Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/167

The Tragedy of Coriolanus not. Lots were the drawings in a lottery, blanks those that carried no prize. The Arden editors have a learned note upon this phrase, the meaning of which is not so simple as it appears.

I have ever verified my friends. The Folio reading, 'verified,' gives a reasonable sense. Many emendations have, however, been proposed and adopted; e.g., magnified, amplified, glorified.

my remission lies In Volscian breasts. In exercising clemency I am no free agent, but must be governed by the feelings of the Volsci.

That we have been familiar, Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison, rather Than pity note how much. I shall rather be ungrateful in forgetting our old familiarity than by dwelling upon it allow my pity to be aroused.

He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not from another. One who, like Menenius, would be willing to slay himself is beyond caring for the death threats of the Watch. Compare line 59, above.

The sorrow that delivers us thus chang'd Makes you think so. Virgilia purposely misconstrues her husband's words. The great alteration, she says, which sorrow has caused in our appearance makes you think you can't believe your eyes.

Of thy deep duty more impression show Than that of common sons. Wishing to emphasize his dutiful respect, Coriolanus bids his knee, not simply touch the ground, but sink into it and leave a deep imprint.

dear Valeria. In Plutarch it is she who suggests to Volumnia and Virgilia the visit to Coriolanus' camp. North speaks of her thus: 'Valeria, Publicola's own sister; the self same Publicola, who did such notable service to the Romans, both in peace and wars, and was dead also certain years before, as