Page 2864 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

But when extremities speak, I have heard you say,
Honour and policy, like unsevered friends,
I’th’war do grow together. Grant that, and tell me
In peace what each of them by th’other lose

That they combine not there.

CORIOLANUS
Tush, tush!

MENENIUS
A good demand. [45]

VOLUMNIA
If it be honour in your wars to seem
The same you are not, which for your best ends

You adopt your policy, how is it less or worse
That it shall hold companionship in peace
With honour as in war, since that to both [50]
It stands in like request?

CORIOLANUS
Why force you this?

VOLUMNIA
Because that now it lies you on to speak

To th’people not by your own instruction,
Nor by th’matter which your heart prompts you,
But with such words that are but roted in [55]

Your tongue, though but bastards and syllables
Of no allowance to your bosom’s truth.
Now this no more dishonours you at all
Than to take in a town with gentle words,
Which else would put you to your fortune and [60]

The hazard of much blood.
I would dissemble with my nature where
My fortunes and my friends at stake required

I should do so in honour. I am in this