[ye? Trust

To make him worthy, whose offence subdues him,
And curse that justice did it. Who deserves great-
Deserves your hate; and your affections are [ness,
A sick man's appetite, who desires most that
Which would increase his evil. He that depends
Upon your favors swims with fins of lead,
And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye?
With every minute you do change your mind,
And call him noble, that was now your hate,
Him vile, that was your garland. What's the matter,
That in these several places of the city
You cry against the noble senate, who,
Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else
Would feed on one another?-What's their seeking?
Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof, they
[say,
Hang 'em! They say?
They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know
What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise,
Who thrives, and who declines; side factions, and
give out

The city is well stor❜d.

Mar.

Conjectural marriages; making parties strong,
And feebling such as stand not in their liking
Below their cobbled shoes. They say, there's grain
Would the nobility lay aside their ruth, [enough?
And let me use my sword, I'd make a quarry
With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high
As I could pick my lance.

b

Men. Nay, these are all most thoroughly persuaded; For though abundantly they lack discretion, Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you, What says the other troop?

Mar.

They are dissolved. Hang 'em! They said, they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs,

That hunger broke stone walls; that dogs must eat; That meat was made for mouths; that the gods sent

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. Where's Caius Marcius?
Mar.
Here. What's the matter?
Mess. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.
Mar. I am glad on't: then, we shall have means

to vent

Our musty superfluity.-See, our best elders.
Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Sena-
tors; JUNIUS BRUTUS, and SICINIUS VELUTUS.
The Volsces are in arms.
1 Sen. Marcius, 'tis true that you have lately told us;

Mar.
They have a leader,
Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to't.
I sin in envying his nobility,
And, were I any thing but what I am,
3 Would wish me only he.

Com.
You have fought together.
Mar. Were half to half the world by th' ears, and he
Upon my party, I'd revolt, to make
Only my wars with him: he is a lion

That I am proud to hunt.

1 Sen.

Then, worthy Marcius,

Attend upon Cominius to these wars.
Com. It is your former promise.
Mar.

Sir, it is; And I am constant.-Titus Lartius, thou Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face. What! art thou stiff? stand'st out?

Tit.

No, Caius Marcius;

I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with the other,
Ere stay behind this business.
Men.

O, true bred! 1 Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where, I know, Our greatest friends attend us.

Tit.
Lead you on:
Follow, Cominius; we must follow you,
Right worthy your priority.

Com.

Noble Marcius!

1 Sen. Hence! To your homes! be gone.

Mar.

[To the Citizens. Nay, let them follow.

The Volsces have much corn: take these rats thither,
Your valor puts well forth: pray, follow.
To gnaw their garners.-Worshipful mutineers,

[Exeunt Senators, Coм., MAR., TIT., and MENEN. Citizens steal away.

Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius?
Bru. He has no equal.

Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the peo-
Bru. Mark'd you his lip, and eyes? [ple,-
Sic.
Nay, but his taunts.
Bru. Being mov'd, he will not spare to gird the
Sic. Bemock the modest moon.
[gods.
Bru. The present wars devour him: he is grown
Too proud to be so valiant.
Sic.
Such a nature,
Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow
His insolence can brook to be commanded
Which he treads on at noon. But I do wonder,
Under Cominius.

Bru.

Fame, at the which he aims,
Better be held, nor more attain'd, than by
In whom already he is well grac'd, cannot
A place below the first; for what miscarries
Shall be the general's fault, though he perform
To the utmost of a man; and giddy censure
Will then cry out of Marcius, "O, if he
Had borne the business!"
Sic.

Besides, if things go well,

"I am constant," i. e, I am immovable in my resolution. "Puts well forth," i. e., shows itself well in this mutiny."To gird," i, e., to scoff at.

SCENE II.-Corioli. The Senate-House.

Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, and Senators.

1 Sen. So, your opinion is, Aufidius, That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels, And know how we proceed.

Auf.

Is it not yours? What ever have been thought on in this state, That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone, Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think, I have the letter here; yes, here it is:- [Reads.

They have press'd a power, but it is not known Whether for east, or west. The dearth is great; The people mutinous; and it is rumor'd, Cominius, Marcius your old enemy, (Who is of Rome worse hated than of you) And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman, These three lead on this preparation Whither 'tis bent: most likely, 'tis for you. Consider of it."

self in a more comfortable sort. If my son were my husband, I should freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honor, than in the embracements of his bed, where he would show most love. When yet he was but tender-bodied, and the only son of my womb; when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze his way; when, for a day of king's entreaties, a mother should not sell him an hour from her beholding; I,-considering how henor would become such a person; that it was no bet ter than picture-like to hang by the wall, if renown made it not stir,-was pleased to let him seek danger where he was like to find fame. To a cruel war I sent him; from whence he returned, his brows bound with oak. I tell thee, daughter, I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was a man-child, than now in first seeing he had proved himself a man.

Vir. But had he died in the business, madam? how then?

Vol. Then, his good report should have been my son: I therein would have found issue. Hear me profess sincerely:-had I a dozen sons, each in my love alike, and none less dear than thine and my good Marcius,-I had rather had eleven die nobly for their country, than one voluptuously surfeit out

of action.

Enter a Gentlewoman.

Gent. Madam, the lady Valeria is come to visit you.
Vir. 'Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.
Vol. Indeed, you shall not.

Methinks, I hear hither your husband's drum,
See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair;
As children from a bear the Volsces shunning him:
Methinks, I see him stamp thus, and call thus,-
"Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,
Though you were born in Rome." His bloody brow
With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,
Like to a harvest-man, that's task'd to mow
Or all, or lose his hire.

Vir. His bloody brow? O, Jupiter! no blood.
Vol. Away, you fool! it more becomes a man,
Than gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba,
When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier
Than Hector's forehead, when it spit forth blood,
At Grecian swords contemning.-Tell Valeria,
We are fit to bid her welcome.
[Exit Gent.

Vir. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius! Vol. He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee, And tread upon his neck.

Re-enter Gentlewoman, with VALERIA and her
Usher.

Val. My ladies both, good day to you.
Vol. Sweet madam.

Vir. I am glad to see your ladyship.

Val. How do you both? you are manifest housekeepers. What are you sewing here? A fine 'spot, in good faith.-How does your little son?

Vir. I thank your ladyship; well, good madam. Vol. He had rather see swords, and hear a drum, than look upon his school-master.

House.

Val. O' my word, the father's son: I'll swear, 'tis a very pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him Wednesday half an hour together: he has such a confirmed countenance. I saw him run after a gilded butterfly; and when he caught it, he let it go again; and after it again; and over and over he

That is, attracted the attention of all towards himThe crown of oak was given to him who had saved the life of a citizen, and was accounted more honorable than any other. Withdraw. "A fine spot," i. e., a handsome spot of embroidery.

Mess.
Within this mile and half.
Mar. Then shall we hear their 'larum, and they ours.

That we with smoking swords may march from hence, To help our fielded friends!-Come, blow thy blast. A Parley sounded. Enter, on the Walls, two Senators, and others.

Tullus Aufidius, is he within your walls? 1 Sen. No, nor a man that fears you d less than he, That's lesser than a little. Hark, our drums [Drums afar off.

Are bringing forth our youth: we'll break our walls, Rather than they shall pound us up. Our gates,

Which

yet seem shut, we have but pinn'd with rushes;

They'll open of themselves. Hark you, far off;
There is Aufidius: list, what work he makes
[Alarum afar off.
Amongst your cloven army.

Mar.
O! they are at it.
Lart. Their noise be our instruction.-Ladders, ho!
The Volsces enter, and pass over the Stage.
Mar. They fear us not, but issue forth their city.
Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight
With hearts more proof than shields.-Advance,
brave Titus:

They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts, Which makes me sweat with wrath.-Come on, my He that retires, I'll take him for a Volsce, [fellows: And he shall feel mine edge.

Alarum, and exeunt Romans and Volsces, fighting.
The Romans are beaten back to their Trenches.
Re-enter MARCIUS enraged.

You shames of Rome! 3 Unheard-of boils and plagues
Mar. All the contagion of the south light on you,
Plaster you o'er, that you may be abhor'd
Farther than seen, and one infect another
Against the wind a mile! You souls of geese,
That bear the shapes of men, how have you run
All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale
From slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell!
Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foe,
With flight and agued fear! Mend, and charge home,
And make my wars on you. Look to't: come on;
If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives,
As they us to our trenches follow.

Another Alarum. The Volsces and Romans re-enter,
and the Fight is renewed. The Volsces retire into
Corioli, and MARCIUS follows them to the Gates.
So, now the gates are ope :-now prove good seconds.
'Tis for the followers fortune widens them,
Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like.
[He enters the Gates, and is shut in.
1 Sol. Fool-hardiness! not I.
2 Sol.

Nor I. 3 Sol. See, they have shut him in.

All.

[Alarum continues. To the port I warrant him. Enter TITUS LARTIUS. Lart. What is become of Marcius? All.

Slain, sir, doubtless. 1 Sol. Following the fliers at the very heels, With them he enters; who, upon the sudden, Clapp'd-to their gates: he is himself alone, To answer all the city.

Lart.

O noble fellow! Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,

"Our fielded friends," i. e., our friends who are in the field of battle.-- The poet means, 'No, nor a man that fears you more than he.'-"Sensibly," i. e., having sensation, feeling.

[cius:

Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier
Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible
Only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks, and
The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,

Thou mad'st thine enemies shake, as if the world
Were feverous, and did tremble.

Enter a Messenger.

Thy news?
Mess. The citizens of Corioli have issued,
And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle:
I saw our party to their trenches driven,
And then I came away.
Com.

Though thou speak'st truth,

Trumpet.

Mess. Above an hour, my lord.

[since! Com. 'Tis not a mile; briefly we hear their drums: How could'st thou in a mile confound an hour, And bring thy news so late? Mess. Spies of the Volsces Held me in chase, that I was forc'd to wheel Three or four miles about; else had I, sir, Half an hour since brought my report.

b hours

At a crack'd drachm! Cushions, leaden spoons,
Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would
Bury with those that wore them, these base slaves,
Ere yet the fight be done, pack up.-Down with
them!-

And hark, what noise the general makes.-To him!
There is the man of my soul's hate, Aufidius,
Piercing our Romans: then, valiant Titus, take
Convenient numbers to make good the city,
Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste
To help Cominius.

Where is that slave, Which told me they had beat you to your trenches! Where is he?-Call him hither.

He did inform the truth: but for our gentlemen,
The common file, (A plague !-Tribunes for them!)
The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat, as they did budge
From rascals worse than they.

Com.
But how prevail'd you!
Mar. Will the time serve to tell? I do not thick

3 it. Where is the enemy? Are you lords o' the field! If not, why cease you till you are so?

Com. Marcius, we have at disadvantage fought, And did retire to win our purposes. [side Mar. How lies their battle? Know you on which They have plac'd their men of trust?

Com.

As I guess, Marcius, 5 Those bands i' the 'vayward are the Antiates, Of their best trust: o'er them Aufidius, Their very heart of hope.

Mar. I do beseech you, By all the battles wherein we have fought, By the blood we have shed together, by the vows We have made to endure friends, that you directly Set me against Aufidius, and his Antiates; And that you not delay the present, but, Filling the air with swords advanc'd and darts,

Expend.-"Pitying," i. e., remitting his ransom "Delay the present," i. e., let slip the present time.

We prove this very hour.

Com.

Though I could wish
You were conducted to a gentle bath,
And balms applied to you, yet dare I never
Deny your asking. Take your choice of those
That best can aid your action.
Mar.
Those are they
That most are willing.-If any such be here,
(As it were sin to doubt) that love this painting
Wherein you see me smear'd; if any fear
Lesser his person than an ill report;

If any think brave death outweighs bad life,
And that his country's dearer than himself;
Let him, alone, or so many so minded,
Wave thus, to express his disposition,
And follow Marcius.

[They all shout, and wave their Swords; take
him up in their arms, and cast up their Caps.
O me, alone! Make you a sword of me?
If these shows be not outward, which of you
But is four Volsces? None of you, but is
Able to bear against the great Aufidius
A shield as hard as his. A certain number,
Though thanks to all, must I select from all the rest
Shall bear the business in some other fight,
As cause will be obey'd. Please you, 1 march before,
And I shall quickly draw out my command,
Which men are best inclin'd.
Com.
March on, my fellows:
Make good this ostentation, and you shall
Divide in all with us.

1

[Exeunt.

Thou should'st not scape me here.

[They fight, and certain Volsces come to the aid
of AUFIDIUS.

Officious, and not valiant-you have sham'd me
In your condemned seconds.

[Exeunt fighting, all driven in by MARCIUS.

SCENE IX.-The Roman Camp.

Alarum. A Retreat sounded. Flourish. Enter at one side, COMINIUS, and Romans; at the other side, MARCIUS, with his Arm in a Scarf, and other Romans.

Com. If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work,
Thou'lt not believe thy deeds; but I'll report it,
Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles,
Where great patricians shall attend, and shrug,
I' the end, admire; where ladies shall be frighted,
And, glady fquak'd, hear more; where the dull
Tribunes,

That with the fusty plebeians hate thine honors,
Shall say, against their hearts,-

"We thank the gods our Rome hath such a soldier!"-
Yet cam'st thou to a morsel of this feast,
Having fully dined before.

Enter TITUS LARTIUS with his & Power, from the pursuit.

Lar.

O general, Here is the steed, we the caparison: Hadst thou beheld

Mar. Pray now, no more: my mother, Who has a charter to extol her blood, When she does praise me, grieves me. I have done, As you have done; that's what I can; induc'd As you have been; that's for my country: He that has but effected his good will Hath overta'en mine 1act.

Com.

You shall not be

k

The grave of your deserving: Rome must know
The value of her own: 'twere a concealment
Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement,
To hide your doings; and to silence that,
Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd,
Would seem but modest. Therefore, I beseech you,
In sign of what you are, not to reward
What you have done, before our army hear me.
Mar. I have some wounds upon me, and they smart
To hear themselves remember'd,
Com.

Should they 'not,

man and the Volscian Camps.

And tent themselves with death. Of all the horses,
(Whereof we have ta'en good, and good store) of all
We render you the tenth; to be ta'en forth,
The treasure, in this field achiev'd and city,
Before the common distribution,
At your only choice.

Mar.
I thank you, general;
But cannot make my heart consent to take
A bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it;
And stand upon my common part with those
That have beheld the doing.

[A long Flourish. They all cry, MARCIUS! MARCIUS! cast up their Caps and Lances: CoMINIUS and LARTIUS stand bare.

Mar. May these same instruments, which you profane,

Never sound more: when drums and trumpets shall

That is, in affording such ill timed help. Gladly quak'd," i. e., thrown into grateful trepidation.- Forces.

Privilege. That is, 'Hath done as much as I have done.'- Čensure; obloquy,-"Should they not," i. e., not be remembered.