I have your alms, adieu.

3. CIT. But this is something odd.

2. CIT. And 'twere to give again – but 'tis no matter.

 

Exeunt [Citizens].

Enter two other Citizens.

 

COR. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of your voices that I may be consul, I have here the customary gown.

[4.] CIT. You have deserv'd nobly of your country, and you have not deserv'd nobly.

COR. Your enigma?

[4.] CIT. You have been a scourge to her enemies, you have been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed lov'd the common people.

COR. You should account me the more virtuous that I have not been common in my love. I will, sir, flatter my sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer estimation of them; 'tis a condition they account gentle. And since the wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my heart, I will practice the insinuating nod and be off to them most counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountiful to the desirers. Therefore beseech you I may be consul.

[5.] CIT. We hope to find you our friend; and therefore give you our voices heartily.

[4.] CIT. You have receiv'd many wounds for your country.

COR. I will not seal your knowledge with showing them. I will make much of your voices, and so trouble you no farther.

BOTH [CIT.] The gods give you joy, sir, heartily!

 

[Exeunt Citizens.]

 

COR.

Most sweet voices!

Better it is to die, better to starve,

Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.

Why in this woolvish [toge] should I stand here

To beg of Hob and Dick, that does appear,

Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to't.

What custom wills, in all things should we do't,

The dust on antique time would lie unswept,

And mountainous error be too highly heap'd

For truth to o'erpeer. Rather than fool it so,

Let the high office and the honor go

To one that would do thus. I am half through:

The one part suffered, the other will I do.

 

Enter three Citizens more.

 

Here come moe voices. –

Your voices? For your voices I have fought;

Watch'd for your voices; for your voices bear

Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six

I have seen, and heard of; for your voices have

Done many things, some less, some more. Your voices?

Indeed I would be consul.

[6.] CIT. He has done nobly, and cannot go without any honest man's voice.

[7.] CIT. Therefore let him be consul. The gods give him joy, and make him good friend to the people!

ALL. Amen, amen. God save thee, noble consul!

 

[Exeunt Citizens.]

 

COR. Worthy voices!

 

Enter Menenius with Brutus and Sicinius.

 

MEN.

You have stood your limitation, and the tribunes

Endue you with the people's voice. Remains

That, in th' official marks invested, you

Anon do meet the Senate.

COR.

Is this done?

SIC.

The custom of request you have discharg'd.

The people do admit you and are summon'd

To meet anon, upon your approbation.

COR.

Where? at the Senate-house?

SIC.

There, Coriolanus.

COR.

May I change these garments?

SIC.

You may, sir.

COR.

That I'll straight do; and, knowing myself again,

Repair to th' Senate-house.

MEN.

I'll keep you company. Will you along?

BRU.

We stay here for the people.