University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Coriolanus, Tullus, Volusius, Titus, with a Croud of Volscian Officers. Acclamations behind the Scenes.
Coriolanus.
No more—I merit not this lavish Praise.
True, we have driven the Roman Legions back,
Defeated, and disgrac'd—But what is this?
Nothing, ye Volsci, nothing yet is done.
We but begin the wonderous Leaf of Story,
That marks the Roman Doom. At length it dawns,
The destin'd Hour, that eases of their Fears
The Nations round, and sets Hesperia free.
Come on, my brave Companions of the War!
Come, let us finish at one mighty Stroke,
This Toil of labouring Fate—We will, or perish!
While, noble Tullus, you protect the Camp,
I, with my Troops, all Men of chosen Valour,
And well-approv'd to-day, will storm the City.

Titus.
Beneath thy animating Conduct, Marcius,
What can the Volscian Valour not perform.
Thy very Sight and Voice subdues the Romans.
When, lifting up your Helm, you shew'd your Face,
That like a Comet glar'd Destruction on them,
I saw their bravest Veterans fly before thee.
Their ancient Spirit has with thee forsook them,
And Ruin hangs o'er yon devoted Walls.

[Enter an Officer, who addresses himself to Coriolanus.
Officer.
My Lord, a Herald is arriv'd from Rome,
To say, a Deputation from the Senate,
Attended by the Ministers of Heaven,
A venerable Train of Priests and Flamens,
Is on the Way, address'd to you.

Coriolanus.
To me!
What can this Message mean!—Stand to your Arms,
Ye Volscian Troops; and let these Romans pass
Betwixt the lowring Frown of double Files.
What! do they think me such a milky Boy,
To pay my Vengeance with a few soft Words.
Come, fellow Soldiers, Tullus, come, and see,
If I betray the Honours you have done me.

[Goes out with a Train of Volscian Officers.