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Act 1, Scene 2

Corioli. The Senate House.

  1. [Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain SENATORS.]
  2. First Senator
  3. 290 So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
  4. 291 That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels
  5. 292 And know how we proceed.
  6. Tullus Aufidius
  7. 293 Is it not yours?
  8. 294 What ever have been thought on in this state,
  9. 295 That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
  10. 296 Had circumvention! 'Tis not four days gone
  11. 297 Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think
  12. 298 I have the letter here; yes, here it is:
  13. [Reads.]
  14. Tullus Aufidius
  15. 299 'They have pressed a power, but it is not known
  16. 300 Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;
  17. 301 The people mutinous: and it is rumour'd,
  18. 302 Cominius, Marcius your old enemy,—
  19. 303 Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,—
  20. 304 And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
  21. 305 These three lead on this preparation
  22. 306 Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:
  23. 307 Consider of it.'
  24. First Senator
  25. 308 Our army's in the field:
  26. 309 We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
  27. 310 To answer us.
  28. Tullus Aufidius
  29. 311 Nor did you think it folly
  30. 312 To keep your great pretences veil'd till when
  31. 313 They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching,
  32. 314 It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery
  33. 315 We shall be shorten'd in our aim; which was,
  34. 316 To take in many towns ere, almost, Rome
  35. 317 Should know we were afoot.
  36. Second Senator
  37. 318 Noble Aufidius,
  38. 319 Take your commission; hie you to your bands;
  39. 320 Let us alone to guard Corioli:
  40. 321 If they set down before's, for the remove
  41. 322 Bring up your army; but I think you'll find
  42. 323 They've not prepared for us.
  43. Tullus Aufidius
  44. 324 O, doubt not that;
  45. 325 I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
  46. 326 Some parcels of their power are forth already,
  47. 327 And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
  48. 328 If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,
  49. 329 'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
  50. 330 Till one can do no more.
  51. All
  52. 331 The gods assist you!
  53. Tullus Aufidius
  54. 332 And keep your honours safe!
  55. First Senator
  56. 333 Farewell.
  57. Second Senator
  58. 334 Farewell.
  59. [Exeunt.]