Page 2875 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

It shall be so, it shall be so! Let him away!
He’s banished, and it shall be so.

COMINIUS
Hear me, my masters and my common friends −

SICINIUS
He’s sentenced. No more hearing.

COMINIUS
Let me speak.
I have been Consul, and can show for Rome [110]

Her enemies’ marks upon me. I do love
My country’s good with a respect more tender,
More holy and profound, than mine own life,

My dear wife’s estimate, her womb’s increase
And treasure of my loins. Then if I would [115]
Speak that −

SICINIUS
We know your drift. Speak what?

BRUTUS
There’s no more to be said, but he is banished
As enemy to the people and his country.

It shall be so.

PLEBEIANS
It shall be so, it shall be so!

CORIOLANUS
You common cry of curs, whose breath I hate [120]
As reek o’th’rotten fens, whose loves I prize

As the dead carcasses of unburied men
That do corrupt my air − I banish you.
And here remain with your uncertainty!
Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts; [125]