Page 2873 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

How − traitor?

MENENIUS
Nay, temperately! Your promise.

CORIOLANUS
The fires i’th’lowest hell fold in the people!
Call me their traitor, thou injurious Tribune!
Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths, [70]

In thy hands clutched as many millions, in
Thy lying tongue both numbers, I would say
‘Thou liest’ unto thee with a voice as free
As I do pray the gods.

SICINIUS

Mark you this, people?

PLEBEIANS

To th’rock, to th’rock with him!

SICINIUS
Peace! [75]
We need not put new matter to his charge.
What you have seen him do and beard him speak,
Beating your officers, cursing yourselves,

Opposing laws with strokes, and here defying
Those whose great power must try him − even this, [80]
So criminal and in such capital kind,

Deserves th’extremest death.

BRUTUS

But since he hath
Served well for Rome −

CORIOLANUS
What do you prate of service?