Act 5. Scene II - Page 2

reprieve and pardon.

MENENIUS
Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here, he would
use me with estimation.

Second Senator
Come, my captain knows you not.

MENENIUS
I mean, thy general.

First Senator
My general cares not for you. Back, I say, go; lest
I let forth your half-pint of blood; back,--that's
the utmost of your having: back.

MENENIUS
Nay, but, fellow, fellow,--

Enter CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS

CORIOLANUS
What's the matter?

MENENIUS
Now, you companion, I'll say an errand for you:
You shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall
perceive that a Jack guardant cannot office me from
my son Coriolanus: guess, but by my entertainment
with him, if thou standest not i' the state of
hanging, or of some death more long in
spectatorship, and crueller in suffering; behold now
presently, and swoon for what's to come upon thee.

To CORIOLANUS

The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy
particular prosperity, and love thee no worse than
thy old father Menenius does! O my son, my son!
thou art preparing fire for us; look thee, here's
water to quench it. I was hardly moved to come to
thee; but being assured none but myself could move
thee, I have been blown out of your gates with
sighs; and conjure thee to pardon Rome, and thy
petitionary countrymen. The good gods assuage thy
wrath, and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet
here,--this, who, like a block, hath denied my
access to thee.

CORIOLANUS
Away!

MENENIUS
How! away!

CORIOLANUS
Wife, mother, child, I know not. My affairs
Are servanted to others: though I owe
My revenge properly, my remission lies
In Volscian breasts. That we have been familiar,
Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison, rather
Than pity note how much. Therefore, be gone.
Mine ears against your suits are stronger than
Your gates against my force. Yet, for I loved thee,
Take this along; I writ it for thy sake

Gives a letter

And would have rent it. Another word, Menenius,
I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius,
Was my beloved in Rome: yet thou behold'st!

AUFIDIUS
You keep a constant temper.

Exeunt CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS

First Senator
Now, sir, is your name Menenius?

Second Senator
'Tis a spell, you see, of much power: you know the
way home again.

First Senator
Do you hear how we are shent for keeping your
greatness back?

Second Senator
What cause, do you think, I have to swoon?

MENENIUS
I neither care for the world nor your general: for
such things as you, I can scarce think there's any,
ye're so