The Tragedy of Coriolanus

Enter a Gentlewoman of the Volsces, with Men of the Volsces in ambush.

Gentlewoman. You are welcome. The great are like the base, nay, they are the same, When they seek shameful ways to avoid shame: For may one so divine a thing as death Be as a coveted thing as life is held, If common men, but not the great, be blamed?

First Volsce. Yet here comes more company. If the news be true, The Romans are risen. I shall be reconciled yet; for they fancied me gone. The old favour of conquest will eat out elder times of peace: their soldier-lust shall be satisfied, and blood for blood at the pass.

Second Volsce. Stand close; This is their practice, to cut off the heads of the state and spare the rest.

Gentlewoman. Here comes Caius Martius Coriolanus, with Titus Lartius, Menenius, and others; he will make good play: and the fire of his spirit, like a great star, will burn down all that oppose him.

Enter Coriolanus, Menenius Agrippa, Titus Lartius, Cominius, Senators, and Others.

Coriolanus. Where's the matter? What's the matter? Where's the soldiership that went along with me? Where's the applause of nations and the only? Where is my fame and the great name I have gotten? Speak? Where be my prescriptions now? why do you follow me with such eyes as if I were to beg my lodging? I will not be beaten out of my purpose, nor shall the noise of these base fellow's tongues fright me to the back: my sword shall tell me, Mercury shall speak for me.