You have won a happy victory to Rome: Cor. I dare be sworn, you were: And, sir, it is no little thing, to make Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But, good sir, Auf. I am glad, thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour At difference in thee: out of that I'll work Cor. [Aside. [The Ladies make signs to CORIOLANUS. Ay, by and by; [TO VOLUMNIA, Virgilia, &c. But we will drink together; and you shall bear [Exeunt. + "say" is omitted by Mr. Malone, who considers heard as a dissyllable. 1 —— a former fortune.] i. e restore myself to my former credit and power. 2 To have a temple built you:] Plutarch informs us, that a temple dedicated to the Fortune of the Ladies, was built on this occasion by order of the senate. SCENE IV. Rome. A publick Place.. Enter MENENIUS and SICINIUS. Men. See you yond' coign o'the Capitol; yond' cor ner-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.3 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. bids be done, is finished with his bidding. 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. What he He wants Mark what mercy his mother shall bring from him: There is no more mercy in him, than there is milk in a male tiger; 311 stay upon execution.] i. e. stay but for it. 4 He sits in his state, &c.] His state means his chair of state. that shall our poor city find: and all this is 'long of you. Sic. The gods be good unto us! Men. No, in such a case the gods will not be good unto us. 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 plebeians have got your fellow-tribune, And hale him up and down; all swearing, if The Roman ladies bring not comfort home, They'll give him death by inches. Sic. Enter another Messenger. What's the news? Mess. Good news, good news; The ladies have prevail'd, The Volces are dislodg'd, and Marcius gone: A merrier day did never yet greet Rome, Sic. Friend, Art thou certain this is true? is it most certain ? beaten, all together. Shouting also within. The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries, and fifes, Make the sun dance. Hark you! [Shouting again. Men. This is good news: I will go meet the ladies. This Volumnia Is worth of consuls, senators, patricians, A city full; of tribunes, such as you, A sea and land full: You have pray'd well to-day; This morning, for ten thousand of your throats [Shouting and Musick. Sic. First, the gods bless you for their tidings: next, Accept my thankfulness. Mess. Great cause to give great thanks. Sic. Sir, we have all They are near the city? We will meet them, [Going. Mess. Almost at point to enter. Sic. And help the joy. Enter the Ladies, accompanied by Senators, Patricians, and People. They pass over the Stage. 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! Welcome, ladies! [A Flourish with Drums and Trumpets. [Exeunt. SCENE V. Antium. A publick Place. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, with Attendants. Auf. Go tell the lords of the city, I am here: Intends to appear before the people, hoping [Exeunt Attendants. Enter Three or Four Conspirators of Aufidius' Faction. Most welcome! 1 Con. How is it with our general? Auf. As with a man by his own alms empoison'd, And with his charity slain. 2 Con. Even so, Most noble sir, If you do hold the same intent wherein Auf. Sir, I cannot tell; We must proceed, as we do find the people. 3 Con. The people will remain uncertain, whilst 'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either Makes the survivor heir of all. Auf. 1 A good construction. I rais'd him, and I pawn'd 3 Con. Sir, his stoutness, When he did stand for consul, which he lost Auf. |