Coriolanus
Act I, Scene 10
The Volscian camp.
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A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Aufidius bloody, with two
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or three Volscian Soldiers.
Aufidius
1
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The town is ta’en!
Volscian Soldier
2
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’Twill be deliver’d back on good condition.
Aufidius
3 - 16
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Condition?
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I would I were a Roman, for I cannot,
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Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition?
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What good condition can a treaty find
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I’ th’ part that is at mercy? Five times, Martius,
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I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me;
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And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter
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As often as we eat. By th’ elements,
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If e’er again I meet him beard to beard,
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He’s mine, or I am his. Mine emulation
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Hath not that honor in’t it had; for where
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I thought to crush him in an equal force,
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True sword to sword, I’ll potch at him some way,
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Or wrath or craft may get him.
Volscian Soldier
17
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He’s the devil.
Aufidius
18 - 30
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Bolder, though not so subtle. My valor’s poison’d
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With only suff’ring stain by him; for him
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Shall fly out of itself. Nor sleep nor sanctuary,
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Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,
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The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,
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Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up
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Their rotten privilege and custom ’gainst
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My hate to Martius. Where I find him, were it
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At home, upon my brother’s guard, even there,
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Against the hospitable canon, would I
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Wash my fierce hand in ’s heart. Go you to th’ city,
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Learn how ’tis held, and what they are that must
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Be hostages for Rome.
Volscian Soldier
31
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Will not you go?
Aufidius
32 - 35
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I am attended at the cypress grove. I pray you
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(’Tis south the city mills) bring me word thither
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How the world goes, that to the pace of it
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I may spur on my journey.
Volscian Soldier
36
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I shall, sir.
