Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/21

The Tragedy of Coriolanus, I. i

And a petition granted them, a strange one,—

To break the heart of generosity,

And make bold power look pale,—they threw their caps

As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon,

Shouting their emulation.

Men. What is granted them?

Mar. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,

Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus,

Sicinius Velutus, and I know not—'Sdeath!

The rabble should have first unroof'd the city,

Ere so prevail'd with me; it will in time

Win upon power, and throw forth greater themes

For insurrection's arguing.

Men. This is strange.

Mar. Go; get you home, you fragments!

Mess. Where's Caius Martius?

Mar. Here: what's the matter?

Mess. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.

Mar. I am glad on 't; then we shall ha' means to vent

Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders.

1. Sen. Martius, 'tis true that you have lately told us;

The Volsces are in arms.

Mar. They have a leader,

 217 generosity: the gentry

226 Win upon: get ahead of

power: constituted authority

227 For arguing: for insurgents to maintain

231 vent: dispose of

