Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/148

136 

Auf. Go tell the lords o' the city I am here:

Deliver them this paper: having read it,

Bid them repair to the market-place; where I,

Even in theirs and in the commons' ears,

Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accuse

The city ports by this hath enter'd, and

Intends to appear before the people, hoping

To purge himself with words: dispatch,

[Exeunt Attendants.]

Most welcome!

1. Con. How is it with our general?

Auf. Even so

As with a man by his own alms empoison'd,

And with his charity slain.

2. Con. Most noble sir,

If you do hold the same intent wherein

You wish'd us parties, we'll deliver you

Of your great danger.

Auf. Sir, I cannot tell:

We must proceed as we do find the people.

3. Con. The people will remain uncertain whilst

'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either

Makes the survivor heir of all.

Auf. I know it;

And my pretext to strike at him admits

 Scene Five Corioli; cf. n.

6 city ports: gates of the city

8 purge: clear

14 parties: to take part

18 difference: dispute

20 pretext: design

