Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/31

The Tragedy of Coriolanus, I. iv 

Tullus Aufidius, is he within your walls?

1. Sen. No, nor a man that fears you less than he:

That's lesser than a little.

Hark, our drums

Are bringing forth our youth: we'll break our walls,

Rather than they shall pound us up: our gates,

Which yet seem shut, we have but pinn'd with rushes;

They'll open of themselves. Hark you, far off!

There is Aufidius: list, what work he makes

Amongst your cloven army.

Mar. O! they are at it!

Lart. Their noise be our instruction. Ladders, ho!

Mar. They fear us not, but issue forth their city.

Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight

With hearts more proof than shields. Advance, brave Titus:

They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts,

Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows:

He that retires, I'll take him for a Volsce,

And he shall feel mine edge.

Mar. All the contagion of the south light on you,

You shames of Rome! you herd of—Boils and plagues

 14 less; cf. n.

17 pound up: impound, confine

22 instruction: directions for proceeding

26 beyond thoughts: more than we expected

30 south: south wind (thought to bring disease)

