Her.
Know, Rome, that all alone Martius did fight
Within Corioli gates, where he hath won,
With fame, a name to Caius Martius.
Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus. [Sound. Flourish.

All.
Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus.

Cor.
No more of this, it does offend my heart;
Pray now no more.

Com.
Look, Sir, your mother.

Cor.
Oh!
You have, I know, petition'd all the Gods
For my prosperity. [Kneels.

Vol.
Nay my soldier, up:
My gentle Martius, worthy Caius,
By deed-atchieving honour newly nam'd,
What is it, Coriolanus, must I call thee?
But oh, thy wife—

Cor.
My gracious silence, hail:
Would'st thou have laugh'd, had I come coffin'd home,
That weep'st to see me triumph? ah, my dear,
Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear,
And mothers that lack sons.

Men.
Now the Gods crown thee.

Com.
And live you yet? O my sweet lady, pardon.

Vol.
I know not where to turn. O welcome home;
And welcome General, y'are welcome all.

Men.
A hundred thousand welcomes: I could weep,

And I could laugh, I'm light and heavy; welcome:
A curse begin at very root on's heart
That is not glad to see thee. You are three
That Rome should dote on: yet by the faith of men,
We've some old crab-trees here at home, that will not
Be grafted to your relish. Welcome warriors;
We call a nettle, but a nettle, and
The faults of fools, but folly.

Com.
Ever right.

Cor.
Menenius, ever, ever.

Her.
Give way there, and go on.

Cor.
Your hand, and yours.
Ere in our own house I do shade my head,
The good patricians must be visited,
From whom I have receiv'd not only greetings,
But with them, change of honours.

Vol.
I have lived,
To see inherited my very wishes,
And buildings of my fancy; only one thing
Is wanting, which I doubt not but our Rome
Will cast upon thee.

Cor.
Know, good mother, I
Had rather be their servant in my way,
Than sway with them in theirs

Com.
On, to the Capitol. [Flourish. Cornets. [Exeunt in state, as before.

Previous section

Next section