Act IV, Scene II — The same. A street near the gate.[3435]
Enter the two Tribunes, SICINIUS and BRUTUS, with the Ædile.
Sic. Bid them all home; he's gone, and we'll no further. The nobility are vex'd, whom we see have sided[3436] In his behalf.
Bru. Now we have shown our power, Let us seem humbler after it is done Than when it was a-doing.
Sic. Bid them home: 5 Say their great enemy is gone and they Stand in their ancient strength.
Bru. Dismiss them home. [Exit Ædile.[3437][3438] Here comes his mother.[3437]
Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and MENENIUS.[3439]
Sic. Let's not meet her.
Bru. Why?
Sic. They say she's mad.[3440]
Bru. They have ta'en note of us: keep on your way.[3440] 10
Vol. O, ye're well met: the hoarded plague o' the gods[3441][3442] Requite your love![3442][3443]
Men. Peace, peace; be not so loud.
Vol. If that I could for weeping, you should hear,-- Nay, and you shall hear some. [To Brutus] Will you be gone?[3444]
Vir. [To Sicinius] You shall stay too: I would I had the power[3445][3446] 15 To say so to my husband.[3446][3447]
Sic. Are you mankind?
Vol. Ay, fool; is that a shame? Note but this fool. Was not a man my father? Hadst thou foxship To banish him that struck more blows for Rome[3448] Than thou hast spoken words?[3449]
Sic. O blessed heavens! 20
Vol. Moe noble blows than ever thou wise words;[3450] And for Rome's good. I'll tell thee what; yet go:[3451] Nay, but thou shalt stay too: I would my son Were in Arabia, and thy tribe before him, His good sword in his hand.
Sic. What then?
Vir. What then![3452][3453] 25 He'ld make an end of thy posterity.[3452][3453]
Vol. Bastards and all.[3452] Good man, the wounds that he does bear for Rome![3452]
Men. Come, come, peace.
Sic. I would he had continued to his country 30 As he began, and not unknit himself The noble knot he made.[3454]
Bru. I would he had.
Vol. 'I would he had!' 'Twas you incensed the rabble; Cats, that can judge as fitly of his worth[3455] As I can of those mysteries which heaven 35 Will not have earth to know.
Bru. Pray, let us go.[3456]
Vol. Now, pray, sir, get you gone: You have done a brave deed. Ere you go, hear this:[3457] As far as doth the Capitol exceed The meanest house in Rome, so far my son-- 40 This lady's husband here, this, do you see?-- Whom you have banish'd, does exceed you all.
Bru. Well, well, we'll leave you.
Sic. Why stay we to be baited[3458] With one that wants her wits?
Vol. Take my prayers with you.
[Exeunt Tribunes.[3459]
I would the gods had nothing else to do[3460] 45 But to confirm my curses! Could I meet 'em[3461] But once a-day, it would unclog my heart Of what lies heavy to 't.
Men. You have told them home;[3462][3463] And, by my troth, you have cause. You'll sup with me?[3462][3464]
Vol. Anger's my meat; I sup upon myself, 50 And so shall starve with feeding. Come, let's go:[3465] Leave this faint puling, and lament as I do,[3466] In anger, Juno-like. Come, come, come.[3467]
[Exeunt Vol. and Vir.[3468]
Men. Fie, fie, fie! [Exit.[3467][3469]
Act IV, Scene III — A highway between Rome and Antium.
Enter a Roman and a Volsce, meeting.[3470]
Rom. I know you well, sir, and you know me: your name, I think, is Adrian.
Vols. It is so, sir: truly, I have forgot you.
Rom. I am a Roman; and my services are, as you are,[3471] against 'em: know you me yet?[3472] 5
Vols. Nicanor? no.[3473]
Rom. The same, sir.
Vols. You had more beard when I last saw you; but your favour is well appeared by your tongue. What's the[3474] news in Rome? I have a note from the Volscian state, to 10 find you out there: you have well saved me a day's journey.[3475]
Rom. There hath been in Rome strange insurrections;[3476] the people against the senators, patricians and nobles.
Vols. Hath been! is it ended then? Our state thinks[3477] not so: they are in a most warlike preparation, and hope 15 to come upon them in the heat of their division.
Rom. The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again: for the nobles receive so to heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus, that they are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people and 20 to pluck from them their tribunes for ever. This lies glowing, I can tell you, and is almost mature for the violent breaking out.
Vols. Coriolanus banished!
Rom. Banished, sir. 25
Vols. You will be welcome with this intelligence, Nicanor.
Rom. The day serves well for them now. I have heard it said, the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is when she's fallen out with her husband. Your noble Tullus Aufidius 30 will appear well in these wars, his great opposer, Coriolanus,[3478] being now in no request of his country.
Vols. He cannot choose. I am most fortunate, thus accidentally to encounter you: you have ended my business, and I will merrily accompany you home. 35
Rom. I shall, between this and supper, tell you most strange things from Rome; all tending to the good of their adversaries. Have you an army ready, say you?
Vols. A most royal one; the centurions and their charges, distinctly billeted, already in the entertainment, 40 and to be on foot at an hour's warning.
Rom. I am joyful to hear of their readiness, and am the man, I think, that shall set them in present action. So, sir, heartily well met, and most glad of your company.
Vols. You take my part from me, sir; I have the most[3479] 45 cause to be glad of yours.
Rom. Well, let us go together. [Exeunt.
Act IV, Scene IV — Antium. Before Aufidius's house.[3480]
Enter CORIOLANUS in mean apparel, disguised and muffled.
Cor. A goodly city is this Antium. City, 'Tis I that made thy widows: many an heir Of these fair edifices 'fore my wars[3481] Have I heard groan and drop: then know me not; Lest that thy wives with spits, and boys with stones,[3482] 5 In puny battle slay me.
Enter a Citizen.[3483]
Save you, sir.
Cit. And you.
Cor. Direct me, if it be your will,[3484] Where great Aufidius lies: is he in Antium?[3484]
Cit. He is, and feasts the nobles of the state[3484] At his house this night.[3484]
Cor. Which is his house, beseech you?[3485] 10
Cit. This, here, before you.
Cor. Thank you, sir: farewell.
[Exit Citizen.
O world, thy slippery turns! Friends now fast sworn, Whose double bosoms seem to wear one heart,[3486] Whose hours, whose bed, whose meal and exercise[3487] Are still together, who twin, as 'twere, in love[3488] 15 Unseparable, shall within this hour, On a dissension of a doit, break out To bitterest enmity: so, fellest foes, Whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep To take the one the other, by some chance, 20 Some trick not worth an egg, shall grow dear friends And interjoin their issues. So with me: My birth-place hate I, and my love's upon[3489] This enemy town. I'll enter: if he slay me,[3490] He does fair justice; if he give me way, 25 I'll do his country service. [Exit.
Act IV, Scene V — The same. A hall in Aufidius's house.[3491]
Music within. Enter a Servingman.
First Serv. Wine, wine, wine!--What service is here! I think our fellows are asleep. [Exit.[3492]
Enter another Servingman.
Sec. Serv. Where's Cotus? my master calls for him.[3493] Cotus! [Exit.
Enter CORIOLANUS.
Cor. A goodly house: the feast smells well; but I[3494][3495] 5 Appear not like a guest.[3494][3496]
Re-enter the first Servingman.[3497]
First Serv. What would you have, friend? whence are you? Here's no place for you: pray, go to the door. [Exit.[3498]
Cor. I have deserved no better entertainment,[3499] In being Coriolanus.[3499] 10
Re-enter second Servingman.[3500]
Sec. Serv. Whence are you, sir? Has the porter his eyes in his head, that he gives entrance to such companions? Pray, get you out.
Cor. Away!
Sec. Serv. 'Away!' get you away. 15
Cor. Now thou'rt troublesome.[3501]
Sec. Serv. Are you so brave? I'll have you talked with anon.[3502]
Enter a third Servingman. The first meets him.[3503]
Third Serv. What fellow's this?
First Serv. A strange one as ever I looked on: I cannot[3504] 20 get him out o' the house: prithee, call my master to him.
[Retires.[3505]
Third Serv. What have you to do here, fellow? Pray you, avoid the house.
Cor. Let me but stand; I will not hurt your hearth.
Third Serv. What are you? 25
Cor. A gentleman.
Third Serv. A marvellous poor one.
Cor. True, so I am.
Third Serv. Pray you, poor gentleman, take up some other station; here's no place for you; pray you, avoid: 30 come.[3506]
Cor. Follow your function, go, and batten on cold bits.[3507]
[Pushes him away from him.
Third Serv. What, you will not? Prithee, tell my[3508] master what a strange guest he has here.
Sec. Serv. And I shall. [Exit.[3509] 35
Third Serv. Where dwell'st thou?[3510]
Cor. Under the canopy.
Third Serv. Under the canopy!
Cor. Ay.
Third Serv. Where's that? 40
Cor. I' the city of kites and crows.
Third Serv. I' the city of kites and crows! What an[3511] ass it is! Then thou dwell'st with daws too?[3510]
Cor. No, I serve not thy master.
Third Serv. How, sir! do you meddle with my master? 45
Cor. Ay; 'tis an honester service than to meddle with[3512] thy mistress:[3512] Thou pratest, and pratest; serve with thy trencher, hence! [Beats him away. Exit third Servingman.
Enter AUFIDIUS with the second Servingman.[3513]
Auf. Where is this fellow?
Sec. Serv. Here, sir: I'ld have beaten him like a dog, 50 but for disturbing the lords within. [Retires.[3514]
Auf. Whence comest thou? what wouldst thou? thy name?[3515] Why speak'st not? speak, man: what's thy name?[3516]
Cor. [Unmuffling] If, Tullus,[3517][3518] Not yet thou knowest me, and, seeing me, dost not[3518] Think me for the man I am, necessity[3518][3519] 55 Commands me name myself.[3518][3520]
Auf. What is thy name?
Cor. A name unmusical to the Volscians' ears,[3521] And harsh in sound to thine.
Auf. Say, what's thy name? Thou hast a grim appearance, and thy face Bears a command in 't; though thy tackle's torn,[3522] 60 Thou show'st a noble vessel: what's thy name?
Cor. Prepare thy brow to frown:--know'st thou me yet?
Auf. I know thee not:--thy name?[3523]
Cor. My name is Caius Marcius, who hath done[3524] To thee particularly, and to all the Volsces, 65 Great hurt and mischief; thereto witness may My surname, Coriolanus: the painful service, The extreme dangers, and the drops of blood Shed for my thankless country, are requited[3525] But with that surname; a good memory,[3526] 70 And witness of the malice and displeasure Which thou shouldst bear me: only that name remains:[3527] The cruelty and envy of the people,[3528] Permitted by our dastard nobles, who Have all forsook me, hath devour'd the rest; 75 And suffer'd me by the voice of slaves to be Whoop'd out of Rome. Now, this extremity[3529] Hath brought me to thy hearth: not out of hope-- Mistake me not--to save my life, for if I had fear'd death, of all the men i' the world 80 I would have 'voided thee; but in mere spite,[3530] To be full quit of those my banishers, Stand I before thee here. Then if thou hast A heart of wreak in thee, that wilt revenge[3531] Thine own particular wrongs and stop those maims[3532] 85 Of shame seen through thy country, speed thee straight,[3532] And make my misery serve thy turn: so use it That my revengeful services may prove As benefits to thee; for I will fight Against my canker'd country with the spleen 90 Of all the under fiends. But if so be Thou darest not this and that to prove more fortunes Thou'rt tired, then, in a word, I also am[3533] Longer to live most weary, and present My throat to thee and to thy ancient malice; 95 Which not to cut would show thee but a fool,[3534] Since I have ever follow'd thee with hate, Drawn tuns of blood out of thy country's breast, And cannot live but to thy shame, unless It be to do thee service.
Auf. O Marcius, Marcius![3535] 100 Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart[3536] A root of ancient envy. If Jupiter[3537] Should from yond cloud speak divine things,[3538] And say 'Tis true,' I'ld not believe them more[3539] Than thee, all noble Marcius. Let me twine[3540] 105 Mine arms about that body, where against[3541] My grained ash an hundred times hath broke, And scarr'd the moon with splinters: here I clip[3542] The anvil of my sword, and do contest As hotly and as nobly with thy love 110 As ever in ambitious strength I did Contend against thy valour. Know thou first,[3543] I loved the maid I married; never man[3543] Sigh'd truer breath; but that I see thee here, Thou noble thing! more dances my rapt heart 115 Than when I first my wedded mistress saw Bestride my threshold. Why, thou Mars! I tell thee,[3544] We have a power on foot; and I had purpose Once more to hew thy target from thy brawn, Or lose mine arm for't: thou hast beat me out[3545] 120 Twelve several times, and I have nightly since Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thyself and me; We have been down together in my sleep, Unbuckling helms, fisting each other's throat; And waked half dead with nothing. Worthy Marcius, 125 Had we no quarrel else to Rome but that[3546] Thou art thence banish'd, we would muster all From twelve to seventy, and pouring war Into the bowels of ungrateful Rome, Like a bold flood o'er-beat. O, come, go in,[3547] 130 And take our friendly senators by the hands, Who now are here, taking their leaves of me, Who am prepared against your territories, Though not for Rome itself.
Cor. You bless me, gods!
Auf. Therefore, most absolute sir, if thou wilt have 135 The leading of thine own revenges, take The one half of my commission, and set down--[3548] As best thou art experienced, since thou know'st Thy country's strength and weakness--thine own ways; Whether to knock against the gates of Rome, 140 Or rudely visit them in parts remote, To fright them, ere destroy. But come in:[3549] Let me commend thee first to those that shall[3550] Say yea to thy desires. A thousand welcomes! And more a friend than e'er an enemy; 145 Yet, Marcius, that was much. Your hand: most welcome!
[Exeunt Coriolanus and Aufidius. The two Servingmen come forward.[3551]
First Serv. Here's a strange alteration![3552]
Sec. Serv. By my hand, I had thought to have strucken[3553] him with a cudgel; and yet my mind gave me his clothes[3554] made a false report of him. 150
First Serv. What an arm he has! he turned me about with his finger and his thumb, as one would set up a top.
Sec. Serv. Nay, I knew by his face that there was something in him: he had, sir, a kind of face, methought,--I[3555] cannot tell how to term it. 155
First Serv. He had so; looking as it were--Would I[3556] were hanged, but I thought there was more in him than I could think.
Sec. Serv. So did I, I'll be sworn: he is simply the rarest man i' the world. 160
First Serv. I think he is: but a greater soldier than he, you wot one.[3557]
Sec. Serv. Who? my master?[3558]
First Serv. Nay, it's no matter for that.
Sec. Serv. Worth six on him. 165
First Serv. Nay, not so neither: but I take him to be the greater soldier.
Sec. Serv. Faith, look you, one cannot tell how to say that: for the defence of a town, our general is excellent.
First Serv. Ay, and for an assault too. 170
Re-enter third Servingman.[3559]
Third Serv. O slaves, I can tell you news; news, you[3560] rascals!
First and Sec. Serv. What, what, what? let's partake.[3561]
Third Serv. I would not be a Roman, of all nations; I had as lieve be a condemned man.[3562] 175
First and Sec. Serv. Wherefore? wherefore?[3561]
Third Serv. Why, here's he that was wont to thwack our general, Caius Marcius.
First Serv. Why do you say, thwack our general?
Third Serv. I do not say, thwack our general; but he 180 was always good enough for him.
Sec. Serv. Come, we are fellows and friends: he was ever too hard for him; I have heard him say so himself.
First Serv. He was too hard for him directly, to say the troth on 't: before Corioli he scotched him and notched[3563] 185 him like a carbonado.[3564]
Sec. Serv. An he had been cannibally given, he might[3565] have broiled and eaten him too.[3566]
First Serv. But, more of thy news?[3567]
Third Serv. Why, he is so made on here within as if 190 he were son and heir to Mars; set at upper end o' the table; no question asked him by any of the senators, but they stand bald before him. Our general himself makes a mistress of him; sanctifies himself with 's hand, and turns[3568] up the white o' the eye to his discourse. But the bottom of 195 the news is, our general is cut i' the middle, and but one half of what he was yesterday; for the other has half, by the entreaty and grant of the whole table. He'll go, he says, and sowl the porter of Rome gates by the ears: he will[3569] mow all down before him, and leave his passage poll'd.[3570] 200
Sec. Serv. And he's as like to do't as any man I can imagine.
Third Serv. Do't! he will do't; for, look you, sir, he has as many friends as enemies; which friends, sir, as it were, durst not, look you, sir, show themselves, as we term 205 it, his friends whilst he's in directitude.[3571][3572]
First Serv. Directitude! what's that?[3572]
Third Serv. But when they shall see, sir, his crest up again and the man in blood, they will out of their burrows, like conies after rain, and revel all with him.[3573] 210
First Serv. But when goes this forward?
Third Serv. To-morrow; to-day; presently: you shall have the drum struck up this afternoon: 'tis, as it were, a parcel of their feast, and to be executed ere they wipe their lips. 215
Sec. Serv. Why, then we shall have a stirring world again. This peace is nothing, but to rust iron, increase[3574] tailors and breed ballad-makers.
First Serv. Let me have war, say I; it exceeds peace as far as day does night; it's spritely, waking, audible, and[3575] 220 full of vent. Peace is a very apoplexy, lethargy, mull'd,[3576] deaf, sleepy, insensible; a getter of more bastard children[3577] than war's a destroyer of men.[3578]
Sec. Serv. 'Tis so: and as war, in some sort, may be[3579] said to be a ravisher, so it cannot be denied but peace is a 225 great maker of cuckolds.
First Serv. Ay, and it makes men hate one another.
Third Serv. Reason; because they then less need one another. The wars for my money. I hope to see Romans as cheap as Volscians. They are rising, they are rising. 230
First and Sec. Serv. In, in, in, in! [Exeunt.[3580]
Act IV, Scene VI — Rome. A public place.[3581]
Enter the two Tribunes, SICINIUS and BRUTUS.
Sic. We hear not of him, neither need we fear him; His remedies are tame i' the present peace[3582] And quietness of the people, which before Were in wild hurry. Here do we make his friends[3583] Blush that the world goes well; who rather had, 5 Though they themselves did suffer by't, behold[3584] Dissentious numbers pestering streets than see Our tradesmen singing in their shops and going About their functions friendly.
Bru. We stood to 't in good time.
Enter MENENIUS.
Is this Menenius?[3585] 10
Sic. 'Tis he, 'tis he: O, he is grown most kind[3586] Of late. Hail, sir![3586][3587]
Men. Hail to you both!
Sic. Your Coriolanus is not much miss'd,[3588] But with his friends: the commonwealth doth stand;[3588] And so would do, were he more angry at it.[3588] 15
Men. All's well; and might have been much better, if[3588] He could have temporized.[3588]
Sic. Where is he, hear you?
Men. Nay, I hear nothing: his mother and his wife[3589] Hear nothing from him.[3589]
Enter three or four Citizens.
Citizens. The gods preserve you both![3590]
Sic. God-den, our neighbours.[3591][3592] 20
Bru. God-den to you all, god-den to you all.[3591]
First Cit. Ourselves, our wives, and children, on our knees, Are bound to pray for you both.
Sic. Live, and thrive![3593]
Bru. Farewell, kind neighbours: we wish'd Coriolanus[3594] Had loved you as we did.[3594]
Citizens. Now the gods keep you![3590] 25
Both Tri. Farewell, farewell. [Exeunt Citizens.
Sic. This is a happier and more comely time Than when these fellows ran about the streets, Crying confusion.
Bru. Caius Marcius was A worthy officer i' the war, but insolent, 30 O'ercome with pride, ambitious past all thinking,[3595] Self-loving,--[3596]
Sic. And affecting one sole throne,[3597][3598] Without assistance.[3597]
Men. I think not so.[3599]
Sic. We should by this, to all our lamentation,[3600] If he had gone forth consul, found it so.[3601] 35
Bru. The gods have well prevented it, and Rome Sits safe and still without him.
Enter an Ædile.
Æd. Worthy tribunes, There is a slave, whom we have put in prison, Reports, the Volsces with two several powers Are enter'd in the Roman territories, 40 And with the deepest malice of the war Destroy what lies before 'em.[3602]
Men. 'Tis Aufidius, Who, hearing of our Marcius' banishment, Thrusts forth his horns again into the world; Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome, 45 And durst not once peep out.
Sic. Come, what talk you[3603] Of Marcius?[3603]
Bru. Go see this rumourer whipp'd. It cannot be[3604] The Volsces dare break with us.
Men. Cannot be! We have record that very well it can, 50 And three examples of the like have been[3605] Within my age. But reason with the fellow, Before you punish him, where he heard this, Lest you shall chance to whip your information And beat the messenger who bids beware 55 Of what is to be dreaded.
Sic. Tell not me:[3606] I know this cannot be.[3606]
Bru. Not possible.
Enter a Messenger.
Mess. The nobles in great earnestness are going All to the senate-house: some news is come[3607] That turns their countenances.
Sic. 'Tis this slave; 60 Go whip him 'fore the people's eyes: his raising; Nothing but his report.
Mess. Yes, worthy sir, The slave's report is seconded; and more, More fearful, is deliver'd.[3608]
Sic. What more fearful?
Mess. It is spoke freely out of many mouths-- 65 How probable I do not know--that Marcius, Join'd with Aufidius, leads a power 'gainst Rome, And vows revenge as spacious as between The young'st and oldest thing.[3609]
Sic. This is most likely![3610]
Bru. Raised only, that the weaker sort may wish[3610] 70 Good Marcius home again.[3610][3611]
Sic. The very trick on't.
Men. This is unlikely: He and Aufidius can no more atone[3612] Than violentest contrariety.
Enter a second Messenger.[3613]
Sec. Mess. You are sent for to the senate:[3614] 75 A fearful army, led by Caius Marcius Associated with Aufidius, rages Upon our territories; and have already[3615] O'erborne their way, consumed with fire, and took What lay before them. 80
Enter COMINIUS.
Com. O, you have made good work!
Men. What news? what news?
Com. You have holp to ravish your own daughters, and To melt the city leads upon your pates; To see your wives dishonour'd to your noses,--[3616]
Men. What's the news? what's the news? 85
Com. Your temples burned in their cement, and[3617] Your franchises, whereon you stood, confined Into an auger's bore.[3618]
Men. Pray now, your news?-- You have made fair work, I fear me.--Pray, your news?-- If Marcius should be join'd with Volscians,--[3619]
Com. If![3620] 90 He is their god: he leads them like a thing[3620] Made by some other deity than nature, That shapes man better; and they follow him, Against us brats, with no less confidence Than boys pursuing summer butterflies, 95 Or butchers killing flies.
Men. You have made good work,[3621] You and your apron-men; you that stood so much[3622] Upon the voice of occupation and The breath of garlic-eaters!
Com. He'll shake your Rome about your ears.[3623]
Men. As Hercules[3624] 100 Did shake down mellow fruit. You have made fair work![3624]
Bru. But is this true, sir?
Com. Ay; and you'll look pale Before you find it other. All the regions[3625] Do smilingly revolt; and who resist[3626] Are mock'd for valiant ignorance,[3627] 105 And perish constant fools. Who is't can blame him?[3628] Your enemies and his find something in him.[3628]
Men. We are all undone, unless[3628][3629] The noble man have mercy.
Com. Who shall ask it? The tribunes cannot do't for shame; the people 110 Deserve such pity of him as the wolf Does of the shepherds: for his best friends, if they[3630] Should say 'Be good to Rome,' they charged him even[3631] As those should do that had deserved his hate,[3631] And therein show'd like enemies.[3631]
Men. 'Tis true:[3632] 115 If he were putting to my house the brand[3632] That should consume it, I have not the face[3633] To say 'Beseech you, cease.' You have made fair hands,[3634] You and your crafts! you have crafted fair![3635][3634]
Com. You have brought A trembling upon Rome, such as was never 120 So incapable of help.
Both Tri. Say not, we brought it.[3636]
Men. How! was it we? we loved him; but, like beasts[3637][3638] And cowardly nobles, gave way unto your clusters,[3637][3639] Who did hoot him out o' the city.[3637][3640]
Com. But I fear They'll roar him in again. Tullus Aufidius, 125 The second name of men, obeys his points As if he were his officer: desperation Is all the policy, strength and defence, That Rome can make against them.
Enter a troop of Citizens.
Men. Here come the clusters[3641] And is Aufidius with him? You are they 130 That made the air unwholesome, when you cast[3642] Your stinking greasy caps in hooting at[3643] Coriolanus' exile. Now he's coming;[3643][3644] And not a hair upon a soldier's head Which will not prove a whip: as many coxcombs 135 As you threw caps up will he tumble down, And pay you for your voices. 'Tis no matter; If he could burn us all into one coal,[3645] We have deserved it.
Citizens. Faith, we hear fearful news.[3646]
First Cit. For mine own part, 140 When I said, banish him, I said, 'twas pity.
Sec. Cit. And so did I.
Third Cit. And so did I; and, to say the truth, so did[3647] very many of us: that we did, we did for the best; and though we willingly consented to his banishment, yet it was 145 against our will.
Com. Ye're goodly things, you voices![3648]
Men. You have made[3649][3650] Good work, you and your cry! Shall 's to the Capitol?[3649]
Com. O, ay, what else? [Exeunt Cominius and Menenius.[3651]
Sic. Go, masters, get you home; be not dismay'd: 150 These are a side that would be glad to have This true which they so seem to fear. Go home, And show no sign of fear.
First Cit. The gods be good to us! Come, masters, let's home. I ever said we were i' the wrong when we 155 banished him.
Sec. Cit. So did we all. But, come, let's home.
[Exeunt Citizens.[3652]
Bru. I do not like this news.
Sic. Nor I.
Bru. Let's to the Capitol: would half my wealth 160 Would buy this for a lie!
Sic. Pray, let us go. [Exeunt.[3653]
Act IV, Scene VII — A camp, at a small distance from Rome.
Enter AUFIDIUS with his Lieutenant.[3654]
Auf. Do they still fly to the Roman?
Lieu. I do not know what witchcraft's in him, but[3655] Your soldiers use him as the grace 'fore meat, Their talk at table and their thanks at end; And you are darken'd in this action, sir, 5 Even by your own.
Auf. I cannot help it now,[3656] Unless, by using means, I lame the foot[3656] Of our design. He bears himself more proudlier,[3657] Even to my person, than I thought he would When first I did embrace him: yet his nature 10 In that's no changeling; and I must excuse What cannot be amended.
Lieu. Yet I wish, sir-- I mean for your particular--you had not Join'd in commission with him; but either[3658][3659] Had borne the action of yourself, or else[3658][3659] 15 To him had left it solely.[3658]
Auf. I understand thee well; and be thou sure, When he shall come to his account, he knows not What I can urge against him. Although it seems,[3660] And so he thinks, and is no less apparent 20 To the vulgar eye, that he bears all things fairly, And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state, Fights dragon-like, and does achieve as soon As draw his sword, yet he hath left undone That which shall break his neck or hazard mine, 25 Whene'er we come to our account.[3661]
Lieu. Sir, I beseech you, think you he'll carry Rome?[3661][3662]
Auf. All places yield to him ere he sits down;[3663] And the nobility of Rome are his: The senators and patricians love him too:[3664] 30 The tribunes are no soldiers; and their people Will be as rash in the repeal, as hasty To expel him thence. I think he'll be to Rome As is the osprey to the fish, who takes it[3665] By sovereignty of nature. First he was 35 A noble servant to them; but he could not Carry his honours even: whether 'twas pride,[3666] Which out of daily fortune ever taints The happy man; whether defect of judgement,[3667] To fail in the disposing of those chances 40 Which he was lord of; or whether nature,[3668][3669] Not to be other than one thing, not moving[3669] From the casque to the cushion, but commanding peace[3670] Even with the same austerity and garb As he controll'd the war; but one of these-- 45 As he hath spices of them all, not all,[3671][3672] For I dare so far free him--made him fear'd,[3671] So hated, and so banish'd: but he has a merit,[3673] To choke it in the utterance. So our virtues[3674] Lie in the interpretation of the time;[3675] 50 And power, unto itself most commendable, Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair[3676] To extol what it hath done. One fire drives out one fire; one nail, one nail; Rights by rights fouler, strengths by strengths do fail.[3677] 55 Come, let's away. When, Caius, Rome is thine, Thou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine. [Exeunt.[3678]
FOOTNOTES:
[3414] ACT IV. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Quartus. Ff.
Rome. Before ...] Malone. Without the walls of Rome. Rowe. The Gates of Rome. Pope. Before the gates of Rome. Theobald.
Enter ... with the young Nobility of Rome.] Ff. Enter ... Senators and Patricians. Capell.
[3415] extremity was] F₃ F₄. extreamity was F₂. extreamities was F₁. extremities were Malone.
[3416] chances common] F₄. chances, common F₂ F₃. chances. Common F₁.
[3417] fortune's blows ... craves] fortune bows When most struck home; being gentle, wounded, craves Staunton conj. (withdrawn). that fortune's blows ... craves Keightley.
[3418] struck] F₄. strooke F₁ F₂. strook F₃.
being ... craves] beget in wounded cravens or bring gentle wounded cravens Bullock conj.
gentle wounded, craves] Ff. gently warded, craves Pope. greatly warded, crave Hanmer. gently wounded craves Capell. gentle-minded craves Collier (Collier MS.)
[3419] home ... noble] home, then most demand a patient And a skilful healer, being gentle-wounded craves No noble or home, demand a patient and A skilful healer, being ... No noble Nicholson conj.]
gentle ... cunning:] gentle, the wounded braves: A noble cunning! Becket conj.
[3420] cunning] calling Leo conj.
[3421] woman,--] woman-- Rowe. woman. Ff.
[3422] I have] I've Pope.
[3423] As 'tis] Easy Anon. conj.
My ... well] Ff. My ... not well Rowe. Mother, you wot Pope.
[3424] fen] den Grey conj.
[3425] or] or not Keightley.
[3426] My first son] First, my son Hanmer. My fierce son Heath conj. My fairest son Keightley.
[3427] Whither wilt thou] Capell. Whether will thou F₁. Whither will you F₂ F₃ F₄. Where will you Pope.
[3428] awhile] F₁. a while F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3429] exposture] exposure Rowe.
[3430] Cor.] Vir. Keightley. Com. Anon. conj.
[3431] I' the] I h' F₂.
[3432] Thou hast] Thou'st Pope.
[3433] wars'] Steevens (1793). warres F₁ F₂. warrs F₃. wars F₄. war's Rowe.
[3434] every] evere F₂.
Give ... Come] As in Steevens. One line in Ff.
Come] om. Pope.
[3435] SCENE II. Pope.
The same. A street ...] The same. Street leading from the Gate. Capell.
[3436] The ... vex'd] Capell. The ... vexed Ff. Vex'd are the nobles Pope.
whom] Ff. who Rowe (ed. 2).
[3437] Dismiss ... mother] As in Pope. One line in Ff.
[3438] [Exit Ædile.] Capell. om. Ff.
[3439] Enter ...] Ff. Transferred to follow line 10 by Dyce.
[3440] They say ... us] As in Ff. One line in Capell.
[3441] ye're] y'are Ff. you're Capell.
[3442] the hoarded ... love] As in Capell. One line in Ff.
[3443] Requite] F₃ F₄. requit F₁ F₂.
[3444] [To Brutus] Johnson. om. Ff.
To Virgilia. Hanmer.
[3445] [To Sicinius] Johnson. om. Ff.
[3446] You ... husband.] Continued to Volumnia. Hanmer.
[3447] my] thy Hanmer.
[3448] struck] F₄. strooke F₁ F₂. strook F₃.
[3449] words?] Hanmer. words. Ff. words-- Rowe.
[3450] Moe] F₁ F₂. More F₃ F₄.
[3451] good. I'll] good. Ile F₁. good Ile F₂ F₃. good, I'le F₄.
[3452] Vir. What then ... posterity. Vol. Bastards ... Rome.] Vol. What then ... Rome. Hanmer.
[3453] What then!... posterity] As in Hanmer. One line in Ff.
[3454] he made] is made Rowe (ed. 2).
[3455] Cats] Curs Collier MS. Bats Staunton conj.
[3456] let us] Pope. let's Ff.
[3457] You have] You've Pope.
[3458] stay we] F₁. stay you F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3459] [Exeunt Tribunes.] F₄ (after wits?). Exit Tribunes. F₁ F₂ F₃ (after wits?).
[3460] would] wish Rowe.
[3461] 'em] them Malone.
[3462] You have ... you have] You've ... have Pope.
[3463] told] toll'd Malone conj.
[3464] me?] F₃ F₄. me. F₁ F₂.
[3465] starve] F₃ F₄. sterve F₁ F₂.
[3466] [To Virgilia. Hanmer.
[3467] Come, come, come. Men. Fie, fie, fie!] Come, come, fie, fie. Pope. Come, come. Men. Fie, fie! Seymour conj.
[3468] [Exeunt Vol. and Vir.] Exeunt. Ff. om. Rowe.
[3469] Men.] F₃ F₄. Mene. F₁ F₂. om. Rowe.
[Exit.] Ff. Exeunt. Rowe.
[3470] SCENE III.] Pope. SCENE II. Rowe.
A highway ...] Malone. Antium. Rowe. Volcian Territories. A Highway. Capell. Between Rome and Antium. Steevens.
meeting] Capell. om. Ff.
[3471] and] but Pope.
[3472] 'em] them Malone.
[3473] Nicanor?] F₃ F₄. Nicanor: F₁ F₂.
[3474] is] has Malone conj.
appeared] appear'd F₁ F₃ F₄. appeard F₂. affeer'd Hanmer. appeal'd Warburton. apparel'd Jackson conj. approved Collier, ed. 2 (Steevens conj.) appayed Singer.
[3475] there] F₁. here F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3476] insurrections] insurrection Steevens (1778).
[3477] been!] Rowe. bin; F₁ F₂. been; F₃ F₄.
[3478] will] well F₁.
[3479] from] for Warburton.
[3480] SCENE IV.] Capell. Pope continues the scene.
Antium ...] Capell.
[3481] 'fore] Johnson. fore F₁. for F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3482] and] an F₂.
[3483] Enter ...] Ff, after sir.
[3484] Direct ... night.] As in Capell. Prose in Ff. Verse first by Johnson, ending line 7 at great.
[3485] beseech] I beseech Rowe.
[3486] seem to wear one] F₄. seemes to weare one F₁. seene weare on F₂. seen wear on F₃.
[3487] hours] Houres F₁ F₂. Hours F₃ F₄. house Dyce (Collier MS.)
[3488] twin] Twine F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3489] birth-place hate ... love's upon] Capell. birth-place haue I, and my loues vpon F₁. birth-lace have I, and my lover upon F₂ F₃. birth-place have I, and my Lover left; upon F₄. birth-place have I, and my lovers left; upon Rowe. birth-place have I and my lovers left; Pope. Johnson conjectures that a line is lost here. country have I and my lovers lost Becket conj.
birth-place] country misquoted in Johnson's note.
[3490] This ... enter] This enemy's house I'll enter Hanmer. The enemy's town I've entered Becket conj.
enemy] Enemie F₁ F₂ F₃ Enemy's F₄. enemies' Steevens conj. (from North's Plutarch).
town.] Towne: F₁. Towne F₂. Town F₃ F₄.
[3491] SCENE V.] Capell. SCENE II. Rowe. SCENE IV. Pope.
A hall ...] Rowe. within.] Capell. playes. Ff.
[3492] [Exit.] Rowe. om. Ff.
[3493] master] F₄. M. F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3494] A ... guest.] As in Pope. The first line ends at house: in Ff. Prose in Warburton.
[3495] well] F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3496] [goes toward the Hearth. Capell.
[3497] Re-enter ...] Enter ... Ff. Re-enter the first Servant, with Wine. Capell.
[3498] door.] F₄. doore? F₁ F₂. dore F₃.
[3499] I ... Coriolanus.] As in Capell. Prose in Ff.
[3500] Re-enter ...] Enter second Servant. Ff. Re-enter second servant. Capell.
[3501] thou'rt] th'art F₁ F₄. th' F₂. th' F₃. thou art Steevens.
[3502] anon.] anon. [going. Capell.
[3503] Enter ... him.] Enter 3 Servingmen, the 1 meets him. F₁ F₂. Enter 3 Servingmen, the first meets him. F₃. Enter three Servingmen.... F₄. Enter a third Servant.... Rowe.
The first meets him.] Omitted by Capell.
[3504] First Serv.] 1. Ff. 2. S. Capell.
[3505] [Retires.] Edd.
[3506] come] om. Capell conj., reading 25-32 as four lines, ending one ... gentleman, ... place ... go.
[3507] As two half lines, the first ending go, in Capell.
[3508] you will not?] will you not? Pope.
[3509] [Exit.] Capell. Exit second Servingman. Ff.
[3510] dwell'st] dwellest Reed (1803).
[3511] crows!] crowes? F₁. crowes. F₂. crows. F₃ F₄.
[3512] Ay ... mistress:] As a verse in Singer.
[3513] Thou ... hence!] Verse in Capell. Prose in Ff.
[Beats ... Exit ...] Beats him away. Ff.
Enter ...] Enter A., and second Servant. Capell. Enter Auffidius with the Servingman. F₁ F₂. Enter ... with a Servingman. F₃ F₄.
[3514] [Retires.] Edd.
[3515] what wouldst] and what wouldest Capell. what wouldest Steevens.
thou] F₃ F₄. yͧ F₁ F₂.
[3516] speak'st ... what's] speakest ... what is Keightley.
[3517] If ... myself.] As in Steevens. Prose in Ff. As three lines in Pope, reading yet thou know'st me not, and seeing me, Dost not yet take me, and ending the lines seeing me ... am ... myself. Staunton ends the lines know'st me, ... I am ... myself. Keightley ends the first lines seeing me ... necessity.
[3518] [Unmuffling] Capell.
[3519] Think me for] take me To be Capell, ending the lines Tullus, ... take me ... necessity ... myself.
[3520] [Servants retire. Capell.
[3521] the Volscians'] the Volcians' Capell. the Volcians F₁ F₂. the Volceans F₃. the Volscians F₄. Volscians Rowe. Volscian Pope. the Volces' Rann. the Volscian's Knight (ed. 1).
[3522] command] Commanne F₂.
[3523] not:--] not; F₃ F₄. not? F₁ F₂.
[3524] Marcius] Matius F₂.
[3525] my] F₁. thy F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3526] memory] F₃ F₄. memorie F₁ F₂. memorial Hanmer.
[3527] shouldst] F₁. could'st F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3528] people,] people. F₂.
[3529] Whoop'd] Hanmer. Hoop'd Ff.
out of] out Steevens (1778).
[3530] I would have 'voided] Steevens. I would have voided Ff. I would have avoided Rowe (ed. 2). I'd have avoided Pope.
[3531] that wilt] Ff. that will Hanmer. and wilt Capell conj.
[3532] maims Of shame] maims, Of shame, Becket conj.
[3533] Thou'rt] Rowe. Th' art Ff. Thou art Capell.
[3534] fool] Fooole F₂.
[3535] O Marcius] Marcius Seymour conj.
[3536] thou hast] thou'st Pope.
[3537] If] O, if Seymour conj. (withdrawn).
[3538] cloud] cleaving cloud Lettsom conj.
speak divine things] speak to me things divine Pope.
[3539] them] him S. Walker conj.
[3540] Let me twine] O, let me twine Capell, ending lines 103, 104 at say ... thee. Let me entwine Keightley, ending lines as Capell.
[3541] where against] where-against Pope.
[3542] scarr'd] Ff. scar'd Rowe (ed. 2).
clip] Pope. cleep Ff.
[3543] Know thou first, I] Know thou, first I Rowe.
[3544] Bestride] F₁. Bestrid F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3545] mine] my Rowe (ed. 2).
[3546] no quarrel else] F₃ F₄. no other quarrel else F₁ F₂.
[3547] o'er-beat] o're-beate F₁ F₂. o're-beat F₃ F₄. o'er-bear Rowe. o'er-bear't Grant White (Becket conj.) o'er-bear her Keightley. See note (IX).
[3548] The one] One Pope.
[3549] destroy] destroy them Keightley. destroying Anon. conj.
But come] But come, come Rowe (ed. 2). But come we Seymour conj.
[3550] commend] F₁ F₄. comment F₂ F₃.
[3551] [Exeunt....] Capell. Exeunt. Ff.]
The two ... forward.] Enter two of the Servingmen. Ff.
[3552] SCENE V. Pope.
First Serv.] 1. Ff. 3. S. [advancing. Capell (and throughout the scene).
[3553] strucken] F₃ F₄. stroken F₁ F₂. strooken Capell.
[3554] gave] misgave Anon. conj.
[3555] methought,--] methought-- Rowe. methought, F₁. methought F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3556] were--] Rowe. were, Ff.
[3557] one] Ff, reading You wot one as a separate line. on Dyce.
[3558] Who? my] Who, my F₄. Who my F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3559] Re-enter....] Enter the third Servingman. Ff. Re-enter first Servant. Capell.
[3560] Third Serv.] 3. Ff. 1. S. Capell (and throughout the scene).
[3561] First and Sec. Serv.] 2. 3. Capell. Both. Ff.
[3562] lieve] F₄. live F₁ F₂ F₃. lief Capell.
[3563] troth] truth Steevens (1793).
on't: before] on't; before Rowe. on't before Ff.
[3564] carbonado] F₄. carbinado F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3565] An he had] Capell. And hee had Ff. And, had he Rowe.
[3566] broiled] Pope. boyld Ff.
[3567] news?] Capell. news. Ff. news:-- Theobald.
[3568] hand] hands Rowe.
[3569] sowl] sowle Rowe. sole Ff.
[3570] all down] down all Rowe.
poll'd] Rowe. poul'd Ff.
[3571] he's] he's not Becket conj.
[3572] directitude] discreditude Malone conj. dejectitude Collier (Collier MS.)
[3573] revel] reveal Rowe (ed. 2).
[3574] nothing] worth nothing F₄. good for nothing Capell.
[3575] spritely, waking] sprightly, waking Pope. sprightly walking Ff.
[3576] vent] vaunt Becket conj.
lethargy] a lethargy S. Walker conj.
mull'd] mute S. Walker conj.
[3577] sleepy] F₃ F₄. sleepe F₁ F₂. asleep Capell.
[3578] war's] Rowe (ed. 2). warres F₁ F₂. Warrs F₃. Wars F₄.
[3579] war] Rowe (ed. 2). warres F₁ F₂. Warrs F₃. Wars F₄.
[3580] First and Sec. Serv.] 2. 3. Capell. Both. Ff. All. Steevens (1778).
[3581] SCENE VI.] Pope. SCENE IV. Rowe.
Rome.] Rowe.
A public place.] Theobald.
[3582] tame i' the] Theobald. tame, the Ff. tame: the Rowe. ta'en, the Johnson conj. lame i' the Mason conj. tamed by the Collier MS.
[3583] hurry. Here do we make] Ff. hurry. Here we make Pope. hurry here, do make Hanmer. hurry. Here he makes Warburton. hurry, here do make Grant White.
[3584] behold] beheld Pope.
[3585] Enter Menenius.] Ff (after friendly, line 9).
[3586] 'Tis he ... late] As in Capell. One line in Ff. Prose in Rowe.
[3587] Hail, sir!] Hail, sir! Bru. Hail sir! Capell. Hail to you, sir! Seymour conj.
[3588] Your ... temporized] As verse first by Capell, who reads Coriolanus, sir. Prose in Ff.
[3589] his ... him] As in Capell. One line in Ff.
[3590] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff.
[3591] God-den] Dyce. Gooden F₁ F₂ F₃. Good-e'en F₄. Good den Collier.
[3592] our] F₁ F₂. om. F₃ F₄.
[3593] Live] Live, live Capell.
[3594] we wish'd ... did] As in Hanmer. One line in Ff.
[3595] ambitious ... thinking,] F₄. ambitious, past all thinking F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3596] Self-loving,--–] Capell. Selfe-loving. Ff.
[3597] And affecting ... assistance] As in Theobald. One line in Ff.
[3598] sole] whose Rowe (ed. 2).
[3599] assistance] assistants Hanmer. assistance in't Steevens conj. assistancy S. Walker conj.
I think] Nay, I think Pope. I do think Seymour conj.
[3600] should] had Pope. should have Malone conj.
lamentation] lamention F₁.
[3601] consul] counsell F₂.
found] have found Keightley (Malone conj.)
[3602] Destroy] Destroys Rowe (ed. 2).
[3603] Come ... Marcius] As in Steevens (1793). One line in Ff.
[3604] whipp'd. It] whipt. It Pope. whipt, it Ff.
[3605] have] F₄. hath F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3606] Tell ... be] As in Pope. One line in Ff.
[3607] some] sour Seymour conj.
come] Rowe. comming F₁ F₂ F₃. coming F₄. come in Malone.
[3608] deliver'd] delivered Rowe.
[3609] young'st] youngest Rowe.
[3610] Likely! Bru. Raised ... again. Sic. The....] _likely Raised ... again._ Bru. The.... Badham conj.
[3611] Good] Ff. God Collier (Collier MS.)
[3612] atone] F₄. attone F₁ F₂ F₃. be one Pope. attune Becket conj.
[3613] violentest] Pope. violent'st Ff.
contrariety] contrarieties Hanmer. contraries Capell, ending the previous line at can.
Enter....] Enter another Messenger. Hanmer. Enter Messenger. Ff.
[3614] Sec. Mess.] 2 Mes. Hanmer. Mes. Ff.
[3615] and have] they've Hanmer.
[3616] noses,--] Capell. noses. Ff.
[3617] cement] F₄. ciment F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3618] auger's bore] augers bore F₄. augors boare F₁ F₂. augors boar F₃.
your] F₁. the F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3619] join'd with] joyned with the Rowe.
Volscians,--] Theobald. Volscians, Rowe. Volceans. F₁ F₂ F₃. Volscians. F₄. the Volscians Rowe.
[3620] If!... thing] As in Capell. One line in Ff.
[3621] flies] sheep Capell conj. pigs Leo conj.
You have] You've Pope.
[3622] you that] that Pope.
[3623] He'll] He will Steevens, ending line 99 at shake.
[3624] He'll ... work] As in Capell. Three lines, ending cares ... fruite: ... worke, in Ff.
[3625] regions] legions Grant White (Becket conj.) region cities Badham conj.
[3626] smilingly] seemingly Warburton. smitingly Becket conj.
resist] Hanmer. resists Ff.
[3627] mock'd for] only mock'd for Hanmer. mocked for their Keightley. merely mock'd for Anon. conj.
[3628] Who is't ... unless] As two lines, the first ending his, S. Walker conj.
[3629] We are] We're Pope.
[3630] for his] his Pope.
[3631] they charged ... show'd] they charge ... shew'd Pope. they charge ... shew Johnson conj. they'd charge ... shew Malone conj.
[3632] 'Tis true ... brand] As in Pope. One line in Ff.
[3633] should] would Rowe.
[3634] You have] You've Pope.
[3635] crafts! you] crafts, you Ff. handy-crafts Collier (Collier MS.)
[3636] Both Tri.] Dyce. Tri. Ff.
So] Rowe. S' Ff.
[3637] How ... city] As in Pope. Four lines, ending him, ... nobles, ... hoote ... citty, in Ff.
[3638] was it] Pope. was't Ff.
[3639] cowardly] coward Pope.
unto] to Pope.
[3640] did hoot] hooted Hanmer.
[3641] SCENE VII. Pope.
[3642] cast] cast-up Keightley.
[3643] at ... coming] As in Pope. One line in Ff.
[3644] Coriolanus'] Coriolanus Ff. Coriolanus's Rowe.
Now] F₁ F₄. How F₂ F₃.
[3645] could] shou'd Rowe.
[3646] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. Omnes. Ff.
[3647] Third Cit.] 2. F₂.
[3648] Ye're] Dyce. Y'are Ff. You're Capell. You are Steevens.
things, you] Ff. things; you Rowe. things. You Johnson.
voices] Volsces Becket conj.
[3649] You ... Capitol] Arranged as in Capell, who reads made you. In Ff the first line ends at worke.
[3650] made] F₁. made you F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3651] [Exeunt....] Exeunt Com. and Men. Capell. Exeunt both. Ff. Exeunt. Rowe.
[3652] [Exeunt Citizens.] Ex. Cit. F₄. Exit Cit. F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3653] Would buy] Could buy Leo conj.
buy] by F₂.
let us] Pope. let's F₁ F₂ F₃. lets F₄.
[Exeunt.] Exeunt Tribunes. Ff.
[3654] SCENE VII.] Capell. SCENE V. Rowe. SCENE VIII. Pope.
A camp....] Theobald. A camp. Pope.
Enter....] Ff. Enter, marching, Aufidius, and a Volcian Officer: Forces at a Distance. Capell.
[3655] Lieu.] Off. Capell (and throughout the scene).
[3656] now, Unless] now. Unless Rowe (ed. 2).
[3657] proudlier] F₁. proudly F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3658] Join’d ... solely] As in Malone. Two lines, ending borne ... soly, in Ff. Three lines, ending born ... him ... solely, in Pope.
[3659] either Had borne] Malone. either have borne Ff. had born Pope. either born Capell.
[3660] Although] though Pope.
[3661] Whene'er ... beseech you] As in Ff. As one line, S. Walker conj., reading When for Whene'er, or 'Beseech for Sir, I beseech.
[3662] Sir, I beseech you] Sir, I beseech Pope. But, Sir, 'Beseech you Capell.
[3663] yield] yeelds F₁.
[3664] senators] senator F₂.
[3665] osprey] Theobald. aspray Ff.
[3666] 'twas] om. Pope.
[3667] defect] detect F₁.
[3668] Which ... of] Whereof he was the lord Pope.
nature] nature in him Keightley.
[3669] Badham would end the lines at not ... from.
[3670] casque] Steevens. caske F₁ F₂. cask F₃ F₄.
[3671] As ... him] Put in parentheses by Hanmer. In Ff the words As he ... them all only are put in parentheses.
[3672] not all] not gall Heath conj.
[3673] banish'd] After this Staunton conjectures that there is a chasm.
a merit] merit Pope.
[3674] To choke it] Tho' choaks it Hanmer. Though he choak it Capell. To choak him Mason conj.
our virtues] our vertue, F₁. doth virtue Brae conj.
[3675] Lie] Live Collier (Collier MS.)
[3676] unto] in Hanmer.
commendable] condemnable] Jackson conj.
not ... chair] but a tomb for envy as a sharer Bullock conj.
tomb ... a chair] Tombe ... a Chaire F₁ F₂. Tomb ... a Chair F₃ F₄. tomb ... a hair Singer. tomb ... a cheer Collier (Collier MS.) tomb ... care Mitford conj. tomb so eloquent as a cheer Grant White conj. (withdrawn). tongue so eloquent as a chair Id. conj. trump so evident as a child's Bailey conj. tomb as eloquent as a tear Hudson conj. tomb so evident as a claim Leo conj. tongue so evident as a charmer's Keightley.
[3677] Rights ... fouler] Ff. Right's by right fouler Pope. Right's by right foiled Hanmer. Right's by right fouled Warburton. Rights by rights founder Malone (Johnson conj.) Rights by rights foul are Ritson conj. Rights by rights foil'd are Singer. Rights by rights suffer Collier (Collier MS.) Rights by rights falter Dyce. Rights by rights sunder Anon conj.
[3678] Thou art] Thou'rt Pope.
Act V, Scene I — Rome. A public place.
Enter MENENIUS, COMINIUS, SICINIUS and BRUTUS, the two Tribunes, and others.[3679]
Men. No, I'll not go: you hear what he hath said Which was sometime his general, who loved him[3680] In a most dear particular. He call'd me father: But what o' that? Go, you that banish'd him;[3681] A mile before his tent fall down, and knee[3681][3682] 5 The way into his mercy: nay, if he coy'd To hear Cominius speak, I'll keep at home.
Com. He would not seem to know me.
Men. Do you hear?
Com. Yet one time he did call me by my name: I urged our old acquaintance, and the drops 10 That we have bled together. Coriolanus He would not answer to: forbad all names; He was a kind of nothing, titleless, Till he had forged himself a name o' the fire[3683] Of burning Rome.
Men. Why, so: you have made good work![3684] 15 A pair of tribunes that have rack'd for Rome,[3685] To make coals cheap: a noble memory![3686]
Com. I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon When it was less expected: he replied,[3687] It was a bare petition of a state[3688] 20 To one whom they had punish'd.
Men. Very well:[3689] Could he say less?[3689]
Com. I offer'd to awaken his regard For 's private friends: his answer to me was,[3690] He could not stay to pick them in a pile 25 Of noisome musty chaff, he said 'twas folly, For one poor grain or two, to leave unburnt, And still to nose the offence.
Men. For one poor grain or two! I am one of those; his mother, wife, his child,[3691] And this brave fellow too, we are the grains:[3692] 30 You are the musty chaff, and you are smelt Above the moon: we must be burnt for you.
Sic. Nay, pray, be patient: if you refuse your aid In this so never-needed help, yet do not[3693] Upbraid's with our distress. But, sure, if you[3694] 35 Would be your country's pleader, your good tongue, More than the instant army we can make, Might stop our countryman.
Men. No, I'll not meddle.
Sic. Pray you, go to him.
Men. What should I do?[3695]
Bru. Only make trial what your love can do 40 For Rome, towards Marcius.
Men. Well, and say that Marcius[3696] Return me, as Cominius is return'd,[3697][3696] Unheard; what then?[3696][3698][3699] But as a discontented friend, grief-shot[3699][3700] With his unkindness? say 't be so?[3701]
Sic. Yet your good will 45 Must have that thanks from Rome, after the measure[3702] As you intended well.
Men. I'll undertake 't:[3703] I think he'll hear me. Yet, to bite his lip And hum at good Cominius, much unhearts me. He was not taken well; he had not dined: 50 The veins unfill'd, our blood is cold, and then We pout upon the morning, are unapt To give or to forgive; but when we have stuff'd[3704] These pipes and these conveyances of our blood[3705] With wine and feeding, we have suppler souls 55 Than in our priest-like fasts: therefore I'll watch him Till he be dieted to my request, And then I'll set upon him.
Bru. You know the very road into his kindness, And cannot lose your way.
Men. Good faith, I'll prove him,[3706] 60 Speed how it will. I shall ere long have knowledge[3706] Of my success. [Exit.
Com. He'll never hear him.
Sec. Not?[3707]
Com. I tell you, he does sit in gold, his eye[3708] Red as 'twould burn Rome; and his injury The gaoler to his pity. I kneel'd before him; 65 'Twas very faintly he said 'Rise;' dismiss'd me Thus, with his speechless hand: what he would do, He sent in writing after me; what he would not,[3709][3710] Bound with an oath to yield to his conditions:[3710][3711][3712] So that all hope is vain,[3710][3711][3713] 70 Unless his noble mother, and his wife;[3713][3714] Who, as I hear, mean to solicit him[3713][3715] For mercy to his country. Therefore, let's hence,[3716] And with our fair entreaties haste them on. [Exeunt.
Act V, Scene II — Entrance of the Volscian camp before Rome. Two Sentinels on guard.
Enter to them, MENENIUS.[3717]
First Sen. Stay: whence are you?[3718]
Sec. Sen. Stand, and go back.[3719]
Men. You guard like men; 'tis well: but, by your leave, I am an officer of state, and come[3720] To speak with Coriolanus.[3720]
First Sen. From whence?[3721]
Men. From Rome.
First Sen. You may not pass, you must return: our general[3722] 5 Will no more hear from thence.[3722][3723]
Sec. Sen. You'll see your Rome embraced with fire, before You'll speak with Coriolanus.
Men. Good my friends, If you have heard your general talk of Rome And of his friends there, it is lots to blanks[3724] 10 My name hath touch'd your ears: it is Menenius.
First Sen. Be it so; go back: the virtue of your name Is not here passable.
Men. I tell thee, fellow,[3725] Thy general is my lover: I have been The book of his good acts, whence men have read 15 His fame unparallel'd haply amplified;[3726] For I have ever verified my friends,[3727] Of whom he's chief, with all the size that verity[3728] Would without lapsing suffer: nay, sometimes, Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground, 20 I have tumbled past the throw, and in his praise[3729] Have almost stamp'd the leasing: therefore, fellow, I must have leave to pass.
First Sen. Faith, sir, if you had told as many lies in his behalf as you have uttered words in your own, you 25 should not pass here; no, though it were as virtuous to lie as to live chastely. Therefore go back.
Men. Prithee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius, always factionary on the party of your general.[3730]
Sec. Sen. Howsoever you have been his liar, as you say 30 you have, I am one that, telling true under him, must say, you cannot pass. Therefore go back.
Men. Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would not speak with him till after dinner.
First Sen. You are a Roman, are you? 35
Men. I am, as thy general is.[3731]
First Sen. Then you should hate Rome, as he does. Can you, when you have pushed out your gates the very defender[3732] of them, and, in a violent popular ignorance, given your enemy your shield, think to front his revenges with the easy[3733] 40 groans of old women, the virginal palms of your daughters,[3734] or with the palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as[3735] you seem to be? Can you think to blow out the intended fire your city is ready to flame in, with such weak breath as this? No, you are deceived; therefore, back to Rome, 45 and prepare for your execution: you are condemned; our general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardon.
Men. Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here, he would[3736][3737] use me with estimation.[3736]
Sec. Sen. Come, my captain knows you not.[3738] 50
Men. I mean, thy general.
First Sen. My general cares not for you. Back, I say, go; lest I let forth your half-pint of blood;--back,--that's[3739] the utmost of your having:--back.[3739]
Men. Nay, but, fellow, fellow,-- 55
Enter CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS.[3740]
Cor. What's the matter?
Men. Now, you companion, I'll say an errand for you:[3741] you shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son Coriolanus: guess, but by my entertainment with him, if[3742] 60 thou standest not i' the state of hanging, or of some death more long in spectatorship and crueller in suffering; behold now presently, and swoon for what's to come upon thee.[3743] The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular prosperity, and love thee no worse than thy old father 65 Menenius does! O my son, my son! thou art preparing fire for us; look thee, here's water to quench it. I was hardly moved to come to thee; but being assured none but myself could move thee, I have been blown out of your gates with sighs; and conjure thee to pardon Rome[3744] 70 and thy petitionary countrymen. The good gods assuage thy wrath, and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here,--this,[3745] who, like a block, hath denied my access to thee.
Cor. Away!
Men. How! away! 75
Cor. Wife, mother, child, I know not. My affairs Are servanted to others: though I owe My revenge properly, my remission lies[3746] In Volscian breasts. That we have been familiar, Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison rather[3747] 80 Than pity note how much. Therefore be gone.[3748] Mine ears against your suits are stronger than Your gates against my force. Yet, for I loved thee, Take this along; I writ it for thy sake, And would have sent it. [Gives him a letter.] Another word, Menenius,[3749] 85 I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius, Was my beloved in Rome: yet thou behold'st.[3750]
Auf. You keep a constant temper.
[Exeunt Coriolanus and Aufidius.[3751]
First Sen. Now, sir, is your name Menenius?
Sec. Sen. 'Tis a spell, you see, of much power: you[3752] 90 know the way home again.[3752]
First Sen. Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your greatness back?
Sec. Sen. What cause, do you think, I have to swoon?[3743]
Men. I neither care for the world nor your general: for 95 such things as you, I can scarce think there's any, ye're so[3753] slight. He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from another: let your general do his worst. For you, be that you are, long; and your misery increase with your age! I say to you, as I was said to, Away! [Exit. 100
First Sen. A noble fellow, I warrant him.
Sec. Sen. The worthy fellow is our general: he's the[3754][3755] rock, the oak not to be wind-shaken. [Exeunt.[3754][3756]
Act V, Scene III — The tent of Coriolanus.
Enter CORIOLANUS, AUFIDIUS, and others.[3757]
Cor. We will before the walls of Rome to-morrow Set down our host. My partner in this action, You must report to the Volscian lords how plainly I have borne this business.[3758]
Auf. Only their ends[3759][3760] You have respected; stopp'd your ears against[3759] 5 The general suit of Rome; never admitted[3759] A private whisper, no, not with such friends[3759][3761] That thought them sure of you.
Cor. This last old man,[3762] Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome, Loved me above the measure of a father, 10 Nay, godded me indeed. Their latest refuge Was to send him; for whose old love I have, Though I show'd sourly to him, once more offer'd The first conditions, which they did refuse[3763] And cannot now accept; to grace him only[3764] 15 That thought he could do more, a very little[3764] I have yielded to: fresh embassies and suits,[3765] Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter[3766] Will I lend ear to. [Shout within.] Ha! what shout is this?[3767] Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow 20 In the same time 'tis made? I will not.
Enter, in mourning habits, VIRGILIA, VOLUMNIA, leading young MARCIUS, VALERIA, and Attendants.[3768]
My wife comes foremost; then the honour'd mould Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand The grandchild to her blood. But out, affection! All bond and privilege of nature, break![3769] 25 Let it be virtuous to be obstinate. What is that curtsy worth? or those doves' eyes,[3770] Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows; As if Olympus to a molehill should 30 In supplication nod: and my young boy Hath an aspect of intercession, which Great nature cries 'Deny not.' Let the Volsces Plough Rome, and harrow Italy: I'll never Be such a gosling to obey instinct; but stand, 35 As if a man were author of himself[3771][3772] And knew no other kin.[3772]
Vir. My lord and husband!
Cor. These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome.
Vir. The sorrow that delivers us thus changed Makes you think so.
Cor. Like a dull actor now[3773] 40 I have forgot my part and I am out,[3773] Even to a full disgrace. Best of my flesh,[3773] Forgive my tyranny; but do not say, For that 'Forgive our Romans.' O, a kiss Long as my exile, sweet as my revenge! 45 Now, by the jealous queen of heaven, that kiss I carried from thee, dear, and my true lip Hath virgin'd it e'er since. You gods! I prate,[3774] And the most noble mother of the world Leave unsaluted: sink, my knee, i' the earth; [Kneels. 50 Of thy deep duty more impression show[3775] Than that of common sons.
Vol. O, stand up blest! Whilst, with no softer cushion than the flint, I kneel before thee, and unproperly Show duty, as mistaken all this while[3776] 55 Between the child and parent. [Kneels.
Cor. What is this?[3777][3778] Your knees to me? to your corrected son?[3778] Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach[3779] Fillip the stars; then let the mutinous winds[3780] Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun, 60 Murdering impossibility, to make What cannot be, slight work.
Vol. Thou art my warrior;[3781] I holp to frame thee. Do you know this lady?[3781][3782]
Cor. The noble sister of Publicola,[3783] The moon of Rome; chaste as the icicle 65 That's curdied by the frost from purest snow[3784] And hangs on Dian's temple: dear Valeria!
Vol. This is a poor epitome of yours,[3785] Which by the interpretation of full time May show like all yourself.
Cor. The god of soldiers,[3786] 70 With the consent of supreme Jove, inform Thy thoughts with nobleness, that thou mayst prove To shame unvulnerable, and stick i' the wars[3787] Like a great sea-mark, standing every flaw And saving those that eye thee!
Vol. Your knee, sirrah.[3788] 75
Cor. That's my brave boy!
Vol. Even he, your wife, this lady and myself Are suitors to you.
Cor. I beseech you, peace: Or, if you'ld ask, remember this before: The thing I have forsworn to grant may never[3789] 80 Be held by you denials. Do not bid me[3789] Dismiss my soldiers, or capitulate Again with Rome's mechanics: tell me not Wherein I seem unnatural: desire not[3790] To allay my rages and revenges with[3790] 85 Your colder reasons.[3790]
Vol. O, no more, no more! You have said you will not grant us any thing;[3791] For we have nothing else to ask, but that Which you deny already: yet we will ask; That, if you fail in our request, the blame[3792] 90 May hang upon your hardness: therefore hear us.
Cor. Aufidius, and you Volsces, mark; for we'll Hear nought from Rome in private. Your request?
Vol. Should we be silent and not speak, our raiment And state of bodies would bewray what life 95 We have led since thy exile. Think with thyself[3793] How more unfortunate than all living women[3794] Are we come hither: since that thy sight, which should[3795] Make our eyes flow with joy, hearts dance with comforts,[3796] Constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrow; 100 Making the mother, wife and child, to see The son, the husband and the father, tearing His country's bowels out. And to poor we[3797][3798] Thine enmity's most capital: thou barr'st us[3798][3799] Our prayers to the gods, which is a comfort 105 That all but we enjoy; for how can we, Alas, how can we for our country pray, Whereto we are bound, together with thy victory,[3800] Whereto we are bound? alack, or we must lose[3800] The country, our dear nurse, or else thy person, 110 Our comfort in the country. We must find An evident calamity, though we had[3801] Our wish, which side should win; for either thou Must, as a foreign recreant, be led With manacles thorough our streets, or else[3802] 115 Triumphantly tread on thy country's ruin And bear the palm for having bravely shed Thy wife and children's blood. For myself, son, I purpose not to wait on fortune till These wars determine: if I cannot persuade thee[3803] 120 Rather to show a noble grace to both parts[3804] Than seek the end of one, thou shalt no sooner[3805] March to assault thy country than to tread-- Trust to 't, thou shalt not--on thy mother's womb, That brought thee to this world.
Vir. Ay, and mine,[3806][3807] 125 That brought you forth this boy, to keep your name[3806] Living to time.[3806]
Boy. A' shall not tread on me;[3806][3808] I'll run away till I am bigger, but then I'll fight.[3806]
Cor. Not of a woman's tenderness to be, Requires nor child nor woman's face to see.[3809] 130 I have sat too long. [Rising.[3810]
Vol. Nay, go not from us thus. If it were so that our request did tend To save the Romans, thereby to destroy[3811] The Volsces whom you serve, you might condemn us, As poisonous of your honour: no; our suit[3812] 135 Is, that you reconcile them: while the Volsces May say 'This mercy we have show'd,' the Romans, 'This we received;' and each in either side Give the all-hail to thee and cry 'Be blest For making up this peace!' Thou know'st, great son, 140 The end of war's uncertain, but this certain,[3813] That if thou conquer Rome, the benefit Which thou shalt thereby reap is such a name Whose repetition will be dogg'd with curses; Whose chronicle thus writ: 'The man was noble, 145 But with his last attempt he wiped it out, Destroy'd his country, and his name remains To the ensuing age abhorr'd.' Speak to me, son: Thou hast affected the fine strains of honour,[3814] To imitate the graces of the gods; 150 To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air, And yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt[3815] That should but rive an oak. Why dost not speak?[3816] Think'st thou it honourable for a noble man[3817] Still to remember wrongs? Daughter, speak you: 155 He cares not for your weeping. Speak thou, boy: Perhaps thy childishness will move him more Than can our reasons. There's no man in the world[3818] More bound to 's mother, yet here he lets me prate[3819] Like one i' the stocks. Thou hast never in thy life[3820] 160 Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy; When she, poor hen, fond of no second brood, Has cluck'd thee to the wars, and safely home,[3821] Loaden with honour. Say my request's unjust, And spurn me back: but if it be not so, 165 Thou art not honest, and the gods will plague thee, That thou restrain'st from me the duty which To a mother's part belongs. He turns away: Down, ladies; let us shame him with our knees.[3822] To his surname Coriolanus 'longs more pride[3823] 170 Than pity to our prayers. Down: an end;[3824] This is the last: so we will home to Rome, And die among our neighbours. Nay, behold's:[3825] This boy, that cannot tell what he would have, But kneels and holds up hands for fellowship, 175 Does reason our petition with more strength Than thou hast to deny 't. Come, let us go: This fellow had a Volscian to his mother; His wife is in Corioli, and his child[3826] Like him by chance. Yet give us our dispatch: 180 I am hush'd until our city be a-fire,[3827][3828] And then I'll speak a little.[3827]
Cor. [After holding her by the hand, silent] O Mother, mother![3829] What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope, The gods look down, and this unnatural scene They laugh at. O my mother, mother! O! 185 You have won a happy victory to Rome;[3791] But, for your son, believe it, O, believe it, Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd,[3830] If not most mortal to him. But let it come.[3831] Aufidius, though I cannot make true wars, 190 I'll frame convenient peace. Now, good Aufidius,[3832] Were you in my stead, would you have heard[3833] A mother less? or granted less, Aufidius?[3834]
Auf. I was moved withal.[3835]
Cor. I dare be sworn you were: And, sir, it is no little thing to make 195 Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But, good sir, What peace you'll make, advise me: for my part, I'll not to Rome, I'll back with you; and pray you, Stand to me in this cause. O mother! wife!
Auf. [Aside] I am glad thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour[3836] 200 At difference in thee: out of that I'll work Myself a former fortune. [The Ladies make signs to Coriolanus.
Cor. [To Volumnia, Virgilia, &c.] Ay, by and by:--[3837][3838] But we will drink together; and you shall bear[3838][3839] A better witness back than words, which we On like conditions will have counter-seal'd. 205 Come, enter with us. Ladies, you deserve[3840] To have a temple built you: all the swords[3840] In Italy, and her confederate arms,[3840] Could not have made this peace. [Exeunt.[3840]
Act V, Scene IV — Rome. A public place.[3841]
Enter MENENIUS and SICINIUS.
Men. See you yond coign o' the Capitol, yond cornerstone?
Sic. Why, what of that?
Men. If it be possible for you to displace it with your little finger, there is some hope the ladies of Rome, especially 5 his mother, may prevail with him. But I say there is no hope in 't: our throats are sentenced, and stay upon execution.
Sic. Is't possible that so short a time can alter the condition of a man? 10
Men. There is differency between a grub and a butterfly;[3842] yet your butterfly was a grub. This Marcius is grown from man to dragon: he has wings; he's more than a creeping thing.
Sic. He loved his mother dearly. 15
Men. So did he me: and he no more remembers his mother now than an eight-year-old horse. The tartness of[3843] his face sours ripe grapes: when he walks, he moves like an engine, and the ground shrinks before his treading: he is able to pierce a corslet with his eye; talks like a knell, 20 and his hum is a battery. He sits in his state, as a thing[3844][3845] made for Alexander. What he bids be done, is finished[3845] with his bidding. He wants nothing of a god but eternity and a heaven to throne in.
Sic. Yes, mercy, if you report him truly. 25
Men. I paint him in the character. Mark what mercy his mother shall bring from him: there is no more mercy in him than there is milk in a male tiger; that shall our poor city find: and all this is long of you.[3846]
Sic. The gods be good unto us! 30
Men. No, in such a case the gods will not be good unto us. When we banished him, we respected not them; and, he returning to break our necks, they respect not us.
Enter a Messenger.
Mess. Sir, if you'ld save your life, fly to your house: The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune, 35 And hale him up and down, all swearing, if The Roman ladies bring not comfort home, They'll give him death by inches.
Enter another Messenger.
Sic. What's the news?
Sec. Mess. Good news, good news; the ladies have prevail'd,[3847] The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone: 40 A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.
Sic. Friend,[3848] Art thou certain this is true? is it most certain?[3848][3849]
Sec. Mess. As certain as I know the sun is fire:[3847] Where have you lurk'd, that you make doubt of it? 45 Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide, As the recomforted through the gates. Why, hark you!
[Trumpets; hautboys; drums beat; all together.[3850]
The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries and fifes, Tabors and cymbals and the shouting Romans,[3851] Make the sun dance. Hark you! [A shout within.[3852]
Men. This is good news: 50 I will go meet the ladies. This Volumnia[3853] Is worth of consuls, senators, patricians, A city full; of tribunes, such as you, A sea and land full. You have pray'd well to-day:[3854] This morning for ten thousand of your throats 55 I'ld not have given a doit. Hark, how they joy!
[Music still, with shouts.[3855]
Sic. First, the gods bless you for your tidings; next,[3856] Accept my thankfulness.[3856]
Sec. Mess. Sir, we have all[3857] Great cause to give great thanks.[3857]
Sic. They are near the city?[3857][3858]
Sec. Mess. Almost at point to enter.[3857]
Sic. We will meet them,[3857][3859][3860] 60 And help the joy. [Exeunt.[3857][3860][3861]
Act V, Scene V — The same. A street near the gate.
Enter two Senators with VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, VALERIA, &c. passing over the stage, followed by Patricians and others.[3862]
First Sen. Behold our patroness, the life of Rome![3863] Call all your tribes together, praise the gods,[3864] And make triumphant fires; strew flowers before them:[3865] Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius,[3866] Repeal him with the welcome of his mother; 5 Cry 'Welcome, ladies, welcome!'
All. Welcome, ladies,[3867] Welcome! [A flourish with drums and trumpets. Exeunt.[3867][3868]
Act V, Scene VI — Antium. A public place.[3869]
Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, with Attendants.
Auf. Go tell the lords o' the city I am here:[3870] Deliver them this paper: having read it, Bid them repair to the market-place, where I, Even in theirs and in the commons' ears, Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accuse[3871] 5 The city ports by this hath enter'd, and Intends to appear before the people, hoping To purge himself with words: dispatch. [Exeunt Attendants.[3872]
Enter three or four Conspirators of AUFIDIUS' faction.
Most welcome!
First Con. How is it with our general?
Auf. Even so[3873] 10 As with a man by his own alms empoison'd,[3873] And with his charity slain.[3873]
Sec. Con. Most noble sir,[3874] If you do hold the same intent wherein[3874] You wish'd us parties, we'll deliver you[3874] Of your great danger.
Auf. Sir, I cannot tell: 15 We must proceed as we do find the people.
Third Con. The people will remain uncertain whilst 'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either Makes the survivor heir of all.
Auf. I know it, And my pretext to strike at him admits 20 A good construction. I raised him, and I pawn'd[3875] Mine honour for his truth: who being so heighten'd, He water'd his new plants with dews of flattery,[3876] Seducing so my friends; and, to this end, He bow'd his nature, never known before 25 But to be rough, unswayable and free.[3877]
Third Con. Sir, his stoutness[3878] When he did stand for consul, which he lost By lack of stooping,--[3879]
Auf. That I would have spoke of: Being banish'd for't, he came unto my hearth; 30 Presented to my knife his throat: I took him, Made him joint-servant with me, gave him way In all his own desires, nay, let him choose Out of my files, his projects to accomplish,[3880] My best and freshest men, served his designments 35 In mine own person, holp to reap the fame[3881][3882] Which he did end all his; and took some pride[3882][3883] To do myself this wrong: till at the last I seem'd his follower, not partner, and He waged me with his countenance, as if[3884] 40 I had been mercenary.
First Con. So he did, my lord: The army marvell'd at it, and in the last,[3885] When he had carried Rome and that we look'd For no less spoil than glory--[3886]
Auf. There was it: For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him.[3887] 45 At a few drops of women's rheum, which are As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour Of our great action: therefore shall he die, And I'll renew me in his fall. But hark!
[Drums and trumpets sound, with great shouts of the people.[3888]
First Con. Your native town you enter'd like a post, 50 And had no welcomes home; but he returns, Splitting the air with noise.
Sec. Con. And patient fools, Whose children he hath slain, their base throats tear With giving him glory.[3889]
Third Con. Therefore, at your vantage, Ere he express himself, or move the people 55 With what he would say, let him feel your sword, Which we will second. When he lies along,[3890][3891] After your way his tale pronounced shall bury[3891] His reasons with his body.
Auf. Say no more:[3892] Here come the lords.[3892] 60
Enter the Lords of the city.
All the Lords. You are most welcome home.[3893]
Auf. I have not deserved it. But, worthy lords, have you with heed perused What I have written to you?
Lords. We have.
First Lord. And grieve to hear 't.[3894] What faults he made before the last, I think Might have found easy fines: but there to end 65 Where he was to begin, and give away The benefit of our levies, answering us With our own charge, making a treaty where There was a yielding,--this admits no excuse.[3895]
Auf. He approaches: you shall hear him. 70
Enter CORIOLANUS, marching with drum and colours; the commoners being with him.
Cor. Hail, lords! I am return'd your soldier;[3896] No more infected with my country's love Than when I parted hence, but still subsisting Under your great command. You are to know, That prosperously I have attempted and 75 With bloody passage led your wars even to The gates of Rome. Our spoils we have brought home[3897] Do more than counterpoise a full third part[3897] The charges of the action. We have made peace,[3898] With no less honour to the Antiates 80 Than shame to the Romans: and we here deliver,[3899] Subscribed by the consuls and patricians,[3900] Together with the seal o' the senate, what[3901] We have compounded on.
Auf. Read it not, noble lords; But tell the traitor, in the highest degree 85 He hath abused your powers.
Cor. Traitor! how now!
Auf. Ay, traitor, Marcius!
Cor. Marcius!
Auf. Ay, Marcius, Caius Marcius: dost thou think I'll grace thee with that robbery, thy stol'n name Coriolanus, in Corioli? 90 You lords and heads o' the state, perfidiously[3901][3902] He has betray'd your business, and given up, For certain drops of salt, your city Rome, I say 'your city,' to his wife and mother; Breaking his oath and resolution, like 95 A twist of rotten silk; never admitting Counsel o' the war; but at his nurse's tears[3901] He whined and roar'd away your victory; That pages blush'd at him and men of heart Look'd wondering each at other.[3903]
Cor. Hear'st thou, Mars? 100
Auf. Name not the god, thou boy of tears!
Cor. Ha!
Auf. No more.[3904]
Cor. Measureless liar, thou hast made my heart Too great for what contains it. 'Boy!' O slave! Pardon me, lords, 'tis the first time that ever[3905] 105 I was forced to scold. Your judgements, my grave lords,[3905][3906] Must give this cur the lie: and his own notion-- Who wears my stripes impress'd upon him; that Must bear my beating to his grave--shall join To thrust the lie unto him. 110
First Lord. Peace, both, and hear me speak.
Cor. Cut me to pieces, Volsces; men and lads,[3907] Stain all your edges on me. 'Boy!' false hound![3908] If you have writ your annals true, 'tis there, That, like an eagle in a dove-cote, I 115 Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioli;[3909] Alone I did it. 'Boy!'[3910]
Auf. Why, noble lords, Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune, Which was your shame, by this unholy braggart, 'Fore your own eyes and ears?
All Consp. Let him die for't. 120
All the People. 'Tear him to pieces.' 'Do it presently.'[3911][3912] 'He killed my son.' 'My daughter.' 'He killed my cousin[3912][3913] Marcus.' 'He killed my father.'[3912][3913]
Sec. Lord. Peace, ho! no outrage: peace![3914] The man is noble, and his fame folds-in 125 This orb o' the earth. His last offences to us Shall have judicious hearing. Stand, Aufidius, And trouble not the peace.
Cor. O that I had him,[3915] With six Aufidiuses, or more, his tribe,[3915] To use my lawful sword![3915]
Auf. Insolent villain! 130
All Consp. Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill him!
[The Conspirators draw, and kill Coriolanus: Aufidius stands on his body.[3916]
Lords. Hold, hold, hold, hold!
Auf. My noble masters, hear me speak.
First Lord. O Tullus,--[3917]
Sec. Lord. Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep.[3918]
Third Lord. Tread not upon him. Masters all, be quiet;[3919] Put up your swords. 135
Auf. My lords, when you shall know--as in this rage[3920] Provoked by him, you cannot--the great danger[3921] Which this man's life did owe you, you'll rejoice That he is thus cut off. Please it your honours To call me to your senate, I'll deliver 140 Myself your loyal servant, or endure Your heaviest censure.
First Lord. Bear from hence his body; And mourn you for him: let him be regarded As the most noble corse that ever herald Did follow to his urn.
Sec. Lord. His own impatience 145 Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame. Let's make the best of it.
Auf. My rage is gone, And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up: Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one.[3901] Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully: 150 Trail your steel pikes. Though in this city he Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one, Which to this hour bewail the injury, Yet he shall have a noble memory.[3922] Assist. [Exeunt, bearing the body of Coriolanus.[3922][3923] 155 A dead march sounded.
FOOTNOTES:
[3679] ACT V. SCENE 1.] Rowe. Actus Quintus. Ff.
Rome.] Rowe.
A public place.] Theobald.
Enter ... Sicinius and Brutus....] Enter ... Sicinius, Brutus,.... Ff.
[3680] Which was] To one Collier MS.
[3681] him; A mile ... tent] him, A mile ... tent Hanmer. him, A mile ... tent, Rowe. him A mile ... tent, Ff.
[3682] knee] F₁. kneele F₂. kneel F₃ F₄.
[3683] o' the] o' th F₄. a' th' F₁ F₂ F₃. i' the Malone.
[3684] you have] you've Pope.
[3685] rack'd for] Pope. wrack'd for Ff sack'd fair Hanmer. reck'd for Warburton. wrack'd poor Long MS. wreck'd for Collier. wreck'd fair Williams conj. work'd for Leo conj.
for Rome,] Rome, for Badham conj.
[3686] cheap:] cheape: Ff. cheap, Collier. cheap,-- Dyce. See note (X).
[3687] it was less] it was least Pope. least it was Steevens.
[3688] bare] Ff. base Blackstone and Mason conj. rare Williams conj.
bare ... state] rebaptizing of estate Bullock conj.
[3689] Very well ... less?] As in Johnson. One line in Ff.
[3690] For's] For his Capell.
[3691] I am] I'm Pope.
[3692] too, we are] we're Hanmer, ending the previous lines at grain ... wife.
[3693] never-needed] never-heeded Steevens (1793).
[3694] Upbraid's] Upbraid us Rowe.
[3695] Pray you] I pray you Capell.
What] Why, what Hanmer.
do?] do there? Keightley.
[3696] Well ... what then?] As in Pope. Two lines, ending returne me ... then?, in Ff.
[3697] is return'd] return'd F₄.
[3698] Unheard] Unheard, or not unheard Badham conj., ending lines 43, 44 but as ... with his.
what then?] om. Hanmer. what then? How should I then appear? Seymour conj. what then? how then should I return? Keightley.
[3699] what then? But ... friend] _what then? not as a joyful herald, But ... friend or what then? As a discountenanc'd friend_ (reading As ... his as one line) Badham conj.
[3700] But as] om. Capell, reading Unheard ... friend, as one line.
[3701] unkindness ... so? Sic. Yet ... will] unkindness: and what then? Sic. Say it be so; yet ... will, Menenius Hanmer (ending the lines at friend ... then?... Menenius). unkindness? Say't be so? Sic. Say it be so; yet ... will, Menenius Capell, following Hanmer's arrangement. unkindness? Sic. But yet ... will Seymour conj.
[3702] that thanks from] the thanks of Hanmer.
[3703] undertake't] undertake it Rowe.
[3704] we have] we've Pope.
[3705] our] om. Pope.
[3706] him, ... will. I] him, ... will. You Hanmer. him: ... will, you Mason conj. him, ... will. They Becket conj. him: ... will, I Staunton.
[3707] Not?] F₃ F₄. Not. F₁ F₂. No? Capell.
[3708] sit] set Farmer conj. MS.
in gold] engoal'd Heath conj. engall'd Blackstone conj.
[3709] He ... not,] What he would not, he sent in writing after me, Jervis conj.
me] om. Pope.
[3710] what ... So that all] and what not, bound with an oath. To yield to his conditions, All Farmer conj. MS.
[3711] Bound ... So that] Except we yield to his conditions, Bound with an oath. So that Capell conj.
[3712] oath to ... conditions:] Ff. oath, not yield to new conditions: Hanmer. oath to yield no new conditions: or oath. To yield to his conditions [some words omitted] Johnson conj. oath, if you yield to his conditions: Heath conj. After oath Malone supposes two half lines to have been lost. oath, to yield in his conditions: Mason conj. oath: so yield to his conditions: Jackson conj. oath, to yield to no conditions: Singer conj. oath to hold to his conditions: Solly conj. Keightley (Grant White conj.) marks a line lost after would not.
[3713] So that ... him] As in Johnson. Two lines in Ff, ending mother ... him.
[3714] his noble ... wife] his mother And wife Pope, reading So that ... mother as one line. from's mother And wife Hanmer. in his mother And wife Heath conj. from his noble mother, and his wife Capell. in his noble mother and his wife Anon. conj. apud Steevens. in's noble ... wife Grant White.
[3715] Who, as I hear,] Do, as I hear, Mitford conj. (Who, as I hear) Leo.
[3716] For] Force Warburton.
country] Keightley (Steevens conj.) marks here an interruption in the sense.
let's] om. Pope.
[3717] SCENE II.] Rowe.
Entrance ... Rome.] A camp. Rowe. The Volscian camp. Theobald. An advanced post of the Volscian Camp before Rome. Capell.
Two ... guard.] Certain of the guard on Duty. Capell. om. Ff.
Enter....] Enter Menenius to the Watch or Guard. Ff.
[3718] First Sen.] 1. Wat. Ff.
you?] you? Speak. Seymour conj.
[3719] Sec. Sen.] 2. Wat. Ff.
Stand, and go] Stand there, or get you Seymour conj.
back] back again Steevens conj.
[3720] I ... Coriolanus.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.
[3721] From whence?] Whence? Pope.
[3722] You ... thence.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.
[3723] Will ... thence] Will hear no more from Rome; so get you back Seymour conj.
[3724] lots to blanks] blanks to lots Seymour conj.
[3725] thee, fellow] the fellow F₃.
[3726] haply] Hanmer. happely F₁ F₂. happily F₃ F₄.
[3727] verified] magnified Hanmer. narrified Warburton. varnished Edwards conj. rarefied Staunton conj. certified Jervis conj. glorified Leo conj. vivified Bullock conj.
[3728] with] to Hanmer.
[3729] I have] I've Pope.
[3730] on] of Rowe. (ed. 2).
[3731] am, as] F₄. am as F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3732] out] out of Rowe.
[3733] easy] queasy Collier (Collier MS.) wheezy Staunton conj.
[3734] palms] pasmes or pames Warburton conj. qualms Becket conj.
[3735] dotant] dotard F₄.
[3736] Sirrah ... estimation] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.
[3737] thy] F₁. the F₂ F₃ F₄.
knew] knew that Keightley, reading as verse.
[3738] Sec. Sen.] 2. Watch. Steevens (1773). 1. Ff.
[3739] blood;--back, ... back.] blood, that's ... having; back, back. Hanmer.
[3740] and] with Ff.
[3741] companion] champion Rowe.
errand] Pope. arrant F₁ F₂ F₃. errant F₄.
[3742] Coriolanus: guess, but by my ... him,] Malone. Coriolanus, guesse but my ... him: Ff. Coriolanus; guess but my ... him; Pope. Coriolanus; guess by my ... him, Hanmer (Thirlby conj.)
[3743] swoon] F₄. swoond F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3744] your] F₁ F₂ F₃. our F₄. their Ritson conj. yond Leo conj. the Anon. conj.
[3745] thee.] thee-- Rowe.
[3746] my remission] remission Rowe (ed. 2).
[3747] poison] prison Theobald.
[3748] pity note how much.] Theobald (Thirlby conj.) pitty: Note how much, Ff.
[3749] [Gives ... letter.] Pope. om. Ff.
[3750] behold'st.] F₁ F₂. behold'st-- F₃ F₄.
[3751] [Exeunt....] Capell. Exeunt. Manent the Guard and Menenius. Ff. (Manet F₁).
[3752] 'Tis ... again.] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.
[3753] ye're] y'are Ff. you're Capell. you are Steevens.
[3754] The worthy ... wind-shaken.] Prose in F₄. Two lines, the first ending rock, in F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3755] he's] He is Capell, ending line 102 at general.
[3756] [Exeunt.] Exit Watch. Ff.
[3757] SCENE III.] Pope.
The tent....] Tent of Coriolanus. Capell.
Enter....] Re-enter ... Pope.
Aufidius, and others.] Capell. and Auffidius. Ff (Aufidius. F₄).
[3758] I have] I've Pope. I still have Capell.
[3759] Only ... friends] As in Capell. Three lines, ending respected ... Rome: ... friends, in Ff. Three ending _stopt ... Rome: ... friends,_ in Rowe.
[3760] ends] end Rann.
[3761] A private] private Pope, ending lines 5-8 _stopt ... Rome: ... no ... you._
[3762] last old] last, old Rowe.
[3763] refuse] refuge F₂.
[3764] accept; ... more,] Singer (Heath conj.) accept, ... more, Johnson. accept, ... more: Ff.
[3765] I have] I've Pope.
to] F₂ F₃ F₄. too F₁.
embassies] F₄. embasses F₁ F₂ F₃. embassie Rowe.
[3766] from] for Rowe.
[3767] [Shout within.] Ff. Omitted by Hanmer.
shout] sight Hanmer.
[3768] not.] not-- Pope. not do't. Anon. conj.
Enter....] Malone. Enter Virgilia, Volumnia, Valeria, young Martius, with Attendants. Ff. Enter, in neglected and mourning Habits, Virgilia, Volumnia leading in her hands young Marcius, Valeria, and other Ladies. Capell.
[3769] nature, break] Capell. nature breake Ff.
[3770] doves'] Steevens (1793). doves Ff. dove's Rowe.
[3771] As if] And if Rowe (ed. 2).
[3772] As ... kin] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Two lines in Ff.
[3773] Like ... flesh,] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending part, in Ff.
[3774] prate] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). pray Ff.
[3775] thy] the Rowe.
[3776] mistaken] mistaking Collier MS.
this] the Rowe.
[3777] [Kneels.] Rowe. om. Ff.
What is] Pope. What's Ff.
[3778] What ... son?] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending me? in Ff.
[3779] hungry] angry Malone conj. (withdrawn).
[3780] Fillip] Steevens (1793). Fillop Ff.
[3781] Thou ... lady?] As in Rowe. Two lines, the first ending thee, in Ff.
[3782] holp] Pope. hope Ff.
[3783] Publicola] Poplicola Rowe.
[3784] curdied] curdled Rowe (ed. 2).
[3785] Vol.] Volum. Ff. Val. Rann (Steevens conj.)
yours] you Johnson conj.
[shewing young Martius. Pope.
[3786] soldiers,] souldiers, F₃ F₄. souldiers: F₁ F₂.
[3787] stick] sticke F₁. strike F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3788] See note (XI).
[3789] thing ... denials] F₁ F₂ F₃. thing ... denial F₄. things ... denials Capell.
[3790] desire not ... reasons.] As in Pope. The lines end t' allay ... reasons in Ff.
[3791] You have] You've Pope.
[3792] you] we Rowe (ed. 2).
[3793] We have] We've Pope.
[3794] all] F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3795] that] om. Pope.
[3796] eyes] hearts Rowe.
[3797] country's] Rowe. countries Ff.
[3798] to poor we Thine enmity's] to poor us Thine enmity's Hanmer. so poor we Thine enemies Collier (Collier MS.)
[3799] enmity's] F₄. enmities F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3800] we are] we're Pope.
[3801] evident] eminent Rowe.
[3802] thorough] Johnson, through Ff. along Pope.
streets] street Warburton.
[3803] cannot] can't Pope.
[3804] both parts] both Seymour conj.
[3805] no sooner] not sooner Hanmer.
[3806] Ay, ... fight.] Arranged as in Pope, who reads mine too. Four lines, ending boy, ... time ... away ... fight, in Ff.
[3807] to] into Anon. conj.
mine] mine too Rowe. on mine Capell.
[3808] A'] A Ff. He Pope.
[3809] nor child] no child Rowe.
[3810] I have] I've Pope.
[Rising.] Capell. om. Ff.
[3811] to] do Pope (ed. 1).
[3812] poisonous] poysoners Hanmer.
[3813] war's] F₄. Warr's F₃. Warres F₁ F₂.
[3814] fine] Johnson. fiue F₁. five F₂ F₃ F₄. first Rowe (ed. 2).
[3815] to charge thy] Theobald (Warburton). to change thy Ff. do charge their Hanmer.
[3816] should] shall Hanmer.
[3817] noble man] Noble man F₂ F₃ F₄. Nobleman F₁.
[3818] There's] F₁. There is F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3819] to 's] to his Capell.
[3820] Thou hast] Thou'st Pope.
[3821] cluck'd] clock'd F₁.
[3822] him with] F₂ F₃ F₄. him with him with F₁.
[3823] To his] To 's Theobald.
'longs] F₄. longs F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3824] Down: an end;] Downe: an end, F₁ F₂. Down: an end, F₃. Down: and end, F₄. Down; down; and end; Johnson.
[3825] behold's] behold us Rowe (ed. 2).
[3826] his child] this child Theobald.
[3827] I ... little.] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Ff.
[3828] I am] I'm Pope.
[3829] Cor. [After ... silent] Holds her by the hand silent. Corio. Ff.
silent] silent, long and self-struggling. Collier MS.
O] om. Pope.
[3830] dangerously] dongerously F₂.
[3831] But] om. Pope.
[3832] Now] Tell me now Badham conj., ending the lines 191-193 at good ... would you ... less.
[3833] were you] If you were Capell. An were you S. Walker conj.
stead] F₄. stead F₁ F₂ F₃.
would] say, would Pope.
[3834] Aufidius] om. Badham conj.
[3835] I ... withal.] I too was mov'd. Pope. I was mov'd with 't. Capell.
[3836] [Aside] Rowe. om. Ff.
I am ... thou hast] I'm ... thou'st Pope.
[3837] a former] my former Hanmer. a firmer Collier MS.
[The Ladies....] Johnson. om. Ff.
[To Volumnia....] Rowe.
[3838] Ay ... bear] Arranged as in Hanmer. In Ff the first line ends at together.
[3839] drink] think Farmer conj. swink Becket conj.
[3840] Ladies ... peace.] Auf. Ladies ... peace. Hanmer.
[3841] SCENE IV.] Pope. SCENE III. Rowe.
Rome. A public place.] Capell. Rome. Pope. The Forum in Rome. Theobald.
[3842] differency] F₁. difference F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3843] eight-year-old] eight yeare old F₁ F₂. eight years old F₃ F₄.
[3844] in his state] in state Johnson.
[3845] as a thing made for] as a king, great as Leo conj.
[3846] long] 'long Capell.
[3847] Sec. Mess.] Mes. Ff.
[3848] Friend ... certain?] Arranged as by Pope, who reads Art certain. In Ff the first line ends at true?
[3849] is it ...] Pope. Is't ... Ff. Sec. Mess. Ay, sir, ... S. Walker conj.
certain?] F₃ F₄. certaine. F₁ F₂.
[3850] [Trumpets....] Noise within, of Shoutings, and loud Musick. Capell.
all together] Rowe. altogether Ff.
[3851] cymbals] F₄. Symboles F₁ F₂. Cymbole F₃.
[3852] you] yon F₂.
[A shout within.] Ff. Shout again. Capell.
[3853] Volumnia] Volumna F₂.
[3854] You have] You've Pope.
[3855] [Music....] Sound still with the Shouts. Ff.
[3856] First ... thankfulness] As in Pope. In Ff the first line ends at tydings.
[3857] Sir ... joy] As in Capell. Prose in Ff.
[3858] They are] They're Pope.
city?] F₃ F₄. city. F₁ F₂.
[3859] We will] Capell. Wee'l F₁ F₂ F₃. We'll F₄.
[3860] We ... joy] As in Capell. One line in Ff.
[3861] [Exeunt] Ff. Going. Capell.
[3862] SCENE V. The same ... gate.] Dyce. Scene continued in earlier editions.
Enter....] Enter two Senators, with Ladies, passing over the Stage, with other Lords. Ff.
[3863] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sena. Ff.
[3864] your] our Warburton.
[3865] strew] F₁ F₄. strow F₂ F₃.
[3866] Unshout] Rowe. Unshoot Ff.
[3867] Welcome ... Welcome] As in Steevens (1793). One line in Ff.
[3868] [A flourish ... trumpets. Exeunt.] Exeunt. A flourish ... trumpets. F₂ F₃ F₄. A flourish ... trumpets. F₁.
[3869] SCENE VI.] Dyce. SCENE IV. Rowe. SCENE V. Pope.
Antium.] Rowe. Corioli. Singer.
A public place.] Theobald.
[3870] o'] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3871] Him I accuse] F₄. Him I accuse: F₁ F₂ F₃. He I accuse Pope. He, I accuse, Theobald.
[3872] [Exeunt Attendants.] Exeunt Att. Malone. Exit Att. Capell. om. Ff.
[3873] Even so ... slain] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.
[3874] Most ... deliver you] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending intent, in Ff.
[3875] and I pawn'd] and pawn'd Pope. pawn'd Capell.
[3876] water'd] Rowe. watered Ff.
[3877] and free] om. Capell. and fierce Hanmer. and free, To an enforc'd observance S. Walker conj.
[3878] Sir, his stoutness] His stoutness, sir, Hanmer. Witness, sir, his stoutness Staunton conj.
[3879] stooping,--] Capell. stooping, F₂. stooping. F₁ F₃ F₄. stooping-- Rowe.
[3880] projects to] F₃ F₄. projects, to F₁ F₂.
[3881] holp] holpe F₁. hope F₂ F₃. hop'd F₄.
[3882] reap ... end] F₃. reape ... end F₁ F₂. reap ... make F₄. reap ... ear Collier MS. ear ... reap Singer (Lettsom conj.) reap ... bind Staunton conj. reap ... inn Keightley (Collier conj.)
[3883] did end] divined Bullock conj.
[3884] waged] wag'd F₃ F₄. wadg'd F₁ F₂. wagg'd Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag.)
[3885] in the last] at last Pope.
[3886] glory--] F₃ F₄. glory. F₁ F₂.
[3887] him.] him: F₄. him, F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3888] sound,] F₃ F₄. sounds, F₁ F₂.
[3889] With giving] Giving Pope.
[3890] we will] F₁ F₄. he will F₂ F₃.
[3891] second. When ... way his] Theobald. _second, when ... way. His_ Ff. second, when ... way, his Rowe.
[3892] Say ... lords.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.
[3893] All the Lords.] All Lords. Ff.
You are] Yon are F₂. You're Pope.
[3894] to you] om. Hanmer.
hear't] Ff. hear it Rowe.
[3895] this] om. Pope.
excuse] scuse Seymour conj.
[3896] SCENE VI. Pope.
return'd your] F₁. return'd, your F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3897] spoils ... Do] Pope. spoiles ... Doth Ff. spoil ... Doth Capell.
[3898] The] Thee F₂.
We have] We've Pope.
[3899] here] F₃ F₄. heere F₁. heare F₂.
[3900] Subscribed] Pope. Subscrib'd Ff.
[3901] o'] F₄. a' F₁ F₂ F₃.
[3902] heads] F₁ F₂. head F₃ F₄.
[3903] other] Rowe. others Ff.
[3904] Auf.] Ff. First Lord. Tyrwhitt conj.
[3905] that ever I was] Ff. that ever I'm Pope. I ever Was Hanmer.
[3906] scold] Rowe. scoul'd F₁ F₂. scould F₃ F₄.
[3907] to] too F₂.
[3908] on] in Rowe.
[3909] Flutter'd] F₃ F₄. Flatter'd F₁ F₂.
Volscians] Volscies Rowe.
[3910] it.] Rowe. it, Ff.
[3911] All the People.] All People. Ff. The Croud speak promiscuously. Theobald. Cit. [confusedly] Capell.
[3912] 'Tear ... father'] First as prose by Capell. Three lines, ending presently ... cosine ... father, in Ff. See note (VII).
[3913] 'He ... Marcus'] kill'd my cousin Pope, reading as verse.
[3914] ho] om. Pope.
[3915] O that ... sword] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending more, in Ff.
[3916] [The Conspirators....] Draw both the Conspirators, and kils Martius, who falles, Auffidius stands on him. Ff. (and kills.... F₃. and kill ... and Aufidius.... F₄).
[3917] masters] lords Rowe.
Tullus,--] Tullus-- Rowe. Tullus. Ff.
[3918] Thou ... weep] As in Steevens (1793). Two lines, the first ending whereat, in Ff.
[3919] him. Masters all,] him--Masters all, Rowe. him Masters, all F₁ F₂ F₃. him, Masters, all F₄.
[3920] My ... rage] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.
[3921] you] I Hanmer.
[3922] Yet ... Assist] As in Capell. One line in Ff.
[3923] Assist] om. Pope.
[Exeunt ... Coriolanus....] Malone. Exeunt ... Martius.... Ff.
NOTES.
NOTE I.
I. 1. 108-117. In Singer's edition of 1826 these speeches were distributed in the following manner:
'Men. The kingly-crowned ... ... if that they--
1 Cit. What then?
Men. 'Fore me ... ... body,--
1 Cit. Well, what then? The former ... ... answer?
In his edition of 1856 the ordinary arrangement is silently given.
NOTE II.
I. 3. 41. The first Folio reads:
'At Grecian sword. Contenning, tell Valeria' &c.
as if 'Contenning' were the name of the gentlewoman in attendance.
The second has:
'At Grecian swordes Contending: tell Valeria' &c.
The third:
'At Grecian swords Contending: tell Valeria' &c.
The fourth:
'At Grecian swords contending: tell Valeria' &c.
which is followed substantially by all editors before Capell.
Capell reads:
'At Grecian swords' contending.--Tell Valeria' &c.
which is adopted in subsequent editions down to that of Mr Knight, inclusive.
Mr Collier, in his first edition, gave:
'At Grecian sword's contending.--Tell Valeria' &c.
at the same time offering as a conjecture:
'At Grecian swords, contemning.'
This was afterwards found among the MS. corrections of his second Folio and adopted by Mr Singer, as well as by Mr Collier himself in his second edition.
The reading we have given in the text was first adopted by Dr Leo. He, however, puts no comma after 'sword.'
Mr Keightley gives the same reading, marking, however, a break in the sense, thus:
'At Grecian sword, contemning.... Tell Valeria' &c.
Mr Lettsom conjectures:
'As Grecian swords contemning.'
Perhaps we might read:
'At Grecian sword, contemning 't.'
It has also been suggested to us that 'Contenning' is the remnant of a stage-direction [containing herself]. But we know of no similar instance in any old edition.
NOTE III.
I. 4. 31. A copy of the second Folio, which was in the possession of Mr Singer, is said to have 'a Heard,' not 'you Heard.'
Malone, in his Supplement to Steevens's edition of 1778, proposed to read:
'You shames of Rome, you! hoards of boils and plagues Plaister you o'er.'
NOTE IV.
I. 9. 41-53. Theobald, at Warburton's suggestion, read the whole speech as follows:
'Mar. May these same Instruments, which you profane, Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall I' th' field prove flatterers, let camps, as cities, Be made of false-fac'd soothing! When Steel grows Soft, as the parasite's silk, let Hymns be made An overture for th' wars!--No more, I say; For that I have not wash'd my Nose that bled, Or foil'd some debile wretch, which, without note Here's many else have done; you shout me forth In acclamations hyperbolical; As if I lov'd, my little should be dieted In praises, sauc'd with lies.'
Subsequent editors partly followed Theobald's arrangement, without adopting his readings.
Mr Knight printed as follows:
'May these same instruments which you profane, Never sound more, when drums and trumpets shall I' the field prove flatterers! Let courts and cities be Made all of false-fac'd soothing, where steel grows soft As the parasite's silk! Let them be made an overture for the wars!' &c.
Hudson follows Knight, but reads where steel ... silk as one line. Singer proposed to read and print thus:
'May these same instruments, which you profane, Never sound more! shall drums and trumpets, when I' the field, prove flatterers? (Let courts and cities be Made all of false-faced soothing, When steel grows soft as the Parasite's silk)-- Let them be made an overture for the wars!-- No more! I say,' &c.
In his Text of Shakespeare Vindicated, &c. (1853) he arranged the first four lines as in our text, and in the two following read silks ... them.
NOTE V.
II. 3. 236-238. The Folios here read:
'hither, And Nobly nam'd, so twice being Censor, Was his great Ancestor.'
Rowe, in his first edition, reads:
'hither, And, nobly nam'd Martius, so, twice being Censor, Was his great Ancestor.'
In his second edition he reads:
'hither And nobly nam'd; so, twice being Censor, Was his great Ancestor.'
Pope reads:
'hither. †And Censorinus, darling of the people (And nobly nam'd so for twice being censor) Was his great ancestor.'
In his note on the passage he says, "This verse I have supply'd. A line having been certainly left out in this place, as will appear to any one who consults the beginning of Plutarch's life of Coriolanus, from whence this passage is directly translated."
Notwithstanding that the words 'darling of the people' are not in the passage referred to, the line inserted by Pope was accepted by all subsequent editors down to Singer.
Steevens, in his edition of 1773, omitted 'for' in the second line; and in his edition of 1793, instead of 'twice being censor' read 'being censor twice.'
Singer (ed. 1856) reads:
'hither; [One of that family nam'd Censorinus] And nobly nam'd so, twice being chosen Censor, Was his great ancestor.'
Mr Grant White adopts Pope's insertion, and follows Singer in reading 'chosen' in the next line.
Dr Delius reads:
'hither; [And Censorinus, that was so surnam'd,] And nobly named so, twice being censor, Was his great ancestor.'
He remarks that 'darling of the people' does not sound like Shakespeare.
Dr Leo reads:
'hither; [And Censorinus, nam'd so by the people,] And nobly named so, twice being censor, Was his great ancestor.'
Mr Keightley reads:
'hither; And Censorinus, he that was so nam'd, --And nobly nam'd so, twice being Censor-- Was his great ancestor.'
Dr Nicholson conjectures that the line omitted was:
'And he that was surnamed Censorinus.'
The passage from Plutarch, to which Pope refers, stands as follows in North's translation of the Lives, p. 235, (ed. 1595): 'Of the same house were Publius, & Quintus, who brought to ROME their best water they had by conduites. Censorinus also came of that familie, that was so surnamed, because the people had chosen him Censor twise.'
The reading we have given in the text was first adopted by us in the Globe Edition. It leaves the words of the Folios still in their order, and introduces what must have been the significant fact that Censorinus was chosen 'by the people.' A stain or rent in the copy might have rendered parts of two lines illegible, the remainder being unskilfully pieced together by transcriber or printer.
NOTE VI.
III. 1. 97-101. Hanmer, followed by Capell, reads:
'If they have power, Let them have cushions by you: if none, awake Your dang'rous lenity: if you are learned, Be not as common fools: if you are not, Then vail your ignorance.'
In line 98, where Mr Collier, from his MS. corrector, reads 'impotence' for 'ignorance', Warburton interprets 'ignorance' as 'impotence; because it makes impotent.'
NOTE VII.
III. 1. 185-188. All editors follow the Folios in assigning the words 'Weapons, weapons, weapons!' to the second senator, and all, except Capell, continue the words 'Tribunes ... citizens!' to the same speaker. Capell assigned them to the First Senator. But surely the words are intended to express the tumultuous cries of the partisans on both sides, who are bustling about Coriolanus. The following words 'Peace, peace, peace' ... attributed to 'All' in the Folios, are spoken by some of the elder Senators endeavouring to calm the tumult.
Compare also Act V. Sc. 6. 121-123. There is a similar stage direction of the Folio, which was similarly misinterpreted, in The Tempest, I. 1. 57-59.
NOTE VIII.
III. 2. 105. Malone (1790) says 'The word as has been substituted for which by the modern editors in the passage before us.' We have been unable to find it in Rowe, Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton, Johnson, Capell, or Steevens. It is probably a printer's emendation in some of the numerous reprints of the play.
NOTE IX.
IV. 5. 130. Mr Collier, in a note to this passage, says that the Earl of Ellesmere's copy of the first Folio has 'o'er-beare.' Mr Staunton, to whom the volume has been lent, has kindly consulted it for us, and says that the reading there is 'o're beate' or 'o're beare.' He adds 'It is difficult to say which. There are other cases in the Folio where the t and r so nearly resemble each other that I can hardly decide between them.'
NOTE X.
V. 1. 17. Mr Collier explains his reading by the following note: 'Menenius intends to say that the tribunes have wrecked a noble memory for Rome by occasioning its destruction.'
NOTE XI.
V. 3. 75. Dr Nicholson writes to us: 'The stage action here to which Coriolanus replies is this: the boy refuses to kneel, but interposes between the kneeling ladies and Coriolanus. See his after speech 'A' shall not tread on me,' &c. This, if not introduced as a stage direction, ought to be explained in a note.' To us Coriolanus seems rather to commend the boy for doing as he was bid. To refuse to kneel would suit ill with his 'aspect of intercession' (line 32). Besides, he kneels, without being specially told to do so, afterwards (line 175).
TITUS ANDRONICUS.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[H].
SATURNINUS, son to the late Emperor of Rome, afterwards emperor. BASSIANUS, brother to Saturninus. TITUS ANDRONICUS, a noble Roman. MARCUS ANDRONICUS, tribune of the people, and brother to Titus. LUCIUS, } QUINTUS, } MARTIUS, } MUTIUS, } sons to Titus Andronicus. YOUNG LUCIUS, a boy, son to Lucius. PUBLIUS, son to Marcus Andronicus. ÆMILIUS, a noble Roman. ALARBUS, } DEMETRIUS, } sons to Tamora. CHIRON, } AARON, a Moor, beloved by Tamora. A Captain, Tribune, Messenger, and Clown; Romans and Goths.
TAMORA, Queen of the Goths. LAVINIA, daughter to Titus Andronicus. A Nurse, and a black Child.
Kinsmen of Titus, Senators, Tribunes, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants.
SCENE: Rome, and the country near it.
[H] First given imperfectly by Rowe.
THE TRAGEDY OF
TITUS ANDRONICUS.
Act I, Scene I — Rome. Before the Capitol. The Tomb of the Andronici appearing.
Flourish. Enter the Tribunes and Senators _aloft. And then enter below_, SATURNINUS and his Followers _from one side, and_ BASSIANUS and his Followers _from the other side, with drum and colours_.[3924]
Sat. Noble patricians, patrons of my right, Defend the justice of my cause with arms; And, countrymen, my loving followers,[3925] Plead my successive title with your swords: I am his first-born son, that was the last[3926] 5 That ware the imperial diadem of Rome;[3926] Then let my father's honours live in me, Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.
Bas. Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,[3927] If ever Bassianus, Cæsar's son, 10 Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome, Keep then this passage to the Capitol; And suffer not dishonour to approach The imperial seat, to virtue consecrate,[3928] To justice, continence and nobility:[3929] 15 But let desert in pure election shine; And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice.
Enter MARCUS ANDRONICUS, aloft, with the crown.[3930]
Marc. Princes, that strive by factions and by friends[3931] Ambitiously for rule and empery, Know that the people of Rome, for whom we stand 20 A special party, have by common voice, In election for the Roman empery,[3932] Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius[3933] For many good and great deserts to Rome: A nobler man, a braver warrior, 25 Lives not this day within the city walls:[3934] He by the senate is accited home From weary wars against the barbarous Goths; That, with his sons, a terror to our foes, Hath yoked a nation strong, train'd up in arms. 30 Ten years are spent since first he undertook This cause of Rome, and chastised with arms Our enemies' pride: five times he hath return'd Bleeding to Rome, bearing his valiant sons In coffins from the field.[3935] 35 And now at last, laden with honour's spoils, Returns the good Andronicus to Rome, Renowned Titus, flourishing in arms. Let us entreat, by honour of his name, Whom worthily you would have now succeed,[3936] 40 And in the Capitol and senate's right, Whom you pretend to honour and adore, That you withdraw you and abate your strength, Dismiss your followers and, as suitors should, Plead your deserts in peace and humbleness. 45
Sat. How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts![3937]
Bas. Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy In thy uprightness and integrity, And so I love and honour thee and thine, Thy noble Titus and his sons, 50 And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all,[3938] Gracious Lavinia, Rome's rich ornament, That I will here dismiss my loving friends, And to my fortunes and the people's favour[3939] Commit my cause in balance to be weigh'd.
[Exeunt the Followers of Bassianus.[3940] 55
Sat. Friends, that have been thus forward in my right,[3941] I thank you all, and here dismiss you all, And to the love and favour of my country Commit myself, my person and the cause.
[Exeunt the Followers of Saturninus.[3942]
Rome, be as just and gracious unto me 60 As I am confident and kind to thee. Open the gates, and let me in.[3943]
Bas. Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.
[Flourish. Saturninus and Bassianus go up into the Capitol.[3944]
Enter a Captain.
Cap. Romans, make way: the good Andronicus,[3945] Patron of virtue, Rome's best champion, 65 Successful in the battles that he fights, With honour and with fortune is return'd From where he circumscribed with his sword,[3946] And brought to yoke, the enemies of Rome.
Drums and trumpets sounded. Enter MARTIUS and MUTIUS; after them, two Men _bearing a coffin covered with black; then_ LUCIUS and QUINTUS. After them, TITUS ANDRONICUS; and then TAMORA Queen of Goths, with ALARBUS, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, AARON, and other Goths, prisoners; Soldiers and People following. The Bearers _set down the coffin, and_ TITUS speaks.[3947]
Tit. Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds![3948] 70 Lo, as the bark that hath discharged her fraught[3949] Returns with precious lading to the bay From whence at first she weigh'd her anchorage, Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs,[3950] To re-salute his country with his tears, 75 Tears of true joy for his return to Rome. Thou great defender of this Capitol, Stand gracious to the rites that we intend![3951] Romans, of five and twenty valiant sons, Half of the number that King Priam had, 80 Behold the poor remains, alive and dead! These that survive let Rome reward with love; These that I bring unto their latest home, With burial amongst their ancestors:[3952] Here Goths have given me leave to sheathe my sword. 85 Titus, unkind, and careless of thine own, Why suffer'st thou thy sons, unburied yet, To hover on the dreadful shore of Styx? Make way to lay them by their brethren.[3953]
[They open the tomb.
There greet in silence, as the dead are wont,[3954] 90 And sleep in peace, slain in your country's wars! O sacred receptacle of my joys,[3955] Sweet cell of virtue and nobility, How many sons hast thou of mine in store,[3956] That thou wilt never render to me more! 95
Luc. Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths, That we may hew his limbs and on a pile 'Ad manes fratrum' sacrifice his flesh,[3957] Before this earthy prison of their bones,[3958] That so the shadows be not unappeased,[3959] 100 Nor we disturb'd with prodigies on earth.
Tit. I give him you, the noblest that survives, The eldest son of this distressed queen.[3960]
Tam. Stay, Roman brethren! Gracious conqueror,[3961] Victorious Titus, rue the tears I shed,[3962] 105 A mother's tears in passion for her son: And if thy sons were ever dear to thee, O, think my son to be as dear to me![3963] Sufficeth not, that we are brought to Rome, To beautify thy triumphs and return,[3964] 110 Captive to thee and to thy Roman yoke; But must my sons be slaughter'd in the streets,[3965] For valiant doings in their country's cause? O, if to fight for king and commonweal Were piety in thine, it is in these. 115 Andronicus, stain not thy tomb with blood. Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods? Draw near them then in being merciful: Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge: Thrice-noble Titus, spare my first-born son. 120
Tit. Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me. These are their brethren, whom you Goths beheld[3966] Alive and dead; and for their brethren slain[3953] Religiously they ask a sacrifice: To this your son is mark'd, and die he must, 125 To appease their groaning shadows that are gone.[3967]
Luc. Away with him! and make a fire straight; And with our swords, upon a pile of wood, Let's hew his limbs till they be clean consumed.
[Exeunt the sons of Andronicus with Alarbus[3968]
Tam. O cruel, irreligious piety! 130
Chi. Was ever Scythia half so barbarous?
Tam. Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome.[3969] Alarbus goes to rest, and we survive[3970] To tremble under Titus' threatening look.[3971] Then, madam, stand resolved; but hope withal, 135 The self-same gods that arm'd the Queen of Troy With opportunity of sharp revenge Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent,[3972] May favour Tamora, the queen of Goths, When Goths were Goths and Tamora was queen, 140 To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes.[3973]
Re-enter the sons of ANDRONICUS, with their swords bloody.[3974]
Luc. See, lord and father, how we have perform'd Our Roman rites: Alarbus' limbs are lopp'd,[3975] And entrails feed the sacrificing fire,[3976] Whose smoke, like incense, doth perfume the sky. 145 Remaineth nought but to inter our brethren And with loud 'larums welcome them to Rome.
Tit. Let it be so; and let Andronicus Make this his latest farewell to their souls.
[Trumpets sounded, and the coffin laid in the tomb.[3977]
In peace and honour rest you here, my sons;[3978] 150 Rome's readiest champions, repose you here in rest,[3979] Secure from worldly chances and mishaps! Here lurks no treason, here no envy swells, Here grow no damned drugs; here are no storms,[3980] No noise, but silence and eternal sleep: 155 In peace and honour rest you here, my sons!
Enter LAVINIA.[3981]
Lav. In peace and honour live Lord Titus long;[3982] My noble lord and father, live in fame! Lo, at this tomb my tributary tears I render, for my brethren's obsequies;[3953] 160 And at thy feet I kneel, with tears of joy Shed on the earth, for thy return to Rome: O, bless me here with thy victorious hand, Whose fortunes Rome's best citizens applaud![3983]
Tit. Kind Rome, that hast thus lovingly reserved[3984] 165 The cordial of mine age to glad my heart![3985] Lavinia, live; outlive thy father's days, And fame's eternal date, for virtue's praise!
Enter, below, MARCUS ANDRONICUS and Tribunes; re-enter SATURNINUS and BASSIANUS, attended.[3986]
Marc. Long live Lord Titus, my beloved brother, Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome! 170
Tit. Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus.[3987]
Marc. And welcome, nephews, from successful wars, You that survive, and you that sleep in fame! Fair lords, your fortunes are alike in all, That in your country's service drew your swords: 175 But safer triumph is this funeral pomp, That hath aspired to Solon's happiness, And triumphs over chance in honour's bed. Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome, Whose friend in justice thou hast ever been, 180 Send thee by me, their tribune and their trust,[3988] This palliament of white and spotless hue; And name thee in election for the empire, With these our late-deceased emperor's sons:[3989] Be candidatus then, and put it on, 185 And help to set a head on headless Rome.
Tit. A better head her glorious body fits Than his that shakes for age and feebleness: What should I don this robe, and trouble you?[3990] Be chosen with proclamations to-day,[3991] 190 To-morrow yield up rule, resign my life, And set abroad new business for you all?[3992] Rome, I have been thy soldier forty years, And led my country's strength successfully, And buried one and twenty valiant sons, 195 Knighted in field, slain manfully in arms, In right and service of their noble country: Give me a staff of honour for mine age, But not a sceptre to control the world: Upright he held it, lords, that held it last. 200
Marc. Titus, thou shalt obtain and ask the empery.[3993]
Sat. Proud and ambitious tribune, canst thou tell?
Tit. Patience, Prince Saturninus.[3994]
Sat. Romans, do me right; Patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not Till Saturninus be Rome's emperor. 205 Andronicus, would thou wert shipp'd to hell, Rather than rob me of the people's hearts!
Luc. Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good That noble-minded Titus means to thee!
Tit. Content thee, prince; I will restore to thee 210 The people's hearts, and wean them from themselves.
Bas. Andronicus, I do not flatter thee, But honour thee, and will do till I die: My faction if thou strengthen with thy friends,[3995] I will most thankful be; and thanks to men 215 Of noble minds is honourable meed.
Tit. People of Rome, and people's tribunes here,[3996] I ask your voices and your suffrages: Will you bestow them friendly on Andronicus?
Tribunes. To gratify the good Andronicus,[3997] 220 And gratulate his safe return to Rome, The people will accept whom he admits.
Tit. Tribunes, I thank you: and this suit I make,[3998] That you create your emperor's eldest son, Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hope, 225 Reflect on Rome as Titan's rays on earth, And ripen justice in this commonweal: Then, if you will elect by my advice,[3999] Crown him, and say 'Long live our emperor!'
Marc. With voices and applause of every sort,[4000] 230 Patricians and plebeians, we create[4001] Lord Saturninus Rome's great emperor, And say 'Long live our Emperor Saturnine!'
[A long flourish till they come down.[4002]
Sat. Titus Andronicus, for thy favours done To us in our election this day, 235 I give thee thanks in part of thy deserts, And will with deeds requite thy gentleness: And, for an onset, Titus, to advance Thy name and honourable family, Lavinia will I make my empress,[4003] 240 Rome's royal mistress, mistress of my heart, And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse:[4004] Tell me, Andronicus, doth this motion please thee?
Tit. It doth, my worthy lord; and in this match I hold me highly honour'd of your grace:[4005] 245 And here, in sight of Rome, to Saturnine,[4006] King and commander of our commonweal, The wide world's emperor, do I consecrate My sword, my chariot and my prisoners; Presents well worthy Rome's imperious lord:[4007] 250 Receive them then, the tribute that I owe, Mine honour's ensigns humbled at thy feet.[4008]
Sat. Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life! How proud I am of thee and of thy gifts, Rome shall record; and when I do forget 255 The least of these unspeakable deserts, Romans, forget your fealty to me.
Tit. [To Tamora] Now, madam, are you prisoner to an emperor;[4009] To him that, for your honour and your state,[4010] Will use you nobly and your followers. 260
Sat. A goodly lady, trust me; of the hue[4011][4012] That I would choose, were I to choose anew.[4011][4013] Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance: Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer,[4014] Thou comest not to be made a scorn in Rome: 265 Princely shall be thy usage every way. Rest on my word, and let not discontent Daunt all your hopes: madam, he comforts you[4015] Can make you greater than the Queen of Goths.[4016] Lavinia, you are not displeased with this?[4017] 270
Lav. Not I, my lord; sith true nobility Warrants these words in princely courtesy.[4018]
Sat. Thanks, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go: Ransomless here we set our prisoners free: Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum. 275
[Flourish. Saturninus courts Tamora in dumb show.[4019]
Bas. [Seizing Lavinia] Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.[4020]
Tit. How, sir! are you in earnest then my lord?
Bas. Ay, noble Titus, and resolved withal To do myself this reason and this right.
Marc. 'Suum cuique' is our Roman justice:[4021] 280 This prince in justice seizeth but his own.
Luc. And that he will, and shall, if Lucius live.
Tit. Traitors, avaunt! Where is the emperor's guard? Treason, my lord! Lavinia is surprised!
Sat. Surprised! by whom?
Bas. By him that justly may 285 Bear his betroth'd from all the world away.
[Exeunt Bassianus and Marcus with Lavinia.[4022]
Mut. Brothers, help to convey her hence away,[4023] And with my sword I'll keep this door safe.
[Exeunt Lucius, Quintus, and Martius.[4024]
Tit. Follow, my lord, and I'll soon bring her back.
Mut. My lord, you pass not here.[4025]
Tit. What, villain boy![4026] 290 Barr'st me my way in Rome? [Stabbing Mutius.[4026]
Mut. Help, Lucius, help! [Dies.
[During the fray, Saturninus, Tamora, Demetrius, Chiron and Aaron go out, and re-enter above.
Re-enter LUCIUS.[4027]
Luc. My lord, you are unjust; and, more than so, In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.
Tit. Nor thou, nor he, are any sons of mine; My sons would never so dishonour me: 295 Traitor, restore Lavinia to the emperor.
Luc. Dead, if you will; but not to be his wife, That is another's lawful promised love. [Exit.[4028]
Sat. No, Titus, no; the emperor needs her not, Nor her, nor thee, nor any of thy stock:[4029] 300 I'll trust by leisure him that mocks me once; Thee never, nor thy traitorous haughty sons, Confederates all thus to dishonour me. Was none in Rome to make a stale[4030][4031] But Saturnine? Full well, Andronicus,[4031] 305 Agree these deeds with that proud brag of thine, That saidst, I begg'd the empire at thy hands.
Tit. O monstrous! what reproachful words are these?
Sat. But go thy ways; go, give that changing piece To him that flourish'd for her with his sword: 310 A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy; One fit to bandy with thy lawless sons, To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome.
Tit. These words are razors to my wounded heart.
Sat. And therefore, lovely Tamora, queen of Goths, 315 That, like the stately Phœbe 'mongst her nymphs,[4032] Dost overshine the gallant'st dames of Rome, If thou be pleased with this my sudden choice, Behold, I choose thee, Tamora, for my bride, And will create thee empress of Rome.[4033] 320 Speak, Queen of Goths, dost thou applaud my choice? And here I swear by all the Roman gods, Sith priest and holy water are so near And tapers burn so bright and every thing In readiness for Hymenæus stand,[4034] 325 I will not re-salute the streets of Rome, Or climb my palace, till from forth this place I lead espoused my bride along with me.
Tam. And here, in sight of heaven, to Rome I swear, If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths, 330 She will a handmaid be to his desires, A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.
Sat. Ascend, fair queen, Pantheon. Lords, accompany[4035] Your noble emperor and his lovely bride, Sent by the heavens for Prince Saturnine, 335 Whose wisdom hath her fortune conquered: There shall we consummate our spousal rites.
[Exeunt all but Titus.[4036]
Tit. I am not bid to wait upon this bride.[4037] Titus, when wert thou wont to walk alone, Dishonour'd thus and challenged of wrongs? 340
Re-enter MARCUS, LUCIUS, QUINTUS, and MARTIUS.[4038]
Marc. O Titus, see, O, see what thou hast done! In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.
Tit. No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine, Nor thou, nor these, confederates in the deed That hath dishonour'd all our family;[4039] 345 Unworthy brother, and unworthy sons!
Luc. But let us give him burial, as becomes; Give Mutius burial with our brethren.
Tit. Traitors, away! he rests not in this tomb: This monument five hundred years hath stood,[4040] 350 Which I have sumptuously re-edified: Here none but soldiers and Rome's servitors Repose in fame; none basely slain in brawls: Bury him where you can, he comes not here.
Marc. My lord, this is impiety in you: 355 My nephew Mutius' deeds do plead for him;[4041] He must be buried with his brethren.
Quin.} And shall, or him we will accompany.[4042] Mart.}
Tit. And shall! what villain was it spake that word?
Quin. He that would vouch it in any place but here.[4043] 360
Tit. What, would you bury him in my despite?
Marc. No, noble Titus; but entreat of thee To pardon Mutius and to bury him.
Tit. Marcus, even thou hast struck upon my crest[4044] And with these boys mine honour thou hast wounded: 365 My foes I do repute you every one; So trouble me no more, but get you gone.
Mart. He is not with himself; let us withdraw.[4045]
Quin. Not I, till Mutius' bones be buried.[4046]
[Marcus and the sons of Titus kneel.[4047]
Marc. Brother, for in that name doth nature plead,-- 370
Quin. Father, and in that name doth nature speak,--[4046]
Tit. Speak thou no more, if all the rest will speed.[4048]
Marc. Renowned Titus, more than half my soul,--[4049]
Luc. Dear father, soul and substance of us all,--
Marc. Suffer thy brother Marcus to inter 375 His noble nephew here in virtue's nest, That died in honour and Lavinia's cause. Thou art a Roman; be not barbarous: The Greeks upon advice did bury Ajax[4050] That slew himself; and wise Laertes' son[4051] 380 Did graciously plead for his funerals: Let not young Mutius then, that was thy joy, Be barr'd his entrance here.
Tit. Rise, Marcus, rise: The dismall'st day is this that e'er I saw, To be dishonour'd by my sons in Rome![4039] 385 Well, bury him, and bury me the next.
[Mutius is put into the tomb.[4052]
Luc. There lie thy bones, sweet Mutius, with thy friends, Till we with trophies do adorn thy tomb.
All. [Kneeling] No man shed tears for noble Mutius;[4053][4054] He lives in fame that died in virtue's cause.[4054][4055] 390
Marc. My lord, to step out of these dreary dumps,[4056] How comes it that the subtle Queen of Goths Is of a sudden thus advanced in Rome?
Tit. I know not, Marcus; but I know it is, Whether by device or no, the heavens can tell:[4057] 395 Is she not then beholding to the man[4058] That brought her for this high good turn so far? Yes, and will nobly him remunerate.[4059]
Flourish. Re-enter, from one side, SATURNINUS attended, TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, and AARON; from the other, BASSIANUS, LAVINIA, with others.[4060]
Sat. So, Bassianus, you have play'd your prize:[4061] God give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride! 400
Bas. And you of yours, my lord! I say no more, Nor wish no less; and so I take my leave.
Sat. Traitor, if Rome have law, or we have power, Thou and thy faction shall repent this rape.
Bas. Rape, call you it, my lord, to seize my own, 405 My true-betrothed love, and now my wife?[4062] But let the laws of Rome determine all; Meanwhile I am possess'd of that is mine.
Sat. 'Tis good, sir: you are very short with us; But, if we live, we'll be as sharp with you. 410
Bas. My lord, what I have done, as best I may, Answer I must, and shall do with my life. Only thus much I give your grace to know: By all the duties that I owe to Rome,[4063] This noble gentleman, Lord Titus here, 415 Is in opinion and in honour wrong'd; That, in the rescue of Lavinia, With his own hand did slay his youngest son, In zeal to you and highly moved to wrath To be controll'd in that he frankly gave: 420 Receive him then to favour, Saturnine, That hath express'd himself in all his deeds A father and a friend to thee and Rome.
Tit. Prince Bassianus, leave to plead my deeds: 'Tis thou and those that have dishonour'd me.[4064] 425 Rome and the righteous heavens be my judge, How I have loved and honour'd Saturnine![4065]
Tam. My worthy lord, if ever Tamora Were gracious in those princely eyes of thine, Then hear me speak indifferently for all; 430 And at my suit, sweet, pardon what is past.
Sat. What, madam! be dishonour'd openly,[4039] And basely put it up without revenge?[4066]
Tam. Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forfend[4067] I should be author to dishonour you! 435 But on mine honour dare I undertake[4068] For good Lord Titus' innocence in all;[4069] Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs: Then, at my suit, look graciously on him; Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose, 440 Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart. [Aside to Sat.] My lord, be ruled by me, be won at last;[4070] Dissemble all your griefs and discontents: You are but newly planted in your throne; Lest then the people, and patricians too, 445 Upon a just survey, take Titus' part, And so supplant you for ingratitude,[4071] Which Rome reputes to be a heinous sin,[4072] Yield at entreats, and then let me alone: I'll find a day to massacre them all, 450 And raze their faction and their family,[4073] The cruel father and his traitorous sons, To whom I sued for my dear son's life; And make them know what 'tis to let a queen Kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vain.-- 455 Come, come, sweet emperor; come, Andronicus;[4074] Take up this good old man, and cheer the heart That dies in tempest of thy angry frown.
Sat. Rise, Titus, rise; my empress hath prevail'd.[4075][4076]
Tit. I thank your majesty, and her, my lord:[4076] 460 These words, these looks, infuse new life in me.[4076]
Tam. Titus, I am incorporate in Rome, A Roman now adopted happily, And must advise the emperor for his good. This day all quarrels die, Andronicus. 465 And let it be mine honour, good my lord,[4077] That I have reconciled your friends and you. For you, Prince Bassianus, I have pass'd My word and promise to the emperor, That you will be more mild and tractable. 470 And fear not, lords, and you, Lavinia;[4078] By my advice, all humbled on your knees,[4079] You shall ask pardon of his majesty.
Luc. We do; and vow to heaven, and to his highness,[4080] That what we did was mildly as we might, 475 Tendering our sister's honour and our own.
Marc. That, on mine honour, here I do protest.
Sat. Away, and talk not; trouble us no more.[4075]
Tam. Nay, nay, sweet emperor, we must all be friends:[4081] The tribune and his nephews kneel for grace; 480 I will not be denied: sweet heart, look back.
Sat. Marcus, for thy sake and thy brother's here,[4075][4082] And at my lovely Tamora's entreats, I do remit these young men's heinous faults: Stand up.[4083] 485 Lavinia, though you left me like a churl, I found a friend; and sure as death I swore[4084] I would not part a bachelor from the priest. Come, if the emperor's court can feast two brides, You are my guest, Lavinia, and your friends. 490 This day shall be a love-day, Tamora.
Tit. To-morrow, an it please your majesty[4085] To hunt the panther and the hart with me,[4086] With horn and hound we'll give your grace bonjour.[4087]
Sat. Be it so, Titus, and gramercy too. 495
[Flourish. Exeunt.[4088]
FOOTNOTES:
[3924] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff. om. Qq.
Rome.] Rowe.
Before the Capitol.] Theobald.
The Tomb of the Andronici appearing.] In it the tomb of the Andronici. Capell.
Flourish.] F₁. om. Qq. F₂ F₃ F₄.
Enter ... enter, below ... from one side ... from the other side ...] Enter ... enter ... at one doore ... at the other ... Ff.
aloft.] aloft, as in the Senate. Rowe.
from the other side] om. Qq.
colours] Ff. Trumpets. Qq.
[3925] my] Ff. and Rowe.
[3926] I am his ... That ware] Qq. I was the ... That wore F₁ F₂ F₃. I was the first-born son of him that last Wore F₄. I am the firstborn son of him that last Wore Pope. I am his ... That wore Collier. I am the first-born son of him, the last That wore Collier MS.
[3927] Romans, friends] Friends, Romans Anon. conj.
Romans ... right] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[3928] virtue consecrate,] Rowe (ed. 2). vertue, consecrate Qq. vertue: consecrate F₁ F₂ F₃. virtue, consecrate F₄.
[3929] continence] conscience Collier MS.
[3930] Enter ... aloft] Ff. Marcus Andronicus Qq.
[3931] by friends] Qq F₁. my friends F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3932] election] free election Hanmer. fair election Capell.
Roman] om. Capell.
[3933] Pius] Pious F₁.
[3934] the city] our city Rowe (ed. 2).
[3935] Keightley marks this as an imperfect line.
[3936] worthily] Qq. (worthily) Ff.
succeed] succeeded Capell.
[3937] How ... thoughts] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[3938] my] our Rowe.
[3939] fortunes] fortune's Delius.
[3940] Exeunt....] Capell. Exit Souldiers. Qq. Exit Souldiours. F₁. Ex. Souldiers. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3941] Friends ... right] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
Friends] Eriends Q₁.
[3942] the cause] my cause Collier MS.
[Exeunt....] Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.
[3943] gates,] gates, tribunes, Capell. brazen gates, Collier (Collier MS.)
[3944] [Flourish.] F₁ om. Qq F₂ F₃ F₄.
Saturninus....] Sat. and Bas. with a few, ascend the Capitol; and Exeunt, with Senators, and Marcus. Capell. They goe vp into the Senate house. Qq Ff.
[3945] SCENE II. Pope. SCENE II. The same. Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[3946] where] Qq. whence Ff.
[3947] Drums....] Sound Drummes and Trumpets, and then enter two of Titus sonnes, and then two men bearing a Coffin couered with blacke, then two other sonnes, then Titus Andronicus, and then Tamora the Queene of Gothes and her two sonnes, Chiron and Demetrius, with Aron the More, and others, as many as can be, then set downe the coffin, and Titus speakes. Qq, and so substantially Ff.
Alarbus] added by Rowe.
[3948] Hail ... weeds] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
thy] my Warburton.
mourning] mournining Q₂.
[3949] her] F₄. his Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.
fraught] freight Rowe.
[3950] bound] om. Rowe.
[3951] rites] rights Q₁.
[3952] amongst] among Rowe.
[3953] brethren] Q₁ F₃ F₄. bretheren Q₂ F₁ F₂.
[3954] the dead] dead Q₁.
[3955] sacred] sacret F₂.
[3956] hast thou of mine] Q₁. of mine hast thou Q₂ Ff.
[3957] manes] F₃ F₄. manus Qq F₁ F₂.
[3958] earthy] Qq. earthly Ff.
[3959] the] their Collier MS.
unappeased] vnappeaxd Q₁.
[3960] this] Q₁ Ff. his Q₂.
[giving them Alarbus. Capell.
[3961] brethren] Qq F₃ F₄. bretheren F₁ F₂.
[3962] rue] Qq F₁. true F₂ F₃. true, F₄.
[3963] son] sonne Qq. sonnes F₁ F₂. sons F₃ F₄.
[3964] triumphs and return,] Theobald. triumphs, and returne Qq Ff.
[3965] slaughter'd] Rowe. slaughtered Qq. slaughtred Ff.
[3966] their] Qq. the Ff.
beheld] Qq F₁ behold F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3967] gone] dust Collier MS.
[3968] [Exeunt ...] Exit Titus sonnes with Alarbus. Qq. Exit Sonnes with Alarbus. Ff. Exeunt Mutius, Marcus, Quintus and Lucius with Alarbus. Rowe.
[3969] not] Qq. me F₁ F₂ F₃. me, F₄.
[3970] goes] Qq F₁. goe F₂. go F₃ F₄.
[3971] Titus'] Titus's F₄.
look] looke Qq. lookes F₁ F₂. looks F₃ F₄.
[3972] his] her Theobald.
[3973] the] her Rowe. these Capell conj.]
wrongs] wrong Anon. conj.
[3974] Re-enter ... Andronicus,] Enter the sonnes of Andronicus againe. Qq Ff. Enter Mutius, Marcus, Quintus and Lucius. Rowe.
with their swords bloody] Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[3975] rites] F₂ F₃ F₄. rights Q₁. rightes Q₂ F₁.
Alarbus'] Alarbus's F₄.
[3976] And] And's or His Anon. conj.]
entrails] intrals Qq Ff.
[3977] [Trumpets ...] Sound trumpets, and lay the Coffin in the Tombe. Qq. Flourish. Then sound Trumpets, and lay the Coffins in the Tombe. Ff (Flourish. om. F₂ F₃ F₄).
[3978] [kneeling. Collier (Collier MS.)
[3979] in rest] om. Pope.
[3980] drugs] drugges Q₁. grudgges Q₂. grudges Ff. grudge' S. Walker conj.
are] Qq F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.
[3981] [Rising.] Collier (Collier MS.)
Act I, Scene III — Johnson
Enter Lavinia] Qq Ff. Placed by Johnson after line 155. Enter Lavinia, Attendants. Ravenscroft's Version. Enter Lavinia, attended. Capell.
[3982] SCENE III. Pope.
Lav.] om. Q₁.
[3983] fortunes] Qq. fortune Ff.
[3984] Kind ... reserved] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
reserved] preserv'd Hanmer.
[3985] my] mine F₄.
[3986] And] In Theobald (Warburton).
Enter ...] Dyce. Enter, from the Capitol, Marcus Andronicus, Saturninus, Bassianus, and Others. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.
[3987] Thanks ... Marcus] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[3988] and their] in their Hanmer.
[3989] late-deceased] Theobald. late deceased Qq Ff.
[3990] What should] What! should Theobald.
[3991] chosen] chose Rowe.
proclamations] acclamations Collier MS.
[3992] abroad] Qq F₁ F₂. abroach F₃ F₄.
[3993] Titus] in a separate line, S. Walker conj.]
Titus ... empery] Ask, Titus, and thou shalt obtain the empery Staunton conj.
and ask] om. Hanmer. then ask Capell conj.
[3994] Saturninus] Saturnine Hanmer.
[3995] friends,] F₄. friends F₃. friend, Qq. friend? F₁ F₂.
[3996] people's] peoples Qq. noble Ff.
[3997] Tribunes.] Mar. Rowe.
[3998] suit] sute Qq F₃. sure F₁ F₂. snit F₄.
[3999] advice] advise Qq Ff.
[4000] Marc.] Marcus. An. Qq. Mar. An. Ff.
[4001] plebeians] plebeans Qq F₁.
[4002] [A long....] Ff. Omitted in Qq.
[4003] empress] emperess F₄.
[4004] Pantheon] F₄. Panthæon F₂ F₃. Pathan Qq F₁.
[4005] honour'd] F₄. honoured Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.
[4006] Saturnine] Saturninus Rowe.
[4007] imperious] Q₁. imperiall Q₂ Ff.
[4008] thy] Qq. my Ff. your Capell conj.
[4009] [To Tamora] Johnson.
are you] are your F₁. y'are S. Walker conj.
[4010] your honour] you honour F₁.
[4011] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.
[4012] [To Tamora. Rowe (ed. 2).
[4013] anew] a-new Rowe. a newe Qq Ff.
[4014] Though ... cheer] One line in Qq F₃ F₄. Two, the first ending warre, in F₁ F₂.
[4015] he] who Pope.
[4016] Can make you] Qq F₃ F₄. Can make your F₁. Can you make you F₂.
[4017] this?] Ff. this. Qq.
[4018] Warrants] Warrant Rowe (ed. 2).
[4019] trump] trumpet F₃ F₄.
[Flourish.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.
Saturninus....] Dyce. The emperor.... Rowe (after line 279). Saturninus addresses Tamora. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.
[4020] [Seizing Lavinia] Rowe.
[4021] cuique] F₂ F₃ F₄. cuiqum Q₁. cuiquam Q₂ F₁.
[4022] [Exeunt....] Malone (substantially). Exit, bearing off Lavinia; Marcus, and Titus' Sons, guarding them; Mutius last. Capell. Exit Bassianus with Lavinia. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.
[4023] SCENE IV. Pope.
Brothers, help] Help, brothers, Anon. conj.
[4024] safe] secure Pope.
[Exeunt....] Malone. om. Qq Ff.
[4025] [Assailing him.] Capell.
[4026] What ... Rome?] As in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.
[4027] [Stabbing Mutius.... Dies.] He kills him. Qq Ff. Falls and dies. Capell. Titus kills Mutius. Malone.
[During ... above.] Edd. Enter aloft the Emperour with Tamora and her two sonnes, and Aron the Moore. Qq Ff (Aaron Ff.), after line 295.
Re-enter Lucius.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[4028] lawful promised] lawful-promis'd S. Walker conj.
[Exit.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.
[4029] Nor her] Not her Malone (1790).
[4030] Was ... stale] Qq F₁. Was there none els in Rome to make a stale of F₂ F₃ F₄. Was there none else ... stale Boswell. What, was there none in Rome to make a stale S. Walker conj. Was none in all Rome thus to make a stale Anon. conj.
[4031] Knight ends the lines Saturnine?... Andronicus.
[4032] Phœbe] F₂ F₃ F₄. Thebe Qq F₁.
'mongst] 'mong Pope.
[4033] empress] Empresse Q₁ F₁ F₂. Emperesse Q₂. Emperess F₃ F₄.
[4034] stand] stands Pope.
[4035] Ascend ... accompany] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending Queene, in Ff.
Pantheon] the Pantheon S. Walker conj.
Pantheon. Lords,] Pantheon; lords Pope. Panthean Lords Q₁. Panthean Lords, Q₂ F₁ F₂ F₃. Pantheon Lords, F₄.
[4036] [Exeunt....] Exeunt. Manet Titus Andronicus. Theobald. Exeunt omnes. Qq Ff.
[4037] SCENE V. Pope.
[4038] Dishonour'd] Pope. Dishonoured Qq Ff.
Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Marcus and Titus sonnes. Qq Ff.
[4039] dishonour'd] Pope. dishonoured Qq Ff.
[4040] hundred] F₃ F₄. hundreth Qq F₁. hunreth F₂.
[4041] Mutius'] Mutius's F₄.
[4042] Quin. Mart.] Capell. Titus two sonnes speakes. Qq F₁ F₂. Titus two sons speak. F₃ F₄.
[4043] Quin.] Rowe. Titus sonne speakes. Qq Ff. (son speaks. F₃ F₄.) Mart. Capell.
vouch it] Qq F₄. vouch'd it F₁ F₂ F₃. vouch Rowe (ed. 1). vouch't Rowe (ed. 2).
[4044] struck] F₃ F₄. stroke Qq F₁ F₂.
[4045] Mart.] Malone. 3. Sonne Qq. 1. Sonne. Ff. Luc. Rowe. Qui. Capell.
with] Qq. om. Ff. well Hanmer. now Ritson conj.
with himself ... withdraw] himself ... withdraw awhile Collier MS.
[4046] Quin.] Rowe. 2. Sonne. Qq Ff. Mart. Capell.
[4047] [Marcus ...] The brother and the sonnes kneele. Qq Ff.
[4048] speed] speak Delius conj.
[4049] Renowned] Renowmed Q₁.
[4050] advice] F₄. advise Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.
[4051] wise] Qq. om. Ff. ev'n Rowe.
[4052] [Mutius ...] They put him in the tombe. Qq Ff.
[4053] All. [Kneeling]. They all kneele and say, Qq Ff.
[4054] No ... cause.] Continued to Lucius by Capell, who inserts (after line 390) All. No man &c.
[4055] Exit all but Marcus and Titus. Qq. Exit. Ff. Omitted first by Rowe.
[4056] dreary] Pope. dririe Qq. sudden Ff. sullen Dyce conj. (withdrawn).
[4057] Whether] If Pope.
device] Rowe (ed. 2). devise Qq Ff.
[4058] beholding] beholden Pope.
[4059] Yes ... remunerate] Ff. Omitted in Qq. Given to Marcus by Dyce (Malone conj.)
[4060] [Flourish.] Ff. om. Qq.
Re-enter....] Enter the Emperour, Tamora and her two sonnes, with the Moore at one doore. Enter at the other doore Bascianus and Lauinia, with others. Qq Ff.
[4061] SCENE VI. Pope.
prize] prise Grant White conj.
[4062] true-betrothed] Theobald. true betrothed Qq Ff.
[4063] that] which Rowe.
[4064] dishonour'd] F₄. dishonoured Qq F₁ F₂ F₃.
[4065] I have] have I Rowe (ed. 2).
[4066] revenge?] revenge. Q₁.
[4067] Not ... forfend] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[4068] dare I] dare, I F₁ F₂.
[4069] Titus'] Rowe (ed. 2). Titus Qq Ff. Titus's Rowe (ed. 1).
[4070] [Aside....] First marked by Rowe.
[4071] you] Q₁. us Q₂ Ff.
ingratitude] ingratude Q₂.
[4072] sin,] Rowe. sinne. Qq F₁ F₂. sin. F₃ F₄.
[4073] raze] F₃ F₄. race Qq F₁ F₂. rase Pope.
[4074] [aloud. Hanmer.
[4075] Sat.] King. Q₂.
[4076] Rise ... me.] Three lines in Qq. Six in Ff.
[4077] mine] Qq F₁ F₂. my F₃ F₄.
[4078] And fear ... Lavinia] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[4079] advice] Rowe. advise Qq Ff.
all humbled] all-humbled Theobald.
[4080] Luc.] Rowe. om. Q₁. All. Q₂. Son. Ff.
We do;] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.
[Kneel. Collier (Collier MS.)
[4081] Nay, nay,] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.
[4082] Marcus,] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.
[4083] Stand up.] Pope omitted these words, supposing them to have been a stage direction. Placed in a separate line by Capell. In Qq Ff they begin line 486. They stand up. Collier (Collier MS.)
[4084] swore] Qq. sware Ff.
[4085] an] Theobald. and Qq Ff.
[4086] hart] Heart F₂.
[4087] With ... bonjour.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.
[4088] [Flourish. Exeunt.] Capell. Exeunt. Qq Ff.