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.]