Page 2877 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3
P. 2877
ACT IV IT
Scene I IT
Enter Coriolanus, Volumnia, Virgilia, Menenius, Cominius, with the young
Nobility of Rome.
CORIOLANUS
Come, leave your tears. A brief farewell. The beast
With many heads butts me away. Nay, mother,
Where is your ancient courage? You were used
To say extremities was the trier of spirits;
That common chances common men could bear; [5]
That when the sea was calm all boats alike
Showed mastership in floating; fortune’s blows
When most struck home, being gentle wounded craves
A noble cunning. You were used to load me
With precepts that would make invincible [10]
The heart that conned them.
VIRGILIA
O heavens! O heavens!
CORIOLANUS
Nay, I prithee, woman −
VOLUMNIA
Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome,
And occupations perish!
CORIOLANUS
What, what, what!
I shall be loved when I am lacked. Nay, mother, [15]
