# Coriolanus (1924) Yale/Text/Act I

Notes originally placed at the bottom of each page appear below, following Act I. Where these notes gloss a word in the text, the gloss can also be found by hovering over the text.
Where these notes refer to an end note (cf. n. = confer notam; "consult note"), a link to the accompanying end note is provided from the Footnotes section. The end notes accompanying Act I begin on page 143 of the original volume.
Layout 2
ACT FIRST
Scene One
[Rome. A Street]
Enter a Company of mutinous Citizens, with staves, clubs, and other weapons.
1. Cit. Before we proceed any further, hear me speak.
All. Speak, speak.
1. Cit. You are all resolved rather to die than 4 to famish?
All. Resolved, resolved.
1. Cit. First, you know Caius Martius is chief enemy to the people. 8
All. We know 't, we know 't.
1. Cit. Let us kill him, and we'll have corn at our own price. Is 't a verdict?
All. No more talking on 't; let it be done. 12 Away, away!
2. Cit. One word, good citizens.
1. Cit. We are accounted poor citizens, the patricians good. What authority surfeits on 16 would relieve us. If they would yield us but the superfluity, while it were wholesome, we might guess they relieved us humanely; but they think we are too dear: the leanness that 20 afflicts us, the object of our misery, is as an inventory to particularise their abundance; our ​sufferance is a gain to them. Let us revenge this with our pikes, ere we become rakes: for 24 the gods know I speak this in hunger for bread, not in thirst for revenge.
2. Cit. Would you proceed especially against Caius Martius? 28
All. Against him first: he's a very dog to the commonalty.
2. Cit. Consider you what services he has done for his country? 32
1. Cit. Very well; and could be content to give him good report for 't, but that he pays himself with being proud.
2. Cit. Nay, but speak not maliciously. 36
1. Cit. I say unto you, what he hath done famously, he did it to that end: though soft- conscienced men can be content to say it was for his country, he did it to please his mother, 40 and to be partly proud; which he is, even to the altitude of his virtue.
2. Cit. What he cannot help in his nature, you account a vice in him. You must in no way say 44 he is covetous.
1. Cit. If I must not, I need not be barren of accusations: he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition. Shouts within. What shouts are 48 these? The other side o' the city is risen: why stay we prating here? to the Capitol!
All. Come, come.
1. Cit. Soft! who comes here? 52
Enter Menenius Agrippa.
2. Cit. Worthy Menenius Agrippa; one that hath always loved the people.
1. Cit. He's one honest enough: would all the rest were so! 56
Men. What work's, my countrymen, in hand? Where go you With bats and clubs? The matter? Speak, I pray you.
2. Cit. Our business is not unknown to the senate; they have had inkling this fortnight what 60 we intend to do, which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say poor suitors have strong breaths: they shall know we have strong arms too. 64
Men. Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours, Will you undo yourselves?
2. Cit. We cannot, sir; we are undone already. 68
Men. I tell you, friends, most charitable care Have the patricians of you. For your wants, Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them 72 Against the Roman state, whose course will on The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs Of more strong link asunder than can ever Appear in your impediment. For the dearth, 76 The gods, not the patricians, make it, and Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack! You are transported by calamity Thither where more attends you; and you slander 80 The helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers, When you curse them as enemies.
2. Cit. Care for us! True, indeed! They ne'er cared for us yet: suffer us to famish, and 84 their storehouses crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act established against the rich, and provide more piercing statutes daily 88 to chain up and restrain the poor, If the wars eat us not up, they will; and there's all the love they bear us.
Men. Either you must 92 Confess yourselves wondrous malicious, Or be accus'd of folly. I shall tell you A pretty tale; it may be you have heard it; But, since it serves my purpose, I will venture 96 To scale 't a little more.
2. Cit. Well, I'll hear it, sir; yet you must not think to fob off our disgrace with a tale; but, an 't please you, deliver. 100
Men. There was a time when all the body's members Rebell'd against the belly; thus accus'd it: That only like a gulf it did remain I' the midst o' the body, idle and unactive, 104 Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing Like labour with the rest, where th' other instruments Did see and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel, And, mutually participate, did minister 108 Unto the appetite and affection common Of the whole body, The belly answer'd,—
2. Cit. Well, sir, what answer made the belly? 112
Men. Sir, I shall tell you.—With a kind of smile, Which ne'er came from the lungs, but even thus— ​For, look you, I may make the belly smile As well as speak—it taintingly replied 116 To the discontented members, the mutinous parts That envied his receipt; even so most fitly As you malign our senators for that They are not such as you.
2. Cit. Your belly's answer? What! 120 The kingly crowned head, the vigilant eye, The counsellor heart, the arm our soldier, Our steed the leg, the tongue our trumpeter, With other muniments and petty helps 124 In this our fabric, if that they—
Men. What then?— 'Fore me, this fellow speaks! what then? what then?
2. Cit. Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd, Who is the sink o' the body,—
Men. Well, what then? 128
2. Cit. The former agents, if they did complain, What could the belly answer?
Men. I will tell you; If you'll bestow a small, of what you have little, Patience a while, you'st hear the belly's answer. 132
2. Cit. You're long about it.
Men. Note me this, good friend; Your most grave belly was deliberate, Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer’d: 'True is it, my incorporate friends,' quoth he, 136 'That I receive the general food at first, Which you do live upon; and fit it is, Because I am the store-house and the shop ​Of the whole body: but, if you do remember, 140 I send it through the rivers of your blood, Even to the court, the heart, to the seat o' the brain; And, through the cranks and offices of man, The strongest nerves and small inferior veins 144 From me receive that natural competency Whereby they live. And though that all at once, You, my good friends,'—this says the belly, mark me,—
2. Cit. Ay, sir; well, well.
Men. 'Though all at once cannot 148 See what I do deliver out to each, Yet I can make my audit up, that all From me do back receive the flour of all, And leave me but the bran.' What say you to 't? 152
2. Cit. It was an answer: how apply you this?
Men. The senators of Rome are this good belly, And you the mutinous members; for, examine Their counsels and their cares, digest things rightly 156 Touching the weal o' the common, you shall find No public benefit which you receive But it proceeds or comes from them to you, And no way from yourselves. What do you think, 160 You, the great toe of this assembly?
2. Cit. I the great toe? Why the great toe?
Men. For that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest, Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost: 164 Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run, Lead'st first to win some vantage. ​But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs: Rome and her rats are at the point of battle; 168 The one side must have bale.
Enter Caius Martius.
Hail, noble Martius!
Mar. Thanks.—What's the matter, you dissentious rogues, That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs?
2. Cit. We have ever your good word. 172
Mar. He that will give good words to thee will flatter Beneath abhorring. What would you have, you curs, That like nor peace nor war? the one affrights you, The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you, 176 Where he should find you lions, finds you hares; Where foxes, geese: you are no surer, no, Than is the coal of fire upon the ice, Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is, 180 To make him worthy whose offence subdues him, And curse that justice did it. Who deserves greatness Deserves your hate; and your affections are A sick man's appetite, who desires most that 184 Which would increase his evil. He that depends Upon your favours swims with fins of lead And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye! Trust ye? With every minute you do change a mind, 188 And call him noble that was now your hate, ​Him vile that was your garland. What's the matter, That in these several places of the city You cry against the noble senate, who, 192 Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else Would feed on one another? What's their seeking?
Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof they say The city is well stor'd.
Mar. Hang 'em! They say! 196 They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise, Who thrives, and who declines; side factions, and give out Conjectural marriages; making parties strong, 200 And feebling such as stand not in their liking Below their cobbled shoes. They say there's grain enough! Would the nobility lay aside their ruth, And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry 204 With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high As I could pick my lance.
Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded; For though abundantly they lack discretion, 208 Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you, What says the other troop?
Mar. They are dissolv'd: hang em! They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs: That hunger broke stone walls; that dogs must eat; 212 That meat was made for mouths; that the gods sent not Corn for the rich men only. With these shreds They vented their complainings; which being answer'd, ​And a petition granted them, a strange one,— 216 To break the heart of generosity, And make bold power look pale,—they threw their caps As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon, Shouting their emulation.
Men. What is granted them? 220
Mar. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms, Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus, Sicinius Velutus, and I know not—'Sdeath! The rabble should have first unroof'd the city, 224 Ere so prevail'd with me; it will in time Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes For insurrection's arguing.
Men. This is strange.
Mar. Go; get you home, you fragments! 228
Enter a Messenger, hastily.
Mess. Where's Caius Martius?
Mar. Here: what's the matter?
Mess. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.
Mar. I am glad on 't; then we shall ha' means to vent Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders. 232
Enter Sicinius Velutus, Junius Brutus; Cominius, Titus Lartius, with other Senators.
1. Sen. Martius, 'tis true that you have lately told us; The Volsces are in arms.
Mar. They have a leader, ​Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to 't. I sin in envying his nobility, 236 And were I anything but what I am, I would wish me only he.
Com. You have fought together.
Mar. Were half to half the world by th' ears, and he Upon my party, I'd revolt, to make 240 Only my wars with him: he is a lion That I am proud to hunt.
1. Sen. Then, worthy Martius, Attend upon Cominius to these wars.
Com. It is your former promise.
Mar. Sir, it is; 244 And I am constant. Titus Lartius, thou Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face. What! art thou stiff? stand'st out?
Tit. No, Caius Martius; I'll lean upon one crutch and fight with t'other, 248 Ere stay behind this business.
Men. O! true-bred.
Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where I know Our greatest friends attend us.
Tit. [To Cominius.] Lead you on: [To Martius.] Follow Cominius; we must follow you; 252 Right worthy you priority.
Com. Noble Martius!
Sen. [To the Citizens.] Hence! to your homes! be gone.
Mar. Nay, let them follow: The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither To gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutiners, 256 ​Your valour puts well forth; pray, follow.
Exeunt [Martius, Cominius, Titus, etc.]. Citizens steal away. Mane[n]t Sicin. & Brutus.
Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Martius?
Bru. He has no equal. 259
Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the people,—
Bru. Mark'd you his lip and eyes?
Sic. Nay, but his taunts.
Bru. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the gods.
Sic. Bemock the modest moon.
Bru. The present wars devour him! he is grown 264 Too proud to be so valiant.
Sic. Such a nature, Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow Which he treads on at noon. But I do wonder His insolence can brook to be commanded 268 Under Cominius.
Bru. Fame, at the which he aims, In whom already he's well grac'd, cannot Better be held nor more attain'd than by A place below the first; for what miscarries 272 Shall be the general's fault, though he perform To th' utmost of a man; and giddy censure Will then cry out of Martius 'O! if he Had borne the business.'
Sic. Besides, if things go well, 276 Opinion, that so sticks on Martius, shall Of his demerits rob Cominius.
Bru. Come: Half all Cominius' honours are to Martius, ​Though Martius earn'd them not; and all his faults 280 To Martius shall be honours, though indeed In aught he merit not.
Sic. Let's hence and hear How the dispatch is made; and in what fashion, More than his singularity, he goes 284 Upon this present action.
Bru. Let's along. Exeunt.
Scene Two
[Corioli. The Senate-house]
Enter Tullus Aufidius with Senators of Corioli.
1. Sen. So your opinion is, Aufidius, That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels, And know how we proceed.
Auf. Is it not yours? What ever have been thought on in this state, 4 That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think I have the letter here; yes, here it is. 8 'They have press'd a power, but it is not known Whether for east, or west: the dearth is great; The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd, Cominius, Martius, your old enemy,— 12 Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,— And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman, These three lead on this preparation Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you: 16 Consider of it.'
​1. Sen. Our army's in the field: We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready To answer us.
Auf. Nor did you think it folly To keep your great pretences veil'd till when 20 They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching, It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was To take in many towns ere almost Rome 24 Should know we were afoot.
2. Sen. Noble Aufidius, Take your commission; hie you to your bands; Let us alone to guard Corioli: If they set down before 's, for the remove 28 Bring up your army; but I think you'll find They've not prepar'd for us.
Auf. O! doubt not that; I speak from certainties. Nay, more; Some parcels of their power are forth already, 32 And only hitherward. I leave your honours. If we and Caius Martius chance to meet, 'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike Till one can do no more.
All. The gods assist you! 36
Auf. And keep your honours safe!
1. Sen. Farewell.
2. Sen. Farewell.
All. Farewell. Exeunt omnes.
Scene Three
[Rome. A Room in Martius's House]
Vol. I pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourself in a more comfortable sort. If my son were my husband, I should freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than in the 4 embracements of his bed where he would show most love. When yet he was but tender-bodied and the only son of my womb, when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way, when for a 8 day of kings' entreaties a mother should not sell him an hour from her beholding, I, considering how honour would become such a person, that it was no better than picture-like to hang by the 12 wall, if renown made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to find fame. To a cruel war I sent him; from whence he returned, his brows bound with oak. I tell 16 thee, daughter, I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself a man.
Vir. But had he died in the business, madam; 20 how then?
Vol. Then his good report should have been my son; I therein would have found issue. Hear me profess sincerely: had I a dozen sons, each 24 in my love alike, and none less dear than thine and my good Martius, I had rather had eleven ​die nobly for their country than one voluptu- ously surfeit out of action. 28
Enter a Gentlewoman.
Gent. Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to visit you.
Vir. Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.
Vol. Indeed, you shall not. 32 Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum, See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair, As children from a bear the Volsces shunning him: Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus: 36 'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear, Though you were born in Rome.' His bloody brow With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes, Like to a harvestman that's task'd to mow 40 Or all or lose his hire.
Vir. His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!
Vol. Away, you fool! it more becomes a man Than gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba, 44 When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood, At Grecian sword contemning. Tell Valeria We are fit to bid her welcome. 48
Exit Gent.
Vir. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!
Vol. He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee, And tread upon his neck.
Enter Valeria with an Usher, and a Gentlewoman.
Val. My ladies both, good day to you. 52
Vol. Sweet madam.
Vir. I am glad to see your ladyship.
​Val. How do you both? you are manifest housekeepers. What are you sewing here? A 56 fine spot, in good faith. How does your little son?
Vir. I thank your ladyship; well, good madam.
Vol. He had rather see the swords and hear 60 a drum, than look upon his schoolmaster.
Val. O' my word, the father's son; I'll swear 'tis a very pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him o' Wednesday half an hour together: 64 he has such a confirmed countenance. I saw him run after a gilded butterfly; and when he caught it, he let it go again; and after it again; and over and over he comes, and up again; 68 catched it again: or whether his fall enraged him, or how 'twas, he did so set his teeth and tear it; O! I warrant, how he mammocked it!
Vol. One on 's father's moods. 72
Val. Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child.
Vir. A crack, madam.
Val. Come, lay aside your stitchery; I must have you play the idle huswife with me this 76 afternoon.
Vir. No, good madam; I will not out of doors.
Val. Not out of doors!
Vol. She shall, she shall. 80
Vir. Indeed, no, by your patience; I'll not over the threshold till my lord return from the wars.
Vol. Fie! you confine yourself most un- 84 ​reasonably. Come; you must go visit the good lady that lies in.
Vir. I will wish her speedy strength, and visit her with my prayers; but I cannot go thither. 88
Vol. Why, I pray you?
Vir.'Tis not to save labour, nor that I want love.
Val. You would be another Penelope; yet, 92 they say, all the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca full of moths. Come; I would your cambric were sensible as your finger, that you might leave pricking it for pity. 96 Come, you shall go with us.
Vir. No, good madam, pardon me; indeed, I will not forth.
Val. In truth, la, go with me; and I'll tell 100 you excellent news of your husband.
Vir. O, good madam, there can be none yet.
Val. Verily, I do not jest with you; there came news from him last night. 104
Vir. Indeed, madam?
Val. In earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it. Thus it is: The Volsces have an army forth; against whom Cominius the general is 108 gone, with one part of our Roman power: your lord and Titus Lartius are set down before their city Corioli; they nothing doubt prevailing and to make it brief wars. This is true, on mine 112 honour; and so, I pray, go with us.
Vir. Give me excuse, good madam; I will obey you in everything hereafter.
Vol. Let her alone, lady: as she is now she 116 will but disease our better mirth.
​Val. In troth, I think she would. Fare you well then. Come, good sweet lady. Prithee, Virgilia, turn thy solemness out o' door, and go 120 along with us.
Vir. No, at a word, madam; indeed I must not. I wish you much mirth.
Val. Well then, farewell. Exeunt Ladies.
Scene Four
[Before Corioli]
Mar. Yonder comes news: a wager they have met.
Lart. My horse to yours, no.
Mar. 'Tis done.
Lart. Agreed.
Mar. Say, has our general met the enemy?
Mess. They lie in view, but have not spoke as yet. 4
Lart. So the good horse is mine.
Mar. I'll buy him of you.
Lart. No, I'll nor sell nor give him; lend you him I will For half a hundred years. Summon the town.
Mar. How far off lie these armies?
Mess. Within this mile and half. 8
Mar. Then shall we hear their 'larum, and they ours. Now, Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work, That we with smoking swords may march from hence, To help our fielded friends! Come, blow thy blast. 12
They sound a Parley. Enter two Senators with others on the Walls of Corioli.
Tullus Aufidius, is he within your walls?
1. Sen. No, nor a man that fears you less than he: That's lesser than a little. Drum afar off. Hark, our drums Are bringing forth our youth: we'll break our walls, 16 Rather than they shall pound us up: our gates, Which yet seem shut, we have but pinn'd with rushes; They'll open of themselves. Hark you, far off! Alarum far off. There is Aufidius: list, what work he makes 20 Amongst your cloven army.
Mar. O! they are at it!
Lart. Their noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!
Enter the Army of the Volsces.
Mar. They fear us not, but issue forth their city. Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight 24 With hearts more proof than shields. Advance, brave Titus: They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts, Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows: He that retires, I'll take him for a Volsce, 28 And he shall feel mine edge.
Alarum. The Romans are beat back to their trenches. Enter Martius, cursing.
Mar. All the contagion of the south light on you, You shames of Rome! you herd of—Boils and plagues ​Plaster you o'er, that you may be abhorr'd 32 Further than seen, and one infect another Against the wind a mile! You souls of geese, That bear the shapes of men, how have you run From slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell! 36 All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale With flight and agu'd fear! Mend and charge home, Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foe And make my wars on you; look to 't: come on; 40 If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives, As they us to our trenches follows.
Another alarum, and Martius follows them to gates, and is shut in.
So, now the gates are ope: now prove good seconds: 'Tis for the followers Fortune widens them, 44 Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like.
Enter the gates.
1. Sol. Foolhardiness! not I.
2. Sol. Nor I.
Alarum continues.
1. Sol. See, they have shut him in.
All. To the pot, I warrant him.
Enter Titus Lartius.
Lart. What is become of Martius?
All. Slain, sir, doubtless. 48
1. Sol. Following the fliers at the very heels, With them he enters; who, upon the sudden, Clapp'd-to their gates; he is himself alone, To answer all the city.
Lart. O noble fellow! 52 ​Who, sensibly, outdares his senseless sword, And, when it bows, stands up. Thou art left, Martius: A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art, Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier 56 Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible Only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks and The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds, Thou mad'st thine enemies shake, as if the world 60 Were feverous and did tremble.
Enter Martius, bleeding, assaulted by the Enemy.
1. Sol. Look, sir!
Lart. O! 'tis Martius! Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.
They fight, and all enter the City.
Scene Five
[Corioli. A Street]
Enter certain Romans, with spoils.
1. Rom. This will I carry to Rome.
2. Rom. And I this.
3. Rom. A murrain on 't! I took this for silver.
Exeunt. Alarum continues still afar off.
Enter Martius and Titus, with a Trumpet.
Mar. See here these movers that do prize their hours 4 At a crack'd drachme! Cushions, leaden spoons, ​Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would Bury with those that wore them, these base slaves, Ere yet the fight be done, pack up. Down with them! 8 And hark, what noise the general makes! To him! There is the man of my soul's hate, Aufidius, Piercing our Romans: then, valiant Titus, take Convenient numbers to make good the city, 12 Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste To help Cominius.
Lart. Worthy sir, thou bleed'st; Thy exercise hath been too violent For a second course of fight.
Mar. Sir, praise me not; 16 My work hath yet not warm'd me: fare you well: The blood I drop is rather physical Than dangerous to me: to Aufidius thus I will appear, and fight.
Lart. Now the fair goddess, Fortune, 20 Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charms Misguide thy opposers' swords! Bold gentleman, Prosperity be thy page!
Mar. Thy friend no less Than those she places highest! So, farewell. 24
Lart. Thou worthiest Martius!— [Exit Martius.] Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place; Call thither all the officers o' the town, Where they shall know our mind. Away! 28
Exeunt.
Scene Six
[Near the Camp of Cominius]
Enter Cominius as it were in retire, with soldiers.
Com. Breathe you, my friends: well fought; we are come off Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands, Nor cowardly in retire: believe me, sirs, We shall be charg'd again. Whiles we have struck, 4 By interims and conveying gusts we have heard The charges of our friends. The Roman gods, Lead their successes as we wish our own, That both our powers, with smiling fronts encountering, 8 May give you thankful sacrifice.
Enter a Messenger.
Thy news?
Mess. The citizens of Corioli have issu'd, And given to Lartius and to Martius battle: I saw our party to their trenches driven, 12 And then I came away.
Com. Though thou speak'st truth, Methinks thou speak'st not well. How long is 't since?
Mess. Above an hour, my lord. 15
Com. 'Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums: How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour, And bring thy news so late?
Mess. Spies of the Volsces Held me in chase, that I was forc'd to wheel Three or four miles about; else had I, sir, 20 ​Half an hour since brought my report.
Enter Martius [at a distance].
Com. Who's yonder, That does appear as he were flay'd? O gods! He has the stamp of Martius; and I have Before-time seen him thus.
Mar. Come I too late? 24
Com. The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabor, More than I know the sound of Martius' tongue From every meaner man.
Mar. Come I too late?
Com. Ay, if you come not in the blood of others, 28 But mantled in your own.
Mar. O! let me clip ye In arms as sound as when I woo'd, in heart As merry as when our nuptial day was done, And tapers burnt to bedward.
Com. Flower of warriors. 32 How is 't with Titus Lartius?
Mar. As with a man busied about decrees: Condemning some to death, and some to exile; Ransoming him, or pitying, threat'ning th' other; 36 Holding Corioli in the name of Rome, Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash, To let him slip at will.
Com. Where is that slave Which told me they had beat you to your trenches? 40 Where is he? Call him hither.
Mar. Let him alone; He did inform the truth: but for our gentlemen, The common file—a plague! tribunes for them!— ​The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat as they did budge 44 From rascals worse than they.
Com. But how prevail'd you?
Mar. Will the time serve to tell? I do not think. Where is the enemy? Are you lords o' the field? If not, why cease you till you are so? 48
Com. Martius, we have at disadvantage fought, And did retire to win our purpose.
Mar. How lies their battle? Know you on which side They have plac'd their men of trust?
Com. As I guess, Martius, 52 Their bands i' the vaward are the Antiates, Of their best trust; o'er them Aufidius, Their very heart of hope.
Mar. I do beseech you, By all the battles wherein we have fought, 56 By the blood we have shed together, by the vows We have made to endure friends, that you directly Set me against Aufidius and his Antiates; And that you not delay the present, but, 60 Filling the air with swords advanc'd and darts, We prove this very hour.
Com. Though I could wish You were conducted to a gentle bath, And balms applied to you, yet dare I never 64 Deny your asking: take your choice of those That best can aid your action.
Mar. Those are they That most are willing. If any such be here— As it were sin to doubt—that love this painting 68 ​Wherein you see me smear'd; if any fear Lesser his person than an ill report; If any think brave death outweighs bad life, And that his country's dearer than himself; 72 Let him, alone, or so many so minded, Wave thus, to express his disposition, And follow Martius.
They all shout, and wave their swords; take him up in their arms, and cast up their caps.
[Soldiers.] O, me alone! Make you a sword of me! 76
[Mar.] If these shows be not outward, which of you But is four Volsces? None of you but is Able to bear against the great Aufidius A shield as hard as his. A certain number, 80 Though thanks to all, must I select from all: the rest Shall bear the business in some other fight, As cause will be obey'd. Please you to march; And four shall quickly draw out my command, 84 Which men are best inclin'd.
Com. March on, my fellows: Make good this ostentation, and you shall Divide in all with us. Exeunt.
Scene Seven
[The Gates of Corioli]
Lart. So; let the ports be guarded: keep your duties, As I have set them down. If I do send, dispatch Those centuries to our aid; the rest will serve For a short holding: if we lose the field, 4 We cannot keep the town.
Lieu. Fear not our care, sir.
Lart. Hence, and shut your gates upon 's. Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us.
Exit.
Scene Eight
[A Field of Battle between the Roman and the Volscian Camps]
Alarum, as in battle. Enter Martius and Aufidius at several doors.
Mar. I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee Worse than a promise-breaker.
Auf. We hate alike: Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor More than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot. 4
Mar. Let the first budger die the other's slave, And the gods doom him after!
Auf. If I fly, Martius, ​Halloo me like a hare.
Mar. Within these three hours, Tullus, 8 Alone I fought in your Corioli walls, And made what work I pleas'd; 'tis not my blood Wherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revenge Wrench up thy power to the highest.
Auf. Wert thou the Hector 13 That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny, Thou shouldst not 'scape me here.
Here they fight, and certain Volsces come in the aid of Aufidius. Martius fights till they be driven in breathless.
Officious, and not valiant, you have sham'd me In your condemned seconds. 16
[Exit.]
Scene Nine
[The Roman Camp]
Com. If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work, Thou 't not believe thy deeds: but I'll report it Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles, Where great patricians shall attend and shrug, 4 I' the end, admire; where ladies shall be frighted, And, gladly quak'd, hear more; where the dull Tribunes, That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours, Shall say, against their hearts, 8 ​'We thank the gods our Rome hath such a soldier!' Yet cam'st thou to a morsel of this feast, Having fully din'd before.
Enter Titus, with his power, from the pursuit.
Titus Lartius. O general, Here is the steed, we the caparison: 12 Hadst thou beheld—
Mar. Pray now, no more: my mother, Who has a charter to extol her blood, When she does praise me grieves me. I have done As you have done; that's what I can: induc'd 16 As you have been; that's for my country: He that has but effected his good will Hath overta'en mine act.
Com. You shall not be The grave of your deserving; Rome must know 20 The value of her own: 'twere a concealment Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement, To hide your doings; and to silence that, Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd, 24 Would seem but modest. Therefore, I beseech you,— In sign of what you are, not to reward What you have done,—before our army hear me. 27
Mar. I have some wounds upon me, and they smart To hear themselves remember'd.
Com. Should they not, Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude, And tent themselves with death. Of all the horses, ​Whereof we have ta'en good, and good store, of all 32 The treasure, in this field achiev'd and city, We render you the tenth; to be ta'en forth, Before the common distribution, At your only choice.
Mar. I thank you, general; 36 But cannot make my heart consent to take A bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it; And stand upon my common part with those That have beheld the doing. 40
A long flourish. They all cry 'Martius! Martius!' cast up their caps and lances: Cominius and Lartius stand bare.
Mar. May these same instruments, which you profane, Never sound more! When drums and trumpets shall I' the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be Made all of false-fac'd soothing! 44 When steel grows soft as is the parasite's silk, Let him be made an overture for the wars! No more, I say! For that I have not wash'd My nose that bled, or foil'd some debile wretch, 48 Which, without note, here's many else have done, You shout me forth In acclamations hyperbolical; As if I lov'd my little should be dieted 52 In praises sauc'd with lies.
Com. Too modest are you; More cruel to your good report than grateful To us that give you truly. By your patience, ​If 'gainst yourself you be incens'd, we'll put you, 56 Like one that means his proper harm, in manacles, Then reason safely with you. Therefore, be it known, As to us, to all the world, that Caius Martius Wears this war's garland; in token of the which, 60 My noble steed, known to the camp, I give him, With all his trim belonging; and from this time, For what he did before Corioli, call him, With all th' applause and clamour of the host, 64 Caius Martius Coriolanus! Bear The addition nobly ever!
Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drums.
Omnes. Caius Martius Coriolanus!
Cor. I will go wash; 68 And when my face is fair, you shall perceive Whether I blush, or no: howbeit, I thank you. I mean to stride your steed, and at all times To undercrest your good addition 72 To the fairness of my power.
Com. So, to our tent; Where, ere we do repose us, we will write To Rome of our success. You, Titus Lartius, Must to Corioli back: send us to Rome 76 The best, with whom we may articulate, For their own good and ours.
Lart. I shall, my lord.
Cor. The gods begin to mock me. I, that now Refus'd most princely gifts, am bound to beg 80 Of my lord general.
Com. Take 't; 'tis yours. What is 't?
Cor. I sometime lay here in Corioli ​At a poor man's house; he us'd me kindly: He cried to me; I saw him prisoner; 84 But then Aufidius was within my view, And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you To give my poor host freedom.
Com. O! well begg'd! Were he the butcher of my son, he should 88 Be free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.
Lart. Martius, his name?
Cor. By Jupiter! forgot. I am weary; yea, my memory is tir'd. Have we no wine here?
Com. Go we to our tent: 92 The blood upon your visage dries; 'tis time It should be look'd to: come. Exeunt.
Scene Ten
[The Camp of the Volsces]
A Flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius, bloody, with two or three Soldiers.
Auf. The town is ta'en!
Sol. 'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.
Auf. Condition! I would I were a Roman; for I cannot, 4 Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition! What good condition can a treaty find I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, Martius, I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me, 8 And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter As often as we eat. By th' elements, ​If e'er again I meet him beard to beard, He is mine, or I am his: mine emulation 12 Hath not that honour in 't it had; for where I thought to crush him in an equal force— True sword to sword—I'll potch at him some way Or wrath or craft may get him.
Sol. He's the devil. 16
Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd With only suffering stain by him; for him Shall fly out of itself. Nor sleep nor sanctuary, Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol, 20 The prayers of priests, nor times of sacrifice, Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst My hate to Martius. Where I find him, were it 24 At home, upon my brother's guard, even there Against the hospitable canon, would I Wash my fierce hand in 's heart. Go you to the city; Learn how 'tis held, and what they are that must 28 Be hostages for Rome.
Sol. Will not you go?
Auf. I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you— 'Tis south the city mills—bring me word thither How the world goes, that to the pace of it 32 I may spur on my journey.
Sol. I shall, sir. [Exeunt.]
Footnotes to Act I
Scene One
​19 guess: think 20 are too dear: cost too much 21 object: spectacle 22 particularise: itemize ​23 sufferance: suffering 36 2. Cit.; cf. n. 41 to be partly: in part in order to be 47, 48 to . . . repetition: which it would weary one to list over ​58 bats: heavy sticks 74 curbs: restraining chains
80 more: more calamity 81 helms: pilots ​97 scale 't; cf. n. 99 disgrace: unfavored treatment 103 gulf: devouring whirlpool 108 participate: cooperating 114 Which . . . lungs; cf. n. ​116 taintingly: effectively; cf. n. 118 his receipt: what he received 122 counsellor heart; cf. n. 124 muniments: furnishings 126 'Fore me: by my faith! 128 sink: cesspool 132 you'st: you shall 133 Note me: pray note 136 incorporate: joined in one body 139 shop: workshop ​143 cranks: winding passages offices: kitchen, etc. 145 competency: sufficiency 157 weal . . . common: common weal 165 rascal . . . blood; cf. n. 166 Lead'st first: art the very leader vantage: personal profit ​169 bale: disaster 171, 172 rubbing . . . scabs; cf. n. 174 Beneath abhorring: more than can be enough abhorred 175 nor . . . nor: neither . . . nor 179 Cf. n. 180–182 Your virtue . . . did it; cf. n. 183 affections: favorable opinions ​198 like: likely 199 side: espouse 200 parties: favored factions 201 feebling: reducing 204 quarry: pile of dead 206 pick: pitch 209 passing: surpassingly 215 vented: gave vent to answer'd: satisfied ​217 generosity: the gentry 226 Win upon: get ahead of power: constituted authority 227 For . . . arguing: for insurgents to maintain 231 vent: dispose of ​239 half to half: one half against the other 241 Only . . . with him: with him alone 247 stand'st out: do you decline to go? ​257 puts . . . forth: shows well (ironic) 257 S.d. Manent: remain on the stage 265 to be: of being 266, 267 disdains . . . noon; cf. n. 274 giddy censure: fickle opinion 278 demerits: merits ​284 singularity: peculiar character
Scene Two
​2 enter'd: instructed 4 What: what designs 6 circumvention: means to circumvent 9 press'd a power: levied troops 15 preparation: expedition ​20 pretences: designs 24 take in: capture 27 Corioli; cf. n. 28 remove: raising the siege 32 parcels: portions
Scene Three
​8, 9 for . . . entreaties: though kings should entreat for a day 11 person: beauty of body 16 bound with oak; cf. n. ​28 out of action: in inactivity 40 task'd: assigned the task 44 Than . . . trophy: than gilding becomes his monument 47 contemning: showing defiance ​56 housekeepers: recluses, stay-at-homes 57 spot: pattern for embroidery 65 confirmed: determined 66 gilded: gold-colored 71 mammocked: tore in pieces 72 on 's: of his 74 crack: lively child 76 play . . . huswife: idle away your time ​90 want: am lacking in 95 sensible: sensitive 114 Give . . . excuse: pardon 117 disease: disturb ​120 turn . . . door: banish gravity 122 at a word: positively
Scene Four
​4 spoke: euphemism for 'fought' 12 fielded: engaged on the battlefield ​14 less; cf. n. 17 pound . . . up: impound, confine 22 instruction: directions for proceeding 26 beyond . . . thoughts: more than we expected 30 south: south wind (thought to bring disease) ​34 Against . . . mile; cf. n. 38 Mend: reform 42 follows; cf. n. 43 seconds: assistants 47 pot: cooking-pot; i.e, destruction 51 himself alone: quite alone 52 answer: withstand ​53 sensibly: though sensitive to pain 54 left: forsaken 57 Cato's wish; cf. n. 62 make . . . alike: remain to share his fate
Scene Five
​4 movers: cowards 5 drachme: drachma, small Greek coin of silver ​6 doit: Dutch copper coin 6, 7 doublets . . . wore them; cf. n. 18 physical: beneficial to health 23 Thy friend: may prosperity befriend thee
Scene Six
​5 By . . . gusts: from time to time, as winds conveyed the sound 6 The Roman gods; cf. n. 16 briefly: a short time ago 17 confound: use up 19 that: so that ​22 as: as if 25 tabor: small drum 27 From: from that of 29 clip: embrace 36 pitying: exempting from ransom ​44 budge: shrink 53 vaward: vanguard Antiates: inhabitants of Antium 58 endure: continue 60 delay . . . present: make present delay 62 We prove: that we make trial of ​70 his person: personal injury 76 Cf. n. 83 As . . . obey'd: as occasion requires 86 ostentation: show of valor
Scene Seven
​1 ports: gates 3 centuries: companies
Scene Eight
​(viii) 4 fame and envy: rivalry in fame(?) ​13 whip . . . progeny; cf. n. 16 condemned seconds: despised efforts at assistance
Scene Nine
​4 attend: give attention shrug: express inability to believe 6 quak'd: fearful ​12 caparison: the mere accoutrements 14 charter: privilege her blood: him whose blood she shares 18 effected: exhibited in action 20 The grave of: that which buries or conceals 23 silence: ignore with silence 24 to . . . vouch'd: testified to with utmost praise 29 Should they not: i.e. hear themselves remembered 31 tent: cleanse, cure; cf. n. ​32 good store: a goodly number 33 in . . . city: acquired both in this battle and in the city 40 beheld . . . doing: been present at the fighting 44 soothing: flattery 46 an overture; cf. n. 48 foil'd: have overcome debile: weak 49 note: special attention 52, 53 dieted In: fed on 55 give: report ​57 proper: own 60 garland: i.e. special honor 62 his . . . belonging: the trappings that go with him 66 addition: title of honor 69 fair: clean 72 undercrest: maintain as a crest or distinguishing device 77 articulate: discuss terms 82 lay: lodged
Scene Ten
​2 condition: terms 5 that: what 7 I': from the point of view of ​15 potch: poke, thrust heedlessly 16 Or wrath: in which either wrath 22 Embarquements: embargoes, restraints 26 hospitable canon: law of hospitality 30 attended: awaited