The Tragedy Of Coriolanus

1 A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius, bloody, with two or three
2 soldiers.
3 AUFIDIUS.
4 The town is ta’en.
5 SOLDIER.
6 ’Twill be delivered back on good condition.
7 AUFIDIUS.
8 Condition?
9 I would I were a Roman, for I cannot,
10 Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition?
11 What good condition can a treaty find
12 I’ th’ part that is at mercy? Five times, Martius,
13 I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me
14 And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter
15 As often as we eat. By th’ elements,
16 If e’er again I meet him beard to beard,
17 He’s mine or I am his. Mine emulation
18 Hath not that honour in’t it had; for where
19 I thought to crush him in an equal force,
20 True sword to sword, I’ll potch at him some way,
21 Or wrath or craft may get him.
22 SOLDIER.
23 He’s the devil.
24 AUFIDIUS.
25 Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour’s poisoned
26 With only suff’ring stain by him; for him
27 Shall fly out of itself. Nor sleep nor sanctuary,
28 Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,
29 The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,
30 Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up
31 Their rotten privilege and custom ’gainst
32 My hate to Martius. Where I find him, were it
33 At home, upon my brother’s guard, even there,
34 Against the hospitable canon, would I
35 Wash my fierce hand in’s heart. Go you to th’ city;
36 Learn how ’tis held and what they are that must
37 Be hostages for Rome.
38 SOLDIER.
39 Will not you go?
40 AUFIDIUS.
41 I am attended at the cypress grove. I pray you—
42 ’Tis south the city mills,—bring me word thither
43 How the world goes, that to the pace of it
44 I may spur on my journey.
45 SOLDIER.
46 I shall, sir.
47 [_Exeunt._]