William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Coriolanus

ACT IV. 6. SCENE VI. Rome. A public place. (continued)

BOTH TRIBUNES.
Farewell, farewell.

[Exeunt Citizens.]

SICINIUS.
This is a happier and more comely time
Than when these fellows ran about the streets
Crying confusion.

BRUTUS.
Caius Marcius was
A worthy officer i' the war; but insolent,
O'ercome with pride, ambitious past all thinking,
Self-loving,--

SICINIUS.
And affecting one sole throne,
Without assistance.

MENENIUS.
I think not so.

SICINIUS.
We should by this, to all our lamentation,
If he had gone forth consul, found it so.

BRUTUS.
The gods have well prevented it, and Rome
Sits safe and still without him.

[Enter an AEDILE.]

AEDILE.
Worthy tribunes,
There is a slave, whom we have put in prison,
Reports,--the Volsces with several powers
Are enter'd in the Roman territories,
And with the deepest malice of the war
Destroy what lies before 'em.

MENENIUS.
'Tis Aufidius,
Who, hearing of our Marcius' banishment,
Thrusts forth his horns again into the world;
Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome,
And durst not once peep out.

SICINIUS.
Come, what talk you of Marcius?

BRUTUS.
Go see this rumourer whipp'd.--It cannot be
The Volsces dare break with us.

MENENIUS.
Cannot be!
We have record that very well it can;
And three examples of the like hath been
Within my age. But reason with the fellow,
Before you punish him, where he heard this;
Lest you shall chance to whip your information
And beat the messenger who bids beware
Of what is to be dreaded.

SICINIUS.
Tell not me:
I know this cannot be.

BRUTUS.
Not possible.

[Enter A MESSENGER.]