The Tragedy of Coriolanus — Act 1 Scene 2

Enter Tullus Auffidius with Senators of Coriolus.

1. Sen.So, your opinion is Auffidius,That they of Rome are entred in our Counsailes,And know how we proceede.

Auf.Is it not yours?What euer haue bin thought one in this StateThat could be brought to bodily act, ere RomeHad circumuention: 'tis not foure dayes goneSince I heard thence, these are the words, I thinkeI haue the Letter heere: yes, heere it is;They haue prest a Power, but it is not knowneWhether for East or West: the Dearth is great,The people Mutinous: And it is rumour'd,Cominius, Martius your old Enemy(Who is of Rome worse hated then of you)And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,These three leade on this PreparationWhether 'tis bent: most likely, 'tis for you:Consider of it.

1. Sen.Our Armie's in the Field:We neuer yet made doubt but Rome was readyTo answer vs.

Auf.Nor did you thinke it folly,To keepe your great pretences vayl'd, till whenThey needs must shew themselues, which in the hatchingIt seem'd appear'd to Rome. By the discouery,We shalbe shortned in our ayme, which wasTo take in many Townes, ere (almost) RomeShould know we were a-foot.

2. Sen.Noble Auffidius,Take your Commission, hye you to your Bands,Let vs alone to guard CoriolesIf they set downe before's: for the remoueBring vp your Army: but (I thinke) you'l findeTh'haue not prepar'd for vs.

Auf.O doubt not that,I speake from Certainties. Nay more,Some parcels of their Power are forth already,And onely hitherward. I leaue your Honors.If we, and Caius Martius chance to meete,'Tis sworne betweene vs, we shall euer strikeTill one can do no more.

All.The Gods assist you.

Auf.And keepe your Honors safe.

1. Sen.Farewell.

2. Sen.Farewell.

All.Exeunt omnes.Farewell.