Page 2823 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

FIRST SENATOR

Speak, good Cominius.
Leave nothing out for length, and make us think
Rather our state’s defective for requital

Than we to stretch it out. (To the Tribunes) Masters o’th’people,
We do request your kindest ears, and after, [50]
Your loving motion toward the common body
To yield what passes here.

SICINIUS
We are convented

Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts
Inclinable to honour and advance
The theme of our assembly.

BRUTUS
Which the rather [55]

We shall be blessed to do, if he remember
A kinder value of the people than
He hath hereto prized them at.

MENENIUS
That’s off, that’s off!
I would you rather had been silent. Please you

To hear Cominius speak?

BRUTUS

Most willingly. [60]
But yet my caution was more pertinent
Than the rebuke you give it.

MENENIUS
He loves your people;

But tie him not to be their bedfellow.
Worthy Cominius, speak.

Coriolanus rises, and offers to go away.