Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/155



2. Cit. The Folio gives this line to All. The later speeches of the Second Citizen, beginning with that at line 59, are transferred by Capell and other editors to the First Citizen on the ground that the Second Citizen has shown himself friendly to Martius. He is, however, a convinced supporter of the people's rights.

To scale 't a little more. 'Scale' is probably used in the sense of put it on the scales, weigh its meaning. Compare 'Scaling' in II. iii. 257. Theobald has been followed by most editors in emending to 'stale.'

Which ne'er came from the lungs. A quiet reflective smile with nothing boisterous about it.

taintingly. Modern editors agree in emending to 'tauntingly,' but the belly is not taunting. To taint means to make a successful hit in tilting.

The counsellor heart. The heart was supposed to be the seat of reason. Compare line 142.

Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run. You who are in the worst physical condition for running (or other activity). A rascal was a lean, inferior deer, whereas stags were said to be 'in blood' when in good condition. Compare IV. v. 226.

That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion, Make yourselves scabs. 'There is a pun on 'scabs': (a) scabby sores, (b) good-for-nothing citizens.

you are no surer, no, Than is the coal of fire upon the ice. The Thames River was frozen over in the winter of 1608 (a rare phenomenon), and fires were built upon the ice. This figure has therefore been used in dating the play.