Page 2919 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

CORIOLANUS

This last old man,
Whom with a cracked heart I have sent to Rome,
Loved me above the measure of a father, [10]

Nay, godded me indeed. Their latest refuge
Was to send him; for whose old love I have −
Though I showed sourly to him − once more offered
The first conditions, which they did refuse
And cannot now accept, to grace him only [15]

That thought he could do more. A very little
I have yielded to. Fresh embassies and suits,
Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter

Will I lend ear to. (Shouts within) Ha! What shout is this?
(aside) Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow [20]
In the same time ’tis made? I will not.

Enter Virgilia, Volumnia, Valeria, young Martius, with Attendants.

My wife comes foremost, then the honoured mould
Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand

The grandchild to her blood. But out, affection!
All bond and privilege of nature, break! [25]
Let it be virtuous to be obstinate.
What is that curtsy worth? Or those dove’s eyes

Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not
Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows,
As if Olympus to a molehill should [30]
In supplication nod, and my young boy

Hath an aspect of intercession which
Great Nature cries ‘Deny not.’ Let the Volsces
Plough Rome and harrow Italy! I’ll never
Be such a gosling to obey instinct, but stand [35]

As if a man were author of himself
And knew no other kin.

VIRGILIA
My lord and husband!