The gods look down, and this unnatural scene Auf. I was mov'd withal. Cor. I dare be sworn, you were: And, sir, it is no little thing, to make 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. I am glad, thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour At difference in thee: out of that I'll work Cor. [Aside. [The Ladies make signs to Coriolanus. Ay, by and by; [To Volumnia, Virgilia, &c. But we will drink together; and you shall bear A better witness back than words, which we, On like conditions, will have counter-seal'd. Come, enter with us. Ladies, you deserve To have a temple built you: all the swords In Italy, and her confederate arms, Could not have made this peace. [Exeunt. SCENE IV-Rome. A public place. Enter Menenius and Sicinius. Men. See you yond' coign1 o'the Capitol: yond' corner-stone? Sic. Why, what of that? Men. If it be possible for you to displace it with (1) Angle. your little finger, there is some hope the ladies of Rome, especially 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? Men. There is differency between a grub, and a butterfly; 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. Men. So did he me: and he no more remembers his mother now, than an eight year old horse. The tartness of 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, and his hum is a battery. He sits in his state,2 as a thing made for Alexander. What he bids be done, is finished 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. 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. Sic. The gods be good unto us! 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'd save your life, fly to your house; The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune, (1) Stay but for it. (3) To resemble. (2) Chair of state. And hale him up and down; all swearing, if Sic. Enter another Messenger. What's the news? Mess. Good news, good news ;-The ladies have prevail'd; The Volces are dislodg'd, and Marcius gone : Sic. Friend, Art thou certain this is true? is it most certain? Mess. As certain as I know the sun is fire: Where have you lurk'd, that you make doubt of it? Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide, As the recomforted through the gates. Why, hark you; [Trumpets and hautboys sounded, and drums beaten, all together. Shouting also within. The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries, and fifes, Tabors, and cymbals, and the shouting Romans, Make the sun dance. Hark you! [Shouting again. A sea and land full: You have pray'd well to-day; And help the joy. [Going. Enter the Ladies, accompanied by Senators, Patri- Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius, All. Welcome, ladies! Welcome! [A flourish with drums and trumpets. [Exeunt. SCENE V.--Antium. A public place. Enter Tullus Aufidius, with Attendants. Auf. Go tell the lords of the city, I am here: 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, The city-ports2 by this hath enter'd, and Intends to appear before the people, hoping To purge himself with words: Despatch. [Exeunt Attendants. Enter three or four Conspirators of Aufidius's faction. Most welcome! 1 Con. How is it with our general ? If 2 Con. you do hold the same intent wherein Even so, Most noble sir, you You wish'd us parties, we'll deliver Auf. Sir, I cannot tell; We must proceed, as we do find the people. 3 Con. The people will remain uncertain, whilst 'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either Makes the survivor heir of all. Auf. When he did stand for consul, which he lost Auf. 1 Con. So he did, my lord: The army marvell'd at it. And, in the last, When he had carried Rome; and that we look'd For no less spoil, than glory, Auf. There was it ; For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him. At a few drops of women's rheum,3 which are (1) Helped. (2) Thought me rewarded with good looks. |