His wife is in Corioli, and his child Like him by chance.-Yet give us our despatch: And then I'll speak a little. Cor. [after holding VOLUMNIA by the hands in silence.] What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope, 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, I'll not to Rome, I'll back with you; and, pray you, Auf. I am glad thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour Cor. [A side. [The Ladies make signs to CORIOLANUS. Ay, by and by; [TO VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, &c. But we'll drink together; and you shall bear SCENE IV.-ROME. A public Place. Enter MENENIUS and SICINIUS. [Exeunt. Men. See you yond coigne o' the Capitol,-yond corner stone? 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 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 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. us. Sic. The gods be good unto us! Men. No, in such a case the gods will not be good unto 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 Roman ladies bring not comfort home, Sic. Enter a second Messenger. What's the news? 2 Mess. Good news, good news;-the ladies have prevail'd, The Volscians are dislodg'd and Marcius gone: A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, Friend, Sic. 1 Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries, and fifes, [Shouting again. Men. A sea and land full. You have pray'd well to-day: [Shouting and music. Sic. First, the gods bless you for your tidings; next, Accept my thankfulness. 2 Mess. Sir, we have all 2 Mess. Almost at point to enter. And help the joy. They are near the city? We will meet them, [Exeunt. SCENE V.-ROME. A Street near the Gate. Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, VALERIA, &c., accompanied by Senators, Patricians, and Citizens. 1 Sen. Behold our patroness, the life of Rome! Call all your tribes together, praise the gods, And make triumphant fires; strew flowers before them: Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius, Repeal him with the welcome of his mother; Cry, Welcome, ladies, welcome!— All. Welcome, ladies, Welcome! [A flourish with drums and trumpets. Exeunt. SCENE VI.-ANTIUM. A public Place. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, with Attendants. Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accuse To purge himself with words: despatch. [Exeunt Attendants. Enter three or four Conspirators of AUFIDIUS's faction. Most welcome! Even so 1 Con. How is it with our general? 2 Con. Most noble sir, Auf. 3 Con. The people will remain uncertain whilst Auf. A good construction. I rais'd him, and I pawn'd He bow'd his nature, never known before When he did stand for consul, which he lost Auf. 1 Con. When he had carried Rome, and that we look'd Auf. [Drums and trumpets sound, with great shouts of the people. 1 Con. Your native town you enter'd like a post, And had no welcomes home; but he returns Splitting the air with noise. 2 Con. And patient fools, Whose children he hath slain, their base throats tear 3 Con. Auf. Here come the lords. Say no more: Enter the Lords of the City. I have not deserv'd it. Lords. You are most welcome home. Auf. But, worthy lords, have you with heed perus'd Lords. 1 Lord. We have. And grieve to hear't. What faults he made before the last, I think Enter CORIOLANUS, with drums and colours; a crowd of Cor. Hail, lords! I am return'd your |