He sent in writing after me; what he would not, Unless his noble mother, and his wife; And with our fair entreaties haste them on. [Exeunt. Menenius. Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would I am, as thy general is. First Guard. Then you should hate Rome, as he does. Can SCENE II. The Volscian Camp before Rome. dotant as you seem to be? Can you think to Enter to them, Menenius. Menenius. I tell thee, fellow, I have tumbled past the throw, and in his praise First Guard. 'Faith, sir, if you had told as many lies in his behalf, as you have uttered words in your own, you should not pass here: no, though it were as virtuous to lie, as to live chastely. Therefore, go back. Menenius. Pr'ythee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius, always factionary on the party of your general. Second Guard. Howsoever you have been his liar, as you say you have, I am one that, telling true under him, must say, you cannot pass. Therefore, go back. 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, and prepare for your execution. You are condemned, our general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardon. Menenius. Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here, he would use me with estimation. Second Guard. Come, my captain knows you not. Menenius. Now, you companion, I'll say an errand for you: you shall know now that I am in estimacannot office me from my son Coriolanus: guess, tion; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant but by my entertainment with him, if thou stand'st 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.-The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular O, my son! my son! prosperity, and love thee no worse than thy old father Menenius does! 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, and thy petitionary countrymen. The good gods assuage thy wrath, and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here; this, who, like a Coriolanus. block, hath denied my access to thee. Your gates against my force. Yet, for I lov'd Wherein this trunk was fram'd, and in her hand thee, Take this along; I writ it for thy sake, And would have sent it. nius, [Gives a paper. Another word, Mene The grand-child to her blood. But, out, affecAll bond and privilege of nature, break! [tion Let it be virtuous, to be obstinate.- Leyes What is that curt'sy worth? or those doves Which can make gods forsworn?—I melt, and am not I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius, Aufidius. temper. First Guard. Now, sir, is your name Menenius ? Second Guard. Plough Rome, and harrow Italy; I'll never 'Tis a spell, you see, of much power. You And knew no other kin. know the way home again. First Guard. Virgilia. My lord and husband Coriolanus. These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome Virgilia. The sorrow, that delivers us thus chang'd, Makes you think so. Coriolanus. Like a dull actor now, I have forgot my part, and I am out, The worthy fellow is our general: he is the Leave unsaluted. Sink, my knee, i' the earth; rock, the oak not to be wind-shaken. [Exeunt This last old man, Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome, Loved me above the measure of a father; 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, Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow Enter, in mourning Habits, l'irgilia, Volumnia, leading young Marcius, Valeria, and Attend ants. Your knees to me? to your corrected son? Thou art my warrior; I holp to frame thee. Do you know this lady? Coriolanus. The noble sister of Publicola, The moon of Rome; chaste as the icicle, This is a poor epitome of yours, The god of soldiers, prove To shame unvulnerable, and stick i' the wars My wife comes foremost; then, the honour'd Like a great sea-mark, standing every daw, mould And saving those that eye thee ! Volumnia. That's my brave boy! Even he, your wife, this lady, and myself, Coriolanus. I beseech you, peace; Volumnia. You have said, you will not grant us any thing; Aufidius, and you Volsces, mark; for we'll Should we be silent and not speak, our raiment, How more unfortunate than all living women Make our eyes flow with Joy, hearts dance with comforts, Constrains them weep, and shake with fear and sorrow; Making the mother, wife, and child, to see The country, our dear nurse; or else thy person, Virgilia. That brought you forth this boy, to keep your Boy. Coriolanus. Not of a woman's tenderness to be, Requires nor child nor woman's face to see. I have sat too long. Volumnia. 763 Rising. If it were so, that our request did tend Nay, go not from us thus. As poisonous of your honour: no; our suit "This we receiv'd;" and each in either side The end of war's uncertain; but this certain, To imitate the graces of the gods; To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air, Perhaps, thy childishness will move him more More bound to's mother; yet here he lets me Like one i' the stocks.-Thou hast never in thy To a mother's part belongs.-He turns away: us: But kneels and holds up hands for fellowship, [He holds Volumnia by the hand, silent. What have you done? Behold! the heavens do They laugh at. O my mother! mother! O! You |