By Caius Marcius Coriolanus; whom We meet here, both to thank, and to remember 1 Sen. Speak, good Cominius: Leave nothing out for length; and make us think, Than we to stretch it out.-Masters o' the people, Sic. We are convented Upon a pleasing treaty; and have hearts The theme of our assembly. Bru. Which the rather We shall be blest to do, if he remember Men. That's off, that's off; I would you rather had been silent: Please you Bru. Most willingly: But yet my caution was more pertinent, Than the rebuke you give it. Men. He loves your people; But tie him not to be their bed-fellow. 341 350 360 Worthy Cominius, speak.-Nay, keep your place. [CORIOLANUS rises, and offers to go away. 1 Sen. Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear What you have nobly done. Eiij Cor Cor. Your honours' pardon; I had rather have my wounds to heal again, Than hear say how I got them. Bru. Sir, I hope, My words disbench'd you not? 370 Cor. No, sir: yet oft, When blows have made me stay, I fled from words. You sooth'd not, therefore hurt not: But, your people, I love them as they weigh. Men. Pray now, sit down. Cor. I had rather have one scratch my head i̇' the sun, When the alarum were struck, than idly sit To hear my nothings monster'd. Men. Masters o' the people, [Exit COR. 381 Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter (That's thousand to one good one), when you now see, He had rather venture all his limbs for honour, Than one of his ears to hear it ?-Proceed, Cominius. Com. I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus Should not be utter'd feebly.-It is held, That valour is the chiefest virtue, and Most dignifies the haver: if it be, The man I speak of cannot in the world Be singly counterpois'd. At sixteen years, 390 Whom Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight, 400 And, in the brunt of seventeen battles since, I cannot speak him home: He stopt the fliers; 410 And fell below his stem: his sword (death's stamp) And to the battle came he; where he did 'Twere 'Twere a perpetual spoil: and, 'till we call'd Men. Worthy man! 1 Sen. He cannot but with measure fit the honours Which we devise him. Com. Our spoils he kick'd at; And look'd upon things precious, as they were His deeds with doing them; and is content Men. He's right noble; Let him be call'd for. 1 Sen. Call Coriolanus. Off. He doth appear. Re-enter CORIOLANUS. Men. The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleas'd To make thee consul. Cor. I do owe them still My life, and services. Men. It then remains, That you do speak to the people. Cor. I do beseech you, 430 441 Let me o'er-leap that custom; for I cannot you, That I may pass this doing. 450 Sic. Sir, the people Must have their voices; neither will they bate One jot of ceremony. Men. Put them not to't: Pray you, go fit you to the custom; and Take to you, as your predecessors have, Cor. It is a part That I shall blush in acting, and might well Be taken from the people. Bru. Mark you that? 460 Cor. To brag unto them-Thus I did, and thus!Shew them the unaching scars, which I should hide, As if I had receiv'd them for the hire Of their breath only. Men. Do not stand upon't.— We recommend to you, tribunes of the people, Sen. To Coriolanus come all joy and honour! 470 [Flourish Cornets. Then Exeunt. Manent SICINIUS, and BRUTUS. Bru. You see how he intends to use the people. them, As if he did contemn what he requested Should be in them to give. Bru. Come, we'll inform them of |