Act I, Scene IX — The Roman camp.…

Act I, Scene IX — The Roman camp.

Flourish. Alarum. A retreat is sounded. Enter, from one side, COMINIUS with the Romans; from the other side, MARCIUS, with his arm in a scarf.[2728]

Com. If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work, Thou'ldst not believe thy deeds: but I'll report it,[2729] Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles; Where great patricians shall attend, and shrug,[2730] I' the end admire; where ladies shall be frighted, 5 And, gladly quaked, hear more; where the dull tribunes, That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours,[2731] Shall say against their hearts 'We thank the gods Our Rome hath such a soldier.' Yet camest thou to a morsel of this feast, 10 Having fully dined before.

Enter TITUS LARTIUS, with his power, from the pursuit.[2732]

Lart. O general, Here is the steed, we the caparison:[2733] Hadst thou beheld--[2734]

Mar. Pray now, no more: my mother,[2735] Who has a charter to extol her blood,[2735] When she does praise me grieves me. I have done[2736] 15 As you have done; that's what I can: induced[2736] As you have been; that's for my country:[2736] He that has but effected his good will Hath overta'en mine act.

Com. You shall not be[2737] The grave of your deserving; Rome must know[2737] 20 The value of her own: 'twere a concealment[2737] Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement,[2737] To hide your doings; and to silence that, Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd, Would seem but modest: therefore, I beseech you-- 25 In sign of what you are, not to reward What you have done--before our army hear me.

Mar. I have some wounds upon me, and they smart To hear themselves remember'd.

Com. Should they not, Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude, 30 And tent themselves with death. Of all the horses, Whereof we have ta'en good, and good store, of all[2738] The treasure in this field achieved and city,[2739] We render you the tenth; to be ta'en forth, Before the common distribution, at[2740][2741] 35 Your only choice.[2741]

Mar. I thank you, general; But cannot make my heart consent to take A bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it, And stand upon my common part with those That have beheld the doing.[2742] 40

[A long flourish. They all cry 'Marcius! Marcius!' cast up their caps and lances: Cominius and Lartius stand bare.

Mar. May these same instruments, which you profane,[2743] Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall[2743] I' the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be[2743][2744][2745] Made all of false-faced soothing![2743][2745][2746] When steel grows soft as the parasite's silk,[2743][2747] 45 Let him be made a coverture for the wars![2743][2748][2749] No more, I say! For that I have not wash'd[2743][2749][2750] My nose that bled, or foil'd some debile wretch,[2743] Which without note here's many else have done,[2743] You shout me forth[2743][2751][2752] 50 In acclamations hyperbolical;[2743][2751] As if I loved my little should be dieted[2743] In praises sauced with lies.[2743]

Com. Too modest are you; More cruel to your good report than grateful To us that give you truly: by your patience,[2753] 55 If 'gainst yourself you be incensed, we'll put you,[2754] Like one that means his proper harm, in manacles, Then reason safely with you. Therefore, be it known, As to us, to all the world, that Caius Marcius Wears this war's garland: in token of the which, 60 My noble steed, known to the camp, I give him,[2755] With all his trim belonging; and from this time, For what he did before Corioli, call him, With all the applause and clamour of the host,

CAIUS MARCIUS CORIOLANUS. Bear[2756][2757] 65 The addition nobly ever! [Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drums.[2756]

All. Caius Marcius Coriolanus![2757][2758]

Cor. I will go wash;[2759] And when my face is fair, you shall perceive Whether I blush, or no: howbeit, I thank you: 70 I mean to stride your steed; and at all times To undercrest your good addition To the fairness of my power.[2760]

Com. So, to our tent; Where, ere we do repose us, we will write[2761] To Rome of our success. You, Titus Lartius, 75 Must to Corioli back: send us to Rome The best, with whom we may articulate For their own good and ours.

Lart. I shall, my lord.

Cor. The gods begin to mock me. I, that now[2759][2762][2763] Refused most princely gifts, am bound to beg[2762] 80 Of my lord general.[2762][2764]

Com. Take 't; 'tis yours. What is't?[2764][2765]

Cor. I sometime lay here in Corioli[2759][2764] At a poor man's house; he used me kindly:[2764][2766] He cried to me; I saw him prisoner; But then Aufidius was within my view, 85 And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you To give my poor host freedom.

Com. O, well begg'd! Were he the butcher of my son, he should Be free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.

Lart. Marcius, his name?

Cor. By Jupiter, forgot:[2759] 90 I am weary; yea, my memory is tired.[2767] Have we no wine here?

Com. Go we to our tent: The blood upon your visage dries; 'tis time It should be look'd to: come. [Exeunt.

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Act I, Scene X — The camp of the Volsces.[2768]

A flourish. Cornets. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, _bloody, with two or three_ Soldiers.

Auf. The town is ta'en![2769]

First Sol. 'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.[2770][2769]

Auf. Condition! I would I were a Roman; for I cannot, Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition![2771] 5 What good condition can a treaty find I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, Marcius, I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me; And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter As often as we eat. By the elements,[2772] 10 If e'er again I meet him beard to beard, He's mine, or I am his: mine emulation Hath not that honour in 't it had; for where I thought to crush him in an equal force, True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some way,[2773] 15 Or wrath or craft may get him.

First Sol. He's the devil.[2770]

Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd[2774][2775] With only suffering stain by him; for him[2775][2776] Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep nor sanctuary,[2777] Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,[2778] 20 The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice, Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up[2779] Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst My hate to Marcius: where I find him, were it At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,[2780] 25 Against the hospitable canon, would I Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city; Learn how 'tis held, and what they are that must Be hostages for Rome.

First Sol. Will not you go?[2770]

Auf. I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you--[2781] 30 'Tis south the city mills--bring me word thither[2782] How the world goes, that to the pace of it I may spur on my journey.

First Sol. I shall, sir. [Exeunt.[2770][2783]

FOOTNOTES:

[2455] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff.

Rome. A street.] A street in Rome. Pope.

[2456] All.] Ff. Cit. [Several speaking at once. Malone.

[2457] chief] the chief Pope.

[2458] We know't, we know't] F₁. We know't F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2459] let it] let't Rowe (ed 2).

[2460] on] F₃ F₄. one F₁ F₂.

[2461] humanely] humanly F₄.

[2462] object] abjectness Collier MS.

[2463] a gain] againe F₂.

[2464] pikes] pitchforks Hanmer.

rakes] F₁. raks F₂. racks F₃ F₄.

[2465] Marcius?] Martius? F₃ F₄. Martius. F₁ F₂.

[2466] All.] 1 Cit. Malone conj.

[2467] Sec. Cit.] Malone. All. Ff.

[2468] to please....] partly to please Capell.

[2469] to be partly] partly to be Hanmer. to be Capell. to be portly Staunton conj.

[2470] these] F₁. those F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2471] o' the] o' th' F₄. a'th F₁ F₂. a' th' F₃.

[2472] Enter....] Ff. Dyce transfers it to follow line 48.

[2473] SCENE II. Pope.

[2474] What ... pray you] Arranged as by Theobald. Three lines, ending hand?... matter ... you in Ff. Prose in Pope.

[2475] work's] F₁. workes F₂. works F₃ F₄.

[2476] With] F₁. with your F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2477] First Cit.] 1 Cit. Capell (and throughout the scene). 2 Cit. Ff.

[2478] intend] intended Rowe (ed. 2).

[2479] Why ... yourselves?] Arranged as by Theobald. In Ff the first line ends at honest. As prose in Pope.

[2480] you. For your wants,] Johnson. you: for your wants, Rowe. you for your wants. F₁ F₂. you for your wants, F₃. you, for your wants. F₄.

[2481] suffering] sufferings Rowe (ed. 2).

[2482] heaven] heavens Mason conj.

[2483] link] linke F₁. link'd F₂ F₃ F₄. links Pope.

[2484] True, indeed! They] true, indeed!--they Theobald. True indeed, they Ff.

[2485] stale] Theobald. scale Ff.

[2486] Well ... deliver] As prose first by Capell. As four lines, ending Well ... thinke ... tale: ... deliver in Ff.

[2487] I'll] We'll Hanmer.

yet] but yet Hanmer.

[2488] disgrace] disgraces Theobald.

an't] Hanmer. and't Theobald.

[2489] o' the] o' th' F₄. a th' F₁ F₂. a' th' F₃.

[2490] And, mutually participate,] Malone. And mutually participate, Ff. And mutually participate; Knight.

[2491] Of the ... Well, sir] As one line, S. Walker conj.

[2492] body.] Rowe. body; F₃. body, F₁ F₂ F₄.

answer'd--] Rowe. answer'd. F₁ F₄. answer. F₂ answers. F₃.

[2493] you. With] you.--With Theobald. you with Ff.

[2494] tauntingly] F₄. taintingly F₁. tantingly F₂ F₃.

[2495] such as you.] such as you-- Rowe. as you Steevens conj.

What! Theobald. What Ff. om. Seymour conj.

[2496] See note (I).

[2497] kingly-crowned] Warburton. kingly crowned Pope. kingly crown'd Ff.

[2498] What then?... then?] Arranged as by Capell. The lines end speakes ... then? in Ff.

[2499] 'Fore me, this] Theobald. Foreme, this F₁ F₂ F₃. For me, this F₄.

[2500] o' the] o' th' F₄. a th' F₁ F₂. a' th' F₃ (and passim).

[2501] agents] agent F₂.

[2502] a small] a little Seymour conj. us all Jackson conj.

[2503] you'll] Rowe (ed. 2). you'st Ff.

[2504] You're] Capell. Y'are Ff. You are Steevens (1773).

[2505] heart, to] Ff. heart,--to Malone.

the seat o' the] the seat, the Rann (Tyrwhitt conj.) the senate Collier MS. the state, the Anon. conj.

[2506] brain; ... man,] Theobald. braine, ... man, Ff. brain, ... man; Pope.

[2507] cranks] ranks Collier MS.

[2508] You ... belly, mark me,--] Rowe (substantially). (You ... belly) mark me. Ff.

[2509] flour] Knight. flowre F₁ F₂. flowr F₃ F₄. flow'r Rowe. flower Capell.

[2510] answer: how] answer;--how Theobald. answer, how Ff. answer--how Rowe.

[2511] examine Their ... cares, digest] examine Their ... cares; disgest F₁. examine Their ... care; disgest F₂ F₃ F₄. examine, Their ... care; digest Rowe. examine.--Their ... cares digest Ingleby conj.

[2512] go'st] Hanmer. goest Ff.

[2513] Thou ... vantage] Erased in Collier MS.

worst ... first] worst, in blood, to ruin, Lead'st first, Steevens, 1773 (Johnson conj.) worst in blood, to run Lead'st first Steevens (1778).

[2514] art] are Rowe (ed. 2).

worst in blood] first from blows Hanmer. first in blood Capell. last in blood Staunton conj.

[2515] bale] Theobald. baile F₁ F₂. bail F₃ F₄. bane Hanmer.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Act I, Scene III — Pope

[2516] thee] Ff. ye Dyce.

[2517] you have] have Steevens (1778). you Seymour conj.

you curs] ye curs Rowe.

[2518] like nor peace] F₁ F₂. like not peace F₃ F₄. likes not peace Warburton.

[2519] you proud] yon proud F₂.

trusts to you] trusts you Reed (1803).

[2520] you ... you] your ... your Rowe (ed. 2).

[2521] geese: you are no] Theobald. geese you are: No Ff.

[2522] did it] did Badham conj.

[2523] Hang ye! Trust ye?] Hang ye trust ye? Ff. Hang ye! Trust you? Seymour conj. Trust ye? Hang ye! Coleridge conj.

[2524] a mind] your mind Collier MS.

[2525] vile] F₄. vilde F₁ F₂ F₃.

was] wore Anon. MS. (in Capell's copy of F₃).

[2526] these] the Rowe.

[2527] I or corn ... they say] Corn ... they do say Seymour conj.

[2528] Who thrives] Omitted by Hanmer.

and who] om. Seymour conj.

[2529] Below ... discretion] Hanmer ends the lines grain ... aside ... make ... slaves ... these ... for ... discretion, reading Although for though in line 195.

[2530] enough] om. Seymour conj.

[2531] pick] pitch Rowe.

lance.] lance. Away, ye knaves! Seymour conj.

[2532] almost] all most Singer (Collier MS.)

[2533] cowardly. But, I] cowardly. I Hanmer. coward. I Seymour conj.

But, I beseech] But, 'beseech S. Walker conj.

[2534] hang 'em!] om. Hanmer.

[2535] Shouting] Pope. Shooting Ff. Suiting Rowe (ed. 2).

their emulation] their exultation Collier MS. the innovation Leo conj.

[2536] tribunes] tributes F₂.

[2537] one's] one on 'em 's Anon. conj.

Brutus,] Brutus, one S. Walker conj.

[2538] and I] and--I S. Walker conj., putting 'Sdeath in a separate line.

not--'Sdeath] Rowe (ed. 2). not. Sdeath Ff.

[2539] unroof'd] Theobald. unroo'st Ff.

[2540] upon] open Grant White conj.

[2541] insurrection's] Theobald. insurrections Ff.

[2542] fragments] fragments, hence, begone Seymour conj.

hastily] Ff. om. Rowe.

[2543] what's] what is or now, what's Seymour conj.

[2544] Volsces] Collier. Volcies F₁ F₂ F₃. Volscies F₄. Volscians Pope. Volcians Capell. Volces Steevens (1778).

[2545] ha'] ha F₁ F₂ F₃. have F₄.

[2546] See, our] Rowe. See our Ff.

[2547] Enter ...] Malone and Capell substantially. Enter Sicinius Velutus, Annius Brutus Cominius, Titus Lartius, with other Senatours. Ff (Cominisn F₁). Enter ... Junius Brutus, Cominius, ... Rowe.

[2548] SCENE IV. Pope.

[2549] I would] I could F₄. I'd Pope.

he] him Hanmer.

together.] Capell. together? Ff.

[2550] Only my wars] My wars only Seymour conj.

[2551] Lartius] Rowe. Lucius Ff.

[2552] Tullus'] Pope (ed. 2). Tullus F₁ F₂ F₃. Tullus's F₄. Tulliu' Pope (ed. 1), a misprint.

[2553] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Sen. Ff.

[2554] [To Com.] ... [To Mar.] Follow Cominius;] Edd. (Malone conj.) Lead you on: Follow Cominius, Ff. Lead you on; Follow, Cominius; Theobald.

[2555] Lead ... priority. Arranged as in Pope. As prose in Ff.

[2556] you] your F₄.

Marcius] Lartius Theobald.

[2557] [To the Citizens] Rowe.

Nay] om. Rowe.

[2558] Worshipful] Worthy Seymour conj.

mutiners] mutineers Rowe.

[2559] pray] I pray you Seymour conj.]

[Citizens ...] Exeunt. Citizens steale away. Manent Sicin. and Brutus. Ff (Manet F₁).

[2560] gird the] gird at th’ Badham conj.

[2561] him:] him, Ff. him! Hanmer.

[2562] to be] of being Hanmer.

[2563] Such ... Cominius.] As verse first by Pope. As prose in Ff.

[2564] the which] which Hanmer.

[2565] whom] which Hanmer.

he's] F₁. he is F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2566] be] F₁ F₄. he F₂ F₃.

[2567] of] on Capell.

[2568] demerits] merits Roderick conj., reading _Shall ... Cominius_ as one line. due merits Leo conj.

[2569] Come: Half ... Marcius,] As in Theobald. One line in Ff.

[2570] Cominius'] Pope. Cominius F₁ F₂ F₃. Cominius's F₄.

[2571] earn'd] earn Hanmer.

[2572] his] this Hanmer. in Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[2573] SCENE II.] Rowe. SCENE V. Pope. om. Ff.

Corioli.] Pope. Coriolus. Rowe.

The Senate-House.] Capell. Enter ... Corioli.] Pope. Enter ... Coriolus. Ff.

[2574] have] F₁. hath F₂ F₃ F₄.

on] F₃ F₄. one F₁ F₂.

[2575] [Reads] Reading. Theobald. om. Ff.

press’d] Capell. prest Ff.

[2576] dearth] death F₂.

[2577] Whither] F₃ F₄. Whether F₁ F₂.

[2578] veil'd] F₃ F₄. vayl’d F₁ F₂.

[2579] seem’d] seems Hanmer.

[2580] Corioli] Pope. Corioles F₁. Coriolus F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2581] Corioli: If ... before 's,] Coriolus: If ... before 's, F₄. Corioles If ... before 's: F₁. Coriolus If ... before 's. F₂ F₃.

[2582] before 's] before us Capell.

for the remove] 'fore they remove Warburton. for their remove Johnson conj. further remove Jackson conj.

[2583] They've] Rowe. Th' have Ff.

[2584] certainties] very certainties Hanmer.

more,] more, I hear, Badham conj.

[2585] power] powers Steevens (1793).

[2586] ever] never Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[2587] All. Farewell.] om. Seymour conj.

[Exeunt.] Exeunt omnes. Ff.

[2588] SCENE III.] Rowe. SCENE VI. Pope. om. Ff.

Rome.] Rowe.

A room....] Capell. Scene changes to Caius Marcius's House in Rome. Theobald.

Enter ... they set them....] Rowe. Enter Volumnia and Virgilia, mother and wife to Martius: They set them.... Ff. Enter ... they sit.... Pope.

[2589] should] would F₄.

[2590] wherein] where Johnson (1771).

[2591] would] F₁ F₂. should F₃ F₄.

[2592] kings'] Theobald. kings Ff. king's Johnson.

[2593] sell] F₃ F₄. sel F₁ F₂. let Anon. conj.

[2594] not more] no more F₄.

[2595] had rather had] had rather Rowe. would rather have Seymour conj.

[2596] you shall] thou shalt F₄.

[2597] I hear hither] I hither hear Pope. e'en now I hear Seymour conj.

[2598] See] I see Rowe.

Aufidius down] down Aufidius Steevens (1773).

[2599] from ... shunning] fly ... shunning or shun ... flying Seymour conj.

[2600] [stamping. Johnson.

call thus] thus call Seymour conj.

[2601] you cowards] F₁ F₂. ye cowards F₃ F₄.

you were] ye were Rowe (ed. 2).

[2602] that's] thats F₂. that F₁. what's F₃ F₄.

[2603] Or] O'er Singer.

[2604] trophy] trophe F₁.

breasts] brest F₄.

[2605] At ... sword, contemning.] See note (II).

[2606] We are fit] That we are waiting here Seymour conj.

[2607] Aufidius'] Aufidius's F₄.

[2608] Gentlewoman.] a Gentlewoman. Ff.

[2609] My ladies both] om. Seymour conj.

[2610] What are] What, are Capell (corrected in Errata).

sewing] F₄. sowing F₁ F₂ F₃.

spot, in] spotte in F₁ F₂. spot in F₃ F₄. sport, in Jackson conj. pattern, Leo conj.

[2611] the swords] swords Collier MS.

[2612] O'] Theobald. A Ff.

[2613] upon] on Rowe.

o'] Rowe (ed. 2). a Ff.

[2614] has] ha's F₁ F₂ F₃. Has F₄. he has Steevens (1773).

[2615] catched] catcht F₁ F₂ F₃. and caught F₄.

or whether] and whether Hanmer.

[2616] on 's] o' s F₄. of's Theobald. of his Steevens (1778).

[2617] No ... doors.] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[2618] most] om. Rowe (ed. 2).

[2619] Ulysses'] Capell. Ulysses F₁. F₂ F₃. Ulysses's F₄.

Ithaca] F₃ F₄. Athica F₁ F₂.

[2620] madam?] F₃ F₄. madam. F₁ F₂. madam-- Rowe.

[2621] Corioli] Pope. Carioles F₁. Cariolus F₂. Coriolus F₃ F₄.

[2622] mine] my Rowe.

[2623] Let ... much mirth.] As prose in Pope. Irregular lines in Ff.

[2624] lady; ... now,] Pope. ladie, ... now: F₁. lady, ... now: F₂ F₃. lady, ... now, F₄.

[2625] o'] Theobald. a Ff.

[2626] [Exeunt.] Exeunt Ladies. Ff.

[2627] SCENE IV.] Rowe. SCENE VII. Pope. om. Ff.

Before Corioli.] Trenches before Corioli. Capell. The walls of Coriolus. Rowe.

Soldiers.] Souldiers, as before the city Coriolus: Ff (Corialus: F₁).

[2628] Yonder ... met] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[2629] no] not so Seymour conj.

[2630] nor ... nor] F₁. not ... nor F₂ F₃ F₄.

you him] F₁ F₂. him you F₃ F₄.

[2631] you him ... years] him you I will for half an hundred years or so Hanmer, ending the lines you ... so.

[2632] this mile] a mile Rowe.

and half] om. Steevens conj. and a half Campbell.

[2633] thy] the Rowe.

two] some Capell.

walls.] walles of Coriolus. Ff. (Corialus F₁ F₂).

[2634] Aufidius] F₄. Auffidious F₁. Auffidius F₂ F₃.

[2635] walls] wall Rowe (ed. 2).

[2636] nor] but Keightley.

that fears you less] but fears you less Rann (Johnson conj.) that fears you more Johnson and Capell conj.

[2637] That's ... drums] one line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[2638] up: our] up, our F₃. up; our F₄. up our F₁ F₂.

[2639] Enter ...] Enter the Volscies. Rowe. The Volscians enter and pass over. Capell.

[2640] forth] for'h F₂.

[2641] With ... Titus] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[2642] fellows] follows F₂.

[2643] Volsce] Collier. Volce F₁ F₂. Volcie F₃. Volscie F₄. Volscian Pope.

[2644] Alarum ... Re-enter ...] Alarum ... Enter ... Ff. Exeunt, as to the Fight. Alarums ... Re-enter Marcius. Capell.

cursing.] om. Rowe. enraged. Collier.

[2645] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[2646] Rome! you herd of--Boils] Johnson. Rome: you Heard of Byles F₁ F₂. Rome: you Herd of Biles F₃ F₄. Rome; you herds of biles Rowe (ed. 2). Rome; you herds; of boils Pope (ed. 1.) Rome, you! herds of boils Pope, ed 2 (Theobald). Rome, you herds, you! boils Hanmer. Rome! Unheard of boils Collier (Collier MS.) See note (III).

[2647] If you'll ... As they] As one line, S. Walker conj., reading follow'd in line 42.

[2648] trenches followed.] F₂ F₃ F₄. trenches followes. F₁. trenches follow. Collier (ed. 1). trenches. Follow! Collier (ed. 2). trenches: follow me. Lettsom conj. trenches. [Follows.] Anon. conj.

[2649] Another ... gates.] Edd. Another Alarum, and Martius ... gates, and is shut in. Ff. Alarums. The Fight renew'd. Enter, in Retire towards their city, the Volcians; Marcius, and the Romans, pressing them. Capell.

[2650] [Enters....] Enter the Gati. F₁. Enter the Gates. F₂ F₃ F₄. Charges the flying enemy: Enters the Gates with them; and is shut in. Capell.

[2651] Marcius ... in.] Dyce. The Gates are closed. Staunton.

[2652] the pot] pot Seymour conj. the port Collier (Collier MS.)

Re-enter....] Dyce. Enter.... Ff.

[2653] Clapp'd] Clapt Ff. Clap Anon. conj.

[2654] sensibly outdares] sensible, outdoes Theobald (Thirlby conj.) sensible, out-dares Johnson.

[2655] stands] Rowe. stand'st Ff.

art left,] art lost, Singer (Collier). price-less Badham conj. art reft, Nicholson conj.

[2656] Were] F₃ F₄. Weare F₁ F₂.

[2657] Cato's] Theobald (from Plutarch). Calues (ital.) F₁. Calves (ital.) F₂ F₃ F₄. Calvus Rowe. Calvus' Pope.

[2658] percussion] percussions Pope. thy] the Rowe (ed. 1).

[2659] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff.

[2660] SCENE V.] Capell. Scene continued in Ff, Rowe, Pope, &c.

Within Corioli. A street] Within the Town. A Street. Capell.

[2661] [Exeunt. Ff. Omitted by Theobald.

Titus Lartius] Titus Ff. Titus, officers &c. Capell.

[2662] hours] honours Rowe (ed. 2).

[2663] drachma] Singer. drachme F₁ F₂. drachm F₃ F₄.

[2664] To him!] To him; Pope. To him, F₃ F₄. To him F₁ F₂.

[2665] haste] haffe F₂.

[2666] violent For a] violent for A Capell.

[2667] Than ... I will appear] Than dangerous: to Aufidius thus will I Appear Steevens conj. (misquoting Hanmer).

Than ... fight] Arranged as by Capell. As one line in Ff. Two lines, the first ending me, in Pope.

[2668] to me] om. Hanmer, reading Than ... I will as one line.

[2669] thy] the S. Walker conj.

[2670] those] to those Hanmer.

[2671] Marcius!] Capell. Martius, Ff. Marius, Pope (ed. 2). Martius,-- Hanmer. Martius. Johnson.

[Exit Marcius] Capell. om. Ff.

[2672] [To the Trumpet. Hanmer.

[2673] o' the] o' th' F₄. a' th' F₁ F₂ F₃. of the Capell.

[2674] SCENE VI.] Capell. SCENE IX. Pope. Rowe continues the Scene.

Near the camp....] Capell. The Roman Camp. Pope.

[2675] struck] F₄. strooke F₁ F₂. strook F₃.

[2676] Ye] Hanmer. The Ff.

[2677] Enter....] Ff, after news?

[2678] trenches] trenbhes F₂.

[2679] speak’st] Rowe (ed. 2). speakest Ff.

truth] true Capell.

[2680] briefly we] briefly, we Theobald.

[2681] thy] the Rowe.

[2682] Enter Marcius.] Ff. Transferred by Dyce to follow man, line 27.

[2683] Before-time] Hanmer. Before time Ff.

Mar.] Mar. [within.] Dyce.

[2684] Marcius'] Marcius's F₄.

[2685] man] man's Hanmer.

[2686] ye] Ff. you Capell.

[2687] In arms] I armes F₂. I am Long MS.

[2688] woo'd; in heart As] Theobald (Thirlby conj.) woo'd in heart; As Ff.

[2689] Flower ... Lartius?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2690] is't] i't F₂.

[2691] slip] ship F₂.

[2692] truth: but for our gentlemen,] truth but for our gentlemen. Anon. conj.

[2693] plague] plague on't Hanmer.

[2694] think.] thinke: Ff. think-- Rowe. think it. Collier (Collier MS.)

[2695] o' the] o' th' F₄. a' th' F₃. a' th F₁. a th' F₂.

[2696] Marcius ... purpose.] As by Capell. Two lines, the first ending fought, in Ff.

[2697] purpose] propose F₂. purposes Collier (Collier MS.), arranging as in Ff.

[2698] How.... They have] How.... they Have Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Rowe (ed. 1).

[2699] which] Malone. w F₁. what F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2700] Antiates] Pope. Ancients Ff.

[2701] By the blood ... Antiates] Arranged as by Pope. As four lines in Ff, ending together, ... made ... set me ... Antiats.

[2702] we have ... We have] w’ave ... W'ave Pope.

[2703] hour.] hour.-- Rowe.

[2704] most are] Ff. are most Capell.

[2705] Lesser] F₃ F₄. Lessen F₁ F₂. Less for Rowe. Less in Jackson conj.

than] that Rowe (ed. 2).

[2706] so many so] many if so Pope.

[2707] O, me alone!] Oh me alone, Ff. Let me alone Heath conj. Come! along! Singer. O, come along! Id. conj. Of me alone? Collier (ed. 2). O, me aloft! Leo conj. O, me alone? Lloyd conj.

of me?] Capell. of me: Ff.

[2708] Shield] Shiels F₂.

[2709] Though ... the rest] Arranged as by Boswell. The line ends at from all: in Ff.

from all] om. Hanmer, reading as one line Though ... rest.

[2710] to march And four] march before; And I Collier (Collier MS.)

[2711] And four shall] F₃ F₄. And foure shall F₁ F₂. And I shall Capell conj. And so I shall Heath conj. And foes shall Jackson conj. An hour shall Mitford conj. And some shall Singer. Before, shall Leo conj. And forth shall Keightley. Ardour shall Anon. conj.

And ... quickly] And forestal quickly; Bullock conj.

[2712] four ... my ... best] fear ... of my ... least Johnson conj.

[2713] SCENE VII.] Capell. SCENE X. Pope.

The gates of Corioli.] Capell. Corioli. Pope.

[2714] I have set them] they’re set Seymour conj.

[2715] centuries] centries Theobald. sentries Johnson.

[2716] We cannot ... come] As two lines, the first ending Hence, S. Walker conj.

[2717] Hence] Hence then Keightley.

upon 's] upon us Capell.

[2718] [Exeunt.] Pope (ed. 2). Exit. Ff.

[2719] SCENE VIII.] Capell. SCENE XI. Pope.

A field....] Capell. The Roman camp. Pope.

Enter....] Capell. Enter Martius and Auffidius at several doores. Ff.

[2720] owns] owes Seymour conj.

[2721] fame and envy] Ff. fame, and envy Theobald. fame I envy Collier (Collier MS.) fame I hate and envy Staunton conj.

[2722] Fix thy foot. Mar. Let] Mar. Fix thy foot. Let Nicholson conj.

[2723] If ... hare] Arranged as by Theobald. One line in Ff.

[2724] Holloa] hollow Ff. Halloo Warburton.

Tullus] om. Steevens conj.

[2725] Wert ... Hector] Wilt thou hector? Jackson conj.

[2726] [They fight....] Here they fight.... Ff.

... in the aid....] Ff.... to the aid.... Rowe.

[2727] condemned] contemned Johnson conj.

seconds] seconding Hanmer. second Mason conj.

[Exeunt] om. Ff. Exeunt fighting, driven in by Marcius. Alarum. Retreat. Capell.

[2728] SCENE IX.] Capell. Pope continues the Scene.

Enter, from one side ... from the other side....] Enter at one Doore.... At another Doore.... Ff.

scarf.] scarf, and other Romans. Capell.

[2729] Thou'ldst] Grant White (Capell conj.) Thou't F₁ F₂ F₃. Thou'lt F₄.

[2730] Where] Were Rowe (ed. 2).

[2731] plebeians] F₄. Plebeans F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2732] Enter Titus Lartius.] Enter Titus.... Ff.

[2733] caparison] caparisons Capell.

[2734] beheld] behold F₂.

[2735] my mother, Who ... blood] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[2736] When ... country] Arranged as by Hanmer, who reads have also been for have been in line 17. In Ff the lines end grieves me: ... I can, ... countrey.

[2737] You ... traducement] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the lines end deserving, ... owne: ... theft, ... traducement.

[2738] we have] we've Hanmer.

good, and good store] store, and good Seymour conj.

store, of all] Rowe, store of all, Ff.

[2739] this field] Ff. the field Rowe.

[2740] Before ... at] As in Theobald. In Ff the line ends at distribution.

[2741] at Your only] At your own Hanmer.

[2742] beheld] upheld Capell.

[2743] See note (IV)

[2744] let] om. Seymour conj.

courts and] F₁ F₃ F₄. cours and F₂. camps, as Theobald (Warburton).

[2745] be Made ... soothing] As in Ff. One line in Pope.

[2746] all of] F₁ F₂. of all F₃ F₄.

[2747] When] Where Knight.

as the] as is the Anon. conj.

silk] silks Collier conj.

for Collier conj. read Singer conj.

[2748] him ... a coverture Steevens (1778), partly following Tyrwhitt. him ... an overture Ff. hymns ... An overture Theobald (Warburton). this ... a coverture Tyrwhitt conj. them ... an overture Knight. it ... a coverture Collier, ed. 2 (Collier MS.) him ... an ovation Staunton conj. pipes ... An overture Keightley. him ... a vesture Nicholson conj. his ... a nurture Anon. conj.

[2749] Let him ... I say] let him, I say, Be made a coverture for the wars no more Badham conj.

[2750] more, I] F₄. more I F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2751] You ... hyperbolical] As in Knight. One line in Ff.

[2752] shout] F₄. shoot F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2753] give] give't Heath conj.

[2754] 'gainst] F₁. against F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2755] give him] Ff. give to him Rowe.

[2756] Caius ... ever] As by Steevens (1793). One line in Ff. Johnson reads Bear ... ever as a separate line.

[2757] Caius Marcius] Caius Martius Rowe. Marcus Caius F₁ F₂. Martius Caius F₃ F₄.

[2758] All.] Omnes. Ff.

[2759] Cor.] Steevens. Mar. Ff.

[2760] fairness] fulness Seymour conj. farness Becket conj. fairest Anon. conj.

[2761] Where, ere] Where, e're F₄. Where ere F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2762] The gods ... general] Arranged as by Hanmer. In Ff the first two lines end me: ... gifts.

[2763] now] but now Rowe.

[2764] Of my ... kindly] As four lines, ending What is't? ... lay ... house ... kindly, S. Walker conj., or general ... lay ... house ... kindly, Id. conj., reading Take it.

[2765] Take 't] Take it Johnson.

[2766] At a poor] And at a poor Hanmer. At a most poor Capell.

man's] Volce's Seymour conj.

kindly] very kindly Keightley.

[2767] I am] I'm Hanmer.

[2768] SCENE X.] Capell. SCENE XII. Pope.

The camp....] The Camp of the Volsci. Pope.

[2769] The town ... back] As one line, S. Walker conj.

[2770] First Sol.] 1. S. Capell. Soul. or Sol. Ff.

[2771] Volsce] Volce F₁ F₂. Volcie F₃. Volscie F₄. Volscian Pope.

[2772] As] F₁ F₄. And F₂ F₃.

[2773] sword, ... way,] sword, ... way; Pope. sword: ... way, Ff.

potch] F₃ F₄. potche F₁ F₂. poach Grant White (Heath conj.)

[2774] valour's] valor's F₃ F₄. valors F₁ F₂.

[2775] valour's ... him; for] valour (poison'd ... him) for him Pope.

[2776] With ... by him;] Which ... by him, Mason conj.

[2777] Shall] 'T shall Collier MS.

nor] not Rowe (ed. 2).

[2778] sick] seek Long MS.

[2779] Embarquements] Ff. Embarkments Rowe. Embankments Hanmer. Embarrments Warburton. Embargments Heath conj.

[2780] brother's guard] household hearth Keightley conj.

[2781] cypress] Rowe. cyprus Ff.

[2782] mills] mils F₁ F₂. mill F₃ F₄. a mile Tyrwhitt conj.

[2783] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Act II, Scene I — Rome. A public place.

Enter MENENIUS, with the two Tribunes of the people, SICINIUS, and BRUTUS.[2784]

Men. The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night.[2785]

Bru. Good or bad?

Men. Not according to the prayer of the people, for they love not Marcius.

Sic. Nature teaches beasts to know their friends. 5

Men. Pray you, who does the wolf love?[2786]

Sic. The lamb.

Men. Ay, to devour him; as the hungry plebeians would the noble Marcius.

Bru. He's a lamb indeed, that baes like a bear. 10

Men. He's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You two are old men: tell me one thing that I shall ask you.

Both. Well, sir.

Men. In what enormity is Marcius poor in, that you[2787] two have not in abundance? 15

Bru. He's poor in no one fault, but stored with all.[2788]

Sic. Especially in pride.[2789]

Bru. And topping all others in boasting.[2790]

Men. This is strange now: do you two know how you are censured here in the city, I mean of us o' the right-hand[2791] 20 file? do you?

Both. Why, how are we censured?[2792]

Men. Because you talk of pride now,--will you not be angry?

Both. Well, well, sir, well. 25

Men. Why, 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief of occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience: give your dispositions the reins, and be angry at your pleasures; at[2793] the least, if you take it as a pleasure to you in being so. You blame Marcius for being proud?[2794] 30

Bru. We do it not alone, sir.

Men. I know you can do very little alone; for your helps are many, or else your actions would grow wondrous single: your abilities are too infant-like for doing much alone. You talk of pride: O that you could turn your eyes toward the[2795] 35 napes of your necks, and make but an interior survey of your good selves! O that you could!

Both. What then, sir?[2796]

Men. Why, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting,[2797] proud, violent, testy magistrates, alias fools, as 40 any in Rome.

Sic. Menenius, you are known well enough too.

Men. I am known to be a humorous patrician, and one that loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying Tiber[2798] in't; said to be something imperfect in favouring the first[2799][2800] 45 complaint, hasty and tinder-like upon too trivial motion;[2799][2801] one that converses more with the buttock of the night than with the forehead of the morning: what I think I utter, and spend my malice in my breath. Meeting two such wealsmen as you are,--I cannot call you Lycurguses--if the drink[2802] 50 you give me touch my palate adversely, I make a crooked face at it. I can't say your worships have delivered the[2803] matter well, when I find the ass in compound with the major part of your syllables: and though I must be content to bear with those that say you are reverend grave men, yet they[2804] 55 lie deadly that tell you you have good faces. If you see this[2805] in the map of my microcosm, follows it that I am known well enough too? what harm can your bisson conspectuities[2806] glean out of this character, if I be known well enough too?

Bru. Come, sir, come, we know you well enough. 60

Men. You know neither me, yourselves, nor any thing. You are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs: you wear out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a cause between an orange-wife and a fosset-seller, and then rejourn the controversy[2807] of three-pence to a second day of audience. When 65 you are hearing a matter between party and party, if you[2808] chance to be pinched with the colic, you make faces like mummers; set up the bloody flag against all patience; and, in roaring for a chamber-pot, dismiss the controversy bleeding,[2809] the more entangled by your hearing: all the peace you 70 make in their cause is, calling both the parties knaves. You are a pair of strange ones.

Bru. Come, come, you are well understood to be a perfecter giber for the table than a necessary bencher in the Capitol. 75

Men. Our very priests must become mockers, if they shall encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are. When[2810] you speak best unto the purpose, it is not worth the wagging[2810] of your beards; and your beards deserve not so honourable a grave as to stuff a botcher's cushion, or to be entombed 80 in an ass's pack-saddle. Yet you must be saying, Marcius is[2811] proud; who, in a cheap estimation, is worth all your predecessors since Deucalion; though peradventure some of the best of 'em were hereditary hangmen. God-den to your[2812] worships: more of your conversation would infect my brain, 85 being the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians: I will be bold[2813] to take my leave of you. [Brutus and Sicinius go aside.

Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and VALERIA.[2814]

How now, my as fair as noble ladies,--and the moon, were[2815] she earthly, no nobler--whither do you follow your eyes so fast? 90

Vol. Honourable Menenius, my boy Marcius approaches; for the love of Juno, let's go.

Men. Ha! Marcius coming home!

Vol. Ay, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperous approbation. 95

Men. Take my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee. Hoo![2816] Marcius coming home![2817]

Vir.} Nay, 'tis true.[2818] Val.}

Vol. Look, here's a letter from him: the state hath another, his wife another; and, I think, there's one at home 100 for you.

Men. I will make my very house reel to-night: a letter for me!

Vir. Yes, certain, there's a letter for you; I saw 't.

Men. A letter for me! it gives me an estate of seven 105 years' health; in which time I will make a lip at the physician: the most sovereign prescription in Galen is but empiricutic,[2819] and, to this preservative, of no better report than a horse-drench. Is he not wounded? he was wont to come home wounded. 110

Vir. O, no, no, no.

Vol. O, he is wounded; I thank the gods for't.

Men. So do I too, if it be not too much: brings a' victory[2820] in his pocket? the wounds become him.[2821]

Vol. On's brows: Menenius, he comes the third time[2822] 115 home with the oaken garland.

Men. Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?[2823]

Vol. Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but Aufidius got off.

Men. And 'twas time for him too, I'll warrant him that: 120 an he had stayed by him, I would not have been so fidiused[2824] for all the chests in Corioli, and the gold that's in them. Is the senate possessed of this?

Vol. Good ladies, let's go. Yes, yes, yes; the senate has letters from the general, wherein he gives my son the whole 125 name of the war: he hath in this action outdone his former deeds doubly.

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

Men. Wondrous! ay, I warrant you, and not without his true purchasing. 130

Vir. The gods grant them true!

Vol. True! pow, wow.[2825]

Men. True! I'll be sworn they are true. Where is he wounded? [To the Tribunes] God save your good worships![2826][2827] Marcius is coming home: he has more cause to be[2826] 135 proud. Where is he wounded?

Vol. I' the shoulder and i' the left arm: there will be[2828] large cicatrices to show the people, when he shall stand for his place. He received in the repulse of Tarquin seven hurts i' the body. 140

Men. One i' the neck, and two i' the thigh; there's nine[2829] that I know.

Vol. He had, before this last expedition, twenty five[2830] wounds upon him.

Men. Now it's twenty seven: every gash was an enemy's[2831] 145 grave. [A shout and flourish.] Hark! the trumpets.[2832]

Vol. These are the ushers of Marcius: before him he[2833] carries noise, and behind him he leaves tears:[2833] Death, that dark spirit, in's nervy arm doth lie;[2834] Which, being advanced, declines, and then men die.[2834] 150

A sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter COMINIUS and TITUS LARTIUS; between them, CORIOLANUS, _crowned with an oaken garland; with_ Captains and Soldiers, and a Herald.[2835]

Her. Know, Rome, that all alone Marcius did fight[2836] Within Corioli gates: where he hath won,[2837] With fame, a name to Caius Marcius; these[2838][2839] In honour follows Coriolanus.[2839][2840] Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus! [Flourish.[2841][2842] 155

All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus![2841]

Cor. No more of this, it does offend my heart;[2843] Pray now, no more.[2843]

Com. Look, sir, your mother![2843]

Cor. O,[2843] You have, I know, petition'd all the gods[2843] For my prosperity! [Kneels.[2843]

Vol. Nay, my good soldier, up;[2844] 160 My gentle Marcius, worthy Caius, and[2845] By deed-achieving honour newly named,--[2845][2846] What is it?--Coriolanus must I call thee?-- But, O, thy wife!

Cor. My gracious silence, hail![2847] Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home, 165 That weep'st to see me triumph? Ah, my dear, Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear,[2848] And mothers that lack sons.

Men. Now, the gods crown thee!

Cor. And live you yet? [To Valeria] O my sweet lady, pardon.[2849]

Vol. I know not where to turn: O, welcome home:[2850] 170 And welcome, general: and ye're welcome all.[2850][2851]

Men. A hundred thousand welcomes. I could weep[2852] And I could laugh, I am light and heavy. Welcome:[2852][2853] A curse begin at very root on's heart,[2852][2854] That is not glad to see thee! You are three[2852] 175 That Rome should dote on: yet, by the faith of men,[2852] We have some old crab-trees here at home that will not[2852][2855] Be grafted to your relish. Yet welcome, warriors:[2852][2856] We call a nettle but a nettle, and[2852] The faults of fools but folly.[2852]

Com. Ever right.[2857] 180

Cor. Menenius, ever, ever.[2857][2858]

Her. Give way there, and go on.

Cor. [To Volumnia and Virgilia] Your hand, and yours:[2859] Ere in our own house I do shade my head, The good patricians must be visited; From whom I have received not only greetings, 185 But with them change of honours.[2860]

Vol. I have lived To see inherited my very wishes And the buildings of my fancy: only[2861][2862] There's one thing wanting, which I doubt not but[2861][2863] Our Rome will cast upon thee.[2861]

Cor. Know, good mother,[2864] 190 I had rather be their servant in my way Than sway with them in theirs.

Com. On, to the Capitol!

[Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before. Brutus and Sicinius come forward.[2865]

Bru. All tongues speak of him, and the bleared sights[2866] Are spectacled to see him: your prattling nurse Into a rapture lets her baby cry[2867] 195 While she chats him: the kitchen malkin pins[2868] Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck, Clambering the walls to eye him: stalls, bulks, windows,[2869][2870] Are smother'd up, leads fill'd and ridges horsed[2869] With variable complexions, all agreeing 200 In earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamens[2871] Do press among the popular throngs, and puff To win a vulgar station: our veil'd dames Commit the war of white and damask in[2872][2873] Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil[2873] 205 Of Phœbus' burning kisses: such a pother,[2874] As if that whatsoever god who leads him Were slily crept into his human powers,[2875] And gave him graceful posture.[2876]

Sic. On the sudden,[2877] I warrant him consul.[2877]

Bru. Then our office may,[2877] 210 During his power, go sleep.[2877]

Sic. He cannot temperately transport his honours From where he should begin and end, but will[2878] Lose those he hath won.[2879]

Bru. In that there's comfort.

Sic. Doubt not The commoners, for whom we stand, but they 215 Upon their ancient malice will forget With the least cause these his new honours; which[2880] That he will give them make I as little question[2881] As he is proud to do 't.[2882]

Bru. I heard him swear, Were he to stand for consul, never would he 220 Appear i' the market-place, nor on him put The napless vesture of humility,[2883] Nor showing, as the manner is, his wounds To the people, beg their stinking breaths.

Sic. 'Tis right.

Bru. It was his word: O, he would miss it rather[2884] 225 Than carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him[2884] And the desire of the nobles.[2884][2885]

Sic. I wish no better[2886] Than have him hold that purpose and to put it[2886] In execution.[2886]

Bru. 'Tis most like he will.

Sic. It shall be to him then, as our good wills,[2887][2888] 230 A sure destruction.[2887]

Bru. So it must fall out To him or our authorities. For an end,[2889] We must suggest the people in what hatred He still hath held them; that to's power he would[2890] Have made them mules, silenced their pleaders and[2891] 235 Dispropertied their freedoms; holding them,[2892] In human action and capacity,[2892] Of no more soul nor fitness for the world Than camels in the war, who have their provand[2893] Only for bearing burthens, and sore blows 240 For sinking under them.

Sic. This, as you say, suggested At some time when his soaring insolence[2894] Shall touch the people--which time shall not want,[2895][2896] If he be put upon 't; and that's as easy As to set dogs on sheep--will be his fire[2897] 245 To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze Shall darken him for ever.

Enter a Messenger.

Bru. What's the matter?

Mess. You are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thought[2898][2899] That Marcius shall be consul:[2898] I have seen the dumb men throng to see him and[2898] 250 The blind to hear him speak: matrons flung gloves,[2898][2900] Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers,[2901] Upon him as he pass'd: the nobles bended, As to Jove's statue, and the commons made A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts: 255 I never saw the like.

Bru. Let's to the Capitol, And carry with us ears and eyes for the time, But hearts for the event.

Sic. Have with you. [Exeunt.

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Act II, Scene II — The same. The Capitol.

Enter two Officers, to lay cushions.[2902]

First Off. Come, come, they are almost here. How many stand for consulships?

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

First Off. That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance 5 proud, and loves not the common people.

Sec. Off. Faith, there have been many great men that have flattered the people, who ne'er loved them; and there be many that they have loved, they know not wherefore: so that, if they love they know not why, they hate upon no 10 better a ground: therefore, for Coriolanus neither to care whether they love or hate him manifests the true knowledge he has in their disposition; and out of his noble carelessness lets them plainly see 't.[2903]

First Off. If he did not care whether he had their love 15 or no, he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither good[2904] nor harm: but he seeks their hate with greater devotion than they can render it him, and leaves nothing undone that may fully discover him their opposite. Now, to seem to affect the malice and displeasure of the people is as bad 20 as that which he dislikes, to flatter them for their love.

Sec. Off. He hath deserved worthily of his country: and his ascent is not by such easy degrees as those who, having[2905] been supple and courteous to the people, bonneted, without[2906] any further deed to have them at all into their estimation[2906][2907] 25 and report: but he hath so planted his honours in their eyes and his actions in their hearts, that for their tongues to be silent and not confess so much, were a kind of ingrateful injury; to report otherwise were a malice that, giving itself the lie, would pluck reproof and rebuke from 30 every ear that heard it.

First Off. No more of him; he's a worthy man: make[2908] way, they are coming.

A sennet. Enter, with Lictors before them, COMINIUS _the Consul_, MENENIUS, CORIOLANUS, Senators, SICINIUS and BRUTUS. The Senators take their places; the Tribunes take their place by themselves. CORIOLANUS stands.[2909]

Men. Having determined of the Volsces and[2910][2911] To send for Titus Lartius, it remains,[2911] 35 As the main point of this our after-meeting, To gratify his noble service that[2912] Hath thus stood for his country: therefore, please you,[2912] Most reverend and grave elders, to desire The present consul, and last general[2913] 40 In our well-found successes, to report[2913] A little of that worthy work perform'd By Caius Marcius Coriolanus; whom[2914] We met here, both to thank and to remember[2915] With honours like himself.

First Sen. Speak, good Cominius: 45 Leave nothing out for length, and make us think Rather our state's defective for requital[2916] Than we to stretch it out. [To the Tribunes] Masters o' the people,[2917] We do request your kindest ears, and after,[2918] Your loving motion toward the common body, 50 To yield what passes here.[2919][2920]

Sic. We are convented[2920] Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts[2920][2921] Inclinable to honour and advance[2920] The theme of our assembly.[2920][2922]

Bru. Which the rather[2920] We shall be bless'd to do, if he remember[2920][2923] 55 A kinder value of the people than[2920] He hath hereto prized them at.[2920][2924]

Men. That's off, that's off;[2920] I would you rather had been silent. Please you[2920] To hear Cominius speak?[2920]

Bru. Most willingly:[2920] But yet my caution was more pertinent[2920] 60 Than the rebuke you give it.[2920][2925]

Men. He loves your people;[2920] But tie him not to be their bedfellow.[2920] Worthy Cominius, speak. [Coriolanus offers to go away.][2920][2926] Nay, keep your place.[2920]

First Sen. Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear[2927] What you have nobly done.

Cor. Your honours' pardon:[2928] 65 I had rather have my wounds to heal again Than hear say how I got them.

Bru. Sir, I hope[2929] My words disbench'd you not.[2929]

Cor. No, sir: yet oft,[2930] When blows have made me stay, I fled from words. You sooth'd not, therefore hurt not: but your people,[2931] 70 I love them as they weigh.[2932]

Men. Pray now, sit down.

Cor. I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun When the alarum were struck than idly sit[2933] To hear my nothings monster'd. [Exit.[2934]

Men. Masters of the people, Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter--[2935] 75 That's thousand to one good one--when you now see[2936] He had rather venture all his limbs for honour Than one on's ears to hear it? Proceed, Cominius.[2937]

Com. I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus Should not be utter'd feebly. It is held[2938] 80 That valour is the chiefest virtue and[2939] Most dignifies the haver: if it be, The man I speak of cannot in the world Be singly counterpoised. At sixteen years, When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he fought 85 Beyond the mark of others: our then dictator, Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight, When with his Amazonian chin he drove[2940] The bristled lips before him: he bestrid[2941] An o'er-press'd Roman, and i' the consul's view 90 Slew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met, And struck him on his knee: in that day's feats, When he might act the woman in the scene, He proved best man i' the field, and for his meed Was brow-bound with the oak. His pupil age[2942] 95 Man-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea;[2943] And, in the brunt of seventeen battles since, He lurch'd all swords of the garland. For this last,[2944] Before and in Corioli, let me say, I cannot speak him home: he stopp'd the fliers; 100 And by his rare example made the coward Turn terror into sport: as weeds before[2945] A vessel under sail, so men obey'd, And fell below his stem: his sword, death's stamp,[2946] Where it did mark, it took; from face to foot[2947] 105 He was a thing of blood, whose every motion[2947] Was timed with dying cries: alone he enter'd[2948] The mortal gate of the city, which he painted[2949] With shunless destiny; aidless came off,[2950] And with a sudden re-enforcement struck 110 Corioli like a planet: now all's his:[2951] When, by and by, the din of war gan pierce[2952] His ready sense; then straight his doubled spirit[2953] Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate, And to the battle came he; where he did 115 Run reeking o'er the lives of men, as if[2954][2955] 'Twere a perpetual spoil: and till we call'd[2954] Both field and city ours, he never stood To ease his breast with panting.[2956]

Men. Worthy man!

First Sen. He cannot but with measure fit the honours[2957][2958][2959] 120 Which we devise him.[2958]

Com. Our spoils he kick'd at, And look'd upon things precious, as they were The common muck of the world: he covets less[2960] Than misery itself would give; rewards[2961][2962] His deeds with doing them, and is content[2961] 125 To spend the time to end it.[2963]

Men. He's right noble:[2964] Let him be call'd for.[2964]

First Sen. Call Coriolanus.[2965]

Off. He doth appear.

Re-enter CORIOLANUS.[2966]

Men. The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleased[2967] To make thee consul.[2967]

Cor. I do owe them still[2967] 130 My life and services.[2967]

Men. It then remains[2967] That you do speak to the people.[2967]

Cor. I do beseech you,[2968] Let me o'erleap that custom, for I cannot Put on the gown, stand naked, and entreat them, For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage: please you[2969][2970] 135 That I may pass this doing.[2969]

Sic. Sir, the people[2969][2971] Must have their voices; neither will they bate[2969][2972] One jot of ceremony.[2969]

Men. Put them not to't:[2969] Pray you, go fit you to the custom, and[2969][2973] Take to you, as your predecessors have,[2969][2974] 140 Your honour with your form.[2975]

Cor. It is a part[2976] That I shall blush in acting, and might well[2976] Be taken from the people.[2976][2977]

Bru. Mark you that?

Cor. To brag unto them, thus I did, and thus;[2978] Show them the unaching scars which I should hide,[2978][2979] 145 As if I had received them for the hire Of their breath only!

Men. Do not stand upon't. We recommend to you, tribunes of the people,[2980] Our purpose to them: and to our noble consul[2981] Wish we all joy and honour. 150

Senators. To Coriolanus come all joy and honour!

[Flourish of cornets. Exeunt all but Sicinius and Brutus.[2982]

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

Sic. May they perceive's intent! He will require them,[2983] As if he did contemn what he requested Should be in them to give.

Bru. Come, we'll inform them 155 Of our proceedings here: on the market-place,[2984] I know, they do attend us. [Exeunt.[2985]

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Act II, Scene III — The same. The Forum.

Enter seven or eight Citizens.[2986]

First Cit. Once, if he do require our voices, we ought[2987] not to deny him.

Sec. Cit. We may, sir, if we will.

Third Cit. We have power in ourselves to do it, but it is a power that we have no power to do: for if he show us 5 his wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put our tongues[2988] into those wounds and speak for them; so, if he tell us his[2989] noble deeds, we must also tell him our noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is monstrous: and for the multitude to be ingrateful, were to make a monster of the multitude; of 10 the which we being members, should bring ourselves to be monstrous members.

First Cit. And to make us no better thought of, a little help will serve; for once we stood up about the corn, he[2990] himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.[2991] 15

Third Cit. We have been called so of many; not that our heads are some brown, some black, some auburn, some[2992] bald, but that our wits are so diversely coloured: and truly I think, if all our wits were to issue out of one skull, they[2993] would fly east, west, north, south, and their consent of one 20 direct way should be at once to all the points o' the compass.[2994]

Sec. Cit. Think you so? Which way do you judge my wit would fly?

Third Cit. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another man's will; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head; but if[2995] 25 it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward.[2996]

Sec. Cit. Why that way?

Third Cit. To lose itself in a fog; where being three parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return[2997] for conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife. 30

Sec. Cit. You are never without your tricks: you may, you may.[2998]

Third Cit. Are you all resolved to give your voices? But that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I say, if he would[2999] incline to the people, there was never a worthier man. 35

Enter CORIOLANUS in a gown of humility, with MENENIUS.[3000]

Here he comes, and in the gown of humility: mark his behaviour. We are not to stay all together, but to come by him[3001] where he stands, by ones, by twos, and by threes. He's to[3002] make his requests by particulars; wherein every one of us[3003] has a single honour, in giving him our own voices with our 40 own tongues: therefore follow me, and I'll direct you how you shall go by him.

All. Content, content. [Exeunt Citizens.[3004]

Men. O sir, you are not right: have you not known The worthiest men have done 't?

Cor. What must I say?--[3005] 45 'I pray, sir,'--Plague upon 't! I cannot bring[3005] My tongue to such a pace. 'Look, sir, my wounds! I got them in my country's service, when Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran From the noise of our own drums.'[3006]

Men. O me, the gods![3007] 50 You must not speak of that: you must desire them[3007] To think upon you.[3007]

Cor. Think upon me! hang 'em! I would they would forget me, like the virtues[3008] Which our divines lose by 'em.[3008][3009]

Men. You'll mar all: I'll leave you: pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you, 55 In wholesome manner. [Exit.[3010]

Cor. Bid them wash their faces, And keep their teeth clean. [Re-enter two of the Citizens.] So, here comes a brace.

Re-enter a third Citizen.[3011]

You know the cause, sir, of my standing here.[3012]

Third Cit. We do, sir; tell us what hath brought you[3013] to 't. 60

Cor. Mine own desert.[3014]

Sec. Cit. Your own desert![3014]

Cor. Ay, but not mine own desire.[3014][3015]

First Cit. How! not your own desire![3014]

Cor. No, sir, 'twas never my desire yet to trouble the[3014] 65 poor with begging.[3014]

Third Cit. You must think, if we give you any thing,[3013][3014] we hope to gain by you.[3014]

Cor. Well then, I pray, your price o' the consulship?[3014][3016]

First Cit. The price is, to ask it kindly.[3014][3017] 70

Cor. Kindly! Sir, I pray, let me ha 't: I have wounds[3014][3018] to show you, which shall be yours in private. Your good[3014][3019] voice, sir; what say you?[3014]

Sec. Cit. You shall ha' it, worthy sir.[3014]

Cor. A match, sir. There's in all two worthy voices[3014] 75 begged. I have your alms: adieu.[3014]

Third Cit. But this is something odd.[3013][3014][3020]

Sec. Cit. An 'twere to give again,--but 'tis no matter.[3014]

[Exeunt the three Citizens.

Re-enter two other Citizens.[3021]

Cor. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices that I may be consul, I have here the customary 80 gown.

Fourth Cit. You have deserved nobly of your country,[3022] and you have not deserved nobly.

Cor. Your enigma?[3023]

Fourth Cit. You have been a scourge to her enemies,[3022] 85 you have been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed loved the common people.

Cor. You should account me the more virtuous, that I have not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my[3024] sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer estimation of[3025] 90 them; 'tis a condition they account gentle: and since the wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my[3026] heart, I will practise the insinuating nod and be off to[3027] them most counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountiful to[3028] 95 the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul.[3029]

Fifth Cit. We hope to find you our friend; and therefore[3030] give you our voices heartily.

Fourth Cit. You have received many wounds for your[3022] country. 100

Cor. I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no farther.

Both Cit. The gods give you joy, sir, heartily! [Exeunt.[3031]

Cor. Most sweet voices! 105 Better it is to die, better to starve,[3032] Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.[3033] Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here,[3034][3035] To beg of Hob and Dick that do appear,[3034][3036][3037] Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to 't:[3034][3036][3038] 110 What custom wills, in all things should we do 't,[3034][3039] The dust on antique time would lie unswept,[3034] And mountainous error be too highly heap'd[3034] For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,[3034][3040] Let the high office and the honour go[3034] 115 To one that would do thus. I am half through:[3034] The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.[3034]

Re-enter three Citizens more.[3041]

Here come moe voices.[3042] Your voices: for your voices I have fought; Watch'd for your voices; for your voices bear 120 Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six[3043] I have seen, and heard of; for your voices have[3044][3045] Done many things, some less, some more: your voices:[3045] Indeed, I would be consul.[3045][3046]

Sixth Cit. He has done nobly, and cannot go without[3047] 125 any honest man's voice.

Seventh Cit. Therefore let him be consul: the gods give[3048] him joy, and make him good friend to the people![3049]

All. Amen, amen. God save thee, noble consul!

[Exeunt

Cor. Worthy voices! 130

Re-enter MENENIUS, with BRUTUS and SICINIUS.[3050]

Men. You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes[3051][3052] Endue you with the people's voice: remains[3051] That in the official marks invested in you[3051] Anon do meet the senate.[3051]

Cor. Is this done?

Sic. The custom of request you have discharged: 135 The people do admit you, and are summon'd To meet anon upon you approbation.

Cor. Where? at the senate-house?

Sic. There, Coriolanus.

Cor. May I change these garments?

Sic. You may, sir.[3053]

Cor. That I'll straight do, and, knowing myself again, 140 Repair to the senate-house.

Men. I'll keep you company. Will you along?

Bru. We stay here for the people.

Sic. Fare you well.

[Exeunt Coriolanus and Menenius.

He has it now; and, by his looks, methinks[3054] 'Tis warm at's heart.[3055]

Bru. With a proud heart he wore[3056] 145 His humble weeds. Will you dismiss the people?[3056]

Re-enter Citizens.[3057]

Sic. How now, my masters! have you chose this man?

First Cit. He has our voices, sir.

Bru. We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.

Sec. Cit. Amen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice,[3058] 150 He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.

Third Cit. Certainly[3059] He flouted us downright.[3059]

First Cit. No, 'tis his kind of speech; he did not mock us.

Sec. Cit. Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says[3060] He used us scornfully: he should have show'd us[3060] 155 His marks of merit, wounds received for's country.[3061]

Sic. Why, so he did, I am sure.[3062]

Citizens. No, no; no man saw 'em.[3063]

Third Cit. He said he had wounds which he could show in private;[3064] And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn,[3065] 160 'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom, But by your voices, will not so permit me; Your voices therefore.' When we granted that, Here was 'I thank you for your voices: thank you: Your most sweet voices: now you have left your voices, 165 I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?[3066]

Sic. Why, either were you ignorant to see't,[3067] Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness To yield your voices?

Bru. Could you not have told him, As you were lesson'd, when he had no power, 170 But was a petty servant to the state, He was your enemy; ever spake against[3068] Your liberties and the charters that you bear[3069] I' the body of the weal: and now, arriving A place of potency and sway o' the state,[3070] 175 If he should still malignantly remain Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might[3071] Be curses to yourselves? You should have said, That as his worthy deeds did claim no less Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature 180 Would think upon you for your voices and[3072][3073] Translate his malice towards you into love,[3073] Standing your friendly lord.

Sic. Thus to have said, As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd 185 Either his gracious promise, which you might, As cause had call'd you up, have held him to; Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature, Which easily endures not article[3074] Tying him to aught: so, putting him to rage,[3074] 190 You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler, And pass'd him unelected.

Bru. Did you perceive He did solicit you in free contempt[3075] When he did need your loves; and do you think[3075] That his contempt shall not be bruising to you 195 When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies[3076] No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry Against the rectorship of judgement?

Sic. Have you,[3077] Ere now, denied the asker? and now again,[3077] Of him that did not ask but mock, bestow[3077][3078] 200 Your sued-for tongues?[3077][3079]

Third Cit. He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.[3079]

Sec. Cit. And will deny him:[3080] I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.[3081]

First Cit. I twice five hundred, and their friends to piece 'em.[3082] 205

Bru. Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends, They have chose a consul that will from them take[3083] Their liberties, make them of no more voice Than dogs that are as often beat for barking As therefore kept to do so.[3084]

Sic. Let them assemble;[3085] 210 And, on a safer judgement, all revoke[3085][3086] Your ignorant election: enforce his pride[3085][3086] And his old hate unto you: besides, forget not[3086][3087] With what contempt he wore the humble weed, How in his suit he scorn'd you: but your loves, 215 Thinking upon his services, took from you The apprehension of his present portance, Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion[3088] After the inveterate hate he bears you.[3089]

Bru. Lay[3090][3091][3092] A fault on us, your tribunes; that we labour'd,[3090] 220 No impediment between, but that you must[3090] Cast your election on him.[3090]

Sic. Say, you chose him[3090] More after our commandment than as guided[3090][3092] By your own true affections; and that your minds,[3090][3092] Pre-occupied with what you rather must do[3090] 225 Than what you should, made you against the grain[3090][3092][3093] To voice him consul: lay the fault on us.[3090]

Bru. Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you, How youngly he began to serve his country, How long continued; and what stock he springs of, 230 The noble house o' the Marcians, from whence came[3094] That Ancus Marcius, Numa's daughter's son, Who, after great Hostilius, here was king; Of the same house Publius and Quintus were, That our best water brought by conduits hither;[3095] 235 And [Censorinus] nobly named so,[3095] Twice being [by the people chosen] censor,[3095] Was his great ancestor.[3095]

Sic. One thus descended, That hath beside well in his person wrought[3096] To be set high in place, we did commend 240 To your remembrances: but you have found, Scaling his present bearing with his past,[3097] That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke Your sudden approbation.

Bru. Say, you ne'er had done't--[3098] Harp on that still--but by our putting on: 245 And presently, when you have drawn your number, Repair to the Capitol.

Citizens. We will so: almost all[3099][3100] Repent in their election. [Exeunt Citizens.[3099]

Bru. Let them go on;[3101] This mutiny were better put in hazard, Than stay, past doubt, for greater: 250 If, as his nature is, he fall in rage With their refusal, both observe and answer The vantage of his anger.

Sic. To the Capitol, come:[3102] We will be there before the stream o' the people; And this shall seem, as partly 'tis, their own, 255 Which we have goaded onward. [Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[2784] ACT II. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Secundus. Ff.

Enter....] Ff. Enter Menenius with Sicinius. Rowe (ed. 1).

[2785] augurer] Agurer F₁. augur Pope.

[2786] who] whom Pope.

[2787] In what] What Capell conj.

poor in] poor Pope.

[2788] with all] F₃ F₄. withall F₁ F₂.

[2789] in pride] pride Rowe.

[2790] boasting] F₁. boast F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2791] o'] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.

right-hand] right Rowe (ed. 2).

[2792] Both.] F₁ F₂. Bru. F₃ F₄.

how are] ho ware F₁.

[2793] dispositions] disposition Reed (1803).

[2794] proud?] Capell. proud. Ff.

[2795] toward] towards Rowe.

[2796] Both.] F₁ F₂ F₃. Men. F₄. Bru. Rowe.

[2797] unmeriting] as unmeriting Rowe.

[2798] with not] without Collier (Collier MS.)

[2799] favouring ... complaint] savouring the feast of lent or savouring the fish of lent Leo conj.

[2800] imperfect] impatient Anon. conj.

first] thirst Collier (Collier MS.)

[2801] upon too] Rowe (ed. 2). uppon, to F₁. upon, to F₂ F₃ F₄. upon to Rowe (ed. 1). too, upon Anon. conj.

[2802] call you] F₁ F₄. call your F₂ F₃.

[2803] can't] Theobald. can Ff. cannot Capell.

[2804] men] F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2805] tell you you] tell you, you Pope. tell you Ff.

[2806] bisson] Theobald. beesome F₁ F₂. beesom F₃. Besom F₄.

[2807] orange] F₄. orendge F₁ F₂ F₃.

fosset] Rowe (ed. 2). forset F₁ F₂ F₃. fauset F₄.

rejourn the] adjourn a Pope.

[2808] between party] between a party F₄.

[2809] bleeding] pleading Collier (Collier MS.)

[2810] are. When ... purpose, it] are; when ... purpose, it Rowe. are, when ... purpose. It F₁ F₂ F₃. are; when ... purpose, It F₄.

[2811] ass's] Asses Ff.

[2812] 'em] them Pope.

God-den] Good-e'en F₄.

[2813] herdsmen] herdsman Collier (ed. 1).

plebeians] F₂ F₃ F₄. Plebeans F₁.

[2814] [Brutus....] Brutus and Sicinius stand aside. Theobald. Bru. and Scic. Aside. F₁. Brutus and Sicinius. Aside. F₂ F₃ F₄. Exeunt Brutus and Sicinius. Rowe.

Enter....] F₁. Enter Volumnia and Valeria. F₂ F₃ F₄. As Menenius is going out, enter.... Theobald. Enter, hastily, Volumnia, Virgilia, Valeria, and a great Crowd of People: Tribunes join the Crowd. Capell. Enter ... Valeria, &c. Steevens (1793).

[2815] SCENE II. Pope.

[2816] cap] cup Warburton.

[2817] [Throwing it up. Keightley (Johnson conj.)

[2818] Vir. Val.] Capell. 2 Ladies. Ff. Both. Rowe. Vol. Vir. Dyce.

[2819] empiricutic] Emperickqutique F₁ F₂. Empericktique F₃ F₄. emperic Pope. empiric physic Collier (Collier MS.)

[2820] a'] Theobald. a Ff. he a Pope.

[2821] pocket?] Ff. pocket, Hanmer.

[2822] brows: Menenius,] Ff. brows, Menenius; Theobald. brows, Menenius, Mason conj.

[2823] Has] Hath Rowe (ed. 2).

[2824] an] an' Capell. and Ff. if Pope.

[2825] pow, wow.] Capell. pow waw. Ff.

[2826] wounded?... worships!] wounded?... worships; Theobald. wounded, ... worships? Ff.

[2827] [To the Tribunes] Theobald. To the Tribunes, who come forward. Reed (1803).

your] their Hanmer.

[2828] Vol.] Volum. Ff. Val. Hanmer.

[2829] two] one too Theobald (Warburton).

thigh;] Rowe. thigh,-- Capell. thigh, Ff.

[2830] this] his F₄.

[2831] it's] 'tis Rowe (ed. 2).

[2832] [A ... flourish.] Ff (after trumpets).

[2833] These ... tears.] As prose first by Pope. As three lines, ending Martius ... noise ... tears, in Ff. As two lines, the first ending before him, in Hanmer.

[2834] Death ... die.] Spurious, according to Grant White.

[2835] sennet.] F₁. sonet. F₂ F₃ F₄. sonnet. Rowe.

Lartius] Latius F₁.

[2836] SCENE III. Pope.

[2837] Corioli] Corioli's Johnson.

[2838] Caius Marcius] Caius Martius Rowe. Martius Caius Ff.

[2839] these In ... Coriolanus] Steevens. these In honour follows now, Coriolanus Capell. These in honor followes Martius Caius Coriolanus Ff (as one line). These in honour follows, Caius Martius, Coriolanus Rowe (ed. 1). This ... Caius Martius Coriolanus Rowe (ed. 2). Omitted by Pope. In honour follows Coriolanus these Seymour conj. In honour ... Coriolanus: welcome, S. Walker conj. For these in ... Coriolanus Keightley (as one line).

[2840] honour] sign of honour Anon. conj.

follows] followeth Anon. conj.

[2841] renowned] Ff. renown'd Hanmer.

[2842] [Flourish.] Malone. Sound. Flourish. Ff. Shout. Flourish. Capell.

[2843] No ... prosperity] As verse first by Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2844] good] om. Pope.

[2845] and By] Theobald. And by Ff. By Pope.

[2846] deed-achieving] deed-atchieved Hanmer. deed, achieving Anon. conj.

[2847] [Rises. Collier (ed. 2).

[2848] wear] F₃ F₄. weare F₂. were F₁.

[2849] [To Valeria] Theobald.

[2850] I ... all] Arranged as by Pope. As three lines, ending turne ... Generall, ... all, in Ff.

[2851] and ye're] and y'are Johnson. And y'are Ff. Y'are Rowe (ed. 2). y'are Pope. and your Capell (corrected in Errata).

[2852] A ... folly.] Arranged as by Pope. As twelve lines, ending welcomes: ... laugh, ... welcome: ... heart, ... thee ... on: ... have ... home, ... rallish ... warriors ... nettle; ... folly, in Ff.

[2853] I am] I'm Pope.

[2854] very root on's] the very root on's Rowe. very root of's Capell. very root of his Malone.

[2855] We have] We've Pope.

[2856] relish] F₄. rallish F₁. rellish F₂ F₃.

Yet] om. Pope.

[2857] Com. Ever ... ever.] Com. Ever right, Menenius. Cor. Ever, ever. Tyrwhitt conj. Com. Ever right. Cor. Menenius? ever, ever. Ritson conj. Com. Ever right Menenius. Cor. Ever, ever. Rann.

[2858] Cor. Menenius, ever, ever.] om. Seymour conj.

[2859] [To ... Virgilia] to his Wife and Mother. Capell.

[2860] change] charge Theobald.

honours] honour Hanmer.

[2861] And ... thee.] As by Malone. Four lines, ending fancie: ... wanting, ... Rome, ... thee, in Ff. And buildings of my fancy; only one thing Is wanting, which I doubt not but our Rome Will ... thee. Pope. Three lines, ending fancy: ... doubt not ... thee, in Capell.

[2862] And] Ay, and or And all Anon. conj.

buildings] beguilings Anon. conj.

fancy: only There's] fancy [some words omitted] Only there is Keightley.

[2863] There's] there Is Steevens (1793), ending line 188 at there.

[2864] Pope ends the line at I.

[2865] Than] F₃ F₄. Then F₁. Ten F₂.

[Brutus ... forward.] Theobald. Enter Brutus and Sicinius. Ff.

[2866] SCENE IV. Pope.

[2867] Into] Too, in Becket conj.

rapture] rupture P. W. ap. Long MS., and Anon. ap. Weston, conj.

[2868] chats] chats to Seymour conj. cheers Collier (Collier MS.) claps Singer conj. shouts Staunton conj. chats of Keightley.

malkin] Malkin (ital.) Ff. Maukin Rowe.

[2869] Clambering ... horsed] As in Pope. Three lines, ending him: ... up, ... hors'd, in Ff.

[2870] stalls] stalks Capell (corrected in Errata).

[2871] seld-shown] fell-shown or pile-shown Grey conj.

[2872] war] ware Warburton.

[2873] damask in Their] Pope. damaske In their Ff.

[2874] pother] Rowe. poother Ff.

[2875] human] Rowe. humane Ff.

[2876] posture] action Capell.

[2877] On ... sleep.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2878] From] Form Becket conj.

and end] t' an end Johnson conj. to the end Seymour conj.

[2879] those he] those that he Steevens (1793).

he hath] he 'ath Pope.

[2880] honours; which] As in Pope. The line ends at honors, in Ff.

[2881] he will] he'll Steevens (1793), ending lines 214-218 at comfort ... stand, ... will ... honours ... question.

them] om. Pope.

I] om. Reed (1803).

[2882] As] As that Capell conj.

proud] prone Warburton conj.

[2883] napless] Rowe. Naples Ff.

[2884] It ... nobles.] Arranged as in Steevens (1778). Four lines, ending word: ... carry it, ... him, ... nobles, in Ff. Three, ending rather ... gentry ... nobles, in Pope, omitting to him.

[2885] of the] o' th' Pope.

[2886] I ... execution.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2887] It ... destruction.] As in Rowe. Prose in Ff.

[2888] as] at Collier (Collier MS.)

wills] will's Johnson. wills it Keightley.

[2889] authorities. For an end,] Pope. authorities, for an end. Ff.

an end] our end Hanmer. that end Heath conj.

[2890] to's] to his Capell.

[2891] pleaders and] As in Pope. The line ends at pleaders, in Ff.

[2892] Dispropertied] dispropertied F₁. disproportioned F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2893] the war] Hanmer. their Warre Ff. their way Mason conj. their wane Jackson conj. their wars Keightley.

provand] provender Pope.

[2894] soaring] searing Anon. conj.

[2895] touch] Hanmer. teach Ff. reach Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). tech Seymour conj. stench Jackson conj.

[2896] people--which time....] people, which time.... Ff. people which (time.... Pope (ed. 1).

[2897] his] the Pope. as Capell.

[2898] You ... gloves,] Arranged as in Dyce. The lines end Capitoll: ... Consull ... see him ... gloves, in Ff. They end thought ... seen ... blind ... gloves, in Steevens.

[2899] You are] You're Pope.

Capitol] F₃ F₄. Capitoll F₁. Capitall F₂.

[2900] matrons flung] the matrons flung their Pope, ending the lines thought ... seen ... blind ... gloves. matrons flung their Keightley, ending the lines Capitol ... I ... and ... gloves. matrons flung down their Lloyd conj.

[2901] handkerchers] handkerchiefs F₄.

[2902] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope.

The same. The Capitol. Enter....] Enter two Officers, to lay Cushions, as it were, in the Capitoll. Ff (Capitall. F₂. Capitol. F₃ F₄).

[2903] lets] Ff. he lets Hanmer.

[2904] he waved] he'd wave Blackstone conj.

[2905] ascent] assent F₁.

those] theirs Hanmer.

having] Ff. have Rowe.

[2906] people, bonneted ... all into] People, Bonnetted ... all into Ff. people bonneted, ... all into Hanmer. people, unbonnetted ... all into Johnson conj. people, bonneted ... all, into Delius.

[2907] deed ... at all] deed at all to have them Anon. conj.

have] heave Pope.

[2908] he's] he is Rowe.

[2909] A sennet.] F₁. A Sonnet. F₂ F₃. A Sonet. F₄. om. Pope.

Enter....] Enter the Patricians, and the Tribunes of the People, Lictors before them: Coriolanus, Menenius, Cominius the Consul: Scicinius and Brutus take their places by themselves: Coriolanus stands. Ff.

Coriolanus stands.] Omitted by Rowe.

[2910] SCENE VI. Pope.

[2911] Having ... remains] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at Volces.

[2912] To gratify ... please you] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at hath.

[2913] last ... well-found] late ... well-fought Capell conj.

[2914] Caius Marcius] Caius Martius Rowe. Martius Caius Ff.

[2915] We met] Ff. We meet Hanmer. We are met Capell. We’ve met Anon. conj.

[2916] state's] F₄. states F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2917] we to] Ff. that we Hanmer.

[To the Tribunes] Edd. Omitted in Ff.

o’] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2918] ears] eares F₁. eare F₂. ear F₃ F₄.

and after,] F₃ F₄. and after F₁ F₂.

[2919] what] to what Hanmer.

[2920] We are ... place] Arranged as by Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2921] treaty] treatise Collier MS.

[2922] our] your Warburton conj.

[2923] bless’d] biass'd Badham conj. prest Singer (Collier MS. and Singer MS.) pleased Nicholson conj.

[2924] hereto] hitherto Rowe.

[2925] it] om. Pope.

[2926] [Coriolanus offers ...] Edd. Coriolanus rises, and offers ... Ff.

[2927] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Senat. Ff.

Sit,] Sit F₁. Sir F₂. Sir, F₃ F₄.

[2928] honours'] Theobald. honors F₁ F₂ F₃. honours F₄. honour's Rowe.

[2929] Sir, I hope ... not] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[2930] yet] yes F₂.

[2931] sooth'd] sooth Pope.

[2932] weigh.] Hanmer. weigh-- Ff.

[2933] struck] F₃ F₄. strucke F₂. strooke F₁.

[2934] [Exit.] Exit Coriolanus. Ff.

[2935] flatter--] flatter, Rowe. flatter? Ff.

[2936] now] om. Pope

[2937] one on's] F₃. on ones F₁ F₂. one o's F₄. one of's Rowe.

hear it] hear't Pope.

[2938] Should] Sould F₂.

[2939] That ... and] Arranged as in F₂ F₃ F₄. In F₁ the first line ends at vertue.

[2940] chin] F₃ F₄. shinne F₁ F₂.

[2941] bristled] Rowe. brisled Ff.

[2942] pupil age] pupill age F₁. pupilage F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2943] waxed] F₁. wated F₂. waited F₃ F₄.

[2944] of the] F₁. o'th F₂. o'th' F₃ F₄.

[2945] weeds] F₁ waves F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2946] below] before Becket conj.

stem] stern Pope.

[2947] took; from face to foot He] Steevens (Tyrwhitt conj.) tooke from face to foot: He Ff.

[2948] timed]tim'd F₁. trim'd F₂. trimm'd F₃ F₄. tun'd Collier MS.

[2949] The mortal gate ... he painted] The gate ... he mortal painted Hanmer.

of the] of th' F₁. o' th F₂ F₃ F₄.

painted] gained Becket conj. kick'd or keck'd at Badham conj. parted Keightley.

[2950] destiny] destinie F₁. defamy F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2951] now all's his] F₁. now all's this F₂ F₃ F₄. nor all's this Rowe. nor's this all Hanmer.

[2952] When] For Rowe.

[2953] then] when Rowe.

[2954] Run ... as if 'Twere] As in F₂ F₃ F₄. One line in F₁.

[2955] reeking] recking F₂.

[2956] panting] F₁ F₄. painting F₂ F₃.

[2957] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Senat. Ff.

[2958] He ... him] As in Rowe. Prose in Ff.

[2959] fit] fill Hanmer.

[2960] of the] F₁. o'th F₂. o'th' F₃ F₄.

[2961] Than ... deeds] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2962] rewards] he rewards Johnson conj.

[2963] the time ... end] his time ... end Rowe. his time ... spend Johnson conj.

time to end it. Men. He's] time-- Men. To end it, he's Warburton conj.

[2964] He's ... for] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2965] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Senat. Ff.

Call] Call for Steevens (1793).

[2966] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff.

[2967] The senate ... people] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Ff.

[2968] do beseech] beseech Pope.

[2969] For my ... have] Arranged as in Capell. In Ff the lines end sufferage: ... doing ... voyces: ... ceremony ... too't ... custome, ... have.

[2970] suffrage] F₄. sufferage F₁ F₃. fufferage F₂. suffrages Rowe.

[2971] pass] over-pass Hanmer.

the people] but the people too Hanmer.

[2972] neither] Ff. Nor Pope.

[2973] Pray you, go fit] pray fit Pope (reading Put ... custom as one line).

[2974] to you] t' ye Pope.

[2975] your form] the form Hanmer.

[2976] It is ... people] Arranged as in Pope. Two lines, the first ending acting, in Ff.

[2977] that?] Rowe (ed. 2). that. Ff.

[2978] thus; Show] thus, Shew F₃ F₄. thus Shew F₁ F₂.

[2979] should] would Rowe.

[2980] to you] t' ye Pope.

[2981] purpose to them: and to] purpose to them, and to Ff. purpose, and to them: to Hanmer. purpose:--to them, and to Collier (Mason conj.)

[2982] Senators.] Senat. Ff. Sic. Rowe (ed. 2).

[Flourish of cornets.] Flourish cornets. Ff.

Exeunt....] Then Exeunt. Manet Sicinius and Brutus. Ff (Manent F₄).

[2983] perceive's intent! He] perceive his intent. He Capell. perceive it. He that Seymour conj.

[2984] here: on] Theobald, heere on F₁ F₂. here on F₃ F₄.

[2985] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[2986] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE VII. Pope.

The same. The Forum.] Capell. Scene changes to the Forum. Theobald.

seven or eight....] Ff. a number of ... Capell. several ... Malone.

[2987] Once, if] Theobald. Once if Ff. Oons! if Pope. If once Seymour conj. When if Collier MS.

[2988] and ... deeds,] om. Anon. conj.

[2989] if he tell] if he tells Rowe.

[2990] once] once when Rowe.

[2991] multitude] monster Hanmer.

[2992] auburn] F₄. Abram F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2993] one skull] our sculls Hanmer.

[2994] should be] would be Rowe.

all the] all Rowe.

o'] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2995] wedged] wadg'd F₁.

[2996] 'twould, sure,] 'twould soar Grey conj.

[2997] fourth] forth F₂.

[2998] may.] may.-- Rowe.

[2999] carries it. I say,] Theobald. carries it, I say. Ff.

[3000] Enter Coriolanus....] Ff. Enter Coriolanus and Menenius. Dyce (after line 43).

in ... humility,] in a gown, Pope. om. Capell.

[3001] all together] F₃ F₄. al together F₂. altogether F₁.

[3002] and by threes] by & threes F₂.

[3003] wherein] where F₄.

[3004] [Exeunt citizens.] Capell. om. Ff. Exeunt Rowe.

[3005] What ... bring] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending Sir?, in Ff.

[3006] the noise] noise Pope.

[3007] O me, ... you] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending that, in Ff.

[3008] virtues ... lose by 'em] advices ... lose on 'em Hanmer. vultures ... divines lose sight of or vultures ... diviners lease by Badham conj.

[3009] divines] diviners Becket conj.

'em] them Capell.

[3010] [Exit.] Ff. Exit Menenius. Dyce (after clean, line 57).

[3011] [Re-enter two of the Citizens.] Edd. Enter three of the citizens. Ff (after manner, line 56). Enter two of the citizens. Rowe (after manner, line 56). Citizens approach. Pope. Two citizens approach. Hanmer. Re-enter two Citizens. Dyce (after brace, line 57).

brace] leash Anon. conj.

Re-enter a third Citizen.] Edd.

[3012] sir] sirs Rowe.

[3013] Third Cit.] 3 Cit. Ff. 1 Cit. Rowe.

[3014] Mine ... matter.] Prose in Ff. As thirteen lines of verse by Capell, ending not ... desire?... yet ... think, ... you ... consulship?... Kindly? ... you, ... sir; ... sir ... beg'd: ... odd ... matter.

[3015] Ay, but not] Edd. I, but F₁. I, no F₂. I, not F₃ F₄. Ay, not Rowe.

[3016] pray, your] Ff. pray your Pope.

consulship?] F₄. consulship. F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3017] is] is, sir, Capell. of it is Keightley.

[3018] Kindly! Sir,] Kindly? Sir, Capell. Kindly sir, F₁ F₂ F₃. Kindly, sir, F₄. Kindly, Sir? Johnson.

[3019] Your] You Rowe (ed. 2).

[3020] But this] This Steevens conj.

[3021] An] Pope. And Ff.

again,--] again:-- Rowe. againe: Ff.

[Exeunt ...] Edd. Exeunt. Ff. Exeunt these: Capell.

Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

[3022] Fourth Cit.] Edd. 1. Ff. 1 Cit. Rowe. Third Cit. Reed (1803).

[3023] enigma?] Ænigma? Rowe. Ænigma. Ff.

[3024] I will] but I will Hanmer. I will not Collier MS.

[3025] brother] brothers Collier MS.

[3026] hat] cap Pope.

[3027] be off] doff Badham conj.

[3028] bountiful] bountifully Rowe (ed. 2).

[3029] desirers] F₁. desires F₂ F₃ F₄.

consul] confull F₂.

[3030] Fifth Citizen.] Edd. 2. Ff. Fourth Cit. Reed (1803).

[3031] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3032] starve] F₄. sterve F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3033] hire] higher F₁.

[3034] Why ... do.] Put in the margin by Pope.

[3035] in this woolvish toge] Malone (Steevens conj.) in this Wooluish tongue F₁. in this Woolvish gowne F₂ F₃ F₄. in this wolfish gown Capell. in this woollen gown or in this foolish gown Mason conj. in this woolish gown Becket conj. in this whorish gown Jackson conj. with this woolvish tongue Steevens conj. in this foolish togue Grant White conj. in this woolless toge Collier (Collier MS.) in this wolfish throng Staunton conj. in this foolish toge Leo.

[3036] that do appear, Their] which do appear Their Badham conj.

[3037] do] F₄. does F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3038] vouches] voucher Rowe. voices Capell.

[3039] wills, ... things] wills in all things, Ff.

do't,] Theobald, doo't? F₁ F₂. do't? F₃ F₄.

[3040] to o'er-peer] to over-peer Capell. t' o'er-peer S. Walker conj.

[3041] Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

[3042] moe] F₁ F₂. more F₃ F₄.

[3043] odd] and odd Rowe.

[3044] I have] I've Pope.

and heard] and you have heard Farmer conj. or heard Seymour conj.

voices have] voices, Farmer conj.

[3045] voices have ... consul] As in Pope. Lines 122, 123 end voyces, ... more, in Ff.

[3046] Indeed] for indeed Rowe.

[3047] Sixth Cit.] Edd. 1 Cit. Ff. 5 Cit. Reed (1803).

[3048] Seventh Cit.] Edd. 2 Cit. Ff. 6 Cit. Reed. (1803).

[3049] good] a good Rowe.

[3050] Re-enter ...] Malone. Enter ... Ff.

[3051] You ... senate.] Arranged as in Pope. Lines 130, 132, 133 end limitation: ... voyce, ... invested, in Ff.

[3052] You have] You've Pope.

[3053] May I] May I then Hanmer.

You may, sir] Sir, you may Hanmer.

[3054] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[3055] at's] at his Capell.

[3056] With ... people?] As in Pope. The first line ends at weeds: in Ff.

[3057] Re-enter Citizens.] Capell. Enter the Plebeians. Ff. Enter Citizens. Hanmer.

[3058] notice] notion S. Walker conj.

[3059] Certainly ... downright.] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3060] says He] sayes. He F₂.

[3061] for's] for his Capell.

[3062] Sic.] First Cit. Anon. conj.

[3063] Citizens.] Cit. Malone. All. Ff.

No, no;] No, Pope.

'em] them Capell. them [several speak. Malone.

[3064] He ... private;] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

he had] he'd Pope.

[3065] hat] cap Pope.

[3066] no] nothing Rowe.

Was not] Wa' n't Pope.

[3067] ignorant] impotent Hanmer.

[3068] ever] still Pope.

[3069] the] om. Pope.

[3070] A place] At place F₄.

[3071] plebeii] plebeians Rowe.

[3072] Would] Should Keightley.

[3073] voices and Translate] As in F₂ F₃ F₄. Line 181 ends at voyces, in F₁.

[3074] article ... aught:] article, ... ought, Ff. article, ... ought; Rowe.

[3075] contempt When] contempt, When F₁ F₃ F₄. contempt. When F₂.

[3076] Why, had] Why had F₄.

[3077] Have you, ... tongues?] Arranged as in Pope. Three lines, ending asker: ... mock, ... tongues?, in Ff.

[3078] Of] On Theobald.

bestow] bestow'd Hanmer.

[3079] sued-for tongues.... He's] tongues unsu'd-for.... He is Capell, reading Your ... will deny him as two lines.

[3080] And] Ay and we Hanmer, ending line 202 at may.

[3081] I'll] I Will S. Walker conj., reading lines 201-204 as three lines of verse, ending may ... him; I ... sound.

[3082] First Cit.] Third Cit. Anon. conj.

I twice] F₁ F₂ F₃. I, twice F₄. Ay, twice Rowe.

[3083] They have] They've Pope.

[3084] therefore ... so] therefore kept or kept to do so Seymour conj.

[3085] Let ... pride] As in Theobald. Two lines, the first ending judgement, in Ff.

[3086] a safer ... all revoke ... unto] safer ... Revoke ... to Pope, ending the lines judgement, ... election: ... you.

[3087] besides, forget not] As a separate line in Pope.

[3088] most] om. Pope.

[3089] you] to you Pope.

[3090] Lay ... us.] Arranged as in Capell. Six lines, ending Tribunes, ... betweene) ... on him ... commandment, ... that ... do, in Ff.

[3091] Lay] Nay, lay Pope.

[3092] Lay ... as guided ... true affections ... should] Nay, lay ... guided ... affections, ... should do, Pope, ending the lines that ... between) ... on him ... commandment ... affections, ... what ... should do ... consul ... on us.

[3093] what you should] with what you should do Hanmer, following Pope's arrangement.

[3094] o’ the Marcians] of Marcius Pope. o' the Marcii Capell.

[3095] hither ... ancestor.] See note (V).

[3096] hath] had Hanmer.

[3097] present bearing] present, bearing F₂.

[3098] Say, you ne'er had] You'd ne'er Seymour conj.

[3099] We will ... election] Arranged as by Hanmer. One line in Ff.

[3100] so] om. Hanmer.

[3101] [Exeunt Citizens.] Hanmer. Exeunt Plebeians. Ff.

them] 'em Hanmer.

[3102] To ... come:] come; to th’ Capitol. Pope.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Act III, Scene I — Rome. A street.

Cornets. Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, all the Gentry, COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators.[3103]

Cor. Tullus Aufidius then had made new head?

Lart. He had, my lord; and that it was which caused Our swifter composition.

Cor. So then the Volsces stand but as at first; Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road[3104] 5 Upon's again.

Com. They are worn, lord consul, so,[3105] That we shall hardly in our ages see Their banners wave again.

Cor. Saw you Aufidius?

Lart. On safe-guard he came to me; and did curse Against the Volsces, for they had so vilely 10 Yielded the town: he is retired to Antium.

Cor. Spoke he of me?

Lart. He did, my lord.

Cor. How? what?

Lart. How often he had met you, sword to sword; That of all things upon the earth he hated Your person most; that he would pawn his fortunes 15 To hopeless restitution, so he might Be call'd your vanquisher.

Cor. At Antium lives he?

Lart. At Antium.

Cor. I wish I had a cause to seek him there, To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.[3106] 20

Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS.

Behold, these are the tribunes of the people, The tongues o' the common mouth: I do despise them; For they do prank them in authority, Against all noble sufferance.

Sic. Pass no further.

Cor. Ha! what is that? 25

Bru. It will be dangerous to go on: no further.

Cor. What makes this change?

Men. The matter?

Com. Hath he not pass'd the noble and the common?[3107]

Bru. Cominius, no.

Cor. Have I had children's voices? 30

First Sen. Tribunes, give way; he shall to the market-place.[3108]

Bru. The people are incensed against him.

Sic. Stop,[3109] Or all will fall in broil.[3109]

Cor. Are these your herd?[3110] Must these have voices, that can yield them now, And straight disclaim their tongues? What are your offices?[3111] 35 You being their mouths, why rule you not their teeth? Have you not set them on?

Men. Be calm, be calm.

Cor. It is a purposed thing, and grows by plot, To curb the will of the nobility: Suffer 't, and live with such as cannot rule, 40 Nor ever will be ruled.

Bru. Call't not a plot: The people cry you mock'd them; and of late, When corn was given them gratis, you repined, Scandal'd the suppliants for the people, call'd them[3112] Time-pleasers, flatterers, foes to nobleness. 45

Cor. Why, this was known before.

Bru. Not to them all.

Cor. Have you inform'd them sithence?[3113]

Bru. How! I inform them!

Com. You are like to do such business.[3114]

Bru. Not unlike,[3115] Each way, to better yours.[3115][3116]

Cor. Why then should I be consul? By yond clouds, 50 Let me deserve so ill as you, and make me Your fellow tribune.

Sic. You show too much of that For which the people stir: if you will pass To where you are bound, you must inquire your way,[3117] Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit; 55 Or never be so noble as a consul,[3118] Nor yoke with him for tribune.

Men. Let's be calm.

Com. The people are abused; set on. This paltering[3119] Becomes not Rome; nor has Coriolanus[3120] Deserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falsely 60 I' the plain way of his merit.

Cor. Tell me of corn![3121] This was my speech, and I will speak 't again--[3121]

Men. Not now, not now.

First Sen. Not in this heat, sir, now.

Cor. Now, as I live, I will. My nobler friends,[3122][3123] I crave their pardons:[3122] 65 For the mutable, rank-scented many, let them[3122][3124] Regard me as I do not flatter, and[3122] Therein behold themselves: I say again,[3122][3125] In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition, 70 Which we ourselves have plough'd for, sow'd and scatter'd,[3126] By mingling them with us, the honour'd number; Who lack not virtue, no, nor power, but that Which they have given to beggars.[3127]

Men. Well, no more.

First Sen. No more words, we beseech you.

Cor. How! no more! 75 As for my country I have shed my blood, Not fearing outward force, so shall my lungs Coin words till their decay against those measles, Which we disdain should tetter us, yet sought[3128] The very way to catch them.

Bru. You speak o' the people,[3129][3130] 80 As if you were a god to punish, not[3129][3131] A man of their infirmity.[3129][3132]

Sic. 'Twere well[3129] We let the people know't.[3129]

Men. What, what? his choler?[3129]

Cor. Choler![3129] Were I as patient as the midnight sleep,[3129] 85 By Jove, 'twould be my mind![3133]

Sic. It is a mind[3133] That shall remain a poison where it is,[3133] Not poison any further.[3133]

Cor. Shall remain![3133] Hear you this Triton of the minnows? mark you[3134] His absolute 'shall'?

Com. 'Twas from the canon.[3135]

Cor. 'Shall'![3136] 90 O good, but most unwise patricians! why,[3136][3137] You grave but reckless senators, have you thus[3138] Given Hydra here to choose an officer,[3139] That with his peremptory 'shall,' being but The horn and noise o' the monster's, wants not spirit[3140] 95 To say he'll turn your current in a ditch, And make your channel his? If he have power,[3141] Then vail your ignorance; if none, awake[3141][3142][3143][3144] Your dangerous lenity. If you are learn'd,[3141][3143][3145] Be not as common fools; if you are not,[3141][3146] 100 Let them have cushions by you. You are plebeians,[3141][3147] If they be senators: and they are no less, When, both your voices blended, the great'st taste[3148] Most palates theirs. They choose their magistrate;[3149] And such a one as he, who puts his 'shall,' 105 His popular 'shall,' against a graver bench Than ever frown'd in Greece. By Jove himself, It makes the consuls base! and my soul aches To know, when two authorities are up, Neither supreme, how soon confusion 110 May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take The one by the other.

Com. Well, on to the market-place.

Cor. Whoever gave that counsel, to give forth[3150] The corn o' the storehouse gratis, as 'twas used[3151] Sometime in Greece,--[3152]

Men. Well, well, no more of that. 115

Cor. Though there the people had more absolute power, I say, they nourish'd disobedience, fed[3153][3154] The ruin of the state.[3153]

Bru. Why, shall the people give[3155] One that speaks thus their voice?

Cor. I'll give my reasons, More worthier than their voices. They know the corn[3156] 120 Was not our recompense, resting well assured[3157] They ne'er did service for't: being press'd to the war, Even when the navel of the state was touch'd, They would not thread the gates. This kind of service Did not deserve corn gratis: being i' the war, 125 Their mutinies and revolts, wherein they show'd[3158] Most valour, spoke not for them: the accusation Which they have often made against the senate, All cause unborn, could never be the native[3159] Of our so frank donation. Well, what then?[3160] 130 How shall this bisson multitude digest[3161] The senate's courtesy? Let deeds express What's like to be their words: 'We did request it; We are the greater poll, and in true fear[3162] They gave us our demands.' Thus we debase[3163] 135 The nature of our seats, and make the rabble Call our cares fears; which will in time[3164][3165] Break ope the locks o' the senate, and bring in[3164][3166] The crows to peck the eagles.[3164]

Men. Come, enough.[3167]

Bru. Enough, with over measure.

Cor. No, take more: 140 What may be sworn by, both divine and human,[3168] Seal what I end withal! This double worship, Where one part does disdain with cause, the other[3169] Insult without all reason; where gentry, title, wisdom,[3170] Cannot conclude but by the yea and no 145 Of general ignorance,--it must omit[3171] Real necessities, and give way the while To unstable slightness: purpose so barr'd, it follows,[3172][3173] Nothing is done to purpose. Therefore, beseech you,--[3173] You that will be less fearful than discreet; 150 That love the fundamental part of state More than you doubt the change on 't; that prefer[3174] A noble life before a long, and wish To jump a body with a dangerous physic[3175] That's sure of death without it,--at once pluck out[3176] 155 The multitudinous tongue; let them not lick The sweet which is their poison. Your dishonour Mangles true judgement and bereaves the state Of that integrity which should become 't;[3177] Not having the power to do the good it would, 160 For the ill which doth control 't.

Bru. Has said enough.[3178]

Sic. Has spoken like a traitor, and shall answer[3179] As traitors do.

Cor. Thou wretch, despite o'erwhelm thee! What should the people do with these bald tribunes? 165 On whom depending, their obedience fails To the greater bench: in a rebellion,[3180] When what's not meet, but what must be, was law,[3181] Then were they chosen: in a better hour, Let what is meet be said it must be meet,[3182] 170 And throw their power i' the dust.

Bru. Manifest treason!

Sic. This a consul? no.

Bru. The ædiles, ho!

Enter an Ædile.[3183]

Let him be apprehended.

Sic. Go, call the people: [Exit Ædile] in whose name myself[3184] Attach thee as a traitorous innovator, 175 A foe to the public weal: obey, I charge thee, And follow to thine answer.

Cor. Hence, old goat!

Senators, &c. We'll surety him.

Com. Aged sir, hands off.[3185]

Cor. Hence, rotten thing! or I shall shake thy bones Out of thy garments.

Sic. Help, ye citizens! 180

Enter a rabble of Citizens, with the Ædiles.[3186]

Men. On both sides more respect.[3187]

Sic. Here's he that would take from you all your power.

Bru. Seize him, ædiles!

Citizens. Down with him! down with him![3188]

Senators, &c. Weapons, weapons, weapons! 185

[They all bustle about Coriolanus, crying,[3189]

'Tribunes!' 'Patricians!' 'Citizens!' 'What, ho!' 'Sicinius!' 'Brutus!' 'Coriolanus!' 'Citizens!' 'Peace, peace, peace!' 'Stay! hold! peace!'[3190]

Men. What is about to be? I am out of breath. Confusion's near. I cannot speak. You, tribunes[3191] 190 To the people! Coriolanus, patience![3192][3193] Speak, good Sicinius.[3193][3194]

Sic. Hear me, people; peace!

Citizens. Let's hear our tribune: peace!--Speak, speak, speak.[3195]

Sic. You are at point to lose your liberties: Marcius would have all from you; Marcius, 195 Whom late you have named for consul.[3196]

Men. Fie, fie, fie![3197] This is the way to kindle, not to quench.[3197]

First Sen. To unbuild the city, and to lay all flat.[3198]

Sic. What is the city but the people?

Citizens. True,[3199] The people are the city.[3199] 200

Bru. By the consent of all, we were establish'd[3200] The people's magistrates.[3200]

Citizens. You so remain.

Men. And so are like to do.

Com. That is the way to lay the city flat,[3201] To bring the roof to the foundation, 205 And bury all which yet distinctly ranges, In heaps and piles of ruin.

Sic. This deserves death.

Bru. Or let us stand to our authority, Or let us lose it. We do here pronounce, Upon the part o' the people, in whose power 210 We were elected theirs, Marcius is worthy Of present death.

Sic. Therefore lay hold of him;[3202] Bear him to the rock Tarpeian, and from thence Into destruction cast him.

Bru. Ædiles, seize him!

Citizens. Yield, Marcius, yield![3203]

Men. Hear me one word;[3204] 215 Beseech you, tribunes, hear me but a word.[3204][3205]

Ædiles. Peace, peace!

Men. [To Brutus] Be that you seem, truly your country's friend,[3206] And temperately proceed to what you would Thus violently redress.

Bru. Sir, those cold ways, 220 That seem like prudent helps, are very poisonous[3207] Where the disease is violent. Lay hands upon him,[3208] And bear him to the rock.

Cor. No, I'll die here. [Drawing his sword.[3209] There's some among you have beheld me fighting: Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.[3210] 225

Men. Down with that sword! Tribunes, withdraw awhile.

Bru. Lay hands upon him.

Men. Help Marcius, help,[3211][3212] You that be noble; help him, young and old![3212]

Citizens. Down with him, down with him!

[In this mutiny, the Tribunes, the Ædiles, and the People, are beat in.[3213]

Men. Go, get you to your house; be gone, away![3214] 230 All will be naught else.

Sec. Sen. Get you gone.

Com. Stand fast;[3215][3216] We have as many friends as enemies.[3216]

Men. Shall it be put to that?

First Sen. The gods forbid![3217] I prithee, noble friend, home to thy house; Leave us to cure this cause.

Men. For 'tis a sore upon us[3218] 235 You cannot tent yourself: be gone, beseech you.

Com. Come, sir, along with us.[3219]

Cor. I would they were barbarians--as they are,[3220] Though in Rome litter'd--not Romans--as they are not,[3220] Though calved i' the porch o' the Capitol,--[3220]

Men. Be gone:[3220][3221][3222] 240 Put not your worthy rage into your tongue:[3220][3222] One time will owe another.[3220][3223]

Cor. On fair ground[3224] I could beat forty of them.[3224]

Men. I could myself[3225] Take up a brace o' the best of them; yea, the two tribunes.[3225][3226]

Com. But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic; 245 And manhood is call'd foolery, when it stands Against a falling fabric. Will you hence Before the tag return? whose rage doth rend Like interrupted waters, and o'erbear What they are used to bear.

Men. Pray you, be gone: 250 I'll try whether my old wit be in request[3227] With those that have but little: this must be patch'd With cloth of any colour.

Com. Nay, come away.

[Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, and others.[3228]

First Patrician. This man has marr'd his fortune.[3229]

Men. His nature is too noble for the world: 255 He would not flatter Neptune for his trident, Or Jove for 's power to thunder. His heart's his mouth:[3230] What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent; And, being angry, does forget that ever He heard the name of death. [A noise within. 260 Here's goodly work!

Sec. Pat. I would they were a-bed![3231]

Men. I would they were in Tiber! What, the vengeance,[3232] Could he not speak 'em fair?[3232]

Re-enter BRUTUS and SICINIUS, with the rabble.[3233]

Sic. Where is this viper, That would depopulate the city, and[3234][3235] Be every man himself?[3234]

Men. You worthy tribunes--[3236] 265

Sic. He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock With rigorous hands: he hath resisted law, And therefore law shall scorn him further trial Than the severity of the public power,[3237] Which he so sets at nought.

First Cit. He shall well know[3238] 270 The noble tribunes are the people's mouths,[3238] And we their hands.[3238]

Citizens. He shall, sure on't.[3239]

Men. Sir, sir,--[3240]

Sic. Peace!

Men. Do not cry havoc, where you should but hunt[3241] 275 With modest warrant.

Sic. Sir, how comes 't that you[3242][3243] Have holp to make this rescue?[3242]

Men. Hear me speak:[3244] As I do know the consul's worthiness,[3244] So can I name his faults,--[3244]

Sic. Consul! what consul?

Men. The consul Coriolanus.

Bru. He consul![3245] 280

Citizens. No, no, no, no, no.[3239]

Men. If, by the tribunes' leave, and yours, good people,[3246] I may be heard, I would crave a word or two;[3247] The which shall turn you to no further harm Than so much loss of time.

Sic. Speak briefly then; 285 For we are peremptory to dispatch This viperous traitor: to eject him hence[3248] Were but one danger, and to keep him here[3249] Our certain death: therefore it is decreed He dies to-night.

Men. Now the good gods forbid 290 That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude Towards her deserved children is enroll'd[3250] In Jove's own book, like an unnatural dam Should now eat up her own!

Sic. He's a disease that must be cut away. 295

Men. O, he's a limb that has but a disease; Mortal, to cut it off; to cure it, easy. What has he done to Rome that's worthy death? Killing our enemies, the blood he hath lost--[3251] Which, I dare vouch, is more than that he hath 300 By many an ounce--he dropp'd it for his country; And what is left, to lose it by his country Were to us all that do 't and suffer it[3252] A brand to the end o' the world.

Sic. This is clean kam.[3253]

Bru. Merely awry: when he did love his country,[3254] 305 It honour'd him.[3254]

Men. The service of the foot[3255][3256] Being once gangrened, is not then respected[3256][3257] For what before it was.[3258]

Bru. We'll hear no more. Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence; Lest his infection, being of catching nature,[3259] 310 Spread further.

Men. One word more, one word.[3260] This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find The harm of unscann'd swiftness, will, too late, Tie leaden pounds to 's heels. Proceed by process;[3261] Lest parties, as he is beloved, break out, 315 And sack great Rome with Romans.

Bru. If it were so--[3262]

Sic. What do ye talk? Have we not had a taste of his obedience? Our ædiles smote? ourselves resisted? Come.[3263]

Men. Consider this: he has been bred i' the wars[3264] 320 Since he could draw a sword, and is ill school'd[3265] In bolted language; meal and bran together He throws without distinction. Give me leave, I'll go to him, and undertake to bring him[3266][3267] Where he shall answer, by a lawful form,[3267] 325 In peace, to his utmost peril.[3267]

First Sen. Noble tribunes, It is the humane way: the other course[3268] Will prove too bloody; and the end of it Unknown to the beginning.

Sic. Noble Menenius,[3269] Be you then as the people's officer.[3269] 330 Masters, lay down your weapons.

Bru. Go not home.

Sic. Meet on the market-place. We'll attend you there:[3270] Where, if you bring not Marcius, we'll proceed In our first way.

Men. I'll bring him to you.[3271][3272] [To the Senators] Let me desire your company: he must come,[3272][3273] 335 Or what is worst will follow.

First Sen. Pray you, let's to him. [Exeunt.[3274]

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Act III, Scene II — A room in Coriolanus's house.

Enter CORIOLANUS with Patricians.[3275]

Cor. Let them pull all about mine ears; present me Death on the wheel, or at wild horses' heels; Or pile ten hills on the Tarpeian rock, That the precipitation might down stretch Below the beam of sight; yet will I still 5 Be thus to them.

A Patrician. You do the nobler.[3276]

Cor. I muse my mother[3277] Does not approve me further, who was wont[3278] To call them woollen vassals, things created[3279] To buy and sell with groats, to show bare heads 10 In congregations, to yawn, be still and wonder,[3280] When one but of my ordinance stood up To speak of peace or war.

Enter VOLUMNIA.

I talk of you:[3281] Why did you wish me milder? would you have me False to my nature? Rather say, I play[3282] 15 The man I am.[3282]

Vol. O, sir, sir, sir,[3283] I would have had you put your power well on, Before you had worn it out.

Cor. Let go.[3284]

Vol. You might have been enough the man you are, With striving less to be so: lesser had been[3285] 20 The thwartings of your dispositions, if[3286] You had not show'd them how ye were disposed[3287] Ere they lack'd power to cross you.

Cor. Let them hang.

Vol. Ay, and burn too.

Enter MENENIUS with the Senators.

Men. Come, come, you have been too rough, something too rough;[3288][3289] 25 You must return and mend it.[3288]

First Sen. There's no remedy;[3290] Unless, by not so doing, our good city Cleave in the midst, and perish.

Vol. Pray, be counsell'd: I have a heart as little apt as yours,[3291] But yet a brain that leads my use of anger 30 To better vantage.

Men. Well said, noble woman! Before he should thus stoop to the herd, but that[3292] The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic[3293] For the whole state, I would put mine armour on,[3294] Which I can scarcely bear.

Cor. What must I do?[3295] 35

Men. Return to the tribunes.[3295]

Cor. Well, what then? what then?[3295]

Men. Repent what you have spoke.[3295]

Cor. For them! I cannot do it to the gods;[3296] Must I then do't to them?

Vol. You are too absolute; Though therein you can never be too noble, 40 But when extremities speak. I have heard you say,[3297] Honour and policy, like unsever'd friends, I' the war do grow together: grant that, and tell me, In peace what each of them by the other lose,[3298] That they combine not there.

Cor. Tush, tush!

Men. A good demand. 45

Vol. If it be honour in your wars to seem The same you are not, which, for your best ends, You adopt your policy, how is it less or worse,[3299] That it shall hold companionship in peace With honour, as in war, since that to both[3300] 50 It stands in like request?

Cor. Why force you this?

Vol. Because that now it lies you on to speak[3301][3302] To the people; not by your own instruction,[3301] Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you,[3301][3303] But with such words that are but roted in[3301][3304] 55 Your tongue, though but bastards and syllables[3301][3305] Of no allowance to your bosom's truth.[3306] Now, this no more dishonours you at all Than to take in a town with gentle words, Which else would put you to your fortune and 60 The hazard of much blood. I would dissemble with my nature, where My fortunes and my friends at stake required I should do so in honour. I am in this,[3307] Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;[3308] 65 And you will rather show our general louts How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em, For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard Of what that want might ruin.

Men. Noble lady![3309] Come, go with us; speak fair: you may salve so, 70 Not what is dangerous present, but the loss[3310] Of what is past.

Vol. I prithee now, my son, Go to them, with this bonnet in thy hand;[3311] And thus far having stretch'd it--here be with them--[3312][3313] Thy knee bussing the stones--for in such business[3312] 75 Action is eloquence, and the eyes of the ignorant More learned than the ears--waving thy head,[3314][3315][3316] Which often, thus, correcting thy stout heart,[3314][3316][3317][3318][3319] Now humble as the ripest mulberry[3318][3320] That will not hold the handling: or say to them,[3320][3321] 80 Thou art their soldier, and being bred in broils Hast not the soft way which, thou dost confess, Were fit for thee to use, as they to claim,[3322] In asking their good loves; but thou wilt frame Thyself, forsooth, hereafter theirs, so far 85 As thou hast power and person.

Men. This but done, Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours;[3323] For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free As words to little purpose.

Vol. Prithee now, Go, and be ruled: although I know thou hadst rather[3324] 90 Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf Than flatter him in a bower.

Enter COMINIUS.

Here is Cominius.

Com. I have been i' the market-place; and, sir, 'tis fit[3325] You make strong party, or defend yourself[3326] By calmness or by absence: all's in anger. 95

Men. Only fair speech.

Com. I think 'twill serve, if he[3327] Can thereto frame his spirit.[3327]

Vol. He must, and will. Prithee now, say you will, and go about it.

Cor. Must I go show them my unbarb'd sconce? must I,[3328][3329] With my base tongue, give to my noble heart[3329] 100 A lie, that it must bear? Well, I will do't:[3330] Yet, were there but this single plot to lose,[3331] This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it,[3332] And throw't against the wind. To the market-place! You have put me now to such a part, which never[3333] 105 I shall discharge to the life.

Com. Come, come, we'll prompt you.

Vol. I prithee now, sweet son, as thou hast said[3334] My praises made thee first a soldier, so, To have my praise for this, perform a part Thou hast not done before.

Cor. Well, I must do't: 110 Away, my disposition, and possess me Some harlot's spirit! my throat of war be turn'd, Which quired with my drum, into a pipe[3335] Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice[3336] That babies lulls asleep! the smiles of knaves[3337] 115 Tent in my cheeks, and schoolboys' tears take up The glasses of my sight! a beggar's tongue[3338] Make motion through my lips, and my arm'd knees, Who bow'd but in my stirrup, bend like his[3339] That hath received an alms! I will not do't; 120 Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth, And by my body's action teach my mind A most inherent baseness.

Vol. At thy choice then: To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour Than thou of them. Come all to ruin: let 125 Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear Thy dangerous stoutness, for I mock at death With as big heart as thou. Do as thou list. Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me,[3340] But owe thy pride thyself.[3341]

Cor. Pray, be content: 130 Mother, I am going to the market-place;[3342] Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves, Cog their hearts from them and come home beloved Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going: Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul; 135 Or never trust to what my tongue can do I' the way of flattery further.

Vol. Do your will. [Exit.[3343]

Com. Away! the tribunes do attend you: arm yourself To answer mildly; for they are prepared[3344] With accusations, as I hear, more strong 140 Than are upon you yet.

Cor. The word is 'mildly.' Pray you, let us go: Let them accuse me by invention, I Will answer in mine honour.

Men. Ay, but mildly.

Cor. Well, mildly be it then. Mildly! [Exeunt.[3345] 145

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Act III, Scene III — The same. The Forum.[3346]

Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS.

Bru. In this point charge him home, that he affects Tyrannical power: if he evade us there,[3347] Enforce him with his envy to the people; And that the spoil got on the Antiates Was ne'er distributed.[3348] 5

Enter an Ædile.[3349]

What, will he come?[3348]

Æd. He's coming.

Bru. How accompanied?

Æd. With old Menenius and those senators That always favour'd him.

Sic. Have you a catalogue Of all the voices that we have procured,[3350] Set down by the poll?[3350][3351]

Æd. I have; 'tis ready. 10

Sic. Have you collected them by tribes?

Æd. I have.[3352]

Sic. Assemble presently the people hither: And when they hear me say 'It shall be so I' the right and strength o' the commons,' be it either[3353] For death, for fine, or banishment, then let them, 15 If I say fine, cry 'Fine,' if death, cry 'Death,' Insisting on the old prerogative[3354] And power i' the truth o' the cause.

Æd. I shall inform them.[3355]

Bru. And when such time they have begun to cry, Let them not cease, but with a din confused 20 Enforce the present execution Of what we chance to sentence.

Æd. Very well.

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

Bru. Go about it. [Exit Ædile.[3356] Put him to choler straight: he hath been used 25 Ever to conquer and to have his worth[3357][3358][3359] Of contradiction: being once chafed, he cannot[3358] Be rein'd again to temperance; then he speaks What's in his heart; and that is there which looks[3360] With us to break his neck.

Sic. Well, here he comes. 30

Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, and COMINIUS, with Senators and Patricians.[3361]

Men. Calmly, I do beseech you.

Cor. Ay, as an ostler, that for the poorest piece[3362] Will bear the knave by the volume. The honour'd gods[3363][3364] Keep Rome in safety, and the chairs of justice[3364] Supplied with worthy men! plant love among's![3364][3365] 35 Throng our large temples with the shows of peace,[3364][3366] And not our streets with war![3364]

First Sen. Amen, amen.

Men. A noble wish.

Re-enter Ædile, with Citizens.[3367]

Sic. Draw near, ye people.

Æd. List to your tribunes; audience: peace, I say![3368] 40

Cor. First, hear me speak.

Both Tri. Well, say. Peace, ho![3369]

Cor. Shall I be charged no further than this present? Must all determine here?

Sic. I do demand, If you submit you to the people's voices, Allow their officers, and are content 45 To suffer lawful censure for such faults As shall be proved upon you?

Cor. I am content.

Men. Lo, citizens, he says he is content: The warlike service he has done, consider; think[3370] Upon the wounds his body bears, which show[3370] 50 Like graves i' the holy churchyard.[3371]

Cor. Scratches with briers,[3372] Scars to move laughter only.[3372]

Men. Consider further, That when he speaks not like a citizen, You find him like a soldier: do not take His rougher accents for malicious sounds,[3373] 55 But, as I say, such as become a soldier Rather than envy you.

Com. Well, well, no more.[3374]

Cor. What is the matter[3375] That being pass'd for consul with full voice, I am so dishonour'd that the very hour[3376] 60 You take it off again?

Sic. Answer to us.

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

Sic. We charge you, that you have contrived to take From Rome all season'd office and to wind Yourself into a power tyrannical;[3377] 65 For which you are a traitor to the people.

Cor. How! traitor!

Men. Nay, temperately; your promise.

Cor. The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people![3378] Call me their traitor! Thou injurious tribune! Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths,[3379] 70 In thy hands clutch'd as many millions, in[3379] Thy lying tongue both numbers, I would say[3380] 'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free As I do pray the gods.

Sic. Mark you this, people?[3381]

Citizens. To the rock, to the rock with him![3382][3383]

Sic. Peace! 75 We need not put new matter to his charge: What you have seen him do and heard him speak, Beating your officers, cursing yourselves, Opposing laws with strokes, and here defying Those whose great power must try him; even this,[3384] 80 So criminal and in such capital kind,[3384] Deserves the extremest death.

Bru. But since he hath[3385] Served well for Rome--[3385][3386]

Cor. What do you prate of service?

Bru. I talk of that, that know it.[3387]

Cor. You?[3387] 85

Men. Is this the promise that you made your mother?[3387][3388]

Com. Know, I pray you,--[3387]

Cor. I'll know no further:[3389] Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death, Vagabond exile, flaying, pent to linger[3390] But with a grain a day, I would not buy 90 Their mercy at the price of one fair word, Nor check my courage for what they can give,[3391] To have't with saying 'Good morrow.'

Sic. For that he has, As much as in him lies, from time to time Envied against the people, seeking means[3392] 95 To pluck away their power, as now at last[3393] Given hostile strokes, and that not in the presence[3394] Of dreaded justice, but on the ministers[3395] That do distribute it; in the name o' the people,[3353][3396] And in the power of us the tribunes, we, 100 Even from this instant, banish him our city, In peril of precipitation From off the rock Tarpeian, never more To enter our Rome gates: i' the people's name,[3397] I say it shall be so. 105

Citizens. It shall be so, it shall be so; let him away:[3382] He's banish'd, and it shall be so.[3398]

Com. Hear me, my masters, and my common friends,--[3399]

Sic. He's sentenced; no more hearing.

Com. Let me speak: I have been consul, and can show for Rome[3400] 110 Her enemies' marks upon me. I do love My country's good with a respect more tender,[3401] More holy and profound, than mine own life, My dear wife's estimate, her womb's increase[3402] And treasure of my loins; then if I would 115 Speak that--[3403]

Sic. We know your drift:--speak what?

Bru. There's no more to be said, but he is banish'd, As enemy to the people and his country: It shall be so.

Citizens. It shall be so, it shall be so.[3382] 120

Cor. You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate[3404] As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize As the dead carcasses of unburied men That do corrupt my air, I banish you; And here remain with your uncertainty! 125 Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts! Your enemies, with nodding of their plumes, Fan you into despair! Have the power still To banish your defenders; till at length Your ignorance, which finds not till it feels, 130 Making not reservation of yourselves,[3405] Still your own foes, deliver you as most[3406][3407] Abated captives to some nation[3407] That won you without blows! Despising,[3408] For you, the city, thus I turn my back:[3408][3409] 135 There is a world elsewhere.

[Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, Menenius, Senators and Patricians.[3410]

Æd. The people's enemy is gone, is gone!

Citizens. Our enemy is banish'd! he is gone! Hoo! hoo!

[They all shout, and throw up their caps.[3411]

Sic. Go, see him out at gates, and follow him, As he hath follow'd you, with all despite;[3412] 140 Give him deserved vexation. Let a guard[3412] Attend us through the city.

Citizens. Come, come, let's see him out at gates; come.[3382][3413] The gods preserve our noble tribunes! Come. [Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[3103] ACT III. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Tertius. Ff.

Rome.] Rowe.

A street.] A publick Street. Theobald.

all the Gentry,] om. Rowe.

Lartius,] F₂ F₃. Latius, F₁. Lucius, F₄ (and throughout the scene).

[3104] road] inroad Pope.

[3105] They are] They're Pope.

[3106] [To Lartius. Theobald.

[3107] noble ... common] F₁. noble ... commons F₂ F₃ F₄. nobles ... commons Rowe.

[3108] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Senat. Ff.

[3109] Stop ... broil] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[3110] herd] F₃ F₄. heard F₁ F₂.

[3111] tongues] F₄. toungs F₁. tongs F₂ F₃.

offices?] offices F₂.

[3112] suppliants for] F₄. suppliants: for F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3113] sithence] since Pope.

[3114] Com.] Ff. Cor. Theobald.

You are like] Yes, you are like enough Hanmer.

[3115] Not ... yours] Arranged as by Johnson. One line in Ff.

[3116] Each ... yours] either ... you Hanmer.

[3117] you are] you're Pope.

[3118] never be] never to be Rowe (ed. 2). ne'er to be Pope.

[3119] abused; set on.] abus'd, set on; Rowe. abus'd: set on, Ff.

[3120] Rome] Romans Steevens conj.

[3121] Tell ... again] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at speech.

[3122] Now ... again] Arranged as by Capell. In Ff the lines end will ... pardons: ... Meynie, ... flatter, ... againe.

[3123] My] As for my Pope, ending the lines as Ff.

[3124] For] But for Pope.

many] F₄. Meynie F₁. Meyny F₂ F₃.

[3125] Therein] there Pope.

[3126] plough'd] plow'd Rowe. plowed Ff.

[3127] they] we Pope.

[3128] disdain] disdain'd Keightley.

sought] seek Rowe.

[3129] You ... sleep,] Arranged as by Capell. In Ff the lines end God ... infirmity ... know't ... his choller?... sleep. Hanmer ends the lines were ... man ... let ... Choler!... sleep.

[3130] people] people, sir Hanmer.

[3131] if] om. Pope, ending the lines as Ff.

[3132] A man] as being a man Hanmer.

of] of of F₂.

[3133] By Jove ... remain!] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the lines end my minde ... poison ... further ... remaine?

[3134] Hear ... Triton] Heare you this Triton F₁. Here you this Triton F₂ F₃. Hear you this, Triton F₄.

[3135] canon] Rowe. cannon Ff.

[3136] 'Shall'!... why] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[3137] O good,] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). O God! Ff. O Gods! Heath conj.

[3138] reckless] Hanmer. wreaklesse F₁ F₂. wreakless F₃ F₄.

[3139] here] F₃ F₄. heere F₁ F₂. leave Collier (Collier MS. and Long MS.) heart Leo conj.

[3140] monster's] Edd. monsters Ff. monster Capell.

[3141] If he ... by you] See note (VI).

[3142] vail] F₄. vale F₁ F₂ F₃.

ignorance] impotence Collier (Collier MS.) signorie or signories Staunton conj.

[3143] awake ... lenity] revoke ... bounty Collier (Collier MS.) revoke ... lenity Grant White.

[3144] awake] abate Jervis conj. awake from Bailey conj. away Leo conj.

[3145] learn'd] Ff. learned Rowe.

[3146] common] commons' Staunton conj.

[3147] You are] You're Pope.

[3148] blended, the] Ff. blended; the Rowe.

great'st] Ff. greatest Rowe. general Mason conj. gross Anon. conj.

taste] state Hudson (Singer conj.)

[3149] Most palates] Must palate Johnson conj.

[3150] Cor.] Com. F₂.

[3151] o'] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3152] Greece,--] Greece-- F₃ F₄. Greece. F₁ F₂.

[3153] I say ... state] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff. Prose in Rowe.

[3154] they] the F₂.

[3155] Why,] Why Ff. om. Hanmer.

[3156] worthier] F₁. worthie F₂. worthy F₃ F₄.

voices] voice Theobald.

[3157] our] their Hanmer and Southern conj. MS. for Ingleby conj.

well] om. Theobald.

[3158] Their] F₃ F₄. There F₁. Thare F₂.

[3159] native] Ff. motive Singer (Johnson and Heath conj.)

[3160] donation] denotion F₃.

[3161] bisson multitude] Dyce (Collier MS.) bissom multitude Singer. bosome-multiplied Ff.

[3162] poll] Rowe. pole Ff.

[3163] They] Thy F₃.

[3164] Call ... eagles] Arranged as in Ff. In Pope the first two lines end ope ... crows.

[3165] cares] caresses Anon. conj.

time] time to come or after time Anon. conj.

[3166] ope] open F₄.

[3167] enough] enough, enough Hanmer.

[3168] by, both] Ff. by. Both Warburton.

[3169] Where one] Rowe. Whereon Ff.

[3170] reason] F₁. season F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3171] ignorance,--it must omit] Capell. ignorance, it must omit F₁ F₃ F₄. ignorance, it must omit: F₂.

[3172] slightness] sleights Badham conj.

[3173] purpose ... purpose] Put in brackets as spurious by Warburton.

[3174] doubt] do Hanmer.

on 't] F₁. oft F₂. of't F₃ F₄.

[3175] jump] F₃ F₄. iumpe F₁. jumpe F₂. vamp Pope. imp Singer. purge Staunton conj.

[3176] it] om. Pope.

[3177] become 't] become it Rowe.

[3178] control 't] controul it Rowe.]

Has] F₁ F₂. Ha's F₃. H'as F₄. He has Capell.

[3179] Has] Dyce. Ha's F₁ F₂ F₃. H'as F₄. He has Capell.

[3180] bench: in a rebellion,] bench. In a rebellion, Pope. bench, in a rebellion: Ff.

[3181] what's not] not what's Anon. conj.

[3182] it must be meet] that must be law Hanmer. it must be law Warburton.

[3183] Enter an Ædile.] Ff (after line 172). Omitted by Pope. Ædiles enter. Theobald.

[3184] [Exit Ædile] Collier. Exit Brutus. Capell. om. Ff.

myself] I myself Keightley.

[Laying hold on Coriolanus. Rowe.

[3185] Senators, &c.] All. Ff. Sen. and Pat. Malone.

Aged sir] Rowe. Ag'd sir Ff. Hold, aged sir Hanmer. My aged sir Capell.

[3186] Help, ye] Malone. Helpe ye F₁ F₂. Help me F₃ F₄.

Enter....] Enter a rabble of Plebeians with the Ædiles. Ff. Re-enter Brutus, with Ædiles, and a whole rabble of Citizens. Capell.

[3187] SCENE II. Pope.

[3188] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff (and elsewhere).

[3189] Senators, &c.] Edd. 2. Sen. Ff.

They ... crying, 'Tribunes!' ...] Edd. They ... Coriolanus. Tribunes,.... Ff. They ... Coriolanus. 1. S. Tribunes,.... Capell. See note (VII).

[3190] 'Peace....] Edd. All. Peace.... Ff.

[3191] Confusion's near] F₃ F₄. Confusions neere F₁. Confusions ne're F₂.

cannot speak. You] cannot.--Speak you, Rann (Mason conj.)

[3192] To the people!] Omitted by Pope. Speak to the people. Tyrwhitt conj.

[3193] To ... Sicinius] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3194] good] om. Pope, reading Coriolanus ... Sicinius, as one line.

[3195] hear] here F₁.

peace!] peace, ho! Hanmer.

Speak] Four times in Keightley.

[3196] have named] nam'd Pope. chose Capell.

[3197] Fie ... quench.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3198] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sena. Ff.

[3199] True, ... city.] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3200] By ... magistrates.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3201] Com.] Ff. Cor. Pope.

[3202] of] on Rowe.

[3203] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All Ple. Ff.

[3204] Hear ... a word.] As in Johnson. Prose in Ff.

[3205] tribunes] Ye tribunes Hanmer (ending line 215 at beseech you). Good tribunes Capell.

[3206] [To Brutus] Edd.

friend] Ff. friends Rowe.

[3207] poisonous] poisons Rann (Johnson conj.)

[3208] upon] on Pope.

[3209] [Drawing his sword.] Capell. Corio. drawes his Sword. Ff, after rock.

[3210] seen me] seen me do Keightley.

[3211] Help Marcius, help,] Help, help Marcius, help, Hanmer. Help Marcius! help, help, Keightley.

[3212] Help ... old!] As verse, first by Hanmer. Prose in Ff.

[3213] [In....] Exeunt. In.... Ff.

A great Mutiny: Tribunes, Ædiles, and People are beat in. Capell.

[3214] SCENE III. Pope.

your] Rowe. our Ff.

[3215] Sec. Sen.] Com. Capell.

gone.] gone, away! Hanmer.

Com.] Cor. Warburton. 2. S. Capell.

[3216] Stand ... enemies.] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3217] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sena. Ff.

[3218] upon us] om. Pope.

us] us, F₁ F₄. us. F₂ F₃.

[3219] Com.] F₂ F₃ F₄. Corio. F₁.

[3220] Cor. I ... Capitol,-- Men. Be gone: ... another. Steevens, 1773 (Tyrwhitt conj.) Men. I ... Capitoll: Be gone ... another. Ff. Cor. I ... Capitol.--Be gone. Men. Put ... another. Steevens (1778).

[3221] Be gone] Be gone, be gone Hanmer, ending the line at rage.

[3222] Be gone: ... tongue:] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3223] will] we'll Becket conj.

owe] own Jackson conj.

Cor.] Corio. F₁. Com. F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3224] On ... them.] As in Capell. Prose in Ff.

[3225] I ... tribunes.] Arranged as by Capell, who omits of them. Prose in Ff.

myself ... yea] myself, I think, ... yea, even Hanmer, ending the line at brace.

[3226] o' the] of the Steevens.

of them] om. Capell.

[3227] whether] if Pope.

[3228] Nay,] om. Pope.

Cominius, and others.] Capell. and Cominius. Ff.

[3229] SCENE IV. Pope.

First Patrician.] 1. P. Capell. Patri. Ff. 1. Sen. Rowe.

[3230] Or ... mouth] Or Jove for's thunder; 's heart is in his mouth Badham conj.

for 's] for his Capell.

his mouth] in his mouth Keightley.

[3231] Sec. Pat] 2. Pat. Malone. Patri. Ff. 1. P. Capell.

a-bed] in bed Farmer conj. MS.

[3232] What ... fair?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3233] Re-enter ... rabble.] Malone. Enter ... rabble againe. Ff.

[3234] That ... himself?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3235] would] will Steevens (1773, 1778, 1785).

[3236] tribunes--] Rowe. Tribunes. Ff.

[3237] of the] of Pope.

[3238] He ... hands.] As in Johnson. Two lines, the first ending are, in Ff.

[3239] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff. Cit. [Several speak together. Malone.

[3240] shall, sure on't] shall sure ont F₁. shall sure out F₂ F₃ F₄. shall be sure on't Pope. shall, be sure on't Theobald. shall, Be sure on't Hanmer, reading The people's ... shall as one line. shall, sure, out Capell. shall sore on't, Malone conj., meaning perhaps, shall sore rue't.

Sir, sir,--] Sir, Sir. Ff. Sirs,-- Capell, ending the line at Peace! Sir,-- Steevens (1793).

[3241] not] nor F₂.

[3242] Sir ... rescue?] Arranged as in Pope. Line 276 ends at holpe in Ff.

[3243] comes 't that] Capell. com'st that Ff. comes it that Rowe. comes it Pope.

[3244] Hear ... faults,--] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending know, in Ff.

[3245] He consul!] He the consul!-- Hanmer. Keightley ends the line at No.

[3246] If ... people,] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[3247] I would] I'd Pope.

[3248] viperous] F₄. Viporous F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3249] one] our Theobald. moe Edd. conj.

[3250] deserved] deserving Pope.

[3251] enemies,] Ff. enemies? Hanmer.

[3252] do't] F₃ F₄. doo't F₁. doo' F₂.

[3253] kam] F₄. kamme F₁ F₂. kamm F₃. wrong Pope.

[3254] when ... him] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3255] Men.] Sicin. Hanmer (Warburton).

[3256] foot Being] foot-- Sic. Being Seymour conj.

[3257] is] it is Pope.

[3258] was.] was-- Rowe. was? Steevens.

[3259] catching] a catching F₄.

[3260] one word.] hear me one word: Hanmer. one word, I say. Seymour conj.

[3261] to's] t' its Johnson.

[3262] If it were so--] F₃ F₄. If it were so? F₁ F₂. If 'twere so-- Pope. If it were so, That he would yield obedience-- or If it were so, And he would prove obedient-- Badham conj.

[3263] smote] F₄. smot F₁ F₂ F₃.

resisted? Come] resisted? come-- Hanmer. resisted: come. F₁. resisted come. F₂. resisted, come. F₃ F₄. resisted, come-- Rowe.

[3264] has] hath Rowe.

[3265] he] Rowe. a Ff.

[3266] bring him] Pope. bring him in peace. Ff.

[3267] bring him ... In peace, to] bring him in peace Where ... lawful Form to Keightley.

[3268] humane] human Rowe.

[3269] Noble ... officer.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3270] market-place] forum Pope.

attend] tend Badham conj.

[3271] to you] to you strait Seymour conj. to you there Keightley.

[3272] Capell ends the lines Let me ... what.

[3273] [To the Senators] Hanmer.

[3274] worst] worse Warburton.

you] om. Pope.

let's] let us Capell.

First Sen.] Rowe. Sena. Ff.

[Exeunt.] Rowe. Exeunt Omnes. Ff.

[3275] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope. om. Ff.

A room....] Malone. A Hall.... Capell. The House of Coriolanus. Pope.

Patricians.] Capell. Nobles. Ff.

[3276] to them] om. Seymour conj.

them.] them. Enter Volumnia. Ff.

A Patrician.] Pat. Capell. Noble. Ff.

You ... nobler] You do the noble lady Volumnia wrong herein. or You do ... in this. Badham conj. You do the nobler part. Keightley.

[3277] my] om. Seymour conj.

[3278] me further] my father Badham conj.

[3279] woollen] Rowe. Wollen Ff. wooden Capell conj. (withdrawn).

[3280] to yawn] yawn Pope.

[3281] Enter Volumnia.] Transferred from line 6 by Dyce (Collier MS.)

[To his mother. Hanmer.

[3282] I play ... I am] I play Truly the man I am Hanmer. I play Nobly the man I am Capell. you are glad I play the man I am Badham conj.

[3283] sir, sir, sir,] son, son, son, Collier (Collier MS.)

[3284] Let go.] F₁. Let goe. F₂. Lets go. F₃. Let's go. F₄ Let it go. Theobald. Why, let it go-- Hanmer. Let it go all. Ritson conj. Let go, let go Anon. conj.

[3285] lesser] less Anon. conj.

[3286] thwartings of] Theobald. things of Ff. things that thwart Rowe.

dispositions] disposition Hanmer.

[3287] ye] you Hanmer.

[3288] come ... it.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3289] You have] you've Pope.

[3290] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sen. Ff.

[3291] as little apt] as little soft Singer conj. of mettle apt Staunton conj. as lightly rapt Leo conj. as little warp’d Bullock conj.

as yours,] as yours To brook control without the use of anger, Collier MS. as yours To brook reproof without the use of anger, Collier (ed. 2). as yours to yield, Keightley.

[3292] to the herd] Theobald (Warburton). to' th' heart Ff. o' the heart Collier (Collier MS.)

[3293] o'] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.

time] times Rowe (ed. 2).

[3294] I would] I’d Pope.

[3295] What ... spoke] Two lines, the first ending Well, in Capell.

[3296] to the gods] for the gods Rowe.

[3297] I have] I've Pope.

[3298] lose] F₃ F₄. loose F₁ F₂. loses Pope.

[3299] adopt] F₁ F₂ F₃. adapt F₄. call Pope.

is it] Ff. is't Pope.

[3300] honour] policy Seymour conj.

[3301] Because ... syllables] As in Malone. As six lines in Ff, ending that ... people ... matter ... words ... tongue; ... syllables. Capell ends the lines Because, ... people ... matter ... words, ... bastards, reading with F₂ in line 54.

[3302] that now] om. Pope, reading Because ... people as one line.

you on] on you Pope.

[3303] which your ... you] F₁. which your ... you to F₂ F₃ F₄. your ... you to Seymour conj. which your ... you with Keightley. which your own ... you Anon. conj.

[3304] that are] om. Pope.

roted in] Malone. roated in Ff. roated on Hanmer. rooted in Johnson.

[3305] though but] om. Pope. though nought but Jervis conj.]

though ... syllables] but bastards Capell. though but bastards, syllables Seymour conj. thought's bastards and but syllables Badham conj. thought's bastards, and persuading syllables or thought's bastards, and glib syllables Staunton conj.

[3306] allowance] alliance Capell (Johnson conj.)

to] from Mason conj.

[3307] I am] I'm Pope.

this,] Capell (Johnson conj.) this Ff.

[3308] son, these ... nobles;] son, these ... nobles.-- Theobald (Warburton). sonne: these ... nobles, Ff.

[3309] lady!] Rowe. lady, Ff.

[3310] Not] Not only Keightley.

[3311] this] thy Malone conj.

[3312] stretch'd it ... bussing] stretch'd it, with thy knee [here bends] Bussing Badham conj.

[3313] be with] bow to Anon. conj.

them] After this S. Walker conjectures that part of a line, ending thy knee, is lost.

[3314] waving ... often, thus,] baring ... softens: thus, Jackson conj.

[3315] waving] vailing Badham conj.

head] hand Hanmer (Warburton).

[3316] head, Which ... thus,] head--Which, often; thus Grant White. head Often thus, which Keightley.

[3317] Which often] With often Johnson conj. And often Capell. While often Staunton conj. Whiles-often Nicholson conj.

[3318] Which often, thus, ... humble] (Which humble thus;) ... soften'd Tyrwhitt conj. Which ... caractering, the stout hearts Now tumble Becket conj. Now humble--thus ... Which soften Badham conj.

[3319] often] soften Hanmer (Warburton).

[3320] Now ... That] Bow ... That Mason conj. Now's ... That Collier MS. That ... Now Reed (1803).

[3321] or] om. Hanmer.

[3322] they] them Hanmer.

[3323] speaks] speaks it Capell. why, their] why, all their Pope.

[3324] thou hadst] thou'dst Pope. thou would'st Seymour conj.

[3325] I have] I've Theobald.

[3326] make] have Rowe.

[3327] I think ... spirit] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Ff.

[3328] unbarb'd] Ff. unbarbed Rowe. imbared Becket conj. embarbed Nicholson conj.

[3329] must I, With ... heart] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

must I, With my] Must my Pope.

[3330] bear? Well,] Pope. beare well? Ff.

[3331] plot to lose,] Theobald. plot, to loose F₁ F₂. plot, to lose F₃ F₄. pelt to lose, Hanmer.

[3332] grind] bring Rowe.

[3333] You have] You've Pope.

which] See note (VIII).

[3334] I prithee] Ay, prithee Rowe.

[3335] quired] quier'd Ff.

drum, into a pipe] Pope. drum, into a pipe, Rowe. drumme into a pipe, Ff.

[3336] eunuch] eunuch's Hanmer.

[3337] lulls] Rowe. lull Ff.

[3338] sight] fight F₂.

[3339] Who] Which Pope.

[3340] suck'dst] Rowe (ed. 2). suck'st Ff.

[3341] owe] F₁. owne F₂. own F₃ F₄. ow'st Collier MS.

[3342] I am] I'm Pope.

[3343] [Exit.] Exit Volumnia. Ff.

[3344] they are] they're Pope, ending line 138 at arm.

[3345] Mildly!] (as you say,) mildly! Seymour conj. mildly be it then! Keightley.

[3346] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE VI. Pope.

The same. The Forum.] The Forum. Pope.

[3347] Tyrannical] Tyrannic Pope.

[3348] Was ... come?] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3349] Enter an Ædile.] As in Capell. In Ff it is placed after come?

[3350] Of all ... poll?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3351] poll?] Rowe. pole? Ff.

ready] ready, here Pope.

[3352] I have] F₁. I have: 'tis ready F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3353] o'] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3354] the old] their old Collier MS.

[3355] And ... them] And power. Æd. In the ... them. Mason conj.

i' the truth] o'er the truth Johnson conj. i' the teeth Badham conj.

shall] will Rowe.

[3356] Go about] Go, about Capell.

[Exit Ædile.] Pope. om. Ff.

[3357] conquer] canker Bullock conj.

[3358] and ... being] and (to have his worth) Of contradiction being Badham conj.

his worth Of] no word Of Hanmer. his word, Off Warburton.

[3359] worth] Ff. word Rowe. 'worth Capell. wroth Becket conj. mouth Collier (Collier MS.) wreak Keightley.

[3360] looks] works Hanmer.

[3361] Enter ... Senators and Patricians.] Enter ... others. Ff (after neck).

Senators and Patricians] Capell.

[3362] ostler] Hanmer. hostler Ff.

for the] F₃ F₄. for th' F₂. fourth F₁.

[3363] Will ... gods] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

the knave] 'thou knave' Anon. conj.

[3364] The ... war!] Com. The ... war! Anon. conj.

[3365] Supplied] Ff. Supply Pope.

among's!] Dyce. amongs F₁. amongst you, F₂ F₃ F₄. amongst you Pope. among us! Capell.

[3366] Throng] Theobald and Warburton. Through Ff.

[3367] Re-enter ...] Capell. Enter the Edile with the Plebeians. Ff.

[3368] List ... I say] As in Steevens. Two lines in Ff.

[3369] say.] Sir, say on.--Steevens conj.

ho!] ho! say on Seymour conj.

[3370] think Upon] Ff. Think on Pope, reading Think ... shew as one line.

[3371] churchyard] yard Badham conj.

[3372] Scratches ... only] As in Capell. Two lines, the first ending move, in Ff. One line in Theobald.

[3373] accents] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). actions Ff.

[3374] envy you.] envy, you-- Pope. envy to you. Keightley.

more.] more. [To Cor. Capell.

[3375] What] I will:--What Capell.

[3376] I am] I'm Pope.

so] om. Rowe (ed. 2).

the] i' the Keightley.

[3377] into] unto F₄.

[3378] fires] fire's Warburton (a misprint).

hell fold-in] hell fold in Pope. hell. Fould in F₁. hell, Fould in F₂ F₃ F₄.

[3379] deaths, In ... clutch'd as ... millions, in] deaths, In ... clucht as ... millions, in F₃ F₄ (clutcht F₄). deaths In ... clutcht: as ... millions in F₁ F₂.

[3380] lying] brutal or tribune Seymour conj.

numbers, I] F₃ F₄. numbers. I F₁ F₂.

[3381] As I do] As when I Seymour conj.

this, people] F₄. this people F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3382] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff.

[3383] To the rock, to the rock with him] To 'th' Rocke, to 'th' Rocke with him F₁. To 'th' Rocke with him F₂ F₃ F₄. To the rock with him, to the rock with him Capell.

[3384] even this ... kind] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3385] But ... Rome] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3386] Rome--] F₃ F₄. Rome. F₁ F₂.

[3387] I talk ... know] Two lines, the first ending Is this, in Capell.

[3388] mother?] F₂ F₃ F₄. mother F₁.

[3389] you,--] you.-- Rowe. you. Ff. you, yet to-- Seymour conj.

further] F₁ F₂. farther F₃ F₄.

[3390] flaying, pent] fleaing, pent Ff. fleaing. Pent Johnson.

[3391] courage] carriage Collier (Collier MS. and Singer MS.)

[3392] Envied] Inveigh'd Becket conj.

[3393] as now] has now Hanmer. and now Hudson conj.

[3394] not in the] not only in Hanmer.

presence] presence only Keightley.

[3395] justice] justice only Mason conj.

[3396] do] F₃ F₄. doe F₂. doth F₁.

it; in] Theobald. it, In Rowe (ed. 2). it. In Ff.

[3397] Rome] Rome's Rowe.

[3398] it shall be so] so it shall be Steevens (1793), reading it shall be so; let him away: he's banish'd, as one line.

[3399] friends,--] friends-- Rowe. friends. Ff.

[3400] for] Theobald. from Ff. 'fore Anon. conj.

[3401] country's] Rowe. countries Ff.

[3402] wife's] Rowe. wives Ff.

[3403] that--] Rowe. that. Ff. that I know,-- Capell.

[3404] hate] rate Badham conj.

[3405] not] Capell. but Ff.

[3406] foes] enemies Pope.

[3407] as most ... nation] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3408] blows!... city, thus] Capell. _blows. Despising then For you, the city, thus_ Pope. _blowes, despising For you the City. Thus_ Ff. blows! Despising, therefore For ... thus Steevens conj. blows! Despising you, For you, the city, thus Jackson conj. _blows! Despising, for you, The city, thus_ Keightley.

[3409] back] back upon it Keightley.

[3410] elsewhere.] elsewhere-- Pope.

[Exeunt ...] Exit Coriolanus: Menenius, Cominius, Sen. and Pat. follow. Capell. Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, with Cumalijs. F₁ F₂. Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, cum aliis. F₃ F₄.

[3411] enemy is] enemy's Singer.

Hoo! hoo!] Hoo, hoo. F₃ F₄. Hoo, oo. F₁ F₂. Omitted by Capell.

[They all ...] Ff (after Exeunt, &c.)

[3412] you, with all despite; Give] Capell. you, with all despight Give F₁ F₂. you, with all despight, Give F₃ F₄.

[3413] let's] lets Ff. let us Steevens.

gates] F₁. the gates F₂ F₃ F₄.

gates; come.] gates; come, come. Keightley (Capell conj.)

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Act IV, Scene I — Rome. Before a gate of the city.

Enter CORIOLANUS, VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, MENENIUS, COMINIUS, with the young Nobility of Rome.[3414]

Cor. Come, leave your tears; a brief farewell: the beast With many heads butts me away. Nay, mother, Where is your ancient courage? you were used To say extremity was the trier of spirits;[3415] That common chances common men could bear;[3416] 5 That when the sea was calm all boats alike Show'd mastership in floating; fortune's blows,[3417] When most struck home, being gentle wounded, craves[3417][3418][3419] A noble cunning: you were used to load me[3419][3420] With precepts that would make invincible 10 The heart that conn'd them.

Vir. O heavens! O heavens!

Cor. Nay, I prithee, woman,--[3421]

Vol. Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome, And occupations perish!

Cor. What, what, what! I shall be loved when I am lack'd. Nay, mother, 15 Resume that spirit, when you were wont to say, If you had been the wife of Hercules, Six of his labours you'ld have done, and saved Your husband so much sweat. Cominius, Droop not; adieu. Farewell, my wife, my mother: 20 I'll do well yet. Thou old and true Menenius, Thy tears are salter than a younger man's, And venomous to thine eyes. My sometime general, I have seen thee stern, and thou hast oft beheld[3422] Heart-hardening spectacles; tell these sad women, 25 'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes, As 'tis to laugh at 'em. My mother, you wot well[3423] My hazards still have been your solace: and Believe 't not lightly--though I go alone, Like to a lonely dragon, that his fen[3424] 30 Makes fear'd and talk'd of more than seen--your son Will or exceed the common, or be caught[3425] With cautelous baits and practice.

Vol. My first son,[3426] Whither wilt thou go? Take good Cominius[3427] With thee awhile: determine on some course,[3428] 35 More than a wild exposture to each chance[3429] That starts i' the way before thee.

Cor. O the gods![3430]

Com. I'll follow thee a month, devise with thee Where thou shalt rest, that thou mayst hear of us And we of thee: so, if the time thrust forth 40 A cause for thy repeal, we shall not send O'er the vast world to seek a single man, And lose advantage, which doth ever cool I' the absence of the needer.[3431]

Cor. Fare ye well: Thou hast years upon thee; and thou art too full[3432] 45 Of the wars' surfeits, to go rove with one[3433] That's yet unbruised: bring me but out at gate. Come, my sweet wife, my dearest mother, and My friends of noble touch, when I am forth, Bid me farewell, and smile. I pray you, come. 50 While I remain above the ground, you shall Hear from me still, and never of me aught But what is like me formerly.

Men. That's worthily As any ear can hear. Come, let's not weep. If I could shake off but one seven years 55 From these old arms and legs, by the good gods, I'ld with thee every foot.

Cor. Give me thy hand: Come. [Exeunt.[3434]

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