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The Tragedy of Coriolanus: Act 1 Scene 5

Scene V Corioli. A street.

[Enter certain Romans, with spoils]

FIRST ROMAN

This will I carry to Rome.

SECOND ROMAN

And I this.

THIRD ROMAN

A murrain on't! I took this for silver.

[Alarum continues still afar off]

[Enter MARCIUS and TITUS LARTIUS with a trumpet]

MARCIUS

See here these movers that do prize their hours

At a crack'd drachm! Cushions, leaden spoons,

Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would

Bury with those that wore them, these base slaves,

Ere yet the fight be done, pack up: down with them!

And hark, what noise the general makes! To him!

There is the man of my soul's hate, Aufidius,

Piercing our Romans: then, valiant Titus, take

Convenient numbers to make good the city;

Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste

To help Cominius.

LARTIUS

Worthy sir, thou bleed'st;

Thy exercise hath been too violent for

A second course of fight.

MARCIUS

Sir, praise me not;

My work hath yet not warm'd me: fare you well:

The blood I drop is rather physical

Than dangerous to me: to Aufidius thus

I will appear, and fight.

LARTIUS

Now the fair goddess, Fortune,

Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charms

Misguide thy opposers' swords! Bold gentleman,

Prosperity be thy page!

MARCIUS

Thy friend no less

Than those she placeth highest! So, farewell.

LARTIUS

Thou worthiest Marcius!

[Exit MARCIUS]

Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;

Call thither all the officers o' the town,

Where they shall know our mind: away!

[Exeunt]