Page:Coriolanus (1924) Yale.djvu/93

The Tragedy of Coriolanus, III. ii

In asking their good loves; but thou wilt frame

Thyself, forsooth, hereafter theirs, so far

As thou hast power and person.

Men. This but done,

Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours;

For they have pardons, being ask'd, as free

As words to little purpose.

Vol. Prithee now,

Go, and be rul'd; although I know thou hadst rather

Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf

Than flatter him in a bower.

Here is Cominius.

Com. I have been i' the market-place; and, sir, 'tis fit

You make strong party, or defend yourself

By calmness or by absence: all's in anger.

Men. Only fair speech.

Com. I think 'twill serve, if he

Can thereto frame his spirit.

Vol. He must, and will.

Prithee now, say you will, and go about it.

Cor. Must I go show them my unbarbed sconce?

Must I with my base tongue give to my noble heart

A lie that it must bear? Well, I will do 't:

Yet, were there but this single plot to lose,

This mould of Martius, they to dust should grind it,

And throw 't against the wind. To the market-place!

You have put me now to such a part which never

I shall discharge to the life.

 87 were: would be

88 free: abundantly

92 bower: abode of pleasure

94 make party: collect many supporters

99 unbarbed sconce: bared head

102 this single plot: my own person

105 which: as

106 discharge life: perform naturally

