SIC.

Are you mankind? a VOL. Ay, fool; is that a shame ?-Note but this, fool;

Was not a man my father? Hadst thou foxship
To banish him that struck more blows for Rome
Than thou hast spoken words?
SIC.
O, blessed heavens !
VOL. More noble blows than ever thou wise
words;

And for Rome's good.-I'll tell thee what ;-yet go:

Nay, but thou shalt stay too :-I would my son
Were in Arabia, and thy tribe before him,
His good sword in his hand.

SIC.

VIR.

What then?

What then?

VOL. I would he had! 'Twas you incens'd the rabble ;

b

Cats, that can judge as fitly of his worth,
As I can of those mysteries which heaven
Will not have earth to know.

BRU.
Pray, let us go.
VOL. Now, pray, sir, get you gone: [this;-
You have done a brave deed. Ere you go, hear
As far as doth the Capitol exceed

The meanest house in Rome; so far, my son
(This lady's husband here, this, do you see)
Whom you have banish'd, does exceed you all.
BRU. Well, well, we 'll leave you.
SIC.

Why stay we to be baited
With one that wants her wits?
VOL.

Take my prayers
with you.-
[Exeunt Tribunes.

I would the gods had nothing else to do,
But to confirm my curses! Could I meet 'em
But once a day, it would unclog my heart
Of what lies heavy to't.

MEN.
You have told them home;
And, by my troth, you have cause.
You'll sup

with me?

b Cats,-] This is an odd epithet, whether intended for the Tribunes or the rabble. Mr. Collier's annotator would substitute, Curs, but as Volumnia is here upbraiding them for their lack of perception, we surmise the genuine word was Bats, for which "Cats" is an easy misprint,

Nic. The same, sir.

a

ADR. You had more beard when I last saw you; but favour is well appeared by your tongue. your What's the news in Rome? I have a note from the Volscian state, to find you out there: you have well saved me a day's journey.

NIC. There hath been in Rome strange insurrections: the people against the senators, patricians, and nobles.

ADR. Hath been is it ended then? Our state thinks not so; they are in a most warlike preparation, and hope to come upon them in the heat of their division.

Nic. The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing would make it flame again; for the nobles receive so to heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus, that they are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people, and to pluck from them their tribunes for ever. This lies glowing, I can tell you, and is almost mature for the violent breaking out.

ADR. Coriolanus banished?
NIC. Banished, sir.

ADR. You will be welcome with this intelligence, Nicanor.

Nic. The day serves well for them now. I have heard it said, the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is when she's fallen out with her husband. Your noble Tullus Aufidius will appear well in these wars, his great opposer, Coriolanus, being how in no request of his country.

ADR. He cannot choose. I am most fortunate, thus accidentally to encounter you: you have ended my business, and I will merrily accompany you home.

Nic. I shall, between this and supper,

tell you

your favour is well appeared by your tongue.] This may import, your favour is well manifested, or rendered apparent; but Johnson would read,-affeared, and Steevens and Mr. Collier's

most strange things from Rome, all tending to the good of their adversaries. Have you an army ready, say you?

ADR. A most royal one: the centurions, and their charges, distinctly billeted, already in the entertainment, and to be on foot at an hour's warning.

Nic. I am joyful to hear of their readiness, and am the man, I think, that shall set them in present action. So, sir, heartily well met, and most glad of your company.

ADR. You take my part from me, sir; I have the most cause to be glad of yours. Nic. Well, let us go together.

[Exeunt.

guest.

Re-enter the first Servant.

1 SERV. What would you have, friend? whence are you ?

Here's no place for you: pray, go to the door.

[Exit.

COR. I have deserv'd no better entertainment, In being Coriolanus."

Re-enter second Servant.

2 SERV. Whence are you, sir? Has the porter his eyes in his head, that he gives entrance to such companions? Pray, get you out.

COR. Away!

2 SERV. Away! Get you away. COR. Now thou 'rt troublesome.

2 SERV. Are you so brave? I'll have you talked with anon.

Enter a third Servant. The first meets him.

3 SERV. What fellow's this?

a In being Coriolanus.] In obtaining his surname fro.n the sack of Corioli.