The Tragedie of Coriolanus

The Tragedie of Coriolanus.

Actus Primus. Scœna Prima.

Enter a Company of Mutinous Citizens, with Staues, Clubs, and other weapons.

1. Citizen. BEfore we proceed any further, heare me speake.

All. Speake, speake.

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

All. Resolu'd, resolu'd.

1. Cit. First you know, Caius Martius is chiefe enemy to the people.

All. We know't, we know't.

1. Cit. Let vs kill him, and wee'l haue Corne at our own price. Is't a Verdict?

All. No more talking on't; Let it be done, away, away

2. Cit. One word, good Citizens.

1. Cit. We are accounted poore Citizens, the Patri­ cians good: what Authority surfets one, would releeue vs.…

2. Cit. Would you proceede especially against Caius Martius.

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

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

1. Cit. Very well, and could bee content to giue him good report for't, but that hee payes…

All. Nay, but speak not maliciously.

1. Cit. I say vnto you, what he hath done Famouslie, he did it to that end: though…

2. Cit. What he cannot helpe in his Nature, you ac­ count a Vice in him: You must…

1. Cit. If I must not, I neede not be barren of Accusa­ tions he hath faults (with…

All. Come, come.

1. Cit. Soft, who comes heere?

Enter Menenius Agrippa.

2. Cit. Worthy Menenius Agrippa, one that hath al­ wayes lou'd the people

1. Cit. He's one honest enough, wold al the rest wer so.

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

2. Cit. Our busines is not vnknowne to th'Senat, they haue had inkling this fortnight what we intend…

Menen. Why Masters, my good Friends, mine honest Neighbours, will you vndo your selues?

2. Cit. We cannot Sir, we are vndone already.

Men. I tell you Friends, most charitable care Haue the Patricians of you for your wants. Your suffering…

2. Cit. Care for vs? True indeed, they nere car'd for vs yet. Suffer vs to famish, and…

Menen. Either you must Confesse your selues wondrous Malicious, Or be accus'd of Folly. I shall tell you…

2 Citizen. Well, Ile heare it Sir: yet you must not thinke To fobbe off our disgrace with…

Men. There was a time, when all the bodies members Rebell'd against the Belly; thus accus'd it: That…

2. Cit. Well sir, what answer made the Belly.

Men. Sir, I shall tell you with a kinde of Smile, Which ne're came from the Lungs, but…

2. Cit. Your Bellies answer: What The Kingly crown'd head, the vigilant eye, The Counsailor Heart, the Arme…

Men. What then? Fore me, this Fellow speakes. What then? What then?

2. Cit. Should by the Cormorant belly be restrain'd, Who is the sinke a th'body.

Men. Well, what then?

2. Cit. The former Agents, if they did complaine, What could the Belly answer?

Men. I will tell you, If you'l bestow a small (of what you haue little) Patience awhile; you'st…

2. Cit. Y'are long about it

Men. Note me this good Friend; Your most graue Belly was deliberate, Not rash like his Accusers, and…

2. Cit. I sir, well, well.

Men. Though all at once, cannot See what I do deliuer out to each, Yet I can make…

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 Counsailes,…

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

Men. For that being one o'th lowest, basest, poorest Of this most wise Rebellion, thou goest formost: Thou…

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

2. Cit. We haue euer your good word.

Mar. He that will giue good words to thee, wil flatter Beneath abhorring. What would you haue, you…

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

Mar. Hang 'em: They say? They'l sit by th'fire, and presume to know What's done i'th Capitoll: Who's…

Menen. Nay these are almost thoroughly perswaded: For though abundantly they lacke discretion Yet are they passing Cowardly.…

Mar. They are dissolu'd: Hang em; They said they were an hungry, sigh'd forth Prouerbes That Hunger‑broke stone…

Menen. What is graunted them?

Mar. Fiue Tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms Of their owne choice. One's Iunius Brutus, Sicinius Velutus, and…

Menen. This is strange.

Mar. Go get you home you Fragments.

Enter a Messenger hastily.

Mess. Where's Caius Martius?

Mar. Heere: what's the matter?

Mes. The newes is sir, the Volcies are in Armes.

Mar. I am glad on't, then we shall ha meanes to vent Our mustie superfluity. See our best…

Enter Sicinius Velutus, Annius Brutus Cominisu, Titus Lartius, with other Senatours.

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

Mar. They haue a Leader, Tullus Auffidius that will put you too't: I sinne in enuying his Nobility:…

Com. You haue fought together?

Mar. Were halfe to halfe the world by th'eares, & he vpon my partie, I'de reuolt to make…

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

Com. It is your former promise.

Mar. Sir it is, And I am constant: Titus Lucius, thou Shalt see me once more strike at…

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

Men. Oh true‑bred.

Sen. Your Company to'th'Capitoll, where I know Our greatest Friends attend vs.

Tit. Lead you on: Follow Cominius, we must followe you, right worthy your Priority.

Com. Noble Martius.

Sen. Hence to your homes, be gone.

Mar. Nay let them follow, The Volces haue much Corne: take these Rats thither, To gnaw their Garners.…

Exeunt.

Citizens steale away. Manet Sicin. & Brutus.

Sicin. Was euer man so proud as is this Martius?

Bru. He has no equall.

Sicin. When we were chosen Tribunes for the people.

Bru. Mark'd you his lip and eyes.

Sicin. Nay, but his taunts.

Bru. Being mou'd, he will not spare to gird the Gods.

Sicin. Bemocke the modest Moone.

Bru. The present Warres deuoure him, he is growne Too proud to be so valiant.

Sicin. Such a Nature, tickled with good successe, dis­ daines the shadow which he treads on at noone,…

Bru. Fame, at the which he aymes, In whom already he's well grac'd, cannot Better be held, nor…

Sicin. Besides, if things go well, Opinion that so stickes on Martius, shall Of his demerits rob Cominius.

Bru. Come: halfe all Cominius Honors are to Martius Though Martius earn'd them not: and all his faults…

Sicin. Let's hence, and heare How the dispatch is made, and in what fashion More then his singularity,…

Bru. Let's along.

Exeunt.

Enter Tullus Auffidius with Senators of Coriolus.

1. Sen. So, your opinion is Auffidius, That they of Rome are entred in our Counsailes, And know…

Auf. Is it not yours? What euer haue bin thought one in this State That could be brought…

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

Auf. Nor did you thinke it folly, To keepe your great pretences vayl'd, till when They needs must…

2. Sen. Noble Auffidius, Take your Commission, hye you to your Bands, Let vs alone to guard Corioles…

Auf. O doubt not that, I speake from Certainties. Nay more, Some parcels of their Power are forth…

All. The Gods assist you.

Auf. And keepe your Honors safe.

1. Sen. Farewell

2. Sen. Farewell.

All. Farewell.

Exeunt. omnes.

Enter Volumnia and Virgilia, mother and wife to Martius: They set them downe on two lowe stooles and…

Volum. I pray you daughter sing, or expresse your selfe in a more comfortable sort: If my Sonne…

Virg. But had he died in the Businesse Madame, how then?

Volum. Then his good report should haue beene my Sonne, I therein would haue found issue. Heare me…

Enter a Gentlewoman.

Gent. Madam, the lady Valeria is come to visit you.

Virg. Beseech you giue me leaue to retire my selfe.

Volum. Indeed you shall not: Me thinkes, I heare hither your Husbands Drumme: See him plucke Auffidius downe…

Virg. His bloody Brow? Oh Iupiter, no blood.

Volum. Away you Foole; it more becomes a man Then gilt his Trophe. The brests of Hecuba When…

Exit Gent.

Vir. Heauens blesse my Lord from fell Auffidius

Vol. Hee'l beat Auffidius head below his knee, And treade vpon his necke.

Enter Valeria with an Vsher, and a Gentlewoman.

Val. My Ladies both good day to you.

Vol. Sweet Madam.

Vir. I am glad to see your Ladyship.

Val. How do you both? You are manifest house‑kee­ pers. What are you sowing heere? A fine spotte…

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

Vol. He had rather see the swords, and heare a Drum, then looke vpon his Schoolmaster.

Val. A my word the Fathers Sonne: Ile sweare 'tis a very pretty boy. A my troth, I…

Vol. One on's Fathers moods.

Val. Indeed la, tis a Noble childe.

Virg. A Cracke Madam.

Val. Come, lay aside your stitchery, I must haue you play the idle Huswife with me this afternoone.

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

Val. Not out of doores?

Volum. She shall, she shall.

Virg. Indeed no, by your patience; Ile not ouer the threshold, till my Lord returne from the Warres.

Val. Fye, you confine your selfe most vnreasonably: Come, you must go visit the good Lady that lies…

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

Volum. Why I pray you.

Vlug. 'Tis not to saue labour, nor that I want loue.

Val. You would be another Penelope: yet they say, all the yearne she spun in Vlisses absence, did…

Vir. No good Madam, pardon me, indeed I will not foorth.

Val. In truth la go with me, and Ile tell you excellent newes of your Husband.

Virg. Oh good Madam, there can be none yet.

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

Vir. Indeed Madam.

Val. In earnest it's true; I heard a Senatour speake it. Thus it is: the Volcies haue an…

Virg. Giue me excuse good Madame, I will obey you in euery thing heereafter.

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

Valeria. In troth I thinke she would: Fare you well then. Come good sweet Ladie. Prythee Virgilia turne…

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

Val. Well, then farewell.

Exeunt. Ladies.

Enter Martius, Titus Lartius, with Drumme and Co­ lours, with Captaines and Souldiers, as before the City Corialus:…

Martius. Yonder comes Newes: A Wager they haue met.

Lar. My horse to yours, no.

Mar. Tis done.

Lart. Agreed.

Mar. Say, ha's our Generall met the Enemy?

Mess. They lye in view, but haue not spoke as yet.

Lart. So, the good Horse is mine.

Mart. Ile buy him of you.

Lart. No, Ile nor sel, nor giue him: Lend you him I will For halfe a hundred yeares:…

Mar. How farre off lie these Armies?

Mess. Within this mile and halfe.

Mar. Then shall we heare their Larum, & they Ours. Now Mars, I prythee make vs quicke in…

1. Senat. No, nor a man that feares you lesse then he, That's lesser then a little: Drum…

Mart. Oh they are at it.

Lart. Their noise be our instruction. Ladders hoa.

Enter the Army of the Volces.

Mar. They feare vs not, but issue forth their Citie. Now put your Shields before your hearts, and…

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 Heard of Byles…

Enter the Gati.

1. Sol. Foole‑hardinesse, not I.

2. Sol. Nor I

1. Sol. See they haue shut him in.

Alarum continues

All. To th'pot I warrant him.

Enter Titus Lartius

Tit. What is become of Martius?

All. Slaine (Sir) doubtlesse.

1. Sol. Following the Flyers at the very heeles, With them he enters: who vpon the sodaine Clapt…

Lar. Oh Noble Fellow! Who sensibly out‑dares his sencelesse Sword, And when it bowes, stand'st vp: Thou art…

Enter Martius bleeding, assaulted by the Enemy.

1. Sol. Looke Sir.

Lar. O 'tis Martius. Let's fetch him off, or make remaine alike.

They fight, and all enter the City.

Enter certaine Romanes with spoiles.

1. Rom. This will I carry to Rome.

2. Rom. And I this.

3. Rom. A Murrain on't, I tooke this for Siluer.

exeunt.

Alarum continues still a‑farre off.

Enter Martius, and Titus with a Trumpet.

Mar. See heere these mouers, that do prize their hours/> At a crack'd Drachme: Cushions, Leaden Spoones, Irons…

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

Mar. Sir, praise me not: My worke hath yet not warm'd me. Fare you well: The blood I…

Lar. Now the faire Goddesse Fortune, Fall deepe in loue with thee, and her great charmes Misguide thy…

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

Lar. Thou worthiest Martius, Go sound thy Trumpet in the Market place, Call thither all the Officers a'th'Towne,…

Exeunt.

Enter Cominius as it were in retire, with soldiers.

Com. Breath you my friends, wel fought, we are come (off, Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands,…

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. The Cittizens of Corioles haue yssued, And giuen to Lartius and to Martius Battaile: I saw our…

Com. Though thou speakest truth, Me thinkes thou speak'st not well. How long is't since?

Mes. Aboue an houre, my Lord.

Com. 'Tis not a mile: briefely we heard their drummes. How could'st thou in a mile confound an…

Mes. Spies of the Volces Held me in chace, that I was forc'd to wheele Three or foure…

Enter Martius.

Com. Whose yonder, That doe's appeare as he were Flead? O Gods, He has the stampe of Martius,…

Mar. Come I too late?

Com. The Shepherd knowes not Thunder frō a Taber, More then I know the sound of Martius Tongue…

Martius. Come I too late?

Com. I, if you come not in the blood of others, But mantled in your owne.

Mart. Oh! let me clip ye In Armes as sound, as when I woo'd in heart; As merry,…

Com. Flower of Warriors, how is't with Titus Lartius?

Mar. As with a man busied about Decrees: Condemning some to death, and some to exile, Ransoming him,…

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

Mar. Let him alone, He did informe the truth: but for our Gentlemen, The common file, (a plague‑Tribunes…

Com. But how preuail'd you?

Mar. Will the time serue to tell, I do not thinke: Where is the enemy? Are you Lords…

Com. Martius, we haue at disaduantage fought, And did retyre to win our purpose.

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

Com. As I guesse Martius, Their Bands i'th Vaward are the Antients Of their best trust: O're them…

Mar. I do beseech you, By all the Battailes wherein we haue fought, By th'Blood we haue shed…

Com. Though I could wish, You were conducted to a gentle Bath, And Balmes applyed to you, yet…

Mar. Those are they That most are willing; if any such be heere, (As it were sinne to…

Com. March on my Fellowes: Make good this ostentation, and you shall Diuide in all, with vs.

Exeunt

Titus Lartius, hauing set a guard vpon Carioles, going with Drum and Trumpet toward Cominius, and Caius Mar­…

Lar. So, let the Ports be guarded; keepe your Duties As I haue set them downe. If I…

Lieu. Feare not our care Sir.

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

Exit

Alarum, as in Battaile.

Enter Martius and Auffidius at seueral doores.

Mar. Ile fight with none but thee, for I do hate thee Worse then a Promise‑breaker.

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

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

Auf. If I flye Martius, hollow me like a Hare.

Mar. Within these three houres Tullus Alone I fought in your Corioles walles, And made what worke I…

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

Flourish. Alarum. A Retreat is sounded. Enter at one Doore Cominius, with the Romanes: At another Doore Martius,…

Com. If I should tell thee o're this thy dayes Worke, Thou't not beleeue thy deeds: but Ile…

Enter Titus with his Power, from the Pursuit.

Titus Lartius. Oh Generall: Here is the Steed, wee the Caparison: Hadst thou beheld⸺

Martius. Pray now, no more: My Mother, who ha's a Charter to extoll her Bloud, When she do's…

Com. You shall not be the Graue of your deseruing, Rome must know the value of her owne:…

Martius. I haue some Wounds vpon me, and they smart To heare themselues remembred.

Com. Should they not: Well might they fester 'gainst Ingratitude, And tent themselues with death: of all the…

Martius. I thanke you Generall: But cannot make my heart consent to take A Bribe, to pay my…

A long flourish. They all cry, Martius, Martius, cast vp their Caps and Launces: Cominius and Lartius stand…

Mar. May these same Instruments, which you prophane, Neuer sound more: when Drums and Trumpets shall I'th'field proue…

Com. Too modest are you: More cruell to your good report, then gratefull To vs, that giue you…

Flourish. Trumpets sound, and Drums.

Omnes. Marcus Caius Coriolanus

Martius. I will goe wash: And when my Face is faire, you shall perceiue Whether I blush or…

Com. So, to our Tent: Where ere we doe repose vs, we will write To Rome of our…

Lartius. I shall, my Lord.

Martius. The Gods begin to mocke me: I that now refus'd most Princely gifts, Am bound to begge…

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

Martius. I sometime lay here in Corioles, At a poore mans house: he vs'd me kindly, He cry'd…

Com. Oh well begg'd: Were he the Butcher of my Sonne, he should Be free, as is the…

Lartius. Martius, his Name.

Martius. By Iupiter forgot: I am wearie, yea, my memorie is tyr'd: Haue we no Wine here?

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

Exeunt.

A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Auffidius bloudie, with two or three Souldiors.

Auffi. The Towne is ta'ne.

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

Auffid. Condition? I would I were a Roman, for I cannot, Being a Volce, be that I am.…

Sol. He's the diuell.

Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle: my valors poison'd, With onely suff'ring staine by him: for him Shall…

Soul. Will not you go?

Auf. I am attended at the Cyprus groue. I pray you ('Tis South the City Mils) bring me…

Soul. I shall sir.

Actus Secundus.

Enter Menenius with the two Tribunes of the people, Sicinius & Brutus.

Men. The Agurer tels me, wee shall haue Newes to night.

Bru. Good or bad?

Men. Not according to the prayer of the people, for they loue not Martius.

Sicin. Nature teaches Beasts to know their Friends.

Men. Pray you, who does the Wolfe loue?

Sicin. The Lambe.

Men. I, to deuour him, as the hungry Plebeians would the Noble Martius.

Bru. He's a Lambe indeed, that baes like a Beare.

Men. Hee's a Beare indeede, that liues like a Lambe. You two are old men, tell me one…

Both. Well sir.

Men. In what enormity is Martius poore in, that you two haue not in abundance?

Bru. He's poore in no one fault, but stor'd withal.

Sicin. Especially in Pride.

Bru. And topping all others in boasting.

Men. This is strange now: Do you two know, how you are censured heere in the City, I…

Both. Why? how are we censur'd?

Men. Because you talke of Pride now, will you not be angry.

Both. Well, well sir, well.

Men. Why 'tis no great matter: for a very little theefe of Occasion, will rob you of a…

Brut. We do it not alone, sir.

Men. I know you can doe very little alone, for your helpes are many, or else your actions…

Both. What then sir?

Men. Why then you should discouer a brace of vn­ meriting, proud, violent, testie Magistrates (alias Fooles) as…

Sicin. Menenius, you are knowne well enough too.

Men. I am knowne to be a humorous Patritian, and one that loues a cup of hot Wine,…

Bru. Come sir come, we know you well enough.

Menen. You know neither mee, your selues, nor any thing: you are ambitious, for poore knaues cappes and…

Bru. Come, come, you are well vnderstood to bee a perfecter gyber for the Table, then a necessary…

Men. Our very Priests must become Mockers, if they shall encounter such ridiculous Subiects as you are, when…

Bru. and Scic. Aside.

Enter Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria.

How now (my as faire as Noble) Ladyes, and the Moone were shee Earthly, no Nobler; whither doe…

Volum. Honorable Menenius, my Boy Martius appro­ ches: for the loue of Iuno let's goe.

Menen. Ha? Martius comming home?

Volum. I, worthy Menenius, and with most prosperous approbation.

Menen. Take my Cappe Iupiter, and I thanke thee: hoo, Martius comming home?

2. Ladies. Nay, 'tis true.

Volum. Looke, here's a Letter from him, the State hath another, his Wife another, and (I thinke) there's…

Menen. I will make my very house reele to night: A Letter for me?

Virgil. Yes certaine, there's a Letter for you, I saw't.

Menen. A Letter for me? it giues me an Estate of se­ uen yeeres health; in which time,…

Virgil. Oh no, no, no.

Volum. Oh, he is wounded, I thanke the Gods for't.

Menen. So doe I too, if it be not too much: brings a Victorie in his Pocket? the…

Volum. On's Browes: Menenius, hee comes the third time home with the Oaken Garland.

Menen. Ha's he disciplin'd Auffidius soundly?

Volum. Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but Auffidius got off.

Menen. And 'twas time for him too, Ile warrant him that: and he had stay'd by him, I…

Volum. Good Ladies let's goe. Yes, yes, yes: The Senate ha's Letters from the Generall, wherein hee giues…

Valer. In troth, there's wondrous things spoke of him.

Menen. Wondrous: I, I warrant you, and not with­ out his true purchasing.

Virgil. The Gods graunt them true.

Volum. True? pow waw.

Mene. True? Ile be sworne they are true: where is hee wounded, God saue your good Worships? Martius…

Volum. Ith' Shoulder, and ith' left Arme: there will be large Cicatrices to shew the People, when hee…

Mene. One ith' Neck, and two ith' Thigh, there's nine that I know.

Volum. Hee had, before this last Expedition, twentie fiue Wounds vpon him.

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

A showt, and flourish.

Volum. These are the Vshers of Martius: Before him, hee carryes Noyse; And behinde him, hee leaues Teares:…

A Sennet. Trumpets sound.

Enter Cominius the Generall, and Titus Latius: be­ tweene them Coriolanus, crown'd with an Oaken Garland, with Captaines…

Herauld. Know Rome, that all alone Martius did fight Within Corioles Gates: where he hath wonne, With Fame,…

Sound. Flourish.

All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus.

Coriol. No more of this, it does offend my heart: pray now no more.

Com. Looke, Sir, your Mother.

Coriol. Oh! you haue, I know, petition'd all the Gods for my prosperitie.

Kneeles.

Volum. Nay, my good Souldier, vp: My gentle Martius, worthy Caius, And by deed‑atchieuing Honor newly nam'd, What…

Corio. My gracious silence, hayle: Would'st thou haue laugh'd, had I come Coffin'd home, That weep'st to see…

Mene. Now the Gods Crowne thee.

Com. And liue you yet? Oh my sweet Lady, pardon.

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

Mene. A hundred thousand Welcomes: I could weepe, and I could laugh, I am light, and heauie; welcome:…

Com. Euer right.

Cor. Menenius, euer, euer.

Herauld. Giue way there, and goe on.

Cor. Your Hand, and yours? Ere in our owne house I doe shade my Head, The good Patricians…

Volum. I haue liued, To see inherited my very Wishes, And the Buildings of my Fancie: Onely there's…

Cor. Know, good Mother, I had rather be their seruant in my way, Then sway with them in…

Com. On, to the Capitall.

Flourish. Cornets.

Exeunt. in State, as before.

Enter Brutus and Scicinius

Bru. All tongues speake of him, and the bleared sights Are spectacled to see him. Your pratling Nurse…

Scicin. On the suddaine, I warrant him Consull.

Brutus. Then our Office may, during his power, goe sleepe.

Scicin. He cannot temp'rately transport his Honors, From where he should begin, and end, but will Lose those…

Brutus. In that there's comfort.

Scici. Doubt not, The Commoners, for whom we stand, but they Vpon their ancient mallice, will forget With…

Brutus. I heard him sweare, Were he to stand for Consull, neuer would he Appeare i'th'Market place, nor…

Scicin. 'Tis right.

Brutus. It was his word: Oh he would misse it, rather then carry it, But by the suite…

Scicin. I wish no better, then haue him hold that pur­ pose, and to put it in execution.

Brutus. 'Tis most like he will.

Scicin. It shall be to him then, as our good wills; a sure destruction.

Brutus. So it must fall out To him, or our Authorities, for an end. We must suggest the…

Scicin. This (as you say) suggested, At some time, when his soaring Insolence Shall teach the People, which…

Enter a Messenger.

Brutus. What's the matter?

Mess. You are sent for to the Capitoll: 'Tis thought, that Martius shall be Consull: I haue seene…

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

Scicin. Haue with you.

Exeunt.

Enter two Officers, to lay Cushions, as it were, in the Capitoll.

1. Off. Come, come, they are almost here: how many stand for Consulships?

2. Off. Three, they say: but 'tis thought of euery one, Coriolanus will carry it.

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

2. Off. 'Faith, there hath beene many great men that haue flatter'd the people, who ne're loued them;…

1. Off. If he did not care whether he had their loue, or no, hee waued indifferently, 'twixt…

2. Off. Hee hath deserued worthily of his Countrey, and his assent is not by such easie degrees…

1. Off. No more of him, hee's a worthy man: make way, they are comming.

A Sennet. Enter the Patricians, and the Tribunes of the People, Lictors before them: Coriolanus, Mene­ nius, Cominius…

Menen. Hauing determin'd of the Volces, And to send for Titus Lartius: it remaines, As the maine Point…

1. Sen. Speake, good Cominius: Leaue nothing out for length, and make vs thinke Rather our states defectiue…

Scicin. We are conuented vpon a pleasing Treatie, and haue hearts inclinable to honor and aduance the Theame…

Brutus. Which the rather wee shall be blest to doe, if he remember a kinder value of the…

Menen. That's off, that's off: I would you rather had been silent: Please you to heare Cominius speake?

Brutus. Most willingly: but yet my Caution was more pertinent then the rebuke you giue it.

Menen. He loues your People, but tye him not to be their Bed‑fellow: Worthie Cominius speake.

Coriolanus rises, and offers to goe away.

Nay, keepe your place.

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

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

Brutus. Sir, I hope my words dis‑bench'd you not?

Coriol. No Sir: yet oft, When blowes haue made me stay, I fled from words. You sooth'd not,…

Menen. Pray now sit downe.

Corio. I had rather haue one scratch my Head i'th'Sun, When the Alarum were strucke, then idly sit…

Exit Coriolanus

Menen. Masters of the People, Your multiplying Spawne, how can he flatter? That's thousand to one good one,…

Com. I shall lacke voyce: the deeds of Coriolanus Should not be vtter'd feebly: it is held, That…

Menen. Worthy man.

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

Com. Our spoyles he kickt at, And look'd vpon things precious, as they were The common Muck of…

Menen. Hee's right Noble, let him be call'd for.

Senat. Call Coriolanus.

Off. He doth appeare.

Enter Coriolanus.

Menen. The Senate, Coriolanus, are well pleas'd to make thee Consull.

Corio. I doe owe them still my Life, and Seruices.

Menen. It then remaines, that you doe speake to the People.

Corio. I doe beseech you, Let me o're‑leape that custome: for I cannot Put on the Gowne, stand…

Scicin. Sir, the People must haue their Voyces, Neyther will they bate one iot of Ceremonie.

Menen. Put them not too't: Pray you goe fit you to the Custome, And take to you, as…

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

Brutus. Marke you that.

Corio. To brag vnto them, thus I did, and thus Shew them th'vnaking Skarres, which I should hide,…

Menen. Doe not stand vpon't: We recommend to you Tribunes of the People Our purpose to them, and…

Senat. To Coriolanus come all ioy and Honor.

Flourish Cornets.

Then Exeunt. Manet Sicinius and Brutus.

Bru. You see how he intends to vse the people.

Scicin. May they perceiue's intent: he wil require them As if he did contemne what he requested, Should…

Bru. Come, wee'l informe them Of our proceedings heere on th' Market place, I know they do attend…

Enter seuen or eight Citizens.

1. Cit. Once if he do require our voyces, wee ought not to deny him.

2. Cit. We may Sir if we will.

3. Cit. We haue power in our selues to do it, but it is a power that we…

1. Cit. And to make vs no better thought of a little helpe will serue: for once we…

3. Cit. We haue beene call'd so of many, not that our heads are some browne, some blacke,…

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

3. Cit. Nay your wit will not so soone out as another mans will, 'tis strongly wadg'd vp…

2 Cit. Why that way?

3 Cit. To loose it selfe in a Fogge, where being three parts melted away with rotten Dewes,…

2 Cit. You are neuer without your trickes, you may, you may.

3 Cit. Are you all resolu'd to giue your voyces? But that's no matter, the greater part carries…

All. Content, content.

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

Corio. What must I say, I pray Sir? Plague vpon't, I cannot bring My tongue to such a…

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

Coriol. Thinke vpon me? Hang 'em, I would they would forget me, like the Vertues Which our Diuines…

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

Exit

Enter three of the Citizens.

Corio. Bid them wash their Faces, And keepe their teeth cleane: So, heere comes a brace, You know…

3 Cit. We do Sir, tell vs what hath brought you too't.

Corio. Mine owne desert.

2 Cit. Your owne desert.

Corio. I, but mine owne desire.

3 Cit. How not your owne desire?

Corio. No Sir, 'twas neuer my desire yet to trouble the poore with begging.

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

Corio. Well then I pray, your price a'th'Consulship.

1 Cit. The price is, to aske it kindly.

Corio. Kindly sir, I pray let me ha't: I haue wounds to shew you, which shall bee yours…

2 Cit. You shall ha't worthy Sir.

Corio. A match Sir, there's in all two worthie voices begg'd: I haue your Almes, Adieu.

3 Cit. But this is something odde.

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

Exeunt.

Enter two other Citizens.

Coriol. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices, that I may bee…

1. You haue deserued Nobly of your Countrey, and you haue not deserued Nobly.

Coriol. Your Ænigma.

1. You haue bin a scourge to her enemies, you haue bin a Rod to her Friends, you…

Coriol. You should account mee the more Vertuous, that I haue not bin common in my Loue, I…

2. Wee hope to finde you our friend: and therefore giue you our voices heartily.

1. You haue receyued many wounds for your Coun­ trey.

Coriol. I wil not Seale your knowledge with shewing them. I will make much of your voyces, and…

Both. The Gods giue you ioy Sir heartily.

Coriol. Most sweet Voyces: Better it is to dye, better to sterue, Then craue the higher, which first…

1. Cit. Hee ha's done Nobly, and cannot goe without any honest mans Voyce.

2. Cit. Therefore let him be Consull: the Gods giue him ioy, and make him good friend to…

All. Amen, Amen. God saue thee, Noble Consull.

Corio. Worthy Voyces.

Enter Menenius, with Brutus and Scicinius.

Mene. You haue stood your Limitation: And the Tribunes endue you with the Peoples Voyce, Remaines, that in…

Corio. Is this done?

Scicin. The Custome of Request you haue discharg'd: The People doe admit you, and are summon'd To meet…

Corio. Where? at the Senate‑house?

Scicin. There, Coriolanus.

Corio. May I change these Garments?

Scicin. You may, Sir.

Cori. That Ile straight do: and knowing my selfe again, Repayre toth' Senate‑house.

Mene. Ile keepe you company. Will you along?

Brut. We stay here for the People.

Scicin. Fare you well. Exeunt. Coriol. and Mene. He ha's it now: and by his Lookes, me thinkes,…

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

Enter the Plebeians.

Scici. How now, my Masters, haue you chose this man?

1. Cit. He ha's our Voyces, Sir.

Brut. We pray the Gods, he may deserue your loues.

2. Cit. Amen, Sir: to my poore vnworthy notice, He mock'd vs, when he begg'd our Voyces.

3. Cit. Certainely, he flowted vs downe‑right.

1. Cit. No, 'tis his kind of speech, he did not mock vs.

2. Cit. Not one amongst vs, saue your selfe, but says He vs'd vs scornefully: he should haue…

Scicin. Why so he did, I am sure.

All. No, no: no man saw 'em.

3. Cit. Hee said hee had Wounds, Which he could shew in priuate: And with his Hat, thus…

Scicin. Why eyther were you ignorant to see't? Or seeing it, of such Childish friendlinesse, To yeeld your…

Brut. Could you not haue told him, As you were lesson'd: When he had no Power, But was…

Scicin. Thus to haue said, As you were fore‑aduis'd, had toucht his Spirit, And try'd his Inclination: from…

Brut. Did you perceiue, He did sollicite you in free Contempt, When he did need your Loues: and…

Scicin. Haue you, ere now, deny'd the asker: And now againe, of him that did not aske, but…

3. Cit. Hee's not confirm'd, we may deny him yet.

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

1. Cit. I twice fiue hundred, & their friends, to piece 'em.

Brut. Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends, They haue chose a Consull, that will from them…

Scici. Let them assemble: and on a safer Iudgement, All reuoke your ignorant election: Enforce his Pride, And…

Brut. Lay a fault on vs, your Tribunes, That we labour'd (no impediment betweene) But that you must…

Scici. Say you chose him, more after our commandment, Then as guided by your owne true affections, and…

Brut. I, spare vs not: Say, we read Lectures to you, How youngly he began to serue his…

Scicin. One thus descended, That hath beside well in his person wrought, To be set high in place,…

Brut. Say you ne're had don't, (Harpe on that still) but by our putting on: And presently, when…

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

Exeunt Plebeians.

Brut. Let them goe on: This Mutinie were better put in hazard, Then stay past doubt, for greater:…

Scicin. Toth'Capitoll, come: We will be there before the streame o'th' People: And this shall seeme, as partly…

Exeunt.

Actus Tertius.

Cornets. Enter Coriolanus, Menenius, all the Gentry, Cominius, Titus Latius, and other Senators.

Corio. Tullus Auffidius then had made new head.

Latius. He had, my Lord, and that it was which caus'd Our swifter Composition.

Corio. So then the Volces stand but as at first, Readie when time shall prompt them, to make…

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

Corio. Saw you Auffidius?

Latius. On safegard he came to me, and did curse Against the Volces, for they had so vildly…

Corio. Spoke he of me?

Latius. He did, my Lord.

Corio. How? what?

Latius. How often he had met you Sword to Sword: That of all things vpon the Earth, he…

Corio. At Antium liues he?

Latius. At Antium.

Corio. I wish I had a cause to seeke him there, To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.…

Scicin. Passe no further.

Cor. Hah? what is that?

Brut. It will be dangerous to goe on—No further.

Corio. What makes this change?

Menen. The matter?

Com. Hath he not pass'd the Noble, and the Common?

Brut. Cominius, no.

Corio. Haue I had Childrens Voyces?

Senat. Tribunes giue way, he shall toth'Market place.

Brut. The People are incens'd against him.

Scicin. Stop, or all will fall in broyle.

Corio. Are these your Heard? Must these haue Voyces, that can yeeld them now, And straight disclaim their…

Mene. Be calme, be calme.

Corio. It is a purpos'd thing, and growes by Plot, To curbe the will of the Nobilitie: Suffer't,…

Brut. Call't not a Plot: The People cry you mockt them: and of late, When Corne was giuen…

Corio. Why this was knowne before.

Brut. Not to them all.

Corio. Haue you inform'd them sithence?

Brut. How? I informe them?

Com. You are like to doe such businesse.

Brut. Not vnlike each way to better yours.

Corio. Why then should I be Consull? by yond Clouds Let me deserue so ill as you, and…

Scicin. You shew too much of that, For which the People stirre: if you will passe To where…

Mene. Let's be calme.

Com. The People are abus'd: set on, this paltring Becomes not Rome: nor ha's Coriolanus Deseru'd this so…

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

Mene. Not now, not now.

Senat. Not in this heat, Sir, now.

Corio. Now as I liue, I will. My Nobler friends, I craue their pardons: For the mutable ranke‑sented…

Mene. Well, no more.

Senat. No more words, we beseech you.

Corio. How? no more? As for my Country, I haue shed my blood, Not fearing outward force: So…

Bru. You speake a'th'people, as if you were a God, To punish; Not a man, of their Infirmity.

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

Mene. What, what? His Choller?

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

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

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

Com. 'Twas from the Cannon.

Cor. Shall? O God! but most vnwise Patricians: why You graue, but wreaklesse Senators, haue you thus Giuen…

Com. Well, on to'th'Market place.

Corio. Who euer gaue that Counsell, to giue forth The Corne a'th'Store‑house gratis, as 'twas vs'd Sometime in…

Mene. Well, well, no more of that.

Cor. Thogh there the people had more absolute powre I say they norisht disobedience: fed, the ruin of…

Bru. Why shall the people giue One that speakes thus, their voyce?

Corio. Ile giue my Reasons, More worthier then their Voyces. They know the Corne Was not our recompence,…

Mene. Come enough.

Bru. Enough, with ouer measure.

Corio. No, take more. What may be sworne by, both Diuine and Humane, Seale what I end withall.…

Bru. Has said enough.

Sicin. Ha's spoken like a Traitor, and shall answer As Traitors do.

Corio. Thou wretch, despight ore‑whelme thee: What should the people do with these bald Tribunes? On whom depending,…

Bru. Manifest Treason.

Sicin. This a Consull? No.

Enter an Ædile.

Bru. The Ediles hoe: Let him be apprehended:

Sicin. Go call the people, in whose name my Selfe Attach thee as a Traitorous Innouator: A Foe…

Corio. Hence old Goat.

All. Wee'l Surety him.

Com. Ag'd sir, hands off.

Corio. Hence rotten thing, or I shall shake thy bones Out of thy Garments.

Sicin. Helpe ye Citizens.

Enter a rabble of Plebeians with the Ædiles.

Mene. On both sides more respect.

Sicin. Heere's hee, that would take from you all your power

Bru. Seize him Ædiles

All. Downe with him, downe with him.

2 Sen. Weapons, weapons, weapons: They all bustle about Coriolanus. Tribunes, Patricians, Citizens: what ho: Sicinius, Brutus, Coriolanus,…

All. Peace, peace, peace, stay, hold, peace.

Mene. What is about to be? I am out of Breath, Confusions neere, I cannot speake. You, Tribunes…

Scici. Heare me, People peace.

All. Let's here our Tribune: peace, speake, speake, speake.

Scici. You are at point to lose your Liberties: Martius would haue all from you; Martius, Whom late…

Mene. Fie, fie, fie, this is the way to kindle, not to quench.

Sena. To vnbuild the Citie, and to lay all flat.

Scici. What is the Citie, but the People?

All. True, the People are the Citie.

Brut. By the consent of all, we were establish'd the Peoples Magistrates.

All. You so remaine.

Mene. And so are like to doe.

Com. That is the way to lay the Citie flat, To bring the Roofe to the Foundation, And…

Scici. This deserues Death.

Brut. Or let vs stand to our Authoritie, Or let vs lose it: we doe here pronounce, Vpon…

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

Brut. Ædiles seize him.

All Ple. Yeeld Martius, yeeld.

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

Ædiles. Peace, peace.

Mene. Be that you seeme, truly your Countries friend, And temp'rately proceed to what you would Thus violently…

Brut. Sir, those cold wayes, That seeme like prudent helpes, are very poysonous, Where the Disease is violent.…

Corio. drawes his Sword.

Corio. No, Ile die here: There's some among you haue beheld me fighting, Come trie vpon your selues,…

Mene. Downe with that Sword, Tribunes withdraw a while.

Brut. Lay hands vpon him.

Mene. Helpe Martius, helpe: you that be noble, helpe him young and old.

All. Downe with him, downe with him.

Exeunt.

In this Mutinie, the Tribunes, the Ædiles, and the People are beat in.

Mene. Goe, get you to our House: be gone, away. All will be naught else.

2. Sena. Get you gone.

Com. Stand fast, we haue as many friends as enemies.

Mene. Shall it be put to that?

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

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

Corio. Come Sir, along with vs.

Mene. I would they were Barbarians, as they are, Though in Rome litter'd: not Romans, as they are…

Corio. On faire ground, I could beat fortie of them.

Mene. I could my selfe take vp a Brace o'th'best of them, yea, the two Tribunes.

Com. But now 'tis oddes beyond Arithmetick, And Manhood is call'd Foolerie, when it stands Against a falling…

Mene. Pray you be gone: Ile trie whether my old Wit be in request With those that haue…

Com. Nay, come away.

Exeunt Coriolanus and Cominius.

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

Mene. His nature is too noble for the World: He would not flatter Neptune for his Trident, Or…

Patri. I would they were a bed.

Mene. I would they were in Tyber. What the vengeance, could he not speake 'em faire?

Enter Brutus and Sicinius with the rabble againe.

Sicin. Where is this Viper, That would depopulate the city, & be euery man himself

Mene. You worthy Tribunes.

Sicin. He shall be throwne downe the Tarpeian rock With rigorous hands: he hath resisted Law, And therefore…

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

All. He shall sure ont.

Mene. Sir, sir.

Sicin. Peace.

Me. Do not cry hauocke, where you shold but hunt With modest warrant.

Sicin. Sir, how com'st that you haue holpe To make this rescue?

Mene. Heere me speake? As I do know The Consuls worthinesse, so can I name his Faults.

Sicin. Consull? what Consull?

Mene. The Consull Coriolanus.

Bru. He Consull.

All. No, no, no, no, no.

Mene. If by the Tribunes leaue, And yours good people, I may be heard, I would craue a…

Sic. Speake breefely then, For we are peremptory to dispatch This Viporous Traitor: to eiect him hence Were…

Menen. Now the good Gods forbid, That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude Towards her deserued Children, is enroll'd…

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

Mene. Oh he's a Limbe, that ha's but a Disease Mortall, to cut it off: to cure it,…

Sicin. This is cleane kamme.

Brut. Meerely awry: When he did loue his Country, it honour'd him.

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

Bru. Wee'l heare no more: Pursue him to his house, and plucke him thence, Least his infection being…

Menen. One word more, one word: This Tiger‑footed‑rage, when it shall find The harme of vnskan'd swiftnesse, will…

Brut. If it were so?

Sicin. What do ye talke? Haue we not had a taste of his Obedience? Our Ediles smot: our…

Mene. Consider this: He ha's bin bred i'th'Warres Since a could draw a Sword, and is ill‑school'd In…

1. Sen. Noble Tribunes, It is the humane way: the other course Will proue to bloody: and the…

Sic. Noble Menenius, be you then as the peoples officer: Masters, lay downe your Weapons.

Bru. Go not home.

Sic. Meet on the Market place: wee'l attend you there: Where if you bring not Martius, wee'l proceede…

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

Sena. Pray you let's to him.

Exeunt Omnes.

Enter Coriolanus with Nobles.

Corio. Let them pull all about mine eares, present me Death on the Wheele, or at wilde Horses…

Enter Volumnia.

Noble. You do the Nobler.

Corio. I muse my Mother Do's not approue me further, who was wont To call them Wollen Vassailes,…

Volum. Oh sir, sir, sir, I would haue had you put your power well on Before you had…

Corio. Let go.

Vol. You might haue beene enough the man you are, With striuing lesse to be so: Lesser had…

Corio. Let them hang.

Volum. I, and burne too.

Enter Menenius with the Senators.

Men. Come, come, you haue bin too rough, somthing too rough: you must returne, and mend it.

Sen. There's no remedy, Vnlesse by not so doing, our good Citie Cleaue in the midd'st, and perish.

Volum. Pray be counsail'd; I haue a heart as little apt as yours, But yet a braine, that…

Mene. Well said, Noble woman: Before he should thus stoope to'th'heart, but that The violent fit a'th'time craues…

Corio. What must I do?

Mene. Returne to th'Tribunes.

Corio. Well, what then? what then?

Mene. Repent, what you haue spoke.

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

Volum. You are too absolute, Though therein you can neuer be too Noble, But when extremities speake. I…

Corio. Tush, tush.

Mene. A good demand.

Volum. If it be Honor in your Warres, to seeme The same you are not, which for your…

Corio. Why force you this?

Volum. Because, that Now it lyes you on to speake to th'people: Not by your owne instruction, nor…

Menen. Noble Lady, Come goe with vs, speake faire: you may salue so, Not what is dangerous present,…

Volum. I prythee now, my Sonne, Goe to them, with this Bonnet in thy hand, And thus farre…

Menen. This but done, Euen as she speakes, why their hearts were yours: For they haue Pardons, being…

Volum. Prythee now, Goe, and be rul'd: although I know thou hadst rather Follow thine Enemie in a…

Enter Cominius.

Here is Cominius.

Com. I haue beene i'th'Market place: and Sir 'tis fit You make strong partie, or defend your selfe…

Menen. Onely faire speech.

Com. I thinke 'twill serue, if he can thereto frame his spirit.

Volum. He must, and will: Prythee now say you will, and goe about it.

Corio. Must I goe shew them my vnbarb'd Sconce? Must I with my base Tongue giue to my…

Com. Come, come, wee'le prompt you.

Volum. I prythee now sweet Son, as thou hast said My praises made thee first a Souldier; so…

Corio. Well, I must doo't: Away my disposition, and possesse me Some Harlots spirit: My throat of Warre…

Volum. At thy choice then: To begge of thee, it is my more dis‑honor, Then thou of them.…

Corio. Pray be content: Mother, I am going to the Market place: Chide me no more. Ile Mountebanke…

Volum. Do your will.

Exit Volumnia

Com. Away, the Tribunes do attend you: arm your self To answer mildely: for they are prepar'd With…

Corio. The word is, Mildely. Pray you let vs go, Let them accuse me by inuention: I Will…

Menen. I, but mildely.

Corio. Well mildely be it then, Mildely.

Exeunt.

Enter Sicinius and Brutus.

Bru. In this point charge him home, that he affects Tyrannicall power: If he euade vs there, Inforce…

Enter an Edile.

Edile. Hee's comming.

Bru. How accompanied?

Edile. With old Menenius, and those Senators That alwayes fauour'd him.

Sicin. Haue you a Catalogue Of all the Voices that we haue procur'd, set downe by'th (Pole?

Edile. I haue: 'tis ready.

Sicin. Haue you collected them by Tribes?

Edile. I haue.

Sicin. Assemble presently the people hither: And when they heare me say, it shall be so, I'th'right and…

Edile. I shall informe them.

Bru. And when such time they haue begun to cry, Let them not cease, but with a dinne…

Edi. Very well.

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

Bru. Go about it, Put him to Choller straite, he hath bene vs'd Euer to conquer, and to…

Enter Coriolanus, Menenius, and Comi­ nius, with others.

Sicin. Well, heere he comes.

Mene. Calmely, I do beseech you.

Corio. I, as an Hostler, that fourth poorest peece Will beare the Knaue by'th Volume: Th' honor'd Goddes…

1 Sen. Amen, Amen.

Mene. A Noble wish.

Enter the Edile with the Plebeians.

Sicin. Draw neere ye people.

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

Corio. First heare me speake.

Both Tri. Well, say: Peace hoe.

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

Sicin. I do demand, If you submit you to the peoples voices, Allow their Officers, and are content…

Corio. I am Content.

Mene. Lo Citizens, he sayes he is Content. The warlike Seruice he ha's done, consider: Thinke Vpon the…

Corio. Scratches with Briars, scarres to moue Laughter onely.

Mene. Consider further: That when he speakes not like a Citizen, You finde him like a Soldier: do…

Com. Well, well, no more.

Corio. What is the matter, That being past for Consull with full voyce: I am so dishonour'd, that…

Sicin. Answer to vs.

Corio. Say then: 'tis true, I ought so

Sicin. We charge you, that you haue contriu'd to take From Rome all season'd Office, and to winde…

Corio. How? Traytor?

Mene. Nay temperately: your promise.

Corio. The fires i'th'lowest hell. Fould in the people: Call me their Traitor, thou iniurious Tribune. Within thine…

Sicin. Marke you this people?

All. To'th'Rocke, to'th'Rocke with him.

Sicin. Peace: We neede not put new matter to his charge: What you haue seene him do, and…

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

Corio. What do you prate of Seruice.

Brut. I talke of that, that know it.

Corio. You?

Mene. Is this the promise that you made your mother.

Com. Know, I pray you.

Corio. Ile know no further: Let them pronounce the steepe Tarpeian death, Vagabond exile, Fleaing, pent to linger…

Sicin. For that he ha's (As much as in him lies) from time to time Enui'd against the…

All. It shall be so, it shall be so: let him away: Hee's banish'd, and it shall be…

Com. Heare me my Masters, and my common friends.

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

Com. Let me speake: I haue bene Consull, and can shew from Rome Her Enemies markes vpon me.…

Sicin. We know your drift. Speake what?

Bru. There's no more to be said, but he is banish'd As Enemy to the people, and his…

All. It shall be so, it shall be so.

Corio. You common cry of Curs, whose breath I hate, As reeke a'th'rotten Fennes: whose Loues I prize,…

Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, with Cumalijs.

They all shout, and throw vp their Caps.

Edile. The peoples Enemy is gone, is gone.

All. Our enemy is banish'd, he is gone: Hoo, oo.

Sicin. Go see him out at Gates, and follow him As he hath follow'd you, with all despight…

All. Come, come, lets see him out at gates, come: The Gods preserue our Noble Tribunes, come.

Exeunt.

Actus Quartus.

Enter Coriolanus, Volumnia, Virgilia, Menenius, Cominius, with the yong Nobility of Rome.

Corio. Come leaue your teares: a brief farwel: the beast With many heads butts me away. Nay Mother,…

Virg. Oh heauens! O heauens!

Corio. Nay, I prythee woman.

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

Corio. What, what, what: I shall be lou'd when I am lack'd. Nay Mother, Resume that Spirit, when…

Volum. My first sonne, Whether will thou go? Take good Cominius With thee awhile: Determine on some course…

Corio. O the Gods!

Com. Ile follow thee a Moneth, deuise with thee Where thou shalt rest, that thou may'st heare of…

Corio. Fare ye well: Thou hast yeares vpon thee, and thou art too full Of the warres surfets,…

Menen. That's worthily As any eare can heare. Come, let's not weepe, If I could shake off but…

Corio. Giue me thy hand, come.

Exeunt