Page 2830 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

THIRD CITIZEN

Are you all resolved to give your voices? [35] But that’s no matter, the
greater part carries it. I say, if he would incline to the people, there was
never a worthier man.

Enter Coriolanus in a gown of humility, with Menenius.

Here he comes, and in the gown of humility. Mark his behaviour. We are not

to stay all together, but to come [40] by him where he stands, by ones, by
twos, and by threes. He’s to make his requests by particulars, wherein every
one of us has a single honour, in giving him our own voices with our own
tongues. Therefore follow me, and I’ll direct you how you shall go by him.

[45]

ALL
Content, content.
Exeunt Citizens.

MENENIUS
O sir, you are not right. Have you not known
The worthiest men have done’t?

CORIOLANUS

What must I say? −
‘I pray, sir’ − Plague upon’t! I cannot bring
My tongue to such a pace. ‘Look, sir, my wounds! [50]
I got them in my country’s service, when
Some certain of your brethren roared and ran

From th’noise of our own drums.’

MENENIUS
O me, the gods!
You must not speak of that. You must desire them
To think upon you.

CORIOLANUS

Think upon me? Hang’em! [55]