ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。TheCapitol。EntertwoOfficers，tolaycushionsFirstOfficerCome，come，theyarealmosthere。Howmanystandforconsulships？SecondOfficerThree，theysay：but’tisthoughtofeveryoneCoriolanuswillcarryit。FirstOfficerThat’sabravefellow；buthe’svengeanceproud，andlovesnotthecommonpeople。SecondOfficerFaith，therehadbeenmanygreatmenthathaveflatteredthepeople，whone’erlovedthem；andtherebemanythattheyhaveloved，theyknownotwherefore：sothat，iftheylovetheyknownotwhy，theyhateuponnobetteraground：therefore，forCoriolanusneithertocarewhethertheyloveorhatehimmanifeststhetrueknowledgehehasintheirdisposition；andoutofhisnoblecarelessnessletsthemplainlysee’t。FirstOfficerIfhedidnotcarewhetherhehadtheirloveorno，hewavedindifferently’twixtdoingthemneithergoodnorharm：butheseekstheirhatewithgreaterdevotionthancanrenderithim；andleavesnothingundonethatmayfullydiscoverhimtheiropposite。Now，toseemtoaffectthemaliceanddispleasureofthepeopleisasbadasthatwhichhedislikes，toflatterthemfortheirlove。SecondOfficerHehathdeservedworthilyofhiscountry：
andhisascentisnotbysucheasydegreesasthosewho，havingbeensuppleandcourteoustothepeople，bonneted，withoutanyfurtherdeedtohavethematanintotheirestimationandreport：buthehathsoplantedhishonoursintheireyes，andhisactionsintheirhearts，thatfortheirtonguestobesilent，andnotconfesssomuch，wereakindofingratefulinjury；toreportotherwise，wereamalice，that，givingitselfthelie，wouldpluckreproofandrebukefromeveryearthatheardit。FirstOfficerNomoreofhim；heisaworthyman：makeway，theyarecoming。
Asennet。Enter，withactorsbeforethem，COMINIUStheconsul，MENENIUS，CORIOLANUS，Senators，SICINIUSandBRUTUS。TheSenatorstaketheirplaces；
theTribunestaketheirPlacesbythemselves。CORIOLANUSstandsMENENIUSHavingdeterminedoftheVolscesandTosendforTitusLartius，itremains，Asthemainpointofthisourafter—meeting，TogratifyhisnobleservicethatHaththusstoodforhiscountry：therefore，pleaseyou，Mostreverendandgraveelders，todesireThepresentconsul，andlastgeneralInourwell—foundsuccesses，toreportAlittleofthatworthyworkperform’dByCaiusMarciusCoriolanus，whomWemetherebothtothankandtorememberWithhonourslikehimself。FirstSenatorSpeak，goodCominius：
Leavenothingoutforlength，andmakeusthinkRatherourstate’sdefectiveforrequitalThanwetostretchitout。
TotheTribunesMasterso’thepeople，Wedorequestyourkindestears，andafter，Yourlovingmotiontowardthecommonbody，Toyieldwhatpasseshere。SICINIUSWeareconventedUponapleasingtreaty，andhaveheartsInclinabletohonourandadvanceThethemeofourassembly。BRUTUSWhichtheratherWeshallbeblesttodo，ifherememberAkindervalueofthepeoplethanHehathheretoprizedthemat。MENENIUSThat’soff，that’soff；
Iwouldyouratherhadbeensilent。PleaseyouTohearCominiusspeak？BRUTUSMostwillingly；
ButyetmycautionwasmorepertinentThantherebukeyougiveit。MENENIUSHelovesyourpeopleButtiehimnottobetheirbedfellow。
WorthyCominius，speak。
CORIOLANUSofferstogoawayNay，keepyourplace。FirstSenatorSit，Coriolanus；nevershametohearWhatyouhavenoblydone。CORIOLANUSYourhorror’spardon：
IhadratherhavemywoundstohealagainThanhearsayhowIgotthem。BRUTUSSir，IhopeMywordsdisbench’dyounot。CORIOLANUSNo，sir：yetoft，Whenblowshavemademestay，Ifledfromwords。
Yousoothednot，thereforehurtnot：butyourpeople，Ilovethemastheyweigh。MENENIUSPraynow，sitdown。CORIOLANUSIhadratherhaveonescratchmyheadi’thesunWhenthealarumwerestruckthanidlysitTohearmynothingsmonster’d。
ExitMENENIUSMastersofthepeople，Yourmultiplyingspawnhowcanheflatter——
That’sthousandtoonegoodone——whenyounowseeHehadratherventureallhislimbsforhonourThanoneon’searstohearit？Proceed，Cominius。COMINIUSIshalllackvoice：thedeedsofCoriolanusShouldnotbeutter’dfeebly。ItisheldThatvalouristhechiefestvirtue，andMostdignifiesthehaver：ifitbe，ThemanIspeakofcannotintheworldBesinglycounterpoised。Atsixteenyears，WhenTarquinmadeaheadforRome，hefoughtBeyondthemarkofothers：ourthendictator，WhomwithallpraiseIpointat，sawhimfight，WhenwithhisAmazonianchinhedroveThebristledlipsbeforehim：bebestridAno’er—press’dRomanandi’theconsul’sviewSlewthreeopposers：Tarquin’sselfhemet，Andstruckhimonhisknee：inthatday’sfeats，Whenhemightactthewomaninthescene，Heprovedbestmani’thefield，andforhismeedWasbrow—boundwiththeoak。HispupilageMan—enter’dthus，hewaxedlikeasea，AndinthebruntofseventeenbattlessinceHelurch’dallswordsofthegarland。Forthislast，BeforeandinCorioli，letmesay，Icannotspeakhimhome：hestopp’dthefliers；
AndbyhisrareexamplemadethecowardTurnterrorintosport：asweedsbeforeAvesselundersail，somenobey’dAndfellbelowhisstem：hissword，death’sstamp，Whereitdidmark，ittook；fromfacetofootHewasathingofblood，whoseeverymotionWastimedwithdyingcries：aloneheenter’dThemortalgateofthecity，whichhepaintedWithshunlessdestiny；aidlesscameoff，AndwithasuddenreinforcementstruckCoriolilikeaplanet：nowall’shis：
When，byandby，thedinofwarganpierceHisreadysense；thenstraighthisdoubledspiritRe—quicken’dwhatinfleshwasfatigate，Andtothebattlecamehe；wherehedidRunreekingo’erthelivesofmen，asif’Twereaperpetualspoil：andtillwecall’dBothfieldandcityours，heneverstoodToeasehisbreastwithpanting。MENENIUSWorthyman!FirstSenatorHecannotbutwithmeasurefitthehonoursWhichwedevisehim。COMINIUSOurspoilshekick’dat，Andlook’duponthingspreciousastheywereThecommonmuckoftheworld：hecovetslessThanmiseryitselfwouldgive；rewardsHisdeedswithdoingthem，andiscontentTospendthetimetoendit。MENENIUSHe’srightnoble：
Lethimbecall’dfor。FirstSenatorCallCoriolanus。OfficerHedothappear。
Re—enterCORIOLANUSMENENIUSThesenate，Coriolanus，arewellpleasedTomaketheeconsul。CORIOLANUSIdoowethemstillMylifeandservices。MENENIUSItthenremainsThatyoudospeaktothepeople。CORIOLANUSIdobeseechyou，Letmeo’erleapthatcustom，forIcannotPutonthegown，standnakedandentreatthem，Formywounds’sake，togivetheirsuffrage：
pleaseyouThatImaypassthisdoing。SICINIUSSir，thepeopleMusthavetheirvoices；neitherwilltheybateOnejotofceremony。MENENIUSPutthemnotto’t：
Prayyou，gofityoutothecustomandTaketoyou，asyourpredecessorshave，Yourhonourwithyourform。CORIOLANUSItisapartThatIshallblushinacting，andmightwellBetakenfromthepeople。BRUTUSMarkyouthat？CORIOLANUSTobraguntothem，thusIdid，andthus；
ShowthemtheunachingscarswhichIshouldhide，AsifIhadreceivedthemforthehireOftheirbreathonly!MENENIUSDonotstandupon’t。
Werecommendtoyou，tribunesofthepeople，Ourpurposetothem：andtoournobleconsulWishwealljoyandhonour。SenatorsToCoriolanuscomealljoyandhonour!
Flourishofcornets。ExeuntallbutSICINIUSandBRUTUSBRUTUSYouseehowheintendstousethepeople。SICINIUSMaytheyperceive’sintent!Hewillrequirethem，AsifhedidcontemnwhatherequestedShouldbeinthemtogive。BRUTUSCome，we’llinformthemOfourproceedingshere：onthemarketplace，Iknow，theydoattendus。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Thesame。TheForum。EntersevenoreightCitizensFirstCitizenOnce，ifhedorequireourvoices，weoughtnottodenyhim。SecondCitizenWemay，sir，ifwewill。ThirdCitizenWehavepowerinourselvestodoit，butitisapowerthatwehavenopowertodo；forifheshowushiswoundsandtellushisdeeds，wearetoputourtonguesintothosewoundsandspeakforthem；so，ifhetellushisnobledeeds，wemustalsotellhimournobleacceptanceofthem。Ingratitudeismonstrous，andforthemultitudetobeingrateful，weretomakeamonsterofthemultitude：ofthewhichwebeingmembers，shouldbringourselvestobemonstrousmembers。FirstCitizenAndtomakeusnobetterthoughtof，alittlehelpwillserve；foroncewestoodupaboutthecorn，hehimselfstucknottocallusthemany—headedmultitude。ThirdCitizenWehavebeencalledsoofmany；notthatourheadsaresomebrown，someblack，someauburn，somebald，butthatourwitsaresodiverselycoloured：andtrulyIthinkifallourwitsweretoissueoutofoneskull，theywouldflyeast，west，north，south，andtheirconsentofonedirectwayshouldbeatoncetoallthepointso’thecompass。SecondCitizenThinkyouso？Whichwaydoyoujudgemywitwouldfly？ThirdCitizenNay，yourwitwillnotsosoonoutasanotherman’swill；’tisstronglywedgedupinablock—head，butifitwereatliberty，’twould，sure，southward。SecondCitizenWhythatway？ThirdCitizenToloseitselfinafog，wherebeingthreepartsmeltedawaywithrottendews，thefourthwouldreturnforconsciencesake，tohelptogettheeawife。SecondCitizenYouareneverwithoutyourtricks：youmay，youmay。ThirdCitizenAreyouallresolvedtogiveyourvoices？
Butthat’snomatter，thegreaterpartcarriesit。
I
say，ifhewouldinclinetothepeople，therewasneveraworthierman。
EnterCORIOLANUSinagownofhumility，withMENENIUS
Herehecomes，andinthegownofhumility：markhisbehavior。Wearenottostayalltogether，buttocomebyhimwherehestands，byones，bytwos，andbythrees。He’stomakehisrequestsbyparticulars；whereineveryoneofushasasinglehonour，ingivinghimourownvoiceswithourowntongues：thereforefollowme，andIdirectyouhowyoushallgobyhim。AllContent，content。
ExeuntCitizensMENENIUSOsir，youarenotright：haveyounotknownTheworthiestmenhavedone’t？CORIOLANUSWhatmustIsay？
’IPray，sir’——Plagueupon’t!IcannotbringMytonguetosuchapace：——’Look，sir，mywounds!
Igottheminmycountry’sservice，whenSomecertainofyourbrethrenroar’dandranFromthenoiseofourowndrums。’MENENIUSOme，thegods!
Youmustnotspeakofthat：youmustdesirethemTothinkuponyou。CORIOLANUSThinkuponme!hang’em!
Iwouldtheywouldforgetme，likethevirtuesWhichourdivinesloseby’em。MENENIUSYou’llmarall：
I’llleaveyou：prayyou，speakto’em，Iprayyou，Inwholesomemanner。
ExitCORIOLANUSBidthemwashtheirfacesAndkeeptheirteethclean。
Re—entertwooftheCitizensSo，herecomesabrace。
Re—enterathirdCitizenYouknowthecause，air，ofmystandinghere。ThirdCitizenWedo，sir；telluswhathathbroughtyouto’t。CORIOLANUSMineowndesert。SecondCitizenYourowndesert!CORIOLANUSAy，butnotmineowndesire。ThirdCitizenHownotyourowndesire？CORIOLANUSNo，sir，’twasnevermydesireyettotroublethepoorwithbegging。ThirdCitizenYoumustthink，ifwegiveyouanything，wehopetogainbyyou。CORIOLANUSWellthen，Ipray，yourpriceo’theconsulship？FirstCitizenThepriceistoaskitkindly。CORIOLANUSKindly!Sir，Ipray，letmeha’t：Ihavewoundstoshowyou，whichshallbeyoursinprivate。Yourgoodvoice，sir；whatsayyou？SecondCitizenYoushallha’it，worthysir。CORIOLANUSAmatch，sir。There’sinalltwoworthyvoicesbegged。Ihaveyouralms：adieu。ThirdCitizenButthisissomethingodd。SecondCitizenAn’tweretogiveagain，——but’tisnomatter。
ExeuntthethreeCitizensRe—entertwootherCitizensCORIOLANUSPrayyounow，ifitmaystandwiththetuneofyourvoicesthatImaybeconsul，Ihaveherethecustomarygown。FourthCitizenYouhavedeservednoblyofyourcountry，andyouhavenotdeservednobly。CORIOLANUSYourenigma？FourthCitizenYouhavebeenascourgetoherenemies，youhavebeenarodtoherfriends；youhavenotindeedlovedthecommonpeople。CORIOLANUSYoushouldaccountmethemorevirtuousthatIhavenotbeencommoninmylove。Iwill，sir，flattermyswornbrother，thepeople，toearnadearerestimationofthem；’tisaconditiontheyaccountgentle：andsincethewisdomoftheirchoiceisrathertohavemyhatthanmyheart，Iwillpractisetheinsinuatingnodandbeofftothemmostcounterfeitly；thatis，sir，Iwillcounterfeitthebewitchmentofsomepopularmanandgiveitbountifultothedesirers。Therefore，beseechyou，Imaybeconsul。FifthCitizenWehopetofindyouourfriend；andthereforegiveyouourvoicesheartily。FourthCitizenYouhavereceivedmanywoundsforyourcountry。CORIOLANUSIwillnotsealyourknowledgewithshowingthem。I
willmakemuchofyourvoices，andsotroubleyounofurther。BothCitizensThegodsgiveyoujoy，sir，heartily!
ExeuntCORIOLANUSMostsweetvoices!
Betteritistodie，bettertostarve，Thancravethehirewhichfirstwedodeserve。
WhyinthiswoolvishtogeshouldIstandhere，TobegofHobandDick，thatdoappear，Theirneedlessvouches？Customcallsmeto’t：
Whatcustomwills，inallthingsshouldwedo’t，Thedustonantiquetimewouldlieunswept，AndmountainouserrorbetoohighlyheaptFortruthtoo’er—peer。Ratherthanfoolitso，LetthehighofficeandthehonourgoToonethatwoulddothus。Iamhalfthrough；
Theonepartsuffer’d，theotherwillIdo。
Re—enterthreeCitizensmoreHerecomemorevoices。
Yourvoices：foryourvoicesIhavefought；
Watch’dforyourvoices；forYourvoicesbearOfwoundstwodozenodd；battlesthricesixIhaveseenandheardof；foryourvoiceshaveDonemanythings，someless，somemoreyourvoices：
IndeedIwouldbeconsul。SixthCitizenHehasdonenobly，andcannotgowithoutanyhonestman’svoice。SeventhCitizenThereforelethimbeconsul：thegodsgivehimjoy，andmakehimgoodfriendtothepeople!AllCitizensAmen，amen。Godsavethee，nobleconsul!
ExeuntCORIOLANUSWorthyvoices!
Re—enterMENENIUS，withBRUTUSandSICINIUSMENENIUSYouhavestoodyourlimitation；andthetribunesEndueyouwiththepeople’svoice：remainsThat，intheofficialmarksinvested，youAnondomeetthesenate。CORIOLANUSIsthisdone？SICINIUSThecustomofrequestyouhavedischarged：
Thepeopledoadmityou，andaresummon’dTomeetanon，uponyourapprobation。CORIOLANUSWhere？atthesenate—house？SICINIUSThere，Coriolanus。CORIOLANUSMayIchangethesegarments？SICINIUSYoumay，sir。CORIOLANUSThatI’llstraightdo；and，knowingmyselfagain，Repairtothesenate—house。MENENIUSI’llkeepyoucompany。Willyoualong？BRUTUSWestayhereforthepeople。SICINIUSFareyouwell。
ExeuntCORIOLANUSandMENENIUS
Hehasitnow，andbyhislooksmethink’Tiswarmat’sheart。BRUTUSWithaproudheartheworehishumbleweeds。
willyoudismissthepeople？
Re—enterCitizensSICINIUSHownow，mymasters!haveyouchosethisman？FirstCitizenHehasourvoices，sir。BRUTUSWepraythegodshemaydeserveyourloves。SecondCitizenAmen，sir：tomypoorunworthynotice，Hemock’duswhenhebegg’dourvoices。ThirdCitizenCertainlyHefloutedusdownright。FirstCitizenNo，’tishiskindofspeech：hedidnotmockus。SecondCitizenNotoneamongstus，saveyourself，butsaysHeusedusscornfully：heshouldhaveshow’dusHismarksofmerit，woundsreceivedfor’scountry。SICINIUSWhy，sohedid，Iamsure。CitizensNo，no；nomansaw’em。ThirdCitizenHesaidhehadwounds，whichhecouldshowinprivate；
Andwithhishat，thuswavingitinscorn，’Iwouldbeconsul，’sayshe：’agedcustom，Butbyyourvoices，willnotsopermitme；
Yourvoicestherefore。’Whenwegrantedthat，Herewas’Ithankyouforyourvoices：thankyou：
Yourmostsweetvoices：nowyouhaveleftyourvoices，Ihavenofurtherwithyou。’Wasnotthismockery？SICINIUSWhyeitherwereyouignoranttosee’t，Or，seeingit，ofsuchchildishfriendlinessToyieldyourvoices？BRUTUSCouldyounothavetoldhimAsyouwerelesson’d，whenhehadnopower，Butwasapettyservanttothestate，Hewasyourenemy，everspakeagainstYourlibertiesandthechartersthatyoubearI’thebodyoftheweal；andnow，arrivingAplaceofpotencyandswayo’thestate，IfheshouldstillmalignantlyremainFastfoetotheplebeii，yourvoicesmightBecursestoyourselves？YoushouldhavesaidThatashisworthydeedsdidclaimnolessThanwhathestoodfor，sohisgraciousnatureWouldthinkuponyouforyourvoicesandTranslatehismalicetowardsyouintolove，Standingyourfriendlylord。SICINIUSThustohavesaid，Asyouwerefore—advised，hadtouch’dhisspiritAndtriedhisinclination；fromhimpluck’dEitherhisgraciouspromise，whichyoumight，Ascausehadcall’dyouup，haveheldhimtoOrelseitwouldhavegall’dhissurlynature，WhicheasilyenduresnotarticleTyinghimtoaught；soputtinghimtorage，Youshouldhaveta’entheadvantageofhischolerAndpass’dhimunelected。BRUTUSDidyouperceiveHedidsolicityouinfreecontemptWhenhedidneedyourloves，anddoyouthinkThathiscontemptshallnotbebruisingtoyou，Whenhehathpowertocrush？Why，hadyourbodiesNoheartamongyou？orhadyoutonguestocryAgainsttherectorshipofjudgment？SICINIUSHaveyouErenowdeniedtheasker？andnowagainOfhimthatdidnotask，butmock，bestowYoursued—fortongues？ThirdCitizenHe’snotconfirm’d；wemaydenyhimyet。SecondCitizenAndwilldenyhim：
I’llhavefivehundredvoicesofthatsound。FirstCitizenItwicefivehundredandtheirfriendstopiece’em。BRUTUSGetyouhenceinstantly，andtellthosefriends，TheyhavechoseaconsulthatwillfromthemtakeTheirliberties；makethemofnomorevoiceThandogsthatareasoftenbeatforbarkingAsthereforekepttodoso。SICINIUSLetthemassemble，AndonasaferjudgmentallrevokeYourignorantelection；enforcehispride，Andhisoldhateuntoyou；besides，forgetnotWithwhatcontemptheworethehumbleweed，Howinhissuithescorn’dyou；butyourloves，Thinkinguponhisservices，tookfromyouTheapprehensionofhispresentportance，Whichmostgibingly，ungravely，hedidfashionAftertheinveteratehatehebearsyou。BRUTUSLayAfaultonus，yourtribunes；thatwelaboured，Noimpedimentbetween，butthatyoumustCastyourelectiononhim。SICINIUSSay，youchosehimMoreafterourcommandmentthanasguidedByyourowntrueaffections，andthatyourminds，PreoccupiedwithwhatyourathermustdoThanwhatyoushould，madeyouagainstthegrainTovoicehimconsul：laythefaultonus。BRUTUSAy，spareusnot。Saywereadlecturestoyou。
Howyounglyhebegantoservehiscountry，Howlongcontinued，andwhatstockhespringsof，Thenoblehouseo’theMarcians，fromwhencecameThatAncusMarcius，Numa’sdaughter’sson，Who，aftergreatHostilius，herewasking；
OfthesamehousePubliusandQuintuswere，Thatourbeatwaterbroughtbyconduitshither；
And[Censorinus，]noblynamedso，Twicebeing[bythepeoplechosen]censor，Washisgreatancestor。SICINIUSOnethusdescended，ThathathbesidewellinhispersonwroughtTobesethighinplace，wedidcommendToyourremembrances：butyouhavefound，Scalinghispresentbearingwithhispast，Thathe’syourfixedenemy，andrevokeYoursuddenapprobation。BRUTUSSay，youne’erhaddone’t——
Harponthatstill——butbyourputtingon；
Andpresently，whenyouhavedrawnyournumber，RepairtotheCapitol。AllWewillso：almostallRepentintheirelection。
ExeuntCitizensBRUTUSLetthemgoon；
Thismutinywerebetterputinhazard，Thanstay，pastdoubt，forgreater：
If，ashisnatureis，hefallinrageWiththeirrefusal，bothobserveandanswerThevantageofhisanger。SICINIUSTotheCapitol，come：
Wewillbetherebeforethestreamo’thepeople；
Andthisshallseem，aspartly’tis，theirown，Whichwehavegoadedonward。
ExeuntACTIIISCENEI。Rome。Astreet。Cornets。EnterCORIOLANUS，MENENIUS，alltheGentry，COMINIUS，TITUSLARTIUS，andotherSenatorsCORIOLANUSTullusAufidiusthenhadmadenewhead？LARTIUSHehad，mylord；andthatitwaswhichcausedOurswiftercomposition。CORIOLANUSSothentheVolscesstandbutasatfirst，Ready，whentimeshallpromptthem，tomakeroad。
Upon’sagain。COMINIUSTheyareworn，lordconsul，so，ThatweshallhardlyinouragesseeTheirbannerswaveagain。CORIOLANUSSawyouAufidius？LARTIUSOnsafe—guardhecametome；anddidcurseAgainsttheVolsces，fortheyhadsovilelyYieldedthetown：heisretiredtoAntium。CORIOLANUSSpokeheofme？LARTIUSHedid，mylord。CORIOLANUSHow？what？LARTIUSHowoftenhehadmetyou，swordtosword；
ThatofallthingsupontheearthhehatedYourpersonmost，thathewouldpawnhisfortunesTohopelessrestitution，sohemightBecall’dyourvanquisher。CORIOLANUSAtAntiumliveshe？LARTIUSAtAntium。CORIOLANUSIwishIhadacausetoseekhimthere，Toopposehishatredfully。Welcomehome。
EnterSICINIUSandBRUTUS
Behold，thesearethetribunesofthepeople，Thetongueso’thecommonmouth：Idodespisethem；
Fortheydopranktheminauthority，Againstallnoblesufferance。SICINIUSPassnofurther。CORIOLANUSHa!whatisthat？BRUTUSItwillbedangeroustogoon：nofurther。CORIOLANUSWhatmakesthischange？MENENIUSThematter？COMINIUSHathhenotpass’dthenobleandthecommon？BRUTUSCominius，no。CORIOLANUSHaveIhadchildren’svoices？FirstSenatorTribunes，giveway；heshalltothemarket—place。BRUTUSThepeopleareincensedagainsthim。SICINIUSStop，Orallwillfallinbroil。CORIOLANUSAretheseyourherd？
Mustthesehavevoices，thatcanyieldthemnowAndstraightdisclaimtheirtongues？Whatareyouroffices？
Youbeingtheirmouths，whyruleyounottheirteeth？
Haveyounotsetthemon？MENENIUSBecalm，becalm。CORIOLANUSItisapurposedthing，andgrowsbyplot，Tocurbthewillofthenobility：
Suffer’t，andlivewithsuchascannotruleNoreverwillberuled。BRUTUSCall’tnotaplot：
Thepeoplecryyoumock’dthem，andoflate，Whencornwasgiventhemgratis，yourepined；
Scandal’dthesuppliantsforthepeople，call’dthemTime—pleasers，flatterers，foestonobleness。CORIOLANUSWhy，thiswasknownbefore。BRUTUSNottothemall。CORIOLANUSHaveyouinform’dthemsithence？BRUTUSHow!Iinformthem!CORIOLANUSYouareliketodosuchbusiness。BRUTUSNotunlike，Eachway，tobetteryours。CORIOLANUSWhythenshouldIbeconsul？Byyondclouds，Letmedeservesoillasyou，andmakemeYourfellowtribune。SICINIUSYoushowtoomuchofthatForwhichthepeoplestir：ifyouwillpassTowhereyouarebound，youmustinquireyourway，Whichyouareoutof，withagentlerspirit，Orneverbesonobleasaconsul，Noryokewithhimfortribune。MENENIUSLet’sbecalm。COMINIUSThepeopleareabused；seton。ThispalteringBecomesnotRome，norhasCoriolanusDeservedthissodishonour’drub，laidfalselyI’theplainwayofhismerit。CORIOLANUSTellmeofcorn!
Thiswasmyspeech，andIwillspeak’tagain——MENENIUSNotnow，notnow。FirstSenatorNotinthisheat，sir，now。CORIOLANUSNow，asIlive，Iwill。Mynoblerfriends，Icravetheirpardons：
Forthemutable，rank—scentedmany，letthemRegardmeasIdonotflatter，andThereinbeholdthemselves：Isayagain，Insoothingthem，wenourish’gainstoursenateThecockleofrebellion，insolence，sedition，Whichweourselveshaveplough’dfor，sow’d，andscatter’d，Byminglingthemwithus，thehonour’dnumber，Wholacknotvirtue，no，norpower，butthatWhichtheyhavegiventobeggars。MENENIUSWell，nomore。FirstSenatorNomorewords，webeseechyou。CORIOLANUSHow!nomore!
AsformycountryIhaveshedmyblood，Notfearingoutwardforce，soshallmylungsCoinwordstilltheirdecayagainstthosemeasles，Whichwedisdainshouldtatterus，yetsoughtTheverywaytocatchthem。BRUTUSYouspeako’thepeople，Asifyouwereagodtopunish，notAmanoftheirinfirmity。SICINIUS’TwerewellWeletthepeopleknow’t。MENENIUSWhat，what？hischoler？CORIOLANUSCholer!
WereIaspatientasthemidnightsleep，ByJove，’twouldbemymind!SICINIUSItisamindThatshallremainapoisonwhereitis，Notpoisonanyfurther。CORIOLANUSShallremain!
HearyouthisTritonoftheminnows？markyouHisabsolute’shall’？COMINIUS’Twasfromthecanon。CORIOLANUS’Shall’!
Ogoodbutmostunwisepatricians!why，Yougravebutrecklesssenators，haveyouthusGivenHydraheretochooseanofficer，Thatwithhisperemptory’shall，’beingbutThehornandnoiseo’themonster’s，wantsnotspiritTosayhe’llturnyourcurrentinaditch，Andmakeyourchannelhis？IfhehavepowerThenvailyourignorance；ifnone，awakeYourdangerouslenity。Ifyouarelearn’d，Benotascommonfools；ifyouarenot，Letthemhavecushionsbyyou。Youareplebeians，Iftheybesenators：andtheyarenoless，When，bothyourvoicesblended，thegreat’sttasteMostpalatestheirs。Theychoosetheirmagistrate，Andsuchaoneashe，whoputshis’shall，’
Hispopular’shall’againstagraverbenchThaneverfrowninGreece。ByJovehimself!
Itmakestheconsulsbase：andmysoulachesToknow，whentwoauthoritiesareup，Neithersupreme，howsoonconfusionMayenter’twixtthegapofbothandtakeTheonebytheother。COMINIUSWell，ontothemarket—place。CORIOLANUSWhoevergavethatcounsel，togiveforthThecorno’thestorehousegratis，as’twasusedSometimeinGreece，——MENENIUSWell，well，nomoreofthat。CORIOLANUSThoughtherethepeoplehadmoreabsolutepower，Isay，theynourish’ddisobedience，fedTheruinofthestate。BRUTUSWhy，shallthepeoplegiveOnethatspeaksthustheirvoice？CORIOLANUSI’llgivemyreasons，Moreworthierthantheirvoices。TheyknowthecornWasnotourrecompense，restingwellassuredThatne’erdidservicefor’t：beingpress’dtothewar，Evenwhenthenavelofthestatewastouch’d，Theywouldnotthreadthegates。ThiskindofserviceDidnotdeservecorngratis。Beingi’thewarTheirmutiniesandrevolts，whereintheyshow’dMostvalour，spokenotforthem：theaccusationWhichtheyhaveoftenmadeagainstthesenate，Allcauseunborn，couldneverbethemotiveOfoursofrankdonation。Well，whatthen？
HowshallthisbissonmultitudedigestThesenate’scourtesy？LetdeedsexpressWhat’sliketobetheirwords：’wedidrequestit；
Wearethegreaterpoll，andintruefearTheygaveusourdemands。’ThuswedebaseThenatureofourseatsandmaketherabbleCallourcaresfears；whichwillintimeBreakopethelockso’thesenateandbringinThecrowstopecktheeagles。MENENIUSCome，enough。BRUTUSEnough，withover—measure。CORIOLANUSNo，takemore：
Whatmaybeswornby，bothdivineandhuman，SealwhatIendwithal!Thisdoubleworship，Whereonepartdoesdisdainwithcause，theotherInsultwithoutallreason，wheregentry，title，wisdom，CannotconcludebutbytheyeaandnoOfgeneralignorance，——itmustomitRealnecessities，andgivewaythewhileTounstableslightness：purposesobarr’d，itfollows，Nothingisdonetopurpose。Therefore，beseechyou，——
Youthatwillbelessfearfulthandiscreet，ThatlovethefundamentalpartofstateMorethanyoudoubtthechangeon’t，thatpreferAnoblelifebeforealong，andwishTojumpabodywithadangerousphysicThat’ssureofdeathwithoutit，atoncepluckoutThemultitudinoustongue；letthemnotlickThesweetwhichistheirpoison：yourdishonourManglestruejudgmentandbereavesthestateOfthatintegritywhichshouldbecome’t，Nothavingthepowertodothegooditwould，Fortheinwhichdothcontrol’t。BRUTUSHassaidenough。SICINIUSHasspokenlikeatraitor，andshallanswerAstraitorsdo。CORIOLANUSThouwretch，despiteo’erwhelmthee!
Whatshouldthepeopledowiththesebaldtribunes？
Onwhomdepending，theirobediencefailsTothegreaterbench：inarebellion，Whenwhat’snotmeet，butwhatmustbe，waslaw，Thenweretheychosen：inabetterhour，Letwhatismeetbesaiditmustbemeet，Andthrowtheirpoweri’thedust。BRUTUSManifesttreason!SICINIUSThisaconsul？no。BRUTUSTheaediles，ho!
EnteranAEdileLethimbeapprehended。SICINIUSGo，callthepeople：
ExitAEdileinwhosenamemyselfAttachtheeasatraitorousinnovator，Afoetothepublicweal：obey，Ichargethee，Andfollowtothineanswer。CORIOLANUSHence，oldgoat!
Senators，&；CWe’llsuretyhim。COMINIUSAgedsir，handsoff。CORIOLANUSHence，rottenthing!orIshallshakethybonesOutofthygarments。SICINIUSHelp，yecitizens!
EnterarabbleofCitizens（Plebeians），withtheAEdilesMENENIUSOnbothsidesmorerespect。SICINIUSHere’shethatwouldtakefromyouallyourpower。BRUTUSSeizehim，AEdiles!CitizensDownwithhim!downwithhim!
Senators，&；CWeapons，weapons，weapons!
TheyallbustleaboutCORIOLANUS，crying’Tribunes!’’Patricians!’’Citizens!’’What，ho!’
’Sicinius!’’Brutus!’’Coriolanus!’’Citizens!’
’Peace，peace，peace!’’Stay，hold，peace!’MENENIUSWhatisabouttobe？Iamoutofbreath；
Confusion’snear；Icannotspeak。You，tribunesTothepeople!Coriolanus，patience!
Speak，goodSicinius。SICINIUSHearme，people；peace!CitizensLet’shearourtribune：peaceSpeak，speak，speak。SICINIUSYouareatpointtoloseyourliberties：
Marciuswouldhaveallfromyou；Marcius，Whomlateyouhavenamedforconsul。MENENIUSFie，fie，fie!
Thisisthewaytokindle，nottoquench。FirstSenatorTounbuildthecityandtolayallflat。SICINIUSWhatisthecitybutthepeople？CitizensTrue，Thepeoplearethecity。BRUTUSBytheconsentofall，wewereestablish’dThepeople’smagistrates。CitizensYousoremain。MENENIUSAndsoareliketodo。COMINIUSThatisthewaytolaythecityflat；
Tobringtherooftothefoundation，Andburyall，whichyetdistinctlyranges，Inheapsandpilesofruin。SICINIUSThisdeservesdeath。BRUTUSOrletusstandtoourauthority，Orletusloseit。Wedoherepronounce，Upontheparto’thepeople，inwhosepowerWewereelectedtheirs，MarciusisworthyOfpresentdeath。SICINIUSThereforelayholdofhim；
BearhimtotherockTarpeian，andfromthenceIntodestructioncasthim。BRUTUSAEdiles，seizehim!CitizensYield，Marcius，yield!MENENIUSHearmeoneword；
Beseechyou，tribunes，hearmebutaword。AEdilePeace，peace!MENENIUS[ToBRUTUS]Bethatyouseem，trulyyourcountry’sfriend，AndtemperatelyproceedtowhatyouwouldThusviolentlyredress。BRUTUSSir，thosecoldways，Thatseemlikeprudenthelps，areverypoisonousWherethediseaseisviolent。Layhandsuponhim，Andbearhimtotherock。CORIOLANUSNo，I’lldiehere。
DrawinghisswordThere’ssomeamongyouhavebeheldmefighting：
Come，tryuponyourselveswhatyouhaveseenme。MENENIUSDownwiththatsword!Tribunes，withdrawawhile。BRUTUSLayhandsuponhim。COMINIUSHelpMarcius，help，Youthatbenoble；helphim，youngandold!CitizensDownwithhim，downwithhim!
Inthismutiny，theTribunes，theAEdiles，andthePeople，arebeatinMENENIUSGo，getyoutoyourhouse；begone，away!
Allwillbenaughtelse。SecondSenatorGetyougone。COMINIUSStandfast；
Wehaveasmanyfriendsasenemies。MENENIUSShamitbeputtothat？FirstSenatorThegodsforbid!
Iprithee，noblefriend，hometothyhouse；
Leaveustocurethiscause。MENENIUSFor’tisasoreuponus，Youcannottentyourself：begone，beseechyou。COMINIUSCome，sir，alongwithus。CORIOLANUSIwouldtheywerebarbarians——astheyare，ThoughinRomelitter’d——notRomans——astheyarenot，Thoughcalvedi’theporcho’theCapitol——MENENIUSBegone；
Putnotyourworthyrageintoyourtongue；
Onetimewilloweanother。CORIOLANUSOnfairgroundIcouldbeatfortyofthem。COMINIUSIcouldmyselfTakeupabraceo’thebestofthem；yea，thetwotribunes：
Butnow’tisoddsbeyondarithmetic；
Andmanhoodiscall’dfoolery，whenitstandsAgainstafallingfabric。Willyouhence，Beforethetagreturn？whoseragedothrendLikeinterruptedwatersando’erbearWhattheyareusedtobear。MENENIUSPrayyou，begone：
I’lltrywhethermyoldwitbeinrequestWiththosethathavebutlittle：thismustbepatch’dWithclothofanycolour。COMINIUSNay，comeaway。
ExeuntCORIOLANUS，COMINIUS，andothersAPatricianThismanhasmarr’dhisfortune。MENENIUSHisnatureistoonoblefortheworld：
HewouldnotflatterNeptuneforhistrident，OrJovefor’spowertothunder。Hisheart’shismouth：
Whathisbreastforges，thathistonguemustvent；
And，beingangry，doesforgetthateverHeheardthenameofdeath。
AnoisewithinHere’sgoodlywork!SecondPatricianIwouldtheywereabed!MENENIUSIwouldtheywereinTiber!Whatthevengeance!
Couldhenotspeak’emfair？
Re—enterBRUTUSandSICINIUS，withtherabbleSICINIUSWhereisthisviperThatwoulddepopulatethecityandBeeverymanhimself？MENENIUSYouworthytribunes，——SICINIUSHeshallbethrowndowntheTarpeianrockWithrigoroushands：hehathresistedlaw，AndthereforelawshallscornhimfurthertrialThantheseverityofthepublicpowerWhichhesosetsatnought。FirstCitizenHeshallwellknowThenobletribunesarethepeople’smouths，Andwetheirhands。CitizensHeshall，sureon’t。MENENIUSSir，sir，——SICINIUSPeace!MENENIUSDonotcryhavoc，whereyoushouldbuthuntWithmodestwarrant。SICINIUSSir，howcomes’tthatyouHaveholptomakethisrescue？MENENIUSHearmespeak：
AsIdoknowtheconsul’sworthiness，SocanInamehisfaults，——SICINIUSConsul!whatconsul？MENENIUSTheconsulCoriolanus。BRUTUSHeconsul!CitizensNo，no，no，no，no。MENENIUSIf，bythetribunes’leave，andyours，goodpeople，Imaybeheard，Iwouldcraveawordortwo；
ThewhichshallturnyoutonofurtherharmThansomuchlossoftime。SICINIUSSpeakbrieflythen；
ForweareperemptorytodispatchThisviperoustraitor：toejecthimhenceWerebutonedanger，andtokeephimhereOurcertaindeath：thereforeitisdecreedHediesto—night。MENENIUSNowthegoodgodsforbidThatourrenownedRome，whosegratitudeTowardsherdeservedchildrenisenroll’dInJove’sownbook，likeanunnaturaldamShouldnoweatupherown!SICINIUSHe’sadiseasethatmustbecutaway。MENENIUSO，he’salimbthathasbutadisease；
Mortal，tocutitoff；tocureit，easy。
WhathashedonetoRomethat’sworthydeath？
Killingourenemies，thebloodhehathlost——
Which，Idarevouch，ismorethanthathehath，Bymanyanounce——hedropp’ditforhiscountry；
Andwhatisleft，toloseitbyhiscountry，Weretousall，thatdo’tandsufferit，Abrandtotheendo’theworld。SICINIUSThisiscleankam。BRUTUSMerelyawry：whenhedidlovehiscountry，Ithonour’dhim。MENENIUSTheserviceofthefootBeingoncegangrened，isnotthenrespectedForwhatbeforeitwas。BRUTUSWe’llhearnomore。
Pursuehimtohishouse，andpluckhimthence：
Lesthisinfection，beingofcatchingnature，Spreadfurther。MENENIUSOnewordmore，oneword。
Thistiger—footedrage，whenitshallfindTheharmofunscann’dswiftness，willtoolateTieleadenpoundsto’sheels。Proceedbyprocess；
Lestparties，asheisbeloved，breakout，AndsackgreatRomewithRomans。BRUTUSIfitwereso，——SICINIUSWhatdoyetalk？
Havewenothadatasteofhisobedience？
Ouraedilessmote？ourselvesresisted？Come。MENENIUSConsiderthis：hehasbeenbredi’thewarsSincehecoulddrawasword，andisillschool’dInboltedlanguage；mealandbrantogetherHethrowswithoutdistinction。Givemeleave，I’llgotohim，andundertaketobringhimWhereheshallanswer，byalawfulform，Inpeace，tohisutmostperil。FirstSenatorNobletribunes，Itisthehumaneway：theothercourseWillprovetoobloody，andtheendofitUnknowntothebeginning。SICINIUSNobleMenenius，Beyouthenasthepeople’sofficer。
Masters，laydownyourweapons。BRUTUSGonothome。SICINIUSMeetonthemarket—place。We’llattendyouthere：
Where，ifyoubringnotMarcius，we’llproceedInourfirstway。MENENIUSI’llbringhimtoyou。
TotheSenatorsLetmedesireyourcompany：hemustcome，Orwhatisworstwillfollow。FirstSenatorPrayyou，let’stohim。
ExeuntSCENEII。AroominCORIOLANUS’Shouse。EnterCORIOLANUSwithPatriciansCORIOLANUSLetthempuffallaboutmineears，presentmeDeathonthewheeloratwildhorses’heels，OrpiletenhillsontheTarpeianrock，ThattheprecipitationmightdownstretchBelowthebeamofsight，yetwillIstillBethustothem。APatricianYoudothenobler。CORIOLANUSImusemymotherDoesnotapprovemefurther，whowaswontTocallthemwoollenvassals，thingscreatedTobuyandsellwithgroats，toshowbareheadsIncongregations，toyawn，bestillandwonder，WhenonebutofmyordinancestoodupTospeakofpeaceorwar。
EnterVOLUMNIA
Italkofyou：
Whydidyouwishmemilder？wouldyouhavemeFalsetomynature？RathersayIplayThemanIam。VOLUMNIAO，sir，sir，sir，Iwouldhavehadyouputyourpowerwellon，Beforeyouhadwornitout。CORIOLANUSLetgo。VOLUMNIAYoumighthavebeenenoughthemanyouare，Withstrivinglesstobeso；lesserhadbeenThethwartingsofyourdispositions，ifYouhadnotshow’dthemhowyeweredisposedEretheylack’dpowertocrossyou。CORIOLANUSLetthemhang。APatricianAy，andburntoo。
EnterMENENIUSandSenatorsMENENIUSCome，come，youhavebeentoorough，somethingtoorough；
Youmustreturnandmendit。FirstSenatorThere’snoremedy；
Unless，bynotsodoing，ourgoodcityCleaveinthemidst，andperish。VOLUMNIAPray，becounsell’d：
Ihaveaheartaslittleaptasyours，ButyetabrainthatleadsmyuseofangerTobettervantage。MENENIUSWellsaid，noblewoman？
Beforeheshouldthusstooptotheherd，butthatTheviolentfito’thetimecravesitasphysicForthewholestate，Iwouldputminearmouron，WhichIcanscarcelybear。CORIOLANUSWhatmustIdo？MENENIUSReturntothetribunes。CORIOLANUSWell，whatthen？whatthen？MENENIUSRepentwhatyouhavespoke。CORIOLANUSForthem!Icannotdoittothegods；
MustIthendo’ttothem？VOLUMNIAYouaretooabsolute；
Thoughthereinyoucanneverbetoonoble，Butwhenextremitiesspeak。Ihaveheardyousay，Honourandpolicy，likeunsever’dfriends，I’thewardogrowtogether：grantthat，andtellme，Inpeacewhateachofthembytheotherlose，Thattheycombinenotthere。CORIOLANUSTush，tush!MENENIUSAgooddemand。VOLUMNIAIfitbehonourinyourwarstoseemThesameyouarenot，which，foryourbestends，Youadoptyourpolicy，howisitlessorworse，ThatitshallholdcompanionshipinpeaceWithhonour，asinwar，sincethattobothItstandsinlikerequest？CORIOLANUSWhyforceyouthis？VOLUMNIABecausethatnowitliesyouontospeakTothepeople；notbyyourowninstruction，Norbythematterwhichyourheartpromptsyou，ButwithsuchwordsthatarebutrootedinYourtongue，thoughbutbastardsandsyllablesOfnoallowancetoyourbosom’struth。
Now，thisnomoredishonoursyouatallThantotakeinatownwithgentlewords，WhichelsewouldputyoutoyourfortuneandThehazardofmuchblood。
IwoulddissemblewithmynaturewhereMyfortunesandmyfriendsatstakerequiredIshoulddosoinhonour：Iaminthis，Yourwife，yourson，thesesenators，thenobles；
AndyouwillrathershowourgeneralloutsHowyoucanfrownthanspendafawnupon’em，FortheinheritanceoftheirlovesandsafeguardOfwhatthatwantmightruin。MENENIUSNoblelady!
Come，gowithus；speakfair：youmaysalveso，Notwhatisdangerouspresent，butthelossOfwhatispast。VOLUMNIAIpritheenow，myson，Gotothem，withthisbonnetinthyhand；
Andthusfarhavingstretch’dit——herebewiththem——
Thykneebussingthestones——forinsuchbusinessActioniseloquence，andtheeyesoftheignorantMorelearnedthantheears——wavingthyhead，Whichoften，thus，correctingthystoutheart，NowhumbleastheripestmulberryThatwillnotholdthehandling：orsaytothem，Thouarttheirsoldier，andbeingbredinbroilsHastnotthesoftwaywhich，thoudostconfess，Werefitfortheetouseastheytoclaim，Inaskingtheirgoodloves，butthouwiltframeThyself，forsooth，hereaftertheirs，sofarAsthouhastpowerandperson。MENENIUSThisbutdone，Evenasshespeaks，why，theirheartswereyours；
Fortheyhavepardons，beingask’d，asfreeAswordstolittlepurpose。VOLUMNIAPritheenow，Go，andberuled：althoughIknowthouhadstratherFollowthineenemyinafierygulfThanflatterhiminabower。HereisCominius。
EnterCOMINIUSCOMINIUSIhavebeeni’themarket—place；and，sir，’tisfitYoumakestrongparty，ordefendyourselfBycalmnessorbyabsence：all’sinanger。MENENIUSOnlyfairspeech。COMINIUSIthink’twillserve，ifheCantheretoframehisspirit。VOLUMNIAHemust，andwillPritheenow，sayyouwill，andgoaboutit。CORIOLANUSMustIgoshowthemmyunbarbedsconce？
MustIwithbasetonguegivemynobleheartAliethatitmustbear？Well，Iwilldo’t：
Yet，weretherebutthissingleplottolose，ThismouldofMarcius，theytodustshouldgrinditAndthrow’tagainstthewind。Tothemarket—place!
YouhaveputmenowtosuchapartwhichneverIshalldischargetothelife。COMINIUSCome，come，we’llpromptyou。VOLUMNIAIpritheenow，sweetson，asthouhastsaidMypraisesmadetheefirstasoldier，so，Tohavemypraiseforthis，performapartThouhastnotdonebefore。CORIOLANUSWell，Imustdo’t：
Away，mydisposition，andpossessmeSomeharlot’sspirit!mythroatofwarbeturn’d，Whichquiredwithmydrum，intoapipeSmallasaneunuch，orthevirginvoiceThatbabieslullsasleep!thesmilesofknavesTentinmycheeks，andschoolboys’tearstakeupTheglassesofmysight!abeggar’stongueMakemotionthroughmylips，andmyarm’dknees，Whobow’dbutinmystirrup，bendlikehisThathathreceivedanalms!Iwillnotdo’t，LestIsurceasetohonourmineowntruthAndbymybody’sactionteachmymindAmostinherentbaseness。VOLUMNIAAtthychoice，then：
Tobegofthee，itismymoredishonourThanthouofthem。Comealltoruin；letThymotherratherfeelthypridethanfearThydangerousstoutness，forImockatdeathWithasbigheartasthou。DoasthoulistThyvaliantnesswasmine，thousuck’dstitfromme，Butowethypridethyself。CORIOLANUSPray，becontent：
Mother，Iamgoingtothemarket—place；
Chidemenomore。I’llmountebanktheirloves，Cogtheirheartsfromthem，andcomehomebelovedOfallthetradesinRome。Look，Iamgoing：
Commendmetomywife。I’llreturnconsul；
OrnevertrusttowhatmytonguecandoI’thewayofflatteryfurther。VOLUMNIADoyourwill。
ExitCOMINIUSAway!thetribunesdoattendyou：armyourselfToanswermildly；fortheyarepreparedWithaccusations，asIhear，morestrongThanareuponyouyet。CORIOLANUSThewordis’mildly。’Prayyou，letusgo：
Letthemaccusemebyinvention，I
Willanswerinminehonour。MENENIUSAy，butmildly。CORIOLANUSWell，mildlybeitthen。Mildly!
ExeuntSCENEIII。Thesame。TheForum。EnterSICINIUSandBRUTUSBRUTUSInthispointchargehimhome，thatheaffectsTyrannicalpower：ifheevadeusthere，Enforcehimwithhisenvytothepeople，AndthatthespoilgotontheAntiatesWasne’erdistributed。
EnteranAEdileWhat，willhecome？AEdileHe’scoming。BRUTUSHowaccompanied？AEdileWitholdMenenius，andthosesenatorsThatalwaysfavour’dhim。SICINIUSHaveyouacatalogueOfallthevoicesthatwehaveprocuredSetdownbythepoll？AEdileIhave；’tisready。SICINIUSHaveyoucollectedthembytribes？AEdileIhave。SICINIUSAssemblepresentlythepeoplehither；
Andwhentheybearmesay’ItshallbesoI’therightandstrengtho’thecommons，’beiteitherFordeath，forfine，orbanishment，thenletthemIfIsayfine，cry’Fine；’ifdeath，cry’Death。’
InsistingontheoldprerogativeAndpoweri’thetrutho’thecause。AEdileIshallinformthem。BRUTUSAndwhensuchtimetheyhavebeguntocry，Letthemnotcease，butwithadinconfusedEnforcethepresentexecutionOfwhatwechancetosentence。AEdileVerywell。SICINIUSMakethembestrongandreadyforthishint，Whenweshallhaptogive’tthem。BRUTUSGoaboutit。
ExitAEdilePuthimtocholerstraight：hehathbeenusedEvertoconquer，andtohavehisworthOfcontradiction：beingoncechafed，hecannotBerein’dagaintotemperance；thenhespeaksWhat’sinhisheart；andthatistherewhichlooksWithustobreakhisneck。SICINIUSWell，herehecomes。
EnterCORIOLANUS，MENENIUS，andCOMINIUS，withSenatorsandPatriciansMENENIUSCalmly，Idobeseechyou。CORIOLANUSAy，asanostler，thatforthepoorestpieceWillbeartheknavebythevolume。Thehonour’dgodsKeepRomeinsafety，andthechairsofjusticeSuppliedwithworthymen!plantloveamong’s!
Throngourlargetempleswiththeshowsofpeace，Andnotourstreetswithwar!FirstSenatorAmen，amen。MENENIUSAnoblewish。
Re—enterAEdile，withCitizensSICINIUSDrawnear，yepeople。AEdileListtoyourtribunes。Audience：peace，Isay!CORIOLANUSFirst，hearmespeak。BothTribunesWell，say。Peace，ho!CORIOLANUSShallIbechargednofurtherthanthispresent？
Mustalldeterminehere？SICINIUSIdodemand，Ifyousubmityoutothepeople’svoices，AllowtheirofficersandarecontentTosufferlawfulcensureforsuchfaultsAsshallbeproveduponyou？CORIOLANUSIamcontent。MENENIUSLo，citizens，hesaysheiscontent：
Thewarlikeservicehehasdone，consider；thinkUponthewoundshisbodybears，whichshowLikegravesi’theholychurchyard。CORIOLANUSScratcheswithbriers，Scarstomovelaughteronly。MENENIUSConsiderfurther，Thatwhenhespeaksnotlikeacitizen，Youfindhimlikeasoldier：donottakeHisrougheraccentsformalicioussounds，But，asIsay，suchasbecomeasoldier，Ratherthanenvyyou。COMINIUSWell，well，nomore。CORIOLANUSWhatisthematterThatbeingpass’dforconsulwithfullvoice，Iamsodishonour’dthattheveryhourYoutakeitoffagain？SICINIUSAnswertous。CORIOLANUSSay，then：’tistrue，Ioughtso。SICINIUSWechargeyou，thatyouhavecontrivedtotakeFromRomeallseason’dofficeandtowindYourselfintoapowertyrannical；
Forwhichyouareatraitortothepeople。CORIOLANUSHow!traitor!MENENIUSNay，temperately；yourpromise。CORIOLANUSThefiresi’thelowesthellfold—inthepeople!
Callmetheirtraitor!Thouinjurioustribune!
Withinthineeyessattwentythousanddeaths，Inthyhandclutch’dasmanymillions，inThylyingtonguebothnumbers，Iwouldsay’Thouliest’untotheewithavoiceasfreeAsIdopraythegods。SICINIUSMarkyouthis，people？CitizensTotherock，totherockwithhim!SICINIUSPeace!
Weneednotputnewmattertohischarge：
Whatyouhaveseenhimdoandheardhimspeak，Beatingyourofficers，cursingyourselves，OpposinglawswithstrokesandheredefyingThosewhosegreatpowermusttryhim；eventhis，Socriminalandinsuchcapitalkind，Deservestheextremestdeath。BRUTUSButsincehehathServedwellforRome，——CORIOLANUSWhatdoyouprateofservice？BRUTUSItalkofthat，thatknowit。CORIOLANUSYou？MENENIUSIsthisthepromisethatyoumadeyourmother？COMINIUSKnow，Iprayyou，——CORIOLANUSIknownofurther：
LetthempronouncethesteepTarpeiandeath，Vagabondexile，raying，penttolingerButwithagrainaday，IwouldnotbuyTheirmercyatthepriceofonefairword；
Norchequemycourageforwhattheycangive，Tohave’twithsaying’Goodmorrow。’SICINIUSForthathehas，Asmuchasinhimlies，fromtimetotimeEnviedagainstthepeople，seekingmeansTopluckawaytheirpower，asnowatlastGivenhostilestrokes，andthatnotinthepresenceOfdreadedjustice，butontheministersThatdodistributeit；inthenameo’thepeopleAndinthepowerofusthetribunes，we，Evenfromthisinstant，banishhimourcity，InperilofprecipitationFromofftherockTarpeiannevermoreToenterourRomegates：i’thepeople’sname，Isayitshallbeso。CitizensItshallbeso，itshallbeso；lethimaway：
He’sbanish’d，anditshallbeso。COMINIUSHearme，mymasters，andmycommonfriends，——SICINIUSHe’ssentenced；nomorehearing。COMINIUSLetmespeak：
Ihavebeenconsul，andcanshowforRomeHerenemies’marksuponme。IdoloveMycountry’sgoodwitharespectmoretender，Moreholyandprofound，thanmineownlife，Mydearwife’sestimate，herwomb’sincrease，Andtreasureofmyloins；thenifIwouldSpeakthat，——SICINIUSWeknowyourdrift：speakwhat？BRUTUSThere’snomoretobesaid，butheisbanish’d，Asenemytothepeopleandhiscountry：
Itshallbeso。CitizensItshallbeso，itshallbeso。CORIOLANUSYoucommoncryofcurs!whosebreathIhateAsreeko’therottenfens，whoselovesIprizeAsthedeadcarcassesofunburiedmenThatdocorruptmyair，Ibanishyou；
Andhereremainwithyouruncertainty!
Leteveryfeeblerumourshakeyourhearts!
Yourenemies，withnoddingoftheirplumes，Fanyouintodespair!HavethepowerstillTobanishyourdefenders；tillatlengthYourignorance，whichfindsnottillitfeels，Makingnotreservationofyourselves，Stillyourownfoes，deliveryouasmostAbatedcaptivestosomenationThatwonyouwithoutblows!Despising，Foryou，thecity，thusIturnmyback：
Thereisaworldelsewhere。
ExeuntCORIOLANUS，COMINIUS，MENENIUS，Senators，andPatriciansAEdileThepeople’senemyisgone，isgone!CitizensOurenemyisbanish’d!heisgone!Hoo!
hoo!
Shouting，andthrowinguptheircapsSICINIUSGo，seehimoutatgates，andfollowhim，Ashehathfollowedyou，withalldespite；
Givehimdeservedvexation。LetaguardAttendusthroughthecity。CitizensCome，come；let’sseehimoutatgates；
come。
Thegodspreserveournobletribunes!Come。
ExeuntACTIVSCENEI。Rome。Beforeagateofthecity。EnterCORIOLANUS，VOLUMNIA，VIRGILIA，MENENIUS，COMINIUS，withtheyoungNobilityofRomeCORIOLANUSCome，leaveyourtears：abrieffarewell：
thebeastWithmanyheadsbuttsmeaway。Nay，mother，Whereisyourancientcourage？youwereusedTosayextremitywasthetrierofspirits；
Thatcommonchancescommonmencouldbear；
ThatwhentheseawascalmallboatsalikeShow’dmastershipinfloating；fortune’sblows，Whenmoststruckhome，beinggentlewounded，cravesAnoblecunning：youwereusedtoloadmeWithpreceptsthatwouldmakeinvincibleTheheartthatconn’dthem。VIRGILIAOheavens!Oheavens!CORIOLANUSNay!prithee，woman，——VOLUMNIANowtheredpestilencestrikealltradesinRome，Andoccupationsperish!CORIOLANUSWhat，what，what!
IshallbelovedwhenIamlack’d。Nay，mother。
Resumethatspirit，whenyouwerewonttosay，IfyouhadbeenthewifeofHercules，Sixofhislaboursyou’ldhavedone，andsavedYourhusbandsomuchsweat。Cominius，Droopnot；adieu。Farewell，mywife，mymother：
I’lldowellyet。ThouoldandtrueMenenius，Thytearsaresalterthanayoungerman’s，Andvenomoustothineeyes。Mysometimegeneral，Ihaveseentheestem，andthouhastoftbeheldHeart—hardeningspectacles；tellthesesadwomen’Tisfondtowailinevitablestrokes，As’tistolaughat’em。Mymother，youwotwellMyhazardsstillhavebeenyoursolace：andBelieve’tnotlightly——thoughIgoalone，Liketoalonelydragon，thathisfenMakesfear’dandtalk’dofmorethanseen——yoursonWillorexceedthecommonorbecaughtWithcautelousbaitsandpractise。VOLUMNIAMyfirstson。
Whitherwiltthougo？TakegoodCominiusWiththeeawhile：determineonsomecourse，MorethanawildexposturetoeachchanceThatstartsi’thewaybeforethee。CORIOLANUSOthegods!COMINIUSI’llfollowtheeamonth，devisewiththeeWherethoushaltrest，thatthoumaysthearofusAndweofthee：soifthetimethrustforthAcauseforthyrepeal，weshallnotsendO’erthevastworldtoseekasingleman，Andloseadvantage，whichdothevercoolI’theabsenceoftheneeder。CORIOLANUSFareyewell：
Thouhastyearsuponthee；andthouarttoofullOfthewars’surfeits，togorovewithoneThat’syetunbruised：bringmebutoutatgate。
Come，mysweetwife，mydearestmother，andMyfriendsofnobletouch，whenIamforth，Bidmefarewell，andsmile。Iprayyou，come。
WhileIremainabovetheground，youshallHearfrommestill，andneverofmeaughtButwhatislikemeformerly。MENENIUSThat’sworthilyAsanyearcanhear。Come，let’snotweep。
IfIcouldshakeoffbutonesevenyearsFromtheseoldarmsandlegs，bythegoodgods，I’ldwiththeeeveryfoot。CORIOLANUSGivemethyhand：Come。
ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。Astreetnearthegate。EnterSICINIUS，BRUTUS，andanAEdileSICINIUSBidthemallhome；he’sgone，andwe’llnofurther。
Thenobilityarevex’d，whomweseehavesidedInhisbehalf。BRUTUSNowwehaveshownourpower，LetusseemhumblerafteritisdoneThanwhenitwasa—doing。SICINIUSBidthemhome：
Saytheirgreatenemyisgone，andtheyStandintheirancientstrength。BRUTUSDismissthemhome。
ExitAEdileHerecomeshismother。SICINIUSLet’snotmeether。BRUTUSWhy？SICINIUSTheysayshe’smad。BRUTUSTheyhaveta’ennoteofus：keeponyourway。
EnterVOLUMNIA，VIRGILIA，andMENENIUSVOLUMNIAO，ye’rewellmet：thehoardedplagueo’thegodsRequiteyourlove!MENENIUSPeace，peace；benotsoloud。VOLUMNIAIfthatIcouldforweeping，youshouldhear，——
Nay，andyoushallhearsome。
ToBRUTUS
Willyoubegone？VIRGILIA[ToSICINIUS]Youshallstaytoo：IwouldIhadthepowerTosaysotomyhusband。SICINIUSAreyoumankind？VOLUMNIAAy，fool；isthatashame？Notebutthisfool。
Wasnotamanmyfather？HadstthoufoxshipTobanishhimthatstruckmoreblowsforRomeThanthouhastspokenwords？SICINIUSOblessedheavens!VOLUMNIAMorenobleblowsthaneverthouwisewords；
AndforRome’sgood。I’lltelltheewhat；yetgo：
Nay，butthoushaltstaytoo：IwouldmysonWereinArabia，andthytribebeforehim，Hisgoodswordinhishand。SICINIUSWhatthen？VIRGILIAWhatthen!
He’ldmakeanendofthyposterity。VOLUMNIABastardsandall。
Goodman，thewoundsthathedoesbearforRome!MENENIUSCome，come，peace。SICINIUSIwouldhehadcontinuedtohiscountryAshebegan，andnotunknithimselfThenobleknothemade。BRUTUSIwouldhehad。VOLUMNIA’Iwouldhehad’!’Twasyouincensedtherabble：
Cats，thatcanjudgeasfitlyofhisworthAsIcanofthosemysterieswhichheavenWillnothaveearthtoknow。BRUTUSPray，letusgo。VOLUMNIANow，pray，sir，getyougone：
Youhavedoneabravedeed。Ereyougo，hearthis：——
AsfarasdoththeCapitolexceedThemeanesthouseinRome，sofarmyson——
Thislady’shusbandhere，this，doyousee——
Whomyouhavebanish’d，doesexceedyouall。BRUTUSWell，well，we’llleaveyou。SICINIUSWhystaywetobebaitedWithonethatwantsherwits？VOLUMNIATakemyprayerswithyou。
ExeuntTribunesIwouldthegodshadnothingelsetodoButtoconfirmmycurses!CouldImeet’emButoncea—day，itwouldunclogmyheartOfwhatliesheavyto’t。MENENIUSYouhavetoldthemhome；
And，bymytroth，youhavecause。You’llsupwithme？VOLUMNIAAnger’smymeat；Isupuponmyself，Andsoshallstarvewithfeeding。Come，let’sgo：
LeavethisfaintpulingandlamentasIdo，Inanger，Juno—like。Come，come，come。MENENIUSFie，fie，fie!
ExeuntSCENEIII。AhighwaybetweenRomeandAntium。EnteraRomanandaVolsce，meetingRomanIknowyouwell，sir，andyouknowme：yourname，Ithink，isAdrian。VolsceItisso，sir：truly，Ihaveforgotyou。RomanIamaRoman；andmyservicesare，asyouare，against’em：knowyoumeyet？VolsceNicanor？no。RomanThesame，sir。VolsceYouhadmorebeardwhenIlastsawyou；
butyourfavouriswellapprovedbyyourtongue。What’sthenewsinRome？IhaveanotefromtheVolscianstate，tofindyououtthere：youhavewellsavedmeaday’sjourney。RomanTherehathbeeninRomestrangeinsurrections；
thepeopleagainstthesenators，patricians，andnobles。VolsceHathbeen!isitended，then？Ourstatethinksnotso：theyareinamostwarlikepreparation，andhopetocomeuponthemintheheatoftheirdivision。RomanThemainblazeofitispast，butasmallthingwouldmakeitflameagain：forthenoblesreceivesotoheartthebanishmentofthatworthyCoriolanus，thattheyareinaripeaptnesstotakeallpowerfromthepeopleandtopluckfromthemtheirtribunesforever。Thisliesglowing，I
cantellyou，andisalmostmaturefortheviolentbreakingout。VolsceCoriolanusbanished!RomanBanished，sir。VolsceYouwillbewelcomewiththisintelligence，Nicanor。RomanThedayserveswellforthemnow。Ihavehearditsaid，thefittesttimetocorruptaman’swifeiswhenshe’sfallenoutwithherhusband。YournobleTullusAufidiuswillappearwellinthesewars，hisgreatopposer，Coriolanus，beingnowinnorequestofhiscountry。VolsceHecannotchoose。Iammostfortunate，thusaccidentallytoencounteryou：youhaveendedmybusiness，andIwillmerrilyaccompanyyouhome。RomanIshall，betweenthisandsupper，tellyoumoststrangethingsfromRome；alltendingtothegoodoftheiradversaries。Haveyouanarmyready，sayyou？VolsceAmostroyalone；thecenturionsandtheircharges，distinctlybilleted，alreadyintheentertainment，andtobeonfootatanhour’swarning。RomanIamjoyfultohearoftheirreadiness，andamtheman，Ithink，thatshallsettheminpresentaction。