Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
Act 1 - Scene 2
Corioli. The Senate-house.
First Senator : So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
[p]That they of Rome are entered in our
counsels
[p]And know how we proceed.
Tullus Aufidius : Is it not yours?
[p]What ever have been thought on in this
state,
[p]That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
[p]Had
circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone
[p]Since I heard thence; these
are the words: I think
[p]I have the letter here; yes, here it
is.
[p][Reads]
[p]'They have press'd a power, but it is not
known
[p]Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;
[p]The people
mutinous; and it is rumour'd,
[p]Cominius, CORIOLANUS your old
enemy,
[p]Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,
[p]And Titus TITUS,
a most valiant Roman,
[p]These three lead on this
preparation
[p]Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for
you:
[p]Consider of it.'
First Senator : Our army's in the field
[p]We never yet made doubt but Rome was
ready
[p]To answer us.
Tullus Aufidius : Nor did you think it folly
[p]To keep your great pretences veil'd till
when
[p]They needs must show themselves; which
[p]in the
hatching,
[p]It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery.
[p]We
shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was
[p]To take in many towns ere
almost Rome
[p]Should know we were afoot.
Second Senator : Noble Aufidius,
[p]Take your commission; hie you to your bands:
[p]Let
us alone to guard Corioli:
[p]If they set down before 's, for the
remove
[p]Bring your army; but, I think, you'll find
[p]They've not
prepared for us.
Tullus Aufidius : O, doubt not that;
[p]I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
[p]Some
parcels of their power are forth already,
[p]And only hitherward. I
leave your honours.
[p]If we and Caius CORIOLANUS chance to
meet,
[p]'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
[p]Till one can do
no more.
All : The gods assist you!
Tullus Aufidius : And keep your honours safe!
First Senator : Farewell.
Second Senator : Farewell.
All : Farewell.
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