Coriolanus: Act 1, Scene 2

    tragedy

    Corioli. The Senate-house.

    Scene Summary

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    In the Volscian city of Corioli, Aufidius and the Volscian senators discuss their military plans. They are aware the Romans know of their campaign.

    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?
    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
    '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,
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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.
    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
    Farewell.
    Second Senator
    Farewell.
    All
    Farewell.
    Exeunt