Her.
Know, Rome, that all alone Marcius did fight
Within Corioli' gates, where he hath won,
With fame, a name to Caius Marcius.
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 good soldier, up:
My gentle Marcius, worthy Caius, and
By deed-atchieving honour newly nam'd,
What is it, Coriolanus, must I call thee?
But oh, thy wife—

Cor.
“^{4 note}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!

Cor.
And live you yet? O my sweet Lady, pardon. [To Valeria.

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,
^{5 note}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