# Coriolanus (1924) Yale/Text/Act II

Notes originally placed at the bottom of each page appear below, following Act II. 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 II begin on page 146 of the original volume.
Layout 2
ACT SECOND
Scene One
[Rome. A Public Place]
Enter Menenius, with the two Tribunes of the people, Sicinius & Brutus.
Men. The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night.
Bru. Good or bad?
Men. Not according to the prayer of the people, 4 for they love not Martius.
Sic. Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.
Men. Pray you, who does the wolf love? 8
Sic. The lamb.
Men. Ay, to devour him; as the hungry ple- beians would the noble Martius.
Bru. He's a lamb indeed, that baes like a 12 bear.
Men. He's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You two are old men; tell me one thing that I shall ask you. 16
Both. Well, sir.
Men. In what enormity is Martius poor in, that you two have not in abundance?
Bru. He's poor in no one fault, but stored 20 with all.
Sic. Especially in pride.
Bru. And topping all others in boasting.
Men. This is strange now: do you two know 24 ​how you are censured here in the city, I mean of us o' the right-hand file? Do you?
Both. Why, how are we censured?
Men. Because you talk of pride now,—Will 28 you not be angry?
Both. Well, well, sir; well.
Men. Why, 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief of occasion will rob you of a great 32 deal of patience: give your dispositions the reins, and be angry at your pleasures; at the least, if you take it as a pleasure to you in being so. You blame Martius for being proud? 36
Bru. We do it not alone, sir.
Men. I know you can do very little alone; for your helps are many, or else your actions would grow wondrous single: your abilities are 40 too infant-like for doing much alone. You talk of pride: O that you could turn your eyes towards the napes of your necks, and make but an interior survey of your good selves! O that 44 you could!
Both. What then, sir?
Men. Why, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting, proud, violent, testy magis- 48 trates—alias fools—as any in Rome.
Sic. Menenius, you are known well enough too.
Men. I am known to be a humorous patri- 52 cian, and one that loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying Tiber in 't; said to be ​something imperfect in favouring the first com- plaint; hasty and tinder-like upon too: trivial 56 motion; one that converses more with the but- tock of the night than with the forehead of the morning. What I think I utter, and spend my malice in my breath. Meeting two such weals- 60 men as you are,—I cannot call you Lycurguses, —if the drink you give me touch my palate adversely, I make a crooked face at it. I cannot say your worships have delivered the matter 64 well when I find the ass in compound with the major part of your syllables; and though I must be content to bear with those that say you are reverend grave men, yet they lie deadly that 68 tell you have good faces. If you see this in the map of my microcosm, follows it that I am known well enough too? What harm can your bisson conspectuities glean out of this character, 72 if I be known well enough too?
Bru. Come, sir, come, we know you well enough.
Men. You know neither me, yourselves, nor 76 anything. You are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs: you wear out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a cause between an orange- wife and a fosset-seller, and then rejourn the 80 controversy of three-pence to a second day of ​audience. When you are hearing a matter be- tween party and party, if you chance to be pinched with the colic, you make faces like 84 mummers, set up the bloody flag against all patience, and, in roaring for a chamber-pot, dis- miss the controversy bleeding, the more en- tangled by your hearing: all the peace you make 88 in their cause is, calling both the parties knaves. You are a pair of strange ones.
Bru. Come, come, you are well understood to be a perfecter giber for the table than a 92 necessary bencher in the Capitol.
Men. Our very priests must become mockers if they shall encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are. When you speak best unto the 96 purpose it is not worth the wagging of your beards; and your beards deserve not so honour- able a grave as to stuff a botcher's cushion, or to be entombed in an ass's pack-saddle. Yet you 100 must be saying Martius is proud; who, in a cheap estimation, is worth all your predecessors since Deucalion, though peradventure some of the best of 'em were hereditary hangmen. Good 104 den to your worships: more of your conversa- tion would infect my brain, being the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians: I will be bold to take my leave of you. 108
Brutus and Sicinius [go] aside.
Enter Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria.
How now, my as fair as noble ladies,—and the moon, were she earthly, no nobler,—whither do you follow your eyes so fast?
Vol. Honourable Menenius, my boy Martius 112 approaches; for the love of Juno, let's go.
Men. Ha! Martius coming home?
Vol. Ay, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperous approbation. 116
Men. Take my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee. Hoo! Martius coming home!
2 Ladies. Nay, 'tis true.
Vol. Look, here's a letter from him: the 120 state hath another, his wife another; and, I think, there's one at home for you.
Men. I will make my very house reel to- night. A letter for me! 124
Vir. Yes, certain, there's a letter for you; I saw 't.
Men. A letter for me! It gives me an estate of seven years' health; in which time I will 128 make a lip at the physician: the most sovereign prescription in Galen is but empiricutic, and, to this preservative, of no better report than a horse-drench. Is he not wounded? he was wont 132 to come home wounded.
Vir. O! no, no, no.
Vol. O! he is wounded, I thank the gods for 't.
Men. So do I too, if it be not too much. 136 Brings a' victory in his pocket? The wounds become him.
​Vol. On 's brows, Menenius; he comes the third time home with the oaken garland. 140
Men. Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?
Vol. Titus Lartius writes they fought together, but Aufidius got off.
Men. And 'twas time for him too, I'll war- 144 rant him that: an he had stayed by him I would not have been so fidiused for all the chests in Corioli, and the gold that's in them. Is the senate possessed of this? 148
Vol. Good ladies, let's go. Yes, yes, yes; the senate has letters from the general, wherein he gives my son the whole name of the war. He hath in this action outdone his former deeds 152 doubly.
Val. In troth there's wondrous things spoke of him.
Men. Wondrous! ay, I warrant you, and not 156 without his true purchasing.
Vir. The gods grant them true!
Vol. True! pow, wow.
Men. True! I'll be sworn they are true. 160 Where is he wounded? [To the Tribunes.] God save your good worships! Martius is coming home: he has more cause to be proud. [To Volumnia.] Where is he wounded? 164
Vol. I' the shoulder, and i' the left arm: there will be large cicatrices to show the people when he shall stand for his place. He received in the repulse of Tarquin seven hurts i' the body. 168
​Men. One i' the neck, and two i' the thigh, there's nine that I know.
Vol. He had, before this last expedition, twenty-five wounds upon him. 172
Men. Now, it's twenty-seven: every gash was an enemy's grave. Hark! the trumpets. A shout and flourish.
Vol. These are the ushers of Martius: before 176 him he carries noise, and behind him he leaves tears: Death, that dark spirit, in 's nervy arm doth lie; Which, being advanc'd, declines, and then men die. 180
Her. Know, Rome, that all alone Martius did fight Within Corioli gates: where he hath won, With fame, a name to Caius Martius; these In honour follows Coriolanus. 184 Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!
Sound. Flourish.
All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!
Cor. No more of this; it does offend my heart: Pray now, no more.
Com. Look, sir, your mother!
Cor. O! 188 You have, I know, petition'd all the gods For my prosperity. Kneels.
Vol. Nay, my good soldier, up; My gentle Martius, worthy Caius, and ​By deed-achieving honour newly nam'd,— 192 What is it?—Coriolanus must I call thee? But O! thy wife!—
Cor. My gracious silence, hail! Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home, That weep'st to see me triumph? Ah! my dear, 196 Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear, And mothers that lack sons.
Men. Now, the gods crown thee!
Cor. And live you yet? [To Valeria.] O my sweet lady, pardon. 199
Vol. I know not where to turn: O! welcome home; And welcome, general; and y' are welcome all.
Men. A hundred thousand welcomes: I could weep, And I could laugh; I am light, and heavy. Welcome. A curse begin at very root on 's heart 204 That is not glad to see thee! You are three That Rome should dote on; yet, by the faith of men, We have some old crab-trees here at home that will not Be grafted to your relish. Yet, welcome, warriors! 208 We call a nettle but a nettle, and The faults of fools but folly.
Com. Ever right.
Cor. Menenius, ever, ever.
Her. Give way there, and go on!
Cor. [To Volumnia and Virgilia.] Your hand, and yours: 212 Ere in our own house I do shade my head, The good patricians must be visited; From whom I have receiv'd not only greetings, ​But with them change of honours.
Vol. I have liv'd 216 To see inherited my very wishes, And the buildings of my fancy: only There's one thing wanting, which I doubt not but Our Rome will cast upon thee.
Cor. Know, good mother, 220 I had rather be their servant in my way Than sway with them in theirs.
Com. On, to the Capitol!
Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before.
Enter Brutus and Sicinius.
Bru. All tongues speak of him, and the bleared sights 224 Are spectacled to see him: your prattling nurse Into a rapture lets her baby cry While she chats him: the kitchen malkin pins Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck, 228 Clambering the walls to eye him: stalls, bulks, windows Are smother'd up, leads fill'd, and ridges hors'd With variable complexions, all agreeing In earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamens 232 Do press among the popular throngs, and puff To win a vulgar station; our veil'd dames Commit the war of white and damask in ​Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil 236 Of Phœbus' burning kisses: such a pother As if that whatsoever god who leads him Were slily crept into his human powers, And gave him graceful posture.
Sic. On the sudden 240 I warrant him consul.
Bru. Then our office may, During his power, go sleep.
Sic. He cannot temperately transport his honours From where he should begin and end, but will 244 Lose those he hath won.
Bru. In that there's comfort.
Sic. Doubt not the commoners, for whom we stand, But they upon their ancient malice will Forget with the least cause these his new honours, 248 Which that he'll give them, make I as little question As he is proud to do 't.
Bru. I heard him swear, Were he to stand for consul, never would he Appear i' the market-place, nor on him put 252 The napless vesture of humility; Nor, showing, as the manner is, his wounds To the people, beg their stinking breaths.
Sic. 'Tis right.
Bru. It was his word, O! he would miss it rather 256 Than carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him And the desire of the nobles.
Sic. I wish no better Than have him hold that purpose and to put it In execution.
Bru. 'Tis most like he will. 260
​Sic. It shall be to him then, as our good wills, A sure destruction.
Bru. So it must fall out To him or our authorities. For an end, We must suggest the people in what hatred 264 He still hath held them; that to 's power he would Have made them mules, silenc'd their pleaders, and Dispropertied their freedoms; holding them, In human action and capacity, 268 Of no more soul nor fitness for the world Than camels in their war; who have their provand Only for bearing burthens, and sore blows For sinking under them.
Sic. This, as you say, suggested 272 At some time when his soaring insolence Shall teach the people—which time shall not want, If he be put upon 't; and that's as easy As to set dogs on sheep—will be his fire 276 To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze Shall darken him for ever.
Enter a Messenger.
Bru. What's the matter?
Mess. You are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thought That Martius shall be consul. 280 I have seen the dumb men throng to see him, and The blind to hear him speak: matrons flung gloves, Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers Upon him as he pass'd; the nobles bended, 284 As to Jove's statue, and the commons made ​A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts: I never saw the like.
Bru. Let's to the Capitol; And carry with us ears and eyes for the time, 288 But hearts for the event.
Sic. Have with you. Exeunt.
Scene Two
[The Same. The Capitol]
Enter two Officers to lay cushions, as it were, in the Capitol.
1. Off. Come, come, they are almost here. How many stand for consulships?
2. Off. Three, they say; but 'tis thought of every one Coriolanus will carry it. 4
1. Off. That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance proud, and loves not the common people.
2. Off. Faith, there hath been many great 8 men that have flattered the people, who ne'er loved them; and there be many that they have loved, they know not wherefore: so that if they love they know not why, they hate upon no 12 better a ground. Therefore, for Coriolanus neither to care whether they love or hate him manifests the true knowledge he has in their disposition; and out of his noble carelessness lets 16 them plainly see 't.
1. Off. If he did not care whether he had ​their love or no, he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither good nor harm; but he seeks 20 their hate with greater devotion than they can render it him; and leaves nothing undone that may fully discover him their opposite. Now, to seem to affect the malice and displeasure of the 24 people is as bad as that which he dislikes, to flatter them for their love.
2. Off. He hath deserved worthily of his country; and his ascent is not by such easy 28 degrees as those who, having been supple and courteous to the people, bonneted, without any further deed to have them at all into their estimation and report; but he hath so planted 32 his honours in their eyes, and his actions in their hearts, that for their tongues to be silent, and not confess so much, were a kind of in- grateful injury; to report otherwise were a 36 malice, that, giving itself the lie, would pluck reproof and rebuke from every ear that heard it.
1. Off. No more of him; he's a worthy man: 40 make way, they are coming.
Men. Having determin'd of the Volsces, and To send for Titus Lartius, it remains, ​As the main point of this our after-meeting, 44 To gratify his noble service that Hath thus stood for his country: therefore, please you, Most reverend and grave elders, to desire The present consul, and last general 48 In our well-found successes, to report A little of that worthy work perform'd By Caius Martius Coriolanus, whom We meet here both to thank and to remember 52 With honours like himself.
1. Sen. Speak, good Cominius: Leave nothing out for length, and make us think Rather our state's defective for requital, Than we to stretch it out. [To the Tribunes.] Masters o' the people, 56 We do request your kindest ears, and, after, Your loving motion toward the common body, To yield what passes here.
Sic. We are convented Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts 60 Inclinable to honour and advance The theme of our assembly.
Bru. Which the rather We shall be bless'd to do, if he remember A kinder value of the people than 64 He hath hereto priz'd them at.
Men. That's off, that's off; I would you rather had been silent. Please you To hear Cominius speak?
​Bru. Most willingly; But yet my caution was more pertinent 68 Than the rebuke you give it.
Men. He loves your people; But tie him not to be their bedfellow. Worthy Cominius, speak.
Coriolanus rises, and offers to go away.
Nay, keep your place.
Sen. Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear 72 What you have nobly done.
Cor. Your honours' pardon: I had rather have my wounds to heal again Than hear say how I got them.
Bru. Sir, I hope My words disbench'd you not.
Cor. No, sir: yet oft, 76 When blows have made me stay, I fled from words. You sooth'd not, therefore hurt not. But your people, I love them as they weigh—
Men. Pray now, sit down.
Cor. I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun 80 When the alarum were struck than idly sit To hear my nothings monster'd. Exit Coriolanus.
Men. Masters of the people, Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter,— That's thousand to one good one,—when you now see 84 He had rather venture all his limbs for honour Than one on 's ears to hear it? Proceed, Cominius.
Com. I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus ​Should not be utter'd feebly. It is held 88 That valour is the chiefest virtue, and Most dignifies the haver: if it be, The man I speak of cannot in the world Be singly counterpois'd. At sixteen years, 92 When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he fought Beyond the mark of others; our then dictator, Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight, When with his Amazonian chin he drove 96 The bristled lips before him. He bestrid An o'er-press'd Roman, and i' the consul's view Slew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met, And struck him on his knee: in that day's feats, 100 When he might act the woman in the scene, He prov'd best man i' the field, and for his meed Was brow-bound with the oak. His pupil age Man-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea, 104 And in the brunt of seventeen battles since He lurch'd all swords of the garland. For this last, Before and in Corioli, let me say, I cannot speak him home: he stopp'd the fliers, 108 And by his rare example made the coward Turn terror into sport: as weeds before A vessel under sail, so men obey'd, And fell below his stem: his sword, death's stamp, 112 Where it did mark, it took; from face to foot He was a thing of blood, whose every motion ​Was tim'd with dying cries: alone he enter'd The mortal gate of the city, which he painted 116 With shunless destiny; aidless came off, And with a sudden re-enforcement struck Corioli like a planet. Now all's his: When by and by the din of war 'gan pierce 120 His ready sense; then straight his doubled spirit Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate, And to the battle came he; where he did Run reeking o'er the lives of men, as if 124 'Twere a perpetual spoil; and till we call'd Both field and city ours, he never stood To ease his breast with panting.
Men. Worthy man!
Sen. He cannot but with measure fit the honours 128 Which we devise him.
Com. Our spoils he kick'd at, And look'd upon things precious as they were The common muck o' the world: he covets less Than misery itself would give; rewards 132 His deeds with doing them, and is content To spend the time to end it.
Men. He’s right noble: Let him be call'd for.
Sen. Call Coriolanus.
Off. He doth appear. 136
Enter Coriolanus.
Men. The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleas'd To make thee consul.
Cor. I do owe them still My life and services.
​Men. It then remains That you do speak to the people.
Cor. I do beseech you, 140 Let me o'erleap that custom, for I cannot Put on the gown, stand naked, and entreat them, For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage: please you, That I may pass this doing.
Sic. Sir, the people 144 Must have their voices; neither will they bate One jot of ceremony.
Men. Put them not to 't: Pray you, go fit you to the custom, and Take to you, as your predecessors have, 148 Your honour with your form.
Cor. It is a part That I shall blush in acting, and might well Be taken from the people.
Bru. [Aside to Sicinius.] Mark you that?
Cor. To brag unto them, thus I did, and thus; 152 Show them the unaching scars which I should hide, As if I had receiv'd them for the hire Of their breath only!
Men. Do not stand upon 't. We recommend to you, tribunes of the people, 156 Our purpose to them; and to our noble consul Wish we all joy and honour.
Sen. To Coriolanus come all joy and honour!
Flourish Cornets, Then exeunt. Mane[n]t Sicinius and Brutus.
Bru. You see how he intends to use the people. 160
Sic. May they perceive 's intent! He will require them, As if he did contemn what he requested Should be in them to give.
Bru. Come; we'll inform them Of our proceedings here: on the market-place 164 I know they do attend us. [Exeunt.]
Scene Three
[The Same. The Forum]
Enter seven or eight Citizens.
1. Cit. Once, if he do require our voices, we ought not to deny him.
2. Cit. We may, sir, if we will.
3. Cit. We have power in ourselves to do 4 it, but it is a power that we have no power to do; for if he show us his wounds, and tell us his deeds, we are to put our tongues into those wounds and speak for them; so, if he tell us his 8 noble deeds, we must also tell him our noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is monstrous, and for the multitude to be ingrateful were to make a monster of the multitude; of the which 12 we being members, should bring ourselves to be monstrous members.
1. Cit. And to make us no better thought of, a little help will serve; for once we stood up about 16 the corn, he himself stuck not to call us the many- headed multitude.
​3. Cit. We have been called so of many; not that our heads are some brown, some black, some 20 abram, some bald, but that our wits are so di- versely coloured: and truly I think, if all our wits were to issue out of one skull, they would fly east, west, north, south; and their consent of 24 one direct way should be at once to all the points o' the compass.
2. Cit. Think you so? Which way do you judge my wit would fly? 28
3. Cit. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another man’s will; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head; but if it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward. 32
2. Cit. Why that way?
3. Cit. To lose itself in a fog; where being three parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return for conscience' sake, to help 36 to get thee a wife.
2. Cit. You are never without your tricks: you may, you may.
3. Cit. Are you all resolved to give your voices? 40 But that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I say, if he would incline to the people, there was never a worthier man.
Enter Coriolanus, in a gown of humility, with Menenius.
Here he comes, and in the gown of humility: 44 mark his behaviour. We are not to stay all together, but to come by him where he stands, by ones, by twos, and by threes. He's to make ​his requests by particulars; wherein every one 48 of us has a single honour, in giving him our own voices with our own tongues: therefore follow me, and I'll direct you how you shall go by him.
All. Content, content. [Exeunt Citizens.] 52
Men. O, sir, you are not right: have you not known The worthiest men have done 't?
Cor. What must I say? 'I pray, sir,'—Plague upon 't! I cannot bring My tongue to such a pace. 'Look, sir, my wounds! 56 I got them in my country's service, when Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran From the noise of our own drums.'
Men. O me! the gods! You must not speak of that: you must desire them 60 To think upon you.
Cor. Think upon me! Hang 'em! I would they would forget me, like the virtues Which our divines lose by 'em.
Men. You'll mar all: I'll leave you. Pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you, 64 In wholesome manner. Exit.
Enter two of the Citizens.
Cor. Bid them wash their faces, And keep their teeth clean. So, here comes a brace. You know the cause, sir, of my standing here?
1. Cit. We do, sir; tell us what hath brought 68 you to 't.
Cor. Mine own desert.
2. Cit. Your own desert!
​Cor. Ay, not mine own desire. 72
1. Cit. How! not your own desire?
Cor. No, sir, 'twas never my desire yet to trouble the poor with begging.
1. Cit. You must think, if we give you anything, 76 we hope to gain by you.
Cor. Well, then, I pray, your price o' the con- sulship?
1. Cit. The price is, to ask it kindly. 80
Cor. Kindly! sir, I pray, let me ha 't: I have wounds to show you, which shall be yours in private. Your good voice, sir; what say you?
2. Cit. You shall ha 't, worthy sir. 84
Cor. A match, sir. There's in all two worthy voices begged. I have your alms: adieu.
1. Cit. But this is something odd.
2. Cit. An 'twere to give again,—but 'tis no 88 matter. Exeunt.
Enter two other Citizens.
Cor. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices that I may be consul, I have here the customary gown. 92
1. Cit. You have deserved nobly of your coun- try, and you have not deserved nobly.
Cor. Your enigma?
1. Cit. You have been a scourge to her enemies, 96 you have been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed loved the common people.
Cor. You should account me the more vir- tuous that I have not been common in my love. 100 I will, sir, flatter my sworn brother the people, to earn a dearer estimation of them; 'tis a con- dition they account gentle: and since the wis- ​dom of their choice is rather to have my hat 104 than my heart, I will practise the insinuating nod, and be off to them most counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountiful to 108 the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul.
2. Cit. We hope to find you our friend, and therefore give you our voices heartily. 112
1. Cit. You have received many wounds for your country.
Cor. I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I will make much of your voices, 116 and so trouble you no farther.
Both. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily!
[Exeunt.]
Cor. Most sweet voices! Better it is to die, better to starve, 120 Than crave the hire which first we do deserve. Why in this wolfish toge should I stand here, To beg of Hob and Dick, that does appear, Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to 't: 124 What custom wills, in all things should we do 't, The dust on antique time would lie unswept, And mountainous error be too highly heap'd For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so, 128 Let the high office and the honour go To one that would do thus. I am half through; The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.
Enter three Citizens more.
Here come moe voices. 132 Your voices: for your voices I have fought; Watch'd for your voices; for your voices bear Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six I have seen and heard of; for your voices have 136 Done many things, some less, some more; your voices: Indeed, I would be consul.
1. Cit. He has done nobly, and cannot go with- out any honest man's voice. 140
2. Cit. Therefore let him be consul. The gods give him joy, and make him good friend to the people!
All. Amen, amen. 144 God save thee, noble consul! [Exeunt Citizens.]
Cor. Worthy voices!
Enter Menenius, with Brutus and Sicinius.
Men. You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes Endue you with the people's voice: remains That, in th' official marks invested, you 148 Anon do meet the senate.
Cor. Is this done?
Sic. The custom of request you have discharg'd: The people do admit you, and are summon'd To meet anon, upon your approbation. 152
Cor. Where? at the senate-house?
Sic. There, Coriolanus.
Cor. May I change these garments?
Sic. You may, sir.
​Cor. That I'll straight do; and, knowing myself again, 156 Repair to the senate-house.
Men. I'll keep you company. Will you along?
Bru. We stay here for the people.
Sic. Fare you well.
Exeunt Coriolanus and Menenius.
He has it now; and by his looks, methinks, 160 'Tis warm at 's heart.
Bru. With a proud heart he wore His humble weeds. Will you dismiss the people?
Enter the Plebeians.
Sic. How now, my masters! have you chose this man?
1. Cit. He has our voices, sir. 164
Bru. We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.
2. Cit. Amen, sir. To my poor unworthy notice, He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.
3. Cit. Certainly, He flouted us downright. 168
1. Cit. No, 'tis his kind of speech; he did not mock us.
2. Cit. Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says He us'd us scornfully: he should have show'd us His marks of merit, wounds receiv'd for 's country. 172
Sic. Why, so he did, I am sure.
All. No, no; no man saw 'em.
3. Cit. He said he had wounds, which he could show in private; And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn, 'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom, 176 But by your voices, will not so permit me; ​Your voices therefore': when we granted that, Here was, 'I thank you for your voices, thank you, Your most sweet voices: now you have left your voices, 180 I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?
Sic. Why either were you ignorant to see 't, Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness To yield your voices?
Bru. Could you not have told him 184 As you were lesson'd, when he had no power, But was a petty servant to the state, He was your enemy, ever spake against Your liberties and the charters that you bear 188 I' the body of the weal; and now, arriving A place of potency and sway o' the state, If he should still malignantly remain Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might 192 Be curses to yourselves? You should have said That as his worthy deeds did claim no less Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature Would think upon you for your voices and 196 Translate his malice towards you into love, Standing your friendly lord.
Sic. Thus to have said, As you were fore-advis'd, had touch'd his spirit And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd 200 Either his gracious promise, which you might, As cause had call'd you up, have held him to; Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature, Which easily endures not article 204 Tying him to aught; so, putting him to rage, ​You should have ta'en th' advantage of his choler, And pass'd him unelected.
Bru. Did you perceive He did solicit you in free contempt 208 When he did need your loves, and do you think That his contempt shall not be bruising to you When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry 212 Against the rectorship of judgment?
Sic. Have you Ere now denied the asker? and now again Of him that did not ask, but mock, bestow Your su'd-for tongues? 216
3. Cit. He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.
2. Cit. And will deny him: I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.
1. Cit. Ay, twice five hundred and their friends to piece 'em. 220
Bru. Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends, They have chose a consul that will from them take Their liberties; make them of no more voice Than dogs that are as often beat for barking 224 As therefore kept to do so.
Sic. Let them assemble; And, on a safer judgment, all revoke Your ignorant election. Enforce his pride, And his old hate unto you; besides, forget not 228 With what contempt he wore the humble weed; How in his suit he scorn'd you; but your loves, Thinking upon his services, took from you The apprehension of his present portance, 232 ​Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion After the inveterate hate he bears you.
Bru. Lay A fault on us, your tribunes; that we labour'd,— No impediment between,—but that you must 236 Cast your election on him.
Sic. Say, you chose him More after our commandment than as guided By your own true affections; and that, your minds, Pre-occupied with what you rather must do 244 Than what you should, made you against the grain To voice him consul: lay the fault on us.
Bru. Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you, How youngly he began to serve his country, 244 How long continu'd, and what stock he springs of, The noble house o' the Martians, from whence came That Ancus Martius, Numa's daughter's son, Who, after great Hostilius, here was king; 248 Of the same house Publius and Quintus were, That our best water brought by conduits hither; And Censorinus, that was so surnam'd,— And nobly nam'd so, twice being censor,— 252 Was his great ancestor.
Sic. One thus descended, That hath, beside, well in his person wrought To be set high in place, we did commend To your remembrances: but you have found, 256 Scaling his present bearing with his past, That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke Your sudden approbation.
Bru. Say you ne'er had done 't— Harp on that still—but by our putting on; 260 ​And presently, when you have drawn your number, Repair to the Capitol.
All. We will so; almost all Repent in their election. Exeunt Plebeians.
Bru. Let them go on; This mutiny were better put in hazard 264 Than stay, past doubt, for greater. If, as his nature is, he fall in rage With their refusal, both observe and answer The vantage of his anger.
Sic. To the Capitol, come: 268 We will be there before the stream o' the people; And this shall seem, as partly 'tis, their own, Which we have goaded onward. Exeunt.
Footnotes to Act II
Scene One
​18 In . . . poor in: what fault has Martius in small degree 23 topping: surpassing ​25 censured: estimated 26 right-hand file: conservative, aristocratic party 31, 32 a very . . . occasion: a very little occasion, acting like a thief 40 single: simple, weak 42–44 O that . . . good selves; cf. n. 52 humorous: whimsical 54 allaying Tiber: diluting water; cf. n. ​55 something . . . complaint: somewhat hasty in judgment 57 motion: occasion, incitement 57–59 one . . . morning; cf. n. 59, 60 spend . . . breath: get rid of my ill will by putting it into words 60 wealsmen: politicians 61 Lycurguses: great lawgivers 63–66 I cannot . . . syllables; cf. n. 70 map . . . microcosm; cf. n. 72 bisson conspectuities: blinded sight; cf. n. 78 caps and legs: applause and reverence 79 orange-wife: hawker of oranges 80 fosset-seller: seller of faucets, taps for barrels rejourn: postpone ​85 mummers: rustic actors set . . . flag: proclaim violent war 91–93 Cf. n. 97, 98 not worth . . . beards: not worth the effort of opening and closing your mouths 99 botcher's: patching tailor's 102 estimation: valuation 103 Deucalion: the Greek Noah 104, 105 Good den: good evening ​111 your eyes: the eager looks you cast ahead 116 prosperous approbation: positive success 117 Take . . . Jupiter: i.e. I throw my cap high in the air 129 make a lip at: defy sovereign: efficacious 130 empiricutic: experimental, quackish to: in comparison with ​139 On 's brows: i.e. not in his pocket 146 fidiused: Aufidiused, put in Aufidius' proper place 148 possessed: informed 151 name: reputation 167 stand . . . place: seek the consulship 168 repulse of Tarquin; cf. n. ​170 nine; cf. n. 179 nervy: muscular 180 advanc'd: raised declines: falls 180 S. d. Sennet: trumpet signal for a procession to move 183 to: added to ​194 My gracious silence; cf. n. 200 I . . . turn: cf. n. 204 begin; cf. n. 207 crab-trees: crabapple trees, i.e. the sour tribunes 208 Be . . . relish: be brought to taste like you 211 Menenius . . . ever: still the same Menenius ​216 change: a variety 217 inherited: realized, come into my possession 222 sway with: rule 223 S.d. Enter, etc.; cf. n. 226 rapture: fit 227 chats: gossips about malkin: wench 228 lockram: linen cloth reechy: dirty 229 bulks: projecting shelves outside a shop 230 leads: lead-covered roofs ridges hors'd: roof tops bestridden 231 variable complexions: all types of people 232 seld-shown flamens: priests who seldom show themselves 233 popular throngs: crowds of rabble 234 vulgar station: place in the mob ​236 nicely-gawded: daintily colored 237 pother: hubbub 243, 244 He . . . end; cf. n. 247 upon: on account of 253 napless: threadbare 257 but: otherwise than ​261 as . . . wills: as we would have it 263 For an end: in short 264 suggest: remind by insinuation 265 still: always 266 mules: beasts of burden 267 Dispropertied: annulled 270 provand: food 274 teach; cf. n. 275 put upon 't: provoked 276 will . . . fire: will be in him like a spark 278 darken: tarnish, remove the gloss from ​286 shower: i.e. of falling caps 288 time: the present spectacle 289 hearts . . . event: i.e. keep our minds intent upon what ts to follow Have with you: let us go
Scene Two
​4 carry: win 6 vengeance: accursedly 9 who: i.e. the people 15 in: concerning ​19 waved indifferently: would waver impartially 21 devotion: earnestness 23 discover: manifest opposite: adversary 24 affect: aim at, desire 28, 29 easy degrees: gradual steps 30 bonneted: with hats off 37 giving . . . lie: manifesting its own falsehood 42 determin'd of: reached a decision concerning ​45 gratify: reward 46 stood for: supported 49 well-found: auspicious 53 like himself: worthy of him 55 defective: insufficient 56 Than . . . out: than we deficient in seeking to make the largest requital 58 motion toward: proposal to 59 passes: is voted convented: called together 60 treaty: proposal 62 theme: subject, i.e. Coriolanus 63 bless'd: happy 64 kinder value: more favorable opinion 65 off: amiss ​76 disbench'd: unseated 78 sooth'd: flattered 79 as they weigh: according to their worth 82 monster'd: grotesquely exaggerated 84 That's . . . good one: of whom only one in a thousand is good ​90 haver: possessor 92 Be . . . counterpois'd: find any single equal 93 made . . . for: raised an army against 94 mark; cf. n. 96 Amazonian: i.e. beardless 100 on his knee: with such force as to bring him to his knee 101 in the scene: on the stage 104 Man-enter'd: entered upon manhood 106 lurch'd: robbed; cf. n. 108 speak him home: do him full justice 112 fell . . . stem: yielded to his course 113 took: took possession, slew ​116, 117 painted . . . destiny: stained with the blood of those who could not escape their doom 120 by and by: immediately 122 fatigate: wearied 129 kick'd at: scorned 130 as: as if 134 to end it: merely to kill time ​144 pass this doing: omit this action 145 voices: votes bate: abate, waive 146 Put . . . to 't: do not force the issue 147 fit you: accommodate yourself 149 with your form: in the conventional manner 155 breath: i.e. votes 156 recommend: entrust 157 Our . . . them: what we propose to them ​161 require: request 162 contemn what: scorn that what
Scene Three
​1 Once: once for all 16 once: once when 17 stuck: hesitated ​21 abram: auburn 24 consent of: agreement about 35 rotten dews: infectious vapors 39 you may: you may have your joke 41 greater part: majority ​48 by particulars: individually 49 single: separate 63 lose by 'em: i.e. vainly seek to propagate in them by preaching 65 wholesome: sane, reasonable 65 S. d. two of the Citizens; cf. n. ​78 o': for 102 of: from ​106 be off: bare my head counterfeitly: hypocritically 107 bewitchment: sorcery 108 popular man: demagogue bountiful: bountifully 115 seal: confirm 121 first: previously, already 122 wolfish toge; cf. n. 123 Hob . . . appear: whatever plebeian appears 124 needless vouches: unnecessary confirmations 128 o'er-peer: peep over the accumulation of tradition fool it: play the fool ​134 Watch'd: done vigil 146 limitation: fixed period of time 147 remains: it remains 148 marks: emblems of authority 152 upon: on the business of ​161 'Tis . . . heart: it warms his heart ​182 ignorant to: so dull as not to 185 lesson'd: instructed 188 charters: privileges 189 weal: commonwealth arriving: attaining 202 call'd you up: summoned you 204 article: condition ​213 rectorship: guiding power 215 Of: upon 220 piece: reinforce 226 safer: more prudent 227 Enforce: lay stress upon 232 apprehension: discernment portance: behavior ​234 After: in accord with 236 No . . . between: without admitting any impediment 251 Cf. n. 257 Scaling: balancing 260 putting on: urging ​261 drawn . . . number: collected a sufficient number 263 Repent in: repent of 264 put in hazard: risked 265 stay: . . . greater: that we should wait for a greater, inevitable hazard 267, 268 answer . . . vantage: make use