READ STUDY GUIDE: Act I, scenes ii-x |
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Act I, Scene ii:
Corioli. The Senate House.
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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