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The Tragedy Of Coriolanus

  1. 1 Enter Tullus Aufidius with Senators of Corioles.
  2. 2 FIRST SENATOR.
  3. 3 So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
  4. 4 That they of Rome are entered in our counsels
  5. 5 And know how we proceed.
  6. 6 AUFIDIUS.
  7. 7 Is it not yours?
  8. 8 What ever have been thought on in this state
  9. 9 That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
  10. 10 Had circumvention? ’Tis not four days gone
  11. 11 Since I heard thence. These are the words—I think
  12. 12 I have the letter here. Yes, here it is.
  13. 13 [_Reads_.] _They have pressed a power, but it is not known
  14. 14 Whether for east or west. The dearth is great.
  15. 15 The people mutinous; and, it is rumoured,
  16. 16 Cominius, Martius your old enemy,
  17. 17 Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,—
  18. 18 And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
  19. 19 These three lead on this preparation
  20. 20 Whither ’tis bent. Most likely ’tis for you.
  21. 21 Consider of it._
  22. 22 FIRST SENATOR.
  23. 23 Our army’s in the field.
  24. 24 We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
  25. 25 To answer us.
  26. 26 AUFIDIUS.
  27. 27 Nor did you think it folly
  28. 28 To keep your great pretences veiled till when
  29. 29 They needs must show themselves, which, in the hatching,
  30. 30 It seemed, appeared to Rome. By the discovery
  31. 31 We shall be shortened in our aim, which was
  32. 32 To take in many towns ere almost Rome
  33. 33 Should know we were afoot.
  34. 34 SECOND SENATOR.
  35. 35 Noble Aufidius,
  36. 36 Take your commission; hie you to your bands.
  37. 37 Let us alone to guard Corioles.
  38. 38 If they set down before’s, for the remove
  39. 39 Bring up your army. But I think you’ll find
  40. 40 They’ve not prepared for us.
  41. 41 AUFIDIUS.
  42. 42 O, doubt not that;
  43. 43 I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
  44. 44 Some parcels of their power are forth already,
  45. 45 And only hitherward. I leave your Honours.
  46. 46 If we and Caius Martius chance to meet,
  47. 47 ’Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
  48. 48 Till one can do no more.
  49. 49 ALL.
  50. 50 The gods assist you!
  51. 51 AUFIDIUS.
  52. 52 And keep your Honours safe!
  53. 53 FIRST SENATOR.
  54. 54 Farewell.
  55. 55 SECOND SENATOR.
  56. 56 Farewell.
  57. 57 ALL.
  58. 58 Farewell.
  59. 59 [_Exeunt._]