Chapter XIII: Act II: SCENE I. Rome. A public place

_Enter_ MENENIUS, _with the two Tribunes of the people_, SICINIUS,
_and_ BRUTUS.[2784]

_Men._ The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night.[2785]

_Bru._ Good or bad?

_Men._ Not according to the prayer of the people, for
they love not Marcius.

_Sic._ Nature teaches beasts to know their friends. 5

_Men._ Pray you, who does the wolf love?[2786]

_Sic._ The lamb.

_Men._ Ay, to devour him; as the hungry plebeians would
the noble Marcius.

_Bru._ He's a lamb indeed, that baes like a bear. 10

_Men._ He's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You
two are old men: tell me one thing that I shall ask you.

_Both._ Well, sir.

_Men._ In what enormity is Marcius poor in, that you[2787]
two have not in abundance? 15

_Bru._ He's poor in no one fault, but stored with all.[2788]

_Sic._ Especially in pride.[2789]

_Bru._ And topping all others in boasting.[2790]

_Men._ This is strange now: do you two know how you
are censured here in the city, I mean of us o' the right-hand[2791] 20
file? do you?

_Both._ Why, how are we censured?[2792]

_Men._ Because you talk of pride now,--will you not be
angry?

_Both._ Well, well, sir, well. 25

_Men._ Why, 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief of
occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience: give your
dispositions the reins, and be angry at your pleasures; at[2793]
the least, if you take it as a pleasure to you in being so.
You blame Marcius for being proud?[2794] 30

_Bru._ We do it not alone, sir.

_Men._ I know you can do very little alone; for your helps
are many, or else your actions would grow wondrous single:
your abilities are too infant-like for doing much alone. You
talk of pride: O that you could turn your eyes toward the[2795] 35
napes of your necks, and make but an interior survey of
your good selves! O that you could!

_Both._ What then, sir?[2796]

_Men._ Why, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting,[2797]
proud, violent, testy magistrates, alias fools, as 40
any in Rome.

_Sic._ Menenius, you are known well enough too.

_Men._ I am known to be a humorous patrician, and one
that loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying Tiber[2798]
in't; said to be something imperfect in favouring the first[2799][2800] 45
complaint, hasty and tinder-like upon too trivial motion;[2799][2801]
one that converses more with the buttock of the night than
with the forehead of the morning: what I think I utter, and
spend my malice in my breath. Meeting two such wealsmen
as you are,--I cannot call you Lycurguses--if the drink[2802] 50
you give me touch my palate adversely, I make a crooked
face at it. I can't say your worships have delivered the[2803]
matter well, when I find the ass in compound with the major
part of your syllables: and though I must be content to bear
with those that say you are reverend grave men, yet they[2804] 55
lie deadly that tell you you have good faces. If you see this[2805]
in the map of my microcosm, follows it that I am known
well enough too? what harm can your bisson conspectuities[2806]
glean out of this character, if I be known well enough too?

_Bru._ Come, sir, come, we know you well enough. 60

_Men._ You know neither me, yourselves, nor any thing.
You are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs: you wear
out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a cause between
an orange-wife and a fosset-seller, and then rejourn the controversy[2807]
of three-pence to a second day of audience. When 65
you are hearing a matter between party and party, if you[2808]
chance to be pinched with the colic, you make faces like
mummers; set up the bloody flag against all patience; and,
in roaring for a chamber-pot, dismiss the controversy bleeding,[2809]
the more entangled by your hearing: all the peace you 70
make in their cause is, calling both the parties knaves. You
are a pair of strange ones.

_Bru._ Come, come, you are well understood to be a perfecter
giber for the table than a necessary bencher in the
Capitol. 75

_Men._ Our very priests must become mockers, if they
shall encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are. When[2810]
you speak best unto the purpose, it is not worth the wagging[2810]
of your beards; and your beards deserve not so honourable
a grave as to stuff a botcher's cushion, or to be entombed 80
in an ass's pack-saddle. Yet you must be saying, Marcius is[2811]
proud; who, in a cheap estimation, is worth all your predecessors
since Deucalion; though peradventure some of the
best of 'em were hereditary hangmen. God-den to your[2812]
worships: more of your conversation would infect my brain, 85
being the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians: I will be bold[2813]
to take my leave of you. [_Brutus and Sicinius go aside._

_Enter_ VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, _and_ VALERIA.[2814]

How now, my as fair as noble ladies,--and the moon, were[2815]
she earthly, no nobler--whither do you follow your eyes so
fast? 90

_Vol._ Honourable Menenius, my boy Marcius approaches;
for the love of Juno, let's go.

_Men._ Ha! Marcius coming home!

_Vol._ Ay, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperous
approbation. 95

_Men._ Take my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee. Hoo![2816]
Marcius coming home![2817]

_Vir._} Nay, 'tis true.[2818]
_Val._}

_Vol._ Look, here's a letter from him: the state hath
another, his wife another; and, I think, there's one at home 100
for you.

_Men._ I will make my very house reel to-night: a letter
for me!

_Vir._ Yes, certain, there's a letter for you; I saw 't.

_Men._ A letter for me! it gives me an estate of seven 105
years' health; in which time I will make a lip at the physician:
the most sovereign prescription in Galen is but empiricutic,[2819]
and, to this preservative, of no better report than a
horse-drench. Is he not wounded? he was wont to come
home wounded. 110

_Vir._ O, no, no, no.

_Vol._ O, he is wounded; I thank the gods for't.

_Men._ So do I too, if it be not too much: brings a' victory[2820]
in his pocket? the wounds become him.[2821]

_Vol._ On's brows: Menenius, he comes the third time[2822] 115
home with the oaken garland.

_Men._ Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?[2823]

_Vol._ Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but
Aufidius got off.

_Men._ And 'twas time for him too, I'll warrant him that: 120
an he had stayed by him, I would not have been so fidiused[2824]
for all the chests in Corioli, and the gold that's in them. Is
the senate possessed of this?

_Vol._ Good ladies, let's go. Yes, yes, yes; the senate has
letters from the general, wherein he gives my son the whole 125
name of the war: he hath in this action outdone his former
deeds doubly.

_Val._ In troth, there's wondrous things spoke of him.

_Men._ Wondrous! ay, I warrant you, and not without
his true purchasing. 130

_Vir._ The gods grant them true!

_Vol._ True! pow, wow.[2825]

_Men._ True! I'll be sworn they are true. Where is he
wounded? [_To the Tribunes_] God save your good worships![2826][2827]
Marcius is coming home: he has more cause to be[2826] 135
proud. Where is he wounded?

_Vol._ I' the shoulder and i' the left arm: there will be[2828]
large cicatrices to show the people, when he shall stand for
his place. He received in the repulse of Tarquin seven
hurts i' the body. 140

_Men._ One i' the neck, and two i' the thigh; there's nine[2829]
that I know.

_Vol._ He had, before this last expedition, twenty five[2830]
wounds upon him.

_Men._ Now it's twenty seven: every gash was an enemy's[2831] 145
grave. [_A shout and flourish._] Hark! the trumpets.[2832]

_Vol._ These are the ushers of Marcius: before him he[2833]
carries noise, and behind him he leaves tears:[2833]
Death, that dark spirit, in's nervy arm doth lie;[2834]
Which, being advanced, declines, and then men die.[2834] 150

_A sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter_ COMINIUS _and_ TITUS
LARTIUS; _between them_, CORIOLANUS, _crowned with an
oaken garland; with_ Captains _and_ Soldiers, _and a_
Herald.[2835]

_Her._ Know, Rome, that all alone Marcius did fight[2836]
Within Corioli gates: where he hath won,[2837]
With fame, a name to Caius Marcius; these[2838][2839]
In honour follows Coriolanus.[2839][2840]
Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus! [_Flourish._[2841][2842] 155

_All._ Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus![2841]

_Cor._ No more of this, it does offend my heart;[2843]
Pray now, no more.[2843]

_Com._ Look, sir, your mother![2843]

_Cor._ O,[2843]
You have, I know, petition'd all the gods[2843]
For my prosperity! [_Kneels._[2843]

_Vol._ Nay, my good soldier, up;[2844] 160
My gentle Marcius, worthy Caius, and[2845]
By deed-achieving honour newly named,--[2845][2846]
What is it?--Coriolanus must I call thee?--
But, O, thy wife!

_Cor._ My gracious silence, hail![2847]
Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home, 165
That weep'st to see me triumph? Ah, my dear,
Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear,[2848]
And mothers that lack sons.

_Men._ Now, the gods crown thee!

_Cor._ And live you yet? [_To Valeria_] O my sweet lady, pardon.[2849]

_Vol._ I know not where to turn: O, welcome home:[2850] 170
And welcome, general: and ye're welcome all.[2850][2851]

_Men._ A hundred thousand welcomes. I could weep[2852]
And I could laugh, I am light and heavy. Welcome:[2852][2853]
A curse begin at very root on's heart,[2852][2854]
That is not glad to see thee! You are three[2852] 175
That Rome should dote on: yet, by the faith of men,[2852]
We have some old crab-trees here at home that will not[2852][2855]
Be grafted to your relish. Yet welcome, warriors:[2852][2856]
We call a nettle but a nettle, and[2852]
The faults of fools but folly.[2852]

_Com._ Ever right.[2857] 180

_Cor._ Menenius, ever, ever.[2857][2858]

_Her._ Give way there, and go on.

_Cor._ [_To Volumnia and Virgilia_] Your hand, and yours:[2859]
Ere in our own house I do shade my head,
The good patricians must be visited;
From whom I have received not only greetings, 185
But with them change of honours.[2860]

_Vol._ I have lived
To see inherited my very wishes
And the buildings of my fancy: only[2861][2862]
There's one thing wanting, which I doubt not but[2861][2863]
Our Rome will cast upon thee.[2861]

_Cor._ Know, good mother,[2864] 190
I had rather be their servant in my way
Than sway with them in theirs.

_Com._ On, to the Capitol!

[_Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before.
Brutus and Sicinius come forward._[2865]

_Bru._ All tongues speak of him, and the bleared sights[2866]
Are spectacled to see him: your prattling nurse
Into a rapture lets her baby cry[2867] 195
While she chats him: the kitchen malkin pins[2868]
Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck,
Clambering the walls to eye him: stalls, bulks, windows,[2869][2870]
Are smother'd up, leads fill'd and ridges horsed[2869]
With variable complexions, all agreeing 200
In earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamens[2871]
Do press among the popular throngs, and puff
To win a vulgar station: our veil'd dames
Commit the war of white and damask in[2872][2873]
Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil[2873] 205
Of Phœbus' burning kisses: such a pother,[2874]
As if that whatsoever god who leads him
Were slily crept into his human powers,[2875]
And gave him graceful posture.[2876]

_Sic._ On the sudden,[2877]
I warrant him consul.[2877]

_Bru._ Then our office may,[2877] 210
During his power, go sleep.[2877]

_Sic._ He cannot temperately transport his honours
From where he should begin and end, but will[2878]
Lose those he hath won.[2879]

_Bru._ In that there's comfort.

_Sic._ Doubt not
The commoners, for whom we stand, but they 215
Upon their ancient malice will forget
With the least cause these his new honours; which[2880]
That he will give them make I as little question[2881]
As he is proud to do 't.[2882]

_Bru._ I heard him swear,
Were he to stand for consul, never would he 220
Appear i' the market-place, nor on him put
The napless vesture of humility,[2883]
Nor showing, as the manner is, his wounds
To the people, beg their stinking breaths.

_Sic._ 'Tis right.

_Bru._ It was his word: O, he would miss it rather[2884] 225
Than carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him[2884]
And the desire of the nobles.[2884][2885]

_Sic._ I wish no better[2886]
Than have him hold that purpose and to put it[2886]
In execution.[2886]

_Bru._ 'Tis most like he will.

_Sic._ It shall be to him then, as our good wills,[2887][2888] 230
A sure destruction.[2887]

_Bru._ So it must fall out
To him or our authorities. For an end,[2889]
We must suggest the people in what hatred
He still hath held them; that to's power he would[2890]
Have made them mules, silenced their pleaders and[2891] 235
Dispropertied their freedoms; holding them,[2892]
In human action and capacity,[2892]
Of no more soul nor fitness for the world
Than camels in the war, who have their provand[2893]
Only for bearing burthens, and sore blows 240
For sinking under them.

_Sic._ This, as you say, suggested
At some time when his soaring insolence[2894]
Shall touch the people--which time shall not want,[2895][2896]
If he be put upon 't; and that's as easy
As to set dogs on sheep--will be his fire[2897] 245
To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze
Shall darken him for ever.

_Enter a_ Messenger.

_Bru._ What's the matter?

_Mess._ You are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thought[2898][2899]
That Marcius shall be consul:[2898]
I have seen the dumb men throng to see him and[2898] 250
The blind to hear him speak: matrons flung gloves,[2898][2900]
Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers,[2901]
Upon him as he pass'd: the nobles bended,
As to Jove's statue, and the commons made
A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts: 255
I never saw the like.

_Bru._ Let's to the Capitol,
And carry with us ears and eyes for the time,
But hearts for the event.

_Sic._ Have with you. [_Exeunt._

SCENE II. _The same. The Capitol._

_Enter two_ Officers, _to lay cushions_.[2902]

_First Off._ Come, come, they are almost here. How
many stand for consulships?

_Sec. Off._ Three, they say: but 'tis thought of every
one Coriolanus will carry it.

_First Off._ That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance 5
proud, and loves not the common people.

_Sec. Off._ Faith, there have been many great men that
have flattered the people, who ne'er loved them; and there
be many that they have loved, they know not wherefore: so
that, if they love they know not why, they hate upon no 10
better a ground: therefore, for Coriolanus neither to care
whether they love or hate him manifests the true knowledge
he has in their disposition; and out of his noble carelessness
lets them plainly see 't.[2903]

_First Off._ If he did not care whether he had their love 15
or no, he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither good[2904]
nor harm: but he seeks their hate with greater devotion
than they can render it him, and leaves nothing undone
that may fully discover him their opposite. Now, to seem
to affect the malice and displeasure of the people is as bad 20
as that which he dislikes, to flatter them for their love.

_Sec. Off._ He hath deserved worthily of his country: and
his ascent is not by such easy degrees as those who, having[2905]
been supple and courteous to the people, bonneted, without[2906]
any further deed to have them at all into their estimation[2906][2907] 25
and report: but he hath so planted his honours in their
eyes and his actions in their hearts, that for their tongues
to be silent and not confess so much, were a kind of ingrateful
injury; to report otherwise were a malice that,
giving itself the lie, would pluck reproof and rebuke from 30
every ear that heard it.

_First Off._ No more of him; he's a worthy man: make[2908]
way, they are coming.

_A sennet. Enter, with_ Lictors _before them_, COMINIUS _the
Consul_, MENENIUS, CORIOLANUS, Senators, SICINIUS _and_
BRUTUS. _The_ Senators _take their places; the_ Tribunes
_take their place by themselves_. CORIOLANUS _stands_.[2909]

_Men._ Having determined of the Volsces and[2910][2911]
To send for Titus Lartius, it remains,[2911] 35
As the main point of this our after-meeting,
To gratify his noble service that[2912]
Hath thus stood for his country: therefore, please you,[2912]
Most reverend and grave elders, to desire
The present consul, and last general[2913] 40
In our well-found successes, to report[2913]
A little of that worthy work perform'd
By Caius Marcius Coriolanus; whom[2914]
We met here, both to thank and to remember[2915]
With honours like himself.

_First Sen._ Speak, good Cominius: 45
Leave nothing out for length, and make us think
Rather our state's defective for requital[2916]
Than we to stretch it out. [_To the Tribunes_] Masters o' the people,[2917]
We do request your kindest ears, and after,[2918]
Your loving motion toward the common body, 50
To yield what passes here.[2919][2920]

_Sic._ We are convented[2920]
Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts[2920][2921]
Inclinable to honour and advance[2920]
The theme of our assembly.[2920][2922]

_Bru._ Which the rather[2920]
We shall be bless'd to do, if he remember[2920][2923] 55
A kinder value of the people than[2920]
He hath hereto prized them at.[2920][2924]

_Men._ That's off, that's off;[2920]
I would you rather had been silent. Please you[2920]
To hear Cominius speak?[2920]

_Bru._ Most willingly:[2920]
But yet my caution was more pertinent[2920] 60
Than the rebuke you give it.[2920][2925]

_Men._ He loves your people;[2920]
But tie him not to be their bedfellow.[2920]
Worthy Cominius, speak. [_Coriolanus offers to go away._][2920][2926]
Nay, keep your place.[2920]

_First Sen._ Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear[2927]
What you have nobly done.

_Cor._ Your honours' pardon:[2928] 65
I had rather have my wounds to heal again
Than hear say how I got them.

_Bru._ Sir, I hope[2929]
My words disbench'd you not.[2929]

_Cor._ No, sir: yet oft,[2930]
When blows have made me stay, I fled from words.
You sooth'd not, therefore hurt not: but your people,[2931] 70
I love them as they weigh.[2932]

_Men._ Pray now, sit down.

_Cor._ I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun
When the alarum were struck than idly sit[2933]
To hear my nothings monster'd. [_Exit._[2934]

_Men._ Masters of the people,
Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter--[2935] 75
That's thousand to one good one--when you now see[2936]
He had rather venture all his limbs for honour
Than one on's ears to hear it? Proceed, Cominius.[2937]

_Com._ I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus
Should not be utter'd feebly. It is held[2938] 80
That valour is the chiefest virtue and[2939]
Most dignifies the haver: if it be,
The man I speak of cannot in the world
Be singly counterpoised. At sixteen years,
When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he fought 85
Beyond the mark of others: our then dictator,
Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight,
When with his Amazonian chin he drove[2940]
The bristled lips before him: he bestrid[2941]
An o'er-press'd Roman, and i' the consul's view 90
Slew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met,
And struck him on his knee: in that day's feats,
When he might act the woman in the scene,
He proved best man i' the field, and for his meed
Was brow-bound with the oak. His pupil age[2942] 95
Man-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea;[2943]
And, in the brunt of seventeen battles since,
He lurch'd all swords of the garland. For this last,[2944]
Before and in Corioli, let me say,
I cannot speak him home: he stopp'd the fliers; 100
And by his rare example made the coward
Turn terror into sport: as weeds before[2945]
A vessel under sail, so men obey'd,
And fell below his stem: his sword, death's stamp,[2946]
Where it did mark, it took; from face to foot[2947] 105
He was a thing of blood, whose every motion[2947]
Was timed with dying cries: alone he enter'd[2948]
The mortal gate of the city, which he painted[2949]
With shunless destiny; aidless came off,[2950]
And with a sudden re-enforcement struck 110
Corioli like a planet: now all's his:[2951]
When, by and by, the din of war gan pierce[2952]
His ready sense; then straight his doubled spirit[2953]
Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate,
And to the battle came he; where he did 115
Run reeking o'er the lives of men, as if[2954][2955]
'Twere a perpetual spoil: and till we call'd[2954]
Both field and city ours, he never stood
To ease his breast with panting.[2956]

_Men._ Worthy man!

_First Sen._ He cannot but with measure fit the
honours[2957][2958][2959] 120
Which we devise him.[2958]

_Com._ Our spoils he kick'd at,
And look'd upon things precious, as they were
The common muck of the world: he covets less[2960]
Than misery itself would give; rewards[2961][2962]
His deeds with doing them, and is content[2961] 125
To spend the time to end it.[2963]

_Men._ He's right noble:[2964]
Let him be call'd for.[2964]

_First Sen._ Call Coriolanus.[2965]

_Off._ He doth appear.

_Re-enter_ CORIOLANUS.[2966]

_Men._ The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleased[2967]
To make thee consul.[2967]

_Cor._ I do owe them still[2967] 130
My life and services.[2967]

_Men._ It then remains[2967]
That you do speak to the people.[2967]

_Cor._ I do beseech you,[2968]
Let me o'erleap that custom, for I cannot
Put on the gown, stand naked, and entreat them,
For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage: please you[2969][2970] 135
That I may pass this doing.[2969]

_Sic._ Sir, the people[2969][2971]
Must have their voices; neither will they bate[2969][2972]
One jot of ceremony.[2969]

_Men._ Put them not to't:[2969]
Pray you, go fit you to the custom, and[2969][2973]
Take to you, as your predecessors have,[2969][2974] 140
Your honour with your form.[2975]

_Cor._ It is a part[2976]
That I shall blush in acting, and might well[2976]
Be taken from the people.[2976][2977]

_Bru._ Mark you that?

_Cor._ To brag unto them, thus I did, and thus;[2978]
Show them the unaching scars which I should hide,[2978][2979] 145
As if I had received them for the hire
Of their breath only!

_Men._ Do not stand upon't.
We recommend to you, tribunes of the people,[2980]
Our purpose to them: and to our noble consul[2981]
Wish we all joy and honour. 150

_Senators._ To Coriolanus come all joy and honour!

[_Flourish of cornets. Exeunt all but Sicinius and Brutus._[2982]

_Bru._ You see how he intends to use the people.

_Sic._ May they perceive's intent! He will require them,[2983]
As if he did contemn what he requested
Should be in them to give.

_Bru._ Come, we'll inform them 155
Of our proceedings here: on the market-place,[2984]
I know, they do attend us. [_Exeunt._[2985]

SCENE III. _The same. The Forum._

_Enter seven or eight_ Citizens.[2986]

_First Cit._ Once, if he do require our voices, we ought[2987]
not to deny him.

_Sec. Cit._ We may, sir, if we will.

_Third Cit._ We have power in ourselves to do it, but it
is a power that we have no power to do: for if he show us 5
his wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put our tongues[2988]
into those wounds and speak for them; so, if he tell us his[2989]
noble deeds, we must also tell him our noble acceptance of
them. Ingratitude is monstrous: and for the multitude to
be ingrateful, were to make a monster of the multitude; of 10
the which we being members, should bring ourselves to be
monstrous members.

_First Cit._ And to make us no better thought of, a little
help will serve; for once we stood up about the corn, he[2990]
himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.[2991] 15

_Third Cit._ We have been called so of many; not that
our heads are some brown, some black, some auburn, some[2992]
bald, but that our wits are so diversely coloured: and truly
I think, if all our wits were to issue out of one skull, they[2993]
would fly east, west, north, south, and their consent of one 20
direct way should be at once to all the points o' the compass.[2994]

_Sec. Cit._ Think you so? Which way do you judge my
wit would fly?

_Third Cit._ Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another
man's will; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head; but if[2995] 25
it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward.[2996]

_Sec. Cit._ Why that way?

_Third Cit._ To lose itself in a fog; where being three
parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return[2997]
for conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife. 30

_Sec. Cit._ You are never without your tricks: you may,
you may.[2998]

_Third Cit._ Are you all resolved to give your voices? But
that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I say, if he would[2999]
incline to the people, there was never a worthier man. 35

_Enter_ CORIOLANUS _in a gown of humility, with_ MENENIUS.[3000]

Here he comes, and in the gown of humility: mark his behaviour.
We are not to stay all together, but to come by him[3001]
where he stands, by ones, by twos, and by threes. He's to[3002]
make his requests by particulars; wherein every one of us[3003]
has a single honour, in giving him our own voices with our 40
own tongues: therefore follow me, and I'll direct you how
you shall go by him.

_All._ Content, content. [_Exeunt Citizens._[3004]

_Men._ O sir, you are not right: have you not known
The worthiest men have done 't?

_Cor._ What must I say?--[3005] 45
'I pray, sir,'--Plague upon 't! I cannot bring[3005]
My tongue to such a pace. 'Look, sir, my wounds!
I got them in my country's service, when
Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran
From the noise of our own drums.'[3006]

_Men._ O me, the gods![3007] 50
You must not speak of that: you must desire them[3007]
To think upon you.[3007]

_Cor._ Think upon me! hang 'em!
I would they would forget me, like the virtues[3008]
Which our divines lose by 'em.[3008][3009]

_Men._ You'll mar all:
I'll leave you: pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you, 55
In wholesome manner. [_Exit._[3010]

_Cor._ Bid them wash their faces,
And keep their teeth clean. [_Re-enter two of the Citizens._]
So, here comes a brace.

_Re-enter a third_ Citizen.[3011]

You know the cause, sir, of my standing here.[3012]

_Third Cit._ We do, sir; tell us what hath brought you[3013]
to 't. 60

_Cor._ Mine own desert.[3014]

_Sec. Cit._ Your own desert![3014]

_Cor._ Ay, but not mine own desire.[3014][3015]

_First Cit._ How! not your own desire![3014]

_Cor._ No, sir, 'twas never my desire yet to trouble the[3014] 65
poor with begging.[3014]

_Third Cit._ You must think, if we give you any thing,[3013][3014]
we hope to gain by you.[3014]

_Cor._ Well then, I pray, your price o' the consulship?[3014][3016]

_First Cit._ The price is, to ask it kindly.[3014][3017] 70

_Cor._ Kindly! Sir, I pray, let me ha 't: I have wounds[3014][3018]
to show you, which shall be yours in private. Your good[3014][3019]
voice, sir; what say you?[3014]

_Sec. Cit._ You shall ha' it, worthy sir.[3014]

_Cor._ A match, sir. There's in all two worthy voices[3014] 75
begged. I have your alms: adieu.[3014]

_Third Cit._ But this is something odd.[3013][3014][3020]

_Sec. Cit._ An 'twere to give again,--but 'tis no matter.[3014]

[_Exeunt the three Citizens._

_Re-enter two other_ Citizens.[3021]

_Cor._ Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of
your voices that I may be consul, I have here the customary 80
gown.

_Fourth Cit._ You have deserved nobly of your country,[3022]
and you have not deserved nobly.

_Cor._ Your enigma?[3023]

_Fourth Cit._ You have been a scourge to her enemies,[3022] 85
you have been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed
loved the common people.

_Cor._ You should account me the more virtuous, that I
have not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my[3024]
sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer estimation of[3025] 90
them; 'tis a condition they account gentle: and since the
wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my[3026]
heart, I will practise the insinuating nod and be off to[3027]
them most counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the
bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountiful to[3028] 95
the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul.[3029]

_Fifth Cit._ We hope to find you our friend; and therefore[3030]
give you our voices heartily.

_Fourth Cit._ You have received many wounds for your[3022]
country. 100

_Cor._ I will not seal your knowledge with showing them.
I will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no
farther.

_Both Cit._ The gods give you joy, sir, heartily! [_Exeunt._[3031]

_Cor._ Most sweet voices! 105
Better it is to die, better to starve,[3032]
Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.[3033]
Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here,[3034][3035]
To beg of Hob and Dick that do appear,[3034][3036][3037]
Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to 't:[3034][3036][3038] 110
What custom wills, in all things should we do 't,[3034][3039]
The dust on antique time would lie unswept,[3034]
And mountainous error be too highly heap'd[3034]
For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,[3034][3040]
Let the high office and the honour go[3034] 115
To one that would do thus. I am half through:[3034]
The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.[3034]

_Re-enter three_ Citizens _more_.[3041]

Here come moe voices.[3042]
Your voices: for your voices I have fought;
Watch'd for your voices; for your voices bear 120
Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six[3043]
I have seen, and heard of; for your voices have[3044][3045]
Done many things, some less, some more: your voices:[3045]
Indeed, I would be consul.[3045][3046]

_Sixth Cit._ He has done nobly, and cannot go without[3047] 125
any honest man's voice.

_Seventh Cit._ Therefore let him be consul: the gods give[3048]
him joy, and make him good friend to the people![3049]

_All._ Amen, amen. God save thee, noble consul!

[_Exeunt_

_Cor._ Worthy voices! 130

_Re-enter_ MENENIUS, _with_ BRUTUS _and_ SICINIUS.[3050]

_Men._ You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes[3051][3052]
Endue you with the people's voice: remains[3051]
That in the official marks invested in you[3051]
Anon do meet the senate.[3051]

_Cor._ Is this done?

_Sic._ The custom of request you have discharged: 135
The people do admit you, and are summon'd
To meet anon upon you approbation.

_Cor._ Where? at the senate-house?

_Sic._ There, Coriolanus.

_Cor._ May I change these garments?

_Sic._ You may, sir.[3053]

_Cor._ That I'll straight do, and, knowing myself again, 140
Repair to the senate-house.

_Men._ I'll keep you company. Will you along?

_Bru._ We stay here for the people.

_Sic._ Fare you well.

[_Exeunt Coriolanus and Menenius._

He has it now; and, by his looks, methinks[3054]
'Tis warm at's heart.[3055]

_Bru._ With a proud heart he wore[3056] 145
His humble weeds. Will you dismiss the people?[3056]

_Re-enter_ Citizens.[3057]

_Sic._ How now, my masters! have you chose this man?

_First Cit._ He has our voices, sir.

_Bru._ We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.

_Sec. Cit._ Amen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice,[3058] 150
He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.

_Third Cit._ Certainly[3059]
He flouted us downright.[3059]

_First Cit._ No, 'tis his kind of speech; he did not mock us.

_Sec. Cit._ Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says[3060]
He used us scornfully: he should have show'd us[3060] 155
His marks of merit, wounds received for's country.[3061]

_Sic._ Why, so he did, I am sure.[3062]

_Citizens._ No, no; no man saw 'em.[3063]

_Third Cit._ He said he had wounds which he could show in private;[3064]
And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn,[3065] 160
'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom,
But by your voices, will not so permit me;
Your voices therefore.' When we granted that,
Here was 'I thank you for your voices: thank you:
Your most sweet voices: now you have left your voices, 165
I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?[3066]

_Sic._ Why, either were you ignorant to see't,[3067]
Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness
To yield your voices?

_Bru._ Could you not have told him,
As you were lesson'd, when he had no power, 170
But was a petty servant to the state,
He was your enemy; ever spake against[3068]
Your liberties and the charters that you bear[3069]
I' the body of the weal: and now, arriving
A place of potency and sway o' the state,[3070] 175
If he should still malignantly remain
Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might[3071]
Be curses to yourselves? You should have said,
That as his worthy deeds did claim no less
Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature 180
Would think upon you for your voices and[3072][3073]
Translate his malice towards you into love,[3073]
Standing your friendly lord.

_Sic._ Thus to have said,
As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit
And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd 185
Either his gracious promise, which you might,
As cause had call'd you up, have held him to;
Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature,
Which easily endures not article[3074]
Tying him to aught: so, putting him to rage,[3074] 190
You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler,
And pass'd him unelected.

_Bru._ Did you perceive
He did solicit you in free contempt[3075]
When he did need your loves; and do you think[3075]
That his contempt shall not be bruising to you 195
When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies[3076]
No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry
Against the rectorship of judgement?

_Sic._ Have you,[3077]
Ere now, denied the asker? and now again,[3077]
Of him that did not ask but mock, bestow[3077][3078] 200
Your sued-for tongues?[3077][3079]

_Third Cit._ He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.[3079]

_Sec. Cit._ And will deny him:[3080]
I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.[3081]

_First Cit._ I twice five hundred, and their friends to
piece 'em.[3082] 205

_Bru._ Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends,
They have chose a consul that will from them take[3083]
Their liberties, make them of no more voice
Than dogs that are as often beat for barking
As therefore kept to do so.[3084]

_Sic._ Let them assemble;[3085] 210
And, on a safer judgement, all revoke[3085][3086]
Your ignorant election: enforce his pride[3085][3086]
And his old hate unto you: besides, forget not[3086][3087]
With what contempt he wore the humble weed,
How in his suit he scorn'd you: but your loves, 215
Thinking upon his services, took from you
The apprehension of his present portance,
Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion[3088]
After the inveterate hate he bears you.[3089]

_Bru._ Lay[3090][3091][3092]
A fault on us, your tribunes; that we labour'd,[3090] 220
No impediment between, but that you must[3090]
Cast your election on him.[3090]

_Sic._ Say, you chose him[3090]
More after our commandment than as guided[3090][3092]
By your own true affections; and that your minds,[3090][3092]
Pre-occupied with what you rather must do[3090] 225
Than what you should, made you against the grain[3090][3092][3093]
To voice him consul: lay the fault on us.[3090]

_Bru._ Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you,
How youngly he began to serve his country,
How long continued; and what stock he springs of, 230
The noble house o' the Marcians, from whence came[3094]
That Ancus Marcius, Numa's daughter's son,
Who, after great Hostilius, here was king;
Of the same house Publius and Quintus were,
That our best water brought by conduits hither;[3095] 235
And [Censorinus] nobly named so,[3095]
Twice being [by the people chosen] censor,[3095]
Was his great ancestor.[3095]

_Sic._ One thus descended,
That hath beside well in his person wrought[3096]
To be set high in place, we did commend 240
To your remembrances: but you have found,
Scaling his present bearing with his past,[3097]
That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke
Your sudden approbation.

_Bru._ Say, you ne'er had done't--[3098]
Harp on that still--but by our putting on: 245
And presently, when you have drawn your number,
Repair to the Capitol.

_Citizens._ We will so: almost all[3099][3100]
Repent in their election. [_Exeunt Citizens._[3099]

_Bru._ Let them go on;[3101]
This mutiny were better put in hazard,
Than stay, past doubt, for greater: 250
If, as his nature is, he fall in rage
With their refusal, both observe and answer
The vantage of his anger.

_Sic._ To the Capitol, come:[3102]
We will be there before the stream o' the people;
And this shall seem, as partly 'tis, their own, 255
Which we have goaded onward. [_Exeunt._

FOOTNOTES:

[2784] ACT II. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Secundus. Ff.

Enter....] Ff. Enter Menenius with Sicinius. Rowe (ed. 1).

[2785] _augurer_] _Agurer_ F₁. _augur_ Pope.

[2786] _who_] _whom_ Pope.

[2787] _In what_] _What_ Capell conj.

_poor in_] _poor_ Pope.

[2788] _with all_] F₃ F₄. _withall_ F₁ F₂.

[2789] _in pride_] _pride_ Rowe.

[2790] _boasting_] F₁. _boast_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2791] _o'_] F₄. _a'_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

_right-hand_] _right_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[2792] Both.] F₁ F₂. Bru. F₃ F₄.

_how are_] _ho ware_ F₁.

[2793] _dispositions_] _disposition_ Reed (1803).

[2794] _proud?_] Capell. _proud._ Ff.

[2795] _toward_] _towards_ Rowe.

[2796] Both.] F₁ F₂ F₃. Men. F₄. Bru. Rowe.

[2797] _unmeriting_] _as unmeriting_ Rowe.

[2798] _with not_] _without_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[2799] _favouring ... complaint_] _savouring the feast of lent_ or _savouring the fish of lent_ Leo conj.

[2800] _imperfect_] _impatient_ Anon. conj.

_first_] _thirst_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[2801] _upon too_] Rowe (ed. 2). _uppon, to_ F₁. _upon, to_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _upon to_ Rowe (ed. 1). _too, upon_ Anon. conj.

[2802] _call you_] F₁ F₄. _call your_ F₂ F₃.

[2803] _can't_] Theobald. _can_ Ff. _cannot_ Capell.

[2804] _men_] F₁. om. F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2805] _tell you you_] _tell you, you_ Pope. _tell you_ Ff.

[2806] _bisson_] Theobald. _beesome_ F₁ F₂. _beesom_ F₃. _Besom_ F₄.

[2807] _orange_] F₄. _orendge_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

_fosset_] Rowe (ed. 2). _forset_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _fauset_ F₄.

_rejourn the_] _adjourn a_ Pope.

[2808] _between party_] _between a party_ F₄.

[2809] _bleeding_] _pleading_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[2810] _are. When ... purpose, it_] _are; when ... purpose, it_ Rowe. _are, when ... purpose. It_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _are; when ... purpose, It_ F₄.

[2811] _ass's_] _Asses_ Ff.

[2812] _'em_] _them_ Pope.

_God-den_] _Good-e'en_ F₄.

[2813] _herdsmen_] _herdsman_ Collier (ed. 1).

_plebeians_] F₂ F₃ F₄. _Plebeans_ F₁.

[2814] [Brutus....] Brutus and Sicinius stand aside. Theobald. Bru. and Scic. Aside. F₁. Brutus and Sicinius. Aside. F₂ F₃ F₄. Exeunt Brutus and Sicinius. Rowe.

Enter....] F₁. Enter Volumnia and Valeria. F₂ F₃ F₄. As Menenius is going out, enter.... Theobald. Enter, hastily, Volumnia, Virgilia, Valeria, and a great Crowd of People: Tribunes join the Crowd. Capell. Enter ... Valeria, &c. Steevens (1793).

[2815] SCENE II. Pope.

[2816] _cap_] _cup_ Warburton.

[2817] [Throwing it up. Keightley (Johnson conj.)

[2818] Vir. Val.] Capell. 2 Ladies. Ff. Both. Rowe. Vol. Vir. Dyce.

[2819] _empiricutic_] _Emperickqutique_ F₁ F₂. _Empericktique_ F₃ F₄. _emperic_ Pope. _empiric physic_ Collier (Collier MS.)

[2820] _a'_] Theobald. _a_ Ff. _he a_ Pope.

[2821] _pocket?_] Ff. _pocket,_ Hanmer.

[2822] _brows: Menenius,_] Ff. _brows, Menenius;_ Theobald. _brows, Menenius,_ Mason conj.

[2823] _Has_] _Hath_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[2824] _an_] _an'_ Capell. _and_ Ff. _if_ Pope.

[2825] _pow, wow._] Capell. _pow waw._ Ff.

[2826] _wounded?... worships!_] _wounded?... worships;_ Theobald. _wounded, ... worships?_ Ff.

[2827] [To the Tribunes] Theobald. To the Tribunes, who come forward. Reed (1803).

_your_] _their_ Hanmer.

[2828] Vol.] Volum. Ff. Val. Hanmer.

[2829] _two_] _one too_ Theobald (Warburton).

_thigh;_] Rowe. _thigh,--_ Capell. _thigh,_ Ff.

[2830] _this_] _his_ F₄.

[2831] _it's_] _'tis_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[2832] [A ... flourish.] Ff (after _trumpets_).

[2833] _These ... tears._] As prose first by Pope. As three lines, ending _Martius ... noise ... tears_, in Ff. As two lines, the first ending _before him_, in Hanmer.

[2834] _Death ... die._] Spurious, according to Grant White.

[2835] sennet.] F₁. sonet. F₂ F₃ F₄. sonnet. Rowe.

Lartius] Latius F₁.

[2836] SCENE III. Pope.

[2837] _Corioli_] _Corioli's_ Johnson.

[2838] _Caius Marcius_] _Caius Martius_ Rowe. _Martius Caius_ Ff.

[2839] _these In ... Coriolanus_] Steevens. _these In honour follows now, Coriolanus_ Capell. _These in honor followes Martius Caius Coriolanus_ Ff (as one line). _These in honour follows, Caius Martius, Coriolanus_ Rowe (ed. 1). _This ... Caius Martius Coriolanus_ Rowe (ed. 2). Omitted by Pope. _In honour follows Coriolanus these_ Seymour conj. _In honour ... Coriolanus: welcome,_ S. Walker conj. _For these in ... Coriolanus_ Keightley (as one line).

[2840] _honour_] _sign of honour_ Anon. conj.

_follows_] _followeth_ Anon. conj.

[2841] _renowned_] Ff. _renown'd_ Hanmer.

[2842] [Flourish.] Malone. Sound. Flourish. Ff. Shout. Flourish. Capell.

[2843] _No ... prosperity_] As verse first by Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2844] _good_] om. Pope.

[2845] _and By_] Theobald. _And by_ Ff. _By_ Pope.

[2846] _deed-achieving_] _deed-atchieved_ Hanmer. _deed, achieving_ Anon. conj.

[2847] [Rises. Collier (ed. 2).

[2848] _wear_] F₃ F₄. _weare_ F₂. _were_ F₁.

[2849] [To Valeria] Theobald.

[2850] _I ... all_] Arranged as by Pope. As three lines, ending _turne ... Generall, ... all_, in Ff.

[2851] _and ye're_] _and y'are_ Johnson. _And y'are_ Ff. _Y'are_ Rowe (ed. 2). _y'are_ Pope. _and your_ Capell (corrected in Errata).

[2852] _A ... folly._] Arranged as by Pope. As twelve lines, ending _welcomes: ... laugh, ... welcome: ... heart, ... thee ... on: ... have ... home, ... rallish ... warriors ... nettle; ... folly_, in Ff.

[2853] _I am_] _I'm_ Pope.

[2854] _very root on's_] _the very root on's_ Rowe. _very root of's_ Capell. _very root of his_ Malone.

[2855] _We have_] _We've_ Pope.

[2856] _relish_] F₄. _rallish_ F₁. _rellish_ F₂ F₃.

_Yet_] om. Pope.

[2857] Com. _Ever ... ever._] Com. _Ever right, Menenius._ Cor. _Ever, ever._ Tyrwhitt conj. Com. _Ever right._ Cor. _Menenius? ever, ever._ Ritson conj. Com. _Ever right_ Menenius. Cor. _Ever, ever._ Rann.

[2858] Cor. _Menenius, ever, ever._] om. Seymour conj.

[2859] [To ... Virgilia] to his Wife and Mother. Capell.

[2860] _change_] _charge_ Theobald.

_honours_] _honour_ Hanmer.

[2861] _And ... thee._] As by Malone. Four lines, ending _fancie: ... wanting, ... Rome, ... thee_, in Ff. _And buildings of my fancy; only one thing Is wanting, which I doubt not but our Rome Will ... thee._ Pope. Three lines, ending _fancy: ... doubt not ... thee_, in Capell.

[2862] _And_] _Ay, and_ or _And all_ Anon. conj.

_buildings_] _beguilings_ Anon. conj.

_fancy: only There's_] _fancy_ [some words omitted] _Only there is_ Keightley.

[2863] _There's_] _there Is_ Steevens (1793), ending line 188 at _there_.

[2864] Pope ends the line at _I_.

[2865] _Than_] F₃ F₄. _Then_ F₁. _Ten_ F₂.

[Brutus ... forward.] Theobald. Enter Brutus and Sicinius. Ff.

[2866] SCENE IV. Pope.

[2867] _Into_] _Too, in_ Becket conj.

_rapture_] _rupture_ P. W. ap. Long MS., and Anon. ap. Weston, conj.

[2868] _chats_] _chats to_ Seymour conj. _cheers_ Collier (Collier MS.) _claps_ Singer conj. _shouts_ Staunton conj. _chats of_ Keightley.

_malkin_] _Malkin_ (ital.) Ff. _Maukin_ Rowe.

[2869] _Clambering ... horsed_] As in Pope. Three lines, ending _him: ... up, ... hors'd_, in Ff.

[2870] _stalls_] _stalks_ Capell (corrected in Errata).

[2871] _seld-shown_] _fell-shown_ or _pile-shown_ Grey conj.

[2872] _war_] _ware_ Warburton.

[2873] _damask in Their_] Pope. _damaske In their_ Ff.

[2874] _pother_] Rowe. _poother_ Ff.

[2875] _human_] Rowe. _humane_ Ff.

[2876] _posture_] _action_ Capell.

[2877] _On ... sleep._] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2878] _From_] _Form_ Becket conj.

_and end_] _t' an end_ Johnson conj. _to the end_ Seymour conj.

[2879] _those he_] _those that he_ Steevens (1793).

_he hath_] _he 'ath_ Pope.

[2880] _honours; which_] As in Pope. The line ends at _honors_, in Ff.

[2881] _he will_] _he'll_ Steevens (1793), ending lines 214-218 at _comfort ... stand, ... will ... honours ... question_.

_them_] om. Pope.

_I_] om. Reed (1803).

[2882] _As_] _As that_ Capell conj.

_proud_] _prone_ Warburton conj.

[2883] _napless_] Rowe. _Naples_ Ff.

[2884] _It ... nobles._] Arranged as in Steevens (1778). Four lines, ending _word: ... carry it, ... him, ... nobles_, in Ff. Three, ending _rather ... gentry ... nobles_, in Pope, omitting _to him_.

[2885] _of the_] _o' th'_ Pope.

[2886] _I ... execution._] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2887] _It ... destruction._] As in Rowe. Prose in Ff.

[2888] _as_] _at_ Collier (Collier MS.)

_wills_] _will's_ Johnson. _wills it_ Keightley.

[2889] _authorities. For an end,_] Pope. _authorities, for an end._ Ff.

_an end_] _our end_ Hanmer. _that end_ Heath conj.

[2890] _to's_] _to his_ Capell.

[2891] _pleaders and_] As in Pope. The line ends at _pleaders_, in Ff.

[2892] _Dispropertied_] _dispropertied_ F₁. _disproportioned_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2893] _the war_] Hanmer. _their Warre_ Ff. _their way_ Mason conj. _their wane_ Jackson conj. _their wars_ Keightley.

_provand_] _provender_ Pope.

[2894] _soaring_] _searing_ Anon. conj.

[2895] _touch_] Hanmer. _teach_ Ff. _reach_ Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). _tech_ Seymour conj. _stench_ Jackson conj.

[2896] _people--which time...._] _people, which time...._ Ff. _people which (time...._ Pope (ed. 1).

[2897] _his_] _the_ Pope. _as_ Capell.

[2898] _You ... gloves,_] Arranged as in Dyce. The lines end _Capitoll: ... Consull ... see him ... gloves_, in Ff. They end _thought ... seen ... blind ... gloves_, in Steevens.

[2899] _You are_] _You're_ Pope.

_Capitol_] F₃ F₄. _Capitoll_ F₁. _Capitall_ F₂.

[2900] _matrons flung_] _the matrons flung their_ Pope, ending the lines _thought ... seen ... blind ... gloves_. _matrons flung their_ Keightley, ending the lines _Capitol ... I ... and ... gloves_. _matrons flung down their_ Lloyd conj.

[2901] _handkerchers_] _handkerchiefs_ F₄.

[2902] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope.

The same. The Capitol. Enter....] Enter two Officers, to lay Cushions, as it were, in the Capitoll. Ff (Capitall. F₂. Capitol. F₃ F₄).

[2903] _lets_] Ff. _he lets_ Hanmer.

[2904] _he waved_] _he'd wave_ Blackstone conj.

[2905] _ascent_] _assent_ F₁.

_those_] _theirs_ Hanmer.

_having_] Ff. _have_ Rowe.

[2906] _people, bonneted ... all into_] _People, Bonnetted ... all into_ Ff. _people bonneted, ... all into_ Hanmer. _people, unbonnetted ... all into_ Johnson conj. _people, bonneted ... all, into_ Delius.

[2907] _deed ... at all_] _deed at all to have them_ Anon. conj.

_have_] _heave_ Pope.

[2908] _he's_] _he is_ Rowe.

[2909] A sennet.] F₁. A Sonnet. F₂ F₃. A Sonet. F₄. om. Pope.

Enter....] Enter the Patricians, and the Tribunes of the People, Lictors before them: Coriolanus, Menenius, Cominius the Consul: Scicinius and Brutus take their places by themselves: Coriolanus stands. Ff.

Coriolanus stands.] Omitted by Rowe.

[2910] SCENE VI. Pope.

[2911] _Having ... remains_] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at _Volces_.

[2912] _To gratify ... please you_] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at _hath_.

[2913] _last ... well-found_] _late ... well-fought_ Capell conj.

[2914] _Caius Marcius_] _Caius Martius_ Rowe. _Martius Caius_ Ff.

[2915] _We met_] Ff. _We meet_ Hanmer. _We are met_ Capell. _We’ve met_ Anon. conj.

[2916] _state's_] F₄. _states_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2917] _we to_] Ff. _that we_ Hanmer.

[To the Tribunes] Edd. Omitted in Ff.

_o’_] F₄. _a'_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2918] _ears_] _eares_ F₁. _eare_ F₂. _ear_ F₃ F₄.

_and after,_] F₃ F₄. _and after_ F₁ F₂.

[2919] _what_] _to what_ Hanmer.

[2920] _We are ... place_] Arranged as by Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2921] _treaty_] _treatise_ Collier MS.

[2922] _our_] _your_ Warburton conj.

[2923] _bless’d_] _biass'd_ Badham conj. _prest_ Singer (Collier MS. and Singer MS.) _pleased_ Nicholson conj.

[2924] _hereto_] _hitherto_ Rowe.

[2925] _it_] om. Pope.

[2926] [Coriolanus offers ...] Edd. Coriolanus rises, and offers ... Ff.

[2927] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Senat. Ff.

_Sit,_] _Sit_ F₁. _Sir_ F₂. _Sir,_ F₃ F₄.

[2928] _honours'_] Theobald. _honors_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _honours_ F₄. _honour's_ Rowe.

[2929] _Sir, I hope ... not_] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[2930] _yet_] _yes_ F₂.

[2931] _sooth'd_] _sooth_ Pope.

[2932] _weigh._] Hanmer. _weigh--_ Ff.

[2933] _struck_] F₃ F₄. _strucke_ F₂. _strooke_ F₁.

[2934] [Exit.] Exit Coriolanus. Ff.

[2935] _flatter--_] _flatter,_ Rowe. _flatter?_ Ff.

[2936] _now_] om. Pope

[2937] _one on's_] F₃. _on ones_ F₁ F₂. _one o's_ F₄. _one of's_ Rowe.

_hear it_] _hear't_ Pope.

[2938] _Should_] _Sould_ F₂.

[2939] _That ... and_] Arranged as in F₂ F₃ F₄. In F₁ the first line ends at _vertue._

[2940] _chin_] F₃ F₄. _shinne_ F₁ F₂.

[2941] _bristled_] Rowe. _brisled_ Ff.

[2942] _pupil age_] _pupill age_ F₁. _pupilage_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2943] _waxed_] F₁. _wated_ F₂. _waited_ F₃ F₄.

[2944] _of the_] F₁. _o'th_ F₂. _o'th'_ F₃ F₄.

[2945] _weeds_] F₁ _waves_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2946] _below_] _before_ Becket conj.

_stem_] _stern_ Pope.

[2947] _took; from face to foot He_] Steevens (Tyrwhitt conj.) _tooke from face to foot: He_ Ff.

[2948] _timed_]_tim'd_ F₁. _trim'd_ F₂. _trimm'd_ F₃ F₄. _tun'd_ Collier MS.

[2949] _The mortal gate ... he painted_] _The gate ... he mortal painted_ Hanmer.

_of the_] _of th'_ F₁. _o' th_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

_painted_] _gained_ Becket conj. _kick'd_ or _keck'd at_ Badham conj. _parted_ Keightley.

[2950] _destiny_] _destinie_ F₁. _defamy_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

[2951] _now all's his_] F₁. _now all's this_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _nor all's this_ Rowe. _nor's this all_ Hanmer.

[2952] _When_] _For_ Rowe.

[2953] _then_] _when_ Rowe.

[2954] _Run ... as if 'Twere_] As in F₂ F₃ F₄. One line in F₁.

[2955] _reeking_] _recking_ F₂.

[2956] _panting_] F₁ F₄. _painting_ F₂ F₃.

[2957] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Senat. Ff.

[2958] _He ... him_] As in Rowe. Prose in Ff.

[2959] _fit_] _fill_ Hanmer.

[2960] _of the_] F₁. _o'th_ F₂. _o'th'_ F₃ F₄.

[2961] _Than ... deeds_] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2962] _rewards_] _he rewards_ Johnson conj.

[2963] _the time ... end_] _his time ... end_ Rowe. _his time ... spend_ Johnson conj.

_time to end it._ Men. _He's_] _time--_ Men. _To end it, he's_ Warburton conj.

[2964] _He's ... for_] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2965] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Senat. Ff.

_Call_] _Call for_ Steevens (1793).

[2966] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff.

[2967] _The senate ... people_] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Ff.

[2968] _do beseech_] _beseech_ Pope.

[2969] _For my ... have_] Arranged as in Capell. In Ff the lines end _sufferage: ... doing ... voyces: ... ceremony ... too't ... custome, ... have_.

[2970] _suffrage_] F₄. _sufferage_ F₁ F₃. _fufferage_ F₂. _suffrages_ Rowe.

[2971] _pass_] _over-pass_ Hanmer.

_the people_] _but the people too_ Hanmer.

[2972] _neither_] Ff. _Nor_ Pope.

[2973] _Pray you, go fit_] _pray fit_ Pope (reading _Put ... custom_ as one line).

[2974] _to you_] _t' ye_ Pope.

[2975] _your form_] _the form_ Hanmer.

[2976] _It is ... people_] Arranged as in Pope. Two lines, the first ending _acting,_ in Ff.

[2977] _that?_] Rowe (ed. 2). _that._ Ff.

[2978] _thus; Show_] _thus, Shew_ F₃ F₄. _thus Shew_ F₁ F₂.

[2979] _should_] _would_ Rowe.

[2980] _to you_] _t' ye_ Pope.

[2981] _purpose to them: and to_] _purpose to them, and to_ Ff. _purpose, and to them: to_ Hanmer. _purpose:--to them, and to_ Collier (Mason conj.)

[2982] Senators.] Senat. Ff. Sic. Rowe (ed. 2).

[Flourish of cornets.] Flourish cornets. Ff.

Exeunt....] Then Exeunt. Manet Sicinius and Brutus. Ff (Manent F₄).

[2983] _perceive's intent! He_] _perceive his intent. He_ Capell. _perceive it. He that_ Seymour conj.

[2984] _here: on_] Theobald, _heere on_ F₁ F₂. _here on_ F₃ F₄.

[2985] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[2986] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE VII. Pope.

The same. The Forum.] Capell. Scene changes to the Forum. Theobald.

seven or eight....] Ff. a number of ... Capell. several ... Malone.

[2987] _Once, if_] Theobald. _Once if_ Ff. _Oons! if_ Pope. _If once_ Seymour conj. _When if_ Collier MS.

[2988] _and ... deeds,_] om. Anon. conj.

[2989] _if he tell_] _if he tells_ Rowe.

[2990] _once_] _once when_ Rowe.

[2991] _multitude_] _monster_ Hanmer.

[2992] _auburn_] F₄. _Abram_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2993] _one skull_] _our sculls_ Hanmer.

[2994] _should be_] _would be_ Rowe.

_all the_] _all_ Rowe.

_o'_] F₄. _a'_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[2995] _wedged_] _wadg'd_ F₁.

[2996] _'twould, sure,_] _'twould soar_ Grey conj.

[2997] _fourth_] _forth_ F₂.

[2998] _may._] _may.--_ Rowe.

[2999] _carries it. I say,_] Theobald. _carries it, I say._ Ff.

[3000] Enter Coriolanus....] Ff. Enter Coriolanus and Menenius. Dyce (after line 43).

in ... humility,] in a gown, Pope. om. Capell.

[3001] _all together_] F₃ F₄. _al together_ F₂. _altogether_ F₁.

[3002] _and by threes_] _by & threes_ F₂.

[3003] _wherein_] _where_ F₄.

[3004] [Exeunt citizens.] Capell. om. Ff. Exeunt Rowe.

[3005] _What ... bring_] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending _Sir?_, in Ff.

[3006] _the noise_] _noise_ Pope.

[3007] _O me, ... you_] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending _that,_ in Ff.

[3008] _virtues ... lose by 'em_] _advices ... lose on 'em_ Hanmer. _vultures ... divines lose sight of_ or _vultures ... diviners lease by_ Badham conj.

[3009] _divines_] _diviners_ Becket conj.

_'em_] _them_ Capell.

[3010] [Exit.] Ff. Exit Menenius. Dyce (after _clean,_ line 57).

[3011] [Re-enter two of the Citizens.] Edd. Enter three of the citizens. Ff (after _manner_, line 56). Enter two of the citizens. Rowe (after _manner_, line 56). Citizens approach. Pope. Two citizens approach. Hanmer. Re-enter two Citizens. Dyce (after _brace_, line 57).

_brace_] _leash_ Anon. conj.

Re-enter a third Citizen.] Edd.

[3012] _sir_] _sirs_ Rowe.

[3013] Third Cit.] 3 Cit. Ff. 1 Cit. Rowe.

[3014] _Mine ... matter._] Prose in Ff. As thirteen lines of verse by Capell, ending _not ... desire?... yet ... think, ... you ... consulship?... Kindly? ... you, ... sir; ... sir ... beg'd: ... odd ... matter._

[3015] _Ay, but not_] Edd. _I, but_ F₁. _I, no_ F₂. _I, not_ F₃ F₄. _Ay, not_ Rowe.

[3016] _pray, your_] Ff. _pray your_ Pope.

_consulship_?] F₄. _consulship._ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3017] _is_] _is, sir_, Capell. _of it is_ Keightley.

[3018] _Kindly! Sir,_] _Kindly? Sir_, Capell. _Kindly sir,_ F₁ F₂ F₃. _Kindly, sir,_ F₄. _Kindly, Sir?_ Johnson.

[3019] _Your_] _You_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3020] _But this_] _This_ Steevens conj.

[3021] _An_] Pope. _And_ Ff.

_again,--_] _again:--_ Rowe. _againe:_ Ff.

[Exeunt ...] Edd. Exeunt. Ff. Exeunt these: Capell.

Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

[3022] Fourth Cit.] Edd. 1. Ff. 1 Cit. Rowe. Third Cit. Reed (1803).

[3023] _enigma?_] _Ænigma?_ Rowe. _Ænigma._ Ff.

[3024] _I will_] _but I will_ Hanmer. _I will not_ Collier MS.

[3025] _brother_] _brothers_ Collier MS.

[3026] _hat_] _cap_ Pope.

[3027] _be off_] _doff_ Badham conj.

[3028] _bountiful_] _bountifully_ Rowe (ed. 2).

[3029] _desirers_] F₁. _desires_ F₂ F₃ F₄.

_consul_] _confull_ F₂.

[3030] Fifth Citizen.] Edd. 2. Ff. Fourth Cit. Reed (1803).

[3031] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3032] _starve_] F₄. _sterve_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3033] _hire_] _higher_ F₁.

[3034] _Why ... do._] Put in the margin by Pope.

[3035] _in this woolvish toge_] Malone (Steevens conj.) _in this Wooluish tongue_ F₁. _in this Woolvish gowne_ F₂ F₃ F₄. _in this wolfish gown_ Capell. _in this woollen gown_ or _in this foolish gown_ Mason conj. _in this woolish gown_ Becket conj. _in this whorish gown_ Jackson conj. _with this woolvish tongue_ Steevens conj. _in this foolish togue_ Grant White conj. _in this woolless toge_ Collier (Collier MS.) _in this wolfish throng_ Staunton conj. _in this foolish toge_ Leo.

[3036] _that do appear, Their_] _which do appear Their_ Badham conj.

[3037] _do_] F₄. _does_ F₁ F₂ F₃.

[3038] _vouches_] _voucher_ Rowe. _voices_ Capell.

[3039] _wills, ... things_] _wills in all things_, Ff.

_do't_,] Theobald, _doo't_? F₁ F₂. _do't_? F₃ F₄.

[3040] _to o'er-peer_] _to over-peer_ Capell. _t' o'er-peer_ S. Walker conj.

[3041] Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

[3042] _moe_] F₁ F₂. _more_ F₃ F₄.

[3043] _odd_] _and odd_ Rowe.

[3044] _I have_] _I've_ Pope.

_and heard_] _and you have heard_ Farmer conj. _or heard_ Seymour conj.

_voices have_] _voices_, Farmer conj.

[3045] _voices have ... consul_] As in Pope. Lines 122, 123 end _voyces, ... more_, in Ff.

[3046] _Indeed_] _for indeed_ Rowe.

[3047] Sixth Cit.] Edd. 1 Cit. Ff. 5 Cit. Reed (1803).

[3048] Seventh Cit.] Edd. 2 Cit. Ff. 6 Cit. Reed. (1803).

[3049] _good_] _a good_ Rowe.

[3050] Re-enter ...] Malone. Enter ... Ff.

[3051] _You ... senate._] _Arranged_ as in Pope. Lines 130, 132, 133 end _limitation: ... voyce, ... invested,_ in Ff.

[3052] _You have_] _You've_ Pope.

[3053] _May I_] _May I then_ Hanmer.

_You may, sir_] _Sir, you may_ Hanmer.

[3054] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[3055] _at's_] _at his_ Capell.

[3056] _With ... people?_] As in Pope. The first line ends at _weeds:_ in Ff.

[3057] Re-enter Citizens.] Capell. Enter the Plebeians. Ff. Enter Citizens. Hanmer.

[3058] _notice_] _notion_ S. Walker conj.

[3059] _Certainly ... downright._] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3060] _says He_] _sayes. He_ F₂.

[3061] _for's_] _for his_ Capell.

[3062] Sic.] First Cit. Anon. conj.

[3063] Citizens.] Cit. Malone. All. Ff.

_No, no;_] _No,_ Pope.

_'em_] _them_ Capell. _them_ [several speak. Malone.

[3064] _He ... private;_] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

_he had_] _he'd_ Pope.

[3065] _hat_] _cap_ Pope.

[3066] _no_] _nothing_ Rowe.

_Was not_] _Wa' n't_ Pope.

[3067] _ignorant_] _impotent_ Hanmer.

[3068] _ever_] _still_ Pope.

[3069] _the_] om. Pope.

[3070] _A place_] _At place_ F₄.

[3071] _plebeii_] _plebeians_ Rowe.

[3072] _Would_] _Should_ Keightley.

[3073] _voices and Translate_] As in F₂ F₃ F₄. Line 181 ends at _voyces,_ in F₁.

[3074] _article ... aught:_] _article, ... ought,_ Ff. _article, ... ought;_ Rowe.

[3075] _contempt When_] _contempt, When_ F₁ F₃ F₄. _contempt. When_ F₂.

[3076] _Why, had_] _Why had_ F₄.

[3077] _Have you, ... tongues?_] Arranged as in Pope. Three lines, ending _asker: ... mock, ... tongues?_, in Ff.

[3078] _Of_] _On_ Theobald.

_bestow_] _bestow'd_ Hanmer.

[3079] _sued-for tongues.... He's_] _tongues unsu'd-for.... He is_ Capell, reading _Your ... will deny him_ as two lines.

[3080] _And_] _Ay and we_ Hanmer, ending line 202 at _may_.

[3081] _I'll_] _I Will_ S. Walker conj., reading lines 201-204 as three lines of verse, ending _may ... him; I ... sound._

[3082] First Cit.] Third Cit. Anon. conj.

_I twice_] F₁ F₂ F₃. _I, twice_ F₄. _Ay, twice_ Rowe.

[3083] _They have_] _They've_ Pope.

[3084] _therefore ... so_] _therefore kept_ or _kept to do so_ Seymour conj.

[3085] _Let ... pride_] As in Theobald. Two lines, the first ending _judgement,_ in Ff.

[3086] _a safer ... all revoke ... unto_] _safer ... Revoke ... to_ Pope, ending the lines _judgement, ... election: ... you._

[3087] _besides, forget not_] As a separate line in Pope.

[3088] _most_] om. Pope.

[3089] _you_] _to you_ Pope.

[3090] _Lay ... us._] Arranged as in Capell. Six lines, ending _Tribunes, ... betweene) ... on him ... commandment, ... that ... do,_ in Ff.

[3091] _Lay_] _Nay, lay_ Pope.

[3092] _Lay ... as guided ... true affections ... should_] _Nay, lay ... guided ... affections, ... should do,_ Pope, ending the lines _that ... between) ... on him ... commandment ... affections, ... what ... should do ... consul ... on us._

[3093] _what you should_] _with what you should do_ Hanmer, following Pope's arrangement.

[3094] _o’ the Marcians_] _of Marcius_ Pope. _o' the Marcii_ Capell.

[3095] _hither ... ancestor._] See note (V).

[3096] _hath_] _had_ Hanmer.

[3097] _present bearing_] _present, bearing_ F₂.

[3098] _Say, you ne'er had_] _You'd ne'er_ Seymour conj.

[3099] _We will ... election_] Arranged as by Hanmer. One line in Ff.

[3100] _so_] om. Hanmer.

[3101] [Exeunt Citizens.] Hanmer. Exeunt Plebeians. Ff.

_them_] _'em_ Hanmer.

[3102] _To ... come:_] _come; to th’ Capitol._ Pope.