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  • Title: Coriolanus (Folio 1, 1623)

  • Copyright Internet Shakespeare Editions. This text may be freely used for educational, non-proift purposes; for all other uses contact the Coordinating Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Coriolanus (Folio 1, 1623)

    A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Auffidius
    bloudie, with two or three Souldiors.
    Auffi. The Towne is ta'ne.
    860Sould. 'Twill be deliuer'd backe on good Condition.
    Auffid. Condition?
    I would I were a Roman, for I cannot,
    Being a Volce, be that I am. Condition?
    What good Condition can a Treatie finde
    865I'th' part that is at mercy? fiue times, Martius,
    I haue fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me:
    And would'st doe so, I thinke, should we encounter
    As
    8The Tragedie of Coriolanus.
    As often as we eate. By th' Elements,
    If ere againe I meet him beard to beard,
    870He's mine, or I am his: Mine Emulation
    Hath not that Honor in't it had: For where
    I thought to crush him in an equall Force,
    True Sword to Sword: Ile potche at him some way,
    Or Wrath, or Craft may get him.
    875Sol. He's the diuell.
    Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle: my valors poison'd,
    With onely suff'ring staine by him: for him
    Shall flye out of it selfe, nor sleepe, nor sanctuary,
    Being naked, sicke; nor Phane, nor Capitoll,
    880The Prayers of Priests, nor times of Sacrifice:
    Embarquements all of Fury, shall lift vp
    Their rotten Priuiledge, and Custome 'gainst
    My hate to Martius. Where I finde him, were it
    At home, vpon my Brothers Guard, euen there
    885Against the hospitable Canon, would I
    Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to th' Citie,
    Learne how 'tis held, and what they are that must
    Be Hostages for Rome.
    Soul. Will not you go?
    890Auf. I am attended at the Cyprus groue. I pray you
    ('Tis South the City Mils) bring me word thither
    How the world goes: that to the pace of it
    I may spurre on my iourney.
    Soul. I shall sir.