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


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


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


Fare you well. He has it now, and by his looks methink 'Tis warm at 's heart.


Fare you well. He has it now, and by his looks methink 'Tis warm at 's heart.

With a proud heart he wore his humble weeds. will you dismiss the people?


With a proud heart he wore his humble weeds. will you dismiss the people?

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


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


We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.


We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.

Amen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice, He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.


Amen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice, He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.


No,'tis his kind of speech: he did not mock us.


No,'tis his kind of speech: he did not mock us.

Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says He used us scornfully: he should have show'd us His marks of merit, wounds received for's country.


Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says He used us scornfully: he should have show'd us His marks of merit, wounds received for's country.


He said he had wounds, which he could show in private; And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn, 'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom, But by your voices, will not so permit me;


He said he had wounds, which he could show in private; And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn, '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, I have no further with you.


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, I have no further with you.


Why either were you ignorant to see't, Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness To yield your voices?


Why either were you ignorant to see't, Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness To yield your voices?

and now, arriving A place of potency and sway o' the state, If he should still malignantly remain Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might Be curses to yourselves?


and now, arriving A place of potency and sway o' the state, If he should still malignantly remain Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might Be curses to yourselves?

Thus to have said, As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit And tried his inclination; so putting him to rage, You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler And pass'd him unelected.


Thus to have said, As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit And tried his inclination; so putting him to rage, You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler And pass'd him unelected.

Did you perceive He did solicit you in free contempt When he did need your loves, and do you think That his contempt shall not be bruising to you, When he hath power to crush?


Did you perceive He did solicit you in free contempt When he did need your loves, and do you think That his contempt shall not be bruising to you, When he hath power to crush?

Why, had your bodies No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry Against the rectorship of judgment?


Why, had your bodies No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry Against the rectorship of judgment?

Have you Ere now denied the asker? and now again Of him that did not ask, but mock, bestow Your sued-for tongues?


Have you Ere now denied the asker? and now again Of him that did not ask, but mock, bestow Your sued-for tongues?

He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.


He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.

And will deny him: I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.


And will deny him: I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.

I twice five hundred and their friends to piece 'em.


I twice five hundred and their friends to piece 'em.

Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends, They have chose a consul that will from them take Their liberties;


Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends, They have chose a consul that will from them take Their liberties;

make them of no more voice Than dogs that are as often beat for barking As therefore kept to do so.


make them of no more voice Than dogs that are as often beat for barking As therefore kept to do so.

Let them assemble, And on a safer judgment all revoke Your ignorant election; enforce his pride, And his old hate unto you;


Let them assemble, And on a safer judgment all revoke Your ignorant election; enforce his pride, And his old hate unto you;

besides, forget not With what contempt he wore the humble weed, How in his suit he scorn'd you;


besides, forget not With what contempt he wore the humble weed, How in his suit he scorn'd you;

but your loves, Thinking upon his services, took from you The apprehension of his present portance, Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion After the inveterate hate he bears you.


but your loves, Thinking upon his services, took from you The apprehension of his present portance, Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion After the inveterate hate he bears you.

Lay A fault on us, your tribunes; that we laboured, No impediment between, but that you must Cast your election on him.


Lay A fault on us, your tribunes; that we laboured, No impediment between, but that you must Cast your election on him.


Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you. Of the same house Publius and Quintus were, That our beat water brought by conduits hither; And   Twice being   Was his great ancestor.


Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you. Of the same house Publius and Quintus were, That our beat water brought by conduits hither; And   Twice being   Was his great ancestor.

One thus descended, That hath beside well in his person wrought To be set high in place, we did commend To your remembrances:


One thus descended, That hath beside well in his person wrought To be set high in place, we did commend To your remembrances:

but you have found, Scaling his present bearing with his past, That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke Your sudden approbation.


but you have found, Scaling his present bearing with his past, That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke Your sudden approbation.

Say, you ne'er had done't-- Harp on that still--but by our putting on; And presently, when you have drawn your number, Repair to the Capitol.


Say, you ne'er had done't-- Harp on that still--but by our putting on; And presently, when you have drawn your number, Repair to the Capitol.

We will so: almost all Repent in their election.


We will so: almost all Repent in their election.

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


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

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


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


He had, my lord; and that it was which caused Our swifter composition.


He had, my lord; and that it was which caused Our swifter composition.

So then the Volsces stand but as at first, Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road. Upon's again.


So then the Volsces stand but as at first, Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road. Upon's again.

They are worn, lord consul, so, That we shall hardly in our ages see Their banners wave again.


They are worn, lord consul, so, That we shall hardly in our ages see Their banners wave again.


On safe-guard he came to me; and did curse Against the Volsces, for they had so vilely Yielded the town: he is retired to Antium.


How often he had met you, sword to sword; That of all things upon the earth he hated Your person most, that he would pawn his fortunes To hopeless restitution, so he might Be call'd your vanquisher.


I wish I had a cause to seek him there, To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home. Behold, these are the tribunes of the people, The tongues o' the common mouth: I do despise them;


I wish I had a cause to seek him there, To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home. Behold, these are the tribunes of the people, The tongues o' the common mouth: I do despise them;

For they do prank them in authority, Against all noble sufferance.


For they do prank them in authority, Against all noble sufferance.


It will be dangerous to go on: no further.


Hath he not pass'd the noble and the common?


Tribunes, give way; he shall to the market-place.


Are these your herd? Must these have voices, that can yield them now And straight disclaim their tongues? What are your offices? You being their mouths, why rule you not their teeth?


It is a purposed thing, and grows by plot, To curb the will of the nobility: Suffer't, and live with such as cannot rule Nor ever will be ruled.


It is a purposed thing, and grows by plot, To curb the will of the nobility: Suffer't, and live with such as cannot rule Nor ever will be ruled.

Call't not a plot: The people cry you mock'd them, and of late, When corn was given them gratis, you repined;


Call't not a plot: The people cry you mock'd them, and of late, When corn was given them gratis, you repined;

Scandal'd the suppliants for the people, call'd them Time-pleasers, flatterers, foes to nobleness.


Scandal'd the suppliants for the people, call'd them Time-pleasers, flatterers, foes to nobleness.


Why then should I be consul? By yond clouds, Let me deserve so ill as you, and make me Your fellow tribune.


Why then should I be consul? By yond clouds, Let me deserve so ill as you, and make me Your fellow tribune.

You show too much of that For which the people stir:


You show too much of that For which the people stir:

if you will pass To where you are bound, you must inquire your way, Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit, Or never be so noble as a consul, Nor yoke with him for tribune.


if you will pass To where you are bound, you must inquire your way, Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit, Or never be so noble as a consul, Nor yoke with him for tribune.


The people are abused; set on. This paltering Becomes not Rome, nor has Coriolanus Deserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falsely I' the plain way of his merit.


The people are abused; set on. This paltering Becomes not Rome, nor has Coriolanus Deserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falsely I' the plain way of his merit.

Tell me of corn! This was my speech, and I will speak't again--


Tell me of corn! This was my speech, and I will speak't again--


Now, as I live, I will. My nobler friends, I crave their pardons: For the mutable, rank-scented many, let them Regard me as I do not flatter, and Therein behold themselves:


You speak o' the people, As if you were a god to punish, not A man of their infirmity.


Choler! Were I as patient as the midnight sleep, By Jove, 'twould be my mind!


Choler! Were I as patient as the midnight sleep, By Jove, 'twould be my mind!

It is a mind That shall remain a poison where it is, Not poison any further.


It is a mind That shall remain a poison where it is, Not poison any further.

Shall remain! Hear you this Triton of the minnows? mark you His absolute 'shall'?


Shall remain! Hear you this Triton of the minnows? mark you His absolute 'shall'?


'Shall'! O good but most unwise patricians! If he have power Then vail your ignorance; if none, awake Your dangerous lenity. If you are learn'd, Be not as common fools;


'Shall'! O good but most unwise patricians! If he have power Then vail your ignorance; if none, awake Your dangerous lenity. If you are learn'd, Be not as common fools;

if you are not, Let them have cushions by you. You are plebeians, If they be senators: and they are no less, When, both your voices blended, the great'st taste Most palates theirs.


if you are not, Let them have cushions by you. You are plebeians, If they be senators: and they are no less, When, both your voices blended, the great'st taste Most palates theirs.

They choose their magistrate, And such a one as he, who puts his 'shall,' His popular 'shall' against a graver bench Than ever frown in Greece. By Jove himself! It makes the consuls base:


They choose their magistrate, And such a one as he, who puts his 'shall,' His popular 'shall' against a graver bench Than ever frown in Greece. By Jove himself! It makes the consuls base:

and my soul aches To know, when two authorities are up, Neither supreme, how soon confusion May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take The one by the other.


and my soul aches To know, when two authorities are up, Neither supreme, how soon confusion May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take The one by the other.


Whoever gave that counsel, to give forth The corn o' the storehouse gratis, as 'twas used Sometime in Greece,--


Though there the people had more absolute power, I say, they nourish'd disobedience, fed The ruin of the state.


Though there the people had more absolute power, I say, they nourish'd disobedience, fed The ruin of the state.

Why, shall the people give One that speaks thus their voice?


Why, shall the people give One that speaks thus their voice?

I'll give my reasons, More worthier than their voices. They know the corn Was not our recompense, resting well assured That ne'er did service for't:


I'll give my reasons, More worthier than their voices. They know the corn Was not our recompense, resting well assured That ne'er did service for't:

being press'd to the war, Even when the navel of the state was touch'd, They would not thread the gates. This kind of service Did not deserve corn gratis.


being press'd to the war, Even when the navel of the state was touch'd, They would not thread the gates. This kind of service Did not deserve corn gratis.

Being i' the war Their mutinies and revolts, wherein they show'd Most valour, spoke not for them:


Being i' the war Their mutinies and revolts, wherein they show'd Most valour, spoke not for them:

the accusation Which they have often made against the senate, All cause unborn, could never be the motive Of our so frank donation. Well, what then?


the accusation Which they have often made against the senate, All cause unborn, could never be the motive Of our so frank donation. Well, what then?

How shall this bisson multitude digest The senate's courtesy? Let deeds express What's like to be their words: 'we did request it; We are the greater poll, and in true fear They gave us our demands.


How shall this bisson multitude digest The senate's courtesy? Let deeds express What's like to be their words: 'we did request it; We are the greater poll, and in true fear They gave us our demands.

' Thus we debase The nature of our seats and make the rabble Call our cares fears; which will in time Break ope the locks o' the senate and bring in The crows to peck the eagles.


' Thus we debase The nature of our seats and make the rabble Call our cares fears; which will in time Break ope the locks o' the senate and bring in The crows to peck the eagles.


No, take more: What may be sworn by, both divine and human, Seal what I end withal! purpose so barr'd, it follows, Nothing is done to purpose. let them not lick The sweet which is their poison:


No, take more: What may be sworn by, both divine and human, Seal what I end withal! purpose so barr'd, it follows, Nothing is done to purpose. let them not lick The sweet which is their poison:

your dishonour Mangles true judgment and bereaves the state Of that integrity which should become't, Not having the power to do the good it would, For the in which doth control't.


your dishonour Mangles true judgment and bereaves the state Of that integrity which should become't, Not having the power to do the good it would, For the in which doth control't.


Has spoken like a traitor, and shall answer As traitors do.


Has spoken like a traitor, and shall answer As traitors do.

Thou wretch, despite o'erwhelm thee! What should the people do with these bald tribunes? On whom depending, their obedience fails To the greater bench:


Thou wretch, despite o'erwhelm thee! What should the people do with these bald tribunes? On whom depending, their obedience fails To the greater bench:

in a rebellion, When what's not meet, but what must be, was law, Then were they chosen: in a better hour, Let what is meet be said it must be meet, And throw their power i' the dust.


in a rebellion, When what's not meet, but what must be, was law, Then were they chosen: in a better hour, Let what is meet be said it must be meet, And throw their power i' the dust.


The aediles, ho! Let him be apprehended.


The aediles, ho! Let him be apprehended.

Go, call the people: in whose name myself Attach thee as a traitorous innovator, A foe to the public weal: obey, I charge thee, And follow to thine answer.


Go, call the people: in whose name myself Attach thee as a traitorous innovator, A foe to the public weal: obey, I charge thee, And follow to thine answer.


Hence, rotten thing! or I shall shake thy bones Out of thy garments.


Here's he that would take from you all your power.


Weapons, weapons, weapons! 'Tribunes!' 'Patricians!' 'Citizens!' 'What, ho!' 'Sicinius!' 'Brutus!' 'Coriolanus!' 'Citizens!' 'Peace, peace, peace!' 'Stay, hold, peace!'


Weapons, weapons, weapons! 'Tribunes!' 'Patricians!' 'Citizens!' 'What, ho!' 'Sicinius!' 'Brutus!' 'Coriolanus!' 'Citizens!' 'Peace, peace, peace!' 'Stay, hold, peace!'

What is about to be? I am out of breath; Confusion's near; I cannot speak. You, tribunes To the people! Coriolanus, patience! Speak, good Sicinius.


What is about to be? I am out of breath; Confusion's near; I cannot speak. You, tribunes To the people! Coriolanus, patience! Speak, good Sicinius.


Let's hear our tribune: peace Speak, speak, speak.


Let's hear our tribune: peace Speak, speak, speak.

You are at point to lose your liberties: Marcius would have all from you; Marcius, Whom late you have named for consul.


You are at point to lose your liberties: Marcius would have all from you; Marcius, Whom late you have named for consul.

Fie, fie, fie! This is the way to kindle, not to quench.


Fie, fie, fie! This is the way to kindle, not to quench.

To unbuild the city and to lay all flat.


To unbuild the city and to lay all flat.


By the consent of all, we were establish'd The people's magistrates.


That is the way to lay the city flat; To bring the roof to the foundation, And bury all, which yet distinctly ranges, In heaps and piles of ruin.


Or let us stand to our authority, Or let us lose it. We do here pronounce, Upon the part o' the people, in whose power We were elected theirs, Marcius is worthy Of present death.


Or let us stand to our authority, Or let us lose it. We do here pronounce, Upon the part o' the people, in whose power We were elected theirs, Marcius is worthy Of present death.

Therefore lay hold of him; Bear him to the rock Tarpeian, and from thence Into destruction cast him.


Therefore lay hold of him; Bear him to the rock Tarpeian, and from thence Into destruction cast him.


Hear me one word; Beseech you, tribunes, hear me but a word.


Sir, those cold ways, That seem like prudent helps, are very poisonous Where the disease is violent. Lay hands upon him, And bear him to the rock.


Sir, those cold ways, That seem like prudent helps, are very poisonous Where the disease is violent. Lay hands upon him, And bear him to the rock.

No, I'll die here. There's some among you have beheld me fighting: Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.


No, I'll die here. There's some among you have beheld me fighting: Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.

Down with that sword! Tribunes, withdraw awhile.


Down with that sword! Tribunes, withdraw awhile.


Help Marcius, help, You that be noble; help him, young and old!


Go, get you to your house; be gone, away! All will be naught else.


Stand fast; We have as many friends as enemies.


The gods forbid! I prithee, noble friend, home to thy house; Leave us to cure this cause.


The gods forbid! I prithee, noble friend, home to thy house; Leave us to cure this cause.

For 'tis a sore upon us, You cannot tent yourself: be gone, beseech you.


For 'tis a sore upon us, You cannot tent yourself: be gone, beseech you.


I would they were barbarians--as they are, Though in Rome litter'd--not Romans--as they are not, Though calved i' the porch o' the Capitol--


I would they were barbarians--as they are, Though in Rome litter'd--not Romans--as they are not, Though calved i' the porch o' the Capitol--

Be gone; Put not your worthy rage into your tongue; One time will owe another.


Be gone; Put not your worthy rage into your tongue; One time will owe another.

On fair ground I could beat forty of them.


On fair ground I could beat forty of them.

I could myself Take up a brace o' the best of them; yea, the two tribunes: But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic; And manhood is call'd foolery, when it stands Against a falling fabric.


I could myself Take up a brace o' the best of them; yea, the two tribunes: But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic; And manhood is call'd foolery, when it stands Against a falling fabric.

Will you hence, Before the tag return? whose rage doth rend Like interrupted waters and o'erbear What they are used to bear.


Will you hence, Before the tag return? whose rage doth rend Like interrupted waters and o'erbear What they are used to bear.

Pray you, be gone: I'll try whether my old wit be in request With those that have but little: this must be patch'd With cloth of any colour.


Pray you, be gone: I'll try whether my old wit be in request With those that have but little: this must be patch'd With cloth of any colour.


His nature is too noble for the world: He would not flatter Neptune for his trident, Or Jove for's power to thunder. His heart's his mouth: What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent;


His nature is too noble for the world: He would not flatter Neptune for his trident, Or Jove for's power to thunder. His heart's his mouth: What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent;

And, being angry, does forget that ever He heard the name of death. Here's goodly work!


And, being angry, does forget that ever He heard the name of death. Here's goodly work!


I would they were in Tiber! What the vengeance! Could he not speak 'em fair?


I would they were in Tiber! What the vengeance! Could he not speak 'em fair?

Where is this viper That would depopulate the city and Be every man himself?


Where is this viper That would depopulate the city and Be every man himself?


He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock With rigorous hands: he hath resisted law, And therefore law shall scorn him further trial Than the severity of the public power Which he so sets at nought.


He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock With rigorous hands: he hath resisted law, And therefore law shall scorn him further trial Than the severity of the public power Which he so sets at nought.

He shall well know The noble tribunes are the people's mouths, And we their hands.


He shall well know The noble tribunes are the people's mouths, And we their hands.


Do not cry havoc, where you should but hunt With modest warrant.


Do not cry havoc, where you should but hunt With modest warrant.

Sir, how comes't that you Have holp to make this rescue?


Sir, how comes't that you Have holp to make this rescue?

Hear me speak: As I do know the consul's worthiness, So can I name his faults,--


Hear me speak: As I do know the consul's worthiness, So can I name his faults,--


If, by the tribunes' leave, and yours, good people, I may be heard, I would crave a word or two; The which shall turn you to no further harm Than so much loss of time.


If, by the tribunes' leave, and yours, good people, I may be heard, I would crave a word or two; The which shall turn you to no further harm Than so much loss of time.

Speak briefly then; For we are peremptory to dispatch This viperous traitor: to eject him hence Were but one danger, and to keep him here Our certain death: therefore it is decreed He dies to-night.


Speak briefly then; For we are peremptory to dispatch This viperous traitor: to eject him hence Were but one danger, and to keep him here Our certain death: therefore it is decreed He dies to-night.

Now the good gods forbid That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude Towards her deserved children is enroll'd In Jove's own book, like an unnatural dam Should now eat up her own!


Now the good gods forbid That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude Towards her deserved children is enroll'd In Jove's own book, like an unnatural dam Should now eat up her own!


O, he's a limb that has but a disease; Mortal, to cut it off; to cure it, easy. What has he done to Rome that's worthy death?


O, he's a limb that has but a disease; Mortal, to cut it off; to cure it, easy. What has he done to Rome that's worthy death?

Killing our enemies, the blood he hath lost-- Which, I dare vouch, is more than that he hath, By many an ounce--he dropp'd it for his country;


Killing our enemies, the blood he hath lost-- Which, I dare vouch, is more than that he hath, By many an ounce--he dropp'd it for his country;

And what is left, to lose it by his country, Were to us all, that do't and suffer it, A brand to the end o' the world.


And what is left, to lose it by his country, Were to us all, that do't and suffer it, A brand to the end o' the world.


Merely awry: when he did love his country, It honour'd him.


Merely awry: when he did love his country, It honour'd him.

The service of the foot Being once gangrened, is not then respected For what before it was.


The service of the foot Being once gangrened, is not then respected For what before it was.

We'll hear no more. Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence: Lest his infection, being of catching nature, Spread further.


We'll hear no more. Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence: Lest his infection, being of catching nature, Spread further.

One word more, one word. This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find The harm of unscann'd swiftness, will too late Tie leaden pounds to's heels. Proceed by process;


One word more, one word. This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find The harm of unscann'd swiftness, will too late Tie leaden pounds to's heels. Proceed by process;

Lest parties, as he is beloved, break out, And sack great Rome with Romans.


Lest parties, as he is beloved, break out, And sack great Rome with Romans.


What do ye talk? Have we not had a taste of his obedience? Our aediles smote? ourselves resisted? Come.


What do ye talk? Have we not had a taste of his obedience? Our aediles smote? ourselves resisted? Come.

Consider this: he has been bred i' the wars Since he could draw a sword, and is ill school'd In bolted language; meal and bran together He throws without distinction.


Consider this: he has been bred i' the wars Since he could draw a sword, and is ill school'd In bolted language; meal and bran together He throws without distinction.

Give me leave, I'll go to him, and undertake to bring him Where he shall answer, by a lawful form, In peace, to his utmost peril.


Give me leave, I'll go to him, and undertake to bring him Where he shall answer, by a lawful form, In peace, to his utmost peril.

Noble tribunes, It is the humane way: the other course Will prove too bloody, and the end of it Unknown to the beginning.


Noble tribunes, It is the humane way: the other course Will prove too bloody, and the end of it Unknown to the beginning.

Noble Menenius, Be you then as the people's officer. Masters, lay down your weapons.


Noble Menenius, Be you then as the people's officer. Masters, lay down your weapons.


Meet on the market-place. We'll attend you there: Where, if you bring not Marcius, we'll proceed In our first way.


Meet on the market-place. We'll attend you there: Where, if you bring not Marcius, we'll proceed In our first way.

I'll bring him to you. Let me desire your company: he must come, Or what is worst will follow.


I'll bring him to you. Let me desire your company: he must come, Or what is worst will follow.


I talk of you: Why did you wish me milder? would you have me False to my nature? Rather say I play The man I am.


I talk of you: Why did you wish me milder? would you have me False to my nature? Rather say I play The man I am.

O, sir, sir, sir, I would have had you put your power well on, Before you had worn it out.


O, sir, sir, sir, I would have had you put your power well on, Before you had worn it out.


You might have been enough the man you are, With striving less to be so;


You might have been enough the man you are, With striving less to be so;

lesser had been The thwartings of your dispositions, if You had not show'd them how ye were disposed Ere they lack'd power to cross you.


lesser had been The thwartings of your dispositions, if You had not show'd them how ye were disposed Ere they lack'd power to cross you.


Come, come, you have been too rough, something too rough; You must return and mend it.


Come, come, you have been too rough, something too rough; You must return and mend it.

There's no remedy; Unless, by not so doing, our good city Cleave in the midst, and perish.


There's no remedy; Unless, by not so doing, our good city Cleave in the midst, and perish.

Pray, be counsell'd: I have a heart as little apt as yours, But yet a brain that leads my use of anger To better vantage.


Pray, be counsell'd: I have a heart as little apt as yours, But yet a brain that leads my use of anger To better vantage.

Well said, noble woman? Before he should thus stoop to the herd, but that The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic For the whole state, I would put mine armour on, Which I can scarcely bear.


Well said, noble woman? Before he should thus stoop to the herd, but that The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic For the whole state, I would put mine armour on, Which I can scarcely bear.


For them! I cannot do it to the gods; Must I then do't to them?


For them! I cannot do it to the gods; Must I then do't to them?

You are too absolute; Though therein you can never be too noble, But when extremities speak. I have heard you say, Honour and policy, like unsever'd friends, I' the war do grow together:


You are too absolute; Though therein you can never be too noble, But when extremities speak. I have heard you say, Honour and policy, like unsever'd friends, I' the war do grow together:

grant that, and tell me, In peace what each of them by the other lose, That they combine not there.


grant that, and tell me, In peace what each of them by the other lose, That they combine not there.


Because that now it lies you on to speak To the people;


Because that now it lies you on to speak To the people;

Now, this no more dishonours you at all Than to take in a town with gentle words, Which else would put you to your fortune and The hazard of much blood.


Now, this no more dishonours you at all Than to take in a town with gentle words, Which else would put you to your fortune and The hazard of much blood.

I would dissemble with my nature where My fortunes and my friends at stake required I should do so in honour: I am in this, Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;


I would dissemble with my nature where My fortunes and my friends at stake required I should do so in honour: I am in this, Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;

And you will rather show our general louts How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em, For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard Of what that want might ruin.


And you will rather show our general louts How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em, For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard Of what that want might ruin.

Noble lady! Come, go with us; speak fair: you may salve so, Not what is dangerous present, but the loss Of what is past.


Noble lady! Come, go with us; speak fair: you may salve so, Not what is dangerous present, but the loss Of what is past.

I prithee now, my son, Go to them, with this bonnet in thy hand;


I prithee now, my son, Go to them, with this bonnet in thy hand;

This but done, Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours; For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free As words to little purpose.


This but done, Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours; For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free As words to little purpose.

Prithee now, Go, and be ruled: although I know thou hadst rather Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf Than flatter him in a bower. Here is Cominius.


Prithee now, Go, and be ruled: although I know thou hadst rather Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf Than flatter him in a bower. Here is Cominius.

I have been i' the market-place; and, sir,'tis fit You make strong party, or defend yourself By calmness or by absence: all's in anger.


I have been i' the market-place; and, sir,'tis fit You make strong party, or defend yourself By calmness or by absence: all's in anger.


I think 'twill serve, if he Can thereto frame his spirit.


I think 'twill serve, if he Can thereto frame his spirit.

He must, and will Prithee now, say you will, and go about it.


He must, and will Prithee now, say you will, and go about it.

Must I go show them my unbarbed sconce? Must I with base tongue give my noble heart A lie that it must bear? Well, I will do't:


Must I go show them my unbarbed sconce? Must I with base tongue give my noble heart A lie that it must bear? Well, I will do't:

Yet, were there but this single plot to lose, This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it And throw't against the wind. To the market-place!


Yet, were there but this single plot to lose, This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it And throw't against the wind. To the market-place!

You have put me now to such a part which never I shall discharge to the life.


You have put me now to such a part which never I shall discharge to the life.


I prithee now, sweet son, as thou hast said My praises made thee first a soldier, so, To have my praise for this, perform a part Thou hast not done before.


I prithee now, sweet son, as thou hast said My praises made thee first a soldier, so, To have my praise for this, perform a part Thou hast not done before.

Well, I must do't: Away, my disposition, and possess me Some harlot's spirit!


Well, I must do't: Away, my disposition, and possess me Some harlot's spirit!

my throat of war be turn'd, Which quired with my drum, into a pipe Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice That babies lulls asleep!


my throat of war be turn'd, Which quired with my drum, into a pipe Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice That babies lulls asleep!

the smiles of knaves Tent in my cheeks, and schoolboys' tears take up The glasses of my sight!


the smiles of knaves Tent in my cheeks, and schoolboys' tears take up The glasses of my sight!

a beggar's tongue Make motion through my lips, and my arm'd knees, Who bow'd but in my stirrup, bend like his That hath received an alms!


a beggar's tongue Make motion through my lips, and my arm'd knees, Who bow'd but in my stirrup, bend like his That hath received an alms!

I will not do't, Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth And by my body's action teach my mind A most inherent baseness.


I will not do't, Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth And by my body's action teach my mind A most inherent baseness.

At thy choice, then: To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour Than thou of them. Come all to ruin;


At thy choice, then: To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour Than thou of them. Come all to ruin;

let Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear Thy dangerous stoutness, for I mock at death With as big heart as thou.


let Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear Thy dangerous stoutness, for I mock at death With as big heart as thou.

Do as thou list Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me, But owe thy pride thyself.


Do as thou list Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me, But owe thy pride thyself.

Pray, be content: Mother, I am going to the market-place; Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves, Cog their hearts from them, and come home beloved Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going:


Pray, be content: Mother, I am going to the market-place; Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves, Cog their hearts from them, and come home beloved Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going:

Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul; Or never trust to what my tongue can do I' the way of flattery further.


Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul; Or never trust to what my tongue can do I' the way of flattery further.


Away! the tribunes do attend you: arm yourself To answer mildly; for they are prepared With accusations, as I hear, more strong Than are upon you yet.


Away! the tribunes do attend you: arm yourself To answer mildly; for they are prepared With accusations, as I hear, more strong Than are upon you yet.

The word is 'mildly.' Pray you, let us go: Let them accuse me by invention, I Will answer in mine honour.


The word is 'mildly.' Pray you, let us go: Let them accuse me by invention, I Will answer in mine honour.


In this point charge him home, that he affects Tyrannical power: if he evade us there, Enforce him with his envy to the people, And that the spoil got on the Antiates Was ne'er distributed.


With old Menenius, and those senators That always favour'd him.


With old Menenius, and those senators That always favour'd him.

Have you a catalogue Of all the voices that we have procured Set down by the poll?


Have you a catalogue Of all the voices that we have procured Set down by the poll?


And when they bear me say 'It shall be so I' the right and strength o' the commons,' be it either For death, for fine, or banishment, then let them If I say fine, cry 'Fine;' if death, cry 'Death.


And when they bear me say 'It shall be so I' the right and strength o' the commons,' be it either For death, for fine, or banishment, then let them If I say fine, cry 'Fine;' if death, cry 'Death.

' Insisting on the old prerogative And power i' the truth o' the cause.


' Insisting on the old prerogative And power i' the truth o' the cause.


And when such time they have begun to cry, Let them not cease, but with a din confused Enforce the present execution Of what we chance to sentence.


Make them be strong and ready for this hint, When we shall hap to give 't them.


Make them be strong and ready for this hint, When we shall hap to give 't them.

Go about it. Put him to choler straight: he hath been used Ever to conquer, and to have his worth Of contradiction: being once chafed, he cannot Be rein'd again to temperance;


Go about it. Put him to choler straight: he hath been used Ever to conquer, and to have his worth Of contradiction: being once chafed, he cannot Be rein'd again to temperance;

then he speaks What's in his heart; and that is there which looks With us to break his neck.


then he speaks What's in his heart; and that is there which looks With us to break his neck.


Ay, as an ostler, that for the poorest piece Will bear the knave by the volume. The honour'd gods Keep Rome in safety, and the chairs of justice Supplied with worthy men! plant love among 's!


Ay, as an ostler, that for the poorest piece Will bear the knave by the volume. The honour'd gods Keep Rome in safety, and the chairs of justice Supplied with worthy men! plant love among 's!

Throng our large temples with the shows of peace, And not our streets with war!


Throng our large temples with the shows of peace, And not our streets with war!


List to your tribunes. Audience: peace, I say!


Shall I be charged no further than this present? Must all determine here?


Shall I be charged no further than this present? Must all determine here?

I do demand, If you submit you to the people's voices, Allow their officers and are content To suffer lawful censure for such faults As shall be proved upon you?


I do demand, If you submit you to the people's voices, Allow their officers and are content To suffer lawful censure for such faults As shall be proved upon you?


Lo, citizens, he says he is content: The warlike service he has done, consider; think Upon the wounds his body bears, which show Like graves i' the holy churchyard.


Lo, citizens, he says he is content: The warlike service he has done, consider; think Upon the wounds his body bears, which show Like graves i' the holy churchyard.

Scratches with briers, Scars to move laughter only.


Scratches with briers, Scars to move laughter only.

Consider further, That when he speaks not like a citizen, You find him like a soldier:


Consider further, That when he speaks not like a citizen, You find him like a soldier:

do not take His rougher accents for malicious sounds, But, as I say, such as become a soldier, Rather than envy you.


do not take His rougher accents for malicious sounds, But, as I say, such as become a soldier, Rather than envy you.


What is the matter That being pass'd for consul with full voice, I am so dishonour'd that the very hour You take it off again?


We charge you, that you have contrived to take From Rome all season'd office and to wind Yourself into a power tyrannical; For which you are a traitor to the people.


The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people! Call me their traitor! Thou injurious tribune!


The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people! Call me their traitor! Thou injurious tribune!

Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths, In thy hand clutch'd as many millions, in Thy lying tongue both numbers, I would say 'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free As I do pray the gods.


Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths, In thy hand clutch'd as many millions, in Thy lying tongue both numbers, I would say 'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free As I do pray the gods.


Peace! We need not put new matter to his charge:


Peace! We need not put new matter to his charge:

What you have seen him do and heard him speak, Beating your officers, cursing yourselves, Opposing laws with strokes and here defying Those whose great power must try him;


What you have seen him do and heard him speak, Beating your officers, cursing yourselves, Opposing laws with strokes and here defying Those whose great power must try him;

even this, So criminal and in such capital kind, Deserves the extremest death.


even this, So criminal and in such capital kind, Deserves the extremest death.

But since he hath Served well for Rome,--


But since he hath Served well for Rome,--


Is this the promise that you made your mother?


I know no further: Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death, Vagabond exile, raying, pent to linger But with a grain a day, I would not buy Their mercy at the price of one fair word;


I know no further: Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death, Vagabond exile, raying, pent to linger But with a grain a day, I would not buy Their mercy at the price of one fair word;

Nor cheque my courage for what they can give, To have't with saying 'Good morrow.'


Nor cheque my courage for what they can give, To have't with saying 'Good morrow.'

i' the people's name, I say it shall be so.


i' the people's name, I say it shall be so.

It shall be so, it shall be so; let him away: He's banish'd, and it shall be so.


It shall be so, it shall be so; let him away: He's banish'd, and it shall be so.

Hear me, my masters, and my common friends,--


Hear me, my masters, and my common friends,--


Let me speak: I have been consul, and can show for Rome Her enemies' marks upon me.


Let me speak: I have been consul, and can show for Rome Her enemies' marks upon me.

I do love My country's good with a respect more tender, More holy and profound, than mine own life, My dear wife's estimate, her womb's increase, And treasure of my loins;


I do love My country's good with a respect more tender, More holy and profound, than mine own life, My dear wife's estimate, her womb's increase, And treasure of my loins;


There's no more to be said, but he is banish'd, As enemy to the people and his country: It shall be so.


You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize As the dead carcasses of unburied men That do corrupt my air, I banish you;


You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize As the dead carcasses of unburied men That do corrupt my air, I banish you;

And here remain with your uncertainty! Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts! Your enemies, with nodding of their plumes, Fan you into despair! Have the power still To banish your defenders;


And here remain with your uncertainty! Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts! Your enemies, with nodding of their plumes, Fan you into despair! Have the power still To banish your defenders;

till at length Your ignorance, which finds not till it feels, Making not reservation of yourselves, Still your own foes, deliver you as most Abated captives to some nation That won you without blows!


till at length Your ignorance, which finds not till it feels, Making not reservation of yourselves, Still your own foes, deliver you as most Abated captives to some nation That won you without blows!

Despising, For you, the city, thus I turn my back: There is a world elsewhere.


Despising, For you, the city, thus I turn my back: There is a world elsewhere.


Our enemy is banish'd! he is gone! Hoo! hoo!


Our enemy is banish'd! he is gone! Hoo! hoo!

Go, see him out at gates, and follow him, As he hath followed you, with all despite; Give him deserved vexation. Let a guard Attend us through the city.


Go, see him out at gates, and follow him, As he hath followed you, with all despite; Give him deserved vexation. Let a guard Attend us through the city.

Come, come; let's see him out at gates; come. The gods preserve our noble tribunes! Come.


Come, come; let's see him out at gates; come. The gods preserve our noble tribunes! Come.

Come, leave your tears: a brief farewell: the beast With many heads butts me away. Nay, mother, Where is your ancient courage? you were used To say extremity was the trier of spirits;


Come, leave your tears: a brief farewell: the beast With many heads butts me away. Nay, mother, Where is your ancient courage? you were used To say extremity was the trier of spirits;

That common chances common men could bear; That when the sea was calm all boats alike Show'd mastership in floating;


That common chances common men could bear; That when the sea was calm all boats alike Show'd mastership in floating;

fortune's blows, When most struck home, being gentle wounded, craves A noble cunning: you were used to load me With precepts that would make invincible The heart that conn'd them.


fortune's blows, When most struck home, being gentle wounded, craves A noble cunning: you were used to load me With precepts that would make invincible The heart that conn'd them.


Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome, And occupations perish!


Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome, And occupations perish!

What, what, what! I shall be loved when I am lack'd. Nay, mother.


What, what, what! I shall be loved when I am lack'd. Nay, mother.

Resume that spirit, when you were wont to say, If you had been the wife of Hercules, Six of his labours you'ld have done, and saved Your husband so much sweat. Cominius, Droop not; adieu.


Resume that spirit, when you were wont to say, If you had been the wife of Hercules, Six of his labours you'ld have done, and saved Your husband so much sweat. Cominius, Droop not; adieu.

Farewell, my wife, my mother: I'll do well yet. Thou old and true Menenius, Thy tears are salter than a younger man's, And venomous to thine eyes.


Farewell, my wife, my mother: I'll do well yet. Thou old and true Menenius, Thy tears are salter than a younger man's, And venomous to thine eyes.

My sometime general, I have seen thee stem, and thou hast oft beheld Heart-hardening spectacles; tell these sad women 'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes, As 'tis to laugh at 'em.


My sometime general, I have seen thee stem, and thou hast oft beheld Heart-hardening spectacles; tell these sad women 'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes, As 'tis to laugh at 'em.

My mother, you wot well My hazards still have been your solace:


My mother, you wot well My hazards still have been your solace:

My first son. Whither wilt thou go? Take good Cominius With thee awhile: determine on some course, More than a wild exposture to each chance That starts i' the way before thee.


My first son. Whither wilt thou go? Take good Cominius With thee awhile: determine on some course, More than a wild exposture to each chance That starts i' the way before thee.


I'll follow thee a month, devise with thee Where thou shalt rest, that thou mayst hear of us And we of thee:


I'll follow thee a month, devise with thee Where thou shalt rest, that thou mayst hear of us And we of thee:

so if the time thrust forth A cause for thy repeal, we shall not send O'er the vast world to seek a single man, And lose advantage, which doth ever cool I' the absence of the needer.


so if the time thrust forth A cause for thy repeal, we shall not send O'er the vast world to seek a single man, And lose advantage, which doth ever cool I' the absence of the needer.

Fare ye well: Thou hast years upon thee; and thou art too full Of the wars' surfeits, to go rove with one That's yet unbruised: bring me but out at gate.


Fare ye well: Thou hast years upon thee; and thou art too full Of the wars' surfeits, to go rove with one That's yet unbruised: bring me but out at gate.

Come, my sweet wife, my dearest mother, and My friends of noble touch, when I am forth, Bid me farewell, and smile. I pray you, come.


Come, my sweet wife, my dearest mother, and My friends of noble touch, when I am forth, Bid me farewell, and smile. I pray you, come.

While I remain above the ground, you shall Hear from me still, and never of me aught But what is like me formerly.


While I remain above the ground, you shall Hear from me still, and never of me aught But what is like me formerly.

That's worthily As any ear can hear. Come, let's not weep. If I could shake off but one seven years From these old arms and legs, by the good gods, I'ld with thee every foot.


That's worthily As any ear can hear. Come, let's not weep. If I could shake off but one seven years From these old arms and legs, by the good gods, I'ld with thee every foot.


Bid them all home; he's gone, and we'll no further. The nobility are vex'd, whom we see have sided In his behalf.


Bid them all home; he's gone, and we'll no further. The nobility are vex'd, whom we see have sided In his behalf.

Now we have shown our power, Let us seem humbler after it is done Than when it was a-doing.


Now we have shown our power, Let us seem humbler after it is done Than when it was a-doing.

Bid them home: Say their great enemy is gone, and they Stand in their ancient strength.


Bid them home: Say their great enemy is gone, and they Stand in their ancient strength.

Dismiss them home. Here comes his mother.


Dismiss them home. Here comes his mother.


They have ta'en note of us: keep on your way.


They have ta'en note of us: keep on your way.

O, ye're well met: the hoarded plague o' the gods Requite your love!


O, ye're well met: the hoarded plague o' the gods Requite your love!


If that I could for weeping, you should hear,-- Nay, and you shall hear some. Will you be gone?


Ay, fool; is that a shame? Note but this fool. Was not a man my father? Hadst thou foxship To banish him that struck more blows for Rome Than thou hast spoken words?


More noble blows than ever thou wise words; And for Rome's good. I'll tell thee what; yet go: Nay, but thou shalt stay too:


More noble blows than ever thou wise words; And for Rome's good. I'll tell thee what; yet go: Nay, but thou shalt stay too:

I would my son Were in Arabia, and thy tribe before him, His good sword in his hand.


I would my son Were in Arabia, and thy tribe before him, His good sword in his hand.


What then! He'ld make an end of thy posterity.


What then! He'ld make an end of thy posterity.

Bastards and all. Good man, the wounds that he does bear for Rome!


Bastards and all. Good man, the wounds that he does bear for Rome!


I would he had continued to his country As he began, and not unknit himself The noble knot he made.


'I would he had'! 'Twas you incensed the rabble: Cats, that can judge as fitly of his worth As I can of those mysteries which heaven Will not have earth to know.


Now, pray, sir, get you gone: You have done a brave deed. Ere you go, hear this:


Now, pray, sir, get you gone: You have done a brave deed. Ere you go, hear this:

-- As far as doth the Capitol exceed The meanest house in Rome, so far my son-- This lady's husband here, this, do you see-- Whom you have banish'd, does exceed you all.


-- As far as doth the Capitol exceed The meanest house in Rome, so far my son-- This lady's husband here, this, do you see-- Whom you have banish'd, does exceed you all.


Why stay we to be baited With one that wants her wits?


Why stay we to be baited With one that wants her wits?

Take my prayers with you. I would the gods had nothing else to do But to confirm my curses! Could I meet 'em But once a-day, it would unclog my heart Of what lies heavy to't.


Take my prayers with you. I would the gods had nothing else to do But to confirm my curses! Could I meet 'em But once a-day, it would unclog my heart Of what lies heavy to't.

You have told them home; And, by my troth, you have cause. You'll sup with me?


You have told them home; And, by my troth, you have cause. You'll sup with me?

Anger's my meat; I sup upon myself, And so shall starve with feeding. Come, let's go: Leave this faint puling and lament as I do, In anger, Juno-like. Come, come, come.


Anger's my meat; I sup upon myself, And so shall starve with feeding. Come, let's go: Leave this faint puling and lament as I do, In anger, Juno-like. Come, come, come.


I know you well, sir, and you know me: your name, I think, is Adrian.


I know you well, sir, and you know me: your name, I think, is Adrian.

It is so, sir: truly, I have forgot you.


It is so, sir: truly, I have forgot you.

I am a Roman; and my services are, as you are, against 'em: know you me yet?


I am a Roman; and my services are, as you are, against 'em: know you me yet?


You had more beard when I last saw you; but your favour is well approved by your tongue. What's the news in Rome? I have a note from the Volscian state, to find you out there:


There hath been in Rome strange insurrections; the people against the senators, patricians, and nobles.


There hath been in Rome strange insurrections; the people against the senators, patricians, and nobles.

Hath been! is it ended, then? Our state thinks not so: they are in a most warlike preparation, and hope to come upon them in the heat of their division.


Hath been! is it ended, then? Our state thinks not so: they are in a most warlike preparation, and hope to come upon them in the heat of their division.

The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again:


The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again:

for the nobles receive so to heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus, that they are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people and to pluck from them their tribunes for ever.


for the nobles receive so to heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus, that they are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people and to pluck from them their tribunes for ever.

This lies glowing, I can tell you, and is almost mature for the violent breaking out.


This lies glowing, I can tell you, and is almost mature for the violent breaking out.


You will be welcome with this intelligence, Nicanor.


You will be welcome with this intelligence, Nicanor.

The day serves well for them now. I have heard it said, the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is when she's fallen out with her husband.


The day serves well for them now. I have heard it said, the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is when she's fallen out with her husband.

Your noble Tullus Aufidius will appear well in these wars, his great opposer, Coriolanus, being now in no request of his country.


Your noble Tullus Aufidius will appear well in these wars, his great opposer, Coriolanus, being now in no request of his country.

He cannot choose. I am most fortunate, thus accidentally to encounter you: you have ended my business, and I will merrily accompany you home.


He cannot choose. I am most fortunate, thus accidentally to encounter you: you have ended my business, and I will merrily accompany you home.

I shall, between this and supper, tell you most strange things from Rome; all tending to the good of their adversaries. Have you an army ready, say you?


I shall, between this and supper, tell you most strange things from Rome; all tending to the good of their adversaries. Have you an army ready, say you?

A most royal one; the centurions and their charges, distinctly billeted, already in the entertainment, and to be on foot at an hour's warning.


A most royal one; the centurions and their charges, distinctly billeted, already in the entertainment, and to be on foot at an hour's warning.

I am joyful to hear of their readiness, and am the man, I think, that shall set them in present action. So, sir, heartily well met, and most glad of your company.


I am joyful to hear of their readiness, and am the man, I think, that shall set them in present action. So, sir, heartily well met, and most glad of your company.

You take my part from me, sir; I have the most cause to be glad of yours.


You take my part from me, sir; I have the most cause to be glad of yours.


A goodly city is this Antium. City, 'Tis I that made thy widows: many an heir Of these fair edifices 'fore my wars Have I heard groan and drop:


A goodly city is this Antium. City, 'Tis I that made thy widows: many an heir Of these fair edifices 'fore my wars Have I heard groan and drop:

then know me not, Lest that thy wives with spits and boys with stones In puny battle slay me. Save you, sir.


then know me not, Lest that thy wives with spits and boys with stones In puny battle slay me. Save you, sir.


Direct me, if it be your will, Where great Aufidius lies: is he in Antium?


Direct me, if it be your will, Where great Aufidius lies: is he in Antium?

He is, and feasts the nobles of the state At his house this night.


He is, and feasts the nobles of the state At his house this night.


Thank you, sir: farewell. O world, thy slippery turns!


Thank you, sir: farewell. O world, thy slippery turns!

so, fellest foes, Whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep, To take the one the other, by some chance, Some trick not worth an egg, shall grow dear friends And interjoin their issues.


so, fellest foes, Whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep, To take the one the other, by some chance, Some trick not worth an egg, shall grow dear friends And interjoin their issues.

So with me: My birth-place hate I, and my love's upon This enemy town. I'll enter: if he slay me, He does fair justice; if he give me way, I'll do his country service.


So with me: My birth-place hate I, and my love's upon This enemy town. I'll enter: if he slay me, He does fair justice; if he give me way, I'll do his country service.

Wine, wine, wine! What service is here! I think our fellows are asleep.


Wine, wine, wine! What service is here! I think our fellows are asleep.

Where's Cotus? my master calls for him. Cotus!


Where's Cotus? my master calls for him. Cotus!

A goodly house: the feast smells well; but I Appear not like a guest.


A goodly house: the feast smells well; but I Appear not like a guest.

What would you have, friend? whence are you? Here's no place for you: pray, go to the door.


What would you have, friend? whence are you? Here's no place for you: pray, go to the door.

I have deserved no better entertainment, In being Coriolanus.


I have deserved no better entertainment, In being Coriolanus.

Whence are you, sir? Has the porter his eyes in his head; that he gives entrance to such companions? Pray, get you out.


Whence are you, sir? Has the porter his eyes in his head; that he gives entrance to such companions? Pray, get you out.


Are you so brave? I'll have you talked with anon.


A strange one as ever I looked on: I cannot get him out of the house: prithee, call my master to him.


A strange one as ever I looked on: I cannot get him out of the house: prithee, call my master to him.

What have you to do here, fellow? Pray you, avoid the house.


What have you to do here, fellow? Pray you, avoid the house.

Let me but stand; I will not hurt your hearth.


Let me but stand; I will not hurt your hearth.


Pray you, poor gentleman, take up some other station; here's no place for you; pray you, avoid: come.


Pray you, poor gentleman, take up some other station; here's no place for you; pray you, avoid: come.

Follow your function, go, and batten on cold bits.


Follow your function, go, and batten on cold bits.

What, you will not? Prithee, tell my master what a strange guest he has here.


What, you will not? Prithee, tell my master what a strange guest he has here.


I' the city of kites and crows! What an ass it is! Then thou dwellest with daws too?


Ay; 'tis an honester service than to meddle with thy mistress. Thou pratest, and pratest; serve with thy trencher, hence!


Here, sir: I'ld have beaten him like a dog, but for disturbing the lords within.


Here, sir: I'ld have beaten him like a dog, but for disturbing the lords within.

Whence comest thou? what wouldst thou? thy name? Why speak'st not? speak, man: what's thy name?


Whence comest thou? what wouldst thou? thy name? Why speak'st not? speak, man: what's thy name?

If, Tullus, Not yet thou knowest me, and, seeing me, dost not Think me for the man I am, necessity Commands me name myself.


If, Tullus, Not yet thou knowest me, and, seeing me, dost not Think me for the man I am, necessity Commands me name myself.


A name unmusical to the Volscians' ears, And harsh in sound to thine.


A name unmusical to the Volscians' ears, And harsh in sound to thine.

Say, what's thy name? Thou hast a grim appearance, and thy face Bears a command in't; though thy tackle's torn. Thou show'st a noble vessel: what's thy name?


Say, what's thy name? Thou hast a grim appearance, and thy face Bears a command in't; though thy tackle's torn. Thou show'st a noble vessel: what's thy name?

Prepare thy brow to frown: know'st thou me yet?


Prepare thy brow to frown: know'st thou me yet?


My name is Caius Marcius, who hath done To thee particularly and to all the Volsces Great hurt and mischief; thereto witness may My surname, Coriolanus:


My name is Caius Marcius, who hath done To thee particularly and to all the Volsces Great hurt and mischief; thereto witness may My surname, Coriolanus:

the painful service, The extreme dangers and the drops of blood Shed for my thankless country are requited But with that surname;


the painful service, The extreme dangers and the drops of blood Shed for my thankless country are requited But with that surname;

a good memory, And witness of the malice and displeasure Which thou shouldst bear me: only that name remains;


a good memory, And witness of the malice and displeasure Which thou shouldst bear me: only that name remains;

The cruelty and envy of the people, Permitted by our dastard nobles, who Have all forsook me, hath devour'd the rest; And suffer'd me by the voice of slaves to be Whoop'd out of Rome.


The cruelty and envy of the people, Permitted by our dastard nobles, who Have all forsook me, hath devour'd the rest; And suffer'd me by the voice of slaves to be Whoop'd out of Rome.

Now this extremity Hath brought me to thy hearth;


Now this extremity Hath brought me to thy hearth;

so use it That my revengeful services may prove As benefits to thee, for I will fight Against my canker'd country with the spleen Of all the under fiends.


so use it That my revengeful services may prove As benefits to thee, for I will fight Against my canker'd country with the spleen Of all the under fiends.

But if so be Thou darest not this and that to prove more fortunes Thou'rt tired, then, in a word, I also am Longer to live most weary, and present My throat to thee and to thy ancient malice;


But if so be Thou darest not this and that to prove more fortunes Thou'rt tired, then, in a word, I also am Longer to live most weary, and present My throat to thee and to thy ancient malice;

O Marcius, Marcius! Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart A root of ancient envy.


O Marcius, Marcius! Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart A root of ancient envy.

If Jupiter Should from yond cloud speak divine things, And say 'Tis true,' I'ld not believe them more Than thee, all noble Marcius.


If Jupiter Should from yond cloud speak divine things, And say 'Tis true,' I'ld not believe them more Than thee, all noble Marcius.

Let me twine Mine arms about that body, where against My grained ash an hundred times hath broke And scarr'd the moon with splinters:


Let me twine Mine arms about that body, where against My grained ash an hundred times hath broke And scarr'd the moon with splinters:

here I clip The anvil of my sword, and do contest As hotly and as nobly with thy love As ever in ambitious strength I did Contend against thy valour. Know thou first, I loved the maid I married;


here I clip The anvil of my sword, and do contest As hotly and as nobly with thy love As ever in ambitious strength I did Contend against thy valour. Know thou first, I loved the maid I married;

never man Sigh'd truer breath; but that I see thee here, Thou noble thing! more dances my rapt heart Than when I first my wedded mistress saw Bestride my threshold. Why, thou Mars!


never man Sigh'd truer breath; but that I see thee here, Thou noble thing! more dances my rapt heart Than when I first my wedded mistress saw Bestride my threshold. Why, thou Mars!

I tell thee, We have a power on foot; and I had purpose Once more to hew thy target from thy brawn, Or lose mine arm fort:


I tell thee, We have a power on foot; and I had purpose Once more to hew thy target from thy brawn, Or lose mine arm fort:

thou hast beat me out Twelve several times, and I have nightly since Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thyself and me;


thou hast beat me out Twelve several times, and I have nightly since Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thyself and me;

We have been down together in my sleep, Unbuckling helms, fisting each other's throat, And waked half dead with nothing. O, come, go in, And take our friendly senators by the hands;


We have been down together in my sleep, Unbuckling helms, fisting each other's throat, And waked half dead with nothing. O, come, go in, And take our friendly senators by the hands;

Who now are here, taking their leaves of me, Who am prepared against your territories, Though not for Rome itself.


Who now are here, taking their leaves of me, Who am prepared against your territories, Though not for Rome itself.


Therefore, most absolute sir, if thou wilt have The leading of thine own revenges, take The one half of my commission;


Therefore, most absolute sir, if thou wilt have The leading of thine own revenges, take The one half of my commission;

and set down-- As best thou art experienced, since thou know'st Thy country's strength and weakness,--thine own ways;


and set down-- As best thou art experienced, since thou know'st Thy country's strength and weakness,--thine own ways;

Whether to knock against the gates of Rome, Or rudely visit them in parts remote, To fright them, ere destroy. But come in: Let me commend thee first to those that shall Say yea to thy desires.


Whether to knock against the gates of Rome, Or rudely visit them in parts remote, To fright them, ere destroy. But come in: Let me commend thee first to those that shall Say yea to thy desires.

A thousand welcomes! And more a friend than e'er an enemy; Yet, Marcius, that was much. Your hand: most welcome!


A thousand welcomes! And more a friend than e'er an enemy; Yet, Marcius, that was much. Your hand: most welcome!


By my hand, I had thought to have strucken him with a cudgel; and yet my mind gave me his clothes made a false report of him.


By my hand, I had thought to have strucken him with a cudgel; and yet my mind gave me his clothes made a false report of him.

What an arm he has! he turned me about with his finger and his thumb, as one would set up a top.


What an arm he has! he turned me about with his finger and his thumb, as one would set up a top.

Nay, I knew by his face that there was something in him: he had, sir, a kind of face, methought,--I cannot tell how to term it.


Nay, I knew by his face that there was something in him: he had, sir, a kind of face, methought,--I cannot tell how to term it.

He had so; looking as it were--would I were hanged, but I thought there was more in him than I could think.


He had so; looking as it were--would I were hanged, but I thought there was more in him than I could think.

So did I, I'll be sworn: he is simply the rarest man i' the world.


So did I, I'll be sworn: he is simply the rarest man i' the world.

I think he is: but a greater soldier than he you wot on.


I think he is: but a greater soldier than he you wot on.


Nay, not so neither: but I take him to be the greater soldier.


Nay, not so neither: but I take him to be the greater soldier.

Faith, look you, one cannot tell how to say that: for the defence of a town, our general is excellent.


Faith, look you, one cannot tell how to say that: for the defence of a town, our general is excellent.


O slaves, I can tell you news,-- news, you rascals!


I would not be a Roman, of all nations; I had as lieve be a condemned man.


Why, here's he that was wont to thwack our general, Caius Marcius.


I do not say 'thwack our general;' but he was always good enough for him.


I do not say 'thwack our general;' but he was always good enough for him.

Come, we are fellows and friends: he was ever too hard for him; I have heard him say so himself.


Come, we are fellows and friends: he was ever too hard for him; I have heard him say so himself.

He was too hard for him directly, to say the troth on't: before Corioli he scotched him and notched him like a carbon ado.


He was too hard for him directly, to say the troth on't: before Corioli he scotched him and notched him like a carbon ado.

An he had been cannibally given, he might have broiled and eaten him too.


An he had been cannibally given, he might have broiled and eaten him too.


Why, he is so made on here within, as if he were son and heir to Mars; set at upper end o' the table; no question asked him by any of the senators, but they stand bald before him:


Why, he is so made on here within, as if he were son and heir to Mars; set at upper end o' the table; no question asked him by any of the senators, but they stand bald before him:

our general himself makes a mistress of him: sanctifies himself with's hand and turns up the white o' the eye to his discourse.


our general himself makes a mistress of him: sanctifies himself with's hand and turns up the white o' the eye to his discourse.

But the bottom of the news is that our general is cut i' the middle and but one half of what he was yesterday; for the other has half, by the entreaty and grant of the whole table.


But the bottom of the news is that our general is cut i' the middle and but one half of what he was yesterday; for the other has half, by the entreaty and grant of the whole table.

He'll go, he says, and sowl the porter of Rome gates by the ears: he will mow all down before him, and leave his passage polled.


He'll go, he says, and sowl the porter of Rome gates by the ears: he will mow all down before him, and leave his passage polled.

And he's as like to do't as any man I can imagine.


And he's as like to do't as any man I can imagine.

Do't! he will do't; for, look you, sir, he has as many friends as enemies;


Do't! he will do't; for, look you, sir, he has as many friends as enemies;

which friends, sir, as it were, durst not, look you, sir, show themselves, as we term it, his friends whilst he's in directitude.


which friends, sir, as it were, durst not, look you, sir, show themselves, as we term it, his friends whilst he's in directitude.


But when they shall see, sir, his crest up again, and the man in blood, they will out of their burrows, like conies after rain, and revel all with him.


To-morrow; to-day; presently; you shall have the drum struck up this afternoon: 'tis, as it were, a parcel of their feast, and to be executed ere they wipe their lips.


To-morrow; to-day; presently; you shall have the drum struck up this afternoon: 'tis, as it were, a parcel of their feast, and to be executed ere they wipe their lips.

Why, then we shall have a stirring world again. This peace is nothing, but to rust iron, increase tailors, and breed ballad-makers.


Why, then we shall have a stirring world again. This peace is nothing, but to rust iron, increase tailors, and breed ballad-makers.

Let me have war, say I; it exceeds peace as far as day does night; it's spritely, waking, audible, and full of vent. Peace is a very apoplexy, lethargy; mulled, deaf, sleepy, insensible;


Let me have war, say I; it exceeds peace as far as day does night; it's spritely, waking, audible, and full of vent. Peace is a very apoplexy, lethargy; mulled, deaf, sleepy, insensible;

a getter of more bastard children than war's a destroyer of men.


a getter of more bastard children than war's a destroyer of men.

'Tis so: and as war, in some sort, may be said to be a ravisher, so it cannot be denied but peace is a great maker of cuckolds.


'Tis so: and as war, in some sort, may be said to be a ravisher, so it cannot be denied but peace is a great maker of cuckolds.


Reason; because they then less need one another. The wars for my money. I hope to see Romans as cheap as Volscians. They are rising, they are rising.


We hear not of him, neither need we fear him; His remedies are tame i' the present peace And quietness of the people, which before Were in wild hurry.


We hear not of him, neither need we fear him; His remedies are tame i' the present peace And quietness of the people, which before Were in wild hurry.

We stood to't in good time. Is this Menenius?


We stood to't in good time. Is this Menenius?

'Tis he,'tis he: O, he is grown most kind of late.


'Tis he,'tis he: O, he is grown most kind of late.


Your Coriolanus Is not much miss'd, but with his friends: The commonwealth doth stand, and so would do, Were he more angry at it.


Your Coriolanus Is not much miss'd, but with his friends: The commonwealth doth stand, and so would do, Were he more angry at it.

All's well; and might have been much better, if He could have temporized.


All's well; and might have been much better, if He could have temporized.


Nay, I hear nothing: his mother and his wife Hear nothing from him.


Ourselves, our wives, and children, on our knees, Are bound to pray for you both.


Farewell, kind neighbours: we wish'd Coriolanus Had loved you as we did.


This is a happier and more comely time Than when these fellows ran about the streets, Crying confusion.


This is a happier and more comely time Than when these fellows ran about the streets, Crying confusion.

Caius Marcius was A worthy officer i' the war; but insolent, O'ercome with pride, ambitious past all thinking, Self-loving,--


Caius Marcius was A worthy officer i' the war; but insolent, O'ercome with pride, ambitious past all thinking, Self-loving,--

And affecting one sole throne, Without assistance.


And affecting one sole throne, Without assistance.


We should by this, to all our lamentation, If he had gone forth consul, found it so.


We should by this, to all our lamentation, If he had gone forth consul, found it so.

The gods have well prevented it, and Rome Sits safe and still without him.


The gods have well prevented it, and Rome Sits safe and still without him.

'Tis Aufidius, Who, hearing of our Marcius' banishment, Thrusts forth his horns again into the world; Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome, And durst not once peep out.


'Tis Aufidius, Who, hearing of our Marcius' banishment, Thrusts forth his horns again into the world; Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome, And durst not once peep out.


Go see this rumourer whipp'd. It cannot be The Volsces dare break with us.


Go see this rumourer whipp'd. It cannot be The Volsces dare break with us.

Cannot be! We have record that very well it can, And three examples of the like have been Within my age.


Cannot be! We have record that very well it can, And three examples of the like have been Within my age.

But reason with the fellow, Before you punish him, where he heard this, Lest you shall chance to whip your information And beat the messenger who bids beware Of what is to be dreaded.


But reason with the fellow, Before you punish him, where he heard this, Lest you shall chance to whip your information And beat the messenger who bids beware Of what is to be dreaded.


The nobles in great earnestness are going All to the senate-house: some news is come That turns their countenances.


The nobles in great earnestness are going All to the senate-house: some news is come That turns their countenances.

'Tis this slave;-- Go whip him, 'fore the people's eyes:--his raising; Nothing but his report.


'Tis this slave;-- Go whip him, 'fore the people's eyes:--his raising; Nothing but his report.

Yes, worthy sir, The slave's report is seconded; and more, More fearful, is deliver'd.


Yes, worthy sir, The slave's report is seconded; and more, More fearful, is deliver'd.


Raised only, that the weaker sort may wish Good Marcius home again.


This is unlikely: He and Aufidius can no more atone Than violentest contrariety.


This is unlikely: He and Aufidius can no more atone Than violentest contrariety.

You are sent for to the senate: A fearful army, led by Caius Marcius Associated with Aufidius, rages Upon our territories;


You are sent for to the senate: A fearful army, led by Caius Marcius Associated with Aufidius, rages Upon our territories;

and have already O'erborne their way, consumed with fire, and took What lay before them.


and have already O'erborne their way, consumed with fire, and took What lay before them.


You have holp to ravish your own daughters and To melt the city leads upon your pates, To see your wives dishonour'd to your noses,--


Your temples burned in their cement, and Your franchises, whereon you stood, confined Into an auger's bore.


Your temples burned in their cement, and Your franchises, whereon you stood, confined Into an auger's bore.

Pray now, your news? You have made fair work, I fear me.--Pray, your news?-- If Marcius should be join'd with Volscians,--


Pray now, your news? You have made fair work, I fear me.--Pray, your news?-- If Marcius should be join'd with Volscians,--

If! He is their god: he leads them like a thing Made by some other deity than nature, That shapes man better;


If! He is their god: he leads them like a thing Made by some other deity than nature, That shapes man better;

and they follow him, Against us brats, with no less confidence Than boys pursuing summer butterflies, Or butchers killing flies.


and they follow him, Against us brats, with no less confidence Than boys pursuing summer butterflies, Or butchers killing flies.

You have made good work, You and your apron-men; you that stood so up much on the voice of occupation and The breath of garlic-eaters!


You have made good work, You and your apron-men; you that stood so up much on the voice of occupation and The breath of garlic-eaters!

He will shake Your Rome about your ears.


He will shake Your Rome about your ears.

As Hercules Did shake down mellow fruit. You have made fair work!


As Hercules Did shake down mellow fruit. You have made fair work!


Ay; and you'll look pale Before you find it other. All the regions Do smilingly revolt; and who resist Are mock'd for valiant ignorance, And perish constant fools. Who is't can blame him?


Ay; and you'll look pale Before you find it other. All the regions Do smilingly revolt; and who resist Are mock'd for valiant ignorance, And perish constant fools. Who is't can blame him?

Your enemies and his find something in him.


Your enemies and his find something in him.

We are all undone, unless The noble man have mercy.


We are all undone, unless The noble man have mercy.

Who shall ask it? The tribunes cannot do't for shame; the people Deserve such pity of him as the wolf Does of the shepherds:


Who shall ask it? The tribunes cannot do't for shame; the people Deserve such pity of him as the wolf Does of the shepherds:

for his best friends, if they Should say 'Be good to Rome,' they charged him even As those should do that had deserved his hate, And therein show'd like enemies.


for his best friends, if they Should say 'Be good to Rome,' they charged him even As those should do that had deserved his hate, And therein show'd like enemies.

'Tis true: If he were putting to my house the brand That should consume it, I have not the face To say 'Beseech you, cease.' You have made fair hands, You and your crafts! you have crafted fair!


'Tis true: If he were putting to my house the brand That should consume it, I have not the face To say 'Beseech you, cease.' You have made fair hands, You and your crafts! you have crafted fair!

You have brought A trembling upon Rome, such as was never So incapable of help.


You have brought A trembling upon Rome, such as was never So incapable of help.


How! Was it we? we loved him but, like beasts And cowardly nobles, gave way unto your clusters, Who did hoot him out o' the city.


How! Was it we? we loved him but, like beasts And cowardly nobles, gave way unto your clusters, Who did hoot him out o' the city.

But I fear They'll roar him in again. Tullus Aufidius, The second name of men, obeys his points As if he were his officer:


But I fear They'll roar him in again. Tullus Aufidius, The second name of men, obeys his points As if he were his officer:

desperation Is all the policy, strength and defence, That Rome can make against them.


desperation Is all the policy, strength and defence, That Rome can make against them.

Here come the clusters. And is Aufidius with him? You are they That made the air unwholesome, when you cast Your stinking greasy caps in hooting at Coriolanus' exile. Now he's coming;


Here come the clusters. And is Aufidius with him? You are they That made the air unwholesome, when you cast Your stinking greasy caps in hooting at Coriolanus' exile. Now he's coming;

And not a hair upon a soldier's head Which will not prove a whip: as many coxcombs As you threw caps up will he tumble down, And pay you for your voices. 'Tis no matter;


And not a hair upon a soldier's head Which will not prove a whip: as many coxcombs As you threw caps up will he tumble down, And pay you for your voices. 'Tis no matter;

if he could burn us all into one coal, We have deserved it.


if he could burn us all into one coal, We have deserved it.


For mine own part, When I said, banish him, I said 'twas pity.


And so did I; and, to say the truth, so did very many of us: that we did, we did for the best; and though we willingly consented to his banishment, yet it was against our will.


You have made Good work, you and your cry! Shall's to the Capitol?


Go, masters, get you home; be not dismay'd: These are a side that would be glad to have This true which they so seem to fear. Go home, And show no sign of fear.


Go, masters, get you home; be not dismay'd: These are a side that would be glad to have This true which they so seem to fear. Go home, And show no sign of fear.

The gods be good to us! Come, masters, let's home. I ever said we were i' the wrong when we banished him.


The gods be good to us! Come, masters, let's home. I ever said we were i' the wrong when we banished him.


Let's to the Capitol. Would half my wealth Would buy this for a lie!


I do not know what witchcraft's in him, but Your soldiers use him as the grace 'fore meat, Their talk at table, and their thanks at end; And you are darken'd in this action, sir, Even by your own.


I do not know what witchcraft's in him, but Your soldiers use him as the grace 'fore meat, Their talk at table, and their thanks at end; And you are darken'd in this action, sir, Even by your own.

I cannot help it now, Unless, by using means, I lame the foot Of our design. He bears himself more proudlier, Even to my person, than I thought he would When first I did embrace him:


I cannot help it now, Unless, by using means, I lame the foot Of our design. He bears himself more proudlier, Even to my person, than I thought he would When first I did embrace him:

yet his nature In that's no changeling; and I must excuse What cannot be amended.


yet his nature In that's no changeling; and I must excuse What cannot be amended.

Yet I wish, sir,-- I mean for your particular,--you had not Join'd in commission with him; but either Had borne the action of yourself, or else To him had left it solely.


Yet I wish, sir,-- I mean for your particular,--you had not Join'd in commission with him; but either Had borne the action of yourself, or else To him had left it solely.

I understand thee well; and be thou sure, when he shall come to his account, he knows not What I can urge against him.


I understand thee well; and be thou sure, when he shall come to his account, he knows not What I can urge against him.

Although it seems, And so he thinks, and is no less apparent To the vulgar eye, that he bears all things fairly.


Although it seems, And so he thinks, and is no less apparent To the vulgar eye, that he bears all things fairly.

And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state, Fights dragon-like, and does achieve as soon As draw his sword;


And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state, Fights dragon-like, and does achieve as soon As draw his sword;

yet he hath left undone That which shall break his neck or hazard mine, Whene'er we come to our account.


yet he hath left undone That which shall break his neck or hazard mine, Whene'er we come to our account.

Sir, I beseech you, think you he'll carry Rome?


Sir, I beseech you, think you he'll carry Rome?

All places yield to him ere he sits down; And the nobility of Rome are his: The senators and patricians love him too: The tribunes are no soldiers;


All places yield to him ere he sits down; And the nobility of Rome are his: The senators and patricians love him too: The tribunes are no soldiers;

and their people Will be as rash in the repeal, as hasty To expel him thence. I think he'll be to Rome As is the osprey to the fish, who takes it By sovereignty of nature.


and their people Will be as rash in the repeal, as hasty To expel him thence. I think he'll be to Rome As is the osprey to the fish, who takes it By sovereignty of nature.

First he was A noble servant to them; but he could not Carry his honours even: whether 'twas pride, Which out of daily fortune ever taints The happy man;


First he was A noble servant to them; but he could not Carry his honours even: whether 'twas pride, Which out of daily fortune ever taints The happy man;

whether defect of judgment, To fail in the disposing of those chances Which he was lord of;


whether defect of judgment, To fail in the disposing of those chances Which he was lord of;

or whether nature, Not to be other than one thing, not moving From the casque to the cushion, but commanding peace Even with the same austerity and garb As he controll'd the war;


or whether nature, Not to be other than one thing, not moving From the casque to the cushion, but commanding peace Even with the same austerity and garb As he controll'd the war;

but one of these-- As he hath spices of them all, not all, For I dare so far free him--made him fear'd, So hated, and so banish'd: but he has a merit, To choke it in the utterance.


but one of these-- As he hath spices of them all, not all, For I dare so far free him--made him fear'd, So hated, and so banish'd: but he has a merit, To choke it in the utterance.

So our virtues Lie in the interpretation of the time: And power, unto itself most commendable, Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair To extol what it hath done. One fire drives out one fire;


So our virtues Lie in the interpretation of the time: And power, unto itself most commendable, Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair To extol what it hath done. One fire drives out one fire;

one nail, one nail; Rights by rights falter, strengths by strengths do fail. Come, let's away. When, Caius, Rome is thine, Thou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine.


one nail, one nail; Rights by rights falter, strengths by strengths do fail. Come, let's away. When, Caius, Rome is thine, Thou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine.

No, I'll not go: you hear what he hath said Which was sometime his general; who loved him In a most dear particular. He call'd me father: But what o' that? Go, you that banish'd him;


No, I'll not go: you hear what he hath said Which was sometime his general; who loved him In a most dear particular. He call'd me father: But what o' that? Go, you that banish'd him;

A mile before his tent fall down, and knee The way into his mercy: nay, if he coy'd To hear Cominius speak, I'll keep at home.


A mile before his tent fall down, and knee The way into his mercy: nay, if he coy'd To hear Cominius speak, I'll keep at home.


Yet one time he did call me by my name: I urged our old acquaintance, and the drops That we have bled together. Coriolanus He would not answer to: forbad all names;


Yet one time he did call me by my name: I urged our old acquaintance, and the drops That we have bled together. Coriolanus He would not answer to: forbad all names;

He was a kind of nothing, titleless, Till he had forged himself a name o' the fire Of burning Rome.


He was a kind of nothing, titleless, Till he had forged himself a name o' the fire Of burning Rome.

Why, so: you have made good work! A pair of tribunes that have rack'd for Rome, To make coals cheap,--a noble memory!


Why, so: you have made good work! A pair of tribunes that have rack'd for Rome, To make coals cheap,--a noble memory!

I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon When it was less expected: he replied, It was a bare petition of a state To one whom they had punish'd.


I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon When it was less expected: he replied, It was a bare petition of a state To one whom they had punish'd.


I offer'd to awaken his regard For's private friends: his answer to me was, He could not stay to pick them in a pile Of noisome musty chaff:


I offer'd to awaken his regard For's private friends: his answer to me was, He could not stay to pick them in a pile Of noisome musty chaff:

he said 'twas folly, For one poor grain or two, to leave unburnt, And still to nose the offence.


he said 'twas folly, For one poor grain or two, to leave unburnt, And still to nose the offence.

For one poor grain or two! I am one of those; his mother, wife, his child, And this brave fellow too, we are the grains: You are the musty chaff; and you are smelt Above the moon:


For one poor grain or two! I am one of those; his mother, wife, his child, And this brave fellow too, we are the grains: You are the musty chaff; and you are smelt Above the moon:


Nay, pray, be patient: if you refuse your aid In this so never-needed help, yet do not Upbraid's with our distress.


Nay, pray, be patient: if you refuse your aid In this so never-needed help, yet do not Upbraid's with our distress.

But, sure, if you Would be your country's pleader, your good tongue, More than the instant army we can make, Might stop our countryman.


But, sure, if you Would be your country's pleader, your good tongue, More than the instant army we can make, Might stop our countryman.


Only make trial what your love can do For Rome, towards Marcius.


Only make trial what your love can do For Rome, towards Marcius.

Well, and say that Marcius Return me, as Cominius is return'd, Unheard; what then? But as a discontented friend, grief-shot With his unkindness? say't be so?


Well, and say that Marcius Return me, as Cominius is return'd, Unheard; what then? But as a discontented friend, grief-shot With his unkindness? say't be so?

Yet your good will must have that thanks from Rome, after the measure As you intended well.


Yet your good will must have that thanks from Rome, after the measure As you intended well.

I'll undertake 't: I think he'll hear me. Yet, to bite his lip And hum at good Cominius, much unhearts me. He was not taken well; he had not dined:


I'll undertake 't: I think he'll hear me. Yet, to bite his lip And hum at good Cominius, much unhearts me. He was not taken well; he had not dined:

The veins unfill'd, our blood is cold, and then We pout upon the morning, are unapt To give or to forgive;


The veins unfill'd, our blood is cold, and then We pout upon the morning, are unapt To give or to forgive;

but when we have stuff'd These and these conveyances of our blood With wine and feeding, we have suppler souls Than in our priest-like fasts:


but when we have stuff'd These and these conveyances of our blood With wine and feeding, we have suppler souls Than in our priest-like fasts:

therefore I'll watch him Till he be dieted to my request, And then I'll set upon him.


therefore I'll watch him Till he be dieted to my request, And then I'll set upon him.

You know the very road into his kindness, And cannot lose your way.


You know the very road into his kindness, And cannot lose your way.

Good faith, I'll prove him, Speed how it will. I shall ere long have knowledge Of my success.


Good faith, I'll prove him, Speed how it will. I shall ere long have knowledge Of my success.


I tell you, he does sit in gold, his eye Red as 'twould burn Rome; and his injury The gaoler to his pity. I kneel'd before him; 'Twas very faintly he said 'Rise;


I tell you, he does sit in gold, his eye Red as 'twould burn Rome; and his injury The gaoler to his pity. I kneel'd before him; 'Twas very faintly he said 'Rise;

' dismiss'd me Thus, with his speechless hand: what he would do, He sent in writing after me; what he would not, Bound with an oath to yield to his conditions: So that all hope is vain.


' dismiss'd me Thus, with his speechless hand: what he would do, He sent in writing after me; what he would not, Bound with an oath to yield to his conditions: So that all hope is vain.

Unless his noble mother, and his wife; Who, as I hear, mean to solicit him For mercy to his country. Therefore, let's hence, And with our fair entreaties haste them on.


Unless his noble mother, and his wife; Who, as I hear, mean to solicit him For mercy to his country. Therefore, let's hence, And with our fair entreaties haste them on.


You guard like men; 'tis well: but, by your leave, I am an officer of state, and come To speak with Coriolanus.


You may not pass, you must return: our general Will no more hear from thence.


You may not pass, you must return: our general Will no more hear from thence.

You'll see your Rome embraced with fire before You'll speak with Coriolanus.


You'll see your Rome embraced with fire before You'll speak with Coriolanus.

Good my friends, If you have heard your general talk of Rome, And of his friends there, it is lots to blanks, My name hath touch'd your ears it is Menenius.


Good my friends, If you have heard your general talk of Rome, And of his friends there, it is lots to blanks, My name hath touch'd your ears it is Menenius.

Be it so; go back: the virtue of your name Is not here passable.


Be it so; go back: the virtue of your name Is not here passable.

I tell thee, fellow, The general is my lover: I have been The book of his good acts, whence men have read His name unparallel'd, haply amplified;


I tell thee, fellow, The general is my lover: I have been The book of his good acts, whence men have read His name unparallel'd, haply amplified;

For I have ever verified my friends, Of whom he's chief, with all the size that verity Would without lapsing suffer:


For I have ever verified my friends, Of whom he's chief, with all the size that verity Would without lapsing suffer:

nay, sometimes, Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground, I have tumbled past the throw; and in his praise Have almost stamp'd the leasing: therefore, fellow, I must have leave to pass.


nay, sometimes, Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground, I have tumbled past the throw; and in his praise Have almost stamp'd the leasing: therefore, fellow, I must have leave to pass.

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.


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.

Prithee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius, always factionary on the party of your general.


Prithee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius, always factionary on the party of your general.

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.


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.

Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would not speak with him till after dinner.


Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would not speak with him till after dinner.


Then you should hate Rome, as he does. 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;


Then you should hate Rome, as he does. 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.