Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/25

The Tragedy of Coriolanus, I. ii

''1. Sen''. Our army's in the field:

We never yet made doubt but Rome was ready

To answer us.

Auf. Nor did you think it folly

To keep your great pretences veil'd till when

They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching,

It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery

We shall be shorten'd in our aim, which was

To take in many towns ere almost Rome

Should know we were afoot.

2. Sen. Noble Aufidius,

Take your commission; hie you to your bands;

Let us alone to guard Corioli:

If they set down before 's, for the remove

Bring up your army; but I think you'll find

They've not prepar'd for us.

Auf. O! doubt not that;

I speak from certainties. Nay, more;

Some parcels of their power are forth already,

And only hitherward. I leave your honours.

If we and Caius Martius chance to meet,

'Tis sworn between us we shall ever strike

Till one can do no more.

All. The gods assist you!

Auf. And keep your honours safe!

1. Sen. Farewell.

2. Sen. Farewell.

All. Farewell.

 20 pretences: designs

24 take in: capture

27 Corioli; cf. n.

28 remove: raising the siege

32 parcels: portions 