William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Coriolanus

ACT V. 2. SCENE II. An Advanced post of the Volscian camp before Rome. The (continued)

SECOND GUARD.
Howsoever you have been his liar,--as you say you have, I am one
that, telling true under him, must say you cannot pass. Therefore
go back.

MENENIUS.
Has he dined, canst thou tell? For I would not speak with him
till after dinner.

FIRST GUARD.
You are a Roman, are you?

MENENIUS.
I am as thy general is.

FIRST GUARD.
Then you should hate Rome, as he does. Can you, when you have
pushed out your gates the very defender of them, and in a violent
popular ignorance, given your enemy your shield, think to front
his revenges with the easy groans of old women, the virginal
palms of your daughters, or with the palsied intercession of such
a decayed dotant as you seem to be? Can you think to blow out the
intended fire your city is ready to flame in, with such weak
breath as this? No, you are deceived; therefore back to Rome, and
prepare for your execution: you are condemned; our general has
sworn you out of reprieve and pardon.

MENENIUS.
Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here he would use me with
estimation.

SECOND GUARD.
Come, my captain knows you not.

MENENIUS.
I mean thy general.

FIRST GUARD.
My general cares not for you. Back, I say; go, lest I let forth
your half pint of blood;--back; that's the utmost of your
having:--back.

MENENIUS.
Nay, but fellow, fellow,--

[Enter CORIOLANUS with AUFIDIUS.]

CORIOLANUS.
What's the matter?