The Tragedy Of Coriolanus

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