Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/27

The Tragedy of Coriolanus, I. iii

die nobly for their country than one voluptu-

ously surfeit out of action.

Gent. Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to

visit you.

Vir. Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself.

Vol. Indeed, you shall not.

Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum,

See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair,

As children from a bear the Volsces shunning him:

Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus:

'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,

Though you were born in Rome.' His bloody brow

With his mail'd hand then wiping, forth he goes,

Like to a harvestman that's task'd to mow

Or all or lose his hire.

Vir. His bloody brow! O Jupiter, no blood!

Vol. Away, you fool! it more becomes a man

Than gilt his trophy: the breasts of Hecuba,

When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier

Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood,

At Grecian sword contemning. Tell Valeria

We are fit to bid her welcome.

Exit Gent.

Vir. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!

Vol. He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee,

And tread upon his neck.

Val. My ladies both, good day to you.

Vol. Sweet madam.

Vir. I am glad to see your ladyship.

 28 out of action: in inactivity

40 task'd: assigned the task

44 Than trophy: than gilding becomes his monument

47 contemning: showing defiance

