Coriolanus: Act 1, Scene 5

    tragedy

    Corioli. A street.

    Scene Summary

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    Martius bursts back out through the gates, bloodied, having fought his way through. He drives the Volscians before him and rallies the retreating Romans. His individual courage has changed the battle.

    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