Coriolanus

pass here; no, though it were as virtuous to lie as to live chastely. Therefore, go back. Menenius Prithee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius, always factionary on the party of your general. Second Senator 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. Menenius Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would not speak with him till after dinner. First Senator You are a Roman, are you? Menenius I am, as thy general is. First Senator Then you should hate Rome, as he does. Can you, when you have pushed out your gates the very defender of them, and, in a violent popular ignorance, given your enemy your shield, think to front his revenges with the easy groans of old women, the virginal palms of your daughters, or with the palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as you seem to be? Can you think to 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 Senator Come, my captain knows you not. Menenius I mean, thy general. First Senator My general cares not for you. Back, I say, go; lest I let forth your half-pint of blood; back⁠—that’s the utmost of your having: back. Menenius Nay, but, fellow, fellow⁠— Enter Coriolanus and Aufidius. Coriolanus What’s the matter? Menenius Now, you companion, I’ll say an errand for you: You shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son Coriolanus: guess, but by my entertainment with him, if thou standest 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. To Coriolanus. The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular prosperity, and love thee no worse than thy old father Menenius does! O my son, my son! 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 block, hath denied my access to thee. Coriolanus Away! Menenius How! away! Coriolanus

Wife, mother, child, I know not. My affairs
Are servanted to others: though I owe
My revenge properly, my remission lies
In Volscian breasts. That we have been familiar,
Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison, rather
Than pity note how much. Therefore, be gone.
Mine ears against your suits are stronger than
Your gates against my force. Yet, for I loved thee,
Take this along; I writ it for thy sake, Gives a letter.
And would have sent it. Another word, Menenius,
I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius,
Was my beloved in Rome: yet thou behold’st!

Aufidius You keep a constant temper. Exeunt Coriolanus and Aufidius. First Senator Now, sir, is your name Menenius? Second Senator ’Tis a spell, you see, of much power: you know the way home again. First Senator Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your greatness back? Second Senator What cause, do you think, I have to swoon? Menenius I neither care for the world nor your general: for such things as you, I can scarce think there’s any, ye’re so slight. He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from another: let your general do his worst. For you, be that you are, long; and your misery increase with your age! I say to you, as I was said to, Away! Exit. First Senator A noble fellow, I warrant him. Second Senator The worthy fellow is our general: he’s the rock, the oak not to be wind-shaken. Exeunt.

Scene III

The tent of Coriolanus.

	Enter Coriolanus, Aufidius, and others.
Coriolanus	We will before the walls of Rome to-morrow Set down our host. My partner in this action, You must report to the Volscian lords, how plainly I have borne this business.
Aufidius	Only their ends You have respected; stopp’d your ears against The general suit of Rome; never admitted A private whisper, no, not with such friends That thought them sure of you.
Coriolanus	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 And cannot now accept; to grace him only That thought he could do more, a very little I have yielded to: fresh embassies and suits, Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter Will I lend ear to. Ha! what shout is this? Shout within. Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow In the same time ’tis made? I will not.
	Enter in mourning habits, Virgilia, Volumnia, leading Young Marcius, Valeria, and Attendants.
	My wife comes foremost; then the honour’d mould Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand The grandchild to her blood. But, out, affection! All bond and privilege of nature, break! Let it be virtuous to be obstinate. What is that curt’sy worth? or those doves’ eyes, Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows; As if Olympus to a molehill should In supplication nod: and my young boy Hath an aspect of intercession, which Great nature cries “Deny not.” Let the Volsces Plough Rome and harrow Italy: I’ll never Be such a gosling to obey instinct, but stand, As if a man were author of himself And knew no other kin.
Virgilia	My lord and husband!
Coriolanus	These eyes are not the