Page 2858 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

SICINIUS

Sir, how comes’t that you
Have holp to make this rescue?

MENENIUS
Hear me speak. [275]
As I do know the Consul’s worthiness,

So can I name his faults.

SICINIUS
Consul! What Consul?

MENENIUS
The Consul Coriolanus.

BRUTUS
He Consul!

PLEBEIANS
No, no, no, no, no.

MENENIUS
If, by the Tribunes’ leave and yours, good people, [280]
I may be heard, I would crave a word or two,

The which shall turn you to no further harm
Than so much loss of time.

SICINIUS
Speak briefly then,
For we are peremptory to dispatch

This viperous traitor. To eject him hence [285]
Were but our danger, and to keep him here
Our certain death. Therefore it is decreed
He dies tonight.

MENENIUS
Now the good gods forbid