Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
ACT 1 SCENE 4
Martius and Lartius wait outside Corioles, betting their horses on whether Cominius and Aufidius have met. A messenger brings the news that the generals have not spoken, and Martius calls for a parley. The Volscian senators appear and Martius asks for Aufidius, but he is already doing battle with Cominius, confirmed by the sounds of a distant drum and alarum. Lartius calls for ladders to scale the walls of Corioles, but the Volscian army advances. Martius' call to arms, to "fight / With hearts more proof than shields," demonstrates his courage. The Volsces beat the Romans back to their trenches and Martius is furious. He curses his soldiers, a "herd" of men who have the "souls of geese," wishing "boils and plagues" upon them. As the gates open, Martius pursues the enemy inside, but the Roman soldiers do not follow, regarding his actions as "Foolhardiness." The gates close behind Martius and Lartius assumes that he has been killed. As he delivers a eulogy on Martius' bravery, Martius himself reemerges, bleeding, but still fighting. Inspired, his men follow him into Corioles.
ACT 1 SCENE 5
Martius and Lartius find soldiers dividing their "spoils," while the fighting continues elsewhere. Martius is disgusted by the "base slaves" who value worthless goods, such as "a cracked drachma" and "leaden spoons," and leave before the fighting's finished. He hears the sounds of the battle, and imagines Aufidius "Piercing" the Roman troops. He sends Lartius to secure Corioles while he goes to help Cominius. Lartius argues that Martius is heavily wounded, but Martius insists he will fight.
ACT 1 SCENE 6
Cominius and his soldiers retreat. He praises his men, in contrast to Martius' contempt for the common soldiers. A messenger reports that he saw Lartius and Martius' troops driven back to their trenches outside Corioles. They are interrupted, however, by the arrival of a bleeding Martius. Martius and Cominius embrace, and Cominius calls him a "Flower of warriors." Martius reveals that they have taken Corioles and demands to know why Cominius is not fighting. Cominius tells him of their retreat, and Martius asks Cominius to "Set [him] against Aufidius." He urges him to fill "the air with swords advanced and darts." Martius rallies the soldiers, calling for anyone who believes "brave death outweighs bad life." The men all take up arms and prepare to fight, urged on by Cominius who promises a share of any booty, revealing another contrast in the attitudes of the two leaders: Martius fights for honor, Cominius for financial reward.
ACT 1 SCENE 7
Lartius leaves a guard on the gates of Corioles and goes to find Cominius and Martius.
ACT 1 SCENE 8
Martius and Aufidius fight. Their enmity is apparent as Martius announces that he "hates" Aufidius "Worse than a promise-breaker." They agree to fight to the death, but Aufidius breaks his word and retreats, assisted by Volscian soldiers.
ACT 1 SCENE 9
Cominius praises Martius, saying the tribunes and the "fusty plebeians" will "thank the gods" that "Rome hath such a soldier." They are joined by Lartius, who joins in with Cominius' fulsome praise, to Martius' discomfort. Cominius insists that "Rome must know the value of her own" and offers Martius "a tenth" of the spoils, but Martius refuses any "bribe to pay [his] sword." The soldiers cheer and Lartius and Cominius bare their heads in respect but Martius repeats that he does not want their praise. Cominius says he is "Too modest" and insists on giving Martius his own horse. He adds that, "from this time," Martius shall be known as "Martius Caius Coriolanus" in recognition of "what he did before Corioles." The soldiers call out his new name, and "Coriolanus" thanks Cominius before inquiring after a Volscian prisoner, "a poor man" who allowed him to rest at his house. He requests the man's freedom (the first and only time he shows concern for a commoner) but cannot remember his name, and the moment passes.
ACT 1 SCENE 10
Defeated, Aufidius is furious and swears his revenge on Martius/Coriolanus. He acknowledges that Martius has beaten him five times, and probably would do so "should we encounter / As often as we eat." He swears that if he cannot beat him "True sword to sword" then he will do so by some other means, emphasizing the contrast between his own character and Martius' inflexible honesty. He sends a soldier to Corioles to discover who are "hostages to Rome," and goes to make his plans.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Lines 1-87: Menenius says that the augurer has predicted that it will be good news from the wars, although the people will not think so "for they love not Martius." Brutus and Sicinius discuss Martius' faults, particularly his pride, and Menenius retorts that they are themselves "censured" by the honorable and noble men of the city for being "unmeriting, proud, violent, testy magistrates, alias fools." He enlarges on the faults of the people's tribunes, "the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians," and tells them that Martius is "worth all [their] predecessors." He prepares to leave, saying that their conversation might "infect" his brain. He meets Volumnia, Virgilia, and Valeria.
Lines 88-200: Volumnia tells Menenius that Martius is on his way, showing him letters to this effect, and adding that there is a letter for him too. Menenius is overjoyed and asks if Martius is wounded. Despite Virgilia's protests, Volumnia insists that he will be, and both she and Menenius are pleased at this sign of his military prowess. They discuss his defeat of Aufidius and how the senate has had a full report of Martius' bravery. Volumnia proudly boasts that Martius has been given "the whole name of the war," and Menenius tells Brutus and Sicinius that Martius now has even "more cause to be proud." As Menenius and Volumnia discuss the wounds that Martius has received over the years, they hear a shout and a flourish. The procession arrives, the victorious Martius crowned with "an oaken garland." A herald announces that he is to be known henceforth as "Coriolanus." The Romans cheer and Coriolanus silences them before greeting his mother. He kneels before her, but she tells him to stand and greet his wife. Coriolanus turns to Virgilia, who is weeping, and tells her that her behavior is more like that of a widow, although his tone is gentle. He takes her hand, and his mother's, and says that they must go to the Capitol before they go home. Volumnia claims that now there is only "one thing wanting" in her dreams for her son, but he insists that he would rather serve Rome as a soldier than have political power.
Lines 201-277: Alone, Brutus and Sicinius discuss Coriolanus' recent triumph and popularity. Brutus predicts that Coriolanus will be offered the consulship, which Sicinius foresees will lessen their own powers. They take comfort from the fact that he will not be able to sustain his popularity because of his pride. They decide to remind the people of Coriolanus' previous "hatred" for them. A messenger arrives to call the tribunes to the Capitol, where Coriolanus is celebrated by "nobles" and "commons" alike.
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Two officers prepare the Capitol for the election of the consulship. One comments that "Coriolanus will carry it," but the other says that despite his bravery, Coriolanus is "vengeance proud, and loves not the common people." A sennet is heard, and the official procession of patricians and tribunes arrives. Menenius announces that the main purpose of the meeting is to report on the "worthy work performed / By Martius Caius Coriolanus." Cominius is invited to speak, and Brutus and Sicinius are asked to listen and then report what they hear "toward the common body." Coriolanus leaves, insisting that he does not want to hear his deeds recounted. Menenius makes a point of commenting on Coriolanus' modesty, and Cominius begins his speech in praise of Coriolanus' bravery in war, from the start of his career to Corioles. He describes how Coriolanus "waxed like a sea" and "struck Corioles like a planet," adding that he refused the spoils he was offered, believing he "rewards His deeds with doing them." Coriolanus is sent for, and Menenius tells him he will be made consul, but he must now "speak to the people." Coriolanus replies that he cannot "entreat" the people for their vote by displaying his wounds and asks to "o'erleap that custom," but Sicinius insists that "the people must have their voices." Coriolanus argues that he will "blush in acting" such a part and does not wish it to be thought his valor in battle was merely to win the good opinion of the people. Menenius urges hi
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Lines 1-61: The citizens await Coriolanus, discussing how they must show "noble acceptance" of his noble deeds, although aware of his dislike. Coriolanus enters, dressed in a gown of humility, to ask for their votes. Menenius encourages Coriolanus, but he is reluctant and cannot see why he should show his battle scars to win approval. Menenius urges him to speak "In wholesome manner," otherwise he will "mar all." Menenius leaves, and three citizens come before Coriolanus.
Lines 62-132: Coriolanus is brusque and awkward as he asks the citizens the "price o'th'consulship," adding that he has "wounds to show" if they wish. They give him their vote. The next two citizens enter, and again Coriolanus asks for their vote, but one of the citizens challenges him, accusing him of being both a friend and enemy of the people: he has proved "a scourge" to the enemies of Rome, but also "a rod" to her friends, as he does not love "the common people." Coriolanus cynically promises to "flatter" the citizens, and to "practise the insinuating nod," and the citizens give him their vote. When they have left, Coriolanus' soliloquy reveals his contempt for the process and the citizens: "Better it is to die, better to starve / Than crave the hire which first we do deserve." More citizens enter and he reminds them of the battles he has fought before they give him their votes.
Lines 133-270: Menenius returns with Brutus and Sicinius. Menenius tells him that he has "the people's voice" and can now meet the senate. Coriolanus wishes to change out of his robes of humility. Coriolanus and Menenius leave, and Brutus observes how "With a proud heart he wore his humble weeds." The citizens return and report that Coriolanus has their vote, although most of them feel he "mocked" them, saying they did not see his wounds, the "marks of merit" that won their votes. Sicinius questions why, therefore, they gave their votes and both he and Brutus tell the citizens what they should have said, using the opportunity to remind them of Coriolanus' faults, arguing that "his contempt" will be "bruising" to them once he has "power to crush." The citizens are swayed, as, encouraged by Brutus and Sicinius, they prepare to march to the senate and "revoke" their "ignorant election" of Coriolanus.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Lines 1-212: Coriolanus questions Lartius about Aufidius, who has raised a new army. Coriolanus believes they will soon be at war again but Lartius says that this is unlikely. He reports that Aufidius has retired to Antium, where he curses the Volsces for yielding Corioles. Aufidius hates Coriolanus most "of all things upon the earth," and wants to become his "vanquisher." As Coriolanus is expressing his desire to meet Aufidius again, Brutus and Sicinius stop the procession. Coriolanus tells Lartius how much he despises the two tribunes, "The tongues o'th'common mouth." Brutus and Sicinius say that it would be dangerous to process any further: the people are "incensed against" Coriolanus. Coriolanus asks why the tribunes cannot control their "herd" and accuses them of inciting the citizens against him.
Despite Menenius' and Cominius' repeated appeals for calm, an argument begins as Brutus and Sicinius say that Coriolanus "mocked" the people and remind him of his past attitude toward them. In turn, Coriolanus accuses them of a "plot" against him. He cannot contain his true feelings about the commoners, "the mutable, rank-scented meinie," arguing that in "soothing" them, and "mingling" with them, the senate has "nourished" the masses and given "power" to "beggars." He denies all of Menenius' attempts to excuse his words and continues to criticize the senate for their tolerance toward the people. Sicinius accuses Coriolanus of treachery and calls for him to be arrested. The patricians back Coriolanus, but the Aediles arrive with the rabble of plebeians to arrest him.
Lines 213-300: Menenius calls for "respect" from all sides, but Brutus and Sicinius incite the crowd, telling them that Coriolanus would take their power and urging the Aediles to "seize him." A disturbance breaks out and Menenius urges Sicinius to call the crowd to order. As Menenius observes, however, Sicinius' words serve more to "kindle" rather than "quench" as he tells the crowd that "Martius" would have them "lose [their] liberties." Coriolanus argues that giving the people their own tribunes "is the way to lay the city flat." Brutus and Sicinius claim "Martius is worthy / Of present death" and urge the masses to seize him and throw him from "th'rock Tarpeian." Coriolanus draws his sword and declares he will die fighting. Again, Menenius urges calm and Cominius calls on the nobility to help Coriolanus. The mutiny begins and the tribunes, officers, and people are beaten offstage. Despite Coriolanus' desire to stay and fight, the senators urge him to leave. Cominius leads him away, while Menenius stays to try and "patch" matters.
Lines 301-402: Menenius explains that Coriolanus is "too noble" to flatter and that "his tongue must vent" what is in his heart. The "rabble" returns led by Brutus and Sicinius who have complete control over them. Menenius tries to describe their new consul's "worthiness," but they deny that Coriolanus is consul. Sicinius argues that they are keen to "dispatch" him, describing Coriolanus as a "disease that must be cut away." Menenius asks what he has "done to Rome that's worthy death," reminding them of his bravery in battle and the blood that he has shed "for his country." He asks the people to allow him to bring Coriolanus to answer them in a fair trial and, urged by the senators, they agree. Menenius and the senators go to fetch Coriolanus, and Brutus and Sicinius lead the people to wait in the marketplace.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
The defiant Coriolanus is surprised that his mother urges him to be "milder." He asks if she wants him to be "false" to his own nature when he would rather "play" the part of himself. Volumnia answers that she would rather that he had been secure in his new power before he "had worn it out." Menenius arrives and explains to Coriolanus that, for the sake of "the whole state," he must "Repent." Coriolanus is reluctant, but Volumnia encourages him to think of it as tactical, "as in war," "to seem The same you are not." She tells him to go with his head uncovered and kneel before the people, as "Action is eloquence," and to tell them that as a soldier he does not have "the soft way" with words. Cominius comes to fetch Coriolanus to the marketplace. He revolts at the idea that he must turn his "throat of war" into "a pipe Small as an eunuch." Volumnia continues to urge him, and he agrees that he will go and behave "mildly."
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Lines 1-47: An Aedile tells Sicinius and Brutus that Coriolanus is coming, accompanied by Menenius and several senators. Sicinius tells him to "assemble the people." He adds instructions that, whatever he pronounces against Coriolanus, whether it be "For death, for fine, or banishment," the crowd are to repeat his declaration, showing the power he has over the citizens. The Aedile leaves and Brutus advises Sicinius to provoke Coriolanus "to choler," as he will speak "his heart," thus giving them the opportunity to "break his neck." Coriolanus arrives, accompanied by various noble figures. Menenius begs him to behave calmly, and Coriolanus vows that he will keep the peace.
Lines 48-167: The Aedile brings in the citizens and Coriolanus asks to speak. Sicinius says that he must accept the "lawful censure" of the people once his faults are "proved upon" him. Menenius tells the crowd they must allow for Coriolanus' "rougher accents" because he is a soldier. Coriolanus asks to know why the citizens changed their minds about the consulship, and Sicinius accuses him of desiring "a power tyrannical," which would make him "a traitor to the people." Coriolanus is unable to control his proud temper and declares he will not "buy" the citizens' "mercy" and would rather take his punishment. Sicinius seizes the opportunity to banish him. Cominius' attempts to intervene are ineffectual and Coriolanus proclaims his hatred of the common "curs," claiming that their ignorance leads them to "banish [their] defenders." He leaves, accompanied by the noblemen, and the citizens celebrate that "the people's enemy is gone," before heading to the gates to see Coriolanus cast out of Rome.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
The short scenes that distinguish this act create both a sense of pace and of the inevitable progression toward the tragic conclusion.
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ACT 4 SCENE 2
Brutus and Sicinius give orders that the crowds are to be dispersed. They decide they should "seem humbler" for a while, to placate Coriolanus' noble supporters. Volumnia, Virgilia, and Menenius arrive and both women angrily attack the tribunes. Volumnia reminds them of the "noble blows" Coriolanus has struck "for Rome," and accuses them of having "incensed the rabble." The tribunes leave quickly.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
Nicanor and Adrian meet between Rome and Antium and exchange military secrets. Nicanor recounts the unrest in Rome and the banishment of Coriolanus, and we learn that the Volscians have an army ready to attack.
ACT 4 SCENE 4
Coriolanus arrives in Antium in disguise and asks for Aufidius' house. His soliloquy reflects on how friends can suddenly turn in "bitterest enmity," and how he hopes that Aufidius, once his enemy, will "interjoin" with him against Rome.