TPTT The Tragedy of Coriolanus: ACT I
Introduction
ACT I
SCENE I. Rome. A street.
SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate-house.
SCENE III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house.
SCENE IV. Before Corioli.
SCENE V. Corioli. A street.
SCENE VI. Near the camp of Cominius.
SCENE VII. The gates of Corioli.
SCENE VIII. A field of battle.
SCENE IX. The Roman camp.
SCENE X. The camp of the Volsces.
ACT II
ACT III
ACT IV
ACT V
About the Play
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SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate-house.
Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS and certain Senators
First Senator
      So, your opinion is, Aufidius,
      That they of Rome are entered in our counsels
      And know how we proceed.
AUFIDIUS
      Is it not yours?
5     What ever have been thought on in this state,
      That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome
      Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone
      Since I heard thence; these are the words: I think
      I have the letter here; yes, here it is.

Reads

10    'They have press'd a power, but it is not known
      Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;
      The people mutinous; and it is rumour'd,
      Cominius, Marcius your old enemy,
      Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,
15    And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,
      These three lead on this preparation
      Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:
      Consider of it.'
First Senator
      Our army's in the field
20    We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready
      To answer us.
AUFIDIUS
      Nor did you think it folly
      To keep your great pretences veil'd till when
      They needs must show themselves; which
25    in the hatching,
      It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery.
      We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was
      To take in many towns ere almost Rome
      Should know we were afoot.
Second Senator
30    Noble Aufidius,
      Take your commission; hie you to your bands:
      Let us alone to guard Corioli:
      If they set down before 's, for the remove
      Bring your army; but, I think, you'll find
35    They've not prepared for us.
AUFIDIUS
      O, doubt not that;
      I speak from certainties. Nay, more,
      Some parcels of their power are forth already,
      And only hitherward. I leave your honours.
40    If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,
      'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike
      Till one can do no more.
All
      The gods assist you!
AUFIDIUS
      And keep your honours safe!
First Senator
45    Farewell.
Second Senator
      Farewell.
All
      Farewell.
Exeunt
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