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  Home : English : Shakespeare Classic Books : Coriolanus : Act I, Scene ii
Coriolanus
  

READ STUDY GUIDE: Act I, scenes ii-x

Act I, Scene ii:
Corioli. The Senate House.
 
[Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain SENATORS.]
FIRST SENATOR:
So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels
And know how we proceed.
AUFIDIUS:
Is it not yours?
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:
[Reads.]
'They have pressed 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, Marcius your old enemy,—
Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,—
And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
These three lead on this preparation
Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:
Consider of it.'
FIRST SENATOR:
Our army's in the field:
We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
To answer us.
AUFIDIUS:
Nor did you think it folly
To keep your great pretences veil'd till when
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
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
Bring up your army; but I think you'll find
They've not prepared for us.
AUFIDIUS:
O, doubt not that;
I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
Some parcels of their power are forth already,
And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,
'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
Till one can do no more.
ALL:
The gods assist you!
AUFIDIUS:
And keep your honours safe!
FIRST SENATOR:
Farewell.
SECOND SENATOR:
Farewell.
ALL:
[Exeunt.]
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