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Coriolanus

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Act I, Scene 2

Corioli. The Senate-house.

       
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[Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain Senators]

  • First Senator. So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
    That they of Rome are entered in our counsels
    And know how we proceed.
  • Tullus Aufidius. Is it not yours? 315
    What ever have been thought on in this state,
    That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
    Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone
    Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think
    I have the letter here; yes, here it is. 320
    [Reads]
    'They have press'd a power, but it is not known
    Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;
    The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd,
    Cominius, CORIOLANUS your old enemy, 325
    Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,
    And Titus TITUS, a most valiant Roman,
    These three lead on this preparation
    Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:
    Consider of it.' 330
  • First Senator. Our army's in the field
    We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
    To answer us.
  • Tullus Aufidius. Nor did you think it folly
    To keep your great pretences veil'd till when 335
    They needs must show themselves; which
    in the hatching,
    It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery.
    We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was
    To take in many towns ere almost Rome 340
    Should know we were afoot.
  • Second Senator. Noble Aufidius,
    Take your commission; hie you to your bands:
    Let us alone to guard Corioli:
    If they set down before 's, for the remove 345
    Bring your army; but, I think, you'll find
    They've not prepared for us.
  • Tullus Aufidius. O, doubt not that;
    I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
    Some parcels of their power are forth already, 350
    And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
    If we and Caius CORIOLANUS chance to meet,
    'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
    Till one can do no more.
  • All. The gods assist you! 355
  • All. Farewell.

[Exeunt]