University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

Changes to Tullus's Tent.
Coriolanus, Tullus.
Coriolanus.
Forgive me, Tullus, if I count the Moments
That stop the Purpose of thy noble Kindness,
And keep me here confin'd in tame Inaction.
Why lingers Titus?

Tullus.
Calm thy restless Heart,
Brave Marcius; every Minute I expect him.
Soon from the Cloud that hides thee, shalt thou break
With double Brightness; soon thy firey Rage
Shall wither all the Strength and Pride of Rome.

Coriolanus.
O righteous Jove, Protector of the Injur'd!
If from my earliest Youth, with pious Awe,
I still have reverenc'd thy all-powerful Justice,
Still by her sacred Dictates rul'd my Actions,
O let that Justice now support my Cause,
And arm my strong Right-hand with all her Terrors!
When that is done, be Life or Death my Lot,
As thy almighty Pleasure shall determine.

[Enter an Officer to Tullus.
Officer.
My Lord, Galesus asks Admittance to you.

Tullus.
Marcius, retire an Instant, till I hear
The Business brings him hither—Bid him enter.

[Exit Officer and Coriolanus.
[Enter Galesus.