To see inherited my very wishes,

Shall teach the people, (which time shall not want, And the buildings of my fancy: only there

If he be put upon't; and that's as easy, Is one thing wanting, which I doubt not, but, As to set dogs on sheep,) will be his firc Our Rome will cast upon thee.

To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze Cor.

Know, good mother, Shall darken him for ever.
I had rather be their servant in my way,

Enter a Messenger.
Than sway with them in theirs.
Com.

On, to the Capitol.
Bru.

What's the matter ?
(Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before. Mess. You are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thought
The Tribunes remaini

That Marcius shall be consul: I have seen Bru. All tongues speak of him, and the bleared The dumb men throng to see him, and the blind sights

To hear him speak: The matrons flung their gloves, Are spectacled to see him; Your pratling nurse Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchiefs, Into a rapture lets her baby cry,

Upon him as he pass'd: the nobles hended, While she chats him; the kitchen malkin pins As to Jove's statue ; and the commons made Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck, A shower, and thunder, with their caps, and shouts : Clambering the walls to eye him: Stalls, bulks, I never saw the like. windows,

Bru

Let's to the Capitol ; Are smother'd up, leads fill'd, and ridges hors'd And carry with us ears and eyes for the time, With variable complexions; all agreeing

But hearts for the event. In earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamens

Sic.

Have with you. (Ereunt.
Do press among the popular throngs, and puff
To win a vulgar station : our veil'd dames

SCENE II.- The same. The Capitol.
Commit the war of white and damask, in
Their picely-gawded cheeks, to the wanton spoil

Enter Tuo Officers, to lay cushions.
Of Phæbus' burning kisses : such a pother,
As if that whatsoever god, who leads him,

1 of Come, come, they are almost here: How Were slily crept into his human powers,

many stand for consulships ? And gave him graceful posture.

2 Off. Three, they say: but 'tis thought of every Sic.

On the sudden,

one, Coriolanus will carry it. I warrant him consul.

i off. That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance Bru. Then our office may,

proud, and loves not the common people. During his power, go sleep.

2 Off: 'Faith, there have been many great men Sic. He cannot temperately transport his honours that have flattered the people, who ne'er loved them; From where he should begin, and end; but will

and there be many that they have loved, they know Lose those that he hath won.

not wherefore : so that, if they love they know not Bru.

In that there's comfort. why, they hate upon no better a ground: Therefore, Sic. Doubt not, the commoners, for whom we for Coriolanus neither to care whether they love, or stand,

hate him, manifests the true knowledge he has in But they, upon their ancient malice, will

their disposition; and, out of his noble carelessness, Forget, with the least cause, these his new honours; let's them plainly see’t. Which that he'll give them, make as little question

1 off. If he did not care whether he had their As he is proud to do't.

love, or no, he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them Bru. I heard him swear,

neither good nor harm; but he seeks their hate with Were he to stand for consul, never would he

greater devotion than they can render it him; and Appear i’ the market-place, nor on him put

leaves nothing undone that may fully discover him The napless vesture of humility;

their opposite. Now, to seem to affect the malice Nor, showing (as the manner is) his wounds

and displeasure of the people, is as bad as that which To the people, beg their stinking breaths.

he dislikes, to flatter them for their love. Sic.

"Tis right.

2 Off. He hath deserved worthily of his country: Bru. It was his word: 0, he would miss it, rather And his ascent is not by such easy degrees as those, Than carry it, but by the suit o' the gentry to him, who, having been supple and courteous to the people, And the desire of the nobles.

bonnetted, without any further deed to heave them Sic.

I wish no better,

at all into their estimation and report. but he bath Than have him hold that purpose, and to put it

so planted his honours in their eyes, and his actions In execution.

in their hearts, that for their tongues to be silent, Bru. 'Tis most like, he will.

and not confess so much, were a kind of ingrateful Sic. It shall be to him then, as our good wills ;

injury; to report otherwise, were a malice, that, A sure destruction.

giving itself the lie, would pluck reproof and reBru, So it must fall out

buke from every ear that heard it. To him, or our authorities. For an end,

I Off No more of him: he is a worthy man: We must suggest the people, in what hatred Make way, they are coming. He still hath held them; that, to his power, he would Have made them mules, silenc'd their pleaders, and A Senet. Enter, with lictors before them, Comi.

NIUS the Consul, MENENIUS, CORIOLANUS, many Dispropertied their freedoms : holding them, In human action and capacity,

other Senators, Sicinius and BRUTUS. The SeOf no more soul, nor fitness for the world,

nators take their places ; the Tribunes take theirs Than camels in their war; who have their provand

also by themselves. Only for bearing burdens, and sore blows

M:n. Having determin’d of the Volces, and For sinking under them.

To send for Titus Lartius, it remains, Sic.

This, as you say, suggested As the main point of this our aster-meeting, At some time wher, his soaring insolence

To gratify his noble service, that

Hatb thus stood for his country: l'herefore, please When he might act the woman in the scene, you,

He prov'd best man i the field, and for his meed Most reverend and grave elders, to desire

Was brow-bound with the oak. His pupil age The present consul, and last general

Man-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea; In our well-found successes, to report

And, in the brunt of seventeen battles since, A little of that worthy work perform'd

He lurch'd all swords o'the garland. For this las, By Caius Marcius Coriolanus; whom

Before and in Corioli, let me say, We meet here, both to thank, and to remember I cannot speak him home: He stopp'd the fliers; With honours like himself.

And, by his rare example, made the coward 1 Sen.

Speak, good Cominius : Turn terror into sport: as waves before Leave nothing out for length, and make us think, A vessel under sail, so men obey'd, Rather our state's defective for requital,

And fell below his stem: his sword (death's stamp) Than we to stretch it out. Masters o'the people, Where it did mark, it took; from face to foot We do request your kindest ears; and, after, He was a thing of blood, whose every motion Your loving motiou toward the common body, Was timed with dying cries : alone he enter'd To yield what passes here.

The mortal gate o'the city, which he painted Sic.

We are convented With shunless destiny, aílless came off, Upon a pleasing treaty; and have hearts

And with a sudden re-enforcement struck Inclinable to honour and advance

Corioli, like a planet: Now all's his: The theme of our assembly.

When by and by the din of war 'gan pierce Bru.

Which the rather His ready sense : then straight his doubled spirit We shall be bless'd to do, if he remember

Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate, A kinder value of the people, than

And to the battle came he; where he did He hath hereto priz'd them at.

Run reeking o'er the lives of men, as if
Men.

That's off, that's oft ; 'Twere a perpetual spoil: and, till we callid
I would you rather had been silent : Please you Both field and city ours, he never stood
To hear Cominius speak ?

To ease his breast with panting.
Bru.
Most willingly:
Men.

Worthy mau! But yet my caution was more pertinent,

I Sen. He cannot but with measure fit the honours Than the rebuke you give it.

Which we devise him.
Men.
He loves your people;

Com,

Our spoils he kick'd at But tie him not to be their bedfellow.

And look'd upon things precious, as they were Worthy Cominius, speak--Nay, keep your place. The common muck o'the world; he covets less

(CORIOLANUS rises, and offers to go away. Than misery itself would give; rewards
1 Sen. Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear His deeds with doing them; and is content
What you have nobly done.

To spend the time, to end it.
Cor.
Your honours' pardon; Men.

He's right noble,
I had rather have my wounds to heal again, Let him be call'd for.
Then hear say how I got them.

1 Sen.

Call for Coriolanus. Bru.

Sir, I hope,

off. He doth appear. My words dis-bench'd you not.

Re-enter CORIOLANUS. Cor.

No, sir: yet oft, When blows have made me stay, I fed from words. Men. The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleas'd You sooth'd not, therefore hurt not: But, your To make thee consul. people,

Cor.

I do owe them still
I love them as they weigh.

My life, and services.
Men.
Pray now, sit down. Men.

It then remains,
Cor. I had rather have one scratch my head i' the That you do speak to the people.
sun,

Cor.

I do beseech you, When the alarum were struck, than idly sit Let me o'erleap that custom; for I cannot To hear my nothings monster'd.

Put on the gown, stand naked, and entreat them,

(Erit Coriolanus. For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage : please Men, Masters o'the people,

you, Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter, That I may pass this doing. (That's thousand to one good one,) when you now Sic.

Sir, the people see,

Must have their voices; neither will they bate He had rather venture all his limbs for honour, One jot of ceremony. Than one of his ears to bear it ?-Proceed, Cominius. Men,

Put them not to't:Com. I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus Pray you, go fit you to the custom; and Should not be utter'd feebly.-It is held,

Take to you, as your predecessors have, That valour is the chiefest virtue, and

Your honour with your form. Most dignifies the haver: if it be,

Cor.

It is a part
The man I speak of cannot in the world

That I shall blush in acting, and might well
Be singly counterpois'd. At sixteen years, Be taken from the people,
When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he fought Bru.

Mark you that? Beyond the mark of others : our then dictator, Cor. To brag unto them, – Thus I did, and Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight,

thus; When with his Amazonian chin he drove

Show them the unaking scars which I should hide, The bristled lips before him: he bestrid

As if I had receiv'd them for the hire
An o'er press’à Roman, and i' the consul's view Of their breath only:
Slew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met,

Men.

Do not stand upcn':.And struck him on bis knee: in that day's feats, We recommend to you, tribunes of the peuple,

-ray

Our purpose to them ;—and to our noble consul I pray sir,--Plague upon’ı! I cannot bring
Wish we all joy and honour.

My tongue to such a pace :

-Look, sir;Sen. To Coriolanus come all joy and honour !

wounds ;(Flourish. Then ereunt Senators. I got them in my country's service, when Bru. You see how he intends to use the people. Some certain of your brethren roar'd, and ran Sic. May they perceive his intent! He will From the noise of our own drums. require the

Men.

O me, the gods ! As if he did contemn what he requested

You must not speak of that: you must desire them Should be in them to give.

To think upon you.
Bru.
Come, we'll inform them Cor.

Think upon me? Hang 'em!
Of our proceedings here; on the market-place, I would they would forget me, like the virtues
I know they do attend us.

(Exeunt. Which our divines lose by them.
Men.

You'll mar all; SCENE III.- The same. The Forum. I'll leave you: Pray you, speak to them, I pray you,

In wholesome manner.

(Erit. Enter several Citizens.

Enter two Citizens. 1 Cit

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

Cor.

Bid them wash their faces, 2 Cit. We may, sir, if we will. 3 Cit. We have power in ourselves to do it, but And keep their teeth clean.-So, here comes a

brace, it is a power that we have no power to do: for if he You know the cause, sir, of my standing here. show us his wounds, and tell us his deeds, we are to

1 Cit. We do, sir; tell us what hath brought you put our tongues into those wounds, and speak for

to't. them; so, if he tell us his noble deeds, we must also

Cor. Mine own desert. tell him our noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude

2 Cit.

Your own desert ? is monstrous: and for the multitude to be ingrate- Cor.

Ay, not ful, were to make a monster of the multitude; of

Mine own desire. the which, we being members, should bring ourselves

1 Cit.

How! not your own desire ? to be monstrous members. i Cit. And to make us no better thought of, a 'Twas never my desire yet,

Cor. No, sir : little help will serve: for once, when we stood up To trouble the poor with begging: about the corn, he himself stuck not to call us the

I Cit. You must think, if we give you any thing, many-beaded multitude.

We hope to gain by you.

(ship? 3 Cit. We have been called so of many; not that

Cor. Well then, I pray, your price o'the consulour heads are some brown, some black, some auburn,

1 Cit. The price is, sir, to ask it kindly. some bald, but that our wits are so diversely coloured:

Cor.

Kindly! and truly I think, if all our wits were to issue out of Sir, I pray, let me ha't: I have wounds to show you, one skuil, they would fly east, west, north, south; Which shall be yours in private. Your good voice, and their consent of one direct way should be at

sir; once 'o !l points o'the compass.

What say you ? 2 Cit. Think you so? Which way do you judge,

2 Cit. You shall have is, worthy sir. my wit would fly? 3 Cit. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as There is in all two worthy voices begg’d:

Cor. A match, sir :another man's will, 'tis strongly wedged up in a

I have your alms; adieu. block-head; but if it were at liberty, 'twould, sure,

1 Cit.

But this is something odd. southward,

2 Cit. An 'twere to give again,-But 'tis no 2 Cit. Why that way?

matter.

(Exeunt two Citizens. 3 Cit. To lose itself in a fog; where being three parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth

Enter tuto other Citizens. would return for conscience' sake, to help to get thee a wife.

Cor. Pray you now if it may stand with the tune 2 Cit. You are never without your tricks:—You of your voices, that I may be consul, I have here the may, you may.

customary gown. 3 Cit. Are you all resolved to give your voices ? 3 Cit. You have deserved nobly of your country, But that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I and you have not deserved nubly. say, if he would incline to the people, there was Cor. Your enigma ? never a worthier man.

3 Cit. You have been a scourge to her enemies, Enter CORIOLANUS and MENENTUS.

you have been a rod to her friends; you have not,

indeed, loved the common people Here he comes, and in the gown of humility; mark Cor. You should account me the more virtuous, his behaviour. We are not to stay altogether, but that I have not been common in my love I will, to come by him where he stands, by ones, by twos, sir, flatter my sworn brother the people, to earn a and by threes. He's to make his requests by parti- dearer estimation of them ; 'tis a condition they ac. culars: wherein every one of us has a single honour, count gentle : and since the wisdom of their choice in giving him our own voices with our own tongues: is rather to have my hat than my heart, I will prac. therefore follow me, and I'll direct you how you tise the insinuating nod, and be off, to them most shall go by him.

counterfeitly : that is, sir, I will counterfeit the be. All. Content, content.

įE.seunt. witchment of some popular man, and give it boun. Men. O sir, you are not right: have you notufully to the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I

known The worthiest men have done't?

4 Cn. We hope to find you our friend; aal Cor.

What must I say? I therefore give you our voices heartily.

may be consul.

3 Cit. You have received many wounds for your | He fouted us down-right.

us country.

I Cit. No, 'tis his kind of speech, he did not mock Cor. I will not seal your knowledge with showing 2 Cit. Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says, them. I will make much of your voices, and so He us'd us scornfully : he should have show'd us trouble you no further.

His inarks of merit, wounds receiv'd for his country. Both Čit. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily ! Sic. Why, so be did, I am sure. (Ereunt. Cil.

No; no man saw 'em. Cor. Most sweet voices !

(Several speak. Better it is to die, better to starve,

3 Cit. He said, he had wounds, which he could Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.

show in private; Why in this wolfish gown should I stand here, And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn, To beg of Hob and Dick, that do appear,

I would be consul, says he : aged custom, Their needless vouches ? Custom calls me to't:- But by your voices, will not so permit me; What custom wills, in all things should we do't, Your voices therefore: When we granted that, The dust on antique time would lie unswept, Here was,- I thank you for your voices,—thank you,

And mountainous error be too highly heap'd Your most sweet roices :-now you have left your voices, For truth to over-peer,-Rather than fool it so, I have no further with you :- Was not this mockery ? Let the high office and the honour go

Sic. Why, either were you ignorant to see't ? To one that would do thus.-I am half through; Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.

To yield your voices ?

Bru.
Enter three other Citizens.

Could you not have told him,

As you were lesson’d, -when he had no power, Here come more voices,

But was a petty servant to the state,
Your voices: for your voices I have fought; He'was your enemy; ever spake against
Watch'd for your voices; for your voices, bear Your liberties, and the charters that you bear
Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six l' the body of the weal: and now, arriving
I have seen and heard of; for your voices, have A place of potency, and sway o'the state,
Done many things, some less, some more : your If he should still malignantly remain
voices :

Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might
Indeed, I would be consul.

Be curses to yourselves ? You should have said, 5 Cit

. He has done nobly, and canno: go without That, as his worthy deeds did claim no less any honest man's voice.

Than what he stood for; so his gracious nature 6 Cit. Therefore let him be consul: The gods give Would think upon you for your voices, and him joy, and make him good friend to the people! Translate his malice towards you into love, AŬ. Amen, amen.

Standing your friendly lord: God save thee, noble consul! [Exeunt Citizens. Sic.

Thus to have said, Cor.

Worthy voices ! As you were fore-advis’d, had touch'd his spirit,

And try'd his inclination; from him pluck'd Re-enter MENENIOS, with Brutus and SICINIUS. Either his gracious promise, which you might, Men. You have stood your limitation; and the As cause had calld you up, bave held him to; tribunes

Or else it would have galld his surly nature,
Endue you with the people's voice : Remains, Which easily endures not article
That, in the official marks invested, you

Tying him to aught; so, putting hịm to rage, Anon do meet the senate.

You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler, Cor. Is this done?

And pass'd him unelected. Sic. The custom of request you have discharg'd : Bru.

Did you perceive, The people do admit you; and are summond He did solicit you in free contempt, To meet anon, upon your approbation.

When he did need your loves; and do you think, Cor. Where ? at the senate-house ?

That his contempt shall not be bruising to you, Sic.

There, Corioianus. When he hath power to crush? Why, had your Cor. May I then change these garments ?

bodies Sic.

You may, sir. No heart among you? Or had you tongues, to cry Cor. That I'll straight do; and, knowing myself Against the rectorship of judgment ? again,

Sic. Repair to the senate-house.

Ere now, deny'd the asker? and, now again, Men. I'll keep you company.--Will you along ? On him, that did not ask, but mock, bestow Bru. We stay here for the people.

Your su'd-for tongues ? Sic.

Fare you well. 3 Cit. He's not confirm'd, we may deny him yet.

(Ereunt Coriol. and Menen. 2 Cit. And will deny him: He has it now; and by his looks, methinks, I'll have five hundred voices of that sound. 'Tis warm at his heart.

1 Cit. I twice five hundred, and their friends to Bru. With a proud heart he wore

piece 'em.

(friends, His humble weeds: Will you dismiss the people ? Bru. "Get you hence, instantly; and tell those

They have chose a consul, that will from them take Re-enter Citizens.

Their liberties; make them of no more voice Sic. How now, my masters ? have you chose this Than dogs, that are as often beat for barking,

As therefore kept to do so. i Cit. He has our voices, sir.

Sic.

Let them assemble ; Bru. We pray the gods, he may deserve your loves. And, on a safer judgment, all revoke

2 Cit. Amen, sir: To my poor unworthy notice, Your ignorant election : Enforce his pride; He mock'd us, when he begg'd our voices.

And his old hate unto you : besides, forget not 3 Cit

Certainly, With what contempt he wore the humble weed

Have you

man ?

mons ?

How in bis suit he scorn'd you: but your loves, Yielded the town: he is retir'd to Antium.
Thinking upon bis services, took from you

Cor. Spoke he of me?
The apprehension of his present portance,

Lart.

He did, my lord. Which gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion

Cor.

How? what? After the inveterate hate he bears you.

Lart. How often he had met you, sword to sword Bru.

Lay That, of all things upon the earth, he hated
A fault on us, your tribunes; that we labour'd Your person most : that he would pawn his fortunes
(No impediment between) but that you must To hopeless restitution, so he might
Cast your election on him.

Be call'd your vanquisher.
Src,
Say, you chose him Cor

At Antium lives he ?
More after our commandment, than as guided Lart. At Antium.
By your own true affections; and that, your minds Cor. I wish I had a cause to seek him there,
Pre-occupy'd with what you rather must do To oppose his hatred fully.--Welcome home.
Than what you should, made you against the grain

[To LARTIUS. To voice him consul: Lay the fault on us. (you,

Enter Sicinius and BRUTUS.
Bru. Ay, spare us not. Say, we read lectures to
How youngly he began to serve his country, Behold! these are the tribunes of the people,
How long continued: and what stock he springs of, The tongues o' the common mouth. i do despise
Tbe noble house o'the Marcians; from whence came

them;
That Ancus Marcius, Numa's daughter's son, For they do prank them in authority,
Who, after great Hostilius, here was king : Against all noble sufferance.
Of the same house Publius and Quintus were,

Sic.

Pass no further
That our best water brought by conduits hither ; Cor. Ha! what is that?
And Censorinus, darling of the people,

Bru.

It will be dangerous to And nobly nam'd so, being censor twice,

Go on : no further. Was his great ancestor.

Cor.

What makes this change ?
Sic.
One thus descended,
Men,

The matter? That hath beside well in his person wrought

Com. Hath he not pass’d the nobles, and the comTo be set high in place, we did commend To your remembrances: but you have found,

Bru. Cominius, no. Scaling his present bearing with his past,

Cor.

Have I had children's voices ! That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke

I Sen. Tribunes, give way; he shall to the marYour sudden approbation.

ket-place. Bru.

Say, you nc'er had done't, Bru. The people are incens'd against him. (Harp on that still,) but by cur putting on:

Sic.

Stop, And presently, when you have drawn your number, Or all will fall in broil. Repair to the Capitol.

Cor.

Are these your herd ?-Cit. We will so: almost all (Several speak. Must these have voices, that can yield them now, Repent in their election. [Ereunt Citizens. And straight disclaim their tongues ? —What are Bru. Let them go on;

your offices ?

(teeth? This mutiuy were better put in hazard,

You being their mouths, why rule you not their Than stay, past doubt, for greater :

Have you not set them on? If, as his nature is, he fall in rage

Men.

Be calın, be calın. With their refusal, both observe and answer

Cor. It is a purpos'd thing, and grows by plot, The vantage of his anger.

To euub the will of the nobility:
Sic.
To the Capitol:

Suffer it, and live with such as cannot rule,
Come; we'll be there befor? the stream o'the people; Nor ever will be rul'd.
And this shall seem, as partly 'tis their own,

Bru.

Cill't not a plot : Which we have goaded onward.

[Ereunt. The people cry, you mock'd them; and, of late,

When corn was given them gratis, you repin'd;
Scandal'd the suppliants for the people; callid them

Time-pleasers, flatterers, fves to nobleness.
ACT III.

Cor. Why, this was known before.
Bru.

Not to them all.

Cor. Have you inform'd them since?
SCENE I. The same. A Street.

Bru.

How! I inform them?

Cor. You are like to do such business. Cornels. Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, COMINIUS,

Bru.

Not unlike, Titus LARTIUS, Senators, and Patricians.

Each way, to better yours. Cor. Tullus Aufidius then had made new head i Cor. Why then should I be consul? By yon clouds, Lart. He had, my lord; and that it was, which Let me deserve so ill as you, and make me caus'd

Your fellow tribune. Our swifter composition.

Sic.

You show too much of tha“, Cor. So then the Volces stand but as at first; For which the people stir: If you will pass Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road To where you are bound, you must inquire your way, Upon us again.

Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit; Com.

They are worn, lord consul, 90, Or never be so noble as a consul, That we shall hardly in our ages see

Nor yoke with him for tribune. Their banners wave again.

Men.

Let's be colm. Cor.

Saw you Aufidius ? Com. The people are abus'd :--Set on.—Tbis Lart. On safeguard he came to me; and did curse

palt'ring Against the Volces, for they had so vilely

Becomes not Rome; nor has Coriolanas

? T