue him too:
The Tribunes are no Soldiers: and their people
Will be as rash in the repealeas hasty
To expell him thence. I thinke hee'l be to Rome
As is the Aspray to the Fishwho takes it
By Soueraignty of Nature. Firsthe was
A Noble seruant to thembut he could not
Carry his Honors eeuen: whether 'twas Pride


Which out of dayly Fortune euer taints
The happy man; whether detect of iudgement
To faile in the disposing of those chances
Which he was Lord of: or whether Nature
Not to be other then one thingnot moouing
From th' Caske to th' Cushion: but commanding peace
Euen with the same austerity and garbe
As he controll'd the warre. But one of these
(As he hath spices of them all) not all
For I dare so farre free himmade him fear'd
So hatedand so banish'd: but he ha's a Merit
To choake it in the vtt'rance: So our Vertue
Lie in th' interpretation of the time
And power vnto it selfe most commendable
Hath not a Tombe so euident as a Chaire
T' extoll what it hath done.
One fire driues out one fire; one Naileone Naile;
Rights by rights foulerstrengths by strengths do faile.
Come let's away: when Caius Rome is thine
Thou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine.


Exeunt.


Actus Quintus.


Enter MeneniusCominiusSiciniusBrutusthe two Tribunes
with
others.


Menen. Noile not go: you heare what he hath said
Which was sometime his Generall: who loued him
In a most deere particular. He call'd me Father:
But what o'that? Go you that banish'd him
A Mile before his Tentfall downeand knee
The way into his mercy: Nayif he coy'd
To heare Cominius speakeIle keepe at home

Com. He would not seeme to know me

Menen. Do you heare?

Com. Yet one time he did call me by my name:
I vrg'd our old acquaintanceand the drops
That we haue bled together. Coriolanus
He would not answer too: Forbad all Names
He was a kinde of NothingTitlelesse
Till he had forg'd himselfe a name a'th' fire
Of burning Rome

Menen. Why so: you haue made good worke:
A paire of Tribunesthat haue wrack'd for Rome
To make Coales cheape: A Noble memory

Com. I minded himhow Royall 'twas to pardon
When it was lesse expected. He replyed
It was a bare petition of a State
To one whom they had punish'd

Menen. Very wellcould he say lesse

Com. I offered to awaken his regard
For's priuate Friends. His answer to me was
He could not stay to picke themin a pile
Of noysome musty Chaffe. He said'twas folly
For one poore graine or twoto leaue vnburnt


And still to nose th' offence

Menen. For one poore graine or two?
I am one of those: his MotherWifehis Childe
And this braue Fellow too: we are the Graines
You are the musty Chaffeand you are smelt
Aboue the Moone. We must be burnt for you

Sicin. Naypray be patient: If you refuse your ayde
In this so neuer-needed helpeyet do not
Vpbraid's with our distresse. But sure if you
Would be your Countries Pleaderyour good tongue
More then the instant Armie we can make
Might stop our Countryman

Mene. No: Ile not meddle

Sicin. Pray you go to him

Mene. What should I do?
Bru. Onely make triall what your Loue can do
For Rometowards Martius

Mene. Welland say that Martius returne mee
As Cominius is return'dvnheard: what then?
But as a discontented Friendgreefe-shot
With his vnkindnesse. Say't be so?

Sicin. Yet your good will
Must haue that thankes from Romeafter the measure
As you intended well

Mene. Ile vndertak't:
I thinke hee'l heare me. Yet to bite his lip
And humme at good Cominiusmuch vnhearts mee.
He was not taken wellhe had not din'd
The Veines vnfill'dour blood is coldand then
We powt vpon the Morningare vnapt
To giue or to forgiue; but when we haue stufft
These Pipesand these Conueyances of our blood
With Wine and Feedingwe haue suppler Soules
Then in our Priest-like Fasts: therefore Ile watch him
Till he be dieted to my request
And then Ile set vpon him

Bru. You know the very rode into his kindnesse
And cannot lose your way

Mene. Good faith Ile proue him
Speed how it will. I shall ere longhaue knowledge
Of my successe.
Enter.

Com. Hee'l neuer heare him

Sicin. Not

Com. I tell youhe doe's sit in Goldhis eye
Red as 'twould burne Rome: and his Iniury
The Gaoler to his pitty. I kneel'd before him
'Twas very faintly he said Rise: dismist me
Thus with his speechlesse hand. What he would do
He sent in writing after me: what he would not
Bound with an Oath to yeeld to his conditions:
So that all hope is vainevnlesse his Noble Mother


And his Wifewho (as I heare) meane to solicite him
For mercy to his Countrey: therefore let's hence
And with our faire intreaties hast them on.

Exeunt.

Enter Menenius to the Watch or Guard.

1.Wat. Stay: whence are you

2.Wat. Standand go backe

Me. You guard like men'tis well. But by your leaue

I am an Officer of State& come to speak with Coriolanus
1 From whence?
Mene. From Rome

I You may not passeyou must returne: our Generall
will no more heare from thence

2 You'l see your Rome embrac'd with firebefore
You'l speake with Coriolanus

Mene. Good my Friends
If you haue heard your Generall talke of Rome
And of his Friends thereit is Lots to Blankes
My name hath touch't your eares: it is Menenius

1 Be it sogo back: the vertue of your name
Is not heere passable

Mene. I tell thee Fellow
Thy Generall is my Louer: I haue beene
The booke of his good Actswhence men haue read
His Fame vnparalell'dhappely amplified:
For I haue euer verified my Friends
(Of whom hee's cheefe) with all the size that verity
Would without lapsing suffer: Naysometimes
Like to a Bowle vpon a subtle ground
I haue tumbled past the throw: and in his praise
Haue (almost) stampt the Leasing. Therefore Fellow
I must haue leaue to passe

1 Faith Sirif you had told as many lies in his behalfe
as you haue vttered words in your owneyou should not
passe heere: nothough it were as vertuous to lyeas to
liue chastly. Therefore go backe

Men. Prythee fellowremember my name is Menenius
alwayes factionary on the party of your Generall

2 Howsoeuer you haue bin his Lieras you say you
haueI am one that telling true vnder himmust say you
cannot passe. Therefore go backe

Mene. Ha's he din'd can'st thou tell? For I would not
speake with himtill after dinner

1 You are a Romanare you?
Mene. I am as thy Generall is


1 Then you should hate Romeas he do's. Can you
when you haue pusht out your gatesthe very Defender
of themand in a violent popular ignorancegiuen your


enemy your shieldthinke to front his reuenges with the
easie groanes of old womenthe Virginall Palms of your
daughtersor with the palsied intercession of such a decay'd
Dotant as you seeme to be? Can you think to blow
out the intended fireyour City is ready to flame inwith
such weake breath as this? Noyou are deceiu'dtherfore
backe to Romeand prepare for your execution: you are
condemn'dour Generall has sworne you out of repreeue
and pardon

Mene. Sirraif thy Captaine knew I were heere
He would vse me with estimation

1 Comemy Captaine knowes you not

Mene. I meane thy Generall

1 My Generall cares not for you. Back I saygo: least
I let forth your halfe pinte of blood. Backethat's the vtmost
of your hauingbacke

Mene. Nay but FellowFellow.
Enter Coriolanus with Auffidius.

Corio. What's the matter?

Mene. Now you Companion: Ile say an arrant for you:
you shall know now that I am in estimation: you shall
perceiuethat a Iacke gardant cannot office me from my
Son Coriolanusguesse but my entertainment with him: if
thou stand'st not i'th state of hangingor of some death
more long in Spectatorshipand crueller in sufferingbehold
now presentlyand swoond for what's to come vpon
thee. The glorious Gods sit in hourely Synod about thy
particular prosperityand loue thee no worse then thy old
Father Menenius do's. O my Sonmy Son! thou art preparing
fire for vs: looke theeheere's water to quench it.
I was hardly moued to come to thee: but beeing assured
none but my selfe could moue theeI haue bene blowne
out of your Gates with sighes: and coniure thee to pardon
Romeand thy petitionary Countrimen. The good
Gods asswage thy wrathand turne the dregs of itvpon
this Varlet heere: Thiswho like a blocke hath denyed
my accesse to thee

Corio. Away

Mene. How? Away?

Corio. WifeMotherChildI know not. My affaires
Are Seruanted to others: Though I owe
My Reuenge properlymy remission lies
In Volcean brests. That we haue beene familiar
Ingrate forgetfulnesse shall poison rather
Then pitty: Note how muchtherefore be gone.
Mine eares against your suitesare stronger then
Your gates against my force. Yet for I loued thee
Take this alongI writ it for thy sake
And would haue sent it. Another word Menenius
I will not heare thee speake. This man Auffidius
Was my belou'd in Rome: yet thou behold'st

Auffid. You keepe a constant temper.

Exeunt.


Manet the Guard and Menenius.

1 Now siris your name Menenius?
2 'Tis a spell you see of much power:
You know the way home againe

1 Do you heare how wee are shent for keeping your

greatnesse backe?
2 What cause do you thinke I haue to swoond?
Menen. I neither care for th' worldnor your General:

for such things as you. I can scarse thinke ther's anyy'are
so slight. He that hath a will to die by himselfefeares it
not from another: Let your Generall do his worst. For
youbee that you arelong; and your misery encrease
with your age. I say to youas I was said toAway.

Exit

1 A Noble Fellow I warrant him

2 The worthy Fellow is our General. He's the Rock
The Oake not to be winde-shaken.

Exit Watch.

Enter Coriolanus and Auffidius.

Corio. We will before the walls of Rome to morrow
Set downe our Hoast. My partner in this Action
You must report to th' Volcian Lordshow plainly
I haue borne this Businesse

Auf. Onely their ends you haue respected
Stopt your eares against the generall suite of Rome:
Neuer admitted a priuat whisperno not with such frends
That thought them sure of you

Corio. This last old man
Whom with a crack'd heart I haue sent to Rome
Lou'd meaboue the measure of a Father
Nay godded me indeed. Their latest refuge
Was to send him: for whose old Loue I haue
(Though I shew'd sowrely to him) once more offer'd
The first Conditions which they did refuse
And cannot now acceptto grace him onely
That thought he could do more: A very little
I haue yeelded too. Fresh Embassesand Suites
Nor from the Statenor priuate friends heereafter
Will I lend eare to. Ha? what shout is this?

Shout within


Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow
In the same time 'tis made? I will not.
Enter VirgiliaVolumniaValeriayong Martiuswith Attendants.


My wife comes formostthen the honour'd mould
Wherein this Trunke was fram'dand in her hand
The Grandchilde to her blood. But out affection
All bond and priuiledge of Nature breake;
Let it be Vertuous to be Obstinate.
What is that Curt'sie worth? Or those Doues eyes
Which can make Gods forsworne? I meltand am not
Of stronger earth then others: my Mother bowes



As if Olympus to a Mole-hill should
In supplication Nod: and my yong Boy
Hath an Aspect of intercessionwhich
Great Nature criesDeny not. Let the Volces
Plough Romeand harrow ItalyIle neuer
Be such a Gosling to obey instinct; but stand
As if a man were Author of himself& knew no other kin

Virgil. My Lord and Husband

Corio. These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome

Virg. The sorrow that deliuers vs thus chang'd
Makes you thinke so

Corio. Like a dull Actor nowI haue forgot my part
And I am outeuen to a full Disgrace. Best of my Flesh
Forgiue my Tyranny: but do not say
For that forgiue our Romanes. O a kisse
Long as my Exilesweet as my Reuenge!
Now by the iealous Queene of Heauenthat kisse
I carried from thee deare; and my true Lippe
Hath Virgin'd it ere since. You GodsI pray
And the most noble Mother of the world
Leaue vnsaluted: Sinke my knee i'th' earth

Kneeles

Of thy deepe dutymore impression shew
Then that of common Sonnes

Volum. Oh stand vp blest!
Whil'st with no softer Cushion then the Flint
I kneele before theeand vnproperly
Shew duty as mistakenall this while
Betweene the Childeand Parent

Corio. What's this? your knees to me?
To your Corrected Sonne?
Then let the Pibbles on the hungry beach
Fillop the Starres: Thenlet the mutinous windes
Strike the proud Cedars 'gainst the fiery Sun:
Murd'ring Impossibilityto make
What cannot beslight worke

Volum. Thou art my WarriourI hope to frame thee
Do you know this Lady?

Corio. The Noble Sister of Publicola;
The Moone of Rome: Chaste as the Isicle
That's curdied by the Frostfrom purest Snow
And hangs on Dians Temple: Deere Valeria

Volum. This is a poore Epitome of yours
Which by th' interpretation of full time
May shew like all your selfe

Corio. The God of Souldiers:
With the consent of supreame Ioueinforme
Thy thoughts with Noblenessethat thou mayst proue
To shame vnvulnerableand sticke i'th Warres
Like a great Sea-marke standing euery flaw
And sauing those that eye thee

Volum. Your kneeSirrah


Corio. That's my braue Boy

Volum. Euen heyour wifethis Ladieand my selfe
Are Sutors to you

Corio. I beseech you peace:
Or if you'ld askeremember this before;
The thing I haue forsworne to grauntmay neuer
Be held by you denials. Do not bid me
Dismisse my Soldiersor capitulate
Againewith Romes Mechanickes. Tell me not
Wherein I seeme vnnaturall: Desire not t' allay
My Rages and Reuengeswith your colder reasons

Volum. Oh no moreno more:
You haue said you will not grant vs any thing:
For we haue nothing else to askebut that
Which you deny already: yet we will aske
That if you faile in our requestthe blame
May hang vpon your hardnessetherefore heare vs

Corio. Auffidiusand you Volces markefor wee'l
Heare nought from Rome in priuate. Your request?

Volum. Should we be silent & not speakour Raiment
And state of Bodies would bewray what life
We haue led since thy Exile. Thinke with thy selfe
How more vnfortunate then all liuing women
Are we come hither; since that thy sightwhich should
Make our eies flow with ioyharts dance with comforts
Constraines them weepeand shake with feare & sorow
Making the Motherwifeand Childe to see
The Sonnethe Husbandand the Father tearing
His Countries Bowels out; and to poore we
Thine enmities most capitall: Thou barr'st vs
Our prayers to the Godswhich is a comfort
That all but we enioy. For how can we?
Alas! how can wefor our Country pray?
Whereto we are boundtogether with thy victory:
Whereto we are bound: Alackeor we must loose
The Countrie our deere Nurseor else thy person
Our comfort in the Country. We must finde
An euident Calamitythough we had
Our wishwhich side should win. For either thou
Must as a Forraine Recreant be led
With Manacles through our streetsor else
Triumphantly treade on thy Countries ruine
And beare the Palmefor hauing brauely shed
Thy Wife and Childrens blood: For my selfeSonne
I purpose not to waite on Fortunetill
These warres determine: If I cannot perswade thee
Rather to shew a Noble grace to both parts
Then seeke the end of one; thou shalt no sooner
March to assault thy Countrythen to treade
(Trust too'tthou shalt not) on thy Mothers wombe
That brought thee to this world

Virg. Iand minethat brought you forth this boy
To keepe your name liuing to time

Boy. A shall not tread on me: Ile run away
Till I am biggerbut then Ile fight

Corio. Not of a womans tendernesse to be
Requires nor Childenor womans face to see:


I haue sate too long

Volum. Naygo not from vs thus:

If it were sothat our request did tend

To saue the Romanesthereby to destroy

The Volces whom you serueyou might condemne vs

As poysonous of your Honour. Noour suite

Is that you reconcile them: While the Volces

May saythis mercy we haue shew'd: the Romanes

This we receiu'dand each in either side

Giue the All-haile to theeand cry be Blest

For making vp this peace. Thou know'st (great Sonne)

The end of Warres vncertaine: but this certaine

That if thou conquer Romethe benefit

Which thou shalt thereby reapeis such a name

Whose repetition will be dogg'd with Curses:

Whose Chronicle thus writThe man was Noble

But with his last Attempthe wip'd it out:

Destroy'd his Countryand his name remaines

To th' insuing Ageabhorr'd. Speake to me Son:

Thou hast affected the fiue straines of Honor

To imitate the graces of the Gods.

To teare with Thunder the wide Cheekes a'th' Ayre

And yet to change thy Sulphure with a Boult

That should but riue an Oake. Why do'st not speake?

Think'st thou it Honourable for a Nobleman

Still to remember wrongs? Daughterspeake you:

He cares not for your weeping. Speake thou Boy

Perhaps thy childishnesse will moue him more

Then can our Reasons. There's no man in the world

More bound to's Motheryet heere he let's me prate

Like one i'th' Stockes. Thou hast neuer in thy life

Shew'd thy deere Mother any curtesie

When she (poor Hen) fond of no second brood

Ha's clock'd thee to the Warres: and safelie home

Loden with Honor. Say my Request's vniust

And spurne me backe: Butif it be not so

Thou art not honestand the Gods will plague thee

That thou restrain'st from me the Dutywhich

To a Mothers part belongs. He turnes away:

Down Ladies: let vs shame him with him with our knees

To his sur-name Coriolanus longs more pride

Then pitty to our Prayers. Downe: an end

This is the last. Sowe will home to Rome

And dye among our Neighbours: Naybehold's

This Boy that cannot tell what he would haue

But kneelesand holds vp hands for fellowship

Doe's reason our Petition with more strength

Then thou hast to deny't. Comelet vs go:

This Fellow had a Volcean to his Mother:

His Wife is in Coriolesand his Childe

Like him by chance: yet giue vs our dispatch:

I am husht vntill our City be afire& then Ile speak a litle

Holds her by the hand silent.

Corio. O MotherMother!

What haue you done? Beholdthe Heauens do ope

The Gods looke downeand this vnnaturall Scene

They laugh at. Oh my MotherMother: Oh!

You haue wonne a happy Victory to Rome.

But for your Sonnebeleeue it: Oh beleeue it

Most dangerously you haue with him preuail'd

If not most mortall to him. But let it come:


Auffidiusthough I cannot make true Warres
Ile frame conuenient peace. Now good Auffidius
Were you in my steedwould you haue heard
A Mother lesse? or granted lesse Auffidius?


Auf. I was mou'd withall

Corio. I dare be sworne you were:
And sirit is no little thing to make
Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But (good sir)
What peace you'l makeaduise me: For my part
Ile not to RomeIle backe with youand pray you
Stand to me in this cause. Oh Mother! Wife!

Auf. I am glad thou hast set thy mercy& thy Honor
At difference in thee: Out of that Ile worke
My selfe a former Fortune

Corio. I by and by; But we will drinke together:
And you shall beare
A better witnesse backe then wordswhich we
On like conditionswill haue Counter-seal'd.
Come enter with vs: Ladies you deserue
To haue a Temple built you: All the Swords
In Italyand her Confederate Armes
Could not haue made this peace.

Exeunt.

Enter Menenius and Sicinius.

Mene. See you yon'd Coin a'th Capitolyon'd corner stone?
Sicin. Why what of that?
Mene. If it be possible for you to displace it with your


little fingerthere is some hope the Ladies of Romeespecially
his Mothermay preuaile with him. But I saythere
is no hope in'tour throats are sentenc'dand stay vppon
execution

Sicin. Is't possiblethat so short a time can alter the
condition of a man

Mene. There is differency between a Grub & a Butterfly
yet your Butterfly was a Grub: this Martiusis
growne from Man to Dragon: He has wingshee's more
then a creeping thing

Sicin. He lou'd his Mother deerely

Mene. So did he mee: and he no more remembers his
Mother nowthen an eight yeare old horse. The tartnesse
of his facesowres ripe Grapes. When he walkshe moues
like an Engineand the ground shrinkes before his Treading.
He is able to pierce a Corslet with his eye: Talkes
like a knelland his hum is a Battery. He sits in his State
as a thing made for Alexander. What he bids bee doneis
finisht with his bidding. He wants nothing of a God but
Eternityand a Heauen to Throne in

Sicin. Yesmercyif you report him truly

Mene. I paint him in the Character. Mark what mercy
his Mother shall bring from him: There is no more
mercy in himthen there is milke in a male-Tygerthat
shall our poore City finde: and all this is long of you


Sicin. The Gods be good vnto vs

Mene. Noin such a case the Gods will not bee good
vnto vs. When we banish'd himwe respected not them:
and he returning to breake our necksthey respect not vs.
Enter a Messenger.

Mes. Sirif you'ld saue your lifeflye to your House
The Plebeians haue got your Fellow Tribune
And hale him vp and downe; all swearingif
The Romane Ladies bring not comfort home
They'l giue him death by Inches.
Enter another Messenger.

Sicin. What's the Newes?

Mess. Good Newesgood newesthe Ladies haue preuayl'd.
The Volcians are dislodg'dand Martius gone:
A merrier day did neuer yet greet Rome
Nonot th' expulsion of the Tarquins

Sicin. Friendart thou certaine this is true?
Is't most certaine

Mes. As certaine as I know the Sun is fire:
Where haue you lurk'd that you make doubt of it:
Ne're through an Arch so hurried the blowne Tide
As the recomforted through th' gates. Why harke you:

TrumpetsHoboyesDrums beatealtogether.

The TrumpetsSack-butsPsalteriesand Fifes
Taborsand Symbolesand the showting Romans
Make the Sunne dance. Hearke you.

A shout within

Mene. This is good Newes:
I will go meete the Ladies. This Volumnia
Is worth of ConsulsSenatorsPatricians
A City full: Of Tribunes such as you
A Sea and Land full: you haue pray'd well to day:
This Morningfor ten thousand of your throates
I'de not haue giuen a doit. Harkehow they ioy.

Sound still with the Shouts.

Sicin. Firstthe Gods blesse you for your tydings:
Nextaccept my thankefulnesse

Mess. Sirwe haue all great cause to giue great thanks

Sicin. They are neere the City

Mes. Almost at point to enter

Sicin. Wee'l meet themand helpe the ioy.

Exeunt.

Enter two Senatorswith Ladiespassing ouer the Stagewith other
Lords.

Sena. Behold our Patronnessethe life of Rome:
Call all your Tribes togetherpraise the Gods


And make triumphant firesstrew Flowers before them:
Vnshoot the noise that Banish'd Martius;
Repeale himwith the welcome of his Mother:
Cry welcome Ladieswelcome


All. Welcome Ladieswelcome.

A Flourish with Drummes & Trumpets.

Enter Tullus Auffidiuswith Attendants.

Auf. Go tell the Lords a'th' CityI am heere:
Deliuer them this Paper: hauing read it
Bid them repayre to th' Market placewhere I
Euen in theirsand in the Commons eares
Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accuse:
The City Ports by this hath enter'dand
Intends t' appeare before the Peoplehoping
To purge himselfe with words. Dispatch.
Enter 3 or 4 Conspirators of Auffidius Faction.

Most Welcome

1.Con. How is it with our Generall?
Auf. Euen soas with a man by his owne Almes impoyson'd
and with his Charity slaine

2.Con. Most Noble SirIf you do hold the same intent
Wherein you wisht vs parties: Wee'l deliuer you
Of your great danger

Auf. SirI cannot tell
We must proceed as we do finde the People

3.Con. The People will remaine vncertainewhil'st
'Twixt you there's difference: but the fall of either
Makes the Suruiuor heyre of all

Auf. I know it:
And my pretext to strike at himadmits
A good construction. I rais'd himand I pawn'd
Mine Honor for his truth: who being so heighten'd
He watered his new Plants with dewes of Flattery
Seducing so my Friends: and to this end
He bow'd his Natureneuer knowne before
But to be roughvnswayableand free

3.Consp. Sirhis stoutnesse
When he did stand for Consullwhich he lost
By lacke of stooping

Auf. That I would haue spoke of:
Being banish'd for'the came vnto my Harth
Presented to my knife his Throat: I tooke him
Made him ioynt-seruant with me: Gaue him way
In all his owne desires: Naylet him choose
Out of my Fileshis proiectsto accomplish
My best and freshest menseru'd his designements
In mine owne person: holpe to reape the Fame
Which he did end all his; and tooke some pride
To do my selfe this wrong: Till at the last
I seem'd his Followernot Partner; and
He wadg'd me with his Countenanceas if
I had bin Mercenary


1.Con. So he did my Lord:
The Army marueyl'd at itand in the last
When he had carried Romeand that we look'd
For no lesse Spoilethen Glory

Auf. There was it:
For which my sinewes shall be stretcht vpon him
At a few drops of Womens rhewmewhich are
As cheape as Lies; he sold the Blood and Labour
Of our great Action; therefore shall he dye
And Ile renew me in his fall. But hearke.

Drummes and Trumpets soundswith great showts of the people.

1.Con. Your Natiue Towne you enter'd like a Poste
And had no welcomes homebut he returnes
Splitting the Ayre with noyse

2.Con. And patient Fooles
Whose children he hath slainetheir base throats teare
With giuing him glory

3.Con. Therefore at your vantage
Ere he expresse himselfeor moue the people
With what he would saylet him feele your Sword:
Which we will secondwhen he lies along
After your way. His Tale pronounc'dshall bury
His Reasonswith his Body

Auf. Say no more. Heere come the Lords
Enter the Lords of the City.

All Lords. You are most welcome home

Auff. I haue not deseru'd it.
But worthy Lordshaue you with heede perused
What I haue written to you?

All. We haue

1.Lord. And greeue to heare't:
What faults he made before the lastI thinke
Might haue found easie Fines: But there to end
Where he was to beginand giue away
The benefit of our Leuiesanswering vs
With our owne charge: making a Treatiewhere
There was a yeelding; this admits no excuse

Auf. He approachesyou shall heare him.
Enter Coriolanus marching with Drummeand Colours. The
Commoners being
with him.

Corio. Haile LordsI am return'd your Souldier:
No more infected with my Countries loue
Then when I parted hence: but still subsisting
Vnder your great Command. You are to know
That prosperously I haue attemptedand
With bloody passage led your Warreseuen to
The gates of Rome: Our spoiles we haue brought home
Doth more then counterpoize a full third part
The charges of the Action. We haue made peace
With no lesse Honor to the Antiates
Then shame to th' Romaines. And we heere deliuer


Subscrib'd by'th' Consulsand Patricians
Together with the Seale a'th Senatwhat
We haue compounded on

Auf. Read it not Noble Lords
But tell the Traitor in the highest degree
He hath abus'd your Powers

Corio. Traitor? How now?
Auf. I TraitorMartius


Corio. Martius?

Auf. I MartiusCaius Martius: Do'st thou thinke
Ile grace thee with that Robberythy stolne name
Coriolanus in Corioles?
You Lords and Heads a'th' Stateperfidiously
He ha's betray'd your businesseand giuen vp
For certaine drops of Saltyour City Rome:
I say your City to his Wife and Mother
Breaking his Oath and Resolutionlike
A twist of rotten Silkeneuer admitting
Counsaile a'th' warre: But at his Nurses teares
He whin'd and roar'd away your Victory
That Pages blush'd at himand men of heart
Look'd wond'ring each at others

Corio. Hear'st thou Mars?
Auf. Name not the Godthou boy of Teares


Corio. Ha?
Aufid. No more


Corio. Measurelesse Lyarthou hast made my heart
Too great for what containes it. Boy? Oh Slaue
Pardon me Lords'tis the first time that euer
I was forc'd to scoul'd. Your iudgments my graue Lords
Must giue this Curre the Lye: and his owne Notion
Who weares my stripes imprest vpon himthat
Must beare my beating to his Graueshall ioyne
To thrust the Lye vnto him

1 Lord. Peace bothand heare me speake

Corio. Cut me to peeces Volces men and Lads
Staine all your edges on me. Boyfalse Hound:
If you haue writ your Annales true'tis there
That like an Eagle in a Doue-coatI
Flatter'd your Volcians in Corioles.
Alone I did itBoy

Auf. Why Noble Lords
Will you be put in minde of his blinde Fortune
Which was your shameby this vnholy Braggart?
'Fore your owne eyesand eares?

All Consp. Let him dye for't

All People. Teare him to peecesdo it presently:
He kill'd my Sonnemy daughterhe kill'd my Cosine
Marcushe kill'd my Father

2 Lord. Peace hoe: no outragepeace:
The man is Nobleand his Fame folds in
This Orbe o'th' earth: His last offences to vs
Shall haue Iudicious hearing. Stand Auffidius


And trouble not the peace

Corio. O that I had himwith six Auffidiussesor more:
His Tribeto vse my lawfull Sword

Auf. Insolent Villaine

All Consp. Killkillkillkillkill him.

Draw both the Conspiratorsand kils Martiuswho falles
Auffidius stands
on him

Lords. Holdholdholdhold

Auf. My Noble Mastersheare me speake

1.Lord. O Tullus

2.Lord. Thou hast done a deedwhereat
Valour will weepe

3.Lord. Tread not vpon him Mastersall be quiet
Put vp your Swords

Auf. My Lords
When you shall know (as in this Rage
Prouok'd by himyou cannot) the great danger
Which this mans life did owe youyou'l reioyce
That he is thus cut off. Please it your Honours
To call me to your SenateIle deliuer
My selfe your loyall Seruantor endure
Your heauiest Censure

1.Lord. Beare from hence his body
And mourne you for him. Let him be regarded
As the most Noble Coarsethat euer Herald
Did follow to his Vrne

2.Lord. His owne impatience
Takes from Auffidius a great part of blame:
Let's make the Best of it

Auf. My Rage is gone
And I am strucke with sorrow. Take him vp:
Helpe three a'th' cheefest SouldiersIle be one.
Beate thou the Drumme that it speake mournfully:
Traile your steele Pikes. Though in this City hee
Hath widdowed and vnchilded many a one
Which to this houre bewaile the Iniury
Yet he shall haue a Noble Memory. Assist.

Exeunt. bearing the Body of Martius. A dead March Sounded.

FINIS. The Tragedy of Coriolanus.