Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,8 Menenius. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded; But, I beseech you, For though abundantly they lack discretion, Marcius. not Corn for the rich men only :-With these shreds They vented their complainings; which, being answer'd, And a petition granted them, a strange one, (To break the heart of generosity, And make bold power look pale,) they threw their caps, As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon, Shouting their emulation.2 Menenius. What is granted them? Marcius. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms, Of their own choice: One's Junius Brutus, Sicinius Velutus, and I know not-'Sdeath! The rabble should have first unroof'd the city, Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes Menenius. This is strange. Marcius. Go, get you home, you fragments! Enter a MESSENGER. Messenger. Where's Caius Marcius? Marcius. Here, what's the matter? Messenger. The news is, sir, the Volces are in arms. 8 Pity, compassion. Pitch. 9 Heap of dead. 2 Faction. Marcius. I am glad on't, then we shall have means to vent Our musty superfluity:-See, our best elders. Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other SENATORS; JUNIUS BRUTUS, and SICINIUS VELUTUS. 1 Senator. Marcius, 'tis true, that you have lately told us: The Volces are in arms. Marcius. They have a leader, Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to't. And were I any thing but what I am, Cominius. You have fought together. Marcius. Were half to half the world by the ears, and he Upon my party, I'd revolt to make Only my wars with him: he is a lion That I am proud to hunt. Attend upon Cominius to these wars. 1 Senator. Cominius. It is your former promise. Marcius. Then, worthy Marcius, Sir, it is; And I am constant.-Titus Lartius, thou Titus. Menenius. O, true bred! 1 Senator. Your company to the Capitol; where, I 1 Senator. Hence! To your homes, be gone. Marcius. [To the CITIZENS. Nay, let them follow: The Volces have much corn; take these rats thither, To gnaw their garners: 3-Worshipful mutineers, Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow. [Exeunt SENATORS, COMINIUS, MARCIUS, TITUS, and MENENIUS. CITIZENS steal away. Sicinius. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius? Brutus. He has no equal. Sicinius. When we were chosen tribunes for the people, Brutus. Mark'd you his lip, and eyes? Sicinius. Nay, but his taunts. Brutus. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the gods. Sicinius. Bemock the modest moon. Brutus. The present wars devour him: he is grown Too proud to be so valiant. Sicinius. Such a nature, Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow Under Cominius. Brutus. Fame, at the which he aims,— In whom already he is well grac'd,—cannot Sicinius. Besides, if things go well, Opinion, that so sticks on Marcius, shall Brutus. Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius, 3 Granaries. 4 Sneer. 5 Demerits and merits had anciently the same meaning. VOL. V. I Come: Though Marcius earn'd them not; and all his faults To Marcius shall be honours, though, indeed, In aught he merit not. Sicinius. Let's hence, and hear How the despatch is made; and in what fashion, Upon his present action. Brutus. SCENE II.-CORIOLI. The Senate-House. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, and certain SENATORS. Aufidius. [Reads. Is it not yours? What ever hath been thought on in this state, That could be brought to bodily act, ere Rome Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone, Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think, I have the letter here; yes, here it is: They have press'd a power, but it is not known Whether for east, or west: The dearth is great; The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd, Cominius, Marcius, your old enemy, (Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,) And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman, These three lead on this preparation Whither 'tis bent; most likely, 'tis for you: Consider of it. 1 Senator. Our army's in the field: We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready Aufidius. Nor did you think it folly, To keep your great pretences veil'd, till when They needs must show themselves; which, in the hatching, It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery, We shall be shorten'd in our aim; which was, To take in many towns, ere, almost, Rome Should know we were afoot. 2 Senator. Noble Aufidius, Take your commission; hie you to your bands: If they set down before us, for the remove Aufidius. O, doubt not that; Some parcels of their powers are forth already, The gods assist you! Aufidius. And keep your honours safe! 1 Senator. 2 Senator. All. Farewell. Farewell. Farewell. [Exeunt. SCENE III.-ROME. An Apartment in MARCIUS' House. Enter VOLUMNIA and VIRGILIA: They sit down on two low Stools, and sew. Volumnia. I pray you, daughter, sing; or express yourself in a more comfortable sort: If my son were my husband, I should freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour, than in the embracements where he would show most love. When yet he was but tenderbodied, and was my only son; when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way; when for a day of kings' entreaties, a mother should not sell him an hour from her beholding; I,-considering how honour would become such a person; that it was no better than picturelike to hang by the wall, if renown made it not stir,was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to • To subdue. |