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Title: The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]

Author: William Shakespeare

Editor: William George Clark

William Aldis Wright

Release date: May 21, 2015 [eBook #49007]

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Richard Tonsing, Jonathan Ingram and the Online

Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE [CAMBRIDGE EDITION] [VOL. 6 OF 9] ***

The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

THE WORKS

OF

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

THE WORKS

OF

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

EDITED BY

WILLIAM GEORGE CLARK, M.A.

FELLOW AND TUTOR OF TRINITY COLLEGE, AND PUBLIC ORATOR IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE;

AND WILLIAM ALDIS WRIGHT, M.A.

LIBRARIAN OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE.

VOLUME VI.

Cambridge and London:

MACMILLAN AND CO.

1865.

CAMBRIDGE:

PRINTED BY C. J. CLAY, M.A.

AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

THE Preface

vii

KING HENRY VIII

1

Notes to King Henry VIII

117

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA

123

Notes to Troilus and Cressida

263

CORIOLANUS

271

Notes to Coriolanus

423

TITUS ANDRONICUS

429

Notes to Titus Andronicus

533

PREFACE.

1. 'The Famous History of the Life of KING HENRY THE EIGHT' was printed for the first time in the Folio of 1623.

2. The earliest edition of 'TROILUS AND CRESSIDA' of which we have any knowledge was the Quarto which was printed in 1609 with the following title:

The | Historie of Troylus | and Cresseida. | As it was acted by the Kings Maiesties | seruants at the Globe. | Written by William Shakespeare. | LONDON | Imprinted by G. Eld for R. Bonian and H. Walley, and | are to be sold at the spred Eagle in Paules | Church-yeard, ouer against the | great North doore. | 1609. |

In the same year was issued another edition, printed from the same form as the preceding, but with the following title:

The | Famous Historie of | Troylus and Cresseid. | Excellently expressing the beginning | of their loues, with the conceited wooing | of Pandarus Prince of Licia. | Written by William Shakespeare. | LONDON | Imprinted by G. Eld for R. Bonian and H. Walley, and | are to be sold at the spred Eagle in Paules | Church-yeard, ouer against the | great North doore. | 1609. |

Besides the variations in the title-page this edition differs from the preceding in having a preface, apparently the work of the publisher, of which the heading is 'A neuer writer, to an euer reader. Newes.' In this preface the play is called a new one, 'neuer stal'd with the Stage, neuer clapper-clawd with the palmes of the vulger,' and hence it has been inferred that the edition with the preface is the earlier of the two. It appears, however, upon a close examination, that all the copies were printed from the same form, that the title which we have recorded first was the original one, and that in some copies this was cancelled, and the new title and preface inserted on a new half-sheet and with a new signature. The title-page of the edition with the preface is printed from the same form as the other title-page, as is evident from a comparison of the parts in each, from 'Written by William Shakespeare' to the end, which are absolutely identical. As the running title, 'The history of Troylus and Cresseida' corresponds with the first quoted title-page, we believe that the copies with this title-page were first issued for the theatre, and afterwards those with the new title-page and preface for general readers. In this case the expression 'neuer stal'd with the Stage, neuer clapper-clawd with the palmes of the vulger' must refer to the first appearance of the play in type, unless we suppose that the publisher was more careful to say what would recommend his book than to state what was literally true.

Since, in the play itself, these two editions are identical, we refer to them by one symbol, Q.

It appears from an entry in the Stationers' Registers, 7 Feb. 1602/3, that a play called 'Troilus and Cressida' had been acted by the Lord Chamberlain's Servants, and this Mr Staunton conjectures may have been the same as that upon which Decker and Chettle are known, from Henslowe's Diary, to have been engaged in 1599, and may possibly have formed the foundation of the later play.

In the Folio of 1623, TROILUS AND CRESSIDA stands between the Histories and the Tragedies. The Tragedies at first began with Coriolanus. Then followed Titus Andronicus and Romeo and Juliet, and it appears upon examination that the editors intended Troilus and Cressida to be next in order. With this view the first three pages were actually printed and paged so as to follow Romeo and Juliet, and the play was called 'The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida.' Whether it was found that the title of tragedy could not with propriety be given to it, or whatever may have been the cause, the editors changed its position, cancelled the leaf containing the end of Romeo and Juliet on one side and the beginning of Troilus and Cressida on the other, but retained the other leaf already printed, and then added the prologue to fill up the blank page, which in the original setting of the type had been occupied by the end of Romeo and Juliet. The rest of the play was printed with a new set of signatures and without any pagination, and was simply called 'Troylus and Cressida.'

There are very remarkable discrepancies between the Quarto and the Folio text of this play, similar in character to those which are found on comparing the two texts of Richard III. In the present case, however, they are not nearly so frequent, nor, as a general rule, so important. Some of the most important have been mentioned specially in the notes at the end of the play, and all the others recorded in the foot-notes. We find in the Folio several passages essential to the sense of the context which do not exist in the Quarto, and which therefore must have been omitted by the negligence of a copyist or printer. On the other hand we find some passages in the Quarto, not absolutely essential to the sense, though a decided improvement to it and quite in the author's manner, which either do not appear in the Folio at all, or appear in a mutilated form. Sometimes the lines which are wrongly divided in the Quarto are divided properly in the Folio, and vice versa: in this point, however, the former is generally more correct than the latter. The two texts differ in many single words: sometimes the difference is clearly owing to a clerical or typographical error, but in other cases it appears to result from deliberate correction, first by the author himself, and secondly by some less skilful hand. The main duty of an editor must be to discriminate the one from the other, and in the first case to prefer the text of the Folio, and in the second to reject it in favour of the Quarto. On the whole we are of opinion that the Quarto was printed from a transcript of the author's original MS.; that this MS. was afterwards revised and slightly altered by the author himself, and that before the first Folio was printed from it, it had been tampered with by another hand. Perhaps the corrections are due to the writer who did not shrink from prefixing to Shakespeare's play a prologue of his own.

3. CORIOLANUS was first published in the Folio of 1623. The text abounds with errors, due, probably, to the carelessness or the illegibility of the transcript from which it was printed.

4. TITUS ANDRONICUS was, so far as we know[A], published for the first time in the year 1600, in Quarto, with the following title-page:

The most lamenta-|ble Romaine Tragedie of Titus | Andronicus. | As it hath sundry times beene playde by the | Right Honourable the Earle of Pembrooke, the | Earle of Darbie, the Earle of Sussex, and the | Lorde Chamberlaine theyr | Seruants. | AT LONDON, | Printed by I. R. for Edward White | and are to bee solde at his shoppe, at the little | North doore of Paules, at the signe of | the Gun. 1600. |

[A] In the Registers of the Stationers' Company are the following entries with regard to a book called 'Titus Andronicus,' but it is more than doubtful whether any of them refer to the editions of the play of that name which have come down to us. It will be seen that the entry under the date, 19 April, 1602, speaks of a transference of copyright from Thomas Millington to Thomas Pavier, but as both the extant editions of the play, printed respectively in 1600 and 1611, were published by Edward White, the entry can have reference to neither of these.

6 February, 1593.

John Danter. Entered for his copye under handes of bothe the wardens a booke intituled, A Noble Roman-Historye of Tytus Andronicus. vjd.

1602. 19 April.

Tho. Pavier. Entred for his copies by assignmt from Thomas Millington these bookes folowing; salvo jure cuiuscumque—

viz.

A booke called Thomas of Reading. vjd.

The first and second pts of Henry the VIt. ij bookes. xijd.

A booke called Titus and Andronic'. vjd.

Under the date 14o Dec. 1624, among a list of 'Ballades' is mentioned 'Titus and Andronmus.' Again, on 8o Novemb. 1630, is an entry assigning to Ric. Cotes from Mr Bird 'all his estate right title and interest in the Copies hereafter menconed,' and in the list which follows is 'Titus and Andronicus.' On 4 Aug. 1626, Thomas Pavier had assigned his right in Titus Andronicus to Edw. Brewster and Rob. Birde, so that apparently the same book is spoken of here as in the entry under the date 19 April, 1602. This being the case, it is difficult to account for the fact that a book, which in 1602 was the property of Thomas Millington, should in 1600 have been printed for Edward White, and that, after the transference of the copyright from Millington to Pavier, a second edition of the same book should have been printed in 1611 for the same Edward White. No edition with Millington's name on the title has yet been found.

Langbaine, in his Account of the English Dramatick Poets, p. 464 (ed. 1691), says of Titus Andronicus, 'This Play was first printed 4o. Lond. 1594. and acted by the Earls of Derby, Pembroke, and Essex, their Servants.' Whether or not this is the same as 'titus and ondronicus' mentioned in Henslowe's Diary (p. 33, ed. Collier) as acted for the first time on the 23 Jan. 1593, it is impossible to say.

Only two copies of this edition are known to exist, one in the library at Bridgewater House, and one in the library of the University of Edinburgh[B]. From a tracing of the title-page of the latter, kindly sent us by Mr D. Laing, we find that it agrees in every particular with the above, which we have copied from the Bridgewater Quarto, now before us.

[B] Not the Signet Library, as stated by Mr Collier.

For some time the Bridgewater copy was believed to be unique. Todd was the first to collate it, somewhat hastily as it would seem, with Steevens' edition of 1793, and the results were given in the notes to the first variorum edition (1803). Subsequent editors were content to accept Todd's authority till Mr Collier consulted the original for himself. Lady Ellesmere's kind liberality has enabled us to do the like. We have gone over it with great care, and succeeded in recovering a considerable number of readings which had escaped the notice of previous collators. Taking its rarity into account, we have recorded the variations of this edition with unusual minuteness. They are the better worth notice, as the book is printed with remarkable accuracy. We call it Q_1.

The second edition of Titus Andronicus was published in 1611. This we call Q_2. Its title-page is as follows:

The | most lamen-|table Tragedie | of Titus Andronicus. | As it hath sundry | times beene plaide by the Kings | Maiesties Seruants. | LONDON, | Printed for Eedward White, and are to be solde | at his shoppe, nere the little North dore of | Pauls, at the signe of the | Gun. 1611. |

This edition was printed from that of 1600, from which it varies only by some printer's errors and a few conjectural alterations.

The first Folio text was printed from a copy of the second Quarto which, perhaps, was in the library of the theatre, and had some MS. alterations and additions made to the stage directions. Here, as elsewhere, the printer of the Folio has been very careless as to metre. It is remarkable that the Folio contains a whole scene, Act III. Sc. 2, not found in the Quartos, but agreeing too closely in style with the main portion of the play to allow of the supposition that it is due to a different author. The scene may have been supplied to the players' copy of Q_2 from a manuscript in their possession.

Ravenscroft's version quoted in our notes is an alteration of the play, published in 1687 under the title of 'Titus Andronicus: or the Rape of Lavinia.'

We have to thank Dr Delius of Bonn, for sending us the second edition of his 'Shakespeare,' and for the interest he has taken in our work, Dr Leo of Berlin, for a present of his edition of 'Coriolanus,' Mr Rivington and Mr Greenhill, for procuring us access to the registers of the Stationers' Company, and Sir S. M. Peto, Sir J. Claridge, Professor Blackie, Mr D. Laing, the Rev. T. J. Rowsell, Dr Kingsley, Mr R. H. Martley, Mr L. Booth, and Mr H. Peto, for various acts of kindness.

W. G. C.

W. A. W.

ERRATUM.

Coriolanus, I. 9. 45. note,

for Collier conj. read Singer conj.

KING HENRY THE EIGHTH.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[C].

- KING HENRY the Eighth.

- CARDINAL WOLSEY.

- CARDINAL CAMPEIUS.

- CAPUCIUS, Ambassador from the Emperor Charles V.

- CRANMER, Archbishop of Canterbury.

- DUKE OF NORFOLK.

- DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

- DUKE OF SUFFOLK.

- EARL OF SURREY.

- Lord Chamberlain.

- Lord Chancellor.

- GARDINER, Bishop of Winchester.

- Bishop of Lincoln.

- LORD ABERGAVENNY.

- LORD SANDS.

- SIR HENRY GUILDFORD.

- SIR THOMAS LOVELL.

- SIR ANTHONY DENNY.

- SIR NICHOLAS VAUX.

- Secretaries to Wolsey.

- CROMWELL, Servant to Wolsey.

- GRIFFITH, Gentleman-usher to Queen Katharine.

- Three Gentlemen.

- DOCTOR BUTTS, Physician to the King.

- Garter King-at-Arms.

- Surveyor to the Duke of Buckingham.

- BRANDON, and a Sergeant-at-Arms.

- Door-keeper of the Council-chamber. Porter, and his Man.

- Page to Gardiner. A Crier.

- QUEEN KATHARINE, wife to King Henry, afterwards divorced.

- ANNE BULLEN, her Maid of Honour, afterwards Queen.

- An old Lady, friend to Anne Bullen.

- PATIENCE, woman to Queen Katharine.

Several Lords and Ladies in the Dumb Shows; Women attending upon the Queen; Scribes, Officers, Guards, and other Attendants.

Spirits.

SCENE: London; Westminster; Kimbolton.

[C] DRAMATIS PERSONÆ. First given, imperfectly, by Rowe.

THE FAMOUS HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF

KING HENRY VIII.

THE PROLOGUE.

I come no more to make you laugh: things now,

That bear a weighty and a serious brow,

Sad, high and working, full of state and woe,[1]

Such noble scenes as draw the eye to flow,

We now present. Those that can pity, here[2] 5

May, if they think it well, let fall a tear;

The subject will deserve it. Such as give

Their money out of hope they may believe,

May here find truth too. Those that come to see

Only a show or two and so agree[3] 10

The play may pass, if they be still and willing,

I'll undertake may see away their shilling

Richly in two short hours. Only they

That come to hear a merry bawdy play,

A noise of targets, or to see a fellow 15

In a long motley coat guarded with yellow,

Will be deceived; for, gentle hearers, know,

To rank our chosen truth with such a show

As fool and fight is, beside forfeiting[4]

Our own brains and the opinion that we bring 20

To make that only true we now intend,[5]

Will leave us never an understanding friend.[6]

Therefore, for goodness' sake, and as you are known[7]

The first and happiest hearers of the town,

Be sad, as we would make ye: think ye see[8] 25

The very persons of our noble story[9]

As they were living; think you see them great

And follow'd with the general throng and sweat

Of thousand friends; then, in a moment, see

How soon this mightiness meets misery: 30

And if you can be merry then, I'll say

A man may weep upon his wedding-day.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] high and working] and high-working Staunton.

full] F_1 F_4. fall F_2 F_3.

[2] now] shall Pope.

[3] agree] Pope, a gree, F_1. agree, F_2F_3F_4.

[4] beside] besides Pope (ed. 2).

[5] To make] That make Rowe. To make ... intend] Or make; that only truth we now intend Johnson conj. That only true to make we now intend Tyrwhitt conj.

[6] never] ne'er S. Walker conj.

[7] and as] as Pope.

[8] ye see] before ye Theobald. you see Delius.

[9] noble story] history Capell (Heath conj.)

ACT I.

SCENE I. London. An ante-chamber in the palace.

Enter the DUKE OF NORFOLK at one door: at the other, the DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM and the LORD ABERGAVENNY.[9a]

Buck. Good morrow, and well met. How have ye done

Since last we saw in France?[10]

Nor. I thank your grace,

Healthful, and ever since a fresh admirer

Of what I saw there.

Buck. An untimely ague

Stay'd me a prisoner in my chamber when 5

Those suns of glory, those two lights of men,[11]

Met in the vale of Andren.[12]

Nor. 'Twixt Guynes and Arde:

I was then present, saw them salute on horseback;[13]

Beheld them, when they 'lighted, how they clung

In their embracement, as they grew together; 10

Which had they, what four throned ones could have weigh'd[14]

Such a compounded one?

Buck. All the whole time

I was my chamber's prisoner.

Nor. Then you lost

The view of earthly glory: men might say,

Till this time pomp was single, but now married 15

To one above itself. Each following day

Became the next day's master, till the last[15]

Made former wonders its. To-day the French,[16]

All clinquant, all in gold, like heathen gods,[17]

Shone down the English; and to-morrow they 20

Made Britain India: every man that stood

Show'd like a mine. Their dwarfish pages were

As cherubins, all gilt: the madams too,

Not used to toil, did almost sweat to bear

The pride upon them, that their very labour 25

Was to them as a painting: now this masque

Was cried incomparable; and the ensuing night

Made it a fool and beggar. The two kings,

Equal in lustre, were now best, now worst,

As presence did present them; him in eye 30

Still him in praise; and being present both,

'Twas said they saw but one, and no discerner

Durst wag his tongue in censure. When these suns—[18]

For so they phrase 'em—by their heralds challenged

The noble spirits to arms, they did perform 35

Beyond thought's compass; that former fabulous story,[19]

Being now seen possible enough, got credit,

That Bevis was believed.[20]

Buck. O, you go far.

Nor. As I belong to worship and affect

In honour honesty, the tract of every thing 40

Would by a good discourser lose some life

Which action's self was tongue to. All was royal;[21][22]

To the disposing of it nought rebell'd;[22]

Order gave each thing view; the office did[22][23]

Distinctly his full function.[22]

Buck. Who did guide,[22] 45

I mean, who set the body and the limbs[22]

Of this great sport together, as you guess?[22][24]

Nor. One, certes, that promises no element[22][24][25]

In such a business.[22]

Buck. I pray you, who, my lord?[26]

Nor. All this was order'd by the good discretion 50

Of the right reverend Cardinal of York.

Buck. The devil speed him! no man's pie is freed

From his ambitious finger. What had he

To do in these fierce vanities? I wonder

That such a keech can with his very bulk[27] 55

Take up the rays o' the beneficial sun,

And keep it from the earth.

Nor. Surely, sir,[28]

There's in him stuff that puts him to these ends;

For, being not propp'd by ancestry, whose grace

Chalks successors their way, nor call'd upon 60

For high feats done to the crown; neither allied

To eminent assistants; but, spider-like,

Out of his self-drawing web, he gives us note,[29]

The force of his own merit makes his way;

A gift that heaven gives for him, which buys[30] 65

A place next to the king.

Aber. I cannot tell

What heaven hath given him; let some graver eye

Pierce into that; but I can see his pride

Peep through each part of him: whence has he that?[31]

If not from hell, the devil is a niggard,[31] 70

Or has given all before, and he begins

A new hell in himself.

Buck. Why the devil,[32]

Upon this French going out, took he upon him,

Without the privity o' the king, to appoint

Who should attend on him? He makes up the file 75

Of all the gentry; for the most part such[33]

To whom as great a charge as little honour[33]

He meant to lay upon: and his own letter,[34][35][36]

The honourable board of council out,[35][37]

Must fetch him in he papers.[35][37][38]

Aber. I do know[35] 80

Kinsmen of mine, three at the least, that have

By this so sicken'd their estates that never[39]

They shall abound as formerly.

Buck. O, many

Have broke their backs with laying manors on 'em[40]

For this great journey. What did this vanity[41] 85

But minister communication of[42]

A most poor issue?

Nor. Grievingly I think,

The peace between the French and us not values

The cost that did conclude it.

Buck. Every man,

After the hideous storm that follow'd, was 90

A thing inspired, and not consulting broke

Into a general prophecy: That this tempest,

Dashing the garment of this peace, aboded

The sudden breach on't.

Nor. Which is budded out;

For France hath flaw'd the league, and hath attach'd 95

Our merchants' goods at Bourdeaux.[43]

Aber. Is it therefore

The ambassador is silenced?

Nor. Marry, is't.

Aber. A proper title of a peace, and purchased[44]

At a superfluous rate!

Buck. Why, all this business

Our reverend cardinal carried.

Nor. Like it your grace,[45] 100

The state takes notice of the private difference

Betwixt you and the cardinal. I advise you—

And take it from a heart that wishes towards you[46]

Honour and plenteous safety—that you read

The cardinal's malice and his potency 105

Together; to consider further that

What his high hatred would effect wants not[47]

A minister in his power. You know his nature,

That he's revengeful, and I know his sword

Hath a sharp edge; it's long and 't may be said 110

It reaches far, and where 'twill not extend,

Thither he darts it. Bosom up my counsel;

You'll find it wholesome. Lo, where comes that rock

That I advise your shunning.[48]

Enter CARDINAL WOLSEY, the purse borne before him, certain of the Guard, and two Secretaries with papers. The CARDINAL in his passage fixeth his eye on BUCKINGHAM, and BUCKINGHAM on him, both full of disdain.

Wol. The Duke of Buckingham's surveyor, ha?[49] 115

Where's his examination?

First Sec. Here, so please you.[50]

Wol. Is he in person ready?

First Sec. Ay, please your grace.[51]

Wol. Well, we shall then know more; and Buckingham[52]

Shall lessen this big look.      [Exeunt Wolsey and his Train.[52][53]

Buck. This butcher's cur is venom-mouth'd, and I[54] 120

Have not the power to muzzle him; therefore best

Not wake him in his slumber. A beggar's book[55]

Outworths a noble's blood.

Nor. What, are you chafed?[56]

Ask God for temperance; that's the appliance only

Which your disease requires.

Buck. I read in's looks 125

Matter against me, and his eye reviled[57]

Me as his abject object: at this instant[57]

He bores me with some trick: he's gone to the king;[58]

I 'll follow and outstare him.

Nor. Stay, my lord,

And let your reason with your choler question 130

What 'tis you go about: to climb steep hills

Requires slow pace at first: anger is like

A full-hot horse, who being allow'd his way,[59]

Self-mettle tires him. Not a man in England

Can advise me like you: be to yourself 135

As you would to your friend.

Buck. I'll to the king;

And from a mouth of honour quite cry down

This Ipswich fellow's insolence, or proclaim

There's difference in no persons.

Nor. Be advised;

Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot 140

That it do singe yourself: we may outrun,

By violent swiftness, that which we run at,

And lose by over-running. Know you not,[60]

The fire that mounts the liquor till't run o'er

In seeming to augment it wastes it? Be advised:[61] 145

I say again, there is no English soul

More stronger to direct you than yourself,[62]

If with the sap of reason you would quench,

Or but allay, the fire of passion.

Buck. Sir,

I am thankful to you; and I'll go along 150

By your prescription: but this top-proud fellow—

Whom from the flow of gall I name not but[63]

From sincere motions—by intelligence

And proofs as clear as founts in July when[64]

We see each grain of gravel, I do know 155

To be corrupt and treasonous.

Nor. Say not 'treasonous.'

Buck. To the king I'll say 't; and make my vouch as strong

As shore of rock. Attend. This holy fox,

Or wolf, or both—for he is equal ravenous[65][66]

As he is subtle, and as prone to mischief[65] 160

As able to perform't; his mind and place[65]

Infecting one another, yea, reciprocally—[65]

Only to show his pomp as well in France

As here at home, suggests the king our master

To this last costly treaty, the interview, 165

That swallow'd so much treasure, and like a glass

Did break i' the rinsing.[67]

Nor. Faith, and so it did.

Buck. Pray, give me favour, sir. This cunning cardinal[68]

The articles o' the combination drew[69]

As himself pleased; and they were ratified 170

As he cried 'Thus let be,' to as much end[70]

As give a crutch to the dead: but our count-cardinal[71]

Has done this, and 'tis well; for worthy Wolsey,

Who cannot err, he did it. Now this follows—

Which, as I take it, is a kind of puppy 175

To the old dam, treason—Charles the emperor,

Under pretence to see the queen his aunt—

For 'twas indeed his colour, but he came

To whisper Wolsey—here makes visitation:

His fears were that the interview betwixt 180

England and France might through their amity

Breed him some prejudice; for from this league

Peep'd harms that menaced him: he privily[72]

Deals with our cardinal; and, as I trow—[73]

Which I do well, for I am sure the emperor 185

Paid ere he promised; whereby his suit was granted

Ere it was ask'd—but when the way was made

And paved with gold, the emperor thus desired,[74]

That he would please to alter the king's course

And break the foresaid peace. Let the king know, 190

As soon he shall by me, that thus the cardinal

Does buy and sell his honour as he pleases

And for his own advantage.[75]

NOR. I am sorry

To hear this of him, and could wish he were[76]

Something mistaken in't.

Buck. No, not a syllable: 195

I do pronounce him in that very shape

He shall appear in proof.

Enter BRANDON, a Sergeant at arms before him, and two or three of the Guard.[77]

Bran. Your office, sergeant; execute it.

Serg. Sir,[78]

My lord the Duke of Buckingham, and Earl

Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I[79] 200

Arrest thee of high treason, in the name

Of our most sovereign king.

Buck. Lo you, my lord,[80]

The net has fall'n upon me! I shall perish

Under device and practice.

Bran. I am sorry[81]

To see you ta'en from liberty, to look on[81] 205

The business present: 'tis his highness' pleasure[81][82]

You shall to the Tower.[81]

Buck. It will help me nothing

To plead mine innocence; for that dye is on me

Which makes my whitest part black. The will of heaven

Be done in this and all things! I obey. 210

O my Lord Abergavenny, fare you well![83]

Bran. Nay, he must bear you company. [To Abergavenny.] The king[84]

Is pleased you shall to the Tower, till you know

How he determines further.

Aber. As the duke said,

The will of heaven be done, and the king's pleasure 215

By me obey'd!

Bran. Here is a warrant from

The king to attach Lord Montacute; and the bodies[85]

Of the duke's confessor, John de la Car,[86]

One Gilbert Peck, his chancellor,—[87]

Buck. So, so;

These are the limbs o' the plot: no more, I hope. 220

Bran. A monk o' the Chartreux.

Buck. O, Nicholas Hopkins?[88]

Bran. He.

Buck. My surveyor is false; the o'er-great cardinal

Hath show'd him gold; my life is spann'd already:

I am the shadow of poor Buckingham,

Whose figure even this instant cloud puts on,[89][90] 225

By darkening my clear sun. My lord, farewell.      [Exeunt.[89][91]

SCENE II. The same. The council-chamber.

Cornets. Enter KING HENRY, leaning on the CARDINAL'S shoulder; the Nobles, and SIR THOMAS LOVELL: the CARDINAL places himself under the KING'S feet on his right side.[92]

King. My life itself, and the best heart of it,

Thanks you for this great care: I stood i' the level

Of a full-charged confederacy, and give thanks[93]

To you that choked it. Let be call'd before us[94]

That gentleman of Buckingham's; in person[95] 5

I'll hear him his confessions justify;

And point by point the treasons of his master[96]

He shall again relate.

A noise within, crying 'Room for the Queen!' Enter QUEEN KATHARINE, ushered by the DUKE OF NORFOLK, and the DUKE OF SUFFOLK: she kneels. The KING riseth from his state, takes her up, kisses and placeth her by him.[97]

Q. Kath. Nay, we must longer kneel: I am a suitor.

King. Arise, and take place by us: half your suit[98] 10

Never name to us; you have half our power:

The other moiety ere you ask is given;

Repeat your will and take it.

Q. Kath. Thank your majesty.

That you would love yourself, and in that love

Not unconsider'd leave your honour nor[99] 15

The dignity of your office, is the point

Of my petition.

King. Lady mine, proceed.

Q. Kath. I am solicited, not by a few,[100]

And those of true condition, that your subjects

Are in great grievance: there have been commissions 20

Sent down among 'em, which hath flaw'd the heart[101]

Of all their loyalties: wherein although,

My good lord cardinal, they vent reproaches

Most bitterly on you as putter on

Of these exactions, yet the king our master— 25

Whose honour heaven shield from soil!—even he escapes not

Language unmannerly, yea, such which breaks

The sides of loyalty and almost appears[102]

In loud rebellion.

NOR. Not almost appears;

It doth appear; for, upon these taxations, 30

The clothiers all, not able to maintain

The many to them 'longing, have put off[103]

The spinsters, carders, fullers, weavers, who,

Unfit for other life, compell'd by hunger

And lack of other means, in desperate manner 35

Daring the event to the teeth, are all in uproar,

And danger serves among them.

King. Taxation!

Wherein? and what taxation? My lord cardinal,

You that are blamed for it alike with us,

Know you of this taxation?

Wol. Please you, sir, 40

I know but of a single part in aught

Pertains to the state, and front but in that file

Where others tell steps with me.

Q. Kath. No, my lord,[104]

You know no more than others: but you frame[104]

Things that are known alike, which are not wholesome[105] 45

To those which would not know them and yet must

Perforce be their acquaintance. These exactions,

Whereof my sovereign would have note, they are

Most pestilent to the hearing; and, to bear 'em,[106]

The back is sacrifice to the load. They say 50

They are devised by you; or else you suffer[107]

Too hard an exclamation.

King. Still exaction!

The nature of it? in what kind, let's know,

Is this exaction?

Q. Kath. I am much too venturous[108]

In tempting of your patience, but am bolden'd 55

Under your promised pardon. The subjects' grief

Comes through commissions, which compel from each[109]

The sixth part of his substance, to be levied

Without delay; and the pretence for this

Is named your wars in France: this makes bold mouths: 60

Tongues spit their duties out, and cold hearts freeze

Allegiance in them; their curses now[110]

Live where their prayers did; and it's come to pass,

This tractable obedience is a slave[111]

To each incensed will. I would your highness 65

Would give it quick consideration, for

There is no primer business.[112]

King. By my life,

This is against our pleasure.

Wol. And for me,

I have no further gone in this than by

A single voice, and that not pass'd me but 70

By learned approbation of the judges. If I am[113]

Traduced by ignorant tongues, which neither know[114]

My faculties nor person, yet will be

The chronicles of my doing, let me say

'Tis but the fate of place and the rough brake 75

That virtue must go through. We must not stint

Our necessary actions, in the fear

To cope malicious censurers; which ever,

As ravenous fishes, do a vessel follow

That is new-trimm'd, but benefit no further 80

Than vainly longing. What we oft do best,

By sick interpreters, once weak ones, is[115]

Not ours or not allow'd; what worst, as oft,

Hitting a grosser quality, is cried up

For our best act. If we shall stand still,[116] 85

In fear our motion will be mock'd or carp'd at,[117]

We should take root here where we sit, or sit[118][119]

State-statues only.[119]

King. Things done well,[120]

And with a care, exempt themselves from fear;

Things done without example, in their issue 90

Are to be fear'd. Have you a precedent[121]

Of this commission? I believe, not any.

We must not rend our subjects from our laws,

And stick them in our will. Sixth part of each?

A trembling contribution! Why, we take[122] 95

From every tree lop, bark, and part o' the timber,[123]

And though we leave it with a root, thus hack'd,[124]

The air will drink the sap. To every county

Where this is question'd send our letters, with

Free pardon to each man that has denied 100

The force of this commission: pray, look to't;

I put it to your care.

Wol. [To the Secretary] A word with you.[125]

Let there be letters writ to every shire,

Of the king's grace and pardon. The grieved commons[126]

Hardly conceive of me: let it be noised 105

That through our intercession this revokement

And pardon comes: I shall anon advise you

Further in the proceeding.      [Exit Secretary.

Enter Surveyor.

Q. Kath. I am sorry that the Duke of Buckingham[127]

Is run in your displeasure.

King. It grieves many:[128] 110

The gentleman is learn'd and a most rare speaker;[129]

To nature none more bound; his training such

That he may furnish and instruct great teachers

And never seek for aid out of himself. Yet see,[130]

When these so noble benefits shall prove[131] 115

Not well disposed, the mind growing once corrupt,

They turn to vicious forms, ten times more ugly

Than ever they were fair. This man so complete,[132]

Who was enroll'd 'mongst wonders, and when we,[133]

Almost with ravish'd listening, could not find[133][134] 120

His hour of speech a minute; he, my lady,

Hath into monstrous habits put the graces

That once were his, and is become as black

As if besmear'd in hell. Sit by us; you shall hear—[135]

This was his gentlemen in trust—of him 125

Things to strike honour sad. Bid him recount

The fore-recited practices; whereof[136]

We cannot feel too little, hear too much.

Wol. Stand forth, and with bold spirit relate what you,

Most like a careful subject, have collected 130

Out of the Duke of Buckingham.

King. Speak freely.

Surv. First, it was usual with him, every day[137]

It would infect his speech, that if the king

Should without issue die, he'll carry it so[138]

To make the sceptre his: these very words 135

I've heard him utter to his son-in-law,

Lord Abergavenny, to whom by oath he menaced[139]

Revenge upon the cardinal.

Wol. Please your highness, note[140]

This dangerous conception in this point.[141][142]

Not friended by his wish, to your high person[142] 140

His will is most malignant, and it stretches

Beyond you to your friends.

Q. Kath. My learn'd lord cardinal,

Deliver all with charity.

King. Speak on:

How grounded he his title to the crown

Upon our fail? to this point hast thou heard him 145

At any time speak aught?

Surv. He was brought to this[143]

By a vain prophecy of Nicholas Henton.[144]

King. What was that Henton?[145]

Surv. Sir, a Chartreux friar,

His confessor, who fed him every minute

With words of sovereignty.

King. How know'st thou this? 150

Surv. Not long before your highness sped to France,

The duke being at the Rose, within the parish

Saint Lawrence Poultney, did of me demand

What was the speech among the Londoners

Concerning the French journey: I replied, 155

Men fear'd the French would prove perfidious,[146]

To the king's danger. Presently the duke

Said, 'twas the fear indeed, and that he doubted

'Twould prove the verity of certain words

Spoke by a holy monk; 'that oft,' says he, 160

'Hath sent to me, wishing me to permit

John de la Car, my chaplain, a choice hour[147]

To hear from him a matter of some moment:

Whom after under the confession's seal[148][149]

He solemnly had sworn that what he spoke[148] 165

My chaplain to no creature living but[148]

To me should utter, with demure confidence[148][150]

This pausingly ensued: Neither the king nor's heirs,[151]

Tell you the duke, shall prosper: bid him strive

To gain the love o' the commonalty: the duke[152] 170

Shall govern England.'[153]

Q. Kath. If I know you well,

You were the duke's surveyor and lost your office

On the complaint o' the tenants: take good heed

You charge not in your spleen a noble person

And spoil your nobler soul: I say, take heed;[154] 175

Yes, heartily beseech you.[155]

King. Let him on.[156]

Go forward.[156]

Surv. On my soul, I'll speak but truth.

I told my lord the duke, by the devil's illusions

The monk might be deceived; and that 'twas dangerous for him[157]

To ruminate on this so far, until[157] 180

It forged him some design, which, being believed,

It was much like to do: he answer'd 'Tush,

It can do me no damage;' adding further,

That, had the king in his last sickness fail'd,

The cardinal's and Sir Thomas Lovell's heads 185

Should have gone off.

King. Ha! what, so rank? Ah, ha!

There's mischief in this man: canst thou say further?

Surv. I can, my liege.

King. Proceed.

Surv. Being at Greenwich,

After your highness had reproved the duke

About Sir William Blomer—[158]

King. I remember[159] 190

Of such a time: being my sworn servant,[159][160]

The duke retain'd him his. But on; what hence?

Surv. 'If' quoth he 'I for this had been committed,

As to the Tower I thought, I would have play'd[161]

The part my father meant to act upon 195

The usurper Richard; who, being at Salisbury,

Made suit to come in's presence; which if granted,[162]

As he made semblance of his duty, would[163]

Have put his knife into him.'

King. A giant traitor!

Wol. Now, madam, may his highness live in freedom, 200

And this man out of prison?[164]

Q. Kath. God mend all!

King. There's something more would out of thee; what say'st?

Surv. After 'the duke his father,' with the 'knife,'[165]

He stretch'd him, and with one hand on his dagger,

Another spread on's breast, mounting his eyes, 205

He did discharge a horrible oath, whose tenour

Was, were he evil used, he would outgo

His father by as much as a performance

Does an irresolute purpose.

King. There's his period, 210

To sheathe his knife in us. He is attach'd;

Call him to present trial: if he may

Find mercy in the law, 'tis his; if none,

Let him not seek't of us: by day and night![166]

He's traitor to the height.      [Exeunt.[167]

SCENE III. An antechamber in the palace.

Enter the LORD CHAMBERLAIN and LORD SANDS.[168]

Cham. Is't possible the spells of France should juggle[169]

Men into such strange mysteries?[170]

Sands. New customs,

Though they be never so ridiculous,

Nay, let 'em be unmanly, yet are follow'd.[171]

Cham. As far as I see, all the good our English 5

Have got by the late voyage is but merely[172]

A fit or two o' the face; but they are shrewd ones;

For when they hold 'em, you would swear directly

Their very noses had been counsellors

To Pepin or Clotharius, they keep state so. 10

Sands. They have all new legs, and lame ones: one would take it,[173]

That never saw 'em pace before, the spavin[174]

Or springhalt reign'd among 'em.[175]

Cham. Death! my lord,

Their clothes are after such a pagan cut too,[176]

That, sure, they've worn out Christendom.

Enter SIR THOMAS LOVELL.[177]

How now! 15

What news, Sir Thomas Lovell?

Lov. Faith, my lord,

I hear of none but the new proclamation

That's clapp'd upon the court-gate.

Cham. What is't for?

Lov. The reformation of our travell'd gallants,

That fill the court with quarrels, talk, and tailors. 20

Cham. I'm glad 'tis there: now I would pray our monsieurs[178]

To think an English courtier may be wise,

And never see the Louvre.[179]

Lov. They must either,

For so run the conditions, leave those remnants

Of fool and feather that they got in France, 25

With all their honourable points of ignorance

Pertaining thereunto, as fights and fireworks,[180]

Abusing better men than they can be

Out of a foreign wisdom, renouncing clean[181]

The faith they have in tennis and tall stockings, 30

Short blister'd breeches and those types of travel,[182]

And understand again like honest men,

Or pack to their old playfellows: there, I take it,

They may, 'cum privilegio,' wear away[183]

The lag end of their lewdness, and be laugh'd at. 35

Sands. 'Tis time to give 'em physic, their diseases[184]

Are grown so catching.

Cham. What a loss our ladies

Will have of these trim vanities!

Lov. Ay, marry,

There will be woe indeed, lords: the sly whoresons

Have got a speeding trick to lay down ladies; 40

A French song and a fiddle has no fellow.

Sands. The devil fiddle 'em! I am glad they are going,[185]

For, sure, there's no converting of 'em: now[186]

An honest country lord, as I am, beaten

A long time out of play, may bring his plain-song, 45

And have an hour of hearing; and, by'r lady,

Held current music too.[187]

Cham. Well said, Lord Sands;

Your colt's tooth is not cast yet.[188]

Sands. No, my lord;

Nor shall not, while I have a stump.[189]

Cham. Sir Thomas,

Whither were you a-going?[190]

Lov. To the cardinal's: 50

Your lordship is a guest too.

Cham. O, 'tis true:

This night he makes a supper, and a great one,

To many lords and ladies; there will be

The beauty of this kingdom, I'll assure you.

Lov. That churchman bears a bounteous mind indeed,[191] 55

A hand as fruitful as the land that feeds us;

His dews fall every where.[192]

Cham. No doubt he's noble;

He had a black mouth that said other of him.

Sands. He may, my lord; has wherewithal: in him[193]

Sparing would show a worse sin than ill doctrine: 60

Men of his way should be most liberal;[194]

They are set here for examples.[195]

Cham. True, they are so;

But few now give so great ones. My barge stays;[196]

Your lordship shall along. Come, good Sir Thomas,

We shall be late else; which I would not be, 65

For I was spoke to, with Sir Henry Guildford

This night to be comptrollers.

Sands. I am your lordship's.      [Exeunt.

SCENE IV. A Hall in York Place.

Hautboys. A small table under a state for the CARDINAL, a longer table for the guests. Then enter ANNE BULLEN and divers other Ladies and Gentlemen as guests, at one door; at another door, enter SIR HENRY GUILDFORD.[197]

Guild. Ladies, a general welcome from his grace[198]

Salutes ye all; this night he dedicates

To fair content and you: none here, he hopes,

In all this noble bevy, has brought with her

One care abroad; he would have all as merry[199] 5

As, first, good company, good wine, good welcome,[200]

Can make good people.

Enter LORD CHAMBERLAIN, LORD SANDS, and SIR THOMAS LOVELL.[201]

O, my lord, you're tardy:

The very thought of this fair company

Clapp'd wings to me.

Cham. You are young, Sir Harry Guildford.[202]

Sands. Sir Thomas Lovell, had the cardinal 10

But half my lay thoughts in him, some of these

Should find a running banquet ere they rested,

I think would better please 'em: by my life,

They are a sweet society of fair ones.

Lov. O, that your lordship were but now confessor 15

To one or two of these!

Sands. I would I were;

They should find easy penance.

Lov. Faith, how easy?

Sands. As easy as a down-bed would afford it.

Cham. Sweet ladies, will it please you sit? Sir Harry,

Place you that side; I'll take the charge of this: 20

His grace is entering. Nay, you must not freeze;

Two women placed together makes cold weather:[203]

My Lord Sands, you are one will keep 'em waking;

Pray, sit between these ladies.

Sands. By my faith,

And thank your lordship. By your leave, sweet ladies:[204] 25

If I chance to talk a little wild, forgive me;

I had it from my father.

Anne. Was he mad, sir?

Sands. O, very mad, exceeding mad, in love too:

But he would bite none; just as I do now,

He would kiss you twenty with a breath.      [Kisses her.[205]

Cham. Well said, my lord. 30

So, now you're fairly seated. Gentlemen,[206]

The penance lies on you, if these fair ladies

Pass away frowning.

Sands. For my little cure,[207]

Let me alone.

Hautboys. Enter CARDINAL WOLSEY, and takes his state.

Wol. You're welcome, my fair guests: that noble lady[208] 35

Or gentleman that is not freely merry,

Is not my friend: this, to confirm my welcome;[209]

And to you all, good health.      [Drinks.[210]

Sands. Your grace is noble:

Let me have such a bowl may hold my thanks,

And save me so much talking.

Wol. My Lord Sands, 40

I am beholding to you: cheer your neighbours.[211]

Ladies, you are not merry: gentlemen,

Whose fault is this?

Sands. The red wine first must rise

In their fair cheeks, my lord; then we shall have 'em

Talk us to silence.

Anne. You are a merry gamester,[212] 45

My Lord Sands.[212][213]

Sands. Yes, if I make my play.

Here's to your ladyship: and pledge it, madam,

For 'tis to such a thing—[214]

Anne. You cannot show me.

Sands. I told your grace they would talk anon.

[Drum and trumpet: chambers discharged.[215]

Wol. What's that?

Cham. Look out there, some of ye.      [Exit Servant.[216]

Wol. What warlike voice, 50

And to what end, is this? Nay, ladies, fear not;

By all the laws of war you're privileged.[208]

Re-enter Servant.[217]

Cham. How now! what is't?

Serv. A noble troop of strangers;

For so they seem: they've left their barge, and landed;[218]

And hither make, as great ambassadors 55

From foreign princes.

Wol. Good lord chamberlain,

Go, give 'em welcome; you can speak the French tongue;[219][220]

And, pray, receive 'em nobly and conduct 'em[219]

Into our presence, where this heaven of beauty

Shall shine at full upon them. Some attend him. 60

[Exit Chamberlain, attended. All rise, and tables removed.[221]

You have now a broken banquet; but we'll mend it.[222]

A good digestion to you all: and once more[223]

I shower a welcome on ye; welcome all.

Hautboys. Enter the KING and others, as masquers, habited like shepherds, ushered by the LORD CHAMBERLAIN. They pass directly before the CARDINAL, and gracefully salute him.[224]

A noble company! what are their pleasures?

Cham. Because they speak no English, thus they pray'd[225] 65

To tell your grace, that, having heard by fame

Of this so noble and so fair assembly

This night to meet here, they could do no less,

Out of the great respect they bear to beauty,

But leave their flocks, and under your fair conduct 70

Crave leave to view these ladies and entreat

An hour of revels with 'em.[226]

Wol. Say, lord chamberlain,[226]

They have done my poor house grace; for which I pay 'em[226][227][228]

A thousand thanks and pray 'em take their pleasures.[226][227]

[They choose. The King chooses Anne Bullen.[229]

King. The fairest hand I ever touch'd! O beauty, 75

Till now I never knew thee!      [Music. Dance.

Wol. My lord![230]

Cham. Your grace?

Wol. Pray, tell 'em thus much from me:[231][232]

There should be one amongst 'em, by his person,[231]

More worthy this place than myself; to whom,

If I but knew him, with my love and duty 80

I would surrender it.

Cham. I will, my lord.

[Whispers the Masquers.[233]

Wol. What say they?

Cham. Such a one, they all confess,

There is indeed; which they would have your grace

Find out, and he will take it.

Wol. Let me see then.[234]

By all your good leaves, gentlemen; here I'll make 85

My royal choice.

King. [Unmasking] Ye have found him, cardinal:[235]

You hold a fair assembly; you do well, lord:

You are a churchman, or, I'll tell you, cardinal,

I should judge now unhappily.[236]

Wol. I am glad

Your grace is grown so pleasant.

King. My lord chamberlain, 90

Prithee, come hither: what fair lady's that?

Cham. An't please your grace, Sir Thomas Bullen's daughter,[237]

The Viscount Rochford, one of her highness' women.[237][238]

King. By heaven, she is a dainty one. Sweetheart,[239]

I were unmannerly, to take you out, 95

And not to kiss you. A health, gentlemen!

Let it go round.

Wol. Sir Thomas Lovell, is the banquet ready

I' the privy chamber?

Lov. Yes, my lord.

Wol. Your grace,

I fear, with dancing is a little heated. 100

King. I fear, too much.

Wol. There's fresher air, my lord,

In the next chamber.

King. Lead in your ladies, every one. Sweet partner,

I must not yet forsake you. Let's be merry,[240]

Good my lord cardinal: I have half a dozen healths[240][241] 105

To drink to these fair ladies, and a measure

To lead 'em once again; and then let's dream

Who's best in favour. Let the music knock it.[242]

[Exeunt with trumpets.

FOOTNOTES:

[9a] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff. The Acts and Scenes are indicated throughout in Ff.

London. An ante-chamber in the palace.] Theobald.

[10] saw] F_1 F_2. saw y' F_3 F_4.

[11] suns] sunnes F_1 F_2. sons F_3 F_4.

[12] Andren] F_1. Arde F_2 F_3 F_4. Ardres Rowe.

Arde] Ff. Ardres Rowe.

[13] them] 'em Pope.

[14] Which ... weigh'd] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two lines, the first ending they, in Ff.

[15] next ... last] last ... next Capell (Theobald conj.)

[16] wonders] wond'rers Theobald conj.

its] it's Ff. his Hanmer.

[17] heathen] F_1. Heathens F_2 F_3 F_4.

[18] censure. When] Rowe. censure, when Ff.

[19] former] old Pope.

[20] That] And Seymour conj.

[21] to] too F_1.

[22] All was royal ... business.] Arranged as by Theobald. Buc. All ... function: who ... together? Nor. As you ... businesse. F_1 F_2 F_3. Buck. All ... function: who ... together, As you guess. Nor. Once certes ... business. F_4.

[23] the office] each office Roderick conj.

[24] guess? Nor. One, certes] Theobald, guesse: One certes F_1. guesse: Once certes F_2 F_3. guess? Nor. One sure Pope.

[25] that] om. Seymour conj.

[26] I pray] Pray Pope.

[27] keech] Ketch F_4.

bulk] hulk Grey conj.

[28] Surely] Yet surely Pope. Now, surely Seymour conj.

[29] his self-drawing] his self-drawn Rowe (ed. 2) and Capell. himself drawing Theobald conj. his self drawing Staunton. 's self-drawing Dyce (ed. 2). his self-wrapping Bullock conj.]

web, he gives us note] Capell. web, a' gives us note or web erecting all The building of his greatness, he gives us note Id. conj. web. O gives us note F_1. web. O! gives us note F_2 F_3 F_4. web; this gives us note Pope. web. O! it gives us note Singer. web,—O! give us note!—Knight. web. O! this gives us note, Hunter conj. web,—Oh, give it note! Keightley.

[30] gives for him, which buys] gives, which for him buys Hanmer. gives; which buys for him Warburton. gives to him, which buys Johnson conj. has given him buys for him Hunter conj. gives him, and which buys Collier MS. gives: for him which buys Jervis conj.

[31] that?... hell,] Theobald (Warburton). that, ... hell? Ff.

[32] himself] himself now Keightley.

Why] But why Hanmer. And why Capell.

[33] such To whom] such On whom Hanmer. such Too, whom Capell. such, too, On whom Keightley (S. Walker conj.)

[34] meant] means Dyce conj.

[35] and ... papers.] Erased in Collier MS.

[36] letter] letter only Hanmer.

[37] council out, ... him in he] councell, out ... him in, he F_1 F_2. council, out ... him in, he F_3. council out ... him in, he F_4. council out) ... in him he Pope.

[38] he papers] the papers Campbell. he paupers Staunton conj. he prefers Keightley conj.

[39] sicken'd] slacken'd Theobald conj.

[40] 'em] them Capell.

[41] What] And what Capell conj.

vanity] great vanity Rowe (ed. 2).

[42] communication] the consummation Collier MS. consummation Collier (ed. 2).

[43] Bourdeaux] F_4. Burdeux F_1. Burdeaux F_2 F_3.

[44] a peace] peace F_4.

[45] Like it] Like't Hanmer.

[46] towards you] F_1 towards your F_2 F_3 F_4. you Pope.

[47] effect] affect Rowe (ed. 2).

[48] advise] advice F_1.

[49] SCENE II. Pope. Wol.] Rowe. Car. Ff. (and throughout.)

[50] First Sec.] 1 Sec. Capell. Secr. Ff.

[51] please] an't please F_3 F_4.

[52] Well, ... look.] As in Ff. As prose in Rowe (ed. 1). In Rowe (ed. 2), the lines end more ... look. It is well, ... look. Hanmer, ending lines 117, 118, an't please ... more.

[53] this] F_1 F_2. his F_3 F_4.

Wolsey] Cardinall Ff.

[54] venom-mouth'd] Pope. venome mouth'd Rowe. venom'd-mouth'd Ff.

[55] book] boche Becket conj. brood Collier (Collier MS). look Staunton conj. brat Lettsom conj.

[56] chafed] chaf'd F_3 F_4. chaff'd F_1 F_2.

[57] Keightley ends the lines reviled me, ... instant he.

[58] bores] bords Becket conj.

to the] to' th' F_1 F_2. to th' F_3 F_4.

[59] full-hot] F_4. full hot F_1 F_2 F_3.

[60] by] by our F_4.

[61] In seeming to] Seeming t' S. Walker conj.

[62] More] om. Pope, ending lines 145, 146 at be ... English.

[63] name] blame Johnson conj.

[64] July] Inly F_1.

when] where Long MS.

[65] for ... reciprocally] Put in parentheses by Capell. (for ... perform't) ... reciprocally, Ff.

[66] ravenous] ray'nous F_2.

[67] rinsing] Pope. wrenching Ff. See note (I).

[68] sir] om. Seymour conj.

[69] o' the] o' th' F_1 F_2. oth' F_3 F_4.

[70] Thus let] F_1 F_2. thus let it F_3 F_4. let it Pope.

[71] count-cardinal] court-cardinal Pope.

[72] he] om. F_1. he therefore Capell.

[73] trow] F_3 F_4. troa F_1 F_2.

[74] thus] then S. Walker conj.

[75] advantage.] advantage,— Anon. conj.

[76] he] you F_4.

[77] Brandon,] Marney, Capell conj.

[78] SCENE III. Pope.

[79] Hereford] Capell. Hertford Ff.

[80] lord] lord, [to Nor. Capell.

[81] Bran. I ... Tower.] Nor. I ... liberty. Bran. To look ... Tower. Anon. conj.

[82] business present] business, present Deluis.

[83] Abergavenny] Aburgany Ff.

you] ye Rowe.

[84] [To Abergavenny.] Johnson.

[85] Montacute] Mountacute Ff. Montague Rowe.

[86] Car] Court Warburton.

[87] One] And Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald).

chancellor,—] Chappel. chancellor. Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). councellour. F_1 F_2. counsellour. F_3 F_4.

[88] O] om. Hanmer.

Nicholas] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald, from Holinshed). Michaell F_1 F_2 F_3. Michael F_4.

[89] Whose ... darkening] Whose figure, e'en this instant, clouds jut on, Dark'ning Becket conj.

[90] instant] upstart Jackson conj.

puts on] puts out Rann (Theobald conj.) pouts on Steevens conj.

[91] By darkening] Bedarkening Steevens conj.

lord] Rowe. lords Ff.

[92] SCENE II.] SCENE IV. Pope.

The same. The council-chamber.] The council-chamber. Theobald.

Cornets. Enter ...] Ff. See note (II).

[93] give] gives F_3.

[94] choked] check'd Keightley conj.

[95] Buckingham's; in person] Johnson. Buckinghams, in person, Ff. Buckingham's in person, Rowe.

[96] of] om. F_2.

[97] within] F_1. with F_2 F_3 F_4.

Queen!] Queene, vsher'd by the Duke of Norfolke. Ff.

Enter ... Suffolk:] Enter the Queene, Norfolke and Suffolke: Ff. Enter the Queen, usher'd by the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk. Warburton.

[98] place] your place Theobald.

[99] unconsider'd] Pope. unconsidered Ff.

[100] few] few, to tell you Keightley.

[101] hath] have F_4.

[102] sides] tides Becket conj. ties Collier (Collier MS.)

[103] many] meiny Johnson conj.

'longing] F_4. longing F_1 F_2 F_3.

[104] lord, ... others:] F_4. lord? ... others? F_1 F_2 F_3.

[105] Things that] The things Seymour conj.

known alike] known, belike Collier (Theobald conj.)

[106] bear 'em] bear them Capell.

[107] or else] if not Seymour conj.

[108] Is] In Pope (ed. 2).

[109] compel] Pope. compels Ff.

[110] their] Ff. all their Pope. nay, their Capell. that their Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[111] This] That Rowe. Their Collier (Collier MS.)

[112] business] Hanmer (Warburton) and Southern conj. MS. basenesse F_1 F_2 F_3. baseness F_4.

[113] learned] learn'd Keightley.

of the judges] Omitted by Capell.

[114] ignorant] om. Pope, reading as one line If I'm traduc'd ... know.

[115] sick] such Keightley conj.

interpreters, once weak ones] interpreters' conceivance Anon. conj.

once] Ff. or Pope. and Becket conj.

[116] act] action Capell.

shall] om. Rowe (ed. 2) and Pope, who ends the line at fear.

[117] carp'd] carped Pope.

[118] we sit, or sit] we sir; Or sir F_2 F_3.

[119] or sit State-statues] Hanmer. Or sit state-statues F_1 F_4, ending the previous line at we sit.

[120] done] that are done Hanmer.

well,] well, my lord, or well, lord cardinal, Keightley conj.

[121] precedent] president Ff. (ptesident F_2).

[122] trembling] trebling Collier (Collier MS.)

[123] lop] top Anon. conj.

[124] root, thus] Theobald (Warburton). roote thus Ff (root F_3 F_4).

[125] [To the Secretary] Rowe.

[126] grieved] griev'd Rowe.

[127] SCENE V. Pope.

I am] I'm Pope.

[128] run] one Collier MS.

King.] Quee. F_3.

[129] learn'd ... rare] learn'd, a most rare Pope. learned; a rare Seymour conj.

[130] never seek for] ne'er seek Ritson conj.

Yet see] Put in a separate line by Capell.

[131] these so] om. Pope, reading Yet ... prove as one line.

[132] complete] 'complish'd Hanmer.

[133] 'mongst wonders ... ravish'd] with wonder, and whom we Almost were ravish'd Johnson conj.

[134] ravish'd listening] list'ning ravish'd Pope.

[135] by us] om. Pope.

[136] The fore-recited] To force-recited Rowe (ed. 2). To fore-recited Pope.

[137] him, every day] Pope. him; every day F_1 F_2 F_3. him every day F_4. him every day, Rowe.

[138] he'll] he'd Pope.

[139] Abergavenny] Aburgany Ff.

[140] your highness] you Hanmer.

[141] This] His Pope.

[142] point. Not ... person] point: Not ... person Capell. point, Not ... wish to ... person; Ff.

[143] brought] wrought S. Walker conj.

[144] Henton] Ff. Hopkins Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). Hopkins' Keightley.

[145] Henton] Ff. Hopkins Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald).

[146] fear'd] Pope. feare F_1 F_2 fear F_3 F_4.

[147] Car] Court Warburton.

[148] Whom after ... utter] Ff. Who (after ... utter) Pope.

[149] confession's] Theobald (from Holinshed). commissions Ff. communion's Warburton conj. (withdrawn).

[150] demure confidence] confidence demure Hanmer.

[151] This] Thus F_4.

nor's] nor his Capell.

[152] To gain] F_4. To F_1 F_2 F_3. For Steevens (1773, 1778). To win Grant White conj.

[153] England.] Ff. England— Rowe.

[154] nobler] F_1. noble F_2 F_3 F_4.

[155] beseech] F_1 F_2. I beseech F_3 F_4.

[156] Let him ... forward] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[157] dangerous for him To ... until] Capell. dangerous For this to ... untill Ff. dang'rous For him to ... until Rowe. dang'rous For him to ruminate on this, until Pope. dangerous From this to ruminate on it so far, until Collier (Collier MS.) dangerous From this to ruminate on it, until Collier conj. dangerous For him to ruminate this so far, until Lettsom conj.

for him] om. Anon. conj.

[158] Blomer] Pope. Blumer Ff (Bulmer Holinshed).

[159] I remember ... servant] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Ff.

[160] being] he being Pope.

sworn servant] servant sworn Steevens (1793).

[161] As to the Tower I thought] To the Tower, as I thought Hanmer. As I thought to the Tower Keightley.

thought,] thought; Ff.

[162] in's] in his Capell.

[163] would] he would Hanmer.

[164] prison?] Rowe. prison. Ff.

[165] 'the duke his father'] First marked as a quotation by Capell.

'knife'] First marked as a quotation by Capell.

[166] night!] night, Theobald. night Ff.

[167] He's traitor] He is a daring traitor Collier (Collier MS.)

[168] SCENE III.] SCENE VI. Pope.

antechamber ...] apartment ... Theobald. Anti-room ... Capell.

Sands] Rowe. Sandys Ff.

Seymour conjectures that this Scene is interpolated by Ben Jonson.

[169] Is't] Is it Steevens.

[170] mysteries] mimick'ries Hanmer. mockeries Warburton.

[171] 'em] them Malone.

[172] late] last Rowe (ed. 2).

[173] They ... take it] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[174] never] ever Capell conj.

saw 'em] Pope. see 'em Ff. saw them Capell.

[175] Or] Verplanck. And Pope. A Ff.

springhalt] stringhalt Hanmer (Theobald conj.)

reign'd] rain'd F_1.

[176] too] F_4. too' F_3. too't F_1 F_2.

[177] they've] Pope. th' have Ff.

Enter ...] Ff, after Lovell, line 16.

[178] I'm ... monsieurs] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

I'm] I' me F_3.

[179] Louvre] Rowe. Louure F_1 F_2. Lovure F_3 F_4.

[180] thereunto] thereupon Rowe (ed. 2).

[181] renouncing clean] clean renouncing Pope.

[182] blister'd] blistred F_1 F_2 F_3. bolstred F_4.

those] such Hanmer.

[183] wear] F_2 F_3 F_4. wee F_1. 'oui' Anon. conj.

[184] 'em] Capell. them F_4. him F_1 F_2 F_3.

[185] The ... going] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[186] of 'em: now] F_1 F_2 F_3. 'em: now F_4. 'em: now sirs, Pope.

[187] Held] Ff. Hold Boswell.

[188] yet.] Capell. yet? Ff.

[189] shall] shalt F_2.

[190] were] are Rowe (ed. 2).

a-going] a going Ff. going Warburton.

[191] That ... indeed] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[192] dews fall] dew falls Rowe.

[193] He ... him] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

has] ha's Ff. h'as Rowe (ed. 2). he has Capell.

wherewithal: in him] wherewithal: in him, Theobald (Thirlby conj.) wherewithall in him; Ff.

[194] way] sway Collier (Collier MS.)

[195] They are] They're Pope.

set] sent Collier MS.

[196] But ... stays] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

[197] SCENE IV.] SCENE VII. Pope.

A Hall in York Place.] Capell. York-house. Theobald.

Gentlemen] Gentlewomen. Steevens.

[198] Ladies ... grace] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[199] merry] merry, F_4. merry: F_1 F_2 F_3.

[200] first, good] F_1 F_2 F_3. first good F_4. first-good Theobald. fairs, good Mason conj. feast, good Staunton conj. just, good Grant White conj. far as good Dyce, ed. 2 (Halliwell conj.) thirst, good Anon. conj.

good wine] then good wine Hanmer.

[201] you're] Capell. y'are Ff. you are Steevens.

Sir Thomas Lovell.] Capell. Lovell. Ff.

[202] You are] You're Pope.

[203] makes] make Pope.

[204] [Seating himself between Anne Bullen, and another Lady. Capell.

[205] He would] He'd Hanmer.

[Kisses her.] Steevens.

[206] you're] Capell. y'are Ff. you are Steevens.

[207] cure] cue Rowe.

[208] You're] Capell. Y'are Ff. You are Steevens. Ye're Dyce.

[209] friend] fiend F_2.

[210] [Drinks.] Theobald. om. Ff.

[211] beholding] beholden Pope.

neighbours] F_1. neighbour F_2 F_3 F_4.

[212] You are ... Sands] As one line, Boswell conj.

[213] make] may make Hanmer. may choose Capell. can make Keightley.

[214] thing—] Rowe. thing. Ff.

[215] they] that they Rowe (ed. 2). how they Collier (Collier MS.)

[Drum ...] Ff (trumpets. F_4), after line 48. Trumpets within ... Capell.

[216] [Exit Servant.] Steevens. Exit an Att. Capell. om. Ff.

[217] Re-enter Servant.] Steevens. Re-enter an Attendant. Capell. Enter a servant. Ff.

[218] they've] Collier. th' have F_1 F_2 F_3. they have F_4. have Pope.

[219] 'em] Ff. them Malone.

[220] the French tongue] the French-tongue F_4. the French or their tongue Anon. conj.

[221] [Exit ... attended.] Capell. om. Ff.

[222] You have] You've Pope.

[223] digestion] F_1. disgestion F_2 F_3 F_4.

and] om. Seymour conj.

[224] ye] you Capell.

the King and others] King and others. Ff. the King and twelve others. Malone (from Holinshed).

shepherds] shepherds, with sixteen torch-bearers. Malone (from Holinshed).

[225] pray'd] pray'd me Collier, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[226] 'em] Ff. them Capell.

[227] They have] They've Pope.

[228] They have ... pleasures] As in Pope. As three lines in Ff, ending grace ... thankes ... pleasures.

[229] [They choose ...] Choose Ladies, King and Anne Bullen. Ff (An. F_1).

[230] My lord] Good my lord Hanmer.

[231] ’em] Ff. them Malone.

[232] from me] as from me Hanmer.

[233] [Whispers the Masquers] Capell. Whisper. Ff (after it, line 81).

[234] [Comes from his State. Capell.

[235] Ye have] You have Rowe. You've Pope.

[Unmasking] Capell. om. Ff.

[236] now] you Rowe (ed. 2).

[237] An’'t ... women] As in Pope. As three lines in Ff, ending Grace ... Rochford ... women.

[238] highness'] Highnesse F_1 F_2 F_3. Highnesses F_4.

[239] she is] Ff. she's Rowe.

[To Anne Bullen. Rowe.

[240] merry, ... cardinal:] Ff. merry. Good ... cardinal, Warburton.

[241] half] om. Rowe (ed. 2).

[242] knock it] strike Hanmer. Westminster ...] Edd. A Street. Theobald. London ... Dyce.

ACT II.

SCENE I. Westminster. A street.

Enter two Gentlemen, meeting.[243]

First Gent. Whither away so fast?

Sec. Gent. O, God save ye![244]

Even to the hall, to hear what shall become[245]

Of the great Duke of Buckingham.

First Gent. I'll save you

That labour, sir. All's now done, but the ceremony

Of bringing back the prisoner.

Sec. Gent. Were you there? 5

First Gent. Yes, indeed was I.

Sec. Gent. Pray, speak what has happen'd.[246]

First Gent. You may guess quickly what.

Sec. Gent. Is he found guilty?

First Gent. Yes, truly is he, and condemn'd upon 't.[247]

Sec. Gent. I am sorry for 't.[248]

First Gent. So are a number more.

Sec. Gent. But, pray, how pass'd it? 10

First Gent. I'll tell you in a little. The great duke

Came to the bar; where to his accusations

He pleaded still not guilty and alleged[249]

Many sharp reasons to defeat the law.

The king's attorney on the contrary 15

Urged on the examinations, proofs, confessions[250]

Of divers witnesses; which the duke desired

To have brought viva voce to his face:[251]

At which appear'd against him his surveyor;

Sir Gilbert Peck his chancellor; and John Car, 20

Confessor to him; with that devil monk,

Hopkins, that made this mischief.

Sec. Gent. That was he

That fed him with his prophecies?[252]

First Gent. The same.

All these accused him strongly; which he fain

Would have flung from him, but indeed he could not: 25

And so his peers upon this evidence

Have found him guilty of high treason. Much

He spoke, and learnedly, for life, but all

Was either pitied in him or forgotten.

Sec. Gent. After all this, how did he bear himself? 30

First Gent. When he was brought again to the bar, to hear

His knell rung out, his judgement, he was stirr'd

With such an agony, he sweat extremely[253]

And something spoke in choler, ill and hasty:

But he fell to himself again and sweetly 35

In all the rest show'd a most noble patience.

Sec. Gent. I do not think he fears death.

First Gent. Sure, he does not;

He never was so womanish; the cause

He may a little grieve at.

Sec. Gent. Certainly

The cardinal is the end of this.[254]

First Gent. 'Tis likely, 40

By all conjectures: first, Kildare's attainder,[255]

Then deputy of Ireland; who removed,

Earl Surrey was sent thither, and in haste too,

Lest he should help his father.

Sec. Gent. That trick of state

Was a deep envious one.[256]

First Gent. At his return 45

No doubt he will requite it. This is noted,

And generally, whoever the king favours,

The cardinal instantly will find employment,[257]

And far enough from court too.

Sec. Gent. All the commons

Hate him perniciously, and, o' my conscience, 50

Wish him ten fathom deep: this duke as much

They love and dote on; call him bounteous Buckingham,

The mirror of all courtesy—[258]

First Gent. Stay there, sir,

And see the noble ruin'd man you speak of.

Enter BUCKINGHAM from his arraignment, tipstaves before him, the axe with the edge towards him, halberds on each side, accompanied with SIR THOMAS LOVELL, SIR NICHOLAS VAUX, SIR WALTER SANDS, and common people, &c.[259]

Sec. Gent. Let's stand close, and behold him.

Buck. All good people,[260]55

You that thus far have come to pity me,[261]

Hear what I say, and then go home and lose me.

I have this day received a traitor's judgement,

And by that name must die: yet, heaven bear witness,

And if I have a conscience, let it sink me, 60

Even as the axe falls, if I be not faithful!

The law I bear no malice for my death;[262]

'T has done upon the premisses but justice:[263]

But those that sought it I could wish more Christians:

Be what they will, I heartily forgive 'em:[264] 65

Yet let 'em look they glory not in mischief,[264]

Nor build their evils on the graves of great men;[265]

For then my guiltless blood must cry against 'em.

For further life in this world I ne'er hope,

Nor will I sue, although the king have mercies[266] 70

More than I dare make faults. You few that loved me[267]

And dare be bold to weep for Buckingham,

His noble friends and fellows, whom to leave

Is only bitter to him, only dying,

Go with me, like good angels, to my end, 75

And, as the long divorce of steel falls on me,

Make of your prayers one sweet sacrifice

And lift my soul to heaven. Lead on, o' God's name.[268]

Lov. I do beseech your grace, for charity,

If ever any malice in your heart 80

Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.[269]

Buck. Sir Thomas Lovell, I as free forgive you

As I would be forgiven: I forgive all;

There cannot be those numberless offences

'Gainst me, that I cannot take peace with: no black envy[270][271][272][273] 85

Shall make my grave. Commend me to his grace,[270][272]

And if he speak of Buckingham, pray tell him

You met him half in heaven: my vows and prayers

Yet are the king's, and, till my soul forsake,[274]

Shall cry for blessings on him: may he live 90

Longer than I have time to tell his years!

Ever beloved and loving may his rule be![275]

And when old time shall lead him to his end,

Goodness and he fill up one monument!

Lov. To the water side I must conduct your grace; 95

Then give my charge up to Sir Nicholas Vaux,

Who undertakes you to your end.

Vaux. Prepare there;

The duke is coming: see the barge be ready,

And fit it with such furniture as suits

The greatness of his person.

Buck. Nay, Sir Nicholas, 100

Let it alone; my state now will but mock me.[276]

When I came hither, I was lord high constable

And Duke of Buckingham; now, poor Edward Bohun:[277]

Yet I am richer than my base accusers,

That never knew what truth meant: I now seal it; 105

And with that blood will make 'em one day groan for't.

My noble father, Henry of Buckingham,

Who first raised head against usurping Richard,

Flying for succour to his servant Banister,

Being distress'd, was by that wretch betray'd, 110

And without trial fell; God's peace be with him!

Henry the Seventh succeeding, truly pitying

My father's loss, like a most royal prince,

Restored me to my honours, and out of ruins

Made my name once more noble. Now his son, 115

Henry the Eighth, life, honour, name and all[278]

That made me happy, at one stroke has taken

For ever from the world. I had my trial,

And must needs say, a noble one; which makes me

A little happier than my wretched father: 120

Yet thus far we are one in fortunes: both[279]

Fell by our servants, by those men we loved most;[280]

A most unnatural and faithless service!

Heaven has an end in all: yet, you that hear me,

This from a dying man receive as certain: 125

Where you are liberal of your loves and counsels

Be sure you be not loose; for those you make friends[281]

And give your hearts to, when they once perceive

The least rub in your fortunes, fall away

Like water from ye, never found again 130

But where they mean to sink ye. All good people,[282]

Pray for me! I must now forsake ye: the last hour[283]

Of my long weary life is come upon me.[284]

Farewell:[285]

And when you would say something that is sad,[284][286] 135

Speak how I fell. I have done; and God forgive me![287]

[Exeunt Duke and Train.

First Gent. O, this is full of pity! Sir, it calls,

I fear, too many curses on their heads

That were the authors.

Sec. Gent. If the duke be guiltless,

'Tis full of woe: yet I can give you inkling 140

Of an ensuing evil, if it fall,

Greater than this.

First Gent. Good angels keep it from us!

What may it be? You do not doubt my faith, sir?[288]

Sec. Gent. This secret is so weighty, 'twill require

A strong faith to conceal it.

First Gent. Let me have it; 145

I do not talk much.

Sec. Gent. I am confident;

You shall, sir: did you not of late days hear

A buzzing of a separation

Between the king and Katharine?

First Gent. Yes, but it held not:[289]

For when the king once heard it, out of anger 150

He sent command to the lord mayor straight[290]

To stop the rumour and allay those tongues

That durst disperse it.

See. Gent. But that slander, sir,

Is found a truth now: for it grows again[291]

Fresher than e'er it was, and held for certain 155

The king will venture at it. Either the cardinal,

Or some about him near, have, out of malice

To the good queen, possess'd him with a scruple

That will undo her: to confirm this too,

Cardinal Campeius is arrived, and lately; 160

As all think, for this business.

First Gent. 'Tis the cardinal;

And merely to revenge him on the emperor,

For not bestowing on him at his asking

The archbishopric of Toledo, this is purposed.

Sec. Gent. I think you have hit the mark: but is't not cruel[292]165

That she should feel the smart of this? The cardinal

Will have his will, and she must fall.

First Gent. 'Tis woeful.

We are too open here to argue this;

Let's think in private more.      [Exeunt.[293]

SCENE II. An ante-chamber in the palace.

Enter the LORD CHAMBERLAIN, reading a letter.[294]

Cham. 'My lord, the horses your lordship sent for, with all the[295]

care I had, I saw well chosen, ridden, and furnished. They were[295]

young and handsome, and of the best breed in the north. When they[295]

were ready to set out for London, a man of my lord cardinal's, by commission[295]

and main power, took 'em from me; with this reason: His[295][296] 5

master would be served before a subject, if not before the king; which[295]

stopped our mouths, sir.'[295][297]

I fear he will indeed: well, let him have them:[298]

He will have all, I think.[298]

Enter to the LORD CHAMBERLAIN, the DUKES OF NORFOLK and SUFFOLK.

Nor. Well met, my lord chamberlain.[299] 10

Cham. Good day to both your graces.

Suf. How is the king employ'd?

Cham. I left him private,

Full of sad thoughts and troubles.

Nor. What's the cause?

Cham. It seems the marriage with his brother's wife

Has crept too near his conscience.

Suf. No, his conscience 15

Has crept too near another lady.

Nor. 'Tis so:

This is the cardinal's doing, the king-cardinal:[300]

That blind priest, like the eldest son of fortune,

Turns what he list. The king will know him one day.[301]

Suf. Pray God he do! he'll never know himself else.[302] 20

Nor. How holily he works in all his business![303]

And with what zeal! for, now he has crack'd the league

Between us and the emperor, the queen's great nephew.[304]

He dives into the king's soul, and there scatters

Dangers, doubts, wringing of the conscience,[305] 25

Fears and despairs; and all these for his marriage:[306]

And out of all these to restore the king,

He counsels a divorce; a loss of her

That, like a jewel, has hung twenty years

About his neck, yet never lost her lustre, 30

Of her that loves him with that excellence

That angels love good men with, even of her

That, when the greatest stroke of fortune falls,

Will bless the king: and is not this course pious?

Cham. Heaven keep me from such counsel! 'Tis most true 35

These news are every where; every tongue speaks 'em,

And every true heart weeps for't: all that dare

Look into these affairs see this main end,[307]

The French king's sister. Heaven will one day open

The king's eyes that so long have slept upon 40

This bold bad man.

Suf. And free us from his slavery.

Nor. We had need pray,

And heartily, for our deliverance;[308]

Or this imperious man will work us all

From princes into pages: all men's honours 45

Lie like one lump before him, to be fashion'd[309]

Into what pitch he please.[310]

Suf. For me, my lords,

I love him not, nor fear him; there's my creed:

As I am made without him, so I'll stand,

If the king please; his curses and his blessings 50

Touch me alike; they're breath I not believe in.[311]

I knew him, and I know him; so I leave him

To him that made him proud, the pope.

Nor. Let's in;

And with some other business put the king

From these sad thoughts that work too much upon him: 55

My lord, you'll bear us company?

Cham. Excuse me;

The king has sent me otherwhere: besides,

You'll find a most unfit time to disturb him:[312]

Health to your lordships.

Nor. Thanks, my good lord chamberlain.

[Exit Lord Chamberlain; and the King draws the curtain and sits reading pensively.[313]

Suf. How sad he looks! sure, he is much afflicted.[314] 60

King. Who's there, ha?

Nor. Pray God he be not angry.[315]

King. Who's there, I say? How dare you thrust yourselves

Into my private meditations?

Who am I? ha?

Nor. A gracious king that pardons all offences 65

Malice ne'er meant: our breach of duty this way

Is business of estate, in which we come

To know your royal pleasure.

King. Ye are too bold:[316]

Go to; I'll make ye know your times of business:

Is this an hour for temporal affairs, ha? 70

Enter WOLSEY and CAMPEIUS, with a commission.[317]

Who's there? my good lord cardinal? O my Wolsey,

The quiet of my wounded conscience,

Thou art a cure fit for a king. [To Camp.] You're welcome,[318]

Most learned reverend sir, into our kingdom:

Use us and it. [To Wols.] My good lord, have great care[319] 75

I be not found a talker.

Wol. Sir, you cannot.

I would your grace would give us but an hour

Of private conference.

King. [To Nor. and Suf.] We are busy; go.

Nor. [Aside to Suf.] This priest has no pride in him?[320]

Suf. [Aside to Nor.] Not to speak of:[321][322]

I would not be so sick though for his place:[321] 80

But this cannot continue.[321][323]

Nor. [Aside to Suf.] If it do,[321][323]

I'll venture one have-at-him.[324]

Suf. [Aside to Nor.] I another.

[Exeunt Norfolk and Suffolk.

Wol. Your grace has given a precedent of wisdom[325]

Above all princes, in committing freely

Your scruple to the voice of Christendom: 85

Who can be angry now? what envy reach you?

The Spaniard, tied by blood and favour to her,

Must now confess, if they have any goodness,

The trial just and noble. All the clerks,

I mean the learned ones, in Christian kingdoms[326] 90

Have their free voices: Rome, the nurse of judgement,[327]

Invited by your noble self, hath sent

One general tongue unto us, this good man,

This just and learned priest, Cardinal Campeius;[328]

Whom once more I present unto your highness. 95

King. And once more in mine arms I bid him welcome,

And thank the holy conclave for their loves:

They have sent me such a man I would have wish'd for.[329]

Cam. Your grace must needs deserve all strangers' loves,

You are so noble. To your highness' hand 100

I tender my commission; by whose virtue,

The court of Rome commanding, you, my lord[330]

Cardinal of York, are join'd with me their servant

In the impartial judging of this business.

King. Two equal men. The queen shall be acquainted 105

Forthwith for what you come. Where's Gardiner?

Wol. I know your majesty has always loved her

So dear in heart, not to deny her that[331]

A woman of less place might ask by law,

Scholars allow'd freely to argue for her. 110

King. Ay, and the best she shall have; and my favour

To him that does best: God forbid else. Cardinal,

Prithee, call Gardiner to me, my new secretary:

I find him a fit fellow.      [Exit Wolsey.

Re-enter WOLSEY, with GARDINER.[332]

Wol. [Aside to Gard.] Give me your hand: much joy and favour to you;[333]115

You are the king's now.

Gard. [Aside to Wol.] But to be commanded[333]

For ever by your grace, whose hand has raised me.

King. Come hither, Gardiner.      [Walks and whispers.[334]

Cam. My Lord of York, was not one Doctor Pace

In this man's place before him?

Wol. Yes, he was. 120

Cam. Was he not held a learned man?

Wol. Yes, surely.

Cam. Believe me, there's an ill opinion spread then,

Even of yourself, lord cardinal.

Wol. How! of me?

Cam. They will not stick to say you envied him,

And fearing he would rise, he was so virtuous, 125

Kept him a foreign man still; which so grieved him

That he ran mad and died.

Wol. Heaven's peace be with him!

That's Christian care enough: for living murmurers

There's places of rebuke. He was a fool;

For he would needs be virtuous: that good fellow, 130

If I command him, follows my appointment:

I will have none so near else. Learn this, brother,

We live not to be grip'd by meaner persons.

King. Deliver this with modesty to the queen.

[Exit Gardiner.

The most convenient place that I can think of 135

For such receipt of learning is Black-Friars;

There ye shall meet about this weighty business.

My Wolsey, see it furnish'd. O, my lord,

Would it not grieve an able man to leave

So sweet a bedfellow? But, conscience, conscience! 140

O, 'tis a tender place; and I must leave her.      [Exeunt.

SCENE III. An ante-chamber of the Queen's apartments.[335]

Enter ANNE BULLEN and an old Lady.

Anne. Not for that neither: here's the pang that pinches:

His highness having lived so long with her, and she[336]

So good a lady that no tongue could ever

Pronounce dishonour of her—by my life,

She never knew harm-doing—O, now, after 5

So many courses of the sun enthroned,

Still growing in a majesty and pomp, the which[337][338]

To leave a thousand-fold more bitter than[337]

'Tis sweet at first to acquire—after this process,[337]

To give her the avaunt! it is a pity 10

Would move a monster.

Old L. Hearts of most hard temper

Melt and lament for her.

Anne. O, God's will! much better[339]

She ne'er had known pomp: though 't be temporal,

Yet, if that quarrel, fortune, do divorce[340]

It from the bearer, 'tis a sufferance panging 15

As soul and body's severing.

Old L. Alas, poor lady![341]

She's a stranger now again.[342]

Anne. So much the more

Must pity drop upon her. Verily,

I swear, 'tis better to be lowly born

And range with humble livers in content 20

Than to be perk'd up in a glistering grief

And wear a golden sorrow.

Old L. Our content

Is our best having.

Anne. By my troth and maidenhead,

I would not be a queen.

Old L. Beshrew me, I would,

And venture maidenhead for't; and so would you, 25

For all this spice of your hypocrisy:

You, that have so fair parts of woman on you,

Have too a woman's heart; which ever yet

Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty;

Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts— 30

Saving your mincing—the capacity

Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive,[343]

If you might please to stretch it.

Anne. Nay, good troth.[344]

Old L. Yes, troth, and troth; you would not be a queen?

Anne. No, not for all the riches under heaven. 35

Old L. 'Tis strange: a three-pence bow'd would hire me,[345]

Old as I am, to queen it: but, I pray you,

What think you of a duchess? have you limbs

To bear that load of title?

Anne. No, in truth.

Old L. Then you are weakly made: pluck off a little;[346] 40

I would not be a young count in your way,

For more than blushing comes to: if your back

Cannot vouchsafe this burthen, 'tis too weak

Ever to get a boy.

Anne. How you do talk![347]

I swear again, I would not be a queen 45

For all the world.

Old L. In faith, for little England

You'ld venture an emballing: I myself[348]

Would for Carnarvonshire, although there 'long'd[349]

No more to the crown but that. Lo, who comes here?

Enter the LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

Cham. Good morrow, ladies. What were't worth to know 50

The secret of your conference?

Anne. My good lord,

Not your demand; it values not your asking:

Our mistress' sorrows we were pitying.

Cham. It was a gentle business, and becoming

The action of good women: there is hope 55

All will be well.

Anne. Now, I pray God, amen!

Cham. You bear a gentle mind, and heavenly blessings

Follow such creatures. That you may, fair lady,

Perceive I speak sincerely, and high note's[350]

Ta'en of your many virtues, the king's majesty 60

Commends his good opinion of you, and[351]

Does purpose honour to you no less flowing

Than Marchioness of Pembroke; to which title

A thousand pound a year, annual support,[352]

Out of his grace he adds.

Anne. I do not know 65

What kind of my obedience I should tender;[353]

More than my all is nothing: nor my prayers[354]

Are not words duly hallow'd, nor my wishes

More worth than empty vanities; yet prayers and wishes[355]

Are all I can return. Beseech your lordship, 70

Vouchsafe to speak my thanks and my obedience,

As from a blushing handmaid, to his highness,

Whose health and royalty I pray for.

Cham. Lady,

I shall not fail to approve the fair conceit[356]

The king hath of you. [Aside] I have perused her well;[357] 75

Beauty and honour in her are so mingled[357]

That they have caught the king: and who knows yet[357]

But from this lady may proceed a gem[357]

To lighten all this isle?—I'll to the king,[357]

And say I spoke with you.[357]

Anne. My honour'd lord. 80

[Exit Lord Chamberlain.[358]

Old L. Why, this it is; see, see!

I have been begging sixteen years in court,

Am yet a courtier beggarly, nor could[359]

Come pat betwixt too early and too late

For any suit of pounds; and you, O fate! 85

A very fresh fish here—fie, fie, fie upon[360]

This compell'd fortune!—have your mouth fill'd up

Before you open it.

Anne. This is strange to me.

Old L. How tastes it? is it bitter? forty pence, no.[361]

There was a lady once, 'tis an old story,[362] 90

That would not be a queen, that would she not,

For all the mud in Egypt: have you heard it?

Anne. Come, you are pleasant.

Old L. With your theme, I could

O'ermount the lark. The Marchioness of Pembroke!

A thousand pounds a year for pure respect! 95

No other obligation! By my life,[363]

That promises moe thousands: honour's train[364]

Is longer than his foreskirt. By this time

I know your back will bear a duchess: say,

Are you not stronger than you were?

Anne. Good lady, 100

Make yourself mirth with your particular fancy,

And leave me out on't. Would I had no being,

If this salute my blood a jot: it faints me,[365]

To think what follows.

The queen is comfortless, and we forgetful 105

In our long absence: pray, do not deliver

What here you've heard to her.

Old L. What do you think me?[366]

[Exeunt.

SCENE IV. A hall in Black-Friars.

Trumpets, sennet and cornets. Enter two Vergers, with short silver wands; next them, two Scribes, in the habit of doctors; after them, the ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY alone; after him, the BISHOPS OF LINCOLN, ELY, ROCHESTER, and Saint ASAPH; next them, with some small distance, follows a Gentleman bearing the purse, with the great seal, and a cardinal's hat; then two Priests, bearing each a silver cross; then a Gentleman Usher bare-headed, accompanied with a Sergeant at arms bearing a silver mace; then two Gentlemen bearing two great silver pillars; after them, side by side, the two CARDINALS; two Noblemen with the sword and mace. The KING takes place under the cloth of state; the two CARDINALS sit under him as judges. The QUEEN takes place some distance from the KING. The BISHOPS place themselves on each side the court, in manner of a consistory; below them, the Scribes. The LORDS sit next the BISHOPS. The rest of the Attendants stand in convenient order about the stage.[367]

Wol. Whilst our commission from Rome is read,

Let silence be commanded.

King. What's the need?

It hath already publicly been read,

And on all sides the authority allow'd;

You may then spare that time.

Wol. Be't so. Proceed. 5

Scribe. Say, Henry King of England, come into the

court.

Crier. Henry King of England, &c.

King. Here.

Scribe. Say, Katharine Queen of England, come into[368] 10

the court.[368]

Crier. Katharine Queen of England, &c.

[The Queen makes no answer, rises out of her chair, goes about the court, comes to the King, and kneels at his feet; then speaks.

Q. Kath. Sir, I desire you do me right and justice,[369]

And to bestow your pity on me; for

I am a most poor woman and a stranger, 15

Born out of your dominions; having here

No judge indifferent, nor no more assurance[370]

Of equal friendship and proceeding. Alas, sir,

In what have I offended you? what cause

Hath my behaviour given to your displeasure, 20

That thus you should proceed to put me off

And take your good grace from me? Heaven witness,

I have been to you a true and humble wife,[371]

At all times to your will conformable,

Ever in fear to kindle your dislike, 25

Yea, subject to your countenance, glad or sorry

As I saw it inclined: when was the hour[372]

I ever contradicted your desire,

Or made it not mine too? Or which of your friends[373]

Have I not strove to love, although I knew 30

He were mine enemy? what friend of mine[374]

That had to him derived your anger, did I

Continue in my liking? nay, gave notice[375]

He was from thence discharged? Sir, call to mind[376]

That I have been your wife, in this obedience, 35

Upward of twenty years, and have been blest

With many children by you: if in the course

And process of this time you can report,

And prove it too, against mine honour aught,

My bond to wedlock or my love and duty,[377][378] 40

Against your sacred person, in God's name,[378]

Turn me away, and let the foul'st contempt[379]

Shut door upon me, and so give me up

To the sharp'st kind of justice. Please you, sir,[380]

The king, your father, was reputed for 45

A prince most prudent, of an excellent[381]

And unmatch'd wit and judgement: Ferdinand,

My father, king of Spain, was reckon'd one

The wisest prince that there had reign'd by many

A year before: it is not to be question'd 50

That they had gather'd a wise council to them

Of every realm, that did debate this business,

Who deem'd our marriage lawful: wherefore I humbly[382][383]

Beseech you, sir, to spare me, till I may[383]

Be by my friends in Spain advised, whose counsel 55

I will implore: if not, i' the name of God,

Your pleasure be fulfill'd!

Wol. You have here, lady,

And of your choice, these reverend fathers; men

Of singular integrity and learning,

Yea, the elect o' the land, who are assembled 60

To plead your cause: it shall be therefore bootless

That longer you desire the court, as well[384]

For your own quiet, as to rectify

What is unsettled in the king.

Cam. His grace

Hath spoken well and justly: therefore, madam, 65

It's fit this royal session do proceed,

And that without delay their arguments

Be now produced and heard.

Q. Kath. Lord cardinal,[385]

To you I speak.[385]

Wol. Your pleasure, madam?

Q. Kath. Sir,[386][387]

I am about to weep; but, thinking that[386] 70

We are a queen, or long have dream'd so, certain

The daughter of a king, my drops of tears

I'll turn to sparks of fire.

Wol. Be patient yet.[388]

Q. Kath. I will, when you are humble; nay, before,

Or God will punish me. I do believe,[389] 75

Induced by potent circumstances, that

You are mine enemy, and make my challenge[390]

You shall not be my judge: for it is you

Have blown this coal betwixt my lord and me;

Which God's dew quench! Therefore I say again, 80

I utterly abhor, yea, from my soul

Refuse you for my judge; whom, yet once more,

I hold my most malicious foe and think not

At all a friend to truth.

Wol. I do profess

You speak not like yourself; who ever yet 85

Have stood to charity and display'd the effects

Of disposition gentle and of wisdom

O'ertopping woman's power. Madam, you do me wrong:[391]

I have no spleen against you, nor injustice

For you or any: how far I have proceeded,[392] 90

Or how far further shall, is warranted[393]

By a commission from the consistory,

Yea, the whole consistory of Rome. You charge me

That I have blown this coal: I do deny it:

The king is present: if it be known to him[394] 95

That I gainsay my deed, how may he wound,[395]

And worthily, my falsehood! yea, as much

As you have done my truth. If he know[396]

That I am free of your report, he knows

I am not of your wrong. Therefore in him 100

It lies to cure me; and the cure is to

Remove these thoughts from you: the which before

His highness shall speak in, I do beseech

You, gracious madam, to unthink your speaking

And to say so no more.[397]

Q. Kath. My lord, my lord, 105

I am a simple woman, much too weak

To oppose your cunning. You're meek and humble-mouth'd;[398]

You sign your place and calling, in full seeming,

With meekness and humility; but your heart

Is cramm'd with arrogancy, spleen, and pride.[399] 110

You have, by fortune and his highness' favours,[400]

Gone slightly o'er low steps and now are mounted[401]

Where powers are your retainers, and your words,[402]

Domestics to you, serve your will as't please

Yourself pronounce their office. I must tell you, 115

You tender more your person's honour than

Your high profession spiritual; that again

I do refuse you for my judge, and here,

Before you all, appeal unto the pope,

To bring my whole cause 'fore his holiness, 120

And to be judged by him.

[She curtsies to the King, and offers to depart.

Cam. The queen is obstinate,

Stubborn to justice, apt to accuse it and

Disdainful to be tried by't: 'tis not well.

She's going away.

King. Call her again. 125

Crier. Katharine Queen of England, come into the court.

Gent. Ush. Madam, you are call'd back.[403]

Q. Kath. What need you note it? pray you, keep your way:

When you are call'd, return. Now the Lord help![404]

They vex me past my patience. Pray you, pass on: 130

I will not tarry, no, nor ever more

Upon this business my appearance make

In any of their courts.      [Exeunt Queen, and her Attendants.[405]

King. Go thy ways, Kate:

That man i' the world who shall report he has

A better wife, let him in nought be trusted,[406] 135

For speaking false in that: thou art, alone,

If thy rare qualities, sweet gentleness,

Thy meekness saint-like, wife-like government,

Obeying in commanding, and thy parts

Sovereign and pious else, could speak thee out,[407] 140

The queen of earthly queens. She's noble born,

And like her true nobility she has

Carried herself towards me.

Wol. Most gracious sir,

In humblest manner I require your highness,

That it shall please you to declare in hearing 145

Of all these ears—for where I am robb'd and bound,

There must I be unloosed, although not there[408]

At once and fully satisfied—whether ever I[409]

Did broach this business to your highness, or

Laid any scruple in your way which might 150

Induce you to the question on't? or ever

Have to you, but with thanks to God for such

A royal lady, spake one the least word that might[410]

Be to the prejudice of her present state[411]

Or touch of her good person?

King. My lord cardinal, 155

I do excuse you; yea, upon mine honour,

I free you from't. You are not to be taught

That you have many enemies that know not

Why they are so, but, like to village-curs,[412]

Bark when their fellows do: by some of these 160

The queen is put in anger. You're excused:[413]

But will you be more justified? you ever

Have wish'd the sleeping of this business, never desired[414]

It to be stirr'd, but oft have hinder'd, oft,[414]

The passages made toward it: on my honour,[415] 165

I speak my good lord cardinal to this point,[416]

And thus far clear him. Now, what moved me to't,[417]

I will be bold with time and your attention:

Then mark the inducement. Thus it came; give heed to't:

My conscience first received a tenderness, 170

Scruple, and prick, on certain speeches utter'd

By the Bishop of Bayonne, then French ambassador;[418]

Who had been hither sent on the debating

A marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleans and[419]

Our daughter Mary: i' the progress of this business, 175

Ere a determinate resolution, he,

I mean the bishop, did require a respite,[420]

Wherein he might the king his lord advertise

Whether our daughter were legitimate,

Respecting this our marriage with the dowager, 180

Sometimes our brother's wife. This respite shook[421]

The bosom of my conscience, enter'd me,[422]

Yea, with a splitting power, and made to tremble[423]

The region of my breast; which forced such way

That many mazed considerings did throng 185

And press'd in with this caution. First, methought

I stood not in the smile of heaven, who had[424]

Commanded nature that my lady's womb,

If it conceived a male-child by me, should

Do no more offices of life to't than 190

The grave does to the dead; for her male issue

Or died where they were made, or shortly after

This world had air'd them: hence I took a thought,

This was a judgement on me, that my kingdom,

Well worthy the best heir o' the world, should not 195

Be gladded in't by me: then follows that[425]

I weigh'd the danger which my realms stood in[426]

By this my issue's fail; and that gave to me

Many a groaning throe. Thus hulling in[427]

The wild sea of my conscience, I did steer 200

Toward this remedy whereupon we are[428]

Now present here together; that's to say,

I meant to rectify my conscience, which

I then did feel full sick and yet not well,

By all the reverend fathers of the land 205

And doctors learn'd. First I began in private

With you, my Lord of Lincoln; you remember

How under my oppression I did reek,[429]

When I first moved you.

Lin. Very well, my liege.

King. I have spoke long: be pleased yourself to say 210

How far you satisfied me.

Lin. So please your highness,

The question did at first so stagger me,

Bearing a state of mighty moment in't

And consequence of dread, that I committed

The daring'st counsel which I had to doubt, 215

And did entreat your highness to this course[430]

Which you are running here.

King. I then moved you,

My Lord of Canterbury, and got your leave

To make this present summons: unsolicited[431]

I left no reverend person in this court; 220

But by particular consent proceeded

Under your hands and seals: therefore, go on;

For no dislike i' the world against the person

Of the good queen, but the sharp thorny points[432]

Of my alleged reasons, drive this forward:[433] 225

Prove but our marriage lawful, by my life

And kingly dignity, we are contented

To wear our mortal state to come with her,

Katharine our queen, before the primest creature

That's paragon'd o' the world.[434]

Cam. So please your highness, 230

The queen being absent, 'tis a needful fitness

That we adjourn this court till further day:[435]

Meanwhile must be an earnest motion

Made to the queen, to call back her appeal

She intends unto his holiness.

King. [Aside] I may perceive[436][437]

235

These cardinals trifle with me: I abhor[437]

This dilatory sloth and tricks of Rome.[437][438]

My learn'd and well-beloved servant, Cranmer,[437][439]

Prithee, return; with thy approach, I know,[437][440]

My comfort comes along.—Break up the court:[437] 240

I say, set on.

[Exeunt in manner as they entered.

FOOTNOTES:

[243] meeting.] Capell. at severall Doores. Ff.

[244] fast?] fast, sir? Capell.

O,] O sir, Pope.

ye] you Capell. you, sir Keightley.

[245] Even] Ev'n Ff.

[246] happen'd.] happened. Rowe (ed. 2). happen'd? Pope.

[247] Yes ... upon 't.] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[248] I am] I'm Pope.

[249] not] nor F_2.

[250] the] om. Pope.

[251] have] F_4. him F_1 F_2 F_3.

[252] prophecies?] Capell. prophecies. Ff.

[253] sweat] swet Dyce.

[254] the end] at the end Long MS.

[255] attainder] attendure F_1 F_2. attaindure F_3 F_4.

[256] deep envious] deep-envious Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[257] instantly ... employment] instantly ... employment for F_4. will find employment for Hanmer.

[258] courtesy—] courtesy;— Steevens. courtesie. Ff.

[259] Enter ...] Ff (after courtesie, line 53). Transposed by Capell.

Sir Walter Sands,] F_1. Walter Sands, F_2 F_3 F_4. Sir William Sands, Theobald (from Holinshed).

[260] SCENE II. Pope.

[261] far] farre F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[262] The law] F_1 F_2. To th' law F_3 F_4.

[263] 'T has] F_3 F_4. T' has F_1 F_2. It has Malone.

[264] 'em] them Malone.

[265] evils] evies Grey conj.

[266] have] hath or has Seymour conj.

[267] More ... me] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

dare] could or durst Delius conj.

[268] And ... name] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

o'] Theobald. a Ff.

[269] to] om. Pope.

[270] 'Gainst ... grace,] Two lines in Pope. Three lines, ending with: ... grave ... grace: in Ff.

[271] that I cannot] I can't] Pope. that I can't Malone.

[272] take ... make] take ... mark Hanmer (Warburton). make ... take Johnson conj. take ... shake Heath conj.

[273] no black ... grave] no! black ... grave Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag.) With no black envy shall I make my grave Martley conj., reading as a separate line.

[274] forsake] forsake me F_4.

Keightley conjectures that a line is lost here.

[275] may ... be] be his rule Seymour conj.

[276] now will] will now Whalley conj.

[277] Bohun] Stafford Peck conj.

[278] life, honour, name] name, honour, life Pope.

[279] we are] F_1 F_2. are we F_3 F_4.

fortunes] fortune Rowe.

[280] most] om. Pope.

[281] for] om. Pope.

[282] where] when Collier (Collier MS.)

[283] now forsake] leave Pope.

[284] long weary] long-weary S. Walker conj.

[285] Farewell: ... sad,] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[286] that is] om. Pope, reading 134, 135 as one line.

[287] Speak ... me!] Two lines in Ff. One line in Pope, reading I've for I have.

[288] What] Where Reed (1803).

[289] Yes,] om. Hanmer.

[290] to] unto S. Walker conj.

[291] found a] F_1 F_2. a sound F_3 F_4.

[292] I think ... cruel] As two lines, the first ending think, in Ff. one line in Pope, reading you've for you have.

is't] is it Delius.

[293] think] talk Anon conj.

[294] SCENE II.] SCENE III. Pope

An ante-chamber ...] Theobald.

the Lord] Lord. Ff.

a letter.] Rowe. this letter. Ff.

[295] My lord ... sir.] S. Walker would read horse for horses, sent me for sent, o' th' for of the, o' the' for in the, them for 'em, and print as nine verses, ending me for, ... chosen, ... handsome, ... north, ... London, ... commission, ... reason, ... subject, ... sir.

[296] commission] compulsion Long MS.

[297] sir] om. Collier MS.

[298] I fear ... think.] As verse first by Theobald. As prose in Ff.

[299] my lord] my good lord Hanmer, reading He ... good Lord ... graces as two lines.

[300] doing, ... cardinal:] doing; ... cardinal: Rowe. doing: ... cardinall, Ff.

[301] list] lists Theobald.

[302] Pray ... else] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[303] his] this Capell.

[304] Between] 'Tween Pope.

great nephew] nephew Seymour] conj. great-nephew Dyce.

[305] Dangers, doubts,] Doubts, dangers, Pope.

doubts, wringing] doubts wringing Anon. conj.

wringing] wringings Anon. conj.

[306] despairs] despair Rowe (ed. 2).

[307] this] his F_4.

[308] our] om. Pope, reading We ... deliv'rance as one line.

[309] like] in Steevens.

[310] Into] E'en to Lettsom conj.

pitch] pinch Hanmer (Warburton).

batch Theobald conj.

[311] they're] Pope. th' are Ff. they are Capell.

[312] find] F_3 F_4. finde F_1 F_2. find 't Anon. conj.

[313] and ... pensively.] Ff. The Scene draws, and discovers the King sitting and reading pensively. Rowe. They go towards the Door: Door opens; and the King is discover'd, sitting to a Table, pensively, and reading. Capell. Norfolk opens a folding-door. The King is discovered.... Malone.

[314] SCENE IV. Warburton. Pope and Hanmer continue the scene by mistake.

[315] Pray] I pray Capell.

[316] Ye are] You're Capell. You are Steevens.

[317] and ... commission.] with Campeius. Capell.

Campeius,] Campeius the Pope's Legat, Rowe.

[318] a king] F_1. the king F_2 F_3 F_4.

[To Camp.] Theobald.

[319] [To Wols.] Johnson.

[320] [To Nor. and Suf.] Theobald.

[321] The 'Asides' first marked by Capell.

[322] him?] him. Collier. him! Delius.

[323] If ... him.] Arranged as in Pope. As one line in Ff.

[324] one have-at-him.] Dyce and Staunton. one; have at him. F_1. one heave at him. F_2 F_3 F_4. one;—have at him. Knight.

[325] precedent] F_4. president F_1 F_2 F_3.

[326] I ... ones, in ... kingdoms] Theobald. (I ... ones in ... kingdomes) Ff.

[327] Have] Gave Grant White. voices:] voyces. or voices. Ff. voice. Rowe (ed. 2). voices—Knight.

[328] learned] learn'd Anon. conj.

Cardinal] Cardnall F_1.

[329] They have] They've Pope.

[330] commanding, you] F_4. commanding. You F_1. commanding: You F_2 F_3.

[331] So] Too Keightley conj.

that] that, F_4. what Pope.

[332] [Exit Wolsey. Re-enter ...] Capell. Cardinal goes out and re-enters with Gardiner. Johnson. Enter Gardiner. Ff.

[333] The 'Asides' first marked by Capell.

[334] [Walks and whispers.] Ff. Talk apart. Capell.

[335] SCENE III.] SCENE V. Pope.

An ante-chamber ...] Theobald.

[336] having] om. Pope.

[337] See note (III).

[338] a majesty] majesty Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[339] O,] Oh F_1 F_2 F_3. O' F_4.

[340] that quarrel] that quarr'ler Hanmer. that quarr'lous Warburton conj. (withdrawn). at quarrel Mason conj. that queller Jackson conj. that squirrel Staunton conj.

quarrel, fortune, do] quarrell. Fortune, do F_1. quarrel fortune to Steevens conj. carle, ill-fortune, do Becket conj. cruel fortune do Collier (Collier MS.) quarrel, by fortune Keightley. fortune's quarrel do Lettsom conj.

[341] Alas] Ah Pope.

[342] a stranger] F_1. stranger F_2 F_3 F_4.

[343] cheveril] Theobald. chiverell F_1 F_2 F_3. chiverel F_4.

[344] good troth] Ff. good troth— Rowe.

[345] bow'd] bowed Reed (1803).

would] F_1. now would F_2 F_3 F_4.

[346] off] up Johnson conj.

[347] you do] do you Rowe (ed. 2).

[348] You'ld] F_1. you'l F_2. you'll F_3 F_4.

emballing] empalling Malone conj. embalming Whalley conj. empaling Jackson conj.

[349] although there 'long'd] though there belong'd Pope.

[350] and high note's] Theobald. and high notes Ff. and high note is Hanmer. an high note's Johnson. and that high note's Capell.

[351] of you] Capell. of you, to you Ff. to you Pope.

[352] pound] pounds Theobald.

[353] kind] sign or hint Anon. conj.

[354] is] which is Warburton.

nor] for Pope.

[355] empty] om. Pope.

[356] approve] improve Collier MS.

[357] [Aside] Pope.

[358] [Exit....] Exit.... Ff (after you.).

[359] nor] ne'er Anon. conj.

[360] fie, fie, fie] fie, fie Pope.

[361] bitter?... pence] not bitter for thy sense Jackson conj.

forty pence] for two pence Roderick conj. for fi' pence Anon. conj.

[362] a lady] F_1 F_2. no lady F_3 F_4. an old lady Rowe.

[363] By] But Rowe (ed. 2).

[364] moe] F_3 F_4. mo F_1 F_2. more Rowe.

[365] salute] elate Collier MS. See note (IV).

[366] you've] y' have F_1 F_2 F_3. y' ave F_4. you have Capell.

me?] me?— Pope. me— Ff.

[367] SCENE IV.] SCENE VI. Pope.

A hall....] Capell. Black-Fryers. Theobald.

sennet] F_1. Sonnet F_2 F_3 F_4. om. Hanmer. See note (V).

habit] habite F_1 F_2. habits F_3 F_4.

Archbishop] Johnson. Bishop Ff.

pillars] F_3 F_4. piller F_1 F_2.

below] between Reed (1803).

stage] hall Dyce.

[368] Say ... court] As two lines in Ff. As prose first by Capell.

[369] Q. Kath.] Queen. Warburton. om. Ff.

[370] nor] and Pope.

[371] I have] I've Pope.

[372] inclined:] inclin'd: Rowe (ed. 2). inclin'd? Ff.

[373] Or which] which Pope.

[374] were] was Seymour conj.

[375] nay, gave] nay, gave not Hanmer. nay, give Jackson conj. nor gave Boswell conj.

[376] discharged?] discharg'd. Theobald.

[377] to wedlock] of wedlock F_4.

or my love and duty,] my love and duty, or Mason conj.

[378] duty, Against] Malone. dutie Against F_1. duty Against F_2 F_3 F_4.

[379] the] F_1. om F_2 F_3 F_4.

[380] sharp'st] sharpest Theobald.

kind] knife Collier MS.

[381] of] F_1. and F_2 F_3 F_4.

[382] wherefore I humbly] humbly I Seymour conj.

[383] I humbly Beseech you, sir, to spare] humbly, Sir I beseech you spare Pope.

[384] That ... court] Printed by Keightley as an imperfect line.

desire] defer F_4.

court] court delay'd Keightley conj., reading As well ... rectify as one line.

[385] Lord ... speak] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[386] Sir ... that] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[387] Sir,] Sir.... Keightley.

[388] yet.] Ff. yet— Rowe.

[389] Or ... believe,] See note (VI).

[390] challenge You] challenge, You Johnson. challenge; You Theobald. challenge. You Ff.

[391] Madam] om. Seymour conj.

[392] I have] I've Pope.

[393] shall,] Rowe. (Shall) Ff.

[394] if it] if 't Pope.

[395] how] now Delius conj.

[396] If he] But if he Pope. If he then Keightley. An if Anon. conj.

[397] to say so] F_1. to say F_2 F_3 F_4. say Pope, ending this and the next line, I am ... t' oppose. say it Collier MS.

[398] You're] Y' are Ff. You are Pope.

[399] arrogancy] arrogancie F_1. arrogance F_2 F_3 F_4. arrogance, with Rowe (ed. 2).

[400] favours] favour S. Walker conj.

[401] slightly] lightly S. Walker conj.

[402] powers] towers Jackson conj.]

your words] your wards Tyrwhitt conj. our lords Mason conj. proud lords Anon. conj.

[403] Gent. Ush.] Grif. Malone.

[404] help] help me S. Walker conj.

[405] [Exeunt....] Ff. Exeunt Queen, Griffith, and her other Attendants. Malone.

SCENE VII. Pope.

[406] nought] naught F_1.

[407] else, could] els, could F_1. could F_2 F_3 F_4. could but Pope.

[408] unloosed] enloos'd Seymour conj.

[409] At once] Atton'd Hanmer (Warburton).

whether ever] if Pope.

[410] spake] spoke Hanmer.

that] om. Capell.

[411] to the] the Rowe (ed. 1). In Rowe (ed. 2), that might ... state is read as one line, as by Pope who omits to the.

[412] to] F_1 the F_2 F_3 F_4.

[413] You're] Y'are Ff. You are Capell.

[414] never desired It ... hinder'd, oft] never desir'd It ... hindred, oft Ff. never Desir'd it ... hindred Pope. never Desir'd it ... hinder'd, oft Capell.

[415] toward] towards Rowe (ed. 2). tow'rds Pope.

[416] speak my ... cardinal] F_1 F_2. speak, my ... cardinal F_3 F_4. speak, my ... card'nal, Rowe (ed. 2).

[417] And ... to't] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[418] Bayonne] Capell. Bayon Ff.

[419] A] Rowe (ed. 2). And Ff.

[420] require] requite F_2.

[421] Sometimes] Sometime Rowe (ed. 2).

[422] bosom] bottom Hammer (Thirlby conj., from Holinshed). See note (VII).

[423] splitting] spitting F_1.

[424] who] which Pope.

[425] gladded in 't F_1. glad in 't F_2 F_3 F_4. glad in one Pope.

[426] which] F_1 F_2. that F_3 F_4.

realms] realm Anon. conj.

[427] throe] Pope. throw Ff.

[428] Toward] F_1 F_2. Towards F_3 F_4.

whereupon] whereon Pope.

[429] reek] reel Rowe.

[430] to this] F_1. in this F_2 F_3 F_4.

[431] summons: unsolicited] Theobald. summons unsolicited. Ff.

[432] the good] F_1. our good F_2 F_3 F_4.

[433] drive] Pope. drives Ff.

[434] paragon'd o'the] paragon'd i' th' Pope. paragon o' th' Hanmer.

[435] till] F_1. om. F_2. to a F_3 F_4. to Pope.

[436] [They rise to depart. The King speaks to Cranmer. Johnson.

[437] I may ... along.] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[438] This] The Hanmer.

[439] learn'd] learned Rowe.

well-beloved] well-belov'd Rowe (ed. 2).

[440] return; ... approach,] F_4. return, ... approch: F_1 F_2 F_3.]

ACT III.

SCENE I. London. The Queen's apartments.

The QUEEN and her Women, as at work.[441]

Q. Kath. Take thy lute, wench: my soul grows sad with troubles;[442]

Sing, and disperse 'em, if thou canst: leave working.[443]

SONG.

Orpheus with his lute made trees,

And the mountain tops that freeze,

Bow themselves when he did sing; 5

To his music plants and flowers

Ever sprung, as sun and showers[444]

There had made a lasting spring.[445]

Every thing that heard him play,

Even the billows of the sea, 10

Hung their heads, and then lay by.

In sweet music is such art,

Killing care and grief of heart[446]

Fall asleep, or hearing die.

Enter a Gentleman.

Q. Kath. How now! 15

Gent. An't please your grace, the two great cardinals[447]

Wait in the presence.

Q. Kath. Would they speak with me?

Gent. They will'd me say so, madam.

Q. Kath. Pray their graces

To come near. [Exit Gent.] What can be their business[448]

With me, a poor weak woman, fall'n from favour? 20

I do not like their coming. Now I think on't,[449]

They should be good men, their affairs as righteous:[450]

But all hoods make not monks.

Enter the two CARDINALS, WOLSEY and CAMPEIUS.[451]

Wol. Peace to your highness!

Q. Kath. Your graces find me here part of a housewife;

I would be all, against the worst may happen.[452] 25

What are your pleasures with me, reverend lords?[453]

Wol. May it please you, noble madam, to withdraw

Into your private chamber, we shall give you

The full cause of our coming.

Q. Kath. Speak it here;

There's nothing I have done yet, o' my conscience, 30

Deserves a corner: would all other women

Could speak this with as free a soul as I do!

My lords, I care not, so much I am happy

Above a number, if my actions

Were tried by every tongue, every eye saw 'em, 35

Envy and base opinion set against 'em,

I know my life so even. If your business[454]

Seek me out, and that way I am wife in,[454][455]

Out with it boldly: truth loves open dealing.

Wol. Tanta est erga te mentis integritas, regina serenissima,—40

Q. Kath. O, good my lord, no Latin;[456]

I am not such a truant since my coming,

As not to know the language I have lived in:

A strange tongue makes my cause more strange, suspicious;[457] 45

Pray speak in English: here are some will thank you,

If you speak truth, for their poor mistress' sake;

Believe me, she has had much wrong: lord cardinal,

The willing'st sin I ever yet committed

May be absolved in English.

Wol. Noble lady, 50

I am sorry my integrity should breed,[458]

And service to his majesty and you,[459]

So deep suspicion, where all faith was meant.[459]

We come not by the way of accusation,

To taint that honour every good tongue blesses, 55

Nor to betray you any way to sorrow—

You have too much, good lady—but to know

How you stand minded in the weighty difference

Between the king and you, and to deliver,

Like free and honest men, our just opinions 60

And comforts to your cause.

Cam. Most honour'd madam,[460]

My Lord of York, out of his noble nature,

Zeal and obedience he still bore your grace,

Forgetting, like a good man, your late censure

Both of his truth and him, which was too far, 65

Offers, as I do, in a sign of peace,

His service and his counsel.

Q. Kath. [Aside] To betray me.—[461]

My lords, I thank you both for your good wills;

Ye speak like honest men; pray God, ye prove so!

But how to make ye suddenly an answer, 70

In such a point of weight, so near mine honour,

More near my life, I fear, with my weak wit,

And to such men of gravity and learning,

In truth, I know not. I was set at work

Among my maids, full little, God knows, looking 75

Either for such men or such business.

For her sake that I have been—for I feel

The last fit of my greatness—good your graces,

Let me have time and counsel for my cause:[462]

Alas, I am a woman, friendless, hopeless! 80

Wol. Madam, you wrong the king's love with these fears:[463]

Your hopes and friends are infinite.

Q. Kath. In England[464]

But little for my profit: can you think, lords,[465]

That any Englishman dare give me counsel?

Or be a known friend, 'gainst his highness' pleasure—[466] 85

Though he be grown so desperate to be honest—

And live a subject? Nay, forsooth, my friends,[467]

They that must weigh out my afflictions,[468]

They that my trust must grow to, live not here:

They are, as all my other comforts, far hence[469] 90

In mine own country, lords.

Cam. I would your grace

Would leave your griefs, and take my counsel.

Q. Kath. How, sir?

Cam. Put your main cause into the king's protection;

He's loving and most gracious: 'twill be much

Both for your honour better and your cause;[470] 95

For if the trial of the law o'ertake ye,

You'll part away disgraced.

Wol. He tells you rightly.

Q. Kath. Ye tell me what ye wish for both, my ruin:

Is this your Christian counsel? out upon ye!

Heaven is above all yet; there sits a judge 100

That no king can corrupt.

Cam. Your rage mistakes us.[471]

Q. Kath. The more shame for ye: holy men I thought ye,[472]

Upon my soul, two reverend cardinal virtues;

But cardinal sins and hollow hearts I fear ye:[472][473]

Mend 'em, for shame, my lords. Is this your comfort?[474] 105

The cordial that ye bring a wretched lady,

A woman lost among ye, laugh'd at, scorn'd?

I will not wish ye half my miseries;

I have more charity: but say, I warn'd ye;

Take heed, for heaven's sake, take heed, lest at once[475] 110

The burthen of my sorrows fall upon ye.

Wol. Madam, this is a mere distraction;[476]

You turn the good we offer into envy.

Q. Kath. Ye turn me into nothing: woe upon ye,

And all such false professors! would you have me— 115

If you have any justice, any pity,

If ye be any thing but churchmen's habits—[477]

Put my sick cause into his hands that hates me?

Alas, has banish'd me his bed already,[478]

His love, too long ago! I am old, my lords,[479] 120

And all the fellowship I hold now with him

Is only my obedience. What can happen[480]

To me above this wretchedness? all your studies

Make me a curse like this.

Cam. Your fears are worse.[481]

Q. Kath. Have I lived thus long—let me speak myself, 125

Since virtue finds no friends—a wife, a true one?

A woman, I dare say without vain-glory,

Never yet branded with suspicion?

Have I with all my full affections

Still met the king? loved him next heaven? obey'd him? 130

Been, out of fondness, superstitious to him?

Almost forgot my prayers to content him?

And am I thus rewarded? 'tis not well, lords.

Bring me a constant woman to her husband,

One that ne'er dream'd a joy beyond his pleasure, 135

And to that woman, when she has done most,

Yet will I add an honour, a great patience.

Wol. Madam, you wander from the good we aim at.[476][482]

Q. Kath. My lord, I dare not make myself so guilty,[483]

To give up willingly that noble title 140

Your master wed me to: nothing but death

Shall e'er divorce my dignities.

Wol. Pray, hear me.[484]

Q. Kath. Would I had never trod this English earth,

Or felt the flatteries that grow upon it!

Ye have angels' faces, but heaven knows your hearts.[485] 145

What will become of me now, wretched lady![486]

I am the most unhappy woman living.

Alas, poor wenches, where are now your fortunes![487]

Shipwreck'd upon a kingdom, where no pity,

No friends, no hope; no kindred weep for me; 150

Almost no grave allow'd me: like the lily,

That once was mistress of the field and flourish'd,

I'll hang my head and perish.

Wol. If your grace[476]

Could but be brought to know our ends are honest,

You'ld feel more comfort: why should we, good lady,[488] 155

Upon what cause, wrong you? alas, our places,

The way of our profession is against it:

We are to cure such sorrows, not to sow 'em.[489]

For goodness' sake, consider what you do;

How you may hurt yourself, ay, utterly[490] 160

Grow from the king's acquaintance, by this carriage.

The hearts of princes kiss obedience,

So much they love it; but to stubborn spirits

They swell, and grow as terrible as storms.[491]

I know you have a gentle, noble temper,[492] 165

A soul as even as a calm: pray think us

Those we profess, peace-makers, friends and servants.

Cam. Madam, you'll find it so. You wrong your virtues[493]

With these weak women's fears: a noble spirit,

As yours was put into you, ever casts 170

Such doubts, as false coin, from it. The king loves you;[494]

Beware you lose it not: for us, if you please[495]

To trust us in your business, we are ready

To use our utmost studies in your service.

Q. Kath. Do what ye will, my lords: and pray forgive me,[496][497] 175

If I have used myself unmannerly;[497]

You know I am a woman, lacking wit

To make a seemly answer to such persons.

Pray do my service to his majesty:

He has my heart yet, and shall have my prayers 180

While I shall have my life. Come, reverend fathers.

Bestow your counsels on me: she now begs

That little thought, when she set footing here,

She should have bought her dignities so dear.      [Exeunt.

SCENE II. Ante-chamber to the King's apartment.

Enter the DUKE OF NORFOLK, the DUKE OF SUFFOLK, the EARL OF SURREY, and the LORD CHAMBERLAIN.[498]

Nor. If you will now unite in your complaints

And force them with a constancy, the cardinal

Cannot stand under them: if you omit

The offer of this time, I cannot promise

But that you shall sustain moe new disgraces,[499] 5

With these you bear already.

Sur. I am joyful

To meet the least occasion that may give me

Remembrance of my father-in-law, the duke,

To be revenged on him.

Suf. Which of the peers

Have uncontemn'd gone by him, or at least[500] 10

Strangely neglected? when did he regard[501]

The stamp of nobleness in any person[502]

Out of himself?[502]

Cham. My lords, you speak your pleasures:

What he deserves of you and me I know;

What we can do to him, though now the time 15

Gives way to us, I much fear. If you cannot[503]

Bar his access to the king, never attempt

Any thing on him; for he hath a witchcraft

Over the king in's tongue.

Nor. O, fear him not;

His spell in that is out: the king hath found 20

Matter against him that for ever mars

The honey of his language. No, he's settled,

Not to come off, in his displeasure.

Sur. Sir,[504]

I should be glad to hear such news as this

Once every hour.

Nor. Believe it, this is true: 25

In the divorce his contrary proceedings

Are all unfolded; wherein he appears

As I would wish mine enemy.[505]

Sur. How came

His practices to light?

Suf. Most strangely.

Sur. O, how, how?[506]

Suf. The cardinal's letters to the pope miscarried,[507] 30

And came to the eye o' the king: wherein was read[508]

How that the cardinal did entreat his holiness

To stay the judgement o' the divorce; for if

It did take place, 'I do' quoth he 'perceive

My king is tangled in affection to 35

A creature of the queen's, Lady Anne Bullen.'

Sur. Has the king this?

Suf. Believe it.

Sur. Will this work?[509]

Cham. The king in this perceives him, how he coasts

And hedges his own way. But in this point[510]

All his tricks founder, and he brings his physic 40

After his patient's death: the king already

Hath married the fair lady.

Sur. Would he had!

Suf. May you be happy in your wish, my lord![511]

For, I profess, you have it.

Sur. Now, all my joy[512]

Trace the conjunction!

Suf. My amen to't!

Nor. All men's! 45

Suf. There's order given for her coronation:

Marry, this is yet but young, and may be left[513]

To some ears unrecounted. But, my lords,

She is a gallant creature and complete

In mind and feature: I persuade me, from her 50

Will fall some blessing to this land, which shall

In it be memorized.

Sur. But will the king

Digest this letter of the cardinal's?[514]

The Lord forbid![515]

Nor. Marry, amen!

Suf. No, no;

There be moe wasps that buzz about his nose[516] 55

Will make this sting the sooner. Cardinal Campeius

Is stol'n away to Rome; hath ta'en no leave;[517]

Has left the cause o' the king unhandled, and[518]

Is posted as the agent of our cardinal,

To second all his plot. I do assure you 60

The king cried 'Ha!' at this.

Cham. Now God incense him,

And let him cry 'Ha!' louder!

Nor. But, my lord,

When returns Cranmer?

Suf. He is return'd in his opinions, which[519]

Have satisfied the king for his divorce, 65

Together with all famous colleges[520]

Almost in Christendom: shortly, I believe,

His second marriage shall be publish'd, and

Her coronation. Katharine no more

Shall be call'd queen, but princess dowager 70

And widow to Prince Arthur.[521]

Nor. This same Cranmer's

A worthy fellow, and hath ta'en much pain[522]

In the king's business.

Suf. He has; and we shall see him

For it an archbishop.

Nor. So I hear.

Suf. 'Tis so.

The cardinal!

Enter WOLSEY and CROMWELL.

Nor. Observe, observe, he's moody.[523] 75

Wol. The packet, Cromwell,[524]

Gave 't you the king?[524]

Crom. To his own hand, in's bedchamber.[525]

Wol. Look'd he o' the inside of the paper?[526]

Crom. Presently

He did unseal them, and the first he view'd,

He did it with a serious mind; a heed 80

Was in his countenance. You he bade[527]

Attend him here this morning.[528]

Wol. Is he ready[528]

To come abroad?[528]

Crom. I think, by this he is.[528]

Wol. Leave me awhile.      [Exit Cromwell.

[Aside] It shall be to the Duchess of Alençon,[529] 85

The French king's sister: he shall marry her.

Anne Bullen! No; I'll no Anne Bullens for him:

There's more in't than fair visage. Bullen![530]

No, we'll no Bullens. Speedily I wish

To hear from Rome. The Marchioness of Pembroke! 90

Nor. He's discontented.

Suf. May be, he hears the king

Does whet his anger to him.

Sur. Sharp enough.

Lord, for thy justice!

Wol. [Aside] The late queen's gentlewoman, a knight's daughter,[529][531]

To be her mistress' mistress! the queen's queen! 95

This candle burns not clear: 'tis I must snuff it;

Then out it goes. What though I know her virtuous

And well deserving? yet I know her for

A spleeny Lutheran, and not wholesome to

Our cause, that she should lie i' the bosom of[532] 100

Our hard-ruled king. Again, there is sprung up[532]

An heretic, an arch one, Cranmer, one

Hath crawl'd into the favour of the king,

And is his oracle.

Nor. He is vex'd at something.[533]

Sur. I would 'twere something that would fret the string,[534] 105

The master-cord on's heart![535]

Enter KING, reading of a schedule, and LOVELL.

Suf. The king, the king!

King. What piles of wealth hath he accumulated

To his own portion! and what expense by the hour[536]

Seems to flow from him! How, i' the name of thrift,

Does he rake this together! Now, my lords, 110

Saw you the cardinal?

Nor. My lord, we have

Stood here observing him: some strange commotion

Is in his brain: he bites his lip, and starts;[537]

Stops on a sudden, looks upon the ground,

Then lays his finger on his temple; straight 115

Springs out into fast gait; then stops again,

Strikes his breast hard, and anon he casts[538][539]

His eye against the moon: in most strange postures[539]

We have seen him set himself.[539][540]

King. It may well be;[541]

There is a mutiny in's mind. This morning[541] 120

Papers of state he sent me to peruse,

As I required: and wot you what I found

There, on my conscience, put unwittingly?

Forsooth, an inventory, thus importing,

The several parcels of his plate, his treasure, 125

Rich stuffs, and ornaments of household, which

I find at such proud rate that it out-speaks[542]

Possession of a subject.

Nor. It's heaven's will:

Some spirit put this paper in the packet,

To bless your eye withal.

King. If we did think, 130

His contemplation were above the earth,[543]

And fix'd on spiritual object, he should still[544]

Dwell in his musings: but I am afraid

His thinkings are below the moon, not worth[545]

His serious considering.

[King takes his seat; whispers Lovell, who goes to the Cardinal.

Wol. Heaven forgive me! 135

Ever God bless your highness!

King. Good my lord,

You are full of heavenly stuff, and bear the inventory

Of your best graces in your mind; the which[546]

You were now running o'er: you have scarce time

To steal from spiritual leisure a brief span[547] 140

To keep your earthly audit: sure, in that

I deem you an ill husband, and am glad[548]

To have you therein my companion.

Wol. Sir,

For holy offices I have a time; a time[549]

To think upon the part of business which[550] 145

I bear i' the state; and nature does require

Her times of preservation, which perforce

I, her frail son, amongst my brethren mortal,

Must give my tendance to.

King. You have said well.

Wol. And ever may your highness yoke together, 150

As I will lend you cause, my doing well

With my well saying!

King. 'Tis well said again;

And 'tis a kind of good deed to say well:

And yet words are no deeds. My father loved you:

He said he did, and with his deed did crown[551] 155

His word upon you. Since I had my office,[552]

I have kept you next my heart; have not alone

Employ'd you where high profits might come home,

But pared my present havings, to bestow

My bounties upon you.

Wol. [Aside] What should this mean?[553]

160

Sur. [Aside] The Lord increase this business![553]

King. Have I not made you

The prime man of the state? I pray you, tell me,

If what I now pronounce you have found true:

And, if you may confess it, say withal,

If you are bound to us or no. What say you? 165

Wol. My sovereign, I confess your royal graces,

Shower'd on me daily, have been more than could

My studied purposes requite; which went[554]

Beyond all man's endeavours: my endeavours[555]

Have ever come too short of my desires, 170

Yet filed with my abilities: mine own ends[556]

Have been mine so that evermore they pointed[557]

To the good of your most sacred person and

The profit of the state. For your great graces

Heap'd upon me, poor undeserver, I 175

Can nothing render but allegiant thanks,

My prayers to heaven for you, my loyalty,

Which ever has and ever shall be growing[558]

Till death, that winter, kill it.

King. Fairly answer'd;

A loyal and obedient subject is 180

Therein illustrated: the honour of it

Does pay the act of it; as, i' the contrary,[559]

The foulness is the punishment. I presume

That, as my hand has open'd bounty to you,

My heart dropp'd love, my power rain'd honour, more 185

On you than any; so your hand and heart,

Your brain and every function of your power,

Should, notwithstanding that your bond of duty,

As 'twere in love's particular, be more

To me, your friend, than any.

Wol. I do profess[560] 190

That for your highness' good I ever labour'd

More than mine own; that am, have, and will be—[561]

Though all the world should crack their duty to you,[562]

And throw it from their soul; though perils did

Abound, as thick as thought could make 'em, and[563] 195

Appear in forms more horrid—yet my duty,

As doth a rock against the chiding flood,

Should the approach of this wild river break,

And stand unshaken yours.

King. 'Tis nobly spoken.

Take notice, lords, he has a loyal breast, 200

For you have seen him open't. [Giving him papers.] Read o'er this;[564]

And after, this: and then to breakfast with

What appetite you have.[565]

[Exit King, frowning upon the Cardinal: the nobles throng after him, smiling and whispering.

Wol. What should this mean?

What sudden anger's this? how have I reap'd it?[566]

He parted frowning from me, as if ruin 205

Leap'd from his eyes. So looks the chafed lion

Upon the daring huntsman that has gall'd him;

Then makes him nothing. I must read this paper;

I fear, the story of his anger. 'Tis so;[567]

This paper has undone me: 'tis the account 210

Of all that world of wealth I have drawn together[568]

For mine own ends; indeed, to gain the popedom,

And fee my friends in Rome. O negligence![569]

Fit for a fool to fall by: what cross devil[569]

Made me put this main secret in the packet 215

I sent the king? Is there no way to cure this?

No new device to beat this from his brains?

I know 'twill stir him strongly; yet I know

A way, if it take right, in spite of fortune

Will bring me off again. What's this? 'To the Pope!' 220

The letter, as I live, with all the business

I writ to's holiness. Nay then, farewell![570]

I have touch'd the highest point of all my greatness;[570]

And, from that full meridian of my glory,

I haste now to my setting: I shall fall 225

Like a bright exhalation in the evening.

And no man see me more.[571]

Re-enter to WOLSEY the DUKES OF NORFOLK and SUFFOLK, the EARL OF SURREY, and the LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

Nor. Hear the king's pleasure, cardinal: who commands you[572]

To render up the great seal presently

Into our hands; and to confine yourself 230

To Asher-house, my Lord of Winchester's,[573]

Till you hear further from his highness.

Wol. Stay:

Where's your commission, lords? words cannot carry[574]

Authority so weighty.[575]

Suf. Who dare cross 'em,

Bearing the king's will from his mouth expressly? 235

Wol. Till I find more than will or words to do it—[576]

I mean your malice—know, officious lords,

I dare, and must deny it. Now I feel

Of what coarse metal ye are moulded—envy:[577]

How eagerly ye follow my disgraces,[578] 240

As if it fed ye! and how sleek and wanton[579]

Ye appear in every thing may bring my ruin![580]

Follow your envious courses, men of malice;[580]

You have Christian warrant for 'em, and, no doubt,[581]

In time will find their fit rewards. That seal 245

You ask with such a violence, the king,[582]

Mine and your master, with his own hand gave me;

Bade me enjoy it, with the place and honours,

During my life; and, to confirm his goodness,

Tied it by letters-patents: now, who'll take it?[583] 250

Sur. The king, that gave it.

Wol. It must be himself, then.

Sur. Thou art a proud traitor, priest.[584]

Wol. Proud lord, thou liest:

Within these forty hours Surrey durst better[585]

Have burnt that tongue than said so.

Sur. Thy ambition,

Thou scarlet sin, robb'd this bewailing land 255

Of noble Buckingham, my father-in-law:

The heads of all thy brother cardinals,

With thee and all thy best parts bound together,

Weigh'd not a hair of his. Plague of your policy!

You sent me deputy for Ireland; 260

Far from his succour, from the king, from all

That might have mercy on the fault thou gavest him;

Whilst your great goodness, out of holy pity,

Absolved him with an axe.

Wol. This, and all else

This talking lord can lay upon my credit, 265

I answer, is most false. The duke by law

Found his deserts. How innocent I was

From any private malice in his end,

His noble jury and foul cause can witness.

If I loved many words, lord, I should tell you 270

You have as little honesty as honour,[586]

That in the way of loyalty and truth[587]

Toward the king, my ever royal master,

Dare mate a sounder man than Surrey can be,[588]

And all that love his follies.

Sur. By my soul, 275

Your long coat, priest, protects you; thou shouldst feel[589]

My sword i' the life-blood of thee else. My lords,

Can ye endure to hear this arrogance?

And from this fellow? If we live thus tamely,

To be thus jaded by a piece of scarlet,[590] 280

Farewell nobility; let his grace go forward,

And dare us with his cap like larks.[591]

Wol. All goodness

Is poison to thy stomach.

Sur. Yes, that goodness

Of gleaning all the land's wealth into one,

Into your own hands, cardinal, by extortion; 285

The goodness of your intercepted packets

You writ to the pope against the king: your goodness,

Since you provoke me, shall be most notorious.

My Lord of Norfolk, as you are truly noble,[592]

As you respect the common good, the state 290

Of our despised nobility, our issues,

Who, if he live, will scarce be gentlemen,[593]

Produce the grand sum of his sins, the articles

Collected from his life. I'll startle you

Worse than the sacring bell, when the brown wench[594] 295

Lay kissing in your arms, lord cardinal.

Wol. How much, methinks, I could despise this man.

But that I am bound in charity against it![595]

Nor. Those articles, my lord, are in the king's hand:

But, thus much, they are foul ones.

Wol. So much fairer 300

And spotless shall mine innocence arise,

When the king knows my truth.

Sur. This cannot save you:[596]

I thank my memory, I yet remember

Some of these articles, and out they shall.

Now, if you can blush and cry 'guilty,' cardinal,[597] 305

You'll show a little honesty.

Wol. Speak on, sir;

I dare your worst objections: if I blush,

It is to see a nobleman want manners.

Sur. I had rather want those than my head. Have at you![598]

First that, without the king's assent or knowledge, 310

You wrought to be a legate; by which power

You maim'd the jurisdiction of all bishops.

Nor. Then that in all you writ to Rome, or else

To foreign princes, 'Ego et Rex meus'

Was still inscribed; in which you brought the king 315

To be your servant.

Suf. Then that, without the knowledge[599]

Either of king or council, when you went

Ambassador to the emperor, you made bold

To carry into Flanders the great seal.

Sur. Item, you sent a large commission 320

To Gregory de Cassado, to conclude,[600]

Without the king's will or the state's allowance,

A league between his highness and Ferrara.[601]

Suf. That, out of mere ambition, you have caused

Your holy hat to be stamp'd on the king's coin.[602] 325

Sur. Then that you have sent innumerable substance—[599][603]

By what means got, I leave to your own conscience—

To furnish Rome and to prepare the ways

You have for dignities, to the mere undoing[604]

Of all the kingdom. Many more there are; 330

Which, since they are of you and odious,

I will not taint my mouth with.

Cham. O my lord!

Press not a falling man too far; 'tis virtue:

His faults lie open to the laws; let them,

Not you, correct him. My heart weeps to see him 335

So little of his great self.

Sur. I forgive him.

Suf. Lord cardinal, the king's further pleasure is—

Because all those things you have done of late,

By your power legatine, within this kingdom,[605]

Fall into the compass of a præmunire—[606] 340

That therefore such a writ be sued against you;

To forfeit all your goods, lands, tenements,

Chattels, and whatsoever, and to be[607]

Out of the king's protection. This is my charge.[608]

Nor. And so we'll leave you to your meditations 345

How to live better. For your stubborn answer

About the giving back the great seal to us,

The king shall know it, and, no doubt, shall thank you.

So fare you well, my little good lord cardinal.

[Exeunt all but Wolsey.

Wol. So farewell to the little good you bear me.[609] 350

Farewell! a long farewell, to all my greatness![610]

This is the state of man: to-day he puts forth

The tender leaves of hopes; to-morrow blossoms,[611]

And bears his blushing honours thick upon him;

The third day comes a frost, a killing frost, 355

And, when he thinks, good easy man, full surely

His greatness is a-ripening, nips his root,[612]

And then he falls, as I do. I have ventured,

Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders,

This many summers in a sea of glory,[613] 360

But far beyond my depth: my high-blown pride[614]

At length broke under me and now has left me,

Weary and old with service, to the mercy

Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me.

Vain pomp and glory of this world, I hate ye:[615] 365

I feel my heart new open'd. O, how wretched

Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favours!

There is, betwixt that smile we would aspire to,[616]

That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,[617]

More pangs and fears than wars or women have: 370

And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer,

Never to hope again.

Enter CROMWELL, and stands amazed.[618]

Why, how now, Cromwell!

Crom. I have no power to speak, sir.

Wol. What, amazed

At my misfortunes? can thy spirit wonder[619]

A great man should decline? Nay, an you weep,[620] 375

I am fall'n indeed.

Crom. How does your grace?

Wol. Why, well;

Never so truly happy, my good Cromwell.

I know myself now; and I feel within me

A peace above all earthly dignities,

A still and quiet conscience. The king has cured me, 380

I humbly thank his grace; and from these shoulders,

These ruin'd pillars, out of pity, taken[621]

A load would sink a navy, too much honour.

O, 'tis a burden, Cromwell, 'tis a burden

Too heavy for a man that hopes for heaven! 385

Crom. I am glad your grace has made that right use of it.[595][622]

Wol. I hope I have: I am able now, methinks,[622]

Out of a fortitude of soul I feel,

To endure more miseries and greater far

Than my weak-hearted enemies dare offer. 390

What news abroad?

Crom. The heaviest and the worst

Is your displeasure with the king.

Wol. God bless him!

Crom. The next is, that Sir Thomas More is chosen[623]

Lord chancellor in your place.

Wol. That's somewhat sudden:

But he's a learned man. May he continue 395

Long in his highness' favour, and do justice

For truth's sake and his conscience; that his bones,[624]

When he has run his course and sleeps in blessings,

May have a tomb of orphans' tears wept on 'em![625]

What more?

Crom. That Cranmer is return'd with welcome, 400

Install'd lord archbishop of Canterbury.

Wol. That's news indeed.

Crom. Last, that the Lady Anne,

Whom the king hath in secrecy long married,

This day was view'd in open as his queen,

Going to chapel; and the voice is now 405

Only about her coronation.

Wol. There was the weight that pull'd me down. O Cromwell,[626]

The king has gone beyond me: all my glories

In that one woman I have lost for ever:

No sun shall ever usher forth mine honours, 410

Or gild again the noble troops that waited

Upon my smiles. Go, get thee from me, Cromwell;

I am a poor fall'n man, unworthy now[627]

To be thy lord and master: seek the king;

That sun, I pray, may never set! I have told him[628] 415

What and how true thou art: he will advance thee;

Some little memory of me will stir him—

I know his noble nature—not to let

Thy hopeful service perish too: good Cromwell,

Neglect him not; make use now, and provide 420

For thine own future safety.

Crom. O my lord,

Must I then leave you? must I needs forego

So good, so noble and so true a master?

Bear witness, all that have not hearts of iron,

With what a sorrow Cromwell leaves his lord. 425

The king shall have my service, but my prayers

For ever and for ever shall be yours.

Wol. Cromwell, I did not think to shed a tear

In all my miseries; but thou hast forced me,

Out of thy honest truth, to play the woman. 430

Let's dry our eyes: and thus far hear me, Cromwell;

And, when I am forgotten, as I shall be,

And sleep in dull cold marble, where no mention

Of me more must be heard of, say, I taught thee,[629]

Say, Wolsey, that once trod the ways of glory,[630] 435

And sounded all the depths and shoals of honour,

Found thee a way, out of his wreck, to rise in;

A sure and safe one, though thy master miss'd it.

Mark but my fall and that that ruin'd me.[631]

Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ambition: 440

By that sin fell the angels; how can man then,

The image of his Maker, hope to win by it?[632]

Love thyself last: cherish those hearts that hate thee;[633]

Corruption wins not more than honesty.[634]

Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace, 445

To silence envious tongues. Be just, and fear not:

Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy country's,

Thy God's, and truth's; then if thou fall'st, O Cromwell,

Thou fall'st a blessed martyr! Serve the king;[635][636]

And prithee, lead me in:[635][636][637] 450

There take an inventory of all I have,[635][638]

To the last penny; 'tis the king's: my robe,[635][638]

And my integrity to heaven, is all[635]

I dare now call mine own. O Cromwell, Cromwell!

Had I but served my God with half the zeal 455

I served my king, he would not in mine age

Have left me naked to mine enemies.

Crom. Good sir, have patience.

Wol. So I have. Farewell

The hopes of court! my hopes in heaven do dwell.

[Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[441] ACT III. SCENE I.] ACT II. SCENE VIII. Warburton conj. (withdrawn).

The Queen's apartments.] Theobald. Palace at Bridewell: a room in ... Steevens (1793).

The Queen ...] Enter Queene ... F_1 F_2. Enter Queen ... Woman ... F_3 F_4.

[442] Take ... troubles] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[443] 'em] them Capell.

[444] sprung] F_1. spring F_2 F_3 F_4. rose Pope.

[445] made] been Reed (1803).

[446] heart] Hanmer. heart, Ff.

[447] An't] Hanmer. And't Ff.

[448] [Exit Gent.] Capell. Exit Messenger. Johnson, after line 20. om. Ff.

[449] coming. Now ... on't,] Rowe (ed. 2). coming; now ... on't, Ff. coming, now ... on't. Capell.

[450] as] F_1. are F_2 F_3 F_4.

[451] Campeius.] Rowe. Campian. Ff.

[452] I ... all, against] (I ... all) against Ff. I ... all against Johnson.

[453] reverend] reverent F_1.

[454] If ... Seek] If 'tis your business To seek Blackstone conj.

[455] Seek ... in] Seek me, speak out, and ... in Tyrwhitt conj. In that way I am wise in, seek me out; Mitford conj.

Seek] Do seek Pope. Doth seek Ritson conj.

that way] in that way Keightley. that way that Anon. conj.

wife] Ff. wise Rowe.

[456] O, good] F_1. Good F_2 F_3 F_4.

[457] strange, suspicious] Dyce, ed. 2 (strange-suspicions S. Walker conj.)

[458] I am] I'm Pope.

should] shoul F_1.

[459] And ... you, So ... meant] So ... meant, And ... you Singer (Edwards conj.)

[460] your] our F_1.

honour'd] F_1 F_2. honoured F_3 F_4.

[461] counsel.] counsel.— Pope.

To betray me] Marked as 'Aside' first by Capell.

[462] counsel] Capell. councell F_1 F_2. council F_3 F_4.

[463] Madam ... fears] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

these] those Rowe.

[464] England] Johnson. England, Ff. England! Capell.

[465] profit: can] F_2 F_3 F_4. profit can F_1.

[466] his] om. F_2.

[467] Nay] They Warburton.

[468] must ... out] should ... up Mason conj.

[469] other comforts] other comforts are Rowe (ed. 2). comforts are Pope.

far] far, far Anon. conj.

[470] Both ... better] Better both for your honour Keightley.

[471] rage] grace Anon. conj.

[472] ye] you Seymour conj.

[473] fear] find Anon. conj.

ye] ye're Keightley. me Anon. conj.

[474] 'em] them Malone.

[475] for ... heed] take heed for heav'n's sake Pope.

[476] Wol.] Car. Ff (and passim).

[477] ye] you Capell.

[478] has] ha's Ff. h'as Rowe. he has Capell. he's Grant White.

[479] love, too long] love too, long Rowe.

I am] I'm Pope.

[480] my] F_1. by F_2 F_3 F_4.

[481] this.] F_1. this: F_2 F_3 F_4. this! Theobald. this? Hanmer.

worse.] Ff. worse.— Rowe.

[482] Madam ... at] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two, the first ending good, in Ff.

[483] My ... guilty] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

[484] Wol.] Car. F_1. Card. F_2 F_3 F_4.

me.] Ff. me— Rowe.

[485] Ye have] Ye've Pope.

[486] will] F_1. shall F_2 F_3 F_4.

[487] [To her women. Rowe.

[488] You'ld] F_2 F_3. Youl'd F_1. You'l F_4.

[489] cure] ear Theobald.

'em] them Malone.

[490] ay] Rowe. I Ff. nay Pope.

[491] grow] F_3 F_4. grow, F_1 F_2.

[492] gentle, noble] gentle-noble S. Walker conj.

[493] Madam ... virtues] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[494] king loves you] King's love's yours Anon. conj.

[495] it] 't Hanmer. him Seymour conj.

you please] please you Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

[496] Do ... me] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

ye] F_1 F_2. you F_3 F_4.

[497] me, ... unmannerly:] F_4. me; ... unmannerly, F_1 F_2 F_3.

[498] SCENE II.] ACT III. SCENE I. Warburton conj. (withdrawn).

Ante-chamber....] Theobald.

Enter ... the Earl of Surrey....] Capell. Enter ... Lord Surrey.... Ff.

[499] moe] Ff. more Rowe.

[500] or at] not at Hanmer.

least] least not Keightley.

[501] Strangely] Stood not Warburton.

[502] person Out ... himself?] person, Out of't himself? Hanmer (Warburton).

[503] Gives] Give Hanmer.

[504] displeasure] Ff. high displeasure Rowe. most high displeasure Pope.

Sir] om. Pope.

[505] would] could Reed (1803).

mine] my Hanmer.

[506] O, how, how?] How? Pope.

[507] letters] letter Steevens.

[508] came] F_1. come F_2 F_3 F_4.

[509] Will this work?] This will work. Capell conj.

[510] hedges] edges Warburton.

[511] May you] You may Collier conj.

[512] all my joy] Ff. all joy Pope. may all joy Collier (Collier MS.)

[513] yet] om. Rowe.

[514] Digest] Disgest F_2.

[515] The Lord forbid!] Cham. The Lord forbid! S. Walker conj.

[516] moe] Ff. more Pope.

[517] Is stol'n away] stoln Hanmer, ending line 56 at Cardinal.

hath] has Rowe (ed. 2).

[518] Has] Ha's Ff. Hath Rowe (ed. 2).

o' the] o' th' F_1. to'th' F_2. to th' F_3 F_4.

[519] in his] with his Rowe.

[520] Together with all] Gather'd from all the Rowe.

[521] And] F_1 F_2. A F_3 F_4. As Hanmer.

[522] pain] F_3 F_4. paine F_1 F_2. pains Anon. conj.

[523] [They stand back. Collier (Collier MS.)

Enter....] Ff, after so, line 74.

[524] The ... king] As in Ff. As one line by Steevens.

[525] Gave't] Gave it Theobald. gave it Keightley, reading as one line The packet ... king?

To] Into Keightley.

in's] in his Capell. sir, in his Steevens conj.

[526] paper] papers Keightley (Grey conj.)

[527] You] And you Hanmer. You, my lord, Capell. You, sir, Steevens conj.

bade] bade then Keightley.

[528] Attend ... he is] Arranged as by Hanmer. As three lines in Ff.

[529] [Aside] Rowe.

[530] in't than fair] in it than a fair Hanmer.

Bullen!] Bullen! Bullen! S. Walker conj.

[531] The ... daughter] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

knight's] Kight's Rowe (ed. 2).

[532] cause, that ... king.] cause!—that ... king!—Rowe.

[533] He is] He's F_4.

[534] SCENE III. Pope.

[535] on's] of's Pope. of his Steevens. Enter ... schedule] Ff, after line 104.

and Lovell.] Theobald. om. Ff.

[536] and] om. Pope.

[537] lip] lips (ed. 2).

[538] Strikes] And strikes Keightley.

hard, and anon] hard and oft; anon Lettson conj.

anon] then anon Rowe (ed. 2).

[539] Mason would end lines 117, 118 at eye ... we.

[540] We have] We've Pope.

[541] be; There] be, There Ff. be There S. Walker conj.

[542] such] such a F_4.

such ... that it] such a ... it Pope.

[543] contemplation] F_1. contemplations F_2 F_3 F_4.

[544] object] objects F_4.

[545] not] F_1 F_2. nor F_3 F_4.

[546] graces] F_1 F_2. grace F_3 F_4.

[547] leisure] labour Collier MS.

[548] glad] gald F_1.

[549] time; a time] time; time Rowe (ed. 2).

[550] which] om. Pope, reading A time ... business as one line.

[551] his deed F_1 F_2. this deed F_3 F_4.

[552] word] F_1 F_2. sword F_3 F_4.

[553] [Aside] Rowe.

[554] requite] F_1. require F_2 F_3 F_4.

which] they Hanmer.

[555] man's endeavours] man's ambition Hanmer. men's, in devoirs Becket conj.

[556] filed] fil'd Hanmer. fill'd Ff.

[557] been mine so] F_1. been so F_2 F_3 F_4, and Pope, who reads Ends have been so ... pointed as one line. been such Hanmer.

[558] ever has] still has been Seymour conj.

[559] as, i' the] as i' th' Ff. i' th' Pope. o' th' Hanmer.

[560] I do profess] I profess Pope.

[561] that ... be—] See note (VIII).

[562] crack] lack Singer conj.

[563] 'em] them Malone.

[564] [Giving him papers.] Pope. om. Ff.

[565] have] may Rowe. See note (IX).

SCENE IV. Pope.

[566] reap'd] rous'd Keightley. rais'd or rip'd Id. conj.

[567] [Opens the paper and reads, trembling. Collier (Collier MS.)

[568] I have] I've Pope.

[569] negligence!... by:] Ff. negligence, ... by! Theobald.

[570] to's] to his Capell.

[571] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff.

[572] SCENE V. Pope.

Hear ... you] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[573] Asher] Esher Capell.

[574] commission, lords?] Rowe. commission? Lords, Ff.

[575] weighty] F_1 F_2. mighty F_3 F_4.

[576] Till ... it—] Whilst I find more than his will, or words to it, Hanmer.

[577] coarse] course Ff. base Capell.

[578] disgraces] disgrace F_4.

[579] ye] you Seymour conj.

[580] ye!... ruin!] ye?... ruin? Capell. ye, ... ruine? Ff. ye, ... ruin; Rowe (ed. 2).

[581] Christian] F_1 F_2. a Christian F_3 F_4 and Pope, who omits no doubt.

[582] a violence] violence Warburton.

[583] letters-patents] Letters Patents Ff. letters patent Knight and Collier.

[584] Thou art] Thou'rt Pope.

[585] forty] four Malone conj.

[586] After this line S. Walker would insert To rail in such irreverent wise on me.

[587] in the] I i' th' Theobald.

[588] Dare] I dare Staunton conj.

[589] Your ... feel] One line in Pope. Two lines, the first ending you, in Ff.

[590] jaded] japed Becket conj.

[591] dare] daze Anon. conj.

[592] you are] you're Pope.

[593] Who] F_2 F_3 F_4. Whom F_1.

[594] sacring] Sacring Ff. scaring Rowe (ed. 2) and Pope.

[595] I am] I'm Pope.

[596] my truth] the truth Anon. conj.

save] serve Collier conj.

[597] can blush] can blush, Ff. can, blush, Pope.

[598] I had] I'd Pope.

Have at you!] As in Rowe (ed. 2). As a separate line in Ff.

[599] Then that] That Pope.

[600] Cassado] Ff, from Hall and Holinshed. Cassalis Rowe.

[601] his] hie F_2.

[602] holy hat] holy-Hat F_1 F_2 F_3. Holy-Hat F_4.

to be] be Pope.

[603] substance] sums Hanmer.

[604] have] pave Staunton conj.

[605] legatine] Rowe (ed. 2). Legatiue F_1. Legantive F_2 F_3. Legantine F_4.

[606] into the] F_4. into' th' F_1 F_2. into th' F_3. in the Pope. into Steevens conj.

[607] Chattels] Theobald. Castles Ff.

[608] This is] This' S. Walker conj.

[609] SCENE VI. Pope.

[610] Farewell! a ... greatness!] Farewell? A ... greatnesse. Ff.

[611] hopes] hope Steevens.

[612] root] shoot Warburton conj.

[613] This] These Pope.

[614] But] Out Anon. conj.

[615] this] F_1 F_2. the F_3 F_4.

ye] you Seymour conj.

[616] we] he Hanmer.

[617] their] our Pope. his Hanmer.

ruin] frown Anon. conj.

[618] and stands] Edd. standing Ff.

[619] thy] F_1 F_4. the F_2 F_3.

[620] an] Capell. and Ff. if Pope.

[621] These ... pillars] Rowe (ed. 2). These ... Pillers F_1. These ... Pillet F_2. This ... Pillet F_3 F_4. This ... pillar Rowe (ed. 1).

[622] Two lines in Pope. Four, ending Grace ... it ... have ... me thinkes, in Ff.

[623] More] Hanmer. Moore F_1 F_2. Moor F_3 F_4.

[624] conscience] conscience' S. Walker conj.

[625] tomb] coomb Becket conj.

orphans'] Warburton. Orphants F_1 F_2. Orphan's F_3. Orphans F_4.

'em] Capell. him Ff.

[626] There ... Cromwell] One line in Pope. Two, the first ending downe., in Ff.

[627] fall'n] falne F_1 F_2. fal'n F_3. fallen F_4.

[628] I have] I've Pope.

[629] more must] must more Pope.

heard of, say] heard: say Rowe. heard: say then Pope.

[630] trod the ways] rode the waves Warburton conj. trod the waves Capell conj.

[631] that that] that which Pope.

[632] The image] Tho' th' image Hanmer.

win by it] win it F_4. win in't Warburton conj. (withdrawn).

[633] those hearts] ev'n th' hearts Hanmer.

hate] wait Warburton conj.

[634] wins] F_1 F_2. win F_3 F_4.

[635] Thou fall'st ... all] Four lines ending and ... inventory ... king's: ... all in Keightley.

[636] Serve ... in:] As in Rowe (ed. 2). As one line in Ff.

[637] And prithee] And—Prithee Johnson.

[638] have, ... penny;] Capell. have, ... peny, Ff. have; ... penny, Theobald.

A ... Westminster.] Theobald.

ACT IV.

SCENE I. A street in Westminster.

Enter two Gentlemen, meeting one another.

First Gent. You're well met once again.

Sec. Gent. So are you.[639]

First Gent. You come to take your stand here and behold

The Lady Anne pass from her coronation?[640]

Sec. Gent. 'Tis all my business. At our last encounter,

The Duke of Buckingham came from his trial. 5

First Gent. 'Tis very true: but that time offer'd sorrow;

This, general joy.

Sec. Gent. 'Tis well: the citizens,

I am sure, have shown at full their royal minds—[641][642]

As, let'em have their rights, they are ever forward—[642][643]

In celebration of this day with shows,[644] 10

Pageants and sights of honour.

First Gent. Never greater,

Nor, I'll assure you, better taken, sir.

Sec. Gent. May I be bold to ask what that contains,[645]

That paper in your hand?[646]

First Gent. Yes; 'tis the list

Of those that claim their offices this day 15

By custom of the coronation.

The Duke of Suffolk is the first, and claims

To be high-steward; next, the Duke of Norfolk,

He to be earl marshal: you may read the rest.[647]

Sec. Gent. I thank you, sir: had I not known those customs,[648] 20

I should have been beholding to your paper.[649]

But, I beseech you, what's become of Katharine,

The princess dowager? how goes her business?

First Gent. That I can tell you too. The Archbishop[650]

Of Canterbury, accompanied with other 25

Learned and reverend fathers of his order,

Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off[651]

From Ampthill, where the princess lay; to which

She was often cited by them, but appear'd not:[652]

And, to be short, for not appearance and[653] 30

The king's late scruple, by the main assent

Of all these learned men she was divorced,

And the late marriage made of none effect:

Since which she was removed to Kimbolton,[654]

Where she remains now sick.

Sec. Gent. Alas, good lady! 35

[Trumpets.[655]

The trumpets sound: stand close, the queen is coming.

[Hautboys.

THE ORDER OF THE CORONATION.

1. A lively Flourish of Trumpets.

2. Then two Judges.

3. LORD CHANCELLOR, with purse and mace before him.

4. Choristers, singing. Musicians.

5. Mayor of London, bearing the mace. Then Garter, in his coat of arms, and on his head he wears a gilt copper crown.

6. MARQUESS DORSET, bearing a sceptre of gold, on his head a demi-coronal of gold. With him, the EARL OF SURREY, bearing the rod of silver with the dove, crowned with an earl's coronet. Collars of SS.

7. DUKE OF SUFFOLK, in his robe of estate, his coronet on his head, bearing a long white wand, as high-steward. With him, the DUKE OF NORFOLK, with the rod of marshalship, a coronet on his head. Collars of SS.

8. A canopy borne by four of the Cinque-ports; under it, the QUEEN in her robe; in her hair richly adorned with pearl, crowned. On each side her, the BISHOPS OF LONDON and WINCHESTER.

9. The old DUCHESS OF NORFOLK, in a coronal of gold, wrought with flowers, bearing the QUEEN'S train.

10. Certain Ladies or Countesses, with plain circlets of gold without flowers.

They pass over the stage in order and state.[656]

Sec. Gent. A royal train, believe me. These I know:

Who's that that bears the sceptre?[657]

First Gent. Marquess Dorset:

And that the Earl of Surrey, with the rod.

Sec. Gent. A bold brave gentleman. That should be[658] 40

The Duke of Suffolk?

First Gent. 'Tis the same: high-steward.

Sec. Gent. And that my Lord of Norfolk?

First Gent. Yes.

Sec. Gent. [Looking on the Queen] Heaven bless thee![659]

Thou hast the sweetest face I ever look'd on.

Sir, as I have a soul, she is an angel;

Our king has all the Indies in his arms, 45

And more and richer, when he strains that lady:[660]

I cannot blame his conscience.

First Gent. They that bear

The cloth of honour over her, are four barons[661]

Of the Cinque-ports.

Sec. Gent. Those men are happy; and so are all are near her.[662] 50

I take it, she that carries up the train

Is that old noble lady, Duchess of Norfolk.[663]

First Gent. It is; and all the rest are countesses.

Sec. Gent. Their coronets say so. These are stars indeed,

And sometimes falling ones.

First Gent. No more of that. 55

[Exit procession; and then a great flourish of trumpets.[664]

Enter a third Gentleman.

First Gent. God save you, sir! where have you been broiling?[665]

Third Gent. Among the crowd i' the abbey; where a finger

Could not be wedged in more: I am stifled[666]

With the mere rankness of their joy.

Sec. Gent. You saw[667]

The ceremony?[667]

Third Gent. That I did.[668]

First Gent. How was it? 60

Third Gent. Well worth the seeing.

See. Gent. Good sir, speak it to us.

Third Gent. As well as I am able. The rich stream

Of lords and ladies, having brought the queen

To a prepared place in the choir, fell off

A distance from her; while her grace sat down 65

To rest awhile, some half an hour or so,

In a rich chair of state, opposing freely[669]

The beauty of her person to the people.

Believe me, sir, she is the goodliest woman

That ever lay by man: which when the people 70

Had the full view of, such a noise arose

As the shrouds make at sea in a stiff tempest,

As loud and to as many tunes: hats, cloaks,—

Doublets, I think,—flew up; and had their faces

Been loose, this day they had been lost. Such joy 75

I never saw before. Great-bellied women,

That had not half a week to go, like rams

In the old time of war, would shake the press,

And make 'em reel before 'em. No man living

Could say 'This is my wife' there, all were woven[670] 80

So strangely in one piece.

Sec. Gent. But what follow'd?[671]

Third Gent. At length her grace rose, and with modest paces

Came to the altar, where she kneel'd and saintlike

Cast her fair eyes to heaven and pray'd devoutly;

Then rose again and bow'd her to the people; 85

When by the Archbishop of Canterbury

She had all the royal makings of a queen,[672]

As holy oil, Edward Confessor's crown,

The rod, and bird of peace, and all such emblems

Laid nobly on her: which perform'd, the choir, 90

With all the choicest music of the kingdom,

Together sung 'Te Deum.' So she parted,

And with the same full state paced back again

To York-place, where the feast is held.

First Gent. Sir,[673]

You must no more call it York-place; that's past;[673] 95

For, since the cardinal fell, that title's lost:

'Tis now the king's, and call'd Whitehall.

Third Gent. I know it;

But 'tis so lately alter'd that the old name[674]

Is fresh about me.

Sec. Gent. What two reverend bishops

Were those that went on each side of the queen? 100

Third Gent. Stokesly and Gardiner; the one of Winchester,[675]

Newly preferr'd from the king's secretary,

The other, London.

Sec. Gent. He of Winchester

Is held no great good lover of the archbishop's,[676]

The virtuous Cranmer.

Third Gent. All the land knows that: 105

However, yet there is no great breach; when it comes,[677]

Cranmer will find a friend will not shrink from him.

Sec. Gent. Who may that be, I pray you?

Third Gent. Thomas Cromwell;[678]

A man in much esteem with the king, and truly[678]

A worthy friend. The king has made him master[678][679][680] 110

O' the jewel house,[678][679][681]

And one, already, of the privy council.[679][681]

Sec. Gent. He will deserve more.[681]

Third Gent. Yes, without all doubt.[681]

Come, gentlemen, ye shall go my way,[682][683]

Which is to the court, and there ye shall be my guests:[682][684] 115

Something I can command. As I walk thither,

I'll tell ye more.

Both. You may command us, sir.      [Exeunt.

SCENE II. Kimbolton.

Enter KATHARINE, Dowager, sick; led between GRIFFITH, her Gentleman Usher, and PATIENCE, her woman.

Grif. How does your grace?

Kath. O Griffith, sick to death!

My legs, like loaden branches, bow to the earth,[685]

Willing to leave their burthen. Reach a chair.

So; now, methinks, I feel a little ease.[686]

Didst thou not tell me, Griffith, as thou led'st me,[687] 5

That the great child of honour, Cardinal Wolsey,

Was dead?[688]

Grif. Yes, madam; but I think your grace,

Out of the pain you suffer'd, gave no ear to't.

Kath. Prithee, good Griffith, tell me how he died:

If well, he stepp'd before me, happily,[689] 10

For my example.

Grif. Well, the voice goes, madam:

For after the stout Earl Northumberland[690]

Arrested him at York, and brought him forward,

As a man sorely tainted, to his answer,

He fell sick suddenly, and grew so ill 15

He could not sit his mule.

Kath. Alas, poor man!

Grif. At last, with easy roads, he came to Leicester,

Lodged in the abbey; where the reverend abbot,

With all his covent, honourably received him;[691]

To whom he gave these words, 'O father abbot, 20

An old man, broken with the storms of state,

Is come to lay his weary bones among ye;

Give him a little earth for charity!'

So went to bed; where eagerly his sickness

Pursued him still; and three nights after this, 25

About the hour of eight, which he himself

Foretold should be his last, full of repentance,[692]

Continual meditations, tears and sorrows,

He gave his honours to the world again,[693]

His blessed part to heaven, and slept in peace. 30

Kath. So may he rest; his faults lie gently on him![694]

Yet thus far, Griffith, give me leave to speak him,

And yet with charity. He was a man

Of an unbounded stomach, ever ranking

Himself with princes; one that by suggestion 35

Tied all the kingdom: simony was fair-play:[695]

His own opinion was his law: i' the presence

He would say untruths, and be ever double

Both in his words and meaning: he was never,

But where he meant to ruin, pitiful: 40

His promises were, as he then was, mighty;

But his performance, as he is now, nothing:[696]

Of his own body he was ill, and gave

The clergy ill example.

Grif. Noble madam,

Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues 45

We write in water. May it please your highness

To hear me speak his good now?

Kath. Yes, good Griffith;

I were malicious else.

Grif. This Cardinal,

Though from an humble stock, undoubtedly

Was fashion'd to much honour from his cradle.[697] 50

He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one;

Exceeding wise, fair-spoken and persuading:

Lofty and sour to them that loved him not,

But to those men that sought him, sweet as summer.

And though he were unsatisfied in getting, 55

Which was a sin, yet in bestowing, madam,

He was most princely: ever witness for him

Those twins of learning that he raised in you,

Ipswich and Oxford! one of which fell with him,[698]

Unwilling to outlive the good that did it;[699] 60

The other, though unfinish'd, yet so famous,

So excellent in art and still so rising,

That Christendom shall ever speak his virtue.

His overthrow heap'd happiness upon him;

For then, and not till then, he felt himself, 65

And found the blessedness of being little:

And, to add greater honours to his age

Than man could give him, he died fearing God.

Kath. After my death I wish no other herald,

No other speaker of my living actions, 70

To keep mine honour from corruption,

But such an honest chronicler as Griffith.

Whom I most hated living, thou hast made me,

With thy religious truth and modesty,

Now in his ashes honour: peace be with him! 75

Patience, be near me still; and set me lower:

I have not long to trouble thee. Good Griffith,

Cause the musicians play me that sad note

I named my knell, whilst I sit meditating[700]

On that celestial harmony I go to. 80

[Sad and solemn music.

Grif. She is asleep: good wench, let's sit down quiet,

For fear we wake her: softly, gentle Patience.

The vision. Enter, solemnly tripping one after another, six personages, clad in white robes, wearing on their heads garlands of bays, and golden vizards on their faces; branches of bays or palm in their hands. They first congee unto her, then dance; and, at certain changes, the first two hold a spare garland over her head; at which the other four make reverent curtsies; then the two that held the garland deliver the same to the other next two, who observe the same order in their changes, and holding the garland over her head: which done, they deliver the same garland to the last two, who likewise observe the same order: at which, as it were by inspiration, she makes in her sleep signs of rejoicing, and holdeth up her hands to heaven: and so in their dancing vanish, carrying the garland with them. The music continues.[701]

Kath. Spirits of peace, where are ye? are ye all gone,[702]

And leave me here in wretchedness behind ye?

Grif. Madam, we are here.

Kath. It is not you I call for: 85

Saw ye none enter since I slept?

Grif. None, madam.

Kath. No? Saw you not even now a blessed troop

Invite me to a banquet, whose bright faces

Cast thousand beams upon me, like the sun?[703]

They promised me eternal happiness, 90

And brought me garlands, Griffith, which I feel

I am not worthy yet to wear: I shall, assuredly.[704]

Grif. I am most joyful, madam, such good dreams

Possess your fancy.

Kath. Bid the music leave;

They are harsh and heavy to me.      [Music ceases.[705]

Pat. Do you note 95

How much her grace is alter'd on the sudden?

How long her face is drawn? how pale she looks,

And of an earthy cold? Mark her eyes![706]

Grif. She is going, wench: pray, pray.

Pat. Heaven comfort her!

Enter a Messenger.[707]

Mess. An't like your grace,—[708]

Kath. You are a saucy fellow: 100

Deserve we no more reverence?

Grif. You are to blame,[709]

Knowing she will not lose her wonted greatness,[710]

To use so rude behaviour: go to, kneel.

Mess. I humbly do entreat your highness' pardon;

My haste made me unmannerly. There is staying 105

A gentleman, sent from the king, to see you.

Kath. Admit him entrance, Griffith: but this fellow

Let me ne'er see again.      [Exeunt Griffith and Messenger.

Re-enter GRIFFITH, with CAPUCIUS.[711]

If my sight fail not,

You should be lord ambassador from the emperor,

My royal nephew, and your name Capucius.[712] 110

Cap. Madam, the same; your servant.

Kath. O, my lord,

The times and titles now are alter'd strangely

With me since first you knew me. But, I pray you,[713]

What is your pleasure with me?

Cap. Noble lady,

First, mine own service to your grace; the next, 115

The king's request that I would visit you;

Who grieves much for your weakness, and by me

Sends you his princely commendations,

And heartily entreats you take good comfort.

Kath. O my good lord, that comfort comes too late, 120

'Tis like a pardon after execution:

That gentle physic, given in time, had cured me;

But now I am past all comforts here but prayers.

How does his highness?

Cap. Madam, in good health.

Kath. So may he ever do! and ever flourish, 125

When I shall dwell with worms, and my poor name

Banish'd the kingdom! Patience, is that letter,

I caused you write, yet sent away?

Pat. No, madam.

[Giving it to Katharine.[714]

Kath. Sir, I most humbly pray you to deliver[715]

This to my lord the king.

Cap. Most willing, madam.[716] 130

Kath. In which I have commended to his goodness

The model of our chaste loves, his young daughter,—

The dews of heaven fall thick in blessings on her!—

Beseeching him to give her virtuous breeding—

She is young and of a noble modest nature: 135

I hope she will deserve well—and a little

To love her for her mother's sake, that loved him,

Heaven knows how dearly. My next poor petition[717]

Is that his noble grace would have some pity

Upon my wretched women, that so long 140

Have follow'd both my fortunes faithfully:

Of which there is not one, I dare avow,—

And now I should not lie—but will deserve,[718]

For virtue and true beauty of the soul,

For honesty and decent carriage, 145

A right good husband, let him be a noble:[719]

And, sure, those men are happy that shall have 'em.

The last is, for my men; they are the poorest,[720]

But poverty could never draw 'em from me;

That they may have their wages duly paid 'em, 150

And something over to remember me by:[721]

If heaven had pleased to have given me longer life[722]

And able means, we had not parted thus.[723]

These are the whole contents: and, good my lord,

By that you love the dearest in this world, 155

As you wish Christian peace to souls departed,

Stand these poor people's friend, and urge the king

To do me this last right.

Cap. By heaven, I will,

Or let me lose the fashion of a man!

Kath. I thank you, honest lord. Remember me 160

In all humility unto his highness:

Say his long trouble now is passing[724]

Out of this world; tell him, in death I bless'd him,

For so I will. Mine eyes grow dim. Farewell,

My lord. Griffith, farewell. Nay, Patience,[725] 165

You must not leave me yet: I must to bed;

Call in more women. When I am dead, good wench,[726]

Let me be used with honour: strew me over

With maiden flowers, that all the world may know

I was a chaste wife to my grave: embalm me, 170

Then lay me forth: although unqueen'd, yet like

A queen and daughter to a king, inter me.

I can no more.      [Exeunt, leading Katharine.

FOOTNOTES:

[639] You're] Rowe. Y'are Ff. You are Capell.

again] again, sir Keightley.

So] And so Pope.

[640] coronation?] Capell. coronation. Ff.

[641] I am] I'm Pope.

royal] loyal Pope.

[642] minds—As ... forward—] minds (As ... forward) Knight (Boswell conj.) minds, As ... forward Ff.

[643] As] And Rowe (ed. 2).

rights] right Hanmer.

they are] they're Pope.

[644] this day] these days Hanmer.

[645] ask] task Warburton.

[646] That] The Rowe (ed. 2).

hand] F_1. hands F_2 F_3 F_4.

[647] He to be] To be Pope.

[648] Sec. Gent.] 2. F_4. 1. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[649] beholding] beholden Pope.

[650] too] too, sir Capell.

[651] off] om. Pope.

[652] was often] oft was Hanmer.

[653] not appearance] non-appearance Steevens conj.

[654] Kimbolton] F_3 F_4. Kymmalton F_1 F_2.

[655] [Trumpets.] Capell. om. Ff.

[656] The ... coming.] One line in Pope. Two lines, the first ending close, in Ff.

[Hautboys.] Ho-boyes. F_1 F_2 F_3. Ho-boys. F_4. om. Capell.

Choristers] Quirristers F_1 F_2 F_3. Quiristers F_4.

Musicians.] Edd. Musicke. Ff.

he wears] he wore Ff. om. Rowe.

Collars of SS.] Rowe. Collars of Esses. Ff.

in her hair] her hair Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

They pass ... state.] Edd. Exeunt first passing over the Stage in Order and State, and then, A great Flourish of Trumpets. Ff. Omitted by Capell.

[657] that that] F_1 F_2. that F_3 F_4. that who Pope.

[658] That] The next Hanmer. That next Capell. That lord S. Walker conj. And that Keightley.

[659] [Looking on the Queen] Johnson. om. Ff.

[660] lady:] Rowe. lady, Ff.

[661] honour over] state above Pope.

[662] Those ... her.] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending happy, in Ff.

and so] so Pope.

[663] Duchess of] the Dutchess of Rowe. Duchess S. Walker conj.

[664] And ... that.] First Gent. And ... ones. Sec. Gent. No ... that. Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

First Gent.] 1. F_3 F_4. 2. F_1 F_2.

[Exit procession; and then ...] Exit procession, with ... Capell. om. Ff.

[665] First Gent.] 1. Ff. 2. G. Capell.

where] say where Hanmer. and where Capell. why, where S. Walker conj.

broiling] a-broiling Seymour conj.

[666] I] and I Hanmer.

[667] You saw The ceremony] As in Hanmer. One line in Ff.

[668] That I did] F_1 F_2. I did F_3 F_4.

[669] opposing] exposing Long MS.

[670] This] That Capell.

[671] in] into Mitford conj.

But] But pray Pope.

[672] She had] Sh' had Pope. Sh'ad Hanmer.

[673] Sir, You must] You must Pope. Good sir, You must Capell. Sir, you Must Steevens (1793).

that's] that is Steevens (1793).

[674] that] om. Pope.

[675] Stokesly] F_4. Stokeley F_1 F_2 F_3.

[676] archbishop's] Archbishops F_1. Archbishop F_2 F_3 F_4.

[677] there is ... when it] there's ... when't Pope.

[678] Thomas ... house] As three lines, ending esteem ... friend ... house, in Malone.

[679] A worthy ... council] As three lines, ending him ... house ... councell, in Ff. As two lines, ... master O' th' jewel house and one o' th' privy council. Hanmer. As three lines, the first ending King, in Steevens. Two lines, the first ending master, in Keightley.

[680] made] lately made S. Walker conj., reading Master ... already, of as one line.

[681] O' the ... Yes] As two lines, S. Walker conj., the first ending already, of.

[682] Capell ends the first line at which.

[683] ye shall] you shall Rowe (ed. 2). you shall both Hanmer.

[684] ye] om. Pope.

Kimbolton.] Theobald.

[685] loaden] F_1. loaded F_2 F_3 F_4.

[686] So; now] So—now Rowe. So now Ff.

[Sitting down. Rowe.

[687] led'st] Rowe (ed. 2). lead'st Ff.

[688] think] F_3 F_4. thinke F_2. thanke F_1. thought Lettsom conj.

[689] me, happily,] me happily Ff. me happily, Rowe (ed. 2).

[690] Earl] Earl of Rowe (ed. 2).

[691] covent] Ff. convent Rowe.

[692] full of] F_1. full F_2 F_3 F_4.

[693] gave] F_1. give F_2 F_3 F_4.

[694] So ... him!] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

lie] lay Rowe (ed. 2).

gently on] F_1. on F_2 F_3 F_4. bury'd with Rowe. lightly on Collier MS.

[695] Tied] Ty'de F_1 F_2 F_3. Ty'd F_4. Tyth'd Hanmer.

[696] is now] now is Rowe.

[697] honour from his cradle.] honour, from his cradle; Theobald. honour. From his cradle Ff.

[698] Oxford!] Pope. Oxford: Ff.

[699] to outlive] t'outlive Keightley.

good that did it] good he did it Pope. good man did it Collier MS. good that did it nourish Keightley. good that rear'd it Staunton. hand that fed it Anon. conj.

[700] meditating] F_1 F_4. meditating. F_2 F_3.

[701] reverent] reverend Ff.

changes] F_1. charges F_2 F_3 F_4.

vanish] they vanish Hanmer.

[702] [starting out of her Sleep. Capell.

all] om. Pope.

[703] thousand] F_1. a thousand F_2 F_3 F_4.

[704] assuredly] As a separate line, in Hanmer.

[705] They are] 'Tis Pope.

[706] And] Her hand or And feels Staunton conj.

earthy cold] earthly cold Rowe (ed. 2). earthy coldness Collier (Collier MS.) earthy colour Dyce, ed. 2 (S. Walker conj.)

Mark] Observe Pope. Mark you Capell.

[707] Messenger.] Gentleman. Capell.

[708] An't] Hanmer. And't Ff.

[709] to blame] F_3 F_4. too blame F_1 F_2.

[710] lose] F_4. loose F_1 F_2 F_3.

[711] [Exeunt....] Exeunt Gri. and Gen. Capell. Exit Messeng. Ff.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Lord Capuchius. Ff.

[712] Capucius] Capuchius Ff (and passim).

[713] With ... pray you] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

[714] [Giving....] Malone. reaching it. Capell. Omitted in Ff.

[715] most] Ff. must Rowe.

[716] This] Thus Rowe (ed. 2).

willing] F_1. willingly F_2 F_3 F_4.

[717] Heaven ... petition] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

[718] will deserve] F_1 F_2. well deserve F_3 F_4. well deserves Hanmer.

[719] husband, let ... noble:] Pope. husband, let ... noble, Rowe. husband (let ... noble) Ff. husband; let ... noble; Capell.

[720] the poorest] o' th' poorest S. Walker conj.

[721] by] om. Pope.

[722] to have given] to've giv'n Hanmer.

[723] able] abler S. Walker conj.

[724] Say] Ff. And tell him Pope. Say to him Keightley.

passing] passing from him Capell. passing fast or passing, passing Anon. conj.

[725] [Exeunt Capucius and Griffith. Edd. conj.

[726] [Enter women. Edd. conj.

ACT V.

SCENE I. London. A gallery in the palace.[727]

Enter GARDINER, Bishop of Winchester, a Page with a torch before him, met by SIR THOMAS LOVELL.

Gar. It's one o'clock, boy, is't not?

Boy. It hath struck.

Gar. These should be hours for necessities,

Not for delights; times to repair our nature

With comforting repose, and not for us

To waste these times. Good hour of night, Sir Thomas!

Whither so late? 5

Lov. Came you from the king, my lord?[728]

Gar. I did, Sir Thomas, and left him at primero[729]

With the Duke of Suffolk.

Lov. I must to him too,

Before he go to bed. I'll take my leave.

Gar. Not yet, Sir Thomas Lovell. What's the matter? 10

It seems you are in haste: an if there be[730]

No great offence belongs to't, give your friend

Some touch of your late business: affairs that walk,

As they say spirits do, at midnight, have

In them a wilder nature than the business 15

That seeks dispatch by day.

Lov. My lord, I love you;

And durst commend a secret to your ear

Much weightier than this work. The queen's in labour,[731]

They say, in great extremity; and fear'd[732]

She'll with the labour end.

Gar. The fruit she goes with[733] 20

I pray for heartily, that it may find

Good time, and live: but for the stock, Sir Thomas,

I wish it grubb'd up now.

Lov. Methinks I could

Cry the amen; and yet my conscience says[734]

She's a good creature, and, sweet lady, does 25

Deserve our better wishes.

Gar. But, sir, sir,

Hear me, Sir Thomas: you're a gentleman[735]

Of mine own way; I know you wise, religious;[736]

And, let me tell you, it will ne'er be well,

'Twill not, Sir Thomas Lovell, take't of me, 30

Till Cranmer, Cromwell, her two hands, and she,

Sleep in their graves.

Lov. Now, sir, you speak of two

The most remark'd i' the kingdom. As for Cromwell,

Beside that of the jewel house, is made master[737]

O' the rolls, and the king's secretary; further, sir,[738] 35

Stands in the gap and trade of moe preferments,[739]

With which the time will load him. The archbishop[740]

Is the king's hand and tongue; and who dare speak[741]

One syllable against him?

Gar. Yes, yes, Sir Thomas,[742]

There are that dare; and I myself have ventured 40

To speak my mind of him: and indeed this day,[743]

Sir, I may tell it you, I think I have

Incensed the lords o' the council that he is—[744]

For so I know he is, they know he is—

A most arch-heretic, a pestilence 45

That does infect the land: with which they moved

Have broken with the king; who hath so far

Given ear to our complaint, of his great grace[745]

And princely care foreseeing those fell mischiefs

Our reasons laid before him, hath commanded[746] 50

To-morrow morning to the council-board

He be convented. He's a rank weed, Sir Thomas,[747]

And we must root him out. From your affairs

I hinder you too long: good night, Sir Thomas.

Lov. Many good nights, my lord: I rest your servant. 55

[Exeunt Gardiner and Page.

Enter KING and SUFFOLK.[748]

King. Charles, I will play no more to-night;[749]

My mind's not on't; you are too hard for me.

Suf. Sir, I did never win of you before.

King. But little, Charles,

Nor shall not, when my fancy's on my play.[750] 60

Now, Lovell, from the queen what is the news?

Lov. I could not personally deliver to her

What you commanded me, but by her woman

I sent your message; who return'd her thanks

In the great'st humbleness, and desired your highness[751] 65

Most heartily to pray for her.

King. What say'st thou, ha?

To pray for her? what, is she crying out?

Lov. So said her woman, and that her sufferance made

Almost each pang a death.

King. Alas, good lady!

Suf. God safely quit her of her burthen, and 70

With gentle travail, to the gladding of[752]

Your highness with an heir!

King. 'Tis midnight, Charles;

Prithee, to bed; and in thy prayers remember

The estate of my poor queen. Leave me alone;

For I must think of that which company 75

Would not be friendly to.

Suf. I wish your highness

A quiet night, and my good mistress will

Remember in my prayers.

King. Charles, good night.      [Exit Suffolk.

Enter SIR ANTHONY DENNY.[753]

Well, sir, what follows?

Den. Sir, I have brought my lord the archbishop, 80

As you commanded me.

King. Ha! Canterbury?

Den. Ay, my good lord.[754]

King. 'Tis true: where is he, Denny?

Den. He attends your highness' pleasure.

King. Bring him to us.

[Exit Denny.[755]

Lov. [Aside] This is about that which the bishop spake:[756]

I am happily come hither.[757] 85

Re-enter DENNY, with CRANMER.

King. Avoid the gallery. [Lovell seems to stay] Ha! I have said. Be gone.[758]

What!      [Exeunt Lovell and Denny.

Cran. [Aside] I am fearful: wherefore frowns he thus?[759]

'Tis his aspect of terror. All's not well.

King. How now, my lord! you do desire to know[760]

Wherefore I sent for you.[760]

Cran. [Kneeling] It is my duty[761] 90

To attend your highness' pleasure.[762]

King. Pray you, arise,

My good and gracious Lord of Canterbury.

Come, you and I must walk a turn together;

I have news to tell you: come, come, give me your hand.[763]

Ah, my good lord, I grieve at what I speak, 95

And am right sorry to repeat what follows:

I have, and most unwillingly, of late

Heard many grievous, I do say, my lord,

Grievous complaints of you; which, being consider'd,

Have moved us and our council, that you shall 100

This morning come before us; where, I know,

You cannot with such freedom purge yourself,

But that, till further trial in those charges

Which will require your answer, you must take

Your patience to you and be well contented 105

To make your house our Tower: you a brother of us,[764]

It fits we thus proceed, or else no witness

Would come against you.

Cran. [Kneeling] I humbly thank your highness;[761]

And am right glad to catch this good occasion

Most throughly to be winnow'd, where my chaff 110

And corn shall fly asunder: for, I know,

There's none stands under more calumnious tongues

Than I myself, poor man.[765]

King. Stand up, good Canterbury:

Thy truth and thy integrity is rooted

In us, thy friend: give me thy hand, stand up:[766] 115

Prithee, let's walk. Now, by my holidame,[767]

What manner of man are you? My lord, I look'd

You would have given me your petition, that

I should have ta'en some pains to bring together

Yourself and your accusers, and to have heard you,[768] 120

Without indurance, further.

Cran. Most dread liege,

The good I stand on is my truth and honesty:[769]

If they shall fail, I, with mine enemies,[770]

Will triumph o'er my person; which I weigh not,

Being of those virtues vacant. I fear nothing 125

What can be said against me.[771]

King. Know you not

How your state stands i’ the world, with the whole world?

Your enemies are many, and not small; their practices[772]

Must bear the same proportion; and not ever

The justice and the truth o' the question carries 130

The due o' the verdict with it: at what ease[773]

Might corrupt minds procure knaves as corrupt

To swear against you? Such things have been done.

You are potently opposed, and with a malice[774]

Of as great size. Ween you of better luck, 135

I mean, in perjured witness, than your master,

Whose minister you are, whiles here he lived[775]

Upon this naughty earth? Go to, go to;

You take a precipice for no leap of danger,[776]

And woo your own destruction.[777]

Cran. God and your majesty 140

Protect mine innocence, or I fall into

The trap is laid for me!

King. Be of good cheer;

They shall no more prevail than we give way to.

Keep comfort to you; and this morning see

You do appear before them. If they shall chance,[778] 145

In charging you with matters, to commit you,

The best persuasions to the contrary

Fail not to use, and with what vehemency

The occasion shall instruct you: if entreaties

Will render you no remedy, this ring 150

Deliver them, and your appeal to us

There make before them. Look, the good man weeps![779]

He's honest, on mine honour. God's blest mother!

I swear he is true-hearted, and a soul

None better in my kingdom. Get you gone, 155

And do as I have bid you. [Exit Cranmer.] He has strangled[780][781]

His language in his tears.[781][782]

Enter Old Lady; LOVELL following.

Gent. [Within] Come back: what mean you?

Old L. I'll not come back; the tidings that I bring

Will make my boldness manners. Now, good angels

Fly o'er thy royal head, and shade thy person 160

Under their blessed wings!

King. Now, by thy looks

I guess thy message. Is the queen deliver'd?

Say, ay, and of a boy.

Old L. Ay, ay, my liege;

And of a lovely boy: the God of heaven

Both now and ever bless her! 'tis a girl, 165

Promises boys hereafter. Sir, your queen

Desires your visitation, and to be

Acquainted with this stranger: 'tis as like you

As cherry is to cherry.

King. Lovell!

Lov. Sir?[783]

King. Give her an hundred marks. I'll to the queen.[784] 170

[Exit.

Old L. An hundred marks! By this light, I 'll ha' more.[785]

An ordinary groom is for such payment.

I will have more, or scold it out of him.

Said I for this, the girl was like to him?[786][787]

I will have more, or else unsay't; and now,[786][788] 175

While it is hot, I'll put it to the issue.      [Exeunt.[786][789]

SCENE II. Before the council-chamber.

Pursuivants, Pages, &c. attending.

Enter CRANMER, Archbishop of Canterbury.[790]

Cran. I hope I am not too late; and yet the gentleman[791]

That was sent to me from the council pray'd me

To make great haste. All fast? what means this? Ho!

Who waits there? Sure, you know me?

Enter Keeper.

Keep. Yes, my lord;

But yet I cannot help you.[792] 5

Cran. Why?[792]

Enter DOCTOR BUTTS.[793]

Keep. Your grace must wait till you be call'd for.[792]

Cran. So.

Butts. [Aside] This is a piece of malice. I am glad[794]

I came this way so happily: the king[795]

Shall understand it presently.      [Exit.

Cran. [Aside] 'Tis Butts,[796] 10

The king's physician: as he pass'd along,

How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!

Pray heaven, he sound not my disgrace! For certain,[797]

This is of purpose laid by some that hate me—

God turn their hearts! I never sought their malice— 15

To quench mine honour: they would shame to make me

Wait else at door, a fellow-councillor,

'Mong boys, grooms and lackeys. But their pleasures[798]

Must be fulfill'd, and I attend with patience.[799]

Enter the KING and BUTTS at a window above.

Butts. I'll show your grace the strangest sight—[800]

King. What's that, Butts?20

Butts. I think your highness saw this many a day.

King. Body o' me, where is it?[801]

Butts. There, my lord:

The high promotion of his grace of Canterbury;

Who holds his state at door, 'mongst pursuivants,

Pages and footboys.

King. Ha! 'tis he, indeed: 25

Is this the honour they do one another?

'Tis well there's one above 'em yet. I had thought[802]

They had parted so much honesty among 'em,[803]

At least good manners, as not thus to suffer

A man of his place and so near our favour 30

To dance attendance on their lordships' pleasures,

And at the door too, like a post with packets.

By holy Mary, Butts, there's knavery:

Let 'em alone, and draw the curtain close;

We shall hear more anon.      [Exeunt.[804] 35

SCENE III. The council-chamber.

Enter LORD CHANCELLOR, places himself at the upper end of the table on the left hand; a seat being left void above him, as for CANTERBURY'S seat; DUKE OF SUFFOLK, DUKE OF NORFOLK, SURREY, LORD CHAMBERLAIN, GARDINER, seat themselves in order on each side. CROMWELL at lower end, as secretary. Keeper at the door.[805]

Chan. Speak to the business, master secretary:[806]

Why are we met in council?[807]

Crom. Please your honours,

The chief cause concerns his grace of Canterbury.[808]

Gar. Has he had knowledge of it?

Crom. Yes.

Nor. Who waits there?

Keep. Without, my noble lords?

Gar. Yes.[809]

Keep. My lord archbishop; 5

And has done half an hour, to know your pleasures.

Chan. Let him come in.

Keep. Your grace may enter now.

[Cranmer enters and approaches the council-table.[810]

Chan. My good lord archbishop, I'm very sorry

To sit here at this present and behold

That chair stand empty: but we all are men, 10

In our own natures frail and capable[811]

Of our flesh; few are angels: out of which frailty[811][812]

And want of wisdom, you, that best should teach us,

Have misdemean'd yourself, and not a little,

Toward the king first, then his laws, in filling 15

The whole realm, by your teaching and your chaplains—

For so we are inform'd—with new opinions,

Divers and dangerous; which are heresies,

And, not reform'd, may prove pernicious.

Gar. Which reformation must be sudden too, 20

My noble lords; for those that tame wild horses

Pace 'em not in their hands to make 'em gentle,

But stop their mouths with stubborn bits and spur 'em,

Till they obey the manage. If we suffer,

Out of our easiness and childish pity 25

To one man's honour, this contagious sickness,

Farewell all physic: and what follows then?

Commotions, uproars, with a general taint

Of the whole state: as of late days our neighbours,

The upper Germany, can dearly witness, 30

Yet freshly pitied in our memories.

Cran. My good lords, hitherto, in all the progress

Both of my life and office, I have labour'd,

And with no little study, that my teaching

And the strong course of my authority 35

Might go one way, and safely; and the end

Was ever to do well: nor is there living,

I speak it with a single heart, my lords,

A man that more detests, more stirs against,[813]

Both in his private conscience and his place, 40

Defacers of a public peace, than I do.[814]

Pray heaven, the king may never find a heart

With less allegiance in it! Men that make

Envy and crooked malice nourishment

Dare bite the best. I do beseech your lordships, 45

That, in this case of justice, my accusers,

Be what they will, may stand forth face to face,

And freely urge against me.

Suf. Nay, my lord,

That cannot be: you are a councillor,

And, by that virtue, no man dare accuse you. 50

Gar. My lord, because we have business of more moment,[815]

We will be short with you. 'Tis his highness' pleasure,

And our consent, for better trial of you,

From hence you be committed to the Tower;

Where, being but a private man again, 55

You shall know many dare accuse you boldly,

More than, I fear, you are provided for.

Cran. Ah, my good Lord of Winchester, I thank you;[816]

You are always my good friend; if your will pass,

I shall both find your lordship judge and juror, 60

You are so merciful. I see your end;

'Tis my undoing. Love and meekness, lord,

Become a churchman better than ambition:

Win straying souls with modesty again,

Cast none away. That I shall clear myself, 65

Lay all the weight ye can upon my patience,

I make as little doubt as you do conscience

In doing daily wrongs. I could say more,

But reverence to your calling makes me modest.

Gar. My lord, my lord, you are a sectary; 70

That's the plain truth: your painted gloss discovers,

To men that understand you, words and weakness.[817]

Crom. My Lord of Winchester, you are a little,[818]

By your good favour, too sharp; men so noble,

However faulty, yet should find respect 75

For what they have been: 'tis a cruelty[819]

To load a falling man.

Gar. Good master secretary,[820]

I cry your honour mercy; you may, worst

Of all this table, say so.

Crom. Why, my lord?

Gar. Do not I know you for a favourer 80

Of this new sect? ye are not sound.

Crom. Not sound?

Gar. Not sound, I say.

Crom. Would you were half so honest!

Men's prayers then would seek you, not their fears.

Gar. I shall remember this bold language.

Crom. Do.

Remember your bold life too.

Chan. This is too much;[821] 85

Forbear, for shame, my lords.

Gar. I have done.[822]

Crom. And I.

Chan. Then thus for you, my lord: it stands agreed,[823]

I take it, by all voices, that forthwith

You be convey'd to the Tower a prisoner;

There to remain till the king's further pleasure 90

Be known unto us: are you all agreed, lords?[824]

All. We are.

Cran. Is there no other way of mercy.

But I must needs to the Tower, my lords?

Gar. What other

Would you expect? you are strangely troublesome.[825]

Let some o' the guard be ready there.

Enter Guard.[826]

Cran. For me? 95

Must I go like a traitor thither?

Gar. Receive him,

And see him safe i' the Tower.

Cran. Stay, good my lords,

I have a little yet to say. Look there, my lords;

By virtue of that ring, I take my cause

Out of the gripes of cruel men, and give it 100

To a most noble judge, the king my master.

Cham. This is the king's ring.[827]

Sur. 'Tis no counterfeit.

Suf. 'Tis the right ring, by heaven: I told ye all,[828]

When we first put this dangerous stone a-rolling,

'Twould fall upon ourselves.

Nor. Do you think, my lords, 105

The king will suffer but the little finger

Of this man to be vex'd?

Cham. 'Tis now too certain:[827]

How much more is his life in value with him?

Would I were fairly out on't!

Crom. My mind gave me,

In seeking tales and informations 110

Against this man, whose honesty the devil

And his disciples only envy at,[829]

Ye blew the fire that burns ye: now have at ye!

Enter KING, frowning on them; takes his seat.

Gar. Dread sovereign, how much are we bound to heaven[830]

In daily thanks, that gave us such a prince, 115

Not only good and wise, but most religious:

One that, in all obedience, makes the church

The chief aim of his honour; and, to strengthen

That holy duty, out of dear respect,[831]

His royal self in judgement comes to hear 120

The cause betwixt her and this great offender.

King. You were ever good at sudden commendations,[832]

Bishop of Winchester. But know, I come not

To hear such flattery now, and in my presence[833][834]

They are too thin and bare to hide offences.[834][835] 125

To me you cannot reach you play the spaniel,[836]

And think with wagging of your tongue to win me;

But, whatsoe'er thou takest me for, I'm sure

Thou hast a cruel nature and a bloody.

[To Cranmer] Good man, sit down. Now let me see the proudest[837][838]130

He, that dares most, but wag his finger at thee:[837]

By all that's holy, he had better starve

Than but once think this place becomes thee not.[839]

Sur. May it please your grace,—

King. No, sir, it does not please me.

I had thought I had had men of some understanding[840] 135

And wisdom of my council; but I find none.

Was it discretion, lords, to let this man,

This good man,—few of you deserve that title,—

This honest man, wait like a lousy footboy

At chamber-door? and one as great as you are? 140

Why, what a shame was this! Did my commission

Bid ye so far forget yourselves? I gave ye

Power as he was a councillor to try him,

Not as a groom: there's some of ye, I see,

More out of malice than integrity, 145

Would try him to the utmost, had ye mean:[841]

Which ye shall never have while I live.

Chan. Thus far,[842]

My most dread sovereign, may it like your grace

To let my tongue excuse all. What was purposed

Concerning his imprisonment, was rather, 150

If there be faith in men, meant for his trial

And fair purgation to the world, than malice,

I'm sure, in me.

King. Well, well, my lords, respect him;

Take him and use him well; he's worthy of it.

I will say thus much for him, if a prince 155

May be beholding to a subject, I[843]

Am, for his love and service, so to him.

Make me no more ado, but all embrace him:[844]

Be friends, for shame, my lords! My Lord of Canterbury,

I have a suit which you must not deny me; 160

That is, a fair young maid that yet wants baptism;[845]

You must be godfather, and answer for her.

Cran. The greatest monarch now alive may glory

In such an honour: how may I deserve it,

That am a poor and humble subject to you? 165

King. Come, come, my lord, you'ld spare your[846]

spoons: you shall have two noble partners with you; the[846]

old Duchess of Norfolk, and Lady Marquess Dorset: will[846][847][848]

these please you?[846][848]

Once more, my Lord of Winchester, I charge you, 170

Embrace and love this man.[849]

Gar. With a true heart

And brother-love I do it.[850]

Cran. And let heaven

Witness how dear I hold this confirmation.

King. Good man, those joyful tears show thy true heart:[851]

The common voice, I see, is verified 175

Of thee, which says thus: 'Do my Lord of Canterbury

A shrewd turn, and he is your friend for ever.'[852]

Come, lords, we trifle time away; I long

To have this young one made a Christian.

As I have made ye one, lords, one remain: 180

So I grow stronger, you more honour gain.      [Exeunt.

SCENE IV. The palace yard.[853]

Noise and tumult within. Enter Porter and his Man.

Port. You'll leave your noise anon, ye rascals: do you[854][855]

take the court for Paris-garden? ye rude slaves, leave your[854][856]

gaping.[854]

[Within] 'Good master porter, I belong to the larder.'[854][857]

Port. Belong to the gallows, and be hanged, ye rogue![854][858] 5

Is this a place to roar in? Fetch me a dozen crab-tree[854][859]

staves, and strong ones: these are but switches to 'em.[854][860]

I'll scratch your heads: you must be seeing christenings?[854]

do you look for ale and cakes here, you rude rascals?[854]

Man. Pray, sir, be patient: 'tis as much impossible— 10

Unless we sweep 'em from the door with cannons—

To scatter 'em, as 'tis to make 'em sleep

On May-day morning; which will never be:

We may as well push against Powle's as stir 'em.[861]

Port. How got they in, and be hang'd? 15

Man. Alas, I know not; how gets the tide in?

As much as one sound cudgel of four foot—

You see the poor remainder—could distribute,

I made no spare, sir.

Port. You did nothing, sir.

Man. I am not Samson, nor Sir Guy, nor Colbrand,[862] 20

To mow 'em down before me: but if I spared any[862]

That had a head to hit, either young or old,[862]

He or she, cuckold or cuckold-maker,[862]

Let me ne'er hope to see a chine again;[862][863]

And that I would not for a cow, God save her![862][864] 25

[Within] 'Do you hear, master porter?'[857]

Port. I shall be with you presently, good master puppy.[857]

Keep the door close, sirrah.

Man. What would you have me do?

Port. What should you do, but knock 'em down by[865][866] 30

the dozens? Is this Moorfields to muster in? or have we[866]

some strange Indian with the great tool come to court, the[866]

women so besiege us? Bless me, what a fry of fornication[866]

is at door! On my Christian conscience, this one christening[866][867]

will beget a thousand; here will be father, godfather,[866] 35

and all together.[866]

Man. The spoons will be the bigger, sir. There is a[866]

fellow somewhat near the door, he should be a brazier by[866]

his face, for, o' my conscience, twenty of the dog-days now[866]

reign in's nose; all that stand about him are under the[866][868] 40

line, they need no other penance: that fire-drake did I hit[866]

three times on the head, and three times was his nose[866]

discharged against me; he stands there, like a mortar-piece,[866]

to blow us. There was a haberdasher's wife of small[866][869]

wit near him, that railed upon me till her pinked porringer[866] 45

fell off her head, for kindling such a combustion in the[866][870]

state. I missed the meteor once, and hit that woman, who[866]

cried out 'Clubs!' when I might see from far some forty[866][871]

truncheoners draw to her succour, which were the hope o'[866][872]

the Strand, where she was quartered. They fell on; I made[866][873] 50

good my place: at length they came to the broomstaff to[866][874]

me; I defied 'em still: when suddenly a file of boys behind[866][874][875]

'em, loose shot, delivered such a shower of pebbles, that[866][875][876]

I was fain to draw mine honour in and let 'em win the[866]

work: the devil was amongst 'em, I think, surely.[866] 55

Port. These are the youths that thunder at a play-house[866]

and fight for bitten apples; that no audience, but[866]

the tribulation of Tower-hill, or the limbs of Limehouse,[866][877][878]

their dear brothers, are able to endure. I have some of[866][879]

'em in Limbo Patrum, and there they are like to dance[866] 60

these three days; besides the running banquet of two[866]

beadles that is to come.[866]

Enter LORD CHAMBERLAIN.

Cham. Mercy o' me, what a multitude are here![880]

They grow still too; from all parts they are coming,

As if we kept a fair here. Where are these porters,[881] 65

These lazy knaves? Ye have made a fine hand, fellows:[882]

There's a trim rabble let in: are all these

Your faithful friends o' the suburbs? We shall have

Great store of room, no doubt, left for the ladies,

When they pass back from the christening.

Port. An't please your honour,[883]70

We are but men; and what so many may do,[884]

Not being torn a-pieces, we have done:[885]

An army cannot rule 'em.

Cham. As I live,

If the king blame me for't, I'll lay ye all

By the heels, and suddenly; and on your heads 75

Clap round fines for neglect: ye 're lazy knaves;[886]

And here ye lie baiting of bombards when

Ye should do service. Hark! the trumpets sound;

They're come already from the christening:[887]

Go, break among the press, and find a way out[888] 80

To let the troop pass fairly, or I'll find

A Marshalsea shall hold ye play these two months.

Port. Make way there for the princess.[889]

Man. You great fellow,

Stand close up, or I'll make your head ache.

Port. You i' the camlet, get up o' the rail;[890] 85

I'll peck you o'er the pales else.      [Exeunt.[891]

SCENE V. The palace.[892]

Enter Trumpets, sounding; then two Aldermen, Lord Mayor, Garter, CRANMER, DUKE OF NORFOLK with his marshal's staff, DUKE OF SUFFOLK, two Noblemen bearing great standing-bowls for the christening-gifts; then four Noblemen bearing a canopy, under which the DUCHESS OF NORFOLK, godmother, bearing the child richly habited in a mantle, &c., train borne by a Lady; then follows the MARCHIONESS DORSET, the other godmother, and Ladies. The troop pass once about the stage, and Garter speaks.

Gart. Heaven, from thy endless goodness, send prosperous[893]

life, long, and ever happy, to the high and mighty[893]

princess of England, Elizabeth![893]

Flourish. Enter KING and Guard.[894]

Cran. [Kneeling] And to your royal grace, and the good queen.[895][896]

My noble partners and myself thus pray:[896] 5

All comfort, joy, in this most gracious lady,[897]

Heaven ever laid up to make parents happy,[898]

May hourly fall upon ye!

King. Thank you, good lord archbishop:[899]

What is her name?

Cran. Elizabeth.

King. Stand up, lord.

[The King kisses the child.

With this kiss take my blessing: God protect thee![900] 10

Into whose hand I give thy life.

Cran. Amen.

King. My noble gossips, ye have been too prodigal:[901]

I thank ye heartily; so shall this lady,

When she has so much English.

Cran. Let me speak, sir,

For heaven now bids me; and the words I utter 15

Let none think flattery, for they'll find 'em truth.

This royal infant—heaven still move about her!—

Though in her cradle, yet now promises

Upon this land a thousand thousand blessings,

Which time shall bring to ripeness: she shall be— 20

But few now living can behold that goodness—[902]

A pattern to all princes living with her

And all that shall succeed: Saba was never[903]

More covetous of wisdom and fair virtue

Than this pure soul shall be: all princely graces,[904] 25

That mould up such a mighty piece as this is,[905]

With all the virtues that attend the good,

Shall still be doubled on her: truth shall nurse her,

Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her:

She shall be loved and fear'd: her own shall bless her; 30

Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn,[906]

And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with her:[907]

In her days every man shall eat in safety,

Under his own vine, what he plants, and sing

The merry songs of peace to all his neighbours: 35

God shall be truly known; and those about her

From her shall read the perfect ways of honour,[908][909]

And by those claim their greatness, not by blood.[909]

Nor shall this peace sleep with her; but, as when[910]

The bird of wonder dies, the maiden phœnix,[910] 40

Her ashes new create another heir[910]

As great in admiration as herself,[910]

So shall she leave her blessedness to one—[910]

When heaven shall call her from this cloud of darkness—[910]

Who from the sacred ashes of her honour[910] 45

Shall star-like rise, as great in fame as she was,[910]

And so stand fix'd. Peace, plenty, love, truth, terror,[910]

That were the servants to this chosen infant,[910]

Shall then be his and like a vine grow to him:[910]

Wherever the bright sun of heaven shall shine,[910] 50

His honour and the greatness of his name[910]

Shall be, and make new nations: he shall flourish,[910]

And, like a mountain cedar, reach his branches[910]

To all the plains about him. Our children's children[910][911]

Shall see this, and bless heaven.[910]

King. Thou speakest wonders. 55

Cran. She shall be, to the happiness of England,[912]

An aged princess; many days shall see her,[912]

And yet no day without a deed to crown it.[912]

Would I had known no more! but she must die;[912]

She must; the saints must have her; yet a virgin,[912][913] 60

A most unspotted lily shall she pass[912][914]

To the ground, and all the world shall mourn her.[912][915]

King. O lord archbishop,

Thou hast made me now a man! never, before

This happy child, did I get any thing. 65

This oracle of comfort has so pleased me,

That when I am in heaven I shall desire

To see what this child does, and praise my Maker.

I thank ye all. To you, my good lord mayor,

And your good brethren, I am much beholding;[916] 70

I have received much honour by your presence,

And ye shall find me thankful. Lead the way, lords:

Ye must all see the queen, and she must thank ye;

She will be sick else. This day, no man think

Has business at his house; for all shall stay:[917] 75

This little one shall make it holiday.      [Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[727] London. A gallery....] Gallery.... Capell. Before the Palace. Theobald.

[728] Whither] F_3 F_4. Whether F_1 F_2.

[729] and] om. Pope.

[730] an if] Capell. and if Ff.

[731] work] word Rowe (ed. 2).

[732] great] om. F_4.

and] and 'tis Rowe (ed. 2). 'tis Pope.

[733] goes] goe F_2.

[734] Cry the] Cry ye Anon. conj.

[735] you're] Theobald. y' are Ff. you are Steevens.

[736] you] you are F_3 F_4.

[737] is] he's Theobald. he is Capell.

[738] sir] om. Pope.

[739] trade of] F_1 F_2 F_3. trade for F_4. tread for Warburton.

moe] Ff. more Rowe.

[740] time] F_4. Lime F_1 F_2 F_3.

[741] and tongue] F_1 F_2. or tongue F_3 F_4.

[742] Yes, yes] Ff. Yes Pope.

[743] and indeed this] indeed this Pope. indeed this very Hanmer.

[744] o' the] o' th' F_1 F_2. of the F_3 F_4.

[745] of] that of Keightley.

[746] hath] he hath Pope. h'ath Malone conj. 'hath Collier.

[747] convented] convened Johnson.

[748] [Exeunt....] Exit.... Ff (after line 54).

Enter King....] Ff. Ex. Lov. Scene changes to an Apartment in the Palace. Enter King.... Theobald.

As Lovell is going, Enter the King, and the Duke of Suffolk, as new risen from Play. Capell.

[749] SCENE II. Pope.

more] more with you S. Walker conj.

[750] Re-enter Lovel. Theobald. Enter Lovell. Hanmer.

[751] In the great'st] In the greatest F_4. In greatest Pope.

[752] travail] travel Rowe.

[753] good] a good Pope.

Enter....] Ff (after follows, line 79).

[754] Ay] Rowe. I Ff. Yea Pope.

[755] [Exit Denny.] Rowe.

[756] [Aside] Rowe.

[757] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Cranmer and Denny. Ff.

[758] Avoid ... gone] One line in Capell Two in Ff.

[759] What!] What? F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

SCENE III. Pope.

[Aside] Capell.

fearful] much fearful Hanmer.

[760] How ... you] Arranged as in Rowe (ed. 2). As three lines in Ff, ending Lord?... wherefore ... you.

[761] [Kneeling] Johnson.

[762] To attend] T' attend Ff.

arise] rise Pope.

[763] I have ... hand] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

I have] I've Pope.

come, come] come Pope.

[764] you] were you Long MS. to Collier MS.

[765] myself, poor man. King.] myself. King. Poor man, Grey conj.

[766] [Cranmer rises. Johnson.

[767] holidame] holydame Ff. holy Dame Rowe.

[768] to have] have Pope.

[769] good] ground Rann (Johnson conj.)

[770] fail] fall Rowe (ed. 2).

[771] What] Which Johnson.

[772] enemies are] foes are Pope. enemies Capell.

[773] due] F_3 F_4. dew F_1 F_2.

[774] You are] You're Pope.

[775] whiles] while Pope.

[776] precipice] precepit F_1.

[777] And woo] F_3 F_4. And woe F_1. Ane wooe F_2.

[778] shall] om. Pope.

[779] good man] F_3 F_4. goodman F_1 F_2.

[780] He has] He ha's Ff. He'as Pope.

[781] He has ... tears] Arranged as in Hanmer. As one line in Ff.

[782] His language] F_1. all his language F_2 F_3 F_4. All language Hanmer.

Enter....] Capell. Enter Olde Lady. Ff.

[783] Enter Lovell. Steevens.

[784] Give ... queen] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[Exit.] Exit King. Ff.

[785] ha'] F_3. ha F_1 F_2 F_4. have Capell.

[786] Said ... issue] Arranged as by Steevens. In Ff the lines end Ile ... hot ... issue.

[787] like to] like Pope.

[788] I will] Steevens. Ile F_1 F_2. I'le F_3 F_4.

and now] now Pope.

[789] it is] Steevens. 'tis Ff.

[Exeunt.] Capell. Exit Ladie. Ff.

[790] SCENE II.] SCENE IV. Pope.

Before the council-chamber.] Theobald. The council-Chamber. Capell.

Pursuivants, Pages, &c. attending. Enter....] Chair, under a State, for the King; beneath, a Table: Chamber-keeper attending. Servants at the Door without; to which, Enter Cranmer. Capell. Enter Cranmer, Archbyshop of Canterbury. Ff.

[791] I am] I'm Pope.

[792] But ... grace] One line in Capell.

[793] Enter....] Capell. In Ff after for line 7.

[794] [Aside] Dyce and Staunton.

piece] Peere F_1.

[795] happily] F_1 F_2 F_3. haply F_4.

[796] [Aside] Johnson.

[797] sound] found Rowe.

[798] 'Mong ... pleasures] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Ff.

'Mong] Among Capell.

boys] footboys Anon. conj.

grooms] and grooms Rowe (ed. 2).

[799] fulfill'd] Ff. fulfilled Rowe.

[800] sight—] Rowe. sight. Ff.

[801] o' me] Pope. a me Ff.

[802] above 'em yet. I] above 'em.— Yet I Theobald conj. (withdrawn).

had] om. Pope.

[803] They had] They'd Pope.

[804] [Exeunt.] Reed (1803). Curtain drawn. Capell.

[805] SCENE III.] Edd. SCENE V. Pope. om. Ff. See note (X).

The council-chamber.] Reed. The council. Theobald. A Councell Table brought in with Chayres and Stooles, and placed under the State. Ff.

Enter ... secretary.] Ff.

Lord Chancellor,] Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor, Theobald conj. (withdrawn).

Keeper at the door.] Edd. om. Ff.

[806] master] Steevens. M. F_1 F_2. Mr. F_3 F_4.

[807] are we] we are Anon. conj.

[808] chief] om. Pope. chiefest Capell.

cause] om. Anon. conj.

concerns] 'cerns Lettsom conj.

[809] noble] om. Steevens conj.

Gar. Yes.] om. Mitford conj.

[810] enters and] Edd. om. Ff.

[811] and capable Of our flesh:] Capell. and capable Of our flesh, Ff. and capable Of frailty, Pope. and culpable; Those frailty free are angels: Theobald conj. incapable; Of our flesh, Malone. and culpable: Of our flesh, Mason conj. and culpable Of our flesh; Collier (Collier MS.)

[812] Of our flesh; few] Of falling; so Anon. conj.

out of] from Pope.

[813] stirs] F_4. stirres F_1 F_2 F_3. strives Collier (Collier MS.)

[814] of a] of the Rowe.

[815] we have] we've Pope.

[816] Ah] Ay Rowe (ed. 2).

[817] you, words] your words Long MS.

[818] you are] Pope. y'are Ff. you're Rowe.

[819] a cruelty] cruelty Anon. conj.

[820] master] Steevens. M. F_1 F_2. Mr. F_3 F_4.

[821] Chan.] Capell. Cham. Ff.

This is] This' S. Walker conj.

[822] I have] I've Pope.

[823] Chan.] Capell (Theobald conj.) Cham. Ff.

[824] lords?] F_4. lords. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[825] you are] you're Pope.

[826] Enter Guard] Enter the Guard. Ff.

[827] Cham.] Ff. Cha. Capell. Chan. Dyce.

[828] 'Tis the] F_1 F_2. 'Tis his F_3 F_4.

[829] disciples] diciples F_2.

[830] SCENE VI. Pope.

Dread ... heaven] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[831] out of] of our F_3 F_4.

[832] You were] You're Pope.

[833] flattery] flatteries Rowe (ed. 2).

[834] presence They] F_1. presence, They F_2 F_3 F_4. presence; They Capell.

[835] bare] Dyce (Malone conj.) base Ff.

[836] To me] To one Rann (Whalley conj.)

reach you] reach, you Steevens (Mason conj.) reach. You Ff.

[837] [To Cranmer.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[838] proudest He,] Ff. proudest, He Collier.

[839] this] Rowe. his Ff.

[840] I had thought I had had men] Ff. I had had thought I had men Rowe (ed. 1). I had thought I had men Rowe (ed. 2). I thought I had men Pope.

[841] mean] means Pope.

[842] live] do live Rowe (ed. 2).

Chan.] F_1 F_2. Cham. F_3 F_4.

Thus far] om. Pope.

[843] beholding] beholden Rowe (ed. 2).

[844] him] om. Johnson.

[They embrace him; Gardiner last. Collier (Collier MS.)

[845] That is,] There is Rowe.

[846] Come ... you?] As in Ff. Pope arranges as verse, ending the lines have ... Dutchess ... Dorset. Capell ends them have ... Norfolk ... please you.

[847] Lady] the Lady Rowe (ed. 2). the old Lady Johnson (1771).

Dorset] F_1 F_2. of Dorset F_3 F_4.

[848] will these please you?] Omitted by Pope.

[849] [They embrace again. Collier (Collier MS.)

[850] brother-love] Malone. brother; love F_1. brothers love F_2 F_3 F_4. brother's love Rowe.

[851] heart] hearts F_1.

[852] A] But one Pope.

he is] Capell. hee's F_1 F_2. he's F_3 F_4.

[853] SCENE IV.] Edd. Scæna Tertia. Ff. SCENE VII. Pope.

The palace yard.] Theobald.

[854] You'll ... rude rascals?] As ten lines of verse in Capell, ending noise ... court ... gaping ... larder ... rogue ... roar in ... ones to'em ... christnings? ... rascals?

[855] leave] leane F_2.

[856] Paris-Garden] F_4. Parish garden F_1 F_2 F_3.

[857] master] Steevens. M. F_1 F_2. Mr. F_3 F_4.

[858] ye] you Capell.

[859] roar] roate F_2.

[860] switches to em.] switches.—To 'em. Warburton.

[861] as well] is well F_2.

Powle's] Powles F_1 F_2. Poule's F_3. Pauls F_4.

[862] I ... her!] As in Ff. Prose in Pope.

[863] ne'er] never Rowe (ed. 2).

chine] queen Collier (Collier MS.)

[864] a cow] a crown Collier (Collier MS.) my cow Staunton conj.

[865] What should you do,] In a line by itself in Ff. As prose in Rowe.

[866] but knock ... to come.] As prose in Ff. As verse in Capell. See note (XI).

[867] at door] at dore F_1 F_2. at the door F_3 F_4.

[868] in's] in his Capell.

[869] blow us] F_1 F_2. blow us up F_3 F_4.

[870] fell] sell F_2.

a] om. Capell.

[871] from far] om. Pope.

[872] truncheoners] F_1 F_2. truncheons F_3 F_4. truncheoneers Capell.

hope] forlorn hope Hanmer.

o'] of Pope.

[873] Strand] F_4. Strond F_1 F_2 F_3.

[874] to me] with me Pope. wi'me Capell.

[875] behind 'em, ... pebbles,] behind 'em deliver'd ... pibbles, loose shot, Pope.

[876] pebbles] Johnson. pibbles Ff.

[877] tribulation] Ff. Tribulation Theobald. sweet tribulation Capell.

[878] limbs] Pope. Limbes F_1 F_2. Limbs F_3 F_4. lambs Steevens conj. young lambs Anon. conj.

[879] brothers] brethren S. Walker conj.

[880] a] om. F_2.

[881] here] om. Pope.

[882] Ye have] Y' have Ff.

a fine] fine F_2.

[883] An't please] Capell. And't please Ff. Please Pope.

[884] what so many] what-so man Anon. conj.

[885] a-pieces] a pieces F_1 F_2 F_3. in pieces F_4.

[886] ye 're] Dyce. y' are Ff. you are Steevens.

[887] They're] Capell. Th' are Ff. They are Steevens.

[888] press] F_4. preasse F_1 F_2. preass F_3.

a way] away F_1.

[889] there] om. Warburton.

[890] camlet] Steevens. Chamblet Ff. camblet Pope.

up o'] off Rann (Mason conj.) up off Mason conj.

[891] peck] F_3 F_4. pecke F_1 F_2. pick Johnson.

pales] pates Knight, ed. 2, (Anon. conj.) poll Collier MS.

[892] SCENE V.] Edd. Scena Quarta. Ff. SCENE VIII. Pope.

The palace.] Theobald. Palace at Greenwich. Collier (Reed conj.)

[893] Heaven ... Elizabeth!] Printed as prose, first, by Capell. As four lines, ending Heaven, ... life, ... mighty ... Elisabeth, in Ff. See note (XII).

[894] Guard.] Train. Capell.

[895] [Kneeling] Johnson. om. Ff.

[896] queen. My ... pray:] Edd. queen, My ... pray Ff. queen, My ... pray, Rowe. queen, My ... pray; Pope.

[897] lady] day Johnson, 1771 (a misprint).

[898] Heaven ever] That heav'n e'er Pope.

[899] archbishop] om. Steevens conj.

[900] [The King....] Johnson. om. Ff.

[901] ye have] Johnson. y' have Ff. you have Hanmer.

[902] few now] few or none Warburton.

[903] Saba] Sheba Rowe (ed. 2).

[904] pure] poor Rowe (ed. 2). blest Pope.

[905] such] F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

is] om. Pope.

[906] corn] F_3 F_4. Corne F_1 F_2. See note (XIII).

[907] And ... her:] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two lines, the first ending sorrow, in Ff.

[908] read] tread Collier conj.

[909] ways ... by those claim] F_4. way ... by those claime F_1 F_2 F_3. ways ... claim by those Pope. way ... by that claim Capell.

[910] Nor shall ... heaven.] See note (XIV).

[911] Our] om. Pope.

[912] She shall ... mourn her.] See note (XIV).

[913] her; yet a virgin,] Ff. her yet a virgin; Theobald.

[914] most] pure Capell (corrected in Errata).

[915] To] Unto Dyce conj.

[916] your good] Theobald (Thirlby conj.) you good Ff.

beholding] beholden Rowe (ed. 2).

[917] Has] 'Has Ff. H'as Rowe (ed. 2). He'as Hanmer. He has Capell.

THE EPILOGUE.

'Tis ten to one this play can never please

All that are here: some come to take their ease,[918]

And sleep an act or two; but those, we fear,[919]

We have frighted with our trumpets; so, 'tis clear,[920]

They'll say 'tis naught: others, to hear the city[921] 5

Abused extremely, and to cry 'That's witty!'

Which we have not done neither; that, I fear,

All the expected good we're like to hear[922]

For this play at this time, is only in[923]

The merciful construction of good women;[923] 10

For such a one we show'd 'em: if they smile,

And say 'twill do, I know, within a while

All the best men are ours; for 'tis ill hap,

If they hold when their ladies bid 'em clap.

FOOTNOTES:

[918] ease] case F_2.

[919] sleep] sleep out F_3 F_4.

[920] We have] W' have Ff. We've Rowe (ed. 2).

[921] 'tis] F_1. it's F_2 F_3 F_4.

[922] we're] w'are Ff. we are Capell.

[923] is only in The] we shall not owe men, But Collier conj.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

I. 1. 167. Mr Collier says: "In the three earlier folios the word is spelt 'wrenching,' which the printer of the fourth folio, not understanding, altered to 'drenching.'" In the three copies of the fourth folio now before us the word is 'wrenching.'

NOTE II.

I. 2. Capell, followed by Malone, made many gratuitous alterations in the stage-directions of the Folios, which we have not thought it worth while always to record.

NOTE III.

II. 3. 7-9. Pope's reading is as follows:

'Still growing in a majesty and pomp,

The which to leave, a thousand-fold more bitter

Than sweet at first t'acquire.'

Theobald, followed by Hanmer, has:

'Still growing to a majesty and pomp,

The which to leave's a thousand-fold more bitter

Than sweet at first t'acquire.'

Capell reads, following the arrangement of the Folios:

'Still growing in a majesty and pomp,—the which

To leave, 's a thousand fold more bitter, than

'Tis sweet at first to acquire.'

We are in doubt here as to which is the reading of Mr Collier's MS. Corrector, for in his edition of Coleridge's Lectures he gives it,

'To leave's a thousand times more bitter, than

Sweet, &c.'

while in the second edition of his Shakespeare he quotes it as follows:

'To leave's a thousand-fold more better, than

'Tis sweet, &c.'

NOTE IV.

II. 3. 103. Mr Collier says, "If the blood of Anne Bullen had saluted or welcomed the news,—'If my blood salute this a jot—' there would have been no difficulty." It is not clear whether Mr Collier intends this as a conjectural emendation or not.

NOTE V.

II. 3. The stage direction which we have given from the Folios has been variously altered. The only important change which Capell introduces is in making the Archbishop of Canterbury follow the Bishops. The alteration 'between' for 'below' appeared in Reed's edition of 1803, and has been followed by some modern editors.

NOTE VI.

II. 4. 75. This line appears to have been accidentally omitted by the printer of the edition by Johnson, who, without taking the trouble to refer even to Warburton's text, conjectured that the passage was corrupt and proposed to read:

'Nay, before.—

Induc'd by potent circumstances, that

You are my enemy, I make my challenge.

You shall not be my judge.'

NOTE VII.

II. 4. 182. Mr Collier, in his 2nd edition, says, "We are quite satisfied that Theobald was right in reading 'The bottom of my conscience.'" Theobald does not adopt the conjecture in his text. His note is as follows: "Tho this reading be sense, and therefore I have not ventur'd to displace it; yet, I verily believe, the poet wrote; 'The bottom of my conscience,—' My reason is this. Shakespeare in all his historical plays was a most diligent observer of Hollingshead's Chronicle; and had him always in eye, wherever he thought fit to borrow any matter from him. Now Hollingshead, in the speech which he has given to King Henry upon this subject, makes him deliver himself thus. 'Which words, once conceived within the secret bottom of my conscience, ingendred such a scrupulous doubt, that my conscience was incontinently accombred, vex'd, and disquieted.'" Theobald appears to have forgotten that the emendation was suggested to him by Dr Thirlby. See Nichols' Illustrations, II. p. 461.

NOTE VIII.

III. 2. 192. The first and second folios, which in so doubtful a case we have followed, read:

'that am, have, and will be (Though ... horrid) yet my duty, &c.'

The third and fourth extend the parenthesis so as to include line 198, '(Though ... break).'

Rowe reads: 'that am I, have been, and will be: Though ... horrid; yet, my duty, &c.'

Pope: 'that am I, have been, will be:' pointing the rest with Rowe.

Capell, reading as the folios, puts a full stop at 'be,' line 192, and a semicolon at 'horrid,' line 196.

Mason proposes to omit the words 'that am, have, and will be,' because he can find no meaning in them.

Malone supposes that a line following 192 has been lost.

Seymour proposes to read:

'that I am, have been, and shall be

....................................

And throw it from their soul (most firm and loyal)

Though perils &c.'

Jackson conjectures: 'that aim, has and will be, Though, &c.' or, 'that aim has, and will be To you, though ... duty, And throw, &c.'

Mr Knight conjectures: 'that aim I have and will, Though, &c.,' 'will' being here a noun.

Mr Collier adopts this reading, but takes 'will' to be a verb, for 'will have.'

Mr Singer reads: 'that I am true, and will be, Though, &c.' by which, he says, all is made 'congruous and clear.'

Mitford would read: 'that am, and will be yours. Though, &c.'

Dr Badham suggests: 'that am your slave and will be. Though, &c.'

Mr Staunton conjectures: 'to that I am slave and will be, Though, &c.'

Sidney Walker says: "If there be no other corruption, the period after 'be' ought to be replaced by a comma: otherwise the words appear unintelligible. Even so, however, this will be a most harsh instance of ἀνακολουθία. But I rather think that a line is lost, somewhat to the following effect:

'that I am, have, and will be,

[In heart and act, tied to your service; yea,]

Though all the world should, &c.'"

Mr Grant White adopts Mr Singer's reading, nearly: 'that am true and will be, &c.'

Mr Nichols proposes to transfer 'yours' from line 199 to follow 'will be:'

'that am, have, and will be yours

.................................

... and stand unshaken.'

Mr Keightley prints, 'that am, have and will be ... Though &c.,' indicating that the sense is interrupted.

NOTE IX.

III. 2. 208, 209. The misreading 'may' for 'have,' which is so familiar to us in this often-quoted passage, was not corrected by Pope or any subsequent editor till Capell.

NOTE X.

V. 3. Mr Grant White suggests that a new scene should begin here, "although the stage direction in the folio is only 'A Councell Table brought in with Chayres and Stooles, and placed under the State,' &c. But this is plainly the mere result of the absence of scenery of any kind on Shakespeare's stage, and the audience were to imagine that the scene changed from the lobby before the Council Chamber to that apartment itself." We have adopted his suggestion, thinking that the obvious propriety of changing the scene outweighs any inconvenience which might result for purposes of reference. Hanmer, Warburton, and Johnson all follow Pope in calling this Scene V. Theobald also supposes a new scene to begin here, although in his edition the scenes are not numbered. Capell, by his stage direction, indicated that the scene presented the Council-chamber and the lobby both at once to the eyes of the spectators.

NOTE XI.

V. 4. 30-61. It is scarcely worth while to record how Capell cut up these thirty lines of prose into verse. No editor has followed him. Mr Sidney Walker however has made a similar attempt, but is forced to admit that in some changes of reading he has 'ventured beyond the lawful limits of an emendator.' With the same license, it would be easy to convert an Act of Parliament or a leading article into verse.

Mr Walker also has followed Capell, or perhaps has hit independently on the same arrangement, as regards the first part of the scene. The intervening lines from 10 to 30 are printed as verse in the folio. In these he proposes some trifling changes of arrangement.

NOTE XII.

V. 5. 1-4. Pope, with more than usual audacity, makes the lines run smoothly by thus changing them:

'Heav'n, from thy endless goodness, send long life,

And ever happy, to the high and mighty

Princess of England, fair Elizabeth.'

Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton, and Johnson adopt Pope's reading without remark.

NOTE XIII.

V. 5. 32. Mr Collier mentions that the second Folio has 'Come' in this line, a misprint rectified by his 'old annotator.' In three copies which we have consulted it is distinctly 'Corne.'

NOTE XIV.

V. 5. 39-55, 56-62. Theobald was the first to suggest that lines 39 to 55 'Nor shall this peace ... bless heaven,' and lines 56 to 62, 'She shall be ... mourn her,' were an interpolation. Cranmer's speech originally, as he supposed, ended at 'not by blood.' Then the King replied:

'Thou speakest wonders. O lord Archbishop, &c.'

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[D].

PRIAM, king of Troy.

HECTOR,

his sons.

TROILUS,

PARIS,

DEIPHOBUS,

HELENUS,

MARGARELON, a bastard son of Priam[E].

ÆNEAS,

Trojan commanders.

ANTENOR,

CALCHAS, a Trojan priest, taking part with the Greeks.

PANDARUS, uncle to Cressida.

AGAMEMNON, the Grecian general.

MENELAUS, his brother.

ACHILLES,

Grecian commanders.

AJAX,

ULYSSES,

NESTOR,

DIOMEDES,

PATROCLUS,

THERSITES, a deformed and scurrilous Grecian.

ALEXANDER, servant to Cressida[E].

Servant to Troilus[E].

Servant to Paris.

Servant to Diomedes.

HELEN, wife to Menelaus.

ANDROMACHE, wife to Hector.

CASSANDRA, daughter to Priam; a prophetess[E].

CRESSIDA, daughter to Calchas.

Trojan and Greek Soldiers, and Attendants.

SCENE: Troy, and the Grecian camp.

[D] DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.] First given, imperfectly, by Rowe.

[E] Added by Theobald.

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.[924]

FOOTNOTES:

[924] TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.] See note (I).

THE PROLOGUE.[925]

In Troy there lies the scene. From isles of Greece

The princes orgulous, their high blood chafed,[926]

Have to the port of Athens sent their ships,

Fraught with the ministers and instruments

Of cruel war: sixty and nine, that wore 5

Their crownets regal, from the Athenian bay

Put forth toward Phrygia, and their vow is made

To ransack Troy, within whose strong immures[927]

The ravish'd Helen, Menelaus' queen,

With wanton Paris sleeps; and that's the quarrel. 10

To Tenedos they come;

And the deep-drawing barks do there disgorge[928]

Their warlike fraughtage: now on Dardan plains

The fresh and yet unbruised Greeks do pitch

Their brave pavilions: Priam's six-gated city,[929] 15

Dardan, and Timbria, Helias, Chetas, Troien,[930]

And Antenorides, with massy staples,[931]

And corresponsive and fulfilling bolts,[932]

Sperr up the sons of Troy.[933]

Now expectation, tickling skittish spirits, 20

On one and other side, Trojan and Greek,

Sets all on hazard: and hither am I come

A prologue arm'd, but not in confidence

Of author's pen or actor's voice, but suited

In like conditions as our argument, 25

To tell you, fair beholders, that our play

Leaps o'er the vaunt and firstlings of those broils,

Beginning in the middle; starting thence away[934]

To what may be digested in a play.

Like, or find fault; do as your pleasures are: 30

Now good or bad, 'tis but the chance of war.[935]

FOOTNOTES:

[925] THE PROLOGUE. In Troy ... of war.] Omitted in Q. Ritson and Steevens (1793), suggest that it is not Shakespeare's.

[926] orgulous] Steevens. orgillous Ff.

[927] immures] emures F_1.

[928] barks] F_3 F_4. barkes F_2. barke F_1.

[929] six-gated city] six gates i' th' city Theobald.

[930] Timbria, Helias, Chetas, Troien] Ff. Thymbria, Ilia, Scæa, Troian Theobald. Thymbria, Ilias, Chetas, Troyan Capell.

[931] Antenorides] Theobald. Antenonidus Ff. Anteroridas Pope.

[932] fulfilling] full-filling Theobald conj.

[933] Sperr] Sperre Theobald. Stirre F_1 F_2. Stirr F_3. Stir F_4. Sperrs Capell. Sparr Collier MS.

[934] Beginning in the] 'Ginning i' th' Theobald.

away] om. Pope.

[935] Now good or bad] Now good, now bad or Or good or bad Capell conj.

ACT I.

SCENE I. Troy. Before Priam's palace.

Enter PANDARUS and TROILUS.[936]

Tro. Call here my varlet; I'll unarm again:

Why should I war without the walls of Troy,

That find such cruel battle here within?

Each Trojan that is master of his heart,[937]

Let him to field; Troilus, alas, hath none! 5

Pan. Will this gear ne'er be mended?

Tro. The Greeks are strong and skilful to their strength,

Fierce to their skill and to their fierceness valiant,

But I am weaker than a woman's tear,

Tamer than sleep, fonder than ignorance,[938] 10

Less valiant than the virgin in the night,

And skilless as unpractised infancy.

Pan. Well, I have told you enough of this: for my part,

I 'll not meddle nor make no farther. He that will have a[939]

cake out of the wheat must needs tarry the grinding.[940] 15

Tro. Have I not tarried?

Pan. Ay, the grinding; but you must tarry the bolting.[941]

Tro. Have I not tarried?

Pan. Ay, the bolting; but you must tarry the leavening.

Tro. Still have I tarried. 20

Pan. Ay, to the leavening; but here's yet in the word[942]

'hereafter,' the kneading, the making of the cake, the heating

of the oven, and the baking; nay, you must stay the[943]

cooling too, or you may chance to burn your lips.[944]

Tro. Patience herself, what goddess e'er she be, 25

Doth lesser blench at sufferance than I do.[945]

At Priam's royal table do I sit;[946]

And when fair Cressid comes into my thoughts,—[947][948]

So, traitor!—'When she comes!'—When is she thence?[948]

Pan. Well, she looked yesternight fairer than ever I[949] 30

saw her look, or any woman else.[949]

Tro. I was about to tell thee:—when my heart,[950]

As wedged with a sigh, would rive in twain,

Lest Hector or my father should perceive me,

I have, as when the sun doth light a storm,[951] 35

Buried this sigh in wrinkle of a smile:

But sorrow, that is couch'd in seeming gladness,

Is like that mirth fate turns to sudden sadness.

Pan. An her hair were not somewhat darker than[952]

Helen's—well, go to—there were no more comparison between 40

the women: but, for my part, she is my kinswoman;[953]

I would not, as they term it, praise her: but I would somebody[954]

had heard her talk yesterday, as I did. I will not

dispraise your sister Cassandra's wit, but—

Tro. O Pandarus! I tell thee, Pandarus,— 45

When I do tell thee, there my hopes lie drown'd,

Reply not in how many fathoms deep[955]

They lie indrench'd. I tell thee, I am mad[956][957]

In Cressid's love: thou answer'st 'she is fair;'[957]

Pour'st in the open ulcer of my heart[958][959] 50

Her eyes, her hair, her cheek, her gait, her voice,[959]

Handlest in thy discourse, O, that her hand,[959][960][961]

In whose comparison all whites are ink[961]

Writing their own reproach, to whose soft seizure[961]

The cygnet's down is harsh and spirit of sense[961][962] 55

Hard as the palm of ploughman: this thou tell'st me,[961]

As true thou tell'st me, when I say I love her;[963]

But, saying thus, instead of oil and balm,

Thou lay'st in every gash that love hath given me

The knife that made it. 60

Pan. I speak no more than truth.

Tro. Thou dost not speak so much.

Pan. Faith, I'll not meddle in't. Let her be as she is:[964]

if she be fair, 'tis the better for her; an she be not, she has[965]

the mends in her own hands. 65

Tro. Good Pandarus, how now, Pandarus![966]

Pan. I have had my labour for my travail; ill-thought

on of her, and ill-thought on of you: gone between and between,[967]

but small thanks for my labour.

Tro. What, art thou angry, Pandarus? what, with me? 70

Pan. Because she's kin to me, therefore she's not so[968]

fair as Helen: an she were not kin to me, she would be as[965][969]

fair on Friday as Helen is on Sunday. But what care I?[970]

I care not an she were a black-a-moor; 'tis all one to me.[965]

Tro. Say I she is not fair? 75

Pan. I do not care whether you do or no. She's a

fool to stay behind her father; let her to the Greeks; and

so I'll tell her the next time I see her: for my part, I'll

meddle nor make no more i' the matter.[971]

Tro. Pandarus,— 80

Pan. Not I.

Tro. Sweet Pandarus,—

Pan. Pray you, speak no more to me: I will leave all

as I found it, and there an end.      [Exit. An alarum.[972]

Tro. Peace, you ungracious clamours! peace, rude sounds! 85

Fools on both sides! Helen must needs be fair,

When with your blood you daily paint her thus.

I cannot fight upon this argument;

It is too starved a subject for my sword.

But Pandarus—O gods, how do you plague me! 90

I cannot come to Cressid but by Pandar;[973]

And he's as tetchy to be woo'd to woo[974]

As she is stubborn-chaste against all suit.[975]

Tell me, Apollo, for thy Daphne's love,

What Cressid is, what Pandar, and what we? 95

Her bed is India; there she lies, a pearl:

Between our Ilium and where she resides,[976]

Let it be call'd the wild and wandering flood,[977]

Ourself the merchant, and this sailing Pandar

Our doubtful hope, our convoy and our bark. 100

Alarum. Enter ÆNEAS.

Æne. How now, Prince Troilus! wherefore not afield?[978]

Tro. Because not there: this woman's answer sorts,

For womanish it is to be from thence.

What news, Æneas, from the field to-day?

Æne. That Paris is returned home, and hurt. 105

Tro. By whom, Æneas?

Æne. Troilus, by Menelaus.

Tro. Let Paris bleed: 'tis but a scar to scorn;

Paris is gored with Menelaus' horn.      [Alarum.

Æne. Hark, what good sport is out of town to-day!

Tro. Better at home, if 'would I might' were 'may.' 110

But to the sport abroad: are you bound thither?

Æne. In all swift haste.

Tro. Come, go we then together.      [Exeunt.

SCENE II. The same. A street.

Enter CRESSIDA and ALEXANDER her man.[979]

Cres. Who were those went by?

Alex. Queen Hecuba and Helen[980]

Cres. And whither go they?

Alex. Up to the eastern tower.

Whose height commands as subject all the vale,

To see the battle. Hector, whose patience[981]

Is as a virtue fix'd, to-day was moved:[982] 5

He chid Andromache and struck his armourer;[983]

And, like as there were husbandry in war,

Before the sun rose he was harness'd light,[984]

And to the field goes he; where every flower

Did, as a prophet, weep what it foresaw 10

In Hector's wrath.

Cres. What was his cause of anger?

Alex. The noise goes, this: there is among the Greeks[985]

A lord of Trojan blood, nephew to Hector;

They call him Ajax.

Cres. Good; and what of him?

Alex. They say he is a very man per se,[986][987] 15

And stands alone.[986]

Cres. So do all men, unless they are drunk, sick, or[988]

have no legs.

Alex. This man, lady, hath robbed many beasts of

their particular additions; he is as valiant as the lion, 20

churlish as the bear, slow as the elephant: a man into whom

nature hath so crowded humours that his valour is crushed[989]

into folly, his folly sauced with discretion: there is no man[989][990]

hath a virtue that he hath not a glimpse of, nor any man

an attaint but he carries some stain of it: he is melancholy 25

without cause and merry against the hair: he hath the

joints of every thing; but every thing so out of joint that

he is a gouty Briareus, many hands and no use, or purblind[991]

Argus, all eyes and no sight.

Cres. But how should this man, that makes me smile, 30

make Hector angry?

Alex. They say he yesterday coped Hector in the battle

and struck him down, the disdain and shame whereof[992]

hath ever since kept Hector fasting and waking.

Enter PANDARUS.[993]

Cres. Who comes here?[994] 35

Alex. Madam, your uncle Pandarus.

Cres. Hector's a gallant man.

Alex. As may be in the world, lady.

Pan. What's that? what's that?

Cres. Good morrow, uncle Pandarus. 40

Pan. Good morrow, cousin Cressid: what do you talk

of? Good morrow, Alexander. How do you, cousin?[995]

When were you at Ilium?[996]

Cres. This morning, uncle.

Pan. What were you talking of when I came? Was 45

Hector armed and gone ere you came to Ilium? Helen[997]

was not up, was she?

Cres. Hector was gone; but Helen was not up.[998]

Pan. E'en so: Hector was stirring early.

Cres. That were we talking of, and of his anger. 50

Pan. Was he angry?

Cres. So he says here.

Pan. True, he was so; I know the cause too; he'll lay

about him to-day, I can tell them that: and there's Troilus

will not come far behind him; let them take heed of Troilus, 55

I can tell them that too.

Cres. What, is he angry too?

Pan. Who, Troilus? Troilus is the better man of the[999]

two.

Cres. O Jupiter! there's no comparison. 60

Pan. What, not between Troilus and Hector? Do

you know a man if you see him?

Cres. Ay, if I ever saw him before and knew him.

Pan. Well, I say Troilus is Troilus.

Cres. Then you say as I say; for, I am sure, he is not[1000] 65

Hector.[1000]

Pan. No, nor Hector is not Troilus in some degrees.[1001]

Cres. 'Tis just to each of them; he is himself.[1002]

Pan. Himself! Alas, poor Troilus! I would he were.[1003]

Cres. So he is. 70

Pan. Condition, I had gone barefoot to India.[1004]

Cres. He is not Hector.

Pan. Himself! no, he's not himself: would a' were[1005]

himself! Well, the gods are above; time must friend or

end: well, Troilus, well, I would my heart were in her 75

body! No, Hector is not a better man than Troilus.

Cres. Excuse me.

Pan. He is elder.

Cres. Pardon me, pardon me.

Pan. Th' other's not come to't; you shall tell me another[1006] 80

tale, when th' other's come to't. Hector shall not have[1006]

his wit this year.[1007]

Cres. He shall not need it, if he have his own.

Pan. Nor his qualities.

Cres. No matter. 85

Pan. Nor his beauty.

Cres. 'Twould not become him; his own's better.

Pan. You have no judgement, niece: Helen herself

swore th' other day, that Troilus, for a brown favour—for

so 'tis, I must confess,—not brown neither,— 90

Cres. No, but brown.[1008]

Pan. Faith, to say truth, brown and not brown.

Cres. To say the truth, true and not true.

Pan. She praised his complexion above Paris.[1009]

Cres. Why, Paris hath colour enough. 95

Pan. So he has.

Cres. Then Troilus should have too much: if she praised[1010]

him above, his complexion is higher than his; he having[1011]

colour enough, and the other higher, is too flaming a praise[1012]

for a good complexion. I had as lief Helen's golden tongue[1013] 100

had commended Troilus for a copper nose.

Pan. I swear to you, I think Helen loves him better[1014]

than Paris.[1014]

Cres. Then she's a merry Greek indeed.

Pan. Nay, I am sure she does. She came to him th' 105

other day into the compassed window,—and, you know, he

has not past three or four hairs on his chin,—

Cres. Indeed, a tapster's arithmetic may soon bring his

particulars therein to a total.

Pan. Why, he is very young: and yet will he, within 110

three pound, lift as much as his brother Hector.[1015]

Cres. Is he so young a man and so old a lifter?[1016]

Pan. But, to prove to you that Helen loves him: she

came and puts me her white hand to his cloven chin—

Cres. Juno have mercy! how came it cloven? 115

Pan. Why, you know, 'tis dimpled: I think his smiling

becomes him better than any man in all Phrygia.

Cres. O, he smiles valiantly.[1017]

Pan. Does he not?

Cres. O yes, an 'twere a cloud in autumn.[1018] 120

Pan. Why, go to, then: but to prove to you that Helen

loves Troilus,—

Cres. Troilus will stand to the proof, if you'll prove[1019][1020]

it so.[1019]

Pan. Troilus! why, he esteems her no more than I esteem 125

an addle egg.

Cres. If you love an addle egg as well as you love an

idle head, you would eat chickens i'the shell.

Pan. I cannot choose but laugh, to think how she tickled

his chin; indeed, she has a marvellous white hand, I must[1021] 130

needs confess,—

Cres. Without the rack.

Pan. And she takes upon her to spy a white hair on

his chin.

Cres. Alas, poor chin! many a wart is richer. 135

Pan. But there was such laughing! Queen Hecuba

laughed, that her eyes ran o'er.[1022]

Cres. With mill-stones.

Pan. And Cassandra laughed.

Cres. But there was more temperate fire under the pot[1023] 140

of her eyes: did her eyes run o'er too?

Pan. And Hector laughed.

Cres. At what was all this laughing?

Pan. Marry, at the white hair that Helen spied on

Troilus' chin.[1024] 145

Cres. An't had been a green hair, I should have laughed[1025]

too.

Pan. They laughed not so much at the hair as at his

pretty answer.

Cres. What was his answer? 150

Pan. Quoth she, 'Here's but two and fifty hairs on[1026]

your chin, and one of them is white.'

Cres. This is her question.

Pan. That's true; make no question of that. 'Two and[1027]

fifty hairs,' quoth he, 'and one white: that white hair is my[1028] 155

father, and all the rest are his sons.' 'Jupiter!' quoth she,

'which of these hairs is Paris my husband?' 'The forked

one,' quoth he, 'pluck't out, and give it him.' But there[1029]

was such laughing! and Helen so blushed, and Paris so

chafed, and all the rest so laughed, that it passed. 160

Cres. So let it now; for it has been a great while going by.[1030]

Pan. Well, cousin, I told you a thing yesterday; think[1031]

on't.[1031]

Cres. So I do.[1032]

Pan. I'll be sworn 'tis true; he will weep you, an[165, 167] 165

'twere a man born in April.

Cres. And I'll spring up in his tears, an 'twere a nettle[1033]

against May.      [A retreat sounded.[1034]

Pan. Hark! they are coming from the field: shall we

stand up here, and see them as they pass toward Ilium?[1035] 170

good niece, do, sweet niece Cressida.

Cres. At your pleasure.

Pan. Here, here, here's an excellent place; here we

may see most bravely: I'll tell you them all by their names

as they pass by; but mark Troilus above the rest. 175

ÆNEAS passes.[1036]

Cres. Speak not so loud.

Pan. That's Æneas: is not that a brave man? he's one

of the flowers of Troy, I can tell you: but mark Troilus;[1037]

you shall see anon.

Cres. Who's that?[1038] 180

ANTENOR passes.

Pan. That's Antenor: he has a shrewd wit, I can tell[1039]

you; and he's a man good enough: he's one o' the soundest[1040]

judgements in Troy, whosoever, and a proper man of person.[1041]

When comes Troilus? I'll show you Troilus anon:

if he see me, you shall see him nod at me.[1042] 185

Cres. Will he give you the nod?

Pan. You shall see.

Cres. If he do, the rich shall have more.[1043]

HECTOR passes.

Pan. That's Hector, that, that, look you, that; there's

a fellow! Go thy way, Hector! There's a brave man, 190

niece. O brave Hector! Look how he looks! there's a

countenance! is't not a brave man?

Cres. O, a brave man![1044]

Pan. Is a' not? it does a man's heart good. Look you[1045]

what hacks are on his helmet! look you yonder, do you 195

see? look you there: there's no jesting; there's laying on,[1046]

take't off who will, as they say: there be hacks![1047]

Cres. Be those with swords?

Pan. Swords! any thing, he cares not; an the devil[1048]

come to him, it's all one: by God's lid, it does one's heart 200

good. Yonder comes Paris, yonder comes Paris.

PARIS passes.[1049]

Look ye yonder, niece; is't not a gallant man too, is't not?

Why, this is brave now. Who said he came hurt home to-day?[1050]

he's not hurt: why, this will do Helen's heart good

now, ha! Would I could see Troilus now! you shall see[1051] 205

Troilus anon.

Cres. Who's that?

HELENUS passes.

Pan. That's Helenus: I marvel where Troilus is.

That's Helenus. I think he went not forth to-day. That's

Helenus. 210

Cres. Can Helenus fight, uncle?

Pan. Helenus! no; yes, he'll fight indifferent well. I[1052]

marvel where Troilus is. Hark! do you not hear the[1053]

people cry 'Troilus'? Helenus is a priest.

Cres. What sneaking fellow comes yonder? 215

TROILUS passes.

Pan. Where? yonder? that's Deiphobus. 'Tis Troilus!

there's a man, niece! Hem! Brave Troilus! the prince of

chivalry!

Cres. Peace, for shame, peace!

Pan. Mark him; note him. O brave Troilus! Look[1054] 220

well upon him, niece; look you how his sword is bloodied,

and his helm more hacked than Hector's; and how he looks,

and how he goes! O admirable youth! he never saw three-and-twenty.[1055]

Go thy way, Troilus, go thy way! Had I a

sister were a grace, or a daughter a goddess, he should take[1056] 225

his choice. O admirable man! Paris? Paris is dirt to him;[1057]

and, I warrant, Helen, to change, would give an eye to boot.

Common Soldiers pass.[1058]

Cres. Here come more.[1059]

Pan. Asses, fools, dolts! chaff and bran, chaff and

bran! porridge after meat! I could live and die i'the eyes 230

of Troilus. Ne'er look, ne'er look; the eagles are gone:

crows and daws, crows and daws! I had rather be such a

man as Troilus than Agamemnon and all Greece.

Cres. There is among the Greeks Achilles, a better[1060]

man than Troilus. 235

Pan. Achilles! a drayman, a porter, a very camel.

Cres. Well, well.

Pan. Well, well! Why, have you any discretion?

have you any eyes? do you know what a man is? Is not

birth, beauty, good shape, discourse, manhood, learning, 240

gentleness, virtue, youth, liberality, and such like, the spice[1061]

and salt that season a man?[1062]

Cres. Ay, a minced man: and then to be baked with

no date in the pie, for then the man's date is out.[1063]

Pan. You are such a woman! one knows not at what[1064] 245

ward you lie.

Cres. Upon my back, to defend my belly; upon my wit,

to defend my wiles; upon my secrecy, to defend mine honesty;[1065]

my mask, to defend my beauty; and you, to defend all[1066]

these: and at all these wards I lie, at a thousand watches.[1067] 250

Pan. Say one of your watches.

Cres. Nay, I'll watch you for that; and that's one of the

chiefest of them too: if I cannot ward what I would not have[1068]

hit, I can watch you for telling how I took the blow; unless

it swell past hiding, and then it's past watching.[1069] 255

Pan. You are such another!

Enter Troilus's Boy.[1070]

Boy. Sir, my lord would instantly speak with you.

Pan. Where?

Boy. At your own house; there he unarms him.[1071]

Pan. Good boy, tell him I come. [Exit Boy.] I doubt[1072] 260

he be hurt. Fare ye well, good niece.

Cres. Adieu, uncle.

Pan. I will be with you, niece, by and by.[1073]

Cres. To bring, uncle?[1074]

Pan. Ay, a token from Troilus. 265

Cres. By the same token, you are a bawd.

[Exit Pandarus.[1075]

Words, vows, gifts, tears, and love's full sacrifice,[1076]

He offers in another's enterprise:

But more in Troilus thousand fold I see

Than in the glass of Pandar's praise may be; 270

Yet hold I off. Women are angels, wooing:

Things won are done; joy's soul lies in the doing:[1077]

That she beloved knows nought that knows not this:[1078]

Men prize the thing ungain'd more than it is:

That she was never yet that ever knew 275

Love got so sweet as when desire did sue:[1079]

Therefore this maxim out of love I teach:[1080]

Achievement is command; ungain'd, beseech.[1080][1081]

Then though my heart's content firm love doth bear,[1082]

Nothing of that shall from mine eyes appear.      [Exeunt.[1083] 280

SCENE III. The Grecian camp. Before Agamemnon's tent.

Sennet. Enter AGAMEMNON, NESTOR, ULYSSES, MENELAUS, with others.[1084]

Agam. Princes,[1085]

What grief hath set the jaundice on your cheeks?[1086]

The ample proposition that hope makes[1087]

In all designs begun on earth below

Fails in the promised largeness: checks and disasters 5

Grow in the veins of actions highest rear'd,

As knots, by the conflux of meeting sap,

Infect the sound pine and divert his grain[1088]

Tortive and errant from his course of growth.

Nor, princes, is it matter new to us 10

That we come short of our suppose so far

That after seven years' siege yet Troy walls stand;

Sith every action that hath gone before,[1089]

Whereof we have record, trial did draw

Bias and thwart, not answering the aim 15

And that unbodied figure of the thought

That gave't surmised shape. Why then, you princes,

Do you with checks abash'd behold our works,[1090]

And call them shames? which are indeed nought else[1091]

But the protractive trials of great Jove 20

To find persistive constancy in men:

The fineness of which metal is not found

In fortune's love; for then the bold and coward,

The wise and fool, the artist and unread,

The hard and soft, seem all affined and kin: 25

But in the wind and tempest of her frown,

Distinction with a broad and powerful fan[1092]

Puffing at all winnows the light away,

And what hath mass or matter, by itself[1093]

Lies rich in virtue and unmingled. 30

Nest. With due observance of thy godlike seat,[1094]

Great Agamemnon, Nestor shall apply[1095]

Thy latest words. In the reproof of chance[1096]

Lies the true proof of men: the sea being smooth,

How many shallow bauble boats dare sail 35

Upon her patient breast, making their way[1097]

With those of nobler bulk![1098]

But let the ruffian Boreas once enrage

The gentle Thetis, and anon behold

The strong-ribb'd bark through liquid mountains cut,[1099] 40

Bounding between the two moist elements,

Like Perseus' horse: where's then the saucy boat,

Whose weak untimber'd sides but even now

Co-rivall'd greatness? either to harbour fled,

Or made a toast for Neptune. Even so[1100] 45

Doth valour's show and valour's worth divide

In storms of fortune: for in her ray and brightness[1101]

The herd hath more annoyance by the breese[1102]

Than by the tiger; but when the splitting wind[1103]

Makes flexible the knees of knotted oaks,[1103] 50

And flies fled under shade, why then the thing of courage[1104]

As roused with rage with rage doth sympathize,

And with an accent tuned in selfsame key[1105]

Retorts to chiding fortune.[1106]

Ulyss. Agamemnon,

Thou great commander, nerve and bone of Greece,[1107] 55

Heart of our numbers, soul and only spirit,[1108]

In whom the tempers and the minds of all

Should be shut up, hear what Ulysses speaks.

Besides the applause and approbation

The which, [To Agamemnon] most mighty for thy place and sway,[1109]60

[To Nestor] And thou most reverend for thy stretch'd-out life,[1110]

I give to both your speeches, which were such

As Agamemnon and the hand of Greece[1111]

Should hold up high in brass, and such again

As venerable Nestor, hatch'd in silver,[1112] 65

Should with a bond of air, strong as the axletree[1112]

On which heaven rides, knit all the Greekish ears[1113]

To his experienced tongue, yet let it please both,[1114]

Thou great, and wise, to hear Ulysses speak.[1115]

Agam. Speak, Prince of Ithaca; and be't of less expect[1116][1117] 70

That matter needless, of importless burthen,[1116]

Divide thy lips, than we are confident,[1116][1118]

When rank Thersites opes his mastic jaws,[1116][1119]

We shall hear music, wit and oracle.[1116]

Ulyss. Troy, yet upon his basis, had been down,[1116][1120] 75

And the great Hector's sword had lack'd a master,

But for these instances.[1121]

The specialty of rule hath been neglected:

And, look, how many Grecian tents do stand[1122]

Hollow upon this plain, so many hollow factions.[1122][1123] 80

When that the general is not like the hive[1124]

To whom the foragers shall all repair,[1125]

What honey is expected? Degree being vizarded,

The unworthiest shows as fairly in the mask.[1126]

The heavens themselves, the planets and this centre, 85

Observe degree, priority and place,

Insisture, course, proportion, season, form,[1127]

Office and custom, in all line of order:

And therefore is the glorious planet Sol

In noble eminence enthroned and sphered 90

Amidst the other; whose medicinable eye[1128]

Corrects the ill aspects of planets evil,[1129]

And posts like the commandment of a king,

Sans check to good and bad: but when the planets

In evil mixture to disorder wander, 95

What plagues and what portents, what mutiny,

What raging of the sea, shaking of earth,

Commotion in the winds, frights, changes, horrors,

Divert and crack, rend and deracinate

The unity and married calm of states[1130] 100

Quite from their fixure! O, when degree is shaked,[1131]

Which is the ladder to all high designs,[1132]

The enterprise is sick! How could communities,[1133]

Degrees in schools and brotherhoods in cities,

Peaceful commerce from dividable shores, 105

The primogenitive and due of birth,[1134]

Prerogative of age, crowns, sceptres, laurels,

But by degree, stand in authentic place?

Take but degree away, untune that string,

And, hark, what discord follows! each thing meets[1135] 110

In mere oppugnancy: the bounded waters

Should lift their bosoms higher than the shores,[1136]

And make a sop of all this solid globe:

Strength should be lord of imbecility,[1137]

And the rude son should strike his father dead:[1137] 115

Force should be right; or rather, right and wrong,[1137]

Between whose endless jar justice resides,[1138]

Should lose their names, and so should justice too.[1136][1137][1139]

Then every thing includes itself in power,[1140]

Power into will, will into appetite; 120

And appetite, an universal wolf,

So doubly seconded with will and power,

Must make perforce an universal prey,

And last eat up himself. Great Agamemnon,[1141]

This chaos, when degree is suffocate, 125

Follows the choking.[1142]

And this neglection of degree it is[1143]

That by a pace goes backward, with a purpose[1144][1145]

It hath to climb. The general's disdain'd[1144]

By him one step below; he by the next; 130

That next by him beneath: so every step,

Exampled by the first pace that is sick

Of his superior, grows to an envious fever

Of pale and bloodless emulation:

And 'tis this fever that keeps Troy on foot, 135

Not her own sinews. To end a tale of length,

Troy in our weakness stands, not in her strength.[1146]

Nest. Most wisely hath Ulysses here discover'd

The fever whereof all our power is sick.

Agam. The nature of the sickness found, Ulysses, 140

What is the remedy?

Ulyss. The great Achilles, whom opinion crowns

The sinew and the forehand of our host,[1147]

Having his ear full of his airy fame,

Grows dainty of his worth, and in his tent 145

Lies mocking our designs: with him, Patroclus,

Upon a lazy bed, the livelong day

Breaks scurril jests;[1148]

And with ridiculous and awkward action,[1149]

Which, slanderer, he imitation calls, 150

He pageants us. Sometime, great Agamemnon,[1150]

Thy topless deputation he puts on;[1151]

And, like a strutting player, whose conceit

Lies in his hamstring, and doth think it rich

To hear the wooden dialogue and sound 155

'Twixt his stretch'd footing and the scaffoldage,[1152]

Such to-be-pitied and o'er-wrested seeming[1153]

He acts thy greatness in: and when he speaks,

'Tis like a chime a-mending; with terms unsquared,[1154]

Which, from the tongue of roaring Typhon dropp'd, 160

Would seem hyperboles. At this fusty stuff,[1155]

The large Achilles, on his press'd bed lolling,[1156]

From his deep chest laughs out a loud applause;

Cries 'Excellent! 'tis Agamemnon just.[1157]

Now play me Nestor; hem, and stroke thy beard,[1158] 165

As he being dress'd to some oration.'[1159]

That's done; as near as the extremest ends

Of parallels, as like as Vulcan and his wife:[1160]

Yet god Achilles still cries 'Excellent![1161]

'Tis Nestor right. Now play him me, Patroclus, 170

Arming to answer in a night alarm.'

And then, forsooth, the faint defects of age

Must be the scene of mirth; to cough and spit.

And, with a palsy fumbling on his gorget,[1162]

Shake in and out the rivet: and at this sport[1163] 175

Sir Valour dies; cries 'O, enough, Patroclus;

Or give me ribs of steel! I shall split all[1164]

In pleasure of my spleen.' And in this fashion,

All our abilities, gifts, natures, shapes,

Severals and generals of grace exact,[1165] 180

Achievements, plots, orders, preventions,

Excitements to the field or speech for truce,

Success or loss, what is or is not, serves

As stuff for these two to make paradoxes.[1166]

Nest. And in the imitation of these twain, 185

Who, as Ulysses says, opinion crowns[1167]

With an imperial voice, many are infect.

Ajax is grown self-will'd and bears his head

In such a rein, in full as proud a place[1168]

As broad Achilles; keeps his tent like him;[1169] 190

Makes factious feasts; rails on our state of war

Bold as an oracle, and sets Thersites,

A slave whose gall coins slanders like a mint,

To match us in comparisons with dirt,

To weaken and discredit our exposure,[1170] 195

How rank soever rounded in with danger.[1171]

Ulyss. They tax our policy and call it cowardice,

Count wisdom as no member of the war,

Forestall prescience and esteem no act[1172]

But that of hand: the still and mental parts 200

That do contrive how many hands shall strike

When fitness calls them on, and know by measure[1173][1174]

Of their observant toil the enemies' weight—[1173][1175]

Why, this hath not a finger's dignity:

They call this bed-work, mappery, closet-war;[1176] 205

So that the ram that batters down the wall,

For the great swing and rudeness of his poise,

They place before his hand that made the engine,

Or those that with the fineness of their souls[1177]

By reason guide his execution.[1178] 210

Nest. Let this be granted, and Achilles' horse

Makes many Thetis' sons.      [Tucket.[1179]

Agam. What trumpet? look, Menelaus.[1180]

Men. From Troy.

Enter ÆNEAS.[1181]

Agam. What would you 'fore our tent? 215

Æne. Is this great Agamemnon's tent, I pray you?

Agam. Even this.

Æne. May one that is a herald and a prince

Do a fair message to his kingly ears?[1182]

Agam. With surety stronger than Achilles' arm[1183] 220

'Fore all the Greekish heads, which with one voice

Call Agamemnon head and general.

Æne. Fair leave and large security. How may

A stranger to those most imperial looks

Know them from eyes of other mortals?

Agam. How! 225

Æne. Ay:[1184]

I ask, that I might waken reverence,

And bid the cheek be ready with a blush[1185]

Modest as morning when she coldly eyes[1186]

The youthful Phœbus:[1186] 230

Which is that god in office, guiding men?[1187]

Which is the high and mighty Agamemnon?

Agam. This Trojan scorns us; or the men of Troy

Are ceremonious courtiers.

Æne. Courtiers as free, as debonair, unarm'd, 235

As bending angels; that's their fame in peace:[1188]

But when they would seem soldiers, they have galls,

Good arms, strong joints, true swords; and, Jove's accord,[1189][1190]

Nothing so full of heart. But peace, Æneas,[1189]

Peace, Trojan; lay thy finger on thy lips! 240

The worthiness of praise distains his worth,

If that the praised himself bring the praise forth:[1191]

But what the repining enemy commends,[1192]

That breath fame blows; that praise, sole pure, transcends.[1193]

Agam. Sir, you of Troy, call you yourself Æneas? 245

Æne. Ay, Greek, that is my name.

Agam. What's your affair, I pray you?[1194]

Æne. Sir, pardon; 'tis for Agamemnon's ears.

Agam. He hears nought privately that comes from Troy.[1195]

Æne. Nor I from Troy come not to whisper him:[1196] 250

I bring a trumpet to awake his ear,

To set his sense on the attentive bent,[1197]

And then to speak.

Agam. Speak frankly as the wind;

It is not Agamemnon's sleeping hour:

That thou shalt know, Trojan, he is awake, 255

He tells thee so himself.

Æne. Trumpet, blow loud,[1198]

Send thy brass voice through all these lazy tents;

And every Greek of mettle, let him know,

What Troy means fairly shall be spoke aloud.

[Trumpet sounds.[1199]

We have, great Agamemnon, here in Troy 260

A prince call'd Hector—Priam is his father—

Who in this dull and long-continued truce[1200]

Is rusty grown: he bade me take a trumpet,[1201]

And to this purpose speak. Kings, princes, lords!

If there be one among the fair'st of Greece, 265

That holds his honour higher than his ease,

That seeks his praise more than he fears his peril,[1202]

That knows his valour and knows not his fear,

That loves his mistress more than in confession[1203]

With truant vows to her own lips he loves, 270

And dare avow her beauty and her worth[1204]

In other arms than hers—to him this challenge.

Hector, in view of Trojans and of Greeks,

Shall make it good, or do his best to do it,[1205]

He hath a lady, wiser, fairer, truer,[1205] 275

Than ever Greek did compass in his arms;[1206]

And will to-morrow with his trumpet call

Midway between your tents and walls of Troy,

To rouse a Grecian that is true in love:

If any come, Hector shall honour him; 280

If none, he'll say in Troy when he retires,

The Grecian dames are sunburnt and not worth

The splinter of a lance. Even so much.

Agam. This shall be told our lovers, Lord Æneas:

If none of them have soul in such a kind, 285

We left them all at home: but we are soldiers;[1207]

And may that soldier a mere recreant prove,

That means not, hath not, or is not in love!

If then one is, or hath, or means to be,[1208]

That one meets Hector; if none else, I am he.[1209] 290

Nest. Tell him of Nestor, one that was a man

When Hector's grandsire suck'd: he is old now;

But if there be not in our Grecian host[1210]

One noble man that hath one spark of fire,[1211]

To answer for his love, tell him from me 295

I'll hide my silver beard in a gold beaver

And in my vantbrace put this wither'd brawn,[1212]

And meeting him will tell him that my lady[1213]

Was fairer than his grandam and as chaste

As may be in the world: his youth in flood,[1214] 300

I'll prove this truth with my three drops of blood.[1215]

Æne. Now heavens forbid such scarcity of youth![1216]

Ulyss. Amen.[1217]

Agam. Fair Lord Æneas, let me touch your hand;[1218]

To our pavilion shall I lead you, sir.[1219] 305

Achilles shall have word of this intent;[1220]

So shall each lord of Greece, from tent to tent:

Yourself shall feast with us before you go,

And find the welcome of a noble foe.

[Exeunt all but Ulysses and Nestor.[1221]

Ulyss. Nestor![1222] 310

Nest. What says Ulysses?

Ulyss. I have a young conception in my brain;

Be you my time to bring it to some shape.

Nest. What is't?

Ulyss. This 'tis:[1223] 315

Blunt wedges rive hard knots: the seeded pride

That hath to this maturity blown up[1224]

In rank Achilles must or now be cropp'd,

Or, shedding, breed a nursery of like evil,

To overbulk us all.

Nest. Well, and how?[1225] 320

Ulyss. This challenge that the gallant Hector sends,

However it is spread in general name,

Relates in purpose only to Achilles.

Nest. The purpose is perspicuous even as substance,[1226]

Whose grossness little characters sum up:[1227] 325

And, in the publication, make no strain,[1227]

But that Achilles, were his brain as barren[1228]

As banks of Libya,—though, Apollo knows,[1229]

'Tis dry enough—will, with great speed of judgement,[1229]

Ay, with celerity, find Hector's purpose[1230] 330

Pointing on him.[1230]

Ulyss. And wake him to the answer, think you?

Nest. Yes, 'tis most meet: who may you else oppose,[1231]

That can from Hector bring his honour off,[1232]

If not Achilles? Though't be a sportful combat,[1233] 335

Yet in this trial much opinion dwells;[1234]

For here the Trojans taste our dear'st repute

With their finest palate: and trust to me, Ulysses,[1235]

Our imputation shall be oddly poised[1236]

In this wild action; for the success,[1237] 340

Although particular, shall give a scantling[1238]

Of good or bad unto the general;

And in such indexes, although small pricks

To their subsequent volumes, there is seen

The baby figure of the giant mass 345

Of things to come at large. It is supposed

He that meets Hector issues from our choice:

And choice, being mutual act of all our souls,

Makes merit her election, and doth boil,

As 'twere from forth us all, a man distill'd 350

Out of our virtues; who miscarrying,

What heart from hence receives the conquering part,[1239][1240]

To steel a strong opinion to themselves?[1240][1241]

Which entertain'd, limbs are his instruments,[1242][1243]

In no less working than are swords and bows[1242] 355

Directive by the limbs.[1242]

Ulyss. Give pardon to my speech;[1244]

Therefore 'tis meet Achilles meet not Hector.[1244][1245]

Let us, like merchants, show our foulest wares,[1244]

And think, perchance, they'll sell; if not,[1244][1246] 360

The lustre of the better yet to show,[1244][1247]

Shall show the better. Do not consent[1244][1248]

That ever Hector and Achilles meet;[1244]

For both our honour and our shame in this[1244]

Are dogg'd with two strange followers.[1244] 365

Nest. I see them not with my old eyes: what are they?[1249]

Ulyss. What glory our Achilles shares from Hector,[1250]

Were he not proud, we all should share with him:[1251]

But he already is too insolent;

And we were better parch in Afric sun[1252] 370

Than in the pride and salt scorn of his eyes,

Should he 'scape Hector fair: if he were foil'd,[1253]

Why then, we did our main opinion crush[1254]

In taint of our best man. No, make a lottery;

And by device let blockish Ajax draw[1255] 375

The sort to fight with Hector: among ourselves[1256]

Give him allowance for the better man;[1257]

For that will physic the great Myrmidon

Who broils in loud applause, and make him fall

His crest that prouder than blue Iris bends. 380

If the dull brainless Ajax come safe off,

We'll dress him up in voices: if he fail,

Yet go we under our opinion still

That we have better men. But, hit or miss,

Our project's life this shape of sense assumes, 385

Ajax employ'd plucks down Achilles' plumes.

Nest. Ulysses,[1258]

Now I begin to relish thy advice;[1258][1259]

And I will give a taste of it forthwith[1260]

To Agamemnon: go we to him straight. 390

Two curs shall tame each other: pride alone

Must tarre the mastiffs on, as 'twere their bone.[1261]

[Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[936] Troy. Before Priam's palace.] Capell. Troy. Rowe. The Palace in Troy. Theobald.

Enter....] Enter Troilus, arm'd; Pandarus following. Capell.

[937] Trojan] F_4. Troian F_1 F_2 F_3. Troyan Q.

[938] sleep] sheep Rann.

[939] no] any Rowe.

[940] needs] om. Q.

[941] Ay] Rowe (ed. 1). I Q Ff. Ah Rowe (ed. 2).

[942] here's] F_4. heeres F_1 F_2. heres F_3. heares Q.

[943] of the oven] the oven Q.

[944] you] yea Q.

to burn] burne Q.

[945] lesser] not less Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. Vol. LX).

[946] do I sit] Q F_1. I sit F_2 F_3 F_4. I do sit Rowe.

[947] Cressid] Cressida F_4.

[948] thoughts,— ... thence?] thoughts,—So, Traitor!—When she comes? when is she thence? Rowe (ed. 2). thoughts, So traitor then she comes when she is thence. Q. thoughts, So (Traitor) then she comes, when she is thence. F_1 F_2. thoughts, ... thence— F_3 F_4. thoughts,—So, Traitor!—When she comes, when she is thence Rowe (ed. 1).

[949] Well ... else.] Prose in Pope. Three lines, ending Well: ... looke, ... else. in Ff.

[950] thee:—when] thee,—when Capell. thee when Q. thee, when Ff.

[951] a storm] Rowe. a scorne Q. a scorne F_1 F_2. a-scorn F_3 F_4.

[952] An] Rowe (ed. 2). And Q Ff.

[953] women:] women! Q. women. Ff. women,— Capell.

[954] praise her] Q. praise it Ff.

[955] fathoms] F_4. fadomes Q F_1 F_2 F_3.

[956] indrench'd] intrench'd Rowe.

[957] mad ... love:] mad ... love. Ff. madde: ... loue? Q.

[958] Pour'st] F_4. powr'st F_1 F_2 F_3. powrest Q.

Pour'st ... heart] Transpose to follow line 58, Barry conj.

[959] heart Her ... Handlest] heart, Her ... Handest Rowe (ed. 2). heart; Her ... gate, her voice, Handlest Pope. heart Her ... voice; Handlest Theobald. heart Her ... gait; her voice Handl'st Capell.

[960] Handlest] Hand less Jackson conj.

discourse, O, that her hand,] Malone. discourse: O that her hand Q. discourse. O that her hand Ff. discourse—O that! her hand! Rowe. discourse—how white her hand! Theobald conj. discourse:—O that her hand! Capell. discourse, that her hand, Rann. discourse her hand,—O that, or discourse her hand—O, that her hand, Staunton conj.

[961] O, that ... ploughman:] Marked as a quotation by Staunton.

[962] The ... sense] And spirit of sense the cygnet's down is harsh Grant White conj.

harsh and spirit....] harsh, to th' spirit.... Hanmer. harsh (and spite of sense) Warburton. harsh, in spirit.... Capell.

[963] As] And S. Walker conj.

[964] in't] Ff. in it Q.

[965] an] Pope. and Q Ff.

[966] how now,] why, how now, Capell.

[967] on of you] Ff. of you Q.

[968] she's kin] she is kin F_3 F_4.

[969] an] Hanmer. and Q Ff.

not] om. Q.

[970] on Friday] a Friday Q.

what care I?] what I? Q.

[971] i'] in Steevens.

[972] there] there's F_3 F_4.

[Exit.] Q. Exit. Pand. Ff.

An alarum.] Sound alarum. Q Ff.

[973] Pandar] Pandarus Rowe.

[974] tetchy] Steevens (1793). teachy Q Ff.

[975] stubborn-chaste] Theobald. stubborne, chast Q Ff.

[976] resides] F_2 F_3 F_4. recides F_1. reides Q.

[977] wild] Q F_1. mild F_2 F_3 F_4.

[978] SCENE II. Pope.

How ... afield?] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

afield] F_2 F_3. a field Q F_1 F_4. i' th' field Rowe.

[979] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE III. Pope.

Enter....] Enter Cressid and her man. Q Ff. Enter Cressida, and Alexander her servant. Theobald.

[980] Alex.] Man. Q Ff (and throughout the scene). Ser. Rowe.

[981] battle] fight Pope.

[982] as] all Johnson conj.

a virtue] the Virtue Theobald (Warburton conj.) a statue Steevens conj. (withdrawn). a vulture Jackson conj.

[983] chid] Q. chides Ff.

and] om. Anon. conj.

[984] harness'd light] harnest lyte Q F_1. harnest light F_2 F_3 F_4. harness-dight Theobald. harness'd tight Dyce conj.

[985] The noise ... Greeks] As in Q. Two lines in Ff.

goes, this] goes this Q F_3 F_4. goe's this F_1 F_2. goes thus Pope.

[986] They ... alone] As verse first by Capell. Prose in Q Ff.

[987] man] A Anon. apud Rann conj.

[988] they] the Q.

[989] crushed into] crusted into Warburton. a crush unto Id. conj.

[990] sauced] farced Theobald conj.

[991] no use] of no use Hanmer.

purblind] purblinde Q. purblinded Ff. a purblind Hanmer.

[992] disdain] disdaind F_1.

[993] Enter Pandarus.] Omitted in Q.

[994] SCENE IV. Pope.

[995] Good morrow, Alexander] Omitted by Pope.

[996] Ilium] F_3 F_4. Illum Q. Illium F_1 F_2.

[997] you] Edd. yea Q F_1. ye F_2 F_3 F_4.

Ilium] F_3 F_4. Illium Q F_1 F_2.

[998] up.] F_2 F_3 F_4. up? Q F_1.

[999] Who, Troilus?] as a separate line in Ff.

[1000] Then ... Hector.] Two lines, the first ending I say, in Ff.

[1001] nor Hector] not Hector Q F_1.

degrees] degree Capell conj.

[1002] just to ... them;] just to ... them, Rowe. just, to ... them Q Ff.

[1003] were.] Q Ff. were,—Capell.

[1004] Condition] 'Condition Theobald. On condition Hanmer. —condition Capell. In his right condition! Keightley, reading were— in line 69.

[1005] no,] Rowe (ed. 2). no? Q Ff.

a'] a Q Ff. he Rowe (ed. 2).

[1006] other's] Rowe. others Q Ff.

[1007] wit] Rowe. will Q Ff.

[1008] brown] between Anon. conj.

[1009] Paris] Paris's Hanmer.

[1010] praised] prasi'd F_1.

[1011] above, his ... is] about his complexion as Hanmer.

[1012] and] om. Hanmer.

[1013] lief] Steevens (1793). lieve Q Ff.

[1014] I ... Paris.] Two lines. The first ending you, in Ff.

[1015] lift] liste Q.

[1016] he so] he is so F_1.

[1017] valiantly] valianty Q. daintily Singer conj.

[1018] an] Pope. and Q Ff.

[1019] Troilus ... so.] Two lines, the first ending thee or the, in Ff.

[1020] the] F_2 F_3 F_4. thee Q F_1.

[1021] marvellous] Pope. maruel's Q F_1. marvel's F_2 F_3. marvell's F_4.

[1022] eyes ran] eyes run F_3. eye run F_4.

[1023] more] Ff. a more Q.

pot] por Q.

[1024] Troilus] Troilus's F_4.

[1025] An't] Pope. And t' Q F_1 F_2. And't F_3. And' F_4. And Rowe.

[1026] two] Q Ff. one Theobald.

[1027] Two] Q Ff. One Theobald.

[1028] my] the Pope.

[1029] pluck't] F_3 F_4. pluckt Q F_1 F_2.

[1030] So ... by.] Two lines, the first ending now, in Ff.

it has] Q F_3 F_4. is has F_1 F_2.

while] wile F_2.

[1031] Well ... on’t.] Two lines, the first ending cozen, in Ff.

[1032] do] does F_1.

[1033] an] Q Ff. as Hanmer.

[1034] [A retreat sounded.] Sound a retreate. Q Ff (after line 166).

[1035] toward] towards Rowe. Ilium] F_3 F_4. Ilion Q. Illium F_1 F_2.

[1036] Æneas passes.] Enter Æneas. Q Ff (and similarly for the rest).

[1037] tell] om. F_1.

[1038] Who's that] Omitted in Johnson (1771).

[1039] shrewd] shrew’d F_2 F_3 F_4. Shrow’d Q F_1.

[1040] a man] Ff. man Q.

[1041] judgements] Q. judgement Ff.

of person] of's person Capell conj. of his person Collier MS.

[1042] him] him him F_1.

[1043] rich ... more] rest ... none Hanmer. mich ... more Warburton. wretch ... more Staunton conj.

[1044] a brave] Q. brave Ff.

[1045] a'] a Q Ff. he Rowe (ed. 2).

man's] man Q.

[1046] there’s laying] thers laying Q. laying Ff.

[1047] will] ill F_1.

[1048] an] Pope. and Q Ff.

[1049] Paris passes.] Enter Paris. Q Ff (after line 198).

[1050] hurt home] home hurt Rowe.

[1051] now, ha!] now ha? Q. now, ha? Ff. now. Ha! Capell.

shall see] Q F_3 F_4. shall F_1 F_2.

[1052] indifferent well.] indifferent well, F_2 F_3 F_4. indifferent, well, Q F_1.

[1053] is] om. F_2.

[1054] note him] not him F_1.

[1055] never Q. ne're Ff.

[1056] or] and Hanmer.

[1057] O admirable man!] Omitted by Capell.

[1058] an eye] Q. money Ff. one eye Collier conj.

Common soldiers pass.] Enter common soldiers. Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1059] come] Ff. comes Q.

[1060] among] Ff. amongst Q.

[1061] such like] Q. so forth Ff.

[1062] season] Q. seasons Ff.

[1063] date is] Q. dates Ff.

[1064] a woman] Q. another woman Ff.

[1065] wiles] will Johnson conj.

[1066] my mask ... and you] upon my mask ... and upon you Collier (Collier MS.)

[1067] and at all ... at a] at all ... and at a Hanmer.

lie, at] lye at, at F_1.

[1068] too] two Q.

[1069] it's] F_1. its Q. is F_2 F_3. it is F_4.

[1070] You] Your F_2.

Enter....] Capell. Enter Boy. Q Ff (after line 255).

[1071] there ... him] Q. Omitted in Ff.

[1072] [Exit Boy.] Capell. om. Q Ff.

[1073] I will be] I wilbe Q. Ile be F_1 F_2 F_3. I'le be F_4.

[1074] uncle?] Edd. uncle: Q. unkle. Ff. uncle—Rowe.

[1075] [Exit Pandarus.] Ff. om. Q. Exit. Capell (after line 265).

[1076] gifts] Ff. guifts Q. griefs Reed (1803).

[1077] joy's ... doing] Q F_1. the soules joy lyes in dooing F_2 F_3 F_4.

lies] dies Mason conj. lives Seymour conj.

[1078] nought] Ff. naught Q.

[1079] got] Q F_1. goe F_2. go F_3 F_4.

[1080] Transposed in F_4.

[1081] Achievement is] Achiev'd, men us Singer (Harness conj.) Achiev'd men still Collier MS.

[1082] Then] Q. That Ff.

heart's content] hearts content Q. hearts contents F_1 F_2 F_3. hearts content's F_4. heart content's Rowe (ed. 2). heart's consent Mason conj.

[1083] [Exeunt.] Capell. Exit. Q Ff.

[1084] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope.

The Grecian....] Agamemnon's tent in the Grecian Camp. Rowe.

Sennet.] Senet. F_1. Sonet. F_2 F_3. Sonnet. F_4. om. Q. Trumpets. Rowe.

Enter ... Ulysses,] Capell. Enter ... Ulisses, Diomedes, Q Ff.

[1085] Princes] Keightley marks this as part of an imperfect line.

[1086] the] Ff. these Q. this Capell. on] Ff. ore Q.

[1087] hope makes] Q F_1. hopes makes F_2 F_3 F_4. hopes make Rowe (ed. 2).

[1088] Infect] Ff. Infects Q.

divert] Rowe. diverts Q Ff.

[1089] every] Ff. ever Q.

[1090] works] mocks Singer conj. wrecks Collier (Collier MS.)

[1091] call them shames] Q. thinke them shame Ff. think them shames Capell.

[1092] broad] Q. lowd F_1 F_2. loud F_3 F_4.

[1093] matter, by itself] Hanmer. matter by it selfe, Q Ff.

[1094] thy godlike] Theobald. the godlike Q. thy godly Ff. thy goodly Pope.

[1095] apply] supply Warburton.

[1096] Thy ... chance] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

[1097] patient] Ff. ancient Q.

[1098] nobler] Q F_1. noble F_2 F_3 F_4.

bulk!] bulk, and greater strength; Keightley.

[1099] cut] Q F_1. cut's F_2. cuts F_3 F_4.

[1100] toast] tot Becket conj. boast Halliwell conj.

[1101] In ... brightness] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

[1102] breese] bryze Q. brieze F_1. brize F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1103] the splitting wind Makes] splitting winds Make Pope.

[1104] And ... why then] And flies are fled to shade Seymour conj. And flies along the sky, while bird and beast are Fled under shade, why then Keightley.

And ... courage] One line in Q. Two, the first ending then, in Ff.

fled] get Pope. flee Capell.

[1105] tuned] turn'd Reed (1803).

[1106] Retorts] Dyce. Retires Q F_3 F_4. Retyres F_1 F_2. Returns Pope. Replies Hanmer. Re-chides Staunton (Lettsom conj.) Recries Anon. conj. Revies Anon. conj.

[1107] nerve] Ff. nerves Q.

[1108] spirit] Ff. spright Q.

[1109] [To Aga.] Rowe.

sway] Q F_1. may F_2 F_3. merit F_4.

[1110] [To Nestor] Rowe.

thy] Ff. the Q.

[1111] hand] band Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

[1112] hatch'd ... air] thatch'd ... awe Theobald conj. harp'd ... acier Jackson conj.

[1113] On] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. In F_1.

heaven rides] Q. the heavens ride Ff.

the Greekish] Q. Greekes F_1 F_2. Greeks F_3 F_4. the Grecian Pope (ed. 1). the Grecians Pope (ed. 2).]

[1114] yet] om. Capell.

let it please] please it Seymour conj.

[1115] Thou] Though Hanmer.

[1116] Agam. Speak, ... oracle. Ulyss.] Omitted in Q.

[1117] Prince of] om. Anon. conj.

and be't of] we Pope. and we Capell. and we it Keightley.

of less] less Anon. conj.

expect] Pope. expect: F_1. expect; F_2 F_3 F_4. expect, Rowe.

[1118] lips, than] lips; then F_1. lips: then F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1119] mastic] mastiff Rowe. mastive Boswell.

[1120] his] her F_4.

basis] Ff. bases Q.

[1121] instances] instances, which now I'll shew you Keightley.

[1122] do stand Hollow upon] do stand Upon Hanmer. stand hollow Upon Keightley.

[1123] hollow factions] factions Steevens conj.

[1124] is not like the] not likes the Warburton. is not lik'd o' the Capell. 's not the life of the Heath conj.

[1125] whom] which Hanmer.

[1126] mask.] After this Keightley marks a line omitted.

[1127] Insisture] Ff. In sisture Q. (for In fixture Delius conj.)

[1128] other] rest Pope, ether Singer.

medicinable] med'cinable Q Ff.

[1129] ill aspects of planets evil] Ff. influence of evill planets Q.

[1130] married] mirror'd Anon. conj.

[1131] fixure] Q F_1 F_2. fixture F_3 F_4.

O, when] When Pope. So when Johnson conj.

shaked] shakt Q. shak'd Ff. shaken Rowe.

[1132] to] Ff. of Q.

[1133] The] Q Ff. Then Hanmer.

[1134] primogenitive] Ff. primogenitie Q. primogeniture Rowe.

[1135] meets] melts Q.

[1136] Should] Would F_4.

[1137] should] would F_4.

[1138] Between ... resides] Printed in italics in Q.

resides] recides Q F_1. presides Warburton.

[1139] their] her F_1.

[1140] includes] include Q.

[1141] And last ... Agamemnon] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two in Q Ff.

himself] it self Theobald.

[1142] choking.] choking of the common weal; Keightley.

[1143] it is] Q. is it Ff.

[1144] backward ... climb] downward ... climb or backward ... advance Seymour conj.

[1145] with] Q. in Ff.

[1146] stands] Q. lives Ff.

[1147] sinew] Ff. sinnow Q.

[1148] jests] jests on thee and all of us Keightley.

[1149] awkward] sillie Q.

[1150] Sometime] Sometimes Rowe (ed. 2).

[1151] topless] stopless Warburton.

[1152] scaffoldage] F_4. scaffolage F_1 F_2 F_3. scaffollage Q.

[1153] o'er-wrested] Pope. ore-rested Q F_1 F_2 F_3. o're-rested F_4. o'er-jested Delius conj.

[1154] unsquared] unsquare Q.

[1155] Would] Wound F_2.

seen] seemes F_1.

[1156] press'd bed] prest bed Q. prest-bed Ff.

[1157] just] Ff. right Q.

[1158] hem] Q. hum Ff.

[1159] dress'd] 'drest Hanmer.

[1160] as like as] like as Capell.

[1161] god] Q F_1. good F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1162] palsy fumbling] palsy'd fumbling Capell conj. palsy-fumbling Steevens (Tyrwhitt conj.)

[1163] and at] at Hanmer.

[1164] split] spilt F_4.

[1165] of grace exact] though of grace exact Hanmer. of grace; exacts Warburton. all grace extract Collier (Collier MS.) are of grace extract Singer conj. of grace and act Staunton conj.

[1166] paradoxes] parodies Johnson conj.

[1167] Who] Whom Pope.

[1168] place] pace Pope.

[1169] broad] braid Becket conj.

keeps] keepes Q. and keepes Ff.

[1170] and] our Q.

[1171] rank] hard Pope.

[1172] prescience] our prescience Rowe.

[1173] calls] call F_1.

[1174] know ... weight] know the measure, By their observant toil, of the enemies' weight Johnson conj.

[1175] enemies'] enemy's Delius conj.

[1176] bed-work, mappery] bed-work Mapp'ry Theobald. bed-work-mapp'ry Hanmer.

[1177] fineness] finesse Q.

[1178] his] its Hanmer.

[1179] [Tucket.] Ff. om. Q.

[1180] trumpet?] trumpet's that? Capell.

Menelaus] om. Steevens conj.

[1181] SCENE VI. Pope.

Enter Æneas.] Ff. om. Q.

[1182] ears] eyes Q.

[1183] Achilles'] Alcides' Johnson conj.

[1184] Ay:] Rowe. I, Q. I: Ff. om. Pope. Put in a separate line first by Steevens.

[1185] bid] Q. on Ff.

[1186] Modest ... Phœbus] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[1187] god in office, guiding] Rowe. god in office guiding Ff. god, in office guiding Q.

[1188] fame] same Q.

[1189] swords: and, Jove's accord, Nothing] Theobald, swords, & Ioues accord, Nothing Ff. sword, & great Ioues accord Nothing Q. swords: and with Jove's accord Nothing’s Malone conj. swords; and Love's a lord Nothing Steevens conj. swords, great Jove's accord, Nothing Mitford conj. See note (11).

[1190] accord] sacaret Warburton conj. own bird Mason conj. a god Malone conj. a lord Steevens conj. a core Jackson conj.

[1191] If that the] Q. if that he Ff. If he that's Pope.

[1192] But what] Q F_1. What F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1193] blows] follows Reed (1803).

sole pure] soul-pure Collier MS. pure Sol Staunton conj.

[1194] affair] affaires Q.

I pray you] om. Steevens conj., reading Ay, Greek ... affair? as one line.

[1195] He ... Troy] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

nought] Ff. naught Q.

[1196] him] with him Q.

[1197] sense on the] seat on that Q.

[1198] loud] alowd Q.

[1199] [Trumpet sounds.] Sound trumpet. Q. The Trumpets sound. Ff.

[1200] this] his Q.

[1201] rusty] restie Q.

[1202] That seeks] Ff. And feeds Q.

[1203] confession] profession Hanmer.

[1204] dare] dares Hanmer.

[1205] good, ... it, He] good, (or ... it) He Theobald. good, ... it. He Q Ff.

[1206] compass] couple Q.

[1207] We] We have Rowe. We've Pope.

[1208] hath, or] Ff. hath a Q.

[1209] else] Q F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

I am] Q. Ile be Ff. I'm Pope.

[1210] host] hoste Q. mould Ff (for world S. Walker conj.)

[1211] One noble man] F_1 F_2 F_3. One nobleman F_4. A noble man Q.

one spark] no sparke Q.

[1212] vantbrace] Ff. vambrace Q.

this] my Q.

wither'd] Ff. withered Q.

brawn] braunes Q.

[1213] will] om. Q.

[1214] in flood] is flood Rowe (ed. 2).

[1215] prove this truth] Malone. prove this troth Q. pawne this truth Ff.

[1216] forbid] for-fend Q.

youth] men Q.

[1217] Ulyss. Amen.] Aga. Amen. Capell, continuing the next speech to Agamemnon.

[1218] Agam.] Aga. Ff. om. Q (reading Amen: faire ... hand as one line).

Fair ... hand] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[1219] you, sir.] you? First Theobald conj.

sir] Q. first Ff.

[1220] intent] incent Anon. conj.

[1221] [Exeunt....] Exeunt. Manent Ulysses, and Nestor. Ff (Manet F_1). Omitted in Q.

[1222] SCENE VII. Pope.

[1223] This 'tis] Ff. om. Q.

[1224] blown] grown Capell conj.

[1225] Well, and how?] Well, and how now? Rowe. Well, sir, and how? Capell. Well, and how then? Keightley (Steevens conj.)

[1226] The purpose] True the purpose Q.

even] om. Q.

[1227] up: And ... strain,] up: And ... straine, Q. up, And ... straine Ff. up, And ... strain: Rowe.

[1228] Achilles, were] Ff. Achilles weare Q.

[1229] though ... enough] Printed in italics in Q.

[1230] Ay ... him] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[1231] Yes, 'tis] Ff. Why tis Q. Yes, It is Hanmer, putting Yes, in a separate line. Yes, It is Steevens, reading as one line And wake ... Yes.

who] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. whom F_1.

[1232] his honour] Ff. those honours Q.

[1233] Though't be] though Pope.

[1234] this] Ff. the Q.

[1235] and] om. Pope.

[1236] imputation] reputation Collier (Collier MS.)

[1237] wild] wilde Q.

[1238] give] have Rowe.

[1239] from hence receives the] Ff. receiues from hence a Q.

[1240] from hence ... themselves?] receives from thence a conquering hope, Or feels a strong opinion in himself? Seymour conj.

[1241] steel] steal Capell conj.

[1242] Which ... limbs] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1243] his] in his F_1.

[1244] Give ... followers.] As in Ff. See note (III).

[1245] 'tis meet] 'tis fit Pope.

[1246] if not,] if not, why still Hanmer. if they do not, Keightley (Steevens conj.) or, if they do not, Seymour conj.

[1247] better] fairer Anon. conj.

[1248] better] better thus Grant White conj.

consent] then consent Pope.

[1249] I see] What are they? I see Capell.

[1250] shares] wins Keightley. shears or takes Anon. conj.

[1251] share] Q. weare Ff.

[1252] we were] Ff. it were Q.

Afric] Afric's Anon. conj.

[1253] fair] fairly Becket conj.

[1254] did] Ff. do Q.

[1255] device] Ff. devise Q.

[1256] among] 'mong Pope.

[1257] for the better] Q. as the worthier Ff.

[1258] Ulysses, Now I begin to] Steevens. Now Ulysses, I begin to Q Ff. Ulysses, now I Pope. Now I begin to Capell.

[1259] advice] Ff. advise Q.

[1260] of it] Ff. thereof Q.

[1261] Must tarre] Ff. Must arre Q.

their bone] Ff. a bone Q.

ACT II.

SCENE I. The Grecian camp.[1262]

Enter AJAX and THERSITES.

Ajax. Thersites!

Ther. Agamemnon—how if he had boils—full, all[1263]

over, generally?[1264]

Ajax. Thersites!

Ther. And those boils did run?—Say so,—did not the 5

general run then? were not that a botchy core?[1265]

Ajax. Dog!

Ther. Then would come some matter from him; I see[1266]

none now.

Ajax. Thou bitch-wolf's son, canst thou not hear? 10

Feel, then.      [Strikes him.[1267]

Ther. The plague of Greece upon thee, thou mongrel

beef-witted lord!

Ajax. Speak then, thou vinewed'st leaven, speak: I[1268]

will beat thee into handsomeness. 15

Ther. I shall sooner rail thee into wit and holiness: but,

I think, thy horse will sooner con an oration than thou[1269]

learn a prayer without book. Thou canst strike, canst[1270]

thou? a red murrain o' thy jade's tricks![1271]

Ajax. Toadstool, learn me the proclamation.[1272] 20

Ther. Dost thou think I have no sense, thou strikest

me thus?

Ajax. The proclamation!

Ther. Thou art proclaimed a fool, I think.[1273]

Ajax. Do not, porpentine, do not; my fingers itch.[1274] 25

Ther. I would thou didst itch from head to foot, and I

had the scratching of thee; I would make thee the loathsomest

scab in Greece. When thou art forth in the incursions,[1275]

thou strikest as slow as another.[1275]

Ajax. I say, the proclamation! 30

Ther. Thou grumblest and railest every hour on Achilles,

and thou art as full of envy at his greatness as Cerberus

is at Proserpina's beauty, ay, that thou barkest at him.[1276]

Ajax. Mistress Thersites![1277]

Ther. Thou shouldst strike him.[1278] 35

Ajax. Cobloaf![1278][1279]

Ther. He would pun thee into shivers with his fist, as a[1278][1280]

sailor breaks a biscuit.

Ajax. [Beating him] You whoreson cur![1281][1282]

Ther. Do, do.[1283] 40

Ajax. Thou stool for a witch!

Ther. Ay, do, do; thou sodden-witted lord! thou hast[1284]

no more brain than I have in my elbows; an assinego[1285]

may tutor thee: thou scurvy-valiant ass! thou art here but[1286]

to thrash Trojans; and thou art bought and sold among[1287] 45

those of any wit, like a barbarian slave. If thou use to

beat me, I will begin at thy heel and tell what thou art by

inches, thou thing of no bowels, thou![1288]

Ajax. You dog!

Ther. You scurvy lord! 50

Ajax. [Beating him] You cur![1281]

Ther. Mars his idiot! do, rudeness; do, camel, do, do.

Enter ACHILLES and PATROCLUS.[1289]

Achil. Why, how now, Ajax! wherefore do ye thus?[1290]

How now, Thersites! what's the matter, man?

Ther. You see him there, do you? 55

Achil. Ay; what's the matter?

Ther. Nay, look upon him.

Achil. So I do: what's the matter?

Ther. Nay, but regard him well.

Achil. 'Well!' why, so I do.[1291] 60

Ther. But yet you look not well upon him; for, whosoever[1292]

you take him to be, he is Ajax.

Achil. I know that, fool.

Ther. Ay, but that fool knows not himself.

Ajax. Therefore I beat thee. 65

Ther. Lo, lo, lo, lo, what modicums of wit he utters! his

evasions have ears thus long. I have bobbed his brain more[1293]

than he has beat my bones: I will buy nine sparrows for a[1294]

penny, and his pia mater is not worth the ninth part of a

sparrow. This lord, Achilles, Ajax, who wears his wit in 70

his belly and his guts in his head, I'll tell you what I say[1295]

of him.

Achil. What?

Ther. I say, this Ajax—      [Ajax offers to strike him.[1296]

Achil. Nay, good Ajax. 75

Ther. Has not so much wit—

Achil. Nay, I must hold you.

Ther. As will stop the eye of Helen's needle, for whom

he comes to fight.

Achil. Peace, fool! 80

Ther. I would have peace and quietness, but the fool

will not: he there: that he: look you there!

Ajax. O thou damned cur! I shall—

Achil. Will you set your wit to a fool's?

Ther. No, I warrant you; for a fool's will shame it.[1297] 85

Patr. Good words, Thersites.[1298]

Achil. What's the quarrel?

Ajax. I bade the vile owl go learn me the tenour of the[1299]

proclamation, and he rails upon me.

Ther. I serve thee not. 90

Ajax. Well, go to, go to.

Ther. I serve here voluntary.

Achil. Your last service was sufferance, 'twas not voluntary;

no man is beaten voluntary: Ajax was here the

voluntary, and you as under an impress. 95

Ther. E'en so; a great deal of your wit too lies in[1300]

your sinews, or else there be liars. Hector shall have a

great catch, if he knock out either of your brains: a' were[1301]

as good crack a fusty nut with no kernel.

Achil. What, with me too, Thersites? 100

Ther. There's Ulysses and old Nestor, whose wit was

mouldy ere your grandsires had nails on their toes, yoke[1302]

you like draught-oxen, and make you plough up the wars.[1303]

Achil. What? what?

Ther. Yes, good sooth: to, Achilles! to, Ajax! to![1304] 105

Ajax. I shall cut out your tongue.

Ther. 'Tis no matter; I shall speak as much as thou[1305]

afterwards.

Patr. No more words, Thersites; peace![1306]

Ther. I will hold my peace when Achilles' brooch bids[1307] 110

me, shall I?

Achil. There's for you, Patroclus.

Ther. I will see you hanged, like clotpoles, ere I come[1308]

any more to your tents: I will keep where there is wit stirring,

and leave the faction of fools.      [Exit. 115

Patr. A good riddance.

Achil. Marry, this, sir, is proclaim'd through all our

host:

That Hector, by the fifth hour of the sun,[1309]

Will with a trumpet 'twixt our tents and Troy

To-morrow morning call some knight to arms 120

That hath a stomach, and such a one that dare

Maintain—I know not what: 'tis trash. Farewell.[1310]

Ajax. Farewell. Who shall answer him?[1311]

Achil. I know not; 'tis put to lottery; otherwise

He knew his man. 125

Ajax. O, meaning you. I will go learn more of it.[1312]

[Exeunt.

SCENE II. Troy. A room in Priam's palace.[1313]

Enter PRIAM, HECTOR, TROILUS, PARIS, and HELENUS.

Pri. After so many hours, lives, speeches spent,[1314]

Thus once again says Nestor from the Greeks:

'Deliver Helen, and all damage else,[1315]

As honour, loss of time, travail, expense,[1316]

Wounds, friends, and what else dear that is consumed 5

In hot digestion of this cormorant war,[1317]

Shall be struck off.' Hector, what say you to't?[1318]

Hect. Though no man lesser fears the Greeks than I

As far as toucheth my particular,[1319][1320]

Yet, dread Priam,[1319] 10

There is no lady of more softer bowels,[1321]

More spongy to suck in the sense of fear,

More ready to cry out 'Who knows what follows?'

Than Hector is: the wound of peace is surety,[1322][1323]

Surety secure: but modest doubt is call'd[1323] 15

The beacon of the wise, the tent that searches

To the bottom of the worst. Let Helen go.[1324]

Since the first sword was drawn about this question,

Every tithe soul, 'mongst many thousand dismes,

Hath been as dear as Helen; I mean, of ours: 20

If we have lost so many tenths of ours,

To guard a thing not ours, nor worth to us,[1325]

Had it our name, the value of one ten,[1326]

What merit's in that reason which denies[1327]

The yielding of her up?

Tro. Fie, fie, my brother! 25

Weigh you the worth and honour of a king,[1328]

So great as our dread father, in a scale[1329]

Of common ounces? will you with counters sum

The past proportion of his infinite?[1330]

And buckle in a waist most fathomless[1331] 30

With spans and inches so diminutive

As fears and reasons? fie, for godly shame![1332]

Hel. No marvel, though you bite so sharp at reasons,[1333]

You are so empty of them. Should not our father[1334]

Bear the great sway of his affairs with reasons,[1335] 35

Because your speech hath none that tells him so?[1336]

Tro. You are for dreams and slumbers, brother priest;

You fur your gloves with reason. Here are your reasons:[1337]

You know an enemy intends you harm;

You know a sword employ'd is perilous, 40

And reason flies the object of all harm:

Who marvels then, when Helenus beholds

A Grecian and his sword, if he do set

The very wings of reason to his heels,

And fly like chidden Mercury from Jove,[1338] 45

Or like a star disorb'd? Nay, if we talk of reason,[1338]

Let's shut our gates, and sleep: manhood and honour[1339]

Should have hare hearts, would they but fat their thoughts[1340]

With this cramm'd reason: reason and respect

Make livers pale and lustihood deject.[1341] 50

Hect. Brother, she is not worth what she doth cost[1342]

The holding.[1342]

Tro. What's aught, but as 'tis valued?[1343]

Hect. But value dwells not in particular will;

It holds his estimate and dignity[1344]

As well wherein 'tis precious of itself 55

As in the prizer: 'tis mad idolatry[1345]

To make the service greater than the god;[1346]

And the will dotes, that is attributive[1347]

To what infectiously itself affects,

Without some image of the affected merit.[1348] 60

Tro. I take to-day a wife, and my election

Is led on in the conduct of my will;

My will enkindled by mine eyes and ears.[1349]

Two traded pilots 'twixt the dangerous shores[1350]

Of will and judgement: how may I avoid,[1351] 65

Although my will distaste what it elected,[1351]

The wife I chose? there can be no evasion[1351][1352]

To blench from this, and to stand firm by honour.

We turn not back the silks upon the merchant

When we have soil'd them, nor the remainder viands[1353] 70

We do not throw in unrespective sieve,[1354]

Because we now are full. It was thought meet[1355]

Paris should do some vengeance on the Greeks:

Your breath of full consent bellied his sails;[1356]

The seas and winds, old wranglers, took a truce, 75

And did him service: he touch'd the ports desired;

And for an old aunt whom the Greeks held captive

He brought a Grecian queen, whose youth and freshness

Wrinkles Apollo's and makes stale the morning.[1357]

Why keep we her? the Grecians keep our aunt: 80

Is she worth keeping? why, she is a pearl,

Whose price hath launch'd above a thousand ships,

And turn'd crown'd kings to merchants.

If you'll avouch 'twas wisdom Paris went,

As you must needs, for you all cried 'Go, go,' 85

If you'll confess he brought home noble prize,[1358]

As you must needs, for you all clapp'd your hands

And cried 'Inestimable!' why do you now

The issue of your proper wisdoms rate,[1359]

And do a deed that Fortune never did,[1360] 90

Beggar the estimation which you prized

Richer than sea and land? O, theft most base,

That we have stol'n what we do fear to keep![1361]

But thieves unworthy of a thing so stol'n,[1362]

That in their country did them that disgrace[1363] 95

We fear to warrant in our native place!

Cas. [Within] Cry, Trojans, cry![1364][1365]

Pri. What noise? what shriek is this?

Tro. 'Tis our mad sister, I do know her voice.

Cas. [Within] Cry, Trojans![1365]

Hect. It is Cassandra. 100

Enter CASSANDRA, raving, with her hair about her ears.[1366]

Cas. Cry, Trojans, cry! lend me ten thousand eyes,[1367]

And I will fill them with prophetic tears.

Hect. Peace, sister, peace!

Cas. Virgins and boys, mid age and wrinkled old,[1368]

Soft infancy, that nothing canst but cry,[1369] 105

Add to my clamours! let us pay betimes[1370]

A moiety of that mass of moan to come.

Cry, Trojans, cry! practise your eyes with tears!

Troy must not be, nor goodly Ilion stand;

Our firebrand brother, Paris, burns us all. 110

Cry, Trojans, cry! a Helen and a woe:

Cry, cry! Troy burns, or else let Helen go.      [Exit.

Hect. Now, youthful Troilus, do not these high strains[1371]

Of divination in our sister work

Some touches of remorse? or is your blood 115

So madly hot that no discourse of reason,

Nor fear of bad success in a bad cause,

Can qualify the same?

Tro. Why, brother Hector,

We may not think the justness of each act[1372]

Such and no other than event doth form it; 120

Nor once deject the courage of our minds,

Because Cassandra's mad: her brain-sick raptures

Cannot distaste the goodness of a quarrel

Which hath our several honours all engaged

To make it gracious. For my private part, 125

I am no more touch'd than all Priam's sons:[1373]

And Jove forbid there should be done amongst us

Such things as might offend the weakest spleen

To fight for and maintain!

Par. Else might the world convince of levity[1374] 130

As well my undertakings as your counsels:[1375]

But I attest the gods, your full consent[1376]

Gave wings to my propension and cut off

All fears attending on so dire a project.

For what, alas, can these my single arms? 135

What propugnation is in one man's valour,

To stand the push and enmity of those

This quarrel would excite? Yet, I protest,

Were I alone to pass the difficulties[1377]

And had as ample power as I have will, 140

Paris should ne'er retract what he hath done,

Nor faint in the pursuit.

Pri. Paris, you speak

Like one besotted on your sweet delights:

You have the honey still, but these the gall;

So to be valiant is no praise at all. 145

Par. Sir, I propose not merely to myself

The pleasures such a beauty brings with it;

But I would have the soil of her fair rape

Wiped off, in honourable keeping her.

What treason were it to the ransack'd queen, 150

Disgrace to your great worths, and shame to me,

Now to deliver her possession up

On terms of base compulsion! Can it be

That so degenerate a strain as this

Should once set footing in your generous bosoms?[1378] 155

There's not the meanest spirit on our party,[1379]

Without a heart to dare or sword to draw

When Helen is defended, nor none so noble,[1380]

Whose life were ill bestow'd or death unfamed

Where Helen is the subject: then, I say, 160

Well may we fight for her, whom, we know well,

The world's large spaces cannot parallel.

Hect. Paris and Troilus, you have both said well;

And on the cause and question now in hand[1381]

Have glozed, but superficially; not much[1382] 165

Unlike young men, whom Aristotle thought[1383]

Unfit to hear moral philosophy.

The reasons you allege do more conduce

To the hot passion of distemper'd blood

Than to make up a free determination 170

'Twixt right and wrong; for pleasure and revenge

Have ears more deaf than adders to the voice[1384]

Of any true decision. Nature craves

All dues be render'd to their owners: now,

What nearer debt in all humanity 175

Than wife is to the husband? If this law

Of nature be corrupted through affection,

And that great minds, of partial indulgence

To their benumbed wills, resist the same,

There is a law in each well-order'd nation[1385] 180

To curb those raging appetites that are

Most disobedient and refractory.[1386]

If Helen then be wife to Sparta's king,

As it is known she is, these moral laws

Of nature and of nations speak aloud[1387] 185

To have her back return'd: thus to persist

In doing wrong extenuates not wrong,

But makes it much more heavy. Hector's opinion

Is this in way of truth: yet, ne'ertheless,

My spritely brethren, I propend to you 190

In resolution to keep Helen still;

For 'tis a cause that hath no mean dependance

Upon our joint and several dignities.

Tro. Why, there you touch'd the life of our design:[1388]

Were it not glory that we more affected 195

Than the performance of our heaving spleens,

I would not wish a drop of Trojan blood

Spent more in her defence. But, worthy Hector,

She is a theme of honour and renown;

A spur to valiant and magnanimous deeds, 200

Whose present courage may beat down our foes,

And fame in time to come canonize us:

For, I presume, brave Hector would not lose

So rich advantage of a promised glory

As smiles upon the forehead of this action 205

For the wide world's revenue.

Hect. I am yours,

You valiant offspring of great Priamus.

I have a roisting challenge sent amongst

The dull and factious nobles of the Greeks

Will strike amazement to their drowsy spirits:[1389] 210

I was advertised their great general slept,

Whilst emulation in the army crept:[1390]

This, I presume, will wake him.      [Exeunt.

SCENE III. The Grecian camp. Before the tent of Achilles.[1391]

Enter THERSITES, solus.

Ther. How now, Thersites! what, lost in the labyrinth[1392]

of thy fury! Shall the elephant Ajax carry it thus? he

beats me, and I rail at him: O, worthy satisfaction! would

it were otherwise; that I could beat him, whilst he railed

at me. 'Sfoot, I'll learn to conjure and raise devils, but I'll 5

see some issue of my spiteful execrations. Then there's

Achilles, a rare enginer. If Troy be not taken till these[1393]

two undermine it, the walls will stand till they fall of themselves.

O thou great thunder-darter of Olympus, forget

that thou art Jove, the king of gods, and, Mercury, lose all 10

the serpentine craft of thy caduceus, if ye take not that[1394]

little little less than little wit from them that they have!

which short-armed ignorance itself knows is so abundant[1395]

scarce, it will not in circumvention deliver a fly from a

spider, without drawing their massy irons and cutting the[1396] 15

web. After this, the vengeance on the whole camp! or,

rather, the Neapolitan bone-ache! for that, methinks, is the[1397]

curse dependant on those that war for a placket. I have[1398]

said my prayers; and devil Envy say amen. What, ho!

my Lord Achilles! 20

Enter PATROCLUS.[1399]

Patr. Who's there? Thersites! Good Thersites, come[1400]

in and rail.

Ther. If I could ha' remembered a gilt counterfeit,[1401]

thou wouldst not have slipped out of my contemplation:[1402]

but it is no matter; thyself upon thyself! The common 25

curse of mankind, folly and ignorance, be thine in great

revenue! heaven bless thee from a tutor, and discipline

come not near thee! Let thy blood be thy direction till

thy death! then if she that lays thee out says thou art a[1403]

fair corse, I'll be sworn and sworn upon't she never shrouded 30

any but lazars. Amen. Where's Achilles?[1404]

Patr. What, art thou devout? wast thou in prayer?[1405]

Ther. Ay; the heavens hear me!

Patr. Amen.[1406]

Enter ACHILLES.

Achil. Who's there? 35

Patr. Thersites, my lord..

Achil. Where, where? Art thou come? why, my[1407]

cheese, my digestion, why hast thou not served thyself in[1408]

to my table so many meals? Come, what's Agamemnon?[1408]

Ther. Thy commander, Achilles: then tell me, Patroclus, 40

what's Achilles?

Patr. Thy lord, Thersites: then tell me, I pray thee,[1409]

what's thyself?

Ther. Thy knower, Patroclus: then tell me, Patroclus,

what art thou? 45

Patr. Thou mayst tell that knowest.[1410]

Achil. O, tell, tell.

Ther. I'll decline the whole question. Agamemnon

commands Achilles; Achilles is my lord; I am Patroclus'

knower, and Patroclus is a fool. 50

Patr. You rascal![1411]

Ther. Peace, fool! I have not done.[1411]

Achil. He is a privileged man. Proceed, Thersites.[1411]

Ther. Agamemnon is a fool; Achilles is a fool; Thersites[1411]

is a fool, and, as aforesaid, Patroclus is a fool.[1411] 55

Achil. Derive this; come.

Ther. Agamemnon is a fool to offer to command

Achilles; Achilles is a fool to be commanded of Agamemnon;[1412]

Thersites is a fool to serve such a fool, and Patroclus[1413]

is a fool positive. 60

Patr. Why am I a fool?

Ther. Make that demand of the prover. It suffices[1414]

me thou art. Look you, who comes here?[1415]

Achil. Patroclus, I'll speak with nobody. Come in[1416]

with me, Thersites.      [Exit.[1417] 65

Ther. Here is such patchery, such juggling and such

knavery! all the argument is a cuckold and a whore; a[1418]

good quarrel to draw emulous factions and bleed to death[1419]

upon. Now, the dry serpigo on the subject! and war and[1420][1421]

lechery confound all!      [Exit.[1420] 70

Enter AGAMEMNON, ULYSSES, NESTOR, DIOMEDES, and AJAX.[1422]

Agam. Where is Achilles?

Patr. Within his tent; but ill-disposed, my lord.

Agam. Let it be known to him that we are here.

He shent our messengers; and we lay by[1423]

Our appertainments, visiting of him:[1424] 75

Let him be told so, lest perchance he think[1425]

We dare not move the question of our place,

Or know not what we are.

Patr. I shall say so to him.      [Exit.[1426]

Ulyss. We saw him at the opening of his tent:

He is not sick. 80

Ajax. Yes, lion-sick, sick of proud heart: you may call[1427]

it melancholy, if you will favour the man; but, by my head,[1428]

'tis pride: but why, why? let him show us the cause. A[1429][1430]

word, my lord.      [Takes Agamemnon aside.[1430][1431]

Nest. What moves Ajax thus to bay at him? 85

Ulyss. Achilles hath inveigled his fool from him.

Nest. Who, Thersites?

Ulyss. He.

Nest. Then will Ajax lack matter, if he have lost his

argument. 90

Ulyss. No, you see, he is his argument that has his

argument, Achilles.

Nest. All the better; their fraction is more our wish[1432]

than their faction: but it was a strong composure a fool[1433]

could disunite. 95

Ulyss. The amity that wisdom knits not, folly may[1434]

easily untie.

Re-enter PATROCLUS.[1435]

Here comes Patroclus.[1436]

Nest. No Achilles with him.[1437]

Ulyss. The elephant hath joints, but none for courtesy:[1438] 100

his legs are legs for necessity, not for flexure.[1438][1439]

Patr. Achilles bids me say, he is much sorry,

If any thing more than your sport and pleasure

Did move your greatness and this noble state

To call upon him; he hopes it is no other[1440] 105

But for your health and your digestion sake,

An after-dinner's breath.

Agam. Hear you, Patroclus:[1441]

We are too well acquainted with these answers:

But his evasion, wing'd thus swift with scorn,[1442]

Cannot outfly our apprehensions. 110

Much attribute he hath, and much the reason

Why we ascribe it to him: yet all his virtues,[1443]

Not virtuously on his own part beheld,[1444]

Do in our eyes begin to lose their gloss,

Yea, like fair fruit in an unwholesome dish,[1445] 115

Are like to rot untasted. Go and tell him,

We come to speak with him; and you shall not sin,[1446]

If you do say we think him over-proud

And under-honest; in self-assumption greater[1447]

Than in the note of judgement; and worthier than himself[1447][1448] 120

Here tend the savage strangeness he puts on,[1449][1450]

Disguise the holy strength of their command,[1450]

And underwrite in an observing kind[1451]

His humorous predominance; yea, watch

His pettish lunes, his ebbs, his flows, as if[1452] 125

The passage and whole carriage of this action[1453]

Rode on his tide. Go tell him this, and add,

That if he overhold his price so much,

We'll none of him, but let him, like an engine

Not portable, lie under this report:[1454] 130

'Bring action hither, this cannot go to war:[1454][1455]

A stirring dwarf we do allowance give[1454]

Before a sleeping giant:' tell him so.[1454]

Patr. I shall; and bring his answer presently.      [Exit.[1456]

Agam. In second voice we'll not be satisfied; 135

We come to speak with him. Ulysses, enter you.

[Exit Ulysses.[1457]

Ajax. What is he more than another?

Agam. No more than what he thinks he is.

Ajax. Is he so much? Do you not think he thinks

himself a better man than I am? 140

Agam. No question.

Ajax. Will you subscribe his thought and say he is?

Agam. No, noble Ajax; you are as strong, as valiant,

as wise, no less noble, much more gentle and altogether[1458]

more tractable. 145

Ajax. Why should a man be proud? How doth pride

grow? I know not what pride is.[1459]

Agam. Your mind is the clearer, Ajax, and your virtues[1460]

the fairer. He that is proud eats up himself: pride is[1461]

his own glass, his own trumpet, his own chronicle; and 150

whatever praises itself but in the deed, devours the deed in[1462]

the praise.

Ajax. I do hate a proud man, as I hate the engendering[1463]

of toads.

Nest. [Aside] Yet he loves himself: is't not strange?155

Re-enter ULYSSES.[1464]

Ulyss. Achilles will not to the field to-morrow.

Agam. What's his excuse?

Ulyss. He doth rely on none,

But carries on the stream of his dispose

Without observance or respect of any,

In will peculiar and in self-admission.[1465] 160

Agam. Why will he not, upon our fair request,

Untent his person, and share the air with us?

Ulyss. Things small as nothing, for request's sake only[1466]

He makes important: possess'd he is with greatness,[1467]

And speaks not to himself but with a pride 165

That quarrels at self-breath: imagined worth[1468]

Holds in his blood such swoln and hot discourse

That 'twixt his mental and his active parts

Kingdom'd Achilles in commotion rages

And batters down himself: what should I say?[1469][1470] 170

He is so plaguy proud that the death-tokens of it[1469][1471]

Cry 'No recovery.'

Agam. Let Ajax go to him.

Dear lord, go you and greet him in his tent:

'Tis said he holds you well, and will be led[1472]

At your request a little from himself. 175

Ulyss. O Agamemnon, let it not be so!

We'll consecrate the steps that Ajax makes

When they go from Achilles. Shall the proud lord

That bastes his arrogance with his own seam[1473]

And never suffers matter of the world 180

Enter his thoughts, save such as do revolve[1474]

And ruminate himself, shall he be worshipp'd

Of that we hold an idol more than he?[1475]

No, this thrice worthy and right valiant lord

Must not so stale his palm, nobly acquired;[1476] 185

Nor, by my will, assubjugate his merit,

As amply titled as Achilles is,[1477][1478]

By going to Achilles:[1477]

That were to enlard his fat-already pride,[1479]

And add more coals to Cancer when he burns 190

With entertaining great Hyperion.

This lord go to him! Jupiter forbid,[1480]

And say in thunder 'Achilles go to him.'

Nest. [Aside] O, this is well; he rubs the vein of him.[1481]

Dio. [Aside] And how his silence drinks up this applause![1481][1482]195

Ajax. If I go to him, with my armed fist[1483]

I'll pash him o'er the face.[1483][1484]

Agam. O, no, you shall not go.

Ajax. An a' be proud with me, I'll pheeze his pride:[1485][1486]

Let me go to him.[1485] 200

Ulyss. Not for the worth that hangs upon our quarrel.

Ajax. A paltry, insolent fellow![1487]

Nest. [Aside] How he describes himself![1487][1488]

Ajax. Can he not be sociable?[1487]

Ulyss. [Aside] The raven chides blackness.[1487][1488] 205

Ajax. I'll let his humours blood.[1487][1489]

Agam. [Aside] He will be the physician that should[1487][1488][1490]

be the patient.[1487]

Ajax. An all men were o' my mind,—[1487][1491]

Ulyss. [Aside] Wit would be out of fashion.[1487][1488] 210

Ajax. A' should not bear it so, a' should eat swords[1487][1492]

first: shall pride carry it?[1487]

Nest. [Aside] An 'twould, you'ld carry half.[1487][1488][1493]

Ulyss. [Aside] A' would have ten shares.[1487][1488][1494][1495]

Ajax. I will knead him, I'll make him supple.[1487][1494][1496] 215

Nest. [Aside] He's not yet through warm: force him[1487][1488][1494][1497]

with praises: pour in, pour in; his ambition is dry.[1487][1498]

Ulyss. [To Agamemnon] My lord, you feed too much[1499]

on this dislike.

Nest. Our noble general, do not do so.

Dio. You must prepare to fight without Achilles. 220

Ulyss. Why, 'tis this naming of him does him harm.[1500]

Here is a man—but 'tis before his face;[1501]

I will be silent.[1501]

Nest. Wherefore should you so?

He is not emulous, as Achilles is.

Ulyss. Know the whole world, he is as valiant.[1502] 225

Ajax. A whoreson dog, that shall palter thus with us![1503]

Would he were a Trojan![1504]

Nest. What a vice were it in Ajax now—[1505]

Ulyss. If he were proud,—[1506]

Dio. Or covetous of praise,— 230

Ulyss. Ay, or surly borne,—

Dio. Or strange, or self-affected!

Ulyss. Thank the heavens, lord, thou art of sweet[1507]

composure;

Praise him that got thee, she that gave thee suck:[1508]

Famed be thy tutor, and thy parts of nature[1509] 235

Thrice-famed beyond, beyond all erudition:[1510]

But he that disciplined thine arms to fight,[1511]

Let Mars divide eternity in twain,

And give him half: and, for thy vigour,[1512]

Bull-bearing Milo his addition yield 240

To sinewy Ajax. I will not praise thy wisdom,[1513]

Which, like a bourn, a pale, a shore, confines[1514]

Thy spacious and dilated parts: here's Nestor,[1515]

Instructed by the antiquary times,[1516]

He must, he is, he cannot but be wise; 245

But pardon, father Nestor, were your days

As green as Ajax', and your brain so temper'd,[1517]

You should not have the eminence of him,

But be as Ajax.[1518]

Ajax. Shall I call you father?

Nest. Ay, my good son.[1519]

Dio. Be ruled by him, Lord Ajax. 250

Ulyss. There is no tarrying here; the hart Achilles

Keeps thicket. Please it our great general[1520]

To call together all his state of war:[1521]

Fresh kings are come to Troy: to-morrow[1522]

We must with all our main of power stand fast: 255

And here's a lord, come knights from east to west,

And cull their flower, Ajax shall cope the best.[1523]

Agam. Go we to council. Let Achilles sleep:[1524]

Light boats sail swift, though greater hulks draw deep.[1525]

[Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[1262] ACT II. SCENE I.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

The Grecian Camp.] Rowe.

[1263] boils] biles Q Ff.

[1264] [Talking to himself. Rowe.

[1265] then] Q. om. Ff.

core] sore Collier MS. corps Grant White. cur Staunton conj.

[1266] would] Q. there would Ff.

[1267] [Strikes him.] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1268] thou] Q. you Ff.

vinewed'st] vinew'dest Knight. vinnidst Upton conj. unsalted Q. whinid'st Ff. unwinnow'd'st Theobald. whinnid'st Hanmer. windyest Warburton. vinew'd Johnson conj. vinniedst Heath conj. vinied'st Rann.

leaven] baven Hanmer.

[1269] con] Ff. cunne Q.

oration] Ff. oration without booke Q.

[1270] a prayer] Ff. praier Q.

[1271] murrain] Rowe. murren Ff. murrion Q.

o' thy] F_3 F_4. ath thy Q. o'th thy F_1 F_2.

[1272] Toadstool] Tode-stoole Q. Toads stoole F_1 F_2. Toads stool F_3. Toads-stool F_4.

[1273] a] om. Q.

[1274] porpentine] Ff. porpentin Q. porcupine Rowe.

[1275] When ... another] Q. Omitted in Ff.

[1276] ay, that thou bark'st] O that thou bark'dst Johnson conj.

[1277] Mistress] Master Grant White conj.

[1278] Thou shouldest ... He would] Shouldst thou strike him, Ajax, cobloaf! he would Nares conj.

[1279] Ajax. Cobloaf!] Aiax Coblofe, Q (in italics, as part of Thersites' speech).

Cobloaf] Cop-loaf Malone conj.

[1280] pun] pound Pope.

[1281] [Beating him] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[1282] Ajax.] om. Q.

[1283] Ther.] om. Q.

Do, do.] Ff. Do? do? Q.

[1284] Ay, do, do;] I, Do? do? Q. I do, do. Ff. Ay, do, Rowe.

[1285] brain] brain in thy head Capell conj.

mine] my Rowe (ed. 2).

assinego] Pope, asinico Q Ff. asnico] Grant White conj.

[1286] thou] Ff. You Q.

scurvy-valiant] Dyce (S. Walker conj.) scurvy valiant Q Ff.

but] put Steevens.

[1287] thrash] Q. thresh Ff.

[1288] bowels] vowels Warburton conj.

[1289] Enter....] Ff. om. Q.

[1290] SCENE II. Pope.

ye thus] Q. you this Ff (yo F_4).

[1291] so I do] Q. I do so Ff.

[1292] whosoever] F_3 F_4. who some ever Q F_1 F_2.

[1293] evasions] orations Collier (Collier MS.)

[1294] I will] Ff. It will Q.

[1295] I'll tell] I tell Q.

[1296] Ajax....] Ajax ... him, Achilles interposes. Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[1297] for a] Ff. the Q.

[1298] Thersites] Thesites Q.

[1299] the vile] Q. thee vile F_1 F_2 F_3. thee, vile F_4.

tenour] tenor Q. tenure Ff.

[1300] E'en] Even Steevens.

so;] so, Q Ff. so— Rowe. so? Capell.

[1301] if he knock out] Ff. and knocke at Q. an a' knock out Edd conj.

a'] a Q. he Ff.

[1302] your] Theobald. their Q Ff.

on their toes] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1303] wars] Q. waire F_1 F_2. waie F_3 F_4. war Hanmer.

[1304] to, Achilles! to, Ajax!] Theobald. to Achilles, to Ajax, Q Ff.

to!] Capell. to— Q Ff.

[1305] as much] as much wit Capell.

[1306] peace!] peace. Q. Omitted in Ff.

[1307] brooch] Q Ff. brach Rowe. brock Malone conj.

[1308] clotpoles] clatpoles Q. clodpoles Hanmer.

[1309] fifth] F_3 F_4. fift F_1 F_2. first Q.

[1310] Maintain—I] Hanmer. Maintaine I Q Ff.

[1311] Farewell.] Farewell, Q. Farewell? Ff.

[1312] I will] I'll Pope.

[Exeunt.] Pope. Exit. Ff. om. Q.

[1313] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE III. Pope.

Troy....] Priam's Palace in Troy. Rowe.

[1314] hours] years Theobald conj.

[1315] damage] domage Q.

[1316] travail] travaile F_1 F_2. travel F_3 F_4. travell Q.

[1317] hot] Q Ff. not F_2 F_3 F_4.

cormorant] comorant F_1.

[1318] struck] F_4. stroke Q F_1 F_2 F_3.

[1319] As ... Priam,] Arranged as by Collier. One line in Q Ff. As ... yet, in one line, omitting dread Priam, Pope. As ... yet, Dread Priam, Capell.

[1320] toucheth] Q. touches Ff.

[1321] There is ... more softer] there's ... softer Seymour conj. reading Dread ... bowels as one line.

[1322] wound] worm Hanmer.

[1323] surety, Surety] Ff. surely, Surely Q.

[1324] worst. Let] Ff. worst let Q. wound. Let Hanmer.

go.] F_3 F_4. goe. F_2. go, Q F_1.

[1325] nor] not Theobald. See note (IV).

[1326] ten] tenth Seymour conj. (withdrawn).

[1327] merit's] Ff. merits Q.

[1328] Weigh] Ff. Way Q.

[1329] as] is F_4.

father] Ff. fathers Q.

[1330] past] vast Rowe.

past proportion] past-proportion Johnson. part-proportion Anon. conj.

[1331] waist] waste Q F_1 F_2. wast F_3 F_4.

[1332] godly] Ff. Godly Q. goodly Capell conj.

[1333] at] Ff. of Q.

[1334] are so empty ... father] Q F_1. are empty ... father F_2 F_3 F_4. 're empty ... father Priam Pope.

[1335] reasons] Ff. reason Q.

[1336] tells] tell Q.

[1337] gloves] gloze Becket conj.

reason] reasons Rowe (ed. 2).

[1338] And ... Jove, Or ... reason,] As in Q. These lines are inverted in Ff.

[1339] Let's] Ff. Sets Q.

[1340] have hearts] Q. hard hearts Ff.

[1341] Make] Q. Makes Ff.

livers] F_1. lyvers Q. lovers F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1342] Brother.... The holding] Arranged as by Theobald. Prose in Q. Two lines, the first ending worth, in Ff.

[1343] holding] Ff. keeping Q.

What's] What is Theobald.

[1344] his] its Pope.

[1345] mad] madde Q. made Ff. rank Long MS.

[1346] god] gods Pope.

[1347] attributive] Q. inclineable Ff.

[1348] affected] affected's Hanmer.

[1349] by] in Rowe.

[1350] shores] shore Q.

[1351] avoid, ... chose?] avoid ... chose? Rowe. auoide?... choose, Q. avoyde ... chose, Ff.

[1352] chose] choose Q. chuse Pope.

[1353] soil'd] soild Q. spoyl'd Ff.

[1354] in] in the Keightley.

sieve] Johnson. siue Q. same F_1. place F_2 F_3 F_4. sink Delius conj. safe Anon. conj.

[1355] are] ate F_2.

[1356] of] Ff. with Q.

[1357] Apollo's] Apollo Lettsom conj.

stale] Ff. pale Q.

[1358] he] be Q.

noble] Ff. worthy Q.

[1359] rate] rate thus Keightley.

[1360] Fortune never] Ff. never fortune Q.

did] bid Becket conj.

[1361] That ... what] What ... that Hanmer. That ... that Grant White.

[1362] But] Base Hanmer.

[1363] That in] Who in Pope. What in Hanmer.

[1364] SCENE IV. Pope.

[1365] Cas. [Within] Theobald.

[1366] Enter ...] Enter Cassandra, raving. Q (after line 96). Enter Cassandra with her haire about her eares. Ff (after line 96). Theobald first removed the stage direction from line 96 to 100.

[1367] SCENE IV. Hanmer.

[1368] eld] Collier (Theobald conj.) elders Q. old Ff.

[1369] canst] Q. can Ff.

[1370] clamours] Q. clamour Ff.

[1371] youthful] youth Pope (ed. 2).

these] the Rowe.

[1372] We may] May we Heath conj.

[1373] touch'd] touched Nicholson conj.

[1374] convince] conceive Becket conj.

[1375] my ... counsels] your counsels, as my undertakings Hanmer.

[1376] But] For Hanmer.

[1377] pass] poise Collier MS.

the] these Anon. conj.

[1378] footing in] Q F_1. foot in F_2 F_3 F_4. foot within Rowe.

[1379] There's] Q F_1 F_4. There F_2 F_3.

[1380] nor] om. Pope.

[1381] And] But Theobald.

[1382] glozed, but] glozd, but Q. gloz'd, but Ff. gloss'd, but Rowe. glos'd but Theobald. gloss'd but Hanmer.

[1383] Aristotle thought] graver sages think Rowe, followed by Pope.

[1384] adders] adders' Anon. conj.

[1385] well-order'd] well-orderd Q. well-ordred F_1 F_2. well-ordered F_3 F_4.

[1386] refractory] refracturie Q F_1.

[1387] nations] Q. nation Ff.

[1388] design] designs Rowe (ed. 2).

[1389] strike] shrike Q.

[1390] Whilst ... crept] Omitted by Pope.

[1391] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE II. Rowe. SCENE V. Pope.

The Grecian camp.] Rowe.

Before the tent of Achilles.] Theobald.

[1392] How now] Q F_1. Now now F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1393] enginer] F_1 F_2. inginer Q. enginier F_3. engineer F_4.

[1394] ye] yee Q. thou Ff.

[1395] short-armed] short-aimed Singer (Dyce).

[1396] their] Q. the Ff.

irons] iron Capell. irons out Keightley.

[1397] Neapolitan] Neopolitan Q. om. Ff.

[1398] dependant] Ff. depending Q.

[1399] Enter Patroclus.] Ff. om. Q.

[1400] Patr.] Patr. [within. Anon. conj.

[1401] ha'] a Q. have Ff.

counterfeit] counter Rowe.

[1402] wouldst] Ff. couldst Q.

[1403] art] Ff. art not Q.

[1404] Amen.] Amen. Enter Patroclus. Anon. conj.

[1405] in prayer] Q. in a prayer Ff.

[1406] Patr. Amen.] Q. Omitted in Ff.

[1407] Where, where?] Where, where, Ff. Where? where? O where? Q.

[1408] in to] Capell. into Q Ff. up to Rowe.

[1409] thyself] Ff. Thersites Q.

[1410] mayst] maist Ff. must Q.

[1411] Patr. You rascal!... fool.] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1412] of Agamemnon] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1413] Patroclus] Ff. this Patroclus Q.

[1414] of the prover] Q. to the creator Ff. to thy creator Rowe (ed. 2). of thy creator Capell.

[1415] SCENE VI. Pope.

[1416] Patroclus] Ff. Come Patroclus Q. Come:—Patroclus Edd. conj.

[1417] [Exit.] Ff. om. Q.

[1418] a cuckold and a whore] Ff. a whore, and a cuckold Q.

[1419] emulous] Q. emulations F_1 F_2. emulatious F_3 F_4.

[1420] Now ... all!] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1421] serpigo] F_4. suppeago F_1. sarpego F_2. serpego F_3.

[1422] [Exit.] Theobald. om. Q Ff.

Enter ... and Ajax.] Capell, after line 63: transferred by Dyce. Enter ... Diomed, Aiax & Calcas. Q. Enter ... Ajax, and Chalcas. Ff (after line 63).

[1423] He shent our] Theobald. He sate, our Q. He sent our Ff. He sent us Hanmer. We sent our Collier (Theobald conj.) He sent back Keightley. See note (V).

[1424] appertainment] Ff. appertainings Q.

[1425] told so, lest] told so, least Q. told of, so F_1. told of, least F_2. told of, lest F_3 F_4. told, if so Collier conj. (withdrawn).

[1426] say so] so say Ff.

[Exit.] Rowe (ed. 2). om. Q Ff.

[1427] proud] Q F_1. a proud F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1428] you will] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. will F_1.

[1429] the cause] Ff. a cause Q.

[1430] A word, my lord.] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[1431] [Takes ...] Malone. Drawing Agamemnon apart. Capell. To Agamemnon. Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[1432] their] this Rowe (ed. 2).

[1433] composure] Q. counsell that Ff.

[1434] knits not,] knits, not F_1.

[1435] Re-enter ...] Enter ... Ff. om. Q.

[1436] SCENE VII. Pope.

[1437] him.] Q. him? Ff.

[1438] The ... flexure] As prose first by Malone. As two lines in Q Ff, the first ending courtesie.

[1439] legs are] Q F_3 F_4. legge are F_1. legges are F_2.

are ... for flexure] Q. are ... for flight Ff. are for necessity, not flexure Pope. are for necessity, not for flexure Capell.

[1440] upon] on Pope.

[1441] breath] breathing Capell conj.

Hear] F_3 F_4. Heare F_1 F_2. Heere Q.

[1442] wing'd] F_2 F_3 F_4. winged Q F_1.

[1443] all] om. Pope.

[1444] on] Q. of Ff.

beheld] upheld Mason conj.

[1445] Yea,] Q. Yea, and F_1. And F_2 F_3 F_4.

unwholesome] unholsome Q F_2. unholdsome F_1. unwholsome F_3. unwholsom F_4.

[1446] come] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. came F_1.

and] om. Pope.

[1447] And under-honest ... worthier] In self-assumption greater than in note Of judgment: say, men worthier Pope.

[1448] in the] om. Steevens conj.

and worthier] Tell him this; And add, besides, that worthier S. Walker conj.

[1449] tend] Q. tends Ff. shend Becket conj.

[1450] on, Disguise the] Ff. on Disguise, the Q.

[1451] underwrite] under-write Q. under write Ff. under-goe Pope.

[1452] pettish lunes] Hanmer. pettish lines Ff. course, and time Q. course and times Pope.

his flows] F_3 F_4. his flowes F_1 F_2. and flowes Q.

as if] Ff. and if Q.

[1453] carriage of this action] Ff. streame of his commencement Q.

[1454] See note (VI).

[1455] cannot] can't Pope.

[1456] [Exit.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[1457] enter you] Ff. entertaine Q. enter Pope. enter to him Anon. conj.

[Exit Ulysses.] Ff. om. Q.

[1458] wise] wise too Capell, reading 137-155 as verse.

[1459] what pride is] Q. what it is Ff.

[1460] mind is] mind's Capell.

the clearer] clearer Rowe.

Ajax] om. Q.

[1461] that is] that's Capell.

[1462] whatever] whate'er Capell.

in the] i' the Capell.

[1463] SCENE VIII. Pope.

as I hate] Ff. as I do hate Q.

[1464] [Aside] Capell.

Yet] Ff. And yet Q.

is't] is it Capell.

Re-enter Ulysses.] Capell. Enter Ulysses. Q Ff, after line 152.

[1465] will peculiar] will-peculiar Warburton.

[1466] request's] Pope. requests Q Ff.

[1467] possess'd he is] he's possest. Pope.

[1468] worth] Q. wroth F_1 F_2. wrath F_3 F_4.

[1469] And batters.... He is] As one line S. Walker conj.

[1470] down himself] Q. gainst it selfe Ff. 'gainst himself Singer.

[1471] plaguy] om. Steevens conj.

of it] om. Hanmer.

[1472] led] Ff. lead Q.

[1473] seam] scum Mason conj.

[1474] do] F_3 F_4. doe F_1 F_2. doth Q.

[1475] he] him Hanmer.

[1476] Must] Ff. Shall Q.

stale] Rowe. staule Q F_1 F_2. staul F_3 F_4.

[1477] As ... to Achilles] One line in Q Ff. See note (VII).

[1478] titled] Ff. liked Q.

Achilles is] Achilles' is Hanmer.

[1479] Marked by Keightley as an imperfect line.

fat-already pride] Capell. fat already pride Q F_3 F_4. fat already, pride F_1 F_2. fat, already, pride Rowe. pride, already fat Pope.

[1480] lord] Lord Q F_4. L. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[1481] [Aside] Johnson.

[1482] this] Ff. his Q.

[1483] If ... face] As prose in Q Ff. As verse first in Rowe (ed. 2).

[1484] pash] Ff. push Q.

[1485] An a' ... to him] Arranged as in Q. As prose in Ff.

[1486] An a'] An a Knight. And he Q. And a Ff. An he Pope.

pheeze] phese Q Ff.

[1487] Steevens reads as verse, ending the lines describes ... raven ... blood ... patient ... men ... fashion ... so ... carry it ... shares ... supple ... praises ... dry.

[1488] [Aside] First marked by Capell.

[1489] let] Ff. tell Q.

humours] Ff. humorous Q.

[1490] He will be the] He'll be Steevens (1793).

[1491] An] Hanmer. And Q Ff.

o'] Rowe (ed. 2). of Q. a Ff.

[1492] A' ... a'] A ... a Q Ff. He ... he Rowe (ed. 2).

[1493] An 'twould] Pope. And two'od Q. And 'twould Ff.

[1494] Ulyss. A' would ... warm: force....] Distributed as by Theobald. Ajax. A would ... warme? Nest. Force.... Q. Ulis. A would ... shares. Aia. I will ... warme. Nest. Force.... Ff.

[1495] A' would] A would Q Ff. He would Rowe (ed. 2). He'd Steevens.

[1496] I will ... I'll] I'll ... I will Capell.

[1497] through] thorough Capell, reading as verse.

[1498] praises] praiers Q.

pour in, pour in] poure in, poure Q.

[1499] [To Agamemnon] Capell. om. Q Ff.

lord] Lord Q F_4. L. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[1500] does] do's Q. doth Ff.

[1501] Here ... silent] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[1502] valiant.] Ff. valiant—Q.

[1503] shall palter] palters Pope (reading as verse).

thus with us] Ff. with us thus Q.

[1504] Would] I would Keightley.

[1505] Ajax] our Ajax Capell.

[1506] Ulyss.] Nest. Lettsom conj.

[1507] the heavens] heaven Anon. conj.

lord] Lord Q. L. Ff.

[1508] got] Ff. gat Q.

she] her Pope.

[1509] Famed] Fam'd Q. Fame Ff.

[1510] beyond, beyond all] Ff. beyond all thy Q. beyond all Steevens (1793). above all, thy Boswell conj.

[1511] thine] Q. thy Ff.

[1512] vigour] strength and vigour Hanmer. vigor, lord Capell. vigour, let Grant White (S. Walker conj.)

[1513] I will] I'll Pope.

[1514] bourn] F_3 F_4. bourne F_1 F_2. boord Q. borne Hanmer.

[1515] Thy] Ff. This Q.

[1516] antiquary times] antiquary, Time Anon. conj.

[1517] Ajax'] Hanmer. Ajax Ff.

[1518] be] Q F_1. he F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1519] Nest.] Q. Ulis. Ff.

[1520] thicket] thicker F_2.

great] Q. om. Ff.

[1521] his] Q F_1. this F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1522] to Troy] to succour Troy Steevens conj.

to-morrow] to-morrow, friends, Pope. to-morrow, sirs, Capell. to-morrow-morn Keightley.

[1523] cull] Ff. call Q.

[1524] council] F_4. counsell Q. counsaile F_1 F_2. counsel F_3.

[1525] sail] saile Q. may saile Ff.

hulks] hulkes Q. bulkes Ff.

ACT III.

SCENE I. Troy. A room in Priam's palace.

Enter PANDARUS and a Servant.[1526]

Pan. Friend, you, pray you, a word: do you not follow[1527]

the young Lord Paris?

Serv. Ay, sir, when he goes before me.[1528]

Pan. You depend upon him, I mean?[1529]

Serv. Sir, I do depend upon the Lord. 5

Pan. You depend upon a noble gentleman; I must[1530]

needs praise him.

Serv. The Lord be praised!

Pan. You know me, do you not?

Serv. Faith, sir, superficially. 10

Pan. Friend, know me better; I am the Lord Pandarus.

Serv. I hope I shall know your honour better.

Pan. I do desire it.

Serv. You are in the state of grace.[1531]

Pan. Grace! not so, friend; honour and lordship are 15

my titles. [Music within.] What music is this?[1532]

Serv. I do but partly know, sir: it is music in parts.[1533]

Pan. Know you the musicians?

Serv. Wholly, sir.

Pan. Who play they to? 20

Serv. To the hearers, sir.

Pan. At whose pleasure, friend?

Serv. At mine, sir, and theirs that love music.

Pan. Command, I mean, friend.[1534]

Serv. Who shall I command, sir? 25

Pan. Friend, we understand not one another: I am

too courtly, and thou art too cunning. At whose request[1535]

do these men play?

Serv. That's to't, indeed, sir: marry, sir, at the request

of Paris my lord, who is there in person; with him, the[1536] 30

mortal Venus, the heart-blood of beauty, love's invisible[1537]

soul.[1538]

Pan. Who, my cousin Cressida?

Serv. No, sir, Helen: could not you find out that by[1539]

her attributes? 35

Pan. It should seem, fellow, that thou hast not seen[1540]

the Lady Cressida. I come to speak with Paris from the[1541]

Prince Troilus: I will make a complimental assault upon

him, for my business seethes.

Serv. Sodden business! there's a stewed phrase indeed![1542] 40

Enter PARIS and HELEN, attended.[1543]

Pan. Fair be to you, my lord, and to all this fair company!

fair desires, in all fair measure, fairly guide them!

especially to you, fair queen! fair thoughts be your fair

pillow!

Helen. Dear lord, you are full of fair words.[1544] 45

Pan. You speak your fair pleasure, sweet queen. Fair

prince, here is good broken music.

Par. You have broke it, cousin: and, by my life, you[1545]

shall make it whole again; you shall piece it out with a

piece of your performance. Nell, he is full of harmony.[1546] 50

Pan. Truly, lady, no.

Helen. O, sir,—

Pan. Rude, in sooth; in good sooth, very rude.

Par. Well said, my lord! well, you say so in fits.[1547]

Pan. I have business to my lord, dear queen. My 55

lord, will you vouchsafe me a word?

Helen. Nay, this shall not hedge us out: we'll hear[1548]

you sing, certainly.

Pan. Well, sweet queen, you are pleasant with me.

But, marry, thus, my lord: my dear lord, and most esteemed 60

friend, your brother Troilus—

Helen. My Lord Pandarus; honey-sweet lord,—

Pan. Go to, sweet queen, go to:—commends himself[1549]

most affectionately to you—[1549]

Helen. You shall not bob us out of our melody: if you[1550] 65

do, our melancholy upon your head![1550]

Pan. Sweet queen, sweet queen; that's a sweet queen,

i' faith.[1551]

Helen. And to make a sweet lady sad is a sour offence.[1552]

Pan. Nay, that shall not serve your turn; that shall it[1553] 70

not, in truth, la. Nay, I care not for such words; no, no.[1553]

And, my lord, he desires you, that if the king call for him[1553]

at supper, you will make his excuse.[1553][1554]

Helen. My Lord Pandarus,—

Pan. What says my sweet queen, my very very sweet[1555] 75

queen?

Par. What exploit's in hand? where sups he to-night?[1556]

Helen. Nay, but, my lord,—

Pan. What says my sweet queen? My cousin will[1557][1558]

fall out with you. You must not know where he sups.[1557][1558][1559] 80

Par. I'll lay my life, with my disposer Cressida.[1557][1560][1561]

Pan. No, no, no such matter; you are wide: come,

your disposer is sick.[1561]

Par. Well, I'll make excuse.[1562]

Pan. Ay, good my lord. Why should you say Cressida? 85

no, your poor disposer's sick.[1561][1563]

Par. I spy.[1564]

Pan. You spy! what do you spy? Come, give me an

instrument. Now, sweet queen.[1565]

Helen. Why, this is kindly done.[1566] 90

Pan. My niece is horribly in love with a thing you[1567]

have, sweet queen.

Helen. She shall have it, my lord, if it be not my lord

Paris.

Pan. He! no, she'll none of him; they two are twain.[1568] 95

Helen. Falling in, after falling out, may make them three.

Pan. Come, come, I'll hear no more of this; I'll sing

you a song now.

Helen. Ay, ay, prithee now. By my troth, sweet lord,[1569]

thou hast a fine forehead. 100

Pan. Ay, you may, you may.[1570]

Helen. Let thy song be love: this love will undo us all.

O Cupid, Cupid, Cupid!

Pan. Love! ay, that it shall, i'faith.

Par. Ay, good now, love, love, nothing but love. 105

Pan. In good troth, it begins so.      [Sings.[1571]

Love, love, nothing but love, still more![1572]

For, O, love's bow[1573]

Shoots buck and doe:[1573][1574]

The shaft confounds,[1575][1576] 110

Not that it wounds,[1575]

But tickles still the sore.

These lovers cry Oh! oh! they die:[1577]

Yet that which seems the wound to kill,[1578]

Doth turn oh! oh! to ha! ha! he![1577][1579] 115

So dying love lives still:

Oh! oh! a while, but ha! ha! ha![1577]

Oh! oh! groans out for ha! ha! ha![1577]

Heigh-ho![1580]

Helen. In love, i'faith, to the very tip of the nose. 120

Par. He eats nothing but doves, love, and that breeds[1581]

hot blood and hot blood begets hot thoughts and hot

thoughts beget hot deeds and hot deeds is love.[1582]

Pan. Is this the generation of love? hot blood, hot[1583]

thoughts and hot deeds? Why, they are vipers: is love a[1583][1584] 125

generation of vipers? Sweet lord, who's afield to-day?[1583][1585]

Par. Hector, Deiphobus, Helenus, Antenor, and all

the gallantry of Troy: I would fain have armed to-day, but[1586]

my Nell would not have it so. How chance my brother

Troilus went not? 130

Helen. He hangs the lip at something: you know all,

Lord Pandarus.

Pan. Not I, honey-sweet queen. I long to hear how

they sped to-day. You'll remember your brother's excuse?

Par. To a hair. 135

Pan. Farewell, sweet queen.

Helen. Commend me to your niece.

Pan. I will, sweet queen.      [Exit.

[A retreat sounded.[1587]

Par. They're come from field: let us to Priam's hall,[1588]

To greet the warriors. Sweet Helen, I must woo you 140

To help unarm our Hector: his stubborn buckles,

With these your white enchanting fingers touch'd,[1589]

Shall more obey than to the edge of steel

Or force of Greekish sinews; you shall do more

Than all the island kings,—disarm great Hector. 145

Helen. 'Twill make us proud to be his servant, Paris;[1590]

Yea, what he shall receive of us in duty

Gives us more palm in beauty than we have,

Yea, overshines ourself.

Par. Sweet, above thought I love thee.      [Exeunt.[1591] 150

SCENE II. An orchard to Pandarus' house.

Enter PANDARUS and TROILUS' Boy, meeting.[1592]

Pan. How now! where's thy master? at my cousin[1593]

Cressida's?

Boy. No, sir; he stays for you to conduct him thither.[1594]

Pan. O, here he comes.

Enter TROILUS.

How now, how now! 5

Tro. Sirrah, walk off.      [Exit Boy.[1595]

Pan. Have you seen my cousin?

Tro. No, Pandarus: I stalk about her door,

Like a strange soul upon the Stygian banks[1596]

Staying for waftage. O, be thou my Charon, 10

And give me swift transportance to those fields[1597]

Where I may wallow in the lily-beds

Proposed for the deserver! O gentle Pandarus,[1598]

From Cupid's shoulder pluck his painted wings,

And fly with me to Cressid! 15

Pan. Walk here i' the orchard, I'll bring her straight.

[Exit.[1599]

Tro. I am giddy; expectation whirls me round.[1600]

The imaginary relish is so sweet

That it enchants my sense: what will it be,[1601]

When that the watery palates taste indeed[1602] 20

Love's thrice repured nectar? death, I fear me,[1603]

Swounding destruction, or some joy too fine,[1604]

Too subtle-potent, tuned too sharp in sweetness,[1605]

For the capacity of my ruder powers:[1606]

I fear it much, and I do fear besides 25

That I shall lose distinction in my joys,

As doth a battle, when they charge on heaps

The enemy flying.

Re-enter PANDARUS.[1607]

Pan. She's making her ready, she'll come straight:

you must be witty now. She does so blush, and fetches 30

her wind so short, as if she were frayed with a sprite: I'll[1608]

fetch her. It is the prettiest villain: she fetches her breath[1609]

as short as a new-ta'en sparrow.      [Exit.[1610]

Tro. Even such a passion doth embrace my bosom:

My heart beats thicker than a feverous pulse; 35

And all my powers do their bestowing lose,

Like vassalage at unawares encountering[1611]

The eye of majesty.

Re-enter PANDARUS with CRESSIDA.[1612]

Pan. Come, come, what need you blush? shame's a[1613]

baby. Here she is now: swear the oaths now to her that 40

you have sworn to me. What, are you gone again? you

must be watched ere you be made tame, must you? Come

your ways, come your ways; an you draw backward, we'll[1614]

put you i' the fills. Why do you not speak to her? Come,[1615]

draw this curtain, and let's see your picture. Alas the day,[1616] 45

how loath you are to offend daylight! an 'twere dark, you'ld

close sooner. So, so; rub on, and kiss the mistress. How

now! a kiss in fee-farm! build there, carpenter; the air is

sweet. Nay, you shall fight your hearts out ere I part you.

The falcon as the tercel, for all the ducks i' the river: go[1617] 50

to, go to.

Tro. You have bereft me of all words, lady.

Pan. Words pay no debts, give her deeds: but she'll

bereave you o' the deeds too, if she call your activity in[1618]

question. What, billing again? Here's 'In witness whereof[1619] 55

the parties interchangeably'—Come in, come in: I'll go get[1619]

a fire.      [Exit.[1620]

Cres. Will you walk in, my lord?

Tro. O Cressida, how often have I wished me thus![1621]

Cres. Wished, my lord?—The gods grant—O my lord![1622] 60

Tro. What should they grant? what makes this pretty

abruption? What too curious dreg espies my sweet lady[1623]

in the fountain of our love?

Cres. More dregs than water, if my fears have eyes.[1624]

Tro. Fears make devils of cherubins; they never see truly.[1625] 65

Cres. Blind fear, that seeing reason leads, finds safer[1626]

footing than blind reason stumbling without fear: to fear

the worst oft cures the worse.[1627]

Tro. O, let my lady apprehend no fear: in all Cupid's[1628]

pageant there is presented no monster.[1628] 70

Cres. Nor nothing monstrous neither?[1629]

Tro. Nothing, but our undertakings; when we vow to[1630]

weep seas, live in fire, eat rocks, tame tigers; thinking it

harder for our mistress to devise imposition enough than

for us to undergo any difficulty imposed. This is the monstruosity[1631] 75

in love, lady, that the will is infinite and the

execution confined, that the desire is boundless and the

act a slave to limit.

Cres. They say, all lovers swear more performance than

they are able, and yet reserve an ability that they never 80

perform, vowing more than the perfection of ten and discharging

less than the tenth part of one. They that have the

voice of lions and the act of hares, are they not monsters?

Tro. Are there such? such are not we: praise us as we

are tasted, allow us as we prove; our head shall go bare till 85

merit crown it: no perfection in reversion shall have a praise[1632]

in present: we will not name desert before his birth, and,

being born, his addition shall be humble. Few words to

fair faith: Troilus shall be such to Cressid as what envy

can say worst shall be a mock for his truth, and what[1633] 90

truth can speak truest, not truer than Troilus.

Cres. Will you walk in, my lord?

Re-enter PANDARUS.[1634]

Pan. What, blushing still? have you not done talking[1635]

yet?

Cres. Well, uncle, what folly I commit, I dedicate to 95

you.

Pan. I thank you for that: if my lord get a boy of you,

you'll give him me. Be true to my lord: if he flinch, chide

me for it.

Tro. You know now your hostages; your uncle's word 100

and my firm faith.

Pan. Nay, I 'll give my word for her too: our kindred,

though they be long ere they are wooed, they are constant[1636]

being won: they are burs, I can tell you; they'll stick

where they are thrown. 105

Cres. Boldness comes to me now, and brings me heart.[1637]

Prince Troilus, I have loved you night and day[1637]

For many weary months.[1637]

Tro. Why was my Cressid then so hard to win?

Cres. Hard to seem won: but I was won, my lord, 110

With the first glance that ever—pardon me;[1638]

If I confess much, you will play the tyrant.

I love you now; but not, till now, so much[1639]

But I might master it: in faith, I lie;

My thoughts were like unbridled children, grown[1640] 115

Too headstrong for their mother. See, we fools!

Why have I blabb'd? who shall be true to us,

When we are so unsecret to ourselves?

But, though I loved you well, I woo'd you not;

And yet, good faith, I wish'd myself a man, 120

Or that we women had men's privilege[1641]

Of speaking first. Sweet, bid me hold my tongue;

For in this rapture I shall surely speak

The thing I shall repent. See, see, your silence,[1642]

Cunning in dumbness, from my weakness draws[1643] 125

My very soul of counsel! Stop my mouth.[1644]

Tro. And shall, albeit sweet music issues thence.[1645]

Pan. Pretty, i' faith.

Cres. My lord, I do beseech you, pardon me;

'Twas not my purpose thus to beg a kiss: 130

I am ashamed; O heavens! what have I done?

For this time will I take my leave, my lord.

Tro. Your leave, sweet Cressid?[1646]

Pan. Leave! an you take leave till to-morrow morning—[1647]

Cres. Pray you, content you.[1648] 135

Tro. What offends you, lady?[1648]

Cres. Sir, mine own company.[1648]

Tro. You cannot shun yourself.[1648][1649]

Cres. Let me go and try:[1648][1650]

I have a kind of self resides with you,[1651] 140

But an unkind self that itself will leave

To be another's fool. I would be gone:[1652]

Where is my wit? I know not what I speak.[1652]

Tro. Well know they what they speak that speak so wisely.[1653]

Cres. Perchance, my lord, I show more craft than love,[1654] 145

And fell so roundly to a large confession

To angle for your thoughts: but you are wise;[1655]

Or else you love not, for to be wise and love[1655][1656]

Exceeds man's might; that dwells with gods above.[1657]

Tro. O that I thought it could be in a woman— 150

As, if it can, I will presume in you—[1658]

To feed for aye her lamp and flames of love;[1659]

To keep her constancy in plight and youth,

Outliving beauty's outward, with a mind[1660]

That doth renew swifter than blood decays! 155

Or that persuasion could but thus convince me,[1661]

That my integrity and truth to you

Might be affronted with the match and weight

Of such a winnowed purity in love;[1662]

How were I then uplifted! but, alas! 160

I am as true as truth's simplicity

And simpler than the infancy of truth.

Cres. In that I'll war with you.

Tro. O virtuous fight,

When right with right wars who shall be most right![1663]

True swains in love shall in the world to come[1664] 165

Approve their truths by Troilus: when their rhymes,[1665]

Full of protest, of oath and big compare,

Want similes, truth tired with iteration,[1666]

'As true as steel, as plantage to the moon,[1667]

As sun to day, as turtle to her mate, 170

As iron to adamant, as earth to the centre,'

Yet, after all comparisons of truth,[1668]

As truth's authentic author to be cited,[1669]

'As true as Troilus' shall crown up the verse[1670]

And sanctify the numbers.

Cres. Prophet may you be! 175

If I be false, or swerve a hair from truth,

When time is old and hath forgot itself,[1671]

When waterdrops have worn the stones of Troy,

And blind oblivion swallow'd cities up,

And mighty states characterless are grated 180

To dusty nothing, yet let memory,

From false to false, among false maids in love,

Upbraid my falsehood! when they've said 'as false[1672]

As air, as water, wind, or sandy earth,[1673]

As fox to lamb, or wolf to heifer's calf,[1674] 185

Pard to the hind, or stepdame to her son,'

'Yea,' let them say, to stick the heart of falsehood,

'As false as Cressid.'

Pan. Go to, a bargain made: seal it, seal it; I'll be the

witness. Here I hold your hand; here my cousin's. If ever[1675] 190

you prove false one to another, since I have taken such pains[1676]

to bring you together, let all pitiful goers-between be called

to the world's end after my name; call them all Pandars;

let all constant men be Troiluses, all false women Cressids,[1677]

and all brokers-between Pandars! Say 'amen.' 195

Tro. Amen.

Cres. Amen.

Pan. Amen. Whereupon I will show you a chamber[1678]

with a bed; which bed, because it shall not speak of your[1678]

pretty encounters, press it to death: away![1679] 200

[Exeunt Tro. and Cres.

And Cupid grant all tongue-tied maidens here

Bed, chamber, Pandar to provide this gear!

[Exit.[1680]

SCENE III. The Grecian camp.

Flourish. Enter AGAMEMNON, ULYSSES, DIOMEDES, NESTOR, AJAX, MENELAUS, and CALCHAS.[1681]

Cal. Now, princes, for the service I have done you,[1682]

The advantage of the time prompts me aloud

To call for recompense. Appear it to your mind[1683]

That, through the sight I bear in things to love,[1684]

I have abandon'd Troy, left my possession,[1685] 5

Incurr'd a traitor's name; exposed myself,

From certain and possess'd conveniences,

To doubtful fortunes; sequestering from me all[1686]

That time, acquaintance, custom and condition

Made tame and most familiar to my nature, 10

And here, to do you service, am become

As new into the world, strange, unacquainted:[1687]

I do beseech you, as in way of taste,

To give me now a little benefit,

Out of those many register'd in promise, 15

Which, you say, live to come in my behalf.

Agam. What wouldst thou of us, Trojan? make demand.

Cal. You have a Trojan prisoner, call'd Antenor,

Yesterday took: Troy holds him very dear.

Oft have you—often have you thanks therefore— 20

Desired my Cressid in right great exchange,

Whom Troy hath still denied: but this Antenor,

I know, is such a wrest in their affairs[1688]

That their negotiations all must slack,

Wanting his manage; and they will almost[1689] 25

Give us a prince of blood, a son of Priam,[1690]

In change of him: let him be sent, great princes,

And he shall buy my daughter; and her presence

Shall quite strike off all service I have done,

In most accepted pain.

Agam. Let Diomedes bear him,[1691] 30

And bring us Cressid hither: Calchas shall have

What he requests of us. Good Diomed,

Furnish you fairly for this interchange:

Withal, bring word if Hector will to-morrow[1692]

Be answer'd in his challenge: Ajax is ready. 35

Dio. This shall I undertake; and 'tis a burthen

Which I am proud to bear.      [Exeunt Diomedes and Calchas.

Enter ACHILLES and PATROCLUS, before their tent.[1693]

Ulyss. Achilles stands i' the entrance of his tent:

Please it our general pass strangely by him,[1694]

As if he were forgot; and, princes all, 40

Lay negligent and loose regard upon him:

I will come last. 'Tis like he'll question me

Why such unplausive eyes are bent on him:[1695]

If so, I have derision medicinable,[1696]

To use between your strangeness and his pride,[1697] 45

Which his own will shall have desire to drink.

It may do good: pride hath no other glass

To show itself but pride, for supple knees

Feed arrogance and are the proud man's fees.

Agam. We'll execute your purpose and put on 50

A form of strangeness as we pass along;

So do each lord, and either greet him not

Or else disdainfully, which shall shake him more

Than if not look'd on. I will lead the way.

Achil. What, comes the general to speak with me? 55

You know my mind; I'll fight no more 'gainst Troy.

Agam. What says Achilles? would he aught with us?

Nest. Would you, my lord, aught with the general?

Achil. No.

Nest. Nothing, my lord. 60

Agam. The better.      [Exeunt Agamemnon and Nestor.[1698]

Achil. Good day, good day.

Men. How do you? how do you?      [Exit.[1699]

Achil. What, does the cuckold scorn me?

Ajax. How now, Patroclus! 65

Achil. Good morrow, Ajax.

Ajax. Ha?[1700]

Achil. Good morrow.[1701]

Ajax. Ay, and good next day too.      [Exit.[1702]

Achil. What mean these fellows? Know they not Achilles?[1703] 70

Patr. They pass by strangely: they were used to bend,[1704]

To send their smiles before them to Achilles,

To come as humbly as they used to creep[1705][1706]

To holy altars.[1705]

Achil. What, am I poor of late?

'Tis certain, greatness, once fall'n out with fortune, 75

Must fall out with men too: what the declined is,

He shall as soon read in the eyes of others

As feel in his own fall: for men, like butterflies,

Show not their mealy wings but to the summer,

And not a man, for being simply man,[1707] 80

Hath any honour, but honour for those honours[1708]

That are without him, as place, riches, and favour,[1709]

Prizes of accident as oft as merit:

Which when they fall, as being slippery standers,

The love that lean'd on them as slippery too,[1710] 85

Do one pluck down another and together[1711][1712]

Die in the fall. But 'tis not so with me:[1712]

Fortune and I are friends: I do enjoy

At ample point all that I did possess,

Save these men's looks; who do, methinks, find out 90

Something not worth in me such rich beholding[1713]

As they have often given. Here is Ulysses:

I'll interrupt his reading.[1714]

How now, Ulysses![1714]

Ulyss. Now, great Thetis' son![1715]

Achil. What are you reading?

Ulyss. A strange fellow here 95

Writes me: 'That man, how dearly ever parted,

How much in having, or without or in,

Cannot make boast to have that which he hath,

Nor feels not what he owes, but by reflection;

As when his virtues shining upon others[1716] 100

Heat them, and they retort that heat again

To the first giver.'[1717]

Achil. This is not strange, Ulysses.

The beauty that is borne here in the face[1718]

The bearer knows not, but commends itself[1719]

To others' eyes: nor doth the eye itself,[1720] 105

That most pure spirit of sense, behold itself,[1720]

Not going from itself; but eye to eye opposed[1721]

Salutes each other with each other's form:[1722]

For speculation turns not to itself,

Till it hath travell'd and is married there[1723] 110

Where it may see itself. This is not strange at all.[1724]

Ulyss. I do not strain at the position—[1725]

It is familiar—but at the author's drift;[1726]

Who in his circumstance expressly proves

That no man is the lord of any thing,[1727] 115

Though in and of him there be much consisting,[1728]

Till he communicate his parts to others;

Nor doth he of himself know them for aught

Till he behold them formed in the applause[1729]

Where they're extended; who, like an arch, reverberates[1730] 120

The voice again; or, like a gate of steel

Fronting the sun, receives and renders back

His figure and his heat. I was much rapt in this;[1731]

And apprehended here immediately[1731][1732]

The unknown Ajax.[1731][1733] 125

Heavens, what a man is there! a very horse;[1731][1733]

That has he knows not what. Nature, what things there are,[1731][1733][1734]

Most abject in regard and dear in use![1731][1733][1735]

What things again most dear in the esteem[1733]

And poor in worth! Now shall we see to-morrow—[1733][1736] 130

An act that very chance doth throw upon him—[1733][1736][1737]

Ajax renown'd. O heavens, what some men do,[1733][1736][1738]

While some men leave to do![1733][1739]

How some men creep in skittish fortune's hall,[1739][1740]

While others play the idiots in her eyes![1739] 135

How one man eats into another's pride,

While pride is fasting in his wantonness![1741]

To see these Grecian lords! Why, even already

They clap the lubber Ajax on the shoulder,

As if his foot were on brave Hector's breast[1742] 140

And great Troy shrieking.[1743]

Achil. I do believe it; for they pass'd by me[1744][1745]

As misers do by beggars, neither gave to me[1744]

Good word nor look: what, are my deeds forgot?[1744][1746]

Ulyss. Time hath, my lord, a wallet at his back 145

Wherein he puts alms for oblivion,

A great-sized monster of ingratitudes:[1747]

Those scraps are good deeds past, which are devour'd[1748]

As fast as they are made, forgot as soon[1748]

As done: perseverance, dear my lord,[1748][1749][1750] 150

Keeps honour bright: to have done, is to hang[1749]

Quite out of fashion, like a rusty mail[1751]

In monumental mockery. Take the instant way;[1752]

For honour travels in a strait so narrow,

Where one but goes abreast: keep then the path;[1753] 155

For emulation hath a thousand sons

That one by one pursue: if you give way,

Or hedge aside from the direct forthright,[1754]

Like to an enter'd tide they all rush by

And leave you hindmost:[1755][1756][1757] 160

Or, like a gallant horse fall'n in first rank,[1755][1756][1757][1758]

Lie there for pavement to the abject rear,[1755][1756][1759][1760][1761]

O'er-run and trampled on: then what they do in present,[1755][1756][1760]

Though less than yours in past, must o'ertop yours;[1755][1762]

For time is like a fashionable host[1755] 165

That slightly shakes his parting guest by the hand,[1755]

And with his arms outstretch'd, as he would fly,[1755][1763]

Grasps in the comer: welcome ever smiles,[1755][1764]

And farewell goes out sighing. O, let not virtue seek[1755][1765][1766]

Remuneration for the thing it was;[1755][1766][1767] 170

For beauty, wit,[1755][1767]

High birth, vigour of bone, desert in service,[1755][1768]

Love, friendship, charity, are subjects all[1755][1769]

To envious and calumniating time.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin; 175

That all with one consent praise new-born gawds,

Though they are made and moulded of things past,

And give to dust that is a little gilt[1770][1771]

More laud than gilt o'er-dusted.[1770][1772]

The present eye praises the present object: 180

Then marvel not, thou great and complete man,

That all the Greeks begin to worship Ajax;[1773]

Since things in motion sooner catch the eye[1774]

Than what not stirs. The cry went once on thee,[1775]

And still it might, and yet it may again, 185

If thou wouldst not entomb thyself alive

And case thy reputation in thy tent,

Whose glorious deeds, but in these fields of late,

Made emulous missions 'mongst the gods themselves,[1776]

And drave great Mars to faction.

Achil. Of this my privacy[1777] 190

I have strong reasons.

Ulyss. But 'gainst your privacy[1778]

The reasons are more potent and heroical:

'Tis known, Achilles, that you are in love

With one of Priam's daughters.

Achil. Ha! known?[1779]

Ulyss. Is that a wonder? 195

The providence that's in a watchful state

Knows almost every grain of Plutus' gold,[1780]

Finds bottom in the uncomprehensive deeps,[1781]

Keeps place with thought and almost like the gods[1782][1783]

Does thoughts unveil in their dumb cradles.[1782][1784] 200

There is a mystery, with whom relation[1785]

Durst never meddle, in the soul of state;

Which hath an operation more divine

Than breath or pen can give expressure to:[1786]

All the commerce that you have had with Troy 205

As perfectly is ours as yours, my lord;

And better would it fit Achilles much

To throw down Hector than Polyxena:

But it must grieve young Pyrrhus now at home,

When fame shall in our islands sound her trump;[1787] 210

And all the Greekish girls shall tripping sing

'Great Hector's sister did Achilles win,

But our great Ajax bravely beat down him.'[1788]

Farewell, my lord: I as your lover speak;

The fool slides o'er the ice that you should break.      [Exit.[1789]215

Patr. To this effect, Achilles, have I moved you:[1790]

A woman impudent and mannish grown

Is not more loathed than an effeminate man

In time of action. I stand condemn'd for this;[1791]

They think my little stomach to the war 220

And your great love to me restrains you thus:

Sweet, rouse yourself, and the weak wanton Cupid[1792]

Shall from your neck unloose his amorous fold,[1793]

And, like a dew-drop from the lion's mane,[1794]

Be shook to air.[1795]

Achil. Shall Ajax fight with Hector? 225

Patr. Ay, and perhaps receive much honour by him.

Achil. I see my reputation is at stake;

My fame is shrewdly gored.[1796]

Patr. O, then, beware;

Those wounds heal ill that men do give themselves:

Omission to do what is necessary 230

Seals a commission to a blank of danger;

And danger, like an ague, subtly taints

Even then when we sit idly in the sun.[1797]

Achil. Go call Thersites hither, sweet Patroclus:

I'll send the fool to Ajax and desire him 235

To invite the Trojan lords after the combat

To see us here unarm'd: I have a woman's longing,[1798]

An appetite that I am sick withal,

To see great Hector in his weeds of peace;[1799]

To talk with him, and to behold his visage, 240

Even to my full of view.—A labour saved!

Enter THERSITES.[1800]

Ther. A wonder![1801]

Achil. What?

Ther. Ajax goes up and down the field, asking for himself.

Achil. How so? 245

Ther. He must fight singly to-morrow with Hector,

and is so prophetically proud of an heroical cudgelling

that he raves in saying nothing.

Achil. How can that be?

Ther. Why, a' stalks up and down like a peacock,—a[1802] 250

stride and a stand: ruminates like an hostess that hath no

arithmetic but her brain to set down her reckoning: bites his

lip with a politic regard, as who should say 'There were wit

in this head, an 'twould out:' and so there is; but it lies as[1803]

coldly in him as fire in a flint, which will not show without 255

knocking. The man's undone for ever; for if Hector break

not his neck i' the combat, he'll break't himself in vainglory.[1804]

He knows not me: I said 'Good morrow, Ajax;'

and he replies 'Thanks, Agamemnon.' What think you of[1805]

this man, that takes me for the general? He's grown a very 260

land-fish, languageless, a monster. A plague of opinion! a

man may wear it on both sides, like a leather jerkin.

Achil. Thou must be my ambassador to him, Thersites.[1806]

Ther. Who, I? why, he'll answer nobody; he professes

not answering: speaking is for beggars; he wears his tongue 265

in's arms. I will put on his presence: let Patroclus make

demands to me, you shall see the pageant of Ajax.[1807]

Achil. To him, Patroclus: tell him I humbly desire

the valiant Ajax to invite the most valorous Hector to[1808]

come unarmed to my tent, and to procure safe-conduct for 270

his person of the magnanimous and most illustrious six-or-seven-times-honoured[1809]

captain-general of the Grecian army,[1810]

Agamemnon, et cetera. Do this.[1811]

Patr. Jove bless great Ajax!

Ther. Hum! 275

Patr. I come from the worthy Achilles,—

Ther. Ha!

Patr. Who most humbly desires you to invite Hector

to his tent,—

Ther. Hum! 280

Patr. And to procure safe-conduct from Agamemnon.

Ther. Agamemnon?

Patr. Ay, my lord.

Ther. Ha!

Patr. What say you to 't? 285

Ther. God be wi' you, with all my heart.[1812]

Patr. Your answer, sir.

Ther. If to-morrow be a fair day, by eleven of the[1813]

clock it will go one way or other: howsoever, he shall pay

for me ere he has me. 290

Patr. Your answer, sir.

Ther. Fare you well, with all my heart.[1814]

Achil. Why, but he is not in this tune, is he?

Ther. No, but he's out o' tune thus. What music will[1815][1816]

be in him when Hector has knocked out his brains, I know[1816] 295

not; but, I am sure, none, unless the fiddler Apollo get

his sinews to make catlings on.

Achil. Come, thou shalt bear a letter to him straight.

Ther. Let me bear another to his horse; for that's the[1817]

more capable creature. 300

Achil. My mind is troubled like a fountain stirr'd,

And I myself see not the bottom of it.

[Exeunt Achilles and Patroclus.[1818]

Ther. Would the fountain of your mind were clear

again, that I might water an ass at it! I had rather be a

tick in a sheep than such a valiant ignorance.      [Exit.[1819] 305

FOOTNOTES:

[1526] ACT III. SCENE I.] Rowe.

Troy.] Rowe.

A room ...] Capell. Paris's Apartments in the Palace. Theobald.

Enter ...] Ff. Enter Pandarus. Q.

[1527] you not] Q. not you Ff.

[1528] Serv.] Ser. Ff. Man. Q (and throughout the scene).

[1529] I mean?] Ff. I meane. Q.

[1530] noble] Ff. notable Q.

[1531] You are] Are you Hanmer.

grace.] Warburton. grace? Q Ff.

[1532] titles] Q F_3 F_4. title F_1 F_2.

[Music within.] Capell. Musicke sounds within. Ff (after Exeunt, at the end of the previous Act). Omitted in Q. Put at the beginning of this scene by Rowe (ed. 2).

[1533] but] om. Pope (ed. 2).

[1534] friend] om. Q.

[1535] too ... art too] Ff. to ... to Q.

[1536] who is] Q. who's Ff.

[1537] invisible] visible Hanmer. invincible Becket conj.

[1538] soul.] soul,—Edd. (Globe Ed.)

[1539] not you] Q. you not Ff.

[1540] that] Ff. om. Q.

[1541] Cressida] Ff. Cressid Q.

[1542] there's] Ff. theirs Q.

[1543] Enter Paris....] Theobald. Enter Paris and Hellen. Q. Enter ... Helena. Ff.

[1544] lord] Q F_4. L. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[1545] broke] Q F_1. broken F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1546] Nell, he] Nel, (in italics) he F_1 F_4. Nel. (in italics) he Q F_2 F_3. Hel. He Anon. conj.

[1547] in fits] in jest Heath conj. it fits Nares conj.

[1548] hear] heare Ff. here Q.

[1549] Go to ... you] As prose first by Capell. Two lines in Q Ff.

[1550] You shall ... head] As prose first by Hanmer. Two lines in Q Ff.

[1551] i' faith.] I faith— Q Ff.

[1552] And ... offence] Continued to Pandarus by Hanmer. Given to Paris by Capell.

[1553] Pan. Nay ... excuse.] Q Ff. Nay ... no, no— Pan. And ... excuse. Rowe. Hel. Nay ... no, no. Paris. And ... excuse. Capell.

[1554] supper, you] super. You Q.

his] Q F_1 F_4. this F_2 F_3.

[1555] queen, my] Queenem, y Q.

[1556] Par.] Pan. Steevens (1778).

where] were F_2.

[1557] Pan. What ... Cressida.] Pan. What ... queen? Par. [To Helen.] My ... you. Pan. [To Paris.] You ... sups. Helen. I'll ... deposer Cressida. Ritson conj.

[1558] My ... you.] Transposed by Capell to follow twain, line 95.

My ... sups.] Par. My ... you. Pan. You ... sups. Thirlby conj.

[1559] You ... sups.] Continued to Pandarus by Hanmer. Given to Helen in Q Ff. Hel. You must know ... sups. Johnson (1771).

[1560] Par.] Q F_1 F_3 F_4. Pan. F_2. Helen Rann (Steevens conj.)

I'll lay my life] Q. Omitted in Ff.

my disposer] his disposer Pye conj.

[1561] disposer] dispouser Warburton. deposer Rann (Steevens conj.) despiser Malone conj. dispraiser Collier (Collier MS.)

[1562] make] Ff. makes Q. make's Capell conj.

[1563] poor disposer's] Ff. disposers Q.

[1564] spy.] spie. Ff. spie? Q. spy— Rowe.

[1565] instrument. Now] Johnson. instrument, now Q. instrument now F_1 F_2 F_3. instrument now, F_4.

[1566] done.] F_3 F_4. done? Q F_1 F_2.

[1567] horribly] Q. horrible Ff.

[1568] twain.] tawine. Q. twain.—My cousin will fall out with you. Capell.

[1569] now. By] now: by Ff. now by Q.

lord] Ff. lad Q.

[1570] may.] Q Ff. may— Rowe.

[1571] In good ... so] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[Sings.] Song. Capell. om. Q Ff.

[1572] Love ... more!] As prose by Johnson. As part of the Song in Q Ff.

still more] Ff. still love, still more Q (followed by Johnson).

[1573] For, O, ... doe] Two lines in Ff. One in Q.

[1574] buck] bucke Q F_1. both bucke F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1575] The ... wounds] As in Pope. One line in Q Ff.

[1576] shaft confounds,] Johnson. shafts confound Q. shaft confounds Ff.

[1577] Oh! oh!] Oh ho Q Ff.

[1578] Yet ... kill] But that which seems to kill Johnson conj.

the wound] Q F_1. they wound F_2 F_3 F_4. a wound Collier MS.

[1579] turn] turn, Pope.

[1580] Heigh-ho!] As prose first by Rann. As part of the song in Q Ff.

[1581] doves, love] doves' liver Anon. conj.

[1582] is] are Rowe.

[1583] Pan. Is ... to-day?] Hel. Is ... vipers? Pan. Sweet ... to-day? Ritson conj.

[1584] deeds?] Rowe. deedes, Q Ff. deeds,— Capell.

[1585] who's afield] Rowe. who's a field F_4. whose a field Q F_1 F_2 F_3.

[1586] to-day] to-night Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[1587] [Exit.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[A retreat sounded.] Capell. Sound a retreat. Q Ff.

[1588] They're] Ff. Their Q.

field] Ff. the field Q.

[1589] these] Ff. this Q.

[1590] his] Q F_1. your F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1591] Par.] Q. Omitted in Ff.

Sweet, above ... thee.] Pope. Sweete, above ... thee. Ff. Sweet above ... her? Q. Sweet, above thought, I love thee. Rowe (continuing the speech to Helen). Sweet. Above ... her. Johnson.

[1592] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE III. Pope. om. Q Ff.

An orchard....] Theobald. Pandarus' garden. Capell.

Enter ... meeting.] Enter a Servant, and Pandarus, meeting. Capell. Enter. Pandarus Troylus, man. Q. Enter Pandarus and Troylus Man (Troilus F_3. Troilus's F_4) Ff.

[1593] How now] Now Pope, reading as verse.

[1594] he stays for] Ff. stayes for Q. he stays Pope. he prays Warburton.

[1595] [Exit Boy.] Exit Servant. Capell. om. Q Ff.

[1596] Like] Ff. Like to Q.

[1597] those] Ff. these Q.

[1598] O ... Pandarus] Ff. O ... Pandar Q. Gentle Pandarus Pope.

[1599] I'll] I will Pope.

[Exit.] Exit Pandarus. Ff. om. Q.

[1600] I am] I'm Pope.

[1601] sense] senses Capell conj.

[1602] palates taste] palate tasts Hanmer.

[1603] repured] Q. reputed Ff. See note (VIII).

[1604] Swounding] Sounding Q Ff. Swooning Pope.

[1605] Too subtle-potent] Theobald. To subtill, potent Q. Too subtile, potent Ff.

tuned too] tun’d to Q. and too Ff.

[1606] ruder] rude Pope.

[1607] Re-enter ...] Enter ... Ff. om. Q.

[1608] sprite] Ff. spirite Q.

[1609] fetch] bring Pope.

[1610] as short] Q. so short Ff.

[Exit.] Exit Pand. Ff. om. Q.

[1611] unawares] unwares Q. unawarres F_2.

[1612] Re-enter ...] Capell. Enter pandar and Cressid. Q. Enter Pandarus and Cressida. Ff.

[1613] SCENE IV. Pope.

Come ... blush?] Prose in Pope. Verse in Q Ff.

[1614] an] Capell. and Q Ff. if Pope.

[1615] fills] filles Q. fils F_1. files F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1616] the] thy Hanmer.

[1617] as] has Rowe, followed by Pope. as good as Hanmer. at Heath conj.

[1618] o'the] ath' Q. 'oth' F_1 F_2. o' th' F_3 F_4. of Pope.

[1619] Here's 'In-witness ... inter-changeably'—] here's, in witness ... interchangeably— Theobald, here's in witnesse ... interchangeably. Q Ff.

[1620] [Exit.] Exit Pand. F_2 F_3 F_4. om. Q F_1.

[1621] Cressida] Ff. Cressed Q.

[1622] grant—] Pope. graunt? Q. grant? F_1 F_2 F_3. grant; F_4. grant;— Rowe.

[1623] What ... lady] What dreg espies my too curious sweet lady Hanmer.

[1624] fears] F_3. teares Q F_1 F_2. tears F_4.

[1625] of] om. Reed (1803, 1813, 1821), Harness, Knight.

cherubins] cherubims Capell.

[1626] that] which Pope.

safer] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. safe. F_1.

[1627] worse] worst Capell.

[1628] O, let ... monster.] Printed as prose first by Pope. As two lines, the first ending feare, in Q Ff.

[1629] Nor] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. Not F_1.

neither?] Ff. neither. Q.

[1630] our] Q F_1. their F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1631] is] om. Q.

monstruosity] monstrositie F_3. monstrosity F_4.

[1632] merit crown it: no perfection] Ff (crowne it: F_1 F_2). merit louer part no affection Q. merit cover it: no perfection Delius conj.

[1633] for his truth] 'fore his truth Hanmer.

[1634] Re-enter ...] Enter ... Ff. om. Q.]

[1635] SCENE V. Pope.

[1636] are wooed] bee woed Q.

[1637] Boldness ... months.] As verse first by Rowe. As prose in Q Ff.

[1638] glance that ever—pardon] Rowe. glance; that ever pardon Q F_1. glance that ever: pardon F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1639] not, till now,] not till now Ff. till now not Q.

[1640] grown] F_3 F_4. growne F_2. grone Q. grow F_1.

[1641] we] Q F_1. the F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1642] See, see] See Rowe (ed. 2).

[1643] Cunning] Pope. Comming Q F_1 F_2 F_3. Coming F_4.

from] for Rowe (ed. 2).

[1644] My very soul of counsel] Q. My soule of counsell from me Ff.

[1645] [Kissing. Rowe.

[1646] sweet] fair Capell.

[1647] an] Pope. and Q Ff.

morning—] F_3 F_4. morning. Q F_1 F_2.

[1648] Pray ... try:] Printed as in Q Ff. As three lines, ending lady? ... shun ... try: by Steevens (1793).

[1649] cannot] can't S. Walker conj. reading Sir ... yourself as one line.

[1650] go and try] go try Pope. go in, my lord, and try Steevens conj.

[1651] kind of self resides] kind self that resides Collier MS.

resides] F_2 F_3 F_4. recids Q. recides F_1.

[1652] I would ... speak.] Q. Where is my wit? I would be gone: I speake I know not what. Ff.

[1653] that speak] that speakes F_1.

[1654] show] Q F_3. shew F_1 F_2 F_4. shew'd or show'd Capell conj.

[1655] you are ... you] we're ... we Johnson conj. you are not ... you Keightley.

[1656] Or else] A sign Hanmer. And then Capell. And eke or And so Anon. conj.

not] om. Malone conj.

for] om. Pope.

[1657] that] and Rowe.

[1658] As] Q F_1. And F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1659] aye] age Q.

[1660] beauty’s] Capell. beauties Q Ff.

[1661] Or] Oh Hanmer.

[1662] winnowed] Q Ff. winnow’d Pope.

purity] puriritie F_1.

[1663] When ... right] Omitted by Pope.

shall] should F_4.

right!] right, Q. right: F_1. right? F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1664] to come] come Steevens (1778), a misprint.

[1665] truths] trueth Q.

[1666] Want similes] F_3. Wants simele's Q. Wants similes F_1. Want smiles F_2. Want similies F_4.

similes, truth] similes of truth Rann (Tyrwhitt conj.)

[1667] plantage ... moon] planets to the moon Pope. planets to their moons Theobald (Warburton conj. withdrawn). floodage to the moon Heath conj.

[1668] Yet] om. Q.

[1669] truth’s authentic author] truth authentick, ever Warburton.

[1670] up] om. Capell conj.

[1671] When] O then, when Anon. apud Rann. conj.

and hath] or hath Q.

[1672] they've] they'ave Ff. th' have Q.

[1673] wind, or] Q. as winde, as Ff. wind, as Pope.

[1674] or wolf] Q. as wolfe Ff.

[1675] witness. Here] Rowe. witnes here Q. witnesse here F_1. witnesse, here F_2 F_3 F_4.

hand; here my cousin's.] Johnson. hand, here ... cozens, Q. hand: here ... cousins, Ff.

[1676] one to] to one F_4.

pains] F_3 F_4. paines F_1 F_2. paine Q.

[1677] constant] inconstant Hanmer.

Cressids] Cressida's F_4.

[1678] chamber with a bed; which bed] Hanmer. chamber, which bed Q Ff. bed-chamber, which bed Theobald. chamber, and a bed; which bed Capell. chamber, wherein is a bed, which bed Singer. chamber, whose bed Grant White (Dyce conj.) bed-chamber Collier conj.

[1679] [Exeunt ...] Exeunt. Q. om. Ff.

[1680] Pandar] Pander Q. and Pander Ff.

[Exit.] Q. Exeunt. Ff.

[1681] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE II. Rowe. SCENE VI. Pope.

The Grecian camp.] Rowe.

Flourish.] Florish. F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

Ajax] Theobald. om. Q Ff.

[1682] you] om. Q.

[1683] Appear] Appeal Collier (Collier MS.)

to your mind] Ff. to mind Q. to you Pope.

[1684] through the sight ... to love] to the sight ... through Jove Jackson conj.

things to love,] Q F_1 F_2 F_3. things to come, F_4. things, to Jove Johnson. things, to love Steevens conj. things above, Collier, ed. 2 (Mitford conj.) things to Jove, Dyce. things from Jove, Staunton (Becket conj.)

[1685] possession] possessions Capell.

[1686] sequestering ... all] sequestred from all Pope.

[1687] into] unto Capell.

[1688] wrest] rest Hanmer (Theobald conj.)

[1689] his] this Rowe.

[1690] of] o'th' F_4.

[1691] pain] pay Hanmer. payment Keightley. poise Anon. conj.

Diomedes] Diomede Hanmer.

[1692] Withal] With all F_4.

[1693] [Exeunt ...] Capell. Exit Q Ff.

Enter ... before ...] Theobald. Enter ... in ... Ff. Achilles and Patro stand in their tent. Q.

[1694] pass] passe Q. to passe Ff.

[1695] unplausive] Ff. unpaulsive Q.

bent on] Pope. bent? why turnd on Q. bent? why turn'd on Ff.

[1696] derision] Q F_1 F_2. decision F_3 F_4.

[1697] your] our Rowe.

[1698] [Exeunt ...] Capell. om. Q Ff.

[1699] [Exit.] Exit Men. Capell. om. Q Ff.

[1700] Ha?] Pope. Ha: Q. Ha. Ff.

[1701] Good morrow] Good morrow, Ajax Keightley (Steevens conj.) I say, good morrow Steevens conj.

[1702] [Exit.] Exit Ajax. Capell. Exeunt. Q Ff.

[1703] What ... Achilles?] One line in Q. Prose in Ff.

[1704] by] Q F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1705] To come ... altars] As in Rowe (ed. 2). One line in Q Ff.

[1706] used] use S. Walker conj.

[1707] simply] Q F_1. simple F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1708] any] om. Pope.

but honour for] Q. but honour'd for F_1. but honor'd by F_2 F_3 F_4. but is honour'd by Pope. but honour by Johnson. but's honour'd for Capell. but for Seymour conj.

[1709] riches, and favour] Q F_1. riches, favour F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1710] love] loves Keightley (Seymour conj.)

[1711] Do one] Hanmer. Doth one Q F_1 F_3 F_4. Doth on F_2. Do not Seymour conj. Do th'one Anon. conj.

[1712] Do ... fall] Doth ... fall as one line in Q.

[1713] not worth in me such] in me not worth that Rowe.

[1714] I'll ... Ulysses] As in Capell. One line in Q Ff.

[1715] How now] Now Pope.

great] om. Pope.

[Looking up from his book. Collier, ed. 2.

[1716] shining] Ff. ayming Q.

[1717] giver] Ff. givers Q.

[1718] borne] Q F_1 F_2. born F_3 F_4.

[1719] but] but it Hanmer.

[1720] To ... behold itself] Q. Omitted in Ff.

[1721] eye to eye] eyes Pope.

[1722] Salutes] Salute F_4.

[1723] married] Q Ff. mirror'd Singer (Singer MS. and Collier MS.) arrived Keightley.

[1724] at all] om. Pope.

[1725] at] Q. it at Ff.

[1726] but at] but Pope.

[1727] man] may F_1.

[1728] be] Q. is Ff.

[1729] formed] Q Ff. form'd Johnson.

the] Q. th' Ff. their Johnson.

[1730] they're] F_3 F_4. they are F_1 F_2. th' are Q.

who] Q Ff. which Rowe.

reverberates] reverb'rates F_2 F_3 F_4. reverb'rate Q F_1. See note (IX).

[1731] See note (X).

[1732] immediately] F_2 F_3 F_4. immediately, Q. immediately: F_1.

[1733] The unknown ... to do!] Keightley ends the lines there!... what ... regard, ... dear ... we ... chance ... heavens ... to do!

[1734] what. Nature,] F_1. what Nature, F_2 F_3 F_4. See note (X).

there] om. Rowe.

[1735] abject] Ff. obiect Q.

[1736] to-morrow—An ... him—Ajax renown'd.] Edd. to morrow, An ... him Aiax renown'd? Q. to morrow, An ... him? Aiax renown'd? Ff. to morrow, An ... him: Ajax renown'd! Rowe. to-morrow An ... him, Ajax renown'd. Capell.

[1737] An act] Q F_1 F_2. And act F_3 F_4. by an act Keightley (Anon. ap. Rann conj.)

[1738] Ajax renown'd] Ajax' renown Malone conj. (withdrawn).

[1739] While ... eyes] S. Walker would end the lines at creep ... play ... eyes.

[1740] creep] sleep Hanmer.

[1741] fasting] Q. feasting Ff.

[1742] on] one Q.

[1743] shrieking] shriking Q. shrinking Ff.

[1744] I do ... forgot?] Arranged as by Capell. The lines end it, ... beggars, ... looke: ... forgot? in Q Ff.

[1745] I do believe it] This I do believe Pope.

for they] They Pope.

[1746] look] Q F_1. good look F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1747] great ... ingratitudes] great sized muster of ingratitudes Singer conj. great portmanteau of ingratitudes or great scythed monster of ingratitude Anon. conj. (N. and Q.)

ingratitudes] ingratitude Hanmer.

[1748] Those ... As done] Arranged as by Pope. Lines 148, 149 end at past, ... made, in Q Ff.

[1749] perseverance ... bright] perseverance keeps honor bright Pope (followed by Capell), ending the lines bright: ... fashion, ... mockery.

[1750] perseverance] 'tis perseverance Seymour conj.

lord,] lord, it is Keightley. lord, perseverance Anon. conj.

[1751] a rusty] rusty Pope.

mail] male Q Ff.

[1752] Take ... way] Omitted by Pope. Then, dear my lord, take you the instant way Capell.

[1753] one] on Q.

[1754] hedge] Ff. turne Q. edge Collier.

[1755] And leave ... all] Keightley ends the lines horse ... pavement ... on ... yours ... like ... shakes ... arms ... comer ... sighing ... remuneration ... birth, ... love, ... all.

[1756] hindmost: Or ... trampled on: then] him, most, then Q (omitting Or ... on).

[1757] hindmost; Or like a] hindermost; and there you lye Like to a Pope.

[1758] first] the first Keightley.

[1759] Lie] lies Keightley.

[1760] Lie there ... O'er-run and] Arranged as in Ff. For pavement to the abject, near o'errun And Pope. You're left ... O'er-run and Seymour conj.

[1761] abject rear,] Hanmer, reading the rest with Pope and Theobald. abject, neere F_1 F_2. abject, near F_3 F_4. abject near, Theobald.

[1762] in past] Ff. in passe Q.

[1763] And with his] And with Rowe (ed. 2). But with his Pope.

[1764] Grasps in the comer] Grasps the in-comer Hanmer.

welcome] Pope. the welcome Q Ff.

[1765] farewell] Q. farewels F_1 F_2 F_4. farewells F_3.

O,] om. Q.

[1766] virtue seek Remuneration] virtue Seek remuneration Hanmer.

[1767] Remuneration ... For beauty, wit] Arranged as by Steevens (1793). One line in Q Ff.

[1768] vigour of bone,] Omitted by Pope, reading For beauty, ... service, as one line.

[1769] charity] and charity Keightley.

[1770] And ... o'er-dusted] Put in the margin by Pope.

[1771] give] Theobald (Thirlby conj.) goe Q F_1 F_2. go F_3 F_4. shew Johnson.

[1772] than gilt] then guilt Q F_1 F_2. in gilt F_3 F_4. than they will give to gold Hanmer. than gold Thirlby conj.

o'er-dusted] o'er-dusted e'er is given Keightley.

[1773] Greeks] Greeces F_2.

[1774] sooner catch] Q. begin to catch F_1. 'gin to catch F_2 F_3 F_4. quicklier catch Collier MS.

[1775] not stirs] Ff. stirs not Q.

once on] Q. out on Ff. once for Pope.

[1776] emulous missions] emulations Keightley conj. emulous scissions Anon. conj.

[1777] Of this] Of Pope.

[1778] But 'gainst] 'Gainst Pope.

[1779] known?] say you known? Hanmer. is't known? Steevens conj. known, say you? Seymour conj. what, known? Mitford conj.

[1780] every grain of Plutus' gold,] Malone (Steevens conj.) every graine of Plutoes gold; Ff (Pluto's F_3 F_4). every thing, Q.

[1781] deeps] Ff. depth Q. deep Rowe.

[1782] Keeps ... cradles] S. Walker would end the lines thought, ... unveil ... cradles.

[1783] place] pace Hanmer.

[1784] Does thoughts] F_2 F_3 F_4. Do thoughts Q. Doe thoughts F_1. Does ev'n our thoughts Pope. Does even those thoughts Capell. Does thoughts themselves or Does infant thoughts Malone conj. Doth thoughts Anon. conj.

dumb cradles] dumb crudities Collier (Collier MS.) dim crudities Collier conj. dumb oracles Staunton conj. (withdrawn). dumb orat'ries Nicholson conj. dumb cradles laid Keightley. dumb radicles Bullock conj. dim particles Id. conj. (withdrawn). dumb characters Anon. conj.

[1785] whom] which Pope.

[1786] or pen] of pen Rowe (ed. 2).

[1787] our islands] our iland Q. her Iland F_1 F_2 F_3. her island F_4. his island Rowe (ed. 2).

[1788] him] Hector Pope.

[1789] [Exit.] Pope. om. Q Ff.

[1790] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[1791] action] act Pope.

[1792] Sweet,] O, Pope. Swift, Collier (Collier MS.)

wanton Cupid] wanton, Cupid S. Walker conj.

[1793] unloose] enloose Seymour conj.

[1794] a] om. Q.

[1795] air] ayre Q. ayrie ayre F_1 F_2. airie air F_3. airy air F_4. very air Collier MS.

[1796] shrewdly] F_2 F_3 F_4. shrowdly Q F_1.

[1797] we] Ff. they Q.

[1798] here] om. Mitford conj.

unarm'd] om. Pope.

[1799] his] Q F_1. the F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1800] Enter Thersites.] Q. After line 239, in Ff.

[1801] SCENE IX. Pope.

[1802] a'] a Q. he Ff.

[1803] this head] Q. his head Ff.

an] Capell. and Q Ff. if Pope.

[1804] break't] Ff. breakt Q.

[1805] replies] replied Hanmer.

[1806] to him] om. Q.

[1807] demands] Q. his demands Ff.

[1808] most] Ff. om. Q.

[1809] magnanimous] Q F_4. magnanimious F_1 F_2 F_3.

[1810] captain-general] Hanmer. Captaine Generall Q. Captaine, Generall Ff.

Grecian] om. Q.

[1811] et cetera.] &c. Ff. om. Q.

[1812] be wi' you] Rowe. buy you Q F_1 F_2 F_3. b'you F_4.

[1813] eleven of the] a leven of the Q. eleven a Ff.

[1814] you] Ff. yee Q.

[1815] he's out o' tune] he's out a tune Ff. out of tune Q.

[1816] will be in him] Q F_1. will be in F_2 F_3 F_4. he will be in Rowe.

[1817] bear] Q. carry Ff.

[1818] [Exeunt ...] Capell. Exit. Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[1819] [Exit.] Capell. Exeunt. Rowe. om. Q Ff.

ACT IV.

SCENE I. Troy. A street.

Enter, at one side, ÆNEAS, and Servant with a torch; at the other, PARIS, DEIPHOBUS, ANTENOR, DIOMEDES, and others, with torches.[1820]

Par. See, ho! who is that there?[1821][1822]

Dei. It is the Lord Æneas.[1822]

Æne. Is the prince there in person?[1823]

Had I so good occasion to lie long

As you, Prince Paris, nothing but heavenly business[1824] 5

Should rob my bed-mate of my company.

Dio. That's my mind too. Good morrow, Lord Æneas.

Par. A valiant Greek, Æneas,—take his hand,—

Witness the process of your speech, wherein[1825]

You told how Diomed a whole week by days[1825][1826] 10

Did haunt you in the field.[1827]

Æne. Health to you, valiant sir,[1828]

During all question of the gentle truce;[1829]

But when I meet you arm'd, as black defiance

As heart can think or courage execute. 15

Dio. The one and other Diomed embraces.[1830]

Our bloods are now in calm; and, so long, health;

But when contention and occasion meet,[1831]

By Jove, I'll play the hunter for thy life

With all my force, pursuit and policy.[1832] 20

Æne. And thou shalt hunt a lion, that will fly

With his face backward. In humane gentleness,[1833]

Welcome to Troy! now, by Anchises' life,

Welcome, indeed! By Venus' hand I swear,

No man alive can love in such a sort 25

The thing he means to kill more excellently.

Dio. We sympathise. Jove, let Æneas live,

If to my sword his fate be not the glory,

A thousand complete courses of the sun!

But, in mine emulous honour, let him die, 30

With every joint a wound, and that to-morrow.[1834]

Æne. We know each other well.[1835]

Dio. We do; and long to know each other worse.[1835]

Par. This is the most despiteful gentle greeting,[1836]

The noblest hateful love, that e'er I heard of.[1837][1838] 35

What business, lord, so early?[1837]

Æne. I was sent for to the king; but why, I know not.

Par. His purpose meets you: 'twas to bring this Greek[1839]

To Calchas' house; and there to render him,[1840]

For the enfreed Antenor, the fair Cressid: 40

Let's have your company, or, if you please,

Haste there before us. I constantly do think,[1841]

Or rather, call my thought a certain knowledge,

My brother Troilus lodges there to-night:

Rouse him and give him note of our approach, 45

With the whole quality wherefore: I fear[1842][1843]

We shall be much unwelcome.[1843]

Æne. That I assure you:[1844][1845]

Troilus had rather Troy were borne to Greece[1844]

Than Cressid borne from Troy.[1844]

Par. There is no help;

The bitter disposition of the time[1846] 50

Will have it so. On, lord; we'll follow you.[1846]

Æne. Good morrow, all.      [Exit with Servant.[1847]

Par. And tell me, noble Diomed, faith, tell me true,[1848]

Even in the soul of sound good-fellowship,[1849]

Who, in your thoughts, deserves fair Helen best,[1850] 55

Myself or Menelaus?

Dio. Both alike:

He merits well to have her that doth seek her,

Not making any scruple of her soilure,[1851]

With such a hell of pain and world of charge;

And you as well to keep her, that defend her, 60

Not palating the taste of her dishonour,

With such a costly loss of wealth and friends:

He, like a puling cuckold, would drink up

The lees and dregs of a flat tamed piece;

You, like a lecher, out of whorish loins 65

Are pleased to breed out your inheritors:

Both merits poised, each weighs nor less nor more,[1852]

But he as he, the heavier for a whore.[1853]

Par. You are too bitter to your countrywoman.

Dio. She's bitter to her country: hear me, Paris: 70

For every false drop in her bawdy veins

A Grecian's life hath sunk; for every scruple

Of her contaminated carrion weight,

A Trojan hath been slain: since she could speak,

She hath not given so many good words breath 75

As for her Greeks and Trojans suffer'd death.

Par. Fair Diomed, you do as chapmen do,

Dispraise the thing that you desire to buy:[1854]

But we in silence hold this virtue well,

We'll not commend what we intend to sell.[1855] 80

Here lies our way.      [Exeunt.

SCENE II. Court of Pandarus' house.[1856]

Enter TROILUS and CRESSIDA.

Tro. Dear, trouble not yourself: the morn is cold.

Cres. Then, sweet my lord, I'll call mine uncle down;[1857]

He shall unbolt the gates.

Tro. Trouble him not;

To bed, to bed: sleep kill those pretty eyes,[1858]

And give as soft attachment to thy senses 5

As infants' empty of all thought![1859]

Cres. Good morrow, then.

Tro. I prithee now, to bed.

Cres. Are you a-weary of me?

Tro. O Cressida! but that the busy day,

Waked by the lark, hath roused the ribald crows,[1860]

And dreaming night will hide our joys no longer,[1861] 10

I would not from thee.

Cres. Night hath been too brief.

Tro. Beshrew the witch! with venomous wights she stays[1862]

As tediously as hell, but flies the grasps of love[1863]

With wings more momentary-swift than thought.[1864]

You will catch cold, and curse me.

Cres. Prithee, tarry:[1865] 15

You men will never tarry.[1865][1866]

O foolish Cressid! I might have still held off,[1866][1867]

And then you would have tarried. Hark! there's one up.[1868]

Pan. [Within] What, 's all the doors open here?[1869]

Tro. It is your uncle. 20

Cres. A pestilence on him! now will he be mocking:

I shall have such a life!

Enter PANDARUS.[1870]

Pan. How now, how now! how go maidenheads?[1871]

Here, you maid! where's my cousin Cressid?[1871][1872]

Cres. Go hang yourself, you naughty mocking uncle! 25

You bring me to do—and then you flout me too.[1873]

Pan. To do what? to do what? let her say what:[1874]

what have I brought you to do?[1874]

Cres. Come, come, beshrew your heart! you'll ne'er[1875]

be good, nor suffer others.[1875] 30

Pan. Ha, ha! Alas, poor wretch! a poor capocchia![1876]

hast not slept to-night? would he not, a naughty man, let

it sleep? a bugbear take him!

Cres. Did not I tell you? would he were knock'd i'the head!      [One knocks.[1877][1878]

Who's that at door? good uncle, go and see.[1878] 35

My lord, come you again into my chamber.[1878]

You smile and mock me, as if I meant naughtily.[1878][1879]

Tro. Ha, ha!

Cres. Come, you are deceived, I think of no such thing.

[Knocking.[1880]

How earnestly they knock! Pray you, come in: 40

I would not for half Troy have you seen here.

[Exeunt Troilus and Cressida.[1881]

Pan. Who's there? what's the matter? will you beat[1882]

down the door? How now! what's the matter?

Enter ÆNEAS.[1883]

Æne. Good morrow, lord, good morrow.[1884]

Pan. Who's there? my Lord Æneas! By my troth,[1885][1886] 45

I knew you not: what news with you so early?[1885][1887]

Æne. Is not prince Troilus here?

Pan. Here! what should he do here?

Æne. Come, he is here, my lord; do not deny him:

It doth import him much to speak with me. 50

Pan. Is he here, say you? 'tis more than I know, I'll[1888]

be sworn: for my own part, I came in late. What should[1889]

he do here?

Æne. Who! nay, then: come, come, you'll do him[1890][1891]

wrong ere you are ware: you'll be so true to him, to be[1891][1892] 55

false to him: do not you know of him, but yet go fetch[1891][1893]

him hither; go.[1891]

Re-enter TROILUS.[1894]

Tro. How now! what's the matter?

Æne. My lord, I scarce have leisure to salute you,

My matter is so rash: there is at hand[1895] 60

Paris your brother and Deiphobus,

The Grecian Diomed, and our Antenor

Deliver'd to us; and for him forthwith,[1896]

Ere the first sacrifice, within this hour,

We must give up to Diomedes' hand[1897] 65

The Lady Cressida.

Tro. Is it so concluded?[1898]

Æne. By Priam and the general state of Troy.[1899]

They are at hand and ready to effect it.[1900]

Tro. How my achievements mock me![1901]

I will go meet them: and, my Lord Æneas, 70

We met by chance; you did not find me here.

Æne. Good, good, my lord; the secrets of nature[1902][1903]

Have not more gift in taciturnity.[1902]

[Exeunt Troilus and Æneas.[1904]

Pan. Is't possible? no sooner got but lost? The devil[1905]

take Antenor! the young prince will go mad: a plague 75

upon Antenor! I would they had broke's neck!

Re-enter CRESSIDA.[1906]

Cres. How now! what's the matter? who was here?

Pan. Ah, ah![1907]

Cres. Why sigh you so profoundly? where's my lord?

gone! Tell me, sweet uncle, what's the matter? 80

Pan. Would I were as deep under the earth as I am

above!

Cres. O the gods! What's the matter?

Pan. Prithee, get thee in: would thou hadst ne'er been[1908]

born! I knew thou wouldst be his death: O, poor gentleman! 85

A plague upon Antenor!

Cres. Good uncle, I beseech you, on my knees I beseech[1909]

you, what's the matter?[1909]

Pan. Thou must be gone, wench, thou must be gone;

thou art changed for Antenor: thou must to thy father,[1910] 90

and be gone from Troilus: 'twill be his death; 'twill be his

bane; he cannot bear it.[1911]

Cres. O you immortal gods! I will not go.

Pan. Thou must.

Cres. I will not, uncle: I have forgot my father;[1912] 95

I know no touch of consanguinity;

No kin, no love, no blood, no soul so near me

As the sweet Troilus. O you gods divine!

Make Cressid's name the very crown of falsehood,

If ever she leave Troilus! Time, force, and death,[1913] 100

Do to this body what extremes you can;[1914]

But the strong base and building of my love

Is as the very centre of the earth,

Drawing all things to it. I'll go in and weep,—[1915]

Pan. Do, do. 105

Cres. Tear my bright hair and scratch my praised cheeks,[1916]

Crack my clear voice with sobs and break my heart

With sounding Troilus. I will not go from Troy.      [Exeunt.[1917]

SCENE III. Before Pandarus' house.[1918]

Enter PARIS, TROILUS, ÆNEAS, DEIPHOBUS, ANTENOR, and DIOMEDES.

Par. It is great morning, and the hour prefix'd

For her delivery to this valiant Greek[1919]

Comes fast upon: good my brother Troilus,[1920]

Tell you the lady what she is to do,

And haste her to the purpose.

Tro. Walk into her house;[1921] 5

I'll bring her to the Grecian presently:

And to his hand when I deliver her,

Think it an altar, and thy brother Troilus

A priest, there offering to it his own heart.      [Exit.[1922]

Par. I know what 'tis to love; 10

And would, as I shall pity, I could help!

Please you walk in, my lords.      [Exeunt.

SCENE IV. A room in Pandarus' house.[1923]

Enter PANDARUS and CRESSIDA.

Pan. Be moderate, be moderate.

Cres. Why tell you me of moderation?

The grief is fine, full, perfect, that I taste,

And violenteth in a sense as strong[1924]

As that which causeth it: how can I moderate it?[1924][1925] 5

If I could temporise with my affection,[1926]

Or brew it to a weak and colder palate,

The like allayment could I give my grief:

My love admits no qualifying dross;[1927]

No more my grief, in such a precious loss. 10

Enter TROILUS.[1928]

Pan. Here, here, here he comes. Ah, sweet ducks![1929]

Cres. O Troilus! Troilus!      [Embracing him.[1930]

Pan. What a pair of spectacles is here! Let me embrace

too. 'O heart,' as the goodly saying is,[1931]

'O heart, heavy heart,[1932] 15

Why sigh'st thou without breaking?'[1932][1933]

where he answers again,

'Because thou canst not ease thy smart[1934]

By friendship nor by speaking.'[1934][1935]

There was never a truer rhyme. Let us cast away nothing, 20

for we may live to have need of such a verse: we see it, we

see it. How now, lambs!

Tro. Cressid, I love thee in so strain'd a purity,[1936]

That the blest gods, as angry with my fancy,

More bright in zeal than the devotion which 25

Cold lips blow to their deities, take thee from me.[1937]

Cres. Have the gods envy?

Pan. Ay, ay, ay, ay; 'tis too plain a case.[1938]

Cres. And is it true that I must go from Troy?

Tro. A hateful truth.

Cres. What, and from Troilus too? 30

Tro. From Troy and Troilus.

Cres. Is it possible?[1939]

Tro. And suddenly; where injury of chance[1940]

Puts back leave-taking, justles roughly by[1941]

All time of pause, rudely beguiles our lips

Of all rejoindure, forcibly prevents 35

Our lock'd embrasures, strangles our dear vows[1942]

Even in the birth of our own labouring breath:

We two, that with so many thousand sighs

Did buy each other, must poorly sell ourselves[1943]

With the rude brevity and discharge of one.[1944] 40

Injurious time now with a robber's haste[1945]

Crams his rich thievery up, he knows not how:

As many farewells as be stars in heaven,

With distinct breath and consign'd kisses to them,

He fumbles up into a loose adieu,[1946] 45

And scants us with a single famish'd kiss,

Distasted with the salt of broken tears.[1947]

Æneas. [Within] My lord, is the lady ready?[1948]

Tro. Hark! you are call'd: some say the Genius so[1949]

Cries 'Come!' to him that instantly must die.[1949] 50

Bid them have patience; she shall come anon.

Pan. Where are my tears? rain, to lay this wind, or my[1950]

heart will be blown up by the root.      [Exit.[1950][1951]

Cres. I must then to the Grecians?[1952]

Tro. No remedy.[1953]

Cres. A woeful Cressid 'mongst the merry Greeks![1954] 55

When shall we see again?[1955]

Tro. Hear me, my love: be thou but true of heart.[1955][1956]

Cres. I true! how now! what wicked deem is this?

Tro. Nay, we must use expostulation kindly,[1957]

For it is parting from us:[1957] 60

I speak not 'be thou true,' as fearing thee;

For I will throw my glove to Death himself,

That there's no maculation in thy heart:[1958]

But 'be thou true' say I, to fashion in

My sequent protestation; be thou true,[1959] 65

And I will see thee.[1959]

Cres. O, you shall be exposed, my lord, to dangers

As infinite as imminent: but I'll be true.

Tro. And I'll grow friend with danger. Wear this sleeve.[1960]

Cres. And you this glove. When shall I see you?[1961] 70

Tro. I will corrupt the Grecian sentinels,

To give thee nightly visitation.[1962]

But yet, be true.[1962]

Cres. O heavens! 'Be true' again!

Tro. Hear why I speak it, love:[1963]

The Grecian youths are full of quality;[1963][1964] 75

They're loving, well composed with gifts of nature,[1963]

And flowing o'er with arts and exercise:[1963]

How novelties may move and parts with person,[1965]

Alas, a kind of godly jealousy—[1966]

Which, I beseech you, call a virtuous sin— 80

Makes me afeard.[1967]

Cres. O heavens! you love me not.

Tro. Die I a villain then!

In this I do not call your faith in question,

So mainly as my merit: I cannot sing,[1968]

Nor heel the high lavolt, nor sweeten talk, 85

Nor play at subtle games; fair virtues all,

To which the Grecians are most prompt and pregnant:

But I can tell that in each grace of these

There lurks a still and dumb-discoursive devil

That tempts most cunningly: but be not tempted. 90

Cres. Do you think I will?[1969]

Tro. No:[1970]

But something may be done that we will not:

And sometimes we are devils to ourselves,

When we will tempt the frailty of our powers,[1971] 95

Presuming on their changeful potency.[1972]

Æne. [Within] Nay, good my lord!

Tro. Come, kiss; and let us part.

Par. [Within] Brother Troilus!

Tro. Good brother, come you hither;

And bring Æneas and the Grecian with you.

Cres. My lord, will you be true?[1973] 100

Tro. Who, I? alas, it is my vice, my fault:

Whiles others fish with craft for great opinion,[1974]

I with great truth catch mere simplicity;

Whilst some with cunning gild their copper crowns,[1975]

With truth and plainness I do wear mine bare.[1976] 105

Fear not my truth: the moral of my wit[1977]

Is 'plain and true;' there's all the reach of it.[1978]

Enter ÆNEAS, PARIS, ANTENOR, DEIPHOBUS, and DIOMEDES.[1979]

Welcome, Sir Diomed! here is the lady[1980]

Which for Antenor we deliver you:[1981]

At the port, lord, I'll give her to thy hand; 110

And by the way possess thee what she is.

Entreat her fair; and, by my soul, fair Greek,

If e'er thou stand at mercy of my sword,

Name Cressid, and thy life shall be as safe

As Priam is in Ilion.

Dio. Fair Lady Cressid,[1982] 115

So please you, save the thanks this prince expects:

The lustre in your eye, heaven in your cheek,

Pleads your fair usage; and to Diomed[1983]

You shall be mistress, and command him wholly.

Tro. Grecian, thou dost not use me courteously, 120

To shame the zeal of my petition to thee[1984]

In praising her: I tell thee, lord of Greece,[1985]

She is as far high-soaring o'er thy praises

As thou unworthy to be call'd her servant.

I charge thee use her well, even for my charge; 125

For, by the dreadful Pluto, if thou dost not,

Though the great bulk Achilles be thy guard,

I'll cut thy throat.[1986]

Dio. O, be not moved, Prince Troilus:

Let me be privileged by my place and message

To be a speaker free; when I am hence, 130

I'll answer to my lust: and know you, lord,[1987]

I'll nothing do on charge: to her own worth

She shall be prized; but that you say 'Be't so,'

I'll speak it in my spirit and honour 'No!'[1988]

Tro. Come, to the port. I'll tell thee, Diomed,[1989] 135

This brave shall oft make thee to hide thy head.

Lady, give me your hand; and, as we walk,

To our own selves bend we our needful talk.

[Exeunt Troilus, Cressida, and Diomedes. [A trumpet sounds.[1990]

Par. Hark! Hector's trumpet.

Æne. How have we spent this morning!

The prince must think me tardy and remiss, 140

That swore to ride before him to the field.[1991]

Par. 'Tis Troilus' fault: come, come, to field with him.[1992]

Dei. Let us make ready straight.[1993][1994]

Æne. Yea, with a bridegroom's fresh alacrity,[1993]

Let us address to tend on Hector's heels:[1993] 145

The glory of our Troy doth this day lie[1993]

On his fair worth and single chivalry.      [Exeunt.[1993][1995]

SCENE V. The Grecian camp. Lists set out.

Enter AJAX, armed; AGAMEMNON, ACHILLES, PATROCLUS, MENELAUS, ULYSSES, NESTOR, and others.[1996]

Agam. Here art thou in appointment fresh and fair,

Anticipating time with starting courage.[1997]

Give with thy trumpet a loud note to Troy,

Thou dreadful Ajax, that the appalled air

May pierce the head of the great combatant[1998] 5

And hale him hither.[1998]

Ajax. Thou, trumpet, there's my purse.[1999]

Now crack thy lungs, and split thy brazen pipe:

Blow, villain, till thy sphered bias cheek[2000]

Outswell the colic of puff'd Aquilon:[2001]

Come, stretch thy chest, and let thy eyes spout blood; 10

Thou blow'st for Hector.      [Trumpet sounds.[2002]

Ulyss. No trumpet answers.

Achil. 'Tis but early days.[2003]

Agam. Is not yond Diomed, with Calchas' daughter?[2004]

Ulyss. 'Tis he, I ken the manner of his gait;

He rises on the toe: that spirit of his[2005] 15

In aspiration lifts him from the earth.

Enter DIOMEDES, with CRESSIDA.[2006]

Agam. Is this the Lady Cressid?[2007]

Dio. Even she.

Agam. Most dearly welcome to the Greeks, sweet lady.[2008][2009]

Nest. Our general doth salute you with a kiss.[2010]

Ulyss. Yet is the kindness but particular;[2010][2011][2012] 20

'Twere better she were kiss'd in general.[2010][2011]

Nest. And very courtly counsel: I'll begin.[2010][2011]

So much for Nestor.[2009][2011]

Achil. I'll take that winter from your lips, fair lady:[2013]

Achilles bids you welcome.[2009] 25

Men. I had good argument for kissing once.

Patr. But that's no argument for kissing now;

For thus popp'd Paris in his hardiment,[2014]

And parted thus you and your argument.[2009][2015]

Ulyss. O deadly gall, and theme of all our scorns! 30

For which we lose our heads to gild his horns.

Patr. The first was Menelaus' kiss; this, mine:

Patroclus kisses you.[2016]

Men. O, this is trim!

Patr. Paris and I kiss evermore for him.

Men. I 'll have my kiss, sir. Lady, by your leave. 35

Cres. In kissing, do you render or receive?[2017]

Patr. Both take and give.

Cres. I'll make my match to live,[2018]

The kiss you take is better than you give;[2019]

Therefore no kiss.[2019]

Men. I'll give you boot, I'll give you three for one. 40

Cres. You're an odd man; give even, or give none.[2020]

Men. An odd man, lady! every man is odd.

Cres. No, Paris is not; for, you know, 'tis true,

That you are odd, and he is even with you.

Men. You fillip me o' the head.[2021]

Cres. No, I'll be sworn. 45

Ulyss. It were no match, your nail against his horn.

May I, sweet lady, beg a kiss of you?

Cres. You may.

Ulyss. I do desire it.

Cres. Why, beg then.[2022]

Ulyss. Why then, for Venus' sake, give me a kiss,

When Helen is a maid again, and his.[2023] 50

Cres. I am your debtor; claim it when 'tis due.

Ulyss. Never's my day, and then a kiss of you.[2024]

Dio. Lady, a word: I 'll bring you to your father.[2025]

[Exit with Cressida.[2026]

Nest. A woman of quick sense.[2025]

Ulyss. Fie, fie upon her!

There's language in her eye, her cheek, her lip,[2027] 55

Nay, her foot speaks; her wanton spirits look out

At every joint and motive of her body.

O, these encounterers, so glib of tongue,[2028]

That give a coasting welcome ere it comes,[2029]

And wide unclasp the tables of their thoughts 60

To every ticklish reader! set them down[2030]

For sluttish spoils of opportunity[2031]

And daughters of the game.      [Trumpet within.[2032]

All. The Trojans' trumpet.

Agam. Yonder comes the troop.

Flourish. Enter HECTOR, armed; ÆNEAS, TROILUS, and other Trojans, with Attendants.[2033]

Æne. Hail, all the state of Greece! what shall be done[2034] 65

To him that victory commands? or do you purpose[2035]

A victor shall be known? will you the knights

Shall to the edge of all extremity

Pursue each other, or shall they be divided[2036]

By any voice or order of the field?[2037] 70

Hector bade ask.[2037]

Agam. Which way would Hector have it?

Æne. He cares not; he'll obey conditions.

Achil. Tis done like Hector; but securely done,[2038][2039]

A little proudly, and great deal misprizing[2038][2040]

The knight opposed.[2041]

Æne. If not Achilles, sir, 75

What is your name?

Achil. If not Achilles, nothing.[2041]

Æne. Therefore Achilles: but, whate'er, know this:[2042]

In the extremity of great and little,[2042]

Valour and pride excel themselves in Hector;[2043]

The one almost as infinite as all, 80

The other blank as nothing. Weigh him well,[2044]

And that which looks like pride is courtesy.

This Ajax is half made of Hector's blood:

In love whereof, half Hector stays at home;

Half heart, half hand, half Hector comes to seek[2045] 85

This blended knight, half Trojan and half Greek.

Achil. A maiden battle then? O, I perceive you.

Re-enter DIOMEDES.[2046]

Agam. Here is Sir Diomed. Go, gentle knight,[2047]

Stand by our Ajax: as you and Lord Æneas

Consent upon the order of their fight, 90

So be it; either to the uttermost,[2048]

Or else a breath: the combatants being kin[2049]

Half stints their strife before their strokes begin.

[Ajax and Hector enter the lists.[2050]

Ulyss. They are opposed already.[2051]

Agam. What Trojan is that same that looks so heavy?[2051][2052] 95

Ulyss. The youngest son of Priam, a true knight,[2053]

Not yet mature, yet matchless, firm of word,[2054]

Speaking in deeds and deedless in his tongue,[2055]

Not soon provoked nor being provoked soon calm'd;

His heart and hand both open and both free;[2056] 100

For what he has he gives, what thinks he shows;[2056]

Yet gives he not till judgement guide his bounty,

Nor dignifies an impair thought with breath;[2057]

Manly as Hector, but more dangerous;

For Hector in his blaze of wrath subscribes 105

To tender objects, but he in heat of action[2058]

Is more vindicative than jealous love:[2059]

They call him Troilus, and on him erect

A second hope, as fairly built as Hector.

Thus says Æneas; one that knows the youth 110

Even to his inches, and with private soul

Did in great Ilion thus translate him to me.

[Alarum. Hector and Ajax fight.[2060]

Agam. They are in action.[2061]

Nest. Now, Ajax, hold thine own!

Tro. Hector, thou sleep'st;[2062]

Awake thee![2062] 115

Agam. His blows are well disposed: there, Ajax![2063]

Dio. You must no more.      [Trumpets cease.

Æne. Princes, enough, so please you.[2064]

Ajax. I am not warm yet; let us fight again.

Dio. As Hector pleases.

Hect. Why, then will I no more:

Thou art, great lord, my father's sister's son, 120

A cousin-german to great Priam's seed;

The obligation of our blood forbids

A gory emulation 'twixt us twain:

Were thy commixtion Greek and Trojan so,[2065]

That thou couldst say 'This hand is Grecian all, 125

And this is Trojan; the sinews of this leg

All Greek, and this all Troy; my mother's blood[2066]

Runs on the dexter cheek, and this sinister

Bounds in my father's;' by Jove multipotent,

Thou shouldst not bear from me a Greekish member 130

Wherein my sword had not impressure made

Of our rank feud: but the just gods gainsay[2067]

That any drop thou borrow'dst from thy mother,[2068]

My sacred aunt, should by my mortal sword

Be drained! Let me embrace thee, Ajax:[2069] 135

By him that thunders, thou hast lusty arms;

Hector would have them fall upon him thus:

Cousin, all honour to thee!

Ajax. I thank thee, Hector:

Thou art too gentle and too free a man:

I came to kill thee, cousin, and bear hence 140

A great addition earned in thy death.

Hect. Not Neoptolemus so mirable,[2070]

On whose bright crest Fame with her loud'st Oyes

Cries 'This is he,' could promise to himself[2071]

A thought of added honour torn from Hector. 145

Æne. There is expectance here from both the sides,

What further you will do.

Hect. We'll answer it;

The issue is embracement: Ajax, farewell.[2072]

Ajax. If I might in entreaties find success,—

As seld I have the chance—I would desire 150

My famous cousin to our Grecian tents.

Dio. 'Tis Agamemnon's wish; and great Achilles

Doth long to see unarm'd the valiant Hector.

Hect. Æneas, call my brother Troilus to me:

And signify this loving interview 155

To the expecters of our Trojan part;

Desire them home. Give me thy hand, my cousin;

I will go eat with thee, and see your knights.[2073]

Ajax. Great Agamemnon comes to meet us here.

Hect. The worthiest of them tell me name by name; 160

But for Achilles, my own searching eyes[2074]

Shall find him by his large and portly size.

Agam. Worthy of arms! as welcome as to one[2075]

That would be rid of such an enemy;

But that's no welcome: understand more clear,[2076] 165

What's past and what's to come is strew'd with husks[2076]

And formless ruin of oblivion;[2076]

But in this extant moment, faith and troth,[2076]

Strain'd purely from all hollow bias-drawing,[2076][2077]

Bids thee, with most divine integrity,[2076] 170

From heart of very heart, great Hector, welcome.

Hect. I thank thee, most imperious Agamemnon.

Agam. [To Troilus] My well-famed lord of Troy, no less to you.

Men. Let me confirm my princely brother's greeting;

You brace of warlike brothers, welcome hither. 175

Hect. Who must we answer?

Æne. The noble Menelaus.[2078]

Hect. O, you, my lord! by Mars his gauntlet, thanks![2079]

Mock not, that I affect the untraded oath;[2080]

Your quondam wife swears still by Venus' glove:[2081]

She's well, but bade me not commend her to you. 180

Men. Name her not now, sir; she's a deadly theme.

Hect. O, pardon; I offend.

Nest. I have, thou gallant Trojan, seen thee oft,

Labouring for destiny, make cruel way

Through ranks of Greekish youth; and I have seen thee, 185

As hot as Perseus, spur thy Phrygian steed,

Despising many forfeits and subduements,[2082]

When thou hast hung thy advanced sword i' the air,[2083]

Not letting it decline on the declined,

That I have said to some my standers by[2084] 190

'Lo, Jupiter is yonder, dealing life!'

And I have seen thee pause and take thy breath,

When that a ring of Greeks have hemm'd thee in,[2085]

Like an Olympian wrestling: this have I seen;[2086]

But this thy countenance, still lock'd in steel, 195

I never saw till now. I knew thy grandsire,

And once fought with him: he was a soldier good;

But, by great Mars the captain of us all,

Never like thee. Let an old man embrace thee;[2087]

And, worthy warrior, welcome to our tents. 200

Æne. 'Tis the old Nestor.

Hect. Let me embrace thee, good old chronicle,

That hast so long walk'd hand in hand with time:

Most reverend Nestor, I am glad to clasp thee.

Nest. I would my arms could match thee in contention, 205

As they contend with thee in courtesy.[2088]

Hect. I would they could.

Nest. Ha![2089]

By this white beard, I'ld fight with thee to-morrow:

Well, welcome, welcome!—I have seen the time.[2090] 210

Ulyss. I wonder now how yonder city stands

When we have here her base and pillar by us.[2091]

Hect. I know your favour, Lord Ulysses, well.

Ah, sir, there's many a Greek and Trojan dead,

Since first I saw yourself and Diomed 215

In Ilion, on your Greekish embassy.[2092]

Ulyss. Sir, I foretold you then what would ensue:

My prophecy is but half his journey yet;

For yonder walls, that pertly front your town,[2093]

Yond towers, whose wanton tops do buss the clouds,[2094] 220

Must kiss their own feet.

Hect. I must not believe you:

There they stand yet; and modestly I think,

The fall of every Phrygian stone will cost

A drop of Grecian blood: the end crowns all,

And that old common arbitrator, Time,[2095] 225

Will one day end it.[2095]

Ulyss. So to him we leave it.

Most gentle and most valiant Hector, welcome:

After the general, I beseech you next

To feast with me and see me at my tent.

Achil. I shall forestall thee, Lord Ulysses, thou![2096] 230

Now, Hector, I have fed mine eyes on thee;

I have with exact view perused thee, Hector,[2097]

And quoted joint by joint.[2097][2098]

Hect. Is this Achilles?

Achil. I am Achilles.[2099]

Hect. Stand fair, I pray thee: let me look on thee.[2100] 235

Achil. Behold thy fill.

Hect. Nay, I have done already.

Achil. Thou art too brief: I will the second time,[2101]

As I would buy thee, view thee limb by limb.[2102]

Hect. O, like a book of sport thou'lt read me o'er;

But there's more in me than thou understand'st. 240

Why dost thou so oppress me with thine eye?

Achil. Tell me, you heavens, in which part of his body

Shall I destroy him? whether there, or there, or there?[2103]

That I may give the local wound a name,

And make distinct the very breach whereout 245

Hector's great spirit flew: answer me, heavens!

Hect. It would discredit the blest gods, proud man,

To answer such a question: stand again:

Think'st thou to catch my life so pleasantly

As to prenominate in nice conjecture 250

Where thou wilt hit me dead?

Achil. I tell thee, yea.

Hect. Wert thou an oracle to tell me so,[2104]

I'ld not believe thee. Henceforth guard thee well;

For I'll not kill thee there, nor there, nor there;

But, by the forge that stithied Mars his helm,[2105] 255

I'll kill thee every where, yea, o'er and o'er.

You wisest Grecians, pardon me this brag;

His insolence draws folly from my lips;

But I'll endeavour deeds to match these words,

Or may I never—

Ajax. Do not chafe thee, cousin: 260

And you, Achilles, let these threats alone

Till accident or purpose bring you to't:

You may have every day enough of Hector,[2106]

If you have stomach: the general state, I fear,

Can scarce entreat you to be odd with him.[2107] 265

Hect. I pray you, let us see you in the field:

We have had pelting wars since you refused[2108]

The Grecians' cause.[2108]

Achil. Dost thou entreat me, Hector?

To-morrow do I meet thee, fell as death;[2109]

To-night all friends.[2109]

Hect. Thy hand upon that match.[2110] 270

Agam. First, all you peers of Greece, go to my tent;

There in the full convive we: afterwards,[2111]

As Hector's leisure and your bounties shall

Concur together, severally entreat him.[2112]

Beat loud the tabourines, let the trumpets blow,[2112] 275

That this great soldier may his welcome know.

[Exeunt all but Troilus and Ulysses.[2113]

Tro. My Lord Ulysses, tell me, I beseech you.[2114]

In what place of the field doth Calchas keep?

Ulyss. At Menelaus' tent, most princely Troilus:

There Diomed doth feast with him to-night; 280

Who neither looks upon the heaven nor earth,[2115]

But gives all gaze and bent of amorous view

On the fair Cressid.

Tro. Shall I, sweet lord, be bound to you so much,[2116]

After we part from Agamemnon's tent, 285

To bring me thither?

Ulyss. You shall command me, sir.

As gentle tell me, of what honour was[2117]

This Cressida in Troy? Had she no lover there[2118]

That wails her absence?[2118]

Tro. O, sir, to such as boasting show their scars, 290

A mock is due. Will you walk on, my lord?

She was beloved, she loved; she is, and doth:[2119]

But still sweet love is food for fortune's tooth.      [Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[1820] ACT IV. SCENE I.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

Troy.] Rowe (ed. 1).

A street.] Theobald.

Enter ...] Malone (following Capell). Enter at one doore Æneas, at another Paris, Deiphobus, Autemor, Diomed the Grecian with torches. Q. Enter ...Æneas with a Torch ... Diephœbus, Anthenor ... Ff (Deiphobus F_2 F_3 F_4).

[1821] Par.] Patr. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1822] who is ... It is] who's ...'Tis Steevens, reading as verse.

[1823] Æne.] Æne. [to his Ser.] Capell.

[1824] you] your Q.

nothing] nought Pope.

[1825] speech, wherein You] speech: wherein You Q. speech within; You Ff.

[1826] a] Q. in a Ff.

week] week, Rowe.

[1827] haunt] hunt Upton conj.

the field] Q F_1 F_2. a field F_3 F_4.

[1828] valiant] om. Steevens conj.

[1829] question] quiet Johnson conj. (withdrawn).

[1830] other] th' other Rowe.

[1831] But] Ff. Lul'd Q.

meet] meetes F_1.

[1832] force, pursuit] fierce pursuit Collier MS.

[1833] backward. In humane gentleness,] Warburton. back—In human gentleness, Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). back-ward, in humane gentlenessse: Q. backward, in humaine gentlenesse: Ff.

[1834] to-morrow.] Ff. to morrow—Q.

[1835] We know ... long] As one line, S. Walker conj.

[1836] despiteful] despightfull Q. despightful'st Ff.

despiteful gentle] despiteful-gentle S. Walker conj.

[1837] The noblest ... early?] As in Ff. As prose in Q.

[1838] noblest hateful] noblest-hateful S. Walker conj.

[1839] 'twas] twas Q. it was Ff.

[1840] Calchas'] Pope. Calcho's Q. Calcha's F_1 F_2 F_3. Calchas's F_4.

[1841] us] om. Pope.

do think] Ff. beleeve Q.

[1842] wherefore:] Q. whereof, Ff. thereof, Capell conj.

[1843] I fear ... unwelcome] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[1844] That ... Troy] As in Ff. As prose in Q.

[1845] I] om. Pope.

[1846] The bitter ... so] As in Pope. One line in Q Ff.

[1847] [Exit with Servant.] Dyce. Exit Æneas. Ff. om. Q.

[1848] faith] om. Pope.

[1849] the] om. Q.

sound good-fellowship] good sound fellowship Rowe.

[1850] deserves ... best] Q. merits ... most] Ff. merits ... best Capell.

[1851] soilure] soyle Q.

[1852] nor ... nor] Q. no ... nor Ff.

[1853] he as he, the ... whore.] Q. he as he, which ... whore. Ff. he as he, with ... whore. Rowe. he as you, the ... whore. Hanmer. he as he, each ... whore. Dyce (Johnson and Heath conj.) he as he: which ... whore? Knight (Johnson conj.)

[1854] you desire] Ff. they desire Q.

[1855] not] but Collier (Jackson conj.)

commend] condemn Tyrwhitt conj.

what] till Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. Vol. LX.). without Edd. conj.

we intend to sell] Q Ff. w' intend not to sell Hanmer. we intend not sell Warburton.

[1856] SCENE II.] Pope.

Court of ...] Capell. Pandarus's house. Theobald.

[1857] call mine] Q. call my Ff.

[1858] kill] seal Rowe (ed. 2). still Jackson conj.

[1859] infants'] Capell. infants Q Ff.

[1860] hath] has F_4.

ribald] rabble Ingleby conj.

[1861] joys] Q. eyes Ff.

[1862] venomous] wretched Long. MS.

[1863] As tediously] Q. As hidiously Ff. Tedious Pope.

[1864] momentary-swift] Pope. momentary swift Q. momentary, swift F_1. momentary, swifter F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1865] Prithee ... tarry] As in Capell. One line in Q Ff.

[1866] You men ... Cressid!] You men ... Cressida Hanmer (as one line, ending the next at would).

[1867] Cressid] Cressida F_4.

[1868] would have tarried.] would Have tarried longer. Hanmer.

there's] there is Hanmer.

[1869] What, 's all] What's all Ff. Whats all Q. What! all Hanmer.

[1870] Enter Pandarus.] Capell. After line 20 in Ff. om. Q.

[1871] How now ... Cressid?] As in Pope. As two lines in Q Ff.

[1872] Here] Heere Q. Heare F_1 F_2. Hear F_3 F_4.

[1873] to do ... me too] first to do ... me Capell conj.

do—] F_3 F_4. to doo— Q F_1. doe— F_2.

[1874] To do ... do?] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Q Ff.

[1875] Come ... others] Prose in Q Ff. As verse by Capell, reading as one line Come ... good.

[1876] a poor] ah, poor Dyce (S. Walker conj.)

capocchia] Theobald. chipochia Q Ff. Capocchio Collier.

[1877] Did ... head] As in Q. Prose in Ff.

i' the] ith' Q F_1 F_2 F_3. i' th' F_4. o' th' Pope.

[One knocks.] Ff (after line 33). In Q it is put after line 35.

[1878] Did ... naughtily] Prose in Pope.

[1879] as if] as Steevens conj.

[1880] [Knocking.] Knock. Q Ff (after line 40).

[1881] [Exeunt ...] Capell. Exeunt. Q Ff.

[1882] Pan.] Pan. [going to the door]. Capell.

[1883] door?] door? [opening it.] Capell.]

Enter Æneas.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[1884] SCENE III. Pope.

[1885] Who's there ... early?] As in Pope. Prose in Q Ff.

[1886] there?...Æneas!] there?...Æneas? Pope. there my lord Æneas: Q. there my lord Æneas? F_1. there, my lord Æneas? F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1887] knew] know F_2.

[1888] 'tis] Ff. its Q.

[1889] in] om. Rowe (ed. 2).

[1890] Who!] Who, Q Ff. Pho! Theobald. Whoo! Johnson.

[1891] come, come ... hither] As three lines by Capell.

[1892] you are ware] Q. y'are ware Ff. y'are aware Rowe.

[1893] but yet] yet Steevens (1793).

[1894] Re-enter Troilus.] Enter Troylus. Ff. om. Q. As Pandarus is going out, Enter Troilus. Theobald.

[1895] rash] harsh Rowe.

[1896] to us; and for him] to us, and for him Ff. to him, and Q. by him; and for him Collier conj.

[1897] Diomedes'] Diomeds F_1.

[1898] so concluded] Q. concluded so Ff.

[1899] and] an F_2.

[1900] effect] affect F_2.

[1901] my] Q F_1. may F_2 F_3. many F_4.

[1902] Good ... Have not] As one line by Keightley.

[1903] secrets of nature] Ff. secrets of neighbor Pandar Q. secret'st things of nature Theobald. secretest of natures Hanmer. secret'st things in nature Capell conj. secrets even of nature Heath conj. secretest of nature Malone conj. secrecies of nature Singer (Steevens conj.) secret springs of nature Jackson conj. secret laws of nature Collier MS. secretairs of nature or secretaries of nature Staunton conj.

[1904] taciturnity] taciturnity than I Keightley.

[Exeunt ...] Capell. Exeunt. Q Ff.

[1905] SCENE IV.] Pope.

[1906] Re-enter Cressida.] Dyce. Enter Cress. Q. Enter Pandarus and Cressid. Ff (after line 73). Enter Cressida to Pandarus. Theobald (after line 73).

[1907] Ah, ah!] Q. Ah, ha! Ff.

[1908] Prithee] F_4. Pray thee Q. Prythee F_1. Prethee F_2 F_3.

[1909] knees I beseech you] Ff. knees Q. knees, 'Beseech you Capell (reading as verse).

[1910] to] go to Rowe.

[1911] bane] Q F_3 F_4. baine F_1 F_2.

[1912] I have] I've Pope.

[1913] force] Q. orce F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1914] extremes] extreames Q. extremitie Ff.

[1915] things] om. Pope.

I'll] Ile Q. I will Ff.

weep,—] Theobald. weepe. Q Ff.

[1916] hair] heire F_1.

[1917] I will] I'll Pope.

go] om. Steevens conj.

[Exeunt.] Ff. om. Q.

[1918] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope.

Before ...] Theobald.

[1919] For] Q. Of Ff.

[1920] upon] upon us Pope.

good] now, good Capell.

[1921] into] in to F_2.

[1922] to it] on it Capell.

own] Q. om. Ff.

[Exit.] Exit Troilus. Capell. om. Q Ff.

[1923] SCENE IV.] Capell. SCENE VI. Pope.

A room ...] An Apartment in Pandarus's House. Theobald.

[1924] violenteth in ... As that which] Q. no lesse in ... As that which F_1 F_2. no less in ... as that, Which F_3 F_4. in its sense is no less strong, that that Which Pope.

[1925] moderate] Q F_1 F_2. mod'rate F_3 F_4.

[1926] affection] Ff. affections Q.

[1927] dross] drosse Q. crosse Ff.

[1928] Enter Troilus.] As in Q. In Ff (after line 9).

[1929] Ah, sweet ducks!] Capell. a sweete ducks. Q. a sweet ducke. Ff. a, sweet duck! Theobald.

[1930] [Embracing him.] Malone. throwing herself upon him. Capell. om. Q Ff.

[1931] heart] hart F_1.

goodly] godly Keightley.

[1932] O heart ... breaking?] O heart, O heavy ... breaking? Pope (first reading as verse). As prose in Q Ff.

[1933] sigh'st] sighst Q. sighest F_1. sittest F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1934] Because ... speaking.] As verse first by Pope. Prose in Q Ff.

[1935] friendship] silence Collier (Collier MS.)

[1936] Cressid] Cressida Rowe (ed. 2).

strain'd] Q. strange Ff.

[1937] deities] dieties Q.

[1938] Ay, ay, ay, ay,] I, I, I, I, Q Ff. Ay, ay Pope.

[1939] Is it] Rowe. Is't Q F_4. Ist F_1 F_2 F_3.

[1940] where] while Rowe.

[1941] justles] iussles Q.

[1942] embrasures] embraces Pope.

[1943] Did buy each other] Each other bought Pope.

[1944] one.] Pope. one, Q. one; F_3 F_4. our F_1 F_2.

[1945] time now] Q. time, now F_3 F_4. time; now F_1 F_2. time; who Long MS.

[1946] into a] Q F_1. in a F_2 F_3 F_4. all in one Rowe. into one Collier MS.

[1947] Distasted] Q. Distasting Ff.

[1948] Æneas. [Within] Q. Enter Æneus. Æneas within. Ff.

My lord,] My lord! lord Troilus! Capell, reading as verse.

[1949] Genius so Cries 'Come!'] Genius Cries so Q.

[1950] rain, ... heart] rain, rain, ... poor heart Capell, reading as verse.

[1951] the root] Ff. my throate Q.

[Exit.] Exit Pandarus. Theobald. om. Q Ff.

[1952] Grecians?] Ff. Grecians. Q.

[1953] remedy.] Ff. remedy? Q.

[1954] Cres. A ... Greeks!] Omitted by Pope.

[1955] When ... Tro. Hear] As in Q. Troy. When ... againe? Troy. Heare F_1. Troy. When ... againe? Heare F_2 F_3 F_4.

[1956] my] om. Q.

heart.] Q Ff. heart— Rowe.

[1957] kindly, For ... us] Kindly, for ... us both (as one line) Anon. conj.

[1958] there's] Ff. there is Q.

[1959] My ... thee] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[1960] And ... sleeve.] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

Wear] were Q.

[1961] And ... you?] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

you?] you then? Hanmer.

[1962] To give ... true.] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[1963] Hear ... exercise:] See note (XI).

[1964] quality] qualities S. Walker conj.

[1965] novelties ... person] Ff. novelty ... portion. Q.

and parts with person] with parts in 'portion Becket conj.

[1966] godly] goodly Collier MS.

[1967] afeard] Q. affraid Ff.

[1968] mainly] manly Rowe (ed. 2).

[1969] Do ... will?] How? do ... will be tempted? Seymour conj.

you ... will?] Q. you ... will: F_1. not ... will: F_2. not ... will. F_3 F_4.

[1970] No:] Put in a separate line first by Pope.

[1971] will tempt] will attempt (Rowe ed. 1). attempt Rowe (ed. 2).

[1972] on their changeful] their unchangeful Singer. on their chainful Collier (Collier MS.)

[1973] F_1 F_2 here insert the word 'Exit.'

[1974] Whiles others] Q F_1. Whiles other F_2 F_3. While others F_4.

[1975] Whilst] While Rowe.

[1976] wear] were Q.

[1977] moral] motto Johnson conj.

[1978] 'plain and true'] put in italics by Johnson.

[1979] Enter ...] Pope. Enter the Greekes. Ff (after line 105). Omitted in Q.

[1980] SCENE VII. Pope.

[1981] Which] Whom Pope.

[1982] Ilion] F_3 F_4. Illion Q F_1 F_2.

Fair] om. Pope.

[1983] Pleads] Plead Hanmer.

usage] Q F_3 F_4. visage F_1 F_2.

[1984] zeal] Theobald (Warburton). seale Q F_1 F_2. seal F_3 F_4.

to thee] Q. towards Ff. towards thee Rowe.

[1985] In praising] Q. I praising Ff. By praising Rowe.

[1986] thy] thy thy F_2.

[1987] my lust] my list Pope. thy last Collier MS. my lure Jervis conj. my host Grant White conj. my trust Staunton conj.

know you, lord] know you Lord Q. know my Lord Ff.

[1988] I'll] I Q.

[1989] Come,] Theobald. Come Q Ff.

I'll tell] I tell Capell.

[1990] [Exeunt ... Diomedes.] Malone (Ritson conj.) Exeunt Tro. and Cre. Capell. Omitted in Q Ff.

A trumpet sounds.] Sound Trumpet. Ff. om. Q].

[1991] to the field] Q. in the field Ff.

[1992] [Exeu. Q. Exeunt. Ff.

[1993] Dei. Let ... chivalry.] Omitted in Q.

[1994] Dei.] Malone (Ritson conj.) Dio. Ff. Rann (Ritson and Mason conj.) continues Let ... straight to Paris.

[1995] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[1996] SCENE V.] Capell. SCENE II. Rowe. SCENE VIII. Pope.

The Grecian ... out.] The Grecian ... out. Attendants, and People, waiting. Flourish. Capell. The Grecian camp. Rowe.

Nestor, and others.] Nestor, &c. Theobald. Nestor, Calcas, &c. Q Ff.

[1997] time with ... courage.] Theobald. time. With ... courage, Q Ff.

starting] startling Collier MS.

[1998] May ... hither] As in Ff. Prose in Q.

[1999] hale] hail Collier conj.

Thou] om. Pope.

[2000] bias] Boreas Heath conj.

[2001] colic] collick Q. collicke F_1 F_2. cholick F_3 F_4. choler Anon. conj.

[2002] blow'st] Pope. blowest Q Ff.

[Trumpet sounds.] Hanmer. om. Q Ff.

[2003] Ulyss. No trumpet answers.] om. Seymour conj.

No] Yet no Hanmer.

'Tis ... days] 'Tis ... day Pope. It is ... day Hanmer. 'Tis ... yet Seymour conj.

[2004] Is not yond] Q. Is not yong F_1. Is not young F_2. Is't not young F_3 F_4.

[2005] the toe] Ff. the too Q. his toe Rowe.

[2006] Enter ...] Enter Diomed and Attendants, with Cressida. Capell. Enter Dio. Cres. F_2 F_3 (after days, line 12). Enter Diomede and Cressid. F_4 (after days, line 12). Omitted in Q F_1.

[2007] Cressid] Cressida Rowe.

[2008] Most ... lady] As in Q. Prose in Ff.

[2009] [Kissing her. Collier (Collier MS.)

[2010] Nest. Our general ... you.] Put in the margin by Pope.

[2011] Yet ... Nestor] As verse first by Pope in the margin. Prose in Q Ff.

[2012] the] Q F_1. your F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2013] your] you F_2.

[2014] [Putting him back. Collier (Collier MS.)

[2015] And ... argument] Q. Omitted in Ff. And parted you and your same argument Collier MS.

[2016] Patroclus] Patrolus Q.

you.] you. [Kissing her again. Collier (Collier MS.)

[2017] receive?] F_3 F_4. receive Q F_1 F_2.

[2018] Patr.] Men. Grant White (Tyrwhitt conj.)

take and give] give and take S. Walker conj.

live] give Rowe (ed. 2).

[2019] The kiss ... kiss] As verse first by Pope. Prose in Q Ff.

[2020] You're] Capell. You are Q Ff.

[2021] o'the] o'th' F_4. a'th Q. a'th' F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2022] desire it] desire't Dyce conj.

then.] Q then? Ff. two Johnson conj. too Ritson conj. then, do Dyce conj.

[2023] Given to Cressida by Singer. his.] Capell. his— Q Ff.

[2024] Never's ... you] Continued to Cressida, Johnson conj. (withdrawn), reading for you.

[2025] Dio. Lady ... father. Nest. A ... sense.] Transposed by Theobald.

[2026] [Exit ...] Diomede leads out Cressida. Theobald. Diomedes leads out Cressida, then returns. Rowe. Omitted in Q Ff.

[2027] language] a language F_1.

[2028] encounterers] Q F_1. encounters F_2 F_3 F_4. encounters, are Rowe. so] tho' Hanmer.

[2029] That] They Rowe (ed. 2).

a coasting] Q Ff. accosting Grant White (Theobald conj.) occasion Collier (Collier MS.) a cousting Delius conj. accoasting Anon. conj. accourting Anon. conj.

[2030] ticklish] Q. tickling Ff.

[2031] sluttish] skittish Collier conj.

[2032] [Trumpet within.] Theobald. om. Q. Exeunt. Ff. (Exennt. F_1.)

[2033] Trojans'] Theobald. Troyans Q. Troians F_1 F_2 F_3. Trojans F_4. Trojan's Delius conj.

Flourish. Enter ...] Malone (following Capell). Flowrish enter all of Troy. Q (after line 63). Enter all of Troy, Hector, Paris, Æneas, Helenus and Attendants. Florish. Ff (Florish. om. F_2 F_3 F_4), after line 63.

[2034] the state] Q. you state Ff.

[2035] commands] crowns S. Walker conj. commends Anon. conj.

[2036] they] Q. om. Ff.

[2037] By ... field?... ask.] As in Rowe (ed. 2). By ... field ... aske? Q, reading as one line. By ... field: ... aske? Ff.

[2038] Achil.] Pope Ed. 2 (Theobald, from Dryden's version). Aga. Q Ff.

[2039] Achil. 'Tis done ... proudly,] Achil. 'Tis done like Hector. Agam. But securely done. Achil. A little proudly, or Agam. 'Tis done like Hector: not securely done. Achil. A little proudly, Theobald conj.

[2040] misprizing] misprising Q. disprising Ff.

[2041] The knight ... nothing] Arranged as by Theobald.

[2042] this: In] this, Is Rowe (ed. 1). this Is Rowe (ed. 2).

[2043] excel] parcell Warburton.

[2044] Weigh] way Q.

[2045] comes] come Pope.

[2046] Re-enter ...] Re-enter Diomede. Theobald. Omitted in Q Ff.

[2047] Sir Diomed] Q F_3 F_4. sir, Diomed F_1 F_2.

[2048] uttermost] utterance Collier (Collier MS.)

[2049] breath] Q. breach Ff.

[2050] [Ajax ... lists.] Ajax ... lists, Æneas and Diomed marshaling: Greeks range themselves on one Side, and Trojans upon the other, without. Capell. Omitted in Q Ff.

[2051] Ulyss. They ... already. Agam. What ... heavy?] Ff. Ulisses: what ... heavy? Q (as one line).

[2052] Agam.] Aga. Ff. Ajax. Rowe.

[2053] The ... knight] Q. See note (XII).

[2054] matchless, firm] matchlesse, firme Ff. matchlesse firme Q.

[2055] Speaking in] Ff. Speaking Q.

[2056] free; For] free: For F_1 F_3 F_4. free. For Q. free For F_2.

[2057] impair] F_3 F_4. impaire F_1 F_2. impare Q. impar Capell. impure Dyce (Johnson conj.) See note (XIII).

[2058] objects] abjects Collier (Collier MS.)

[2059] vindicative] vindecative F_1.

[2060] Ilion] F_3 F_4. Illion Q F_1 F_2.

[Alarum.] Q Ff. Trumpets blow to Arms. Capell.

Hector and Ajax fight.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[2061] SCENE IX. Pope.

[2062] Hector ... thee] Arranged as by Steevens (1793). One line in Q Ff.

[2063] disposed: there] dispos'd, there Q. dispos'd there Ff.

[2064] [interposing. Capell.

[2065] commixtion] Q F_4. commixion F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2066] Greek] Greece Capell.

[2067] Of our rank feud] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[2068] drop] day Q.

borrow'dst] Q F_3 F_4. borrwd'st F_1 F_2. borrow'st Rowe.

[2069] drained] Q F_1 F_2. drain'd F_3 F_4. drained out Capell. drained forth S. Walker conj.

Ajax:] Ajax, now: Grant White conj.

[2070] Neoptolemus so mirable] Neoptolemus' sire so mirable Hanmer. Neoptolemus's sire irascible Warburton. Neoptolemus th' admirable Johnson conj. Neoptolemus's sire in battle Heath conj. Neoptolemus so admirable Collier conj.

[2071] could] could'st F_1.

[2072] Ajax, farewell] farewell, Ajax Hanmer.

[2073] Enter Agamemnon and the rest. Ff. Omitted in Q. Agamemnon and the rest of the Greeks come forward. Rowe. Chiefs enter the Lists. Capell.

[2074] my] Q. mine Ff.

[2075] of] Ff. all Q.

[2076] But ... integrity] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[2077] bias-drawing] Theobald. bias drawing Ff.

[2078] Who] Q F_1. Whom F_2 F_3 F_4.

Æne.] Men. Steevens (1778), a misprint.

[2079] lord!] lord? Capell. lord, Q Ff.

[2080] Mock ... oath] The intruded earth, (I mock not thy affects,) Becket conj.

that I ... oath:] Ff. thy affect, the vntraded earth) Q.

[2081] quondam] quandom Q.

[2082] Despising many] Q. And seene thee scorning Ff. And seen thee scouring Rowe. Bravely despising Pope.

[2083] thy advanced] Ff. th'advanced Q. thy advanc'd Rowe.

[2084] to some] Q. unto Ff.

[2085] hemm'd] F_3 F_4. hem'd F_1 F_2. shrupd Q (for shut Collier conj.)

[2086] wrestling] F_1 F_2. wrastling Q F_3 F_4.

this have I seen] thus I have seen Rowe. this I've seen Pope. thus I've seen thee Hanmer.

[2087] Let] Ff. O let Q.

[2088] As ... courtesy.] Omitted in Q.

[2089] Ha!] Ha? Q Ff. om. Pope. Put in a separate line first by Capell.

[2090] time.] Q F_1 F_2. time— F_3 F_4.

[2091] her base] the base Rowe.

[2092] Ilion] F_3 F_4. Illion Q F_1 F_2.

[2093] pertly] Q F_1. partly F_2 F_3 F_4. portly Collier MS.

[2094] Yond] Ff. Yon Q.

[2095] And ... end it.] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[2096] thou!] Theobald. thou: Q Ff. now, Hanmer. though. Tyrwhitt conj. then. Hudson (Collier MS.) thou— Singer. there; S. Walker conj.

[2097] I have joint.] As in Ff. One line in Q.

exact view] view exact Hanmer.

[2098] quoted] coted Becket conj.

[2099] I am] Ay, I am Anon. conj.

[2100] I pray thee] Q. I prythee F_1 F_2. I prithee F_3 F_4.

[2101] art] are F_2.

[2102] view thee] Q. view thee, Ff.

[2103] or there, or there?] or there. Pope. there, or there? Capell.

[2104] an] Q. the Ff.

[2105] stithied] stichied Q. smithied Theobald.

[2106] have] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. om. F_1.

[2107] to be odd] not be odd Theobald conj. to be at odds Hanmer. be at odds Capell conj.

[2108] We ... cause.] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[2109] To-morrow ... friends] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[2110] hand] Q F_1 F_4. hands F_2 F_3.

[2111] we] Q. you Ff.

[2112] him. Beat ... tabourines,] Ff. him To taste your bounties, Q.

[2113] [Exeunt all but....] Exeunt. Manent Troilus and Ulysses. Rowe. Exeunt. Q Ff. Exeunt. Troilus stays Ulysses. Capell.

[2114] SCENE X. Pope.

[2115] upon the heaven nor earth] Q. on heaven nor on earth Ff. on heav'n, nor on the earth Pope.

[2116] you] Q. thee Ff.

[2117] As gentle] Ff. But gentle Q. As gently Rowe.

[2118] there That wails] There that now wails Hanmer.

wails] walles F_2.

[2119] she loved] Ff. my Lord Q.

ACT V.

SCENE I. The Grecian camp. Before Achilles' tent.[2120]

Enter ACHILLES and PATROCLUS.

Achil. I'll heat his blood with Greekish wine to-night,[2121]

Which with my scimitar I'll cool to-morrow.[2122]

Patroclus, let us feast him to the height.

Patr. Here comes Thersites.

Enter THERSITES.

Achil. How now, thou core of envy![2123]

Thou crusty batch of nature, what's the news?[2124] 5

Ther. Why, thou picture of what thou seemest, and idol[2125]

of idiot-worshippers, here's a letter for thee.

Achil. From whence, fragment?

Ther. Why, thou full dish of fool, from Troy.

Patr. Who keeps the tent now? 10

Ther. The surgeon's box, or the patient's wound.

Patr. Well said, adversity! and what need these tricks?[2126]

Ther. Prithee, be silent, boy; I profit not by thy talk:[2127]

thou art thought to be Achilles' male varlet.[2128][2129]

Patr. Male varlet, you rogue! what's that?[2129] 15

Ther. Why, his masculine whore. Now, the rotten diseases[2130]

of the south, the guts-griping, ruptures, catarrhs, loads[2131]

o' gravel i' the back, lethargies, cold palsies, raw eyes, dirt-rotten[2132][2133]

livers, wheezing lungs, bladders full of imposthume,[2133][2134]

sciaticas, limekilns i' the palm, incurable bone-ache, and the[2133][2135] 20

rivelled fee-simple of the tetter, take and take again such[2133]

preposterous discoveries![2136]

Patr. Why, thou damnable box of envy, thou, what

mean'st thou to curse thus?[2137]

Ther. Do I curse thee? 25

Patr. Why, no, you ruinous butt; you whoreson indistinguishable[2138]

cur, no.[2139]

Ther. No! why art thou then exasperate, thou idle

immaterial skein of sleave silk, thou green sarcenet flap for[2140]

a sore eye, thou tassel of a prodigal's purse, thou? Ah,[2141] 30

how the poor world is pestered with such waterflies, diminutives

of nature!

Patr. Out, gall![2142]

Ther. Finch-egg!

Achil. My sweet Patroclus, I am thwarted quite[2143] 35

From my great purpose in to-morrow's battle.

Here is a letter from Queen Hecuba,

A token from her daughter, my fair love,

Both taxing me and gaging me to keep

An oath that I have sworn. I will not break it: 40

Fall Greeks; fail fame; honour or go or stay;[2144]

My major vow lies here, this I'll obey.

Come, come, Thersites, help to trim my tent:

This night in banqueting must all be spent.[2145]

Away, Patroclus!      [Exeunt Achilles and Patroclus.[2145][2146] 45

Ther. With too much blood and too little brain, these

two may run mad; but, if with too much brain and too little

blood they do, I'll be a curer of madmen. Here's Agamemnon,

an honest fellow enough and one that loves quails;[2147]

but he has not so much brain as ear-wax: and the goodly[2148] 50

transformation of Jupiter there, his brother, the bull, the[2149]

primitive statue and oblique memorial of cuckolds; a thrifty[2150]

shoeing-horn in a chain, hanging at his brother's leg,—to[2151]

what form but that he is, should wit larded with malice and[2152]

malice forced with wit turn him to? To an ass, were nothing;[2153] 55

he is both ass and ox: to an ox, were nothing; he is[2154]

both ox and ass. To be a dog, a mule, a cat, a fitchew, a[2154][2155]

toad, a lizard, an owl, a puttock, or a herring without a roe,[2156]

I would not care; but to be Menelaus! I would conspire[2157]

against destiny. Ask me not what I would be, if I were[2158] 60

not Thersites; for I care not to be the louse of a lazar, so I

were not Menelaus. Hoy-day! spirits and fires!

Enter HECTOR, TROILUS, AJAX, AGAMEMNON, ULYSSES, NESTOR, MENELAUS, and DIOMEDES, with lights.[2159]

Agam. We go wrong, we go wrong.[2160]

Ajax. No, yonder 'tis;[2161]

There, where we see the lights.[2162]

Hect. I trouble you.[2161]

Ajax. No, not a whit.

Re-enter ACHILLES.[2163]

Ulyss. Here comes himself to guide you. 65

Achil. Welcome, brave Hector; welcome, princes all.

Agam. So now, fair Prince of Troy, I bid good night.[2164]

Ajax commands the guard to tend on you.[2165]

Hect. Thanks and good night to the Greeks' general.[2166]

Men. Good night, my lord.

Hect. Good night, sweet Lord Menelaus.[2167] 70

Ther. Sweet draught: sweet, quoth a'! sweet sink, sweet[2168]

sewer.[2169]

Achil. Good night and welcome, both at once, to those[2170][2171]

That go or tarry.[2170][2172]

Agam. Goodnight.      [Exeunt Agamemnon and Menelaus.[2173]75

Achil. Old Nestor tarries; and you too, Diomed,[2174]

Keep Hector company an hour or two.

Dio. I cannot, lord; I have important business,

The tide whereof is now. Good night, great Hector.

Hect. Give me your hand. 80

Ulyss. [Aside to Troilus] Follow his torch; he goes to Calchas' tent:[2175][2176][2177]

I'll keep you company.[2176]

Tro. Sweet sir, you honour me.

Hect. And so, good night.

[Exit Diomedes; Ulysses and Troilus following.[2178]

Achil. Come, come, enter my tent.

[Exeunt Achilles, Hector, Ajax, and Nestor.[2179]

Ther. That same Diomed's a false-hearted rogue, a most 85

unjust knave; I will no more trust him when he leers than

I will a serpent when he hisses: he will spend his mouth

and promise, like Brabbler the hound; but when he performs,

astronomers foretell it; it is prodigious, there will[2180]

come some change; the sun borrows of the moon when[2181] 90

Diomed keeps his word. I will rather leave to see Hector

than not to dog him: they say he keeps a Trojan drab

and uses the traitor Calchas' tent: I'll after. Nothing but[2182]

lechery! all incontinent varlets!      [Exit.[2183]

SCENE II. The same. Before Calchas' tent.

Enter DIOMEDES.[2184]

Dio. What, are you up here, ho? speak.[2185]

Cal. [Within] Who calls?[2186]

Dio. Diomed. Calchas, I think. Where's your daughter?[2187]

Cal. [Within] She comes to you.[2186]

Enter TROILUS and ULYSSES, at a distance; after them, THERSITES.[2188]

Ulyss. Stand where the torch may not discover us. 5

Enter CRESSIDA.[2189]

Tro. Cressid comes forth to him.[2190]

Dio. How now, my charge!

Cres. Now, my sweet guardian! Hark, a word with you.      [Whispers.[2191]

Tro. Yea, so familiar!

Ulyss. She will sing any man at first sight.[2192]

Ther. And any man may sing her, if he can take her[2193] 10

cliff; she's noted.[2193]

Dio. Will you remember?[2194]

Cres. Remember! yes.[2195]

Dio. Nay, but do, then;[2196]

And let your mind be coupled with your words.[2197] 15

Tro. What should she remember?[2198]

Ulyss. List.

Cres. Sweet honey Greek, tempt me no more to folly.

Ther. Roguery!

Dio. Nay, then,— 20

Cres. I'll tell you what,—

Dio. Foh, foh! come, tell a pin: you are forsworn.[2199]

Cres. In faith, I cannot: what would you have me do?[2200]

Ther. A juggling trick,—to be secretly open.

Dio. What did you swear you would bestow on me? 25

Cres. I prithee, do not hold me to mine oath;

Bid me do any thing but that, sweet Greek.[2201]

Dio. Good night.

Tro. Hold, patience![2202]

Ulyss. How now, Trojan! 30

Cres. Diomed,—

Dio. No, no, good night: I'll be your fool no more.

Tro. Thy better must.

Cres. Hark, one word in your ear.[2203]

Tro. O plague and madness! 35

Ulyss. You are moved, prince; let us depart, I pray you,[2204]

Lest your displeasure should enlarge itself

To wrathful terms: this place is dangerous;

The time right deadly; I beseech you, go.

Tro. Behold, I pray you!

Ulyss. Nay, good my lord, go off:[2205] 40

You flow to great distraction; come, my lord.[2206]

Tro. I pray thee, stay.[2207]

Ulyss. You have not patience; come.

Tro. I pray you, stay; by hell and all hell's torments,[2208]

I will not speak a word.[2209]

Dio. And so, good night.

Cres. Nay, but you part in anger.

Tro. Doth that grieve thee?[2210] 45

O wither'd truth![2210]

Ulyss. Why, how now, lord![2211]

Tro. By Jove,[2212]

I will be patient.[2212]

Cres. Guardian!—why, Greek!

Dio. Foh, foh! adieu; you palter.[2213]

Cres. In faith, I do not: come hither once again.

Ulyss. You shake, my lord, at something: will you go?[2214] 50

You will break out.[2214]

Tro. She strokes his cheek!

Ulyss. Come, come.

Tro. Nay, stay; by Jove, I will not speak a word:

There is between my will and all offences

A guard of patience: stay a little while.

Ther. How the devil luxury, with his fat rump and 55

potato-finger, tickles these together! Fry, lechery, fry![2215]

Dio. But will you, then?[2216]

Cres. In faith, I will, la; never trust me else.[2217]

Dio. Give me some token for the surety of it.

Cres. I'll fetch you one.      [Exit 60

Ulyss. You have sworn patience.

Tro. Fear me not, sweet lord;[2218]

I will not be myself, nor have cognition

Of what I feel: I am all patience.

Re-enter CRESSIDA.[2219]

Ther. Now the pledge; now, now, now![2220]

Cres. Here, Diomed, keep this sleeve. 65

Tro. O beauty! where is thy faith?

Ulyss. My lord,—

Tro. I will be patient; outwardly I will.[2221]

Cres. You look upon that sleeve; behold it well.[2222]

He loved me—O false wench!—Give't me again.

Dio. Whose was't? 70

Cres. It is no matter, now I have't again.[2223]

I will not meet with you to-morrow night:

I prithee, Diomed, visit me no more.

Ther. Now she sharpens: well said, whetstone!

Dio. I shall have it.[2224]

Cres. What, this?

Dio. Ay, that. 75

Cres. O, all you gods! O pretty, pretty pledge!

Thy master now lies thinking in his bed[2225]

Of thee and me, and sighs, and takes my glove,

And gives memorial dainty kisses to it,[2226]

As I kiss thee. Nay, do not snatch it from me;[2226][2227] 80

He that takes that doth take my heart withal.[2228]

Dio. I had your heart before; this follows it.

Tro. I did swear patience.

Cres. You shall not have it, Diomed; faith, you shall not;[2229]

I'll give you something else. 85

Dio. I will have this: whose was it?

Cres. It is no matter.[2230]

Dio. Come, tell me whose it was.

Cres. 'Twas one's that loved me better than you will.[2231]

But, now you have it, take it.

Dio. Whose was it?[2232]

Cres. By all Diana's waiting-women yond,[2233] 90

And by herself, I will not tell you whose.

Dio. To-morrow will I wear it on my helm,

And grieve his spirit that dares not challenge it.

Tro. Wert thou the devil, and worest it on thy horn,

It should be challenged. 95

Cres. Well, well, 'tis done, 'tis past; and yet it is not;

I will not keep my word.

Dio. Why then, farewell;[2234]

Thou never shalt mock Diomed again.[2234]

Cres. You shall not go: one cannot speak a word,[2234][2235]

But it straight starts you.[2234]

Dio. I do not like this fooling.[2234] 100

Ther. Nor I, by Pluto: but that that likes not you[2236][2237]

Pleases me best.[2236]

Dio. What, shall I come? the hour?

Cres. Ay, come: O Jove! do come: I shall be plagued.

Dio. Farewell till then.

Cres. Good night: I prithee, come.

[Exit Diomedes.[2238]

Troilus, farewell! one eye yet looks on thee, 105

But with my heart the other eye doth see.[2239]

Ah, poor our sex! this fault in us I find,

The error of our eye directs our mind:

What error leads must err; O, then conclude

Minds sway'd by eyes are full of turpitude.      [Exit. 110

Ther. A proof of strength she could not publish more,[2240]

Unless she said 'My mind is now turn'd whore.'[2241]

Ulyss. All's done, my lord.

Tro. It is.

Ulyss. Why stay we then?

Tro. To make a recordation to my soul

Of every syllable that here was spoke. 115

But if I tell how these two did co-act,[2242]

Shall I not lie in publishing a truth?

Sith yet there is a credence in my heart,

An esperance so obstinately strong,

That doth invert the attest of eyes and ears;[2243] 120

As if those organs had deceptious functions,[2244]

Created only to calumniate.[2245]

Was Cressid here?[2245]

Ulyss. I cannot conjure, Trojan.

Tro. She was not, sure.

Ulyss. Most sure she was.[2246]

Tro. Why, my negation hath no taste of madness.[2247] 125

Ulyss. Nor mine, my lord: Cressid was here but now.

Tro. Let it not be believed for womanhood!

Think, we had mothers; do not give advantage

To stubborn critics, apt without a theme

For depravation, to square the general sex[2248] 130

By Cressid's rule: rather think this not Cressid.

Ulyss. What hath she done, prince, that can soil our mothers?[2249]

Tro. Nothing at all, unless that this were she.

Ther. Will a'swagger himself out on's own eyes?[2250]

Tro. This she? no, this is Diomed's Cressida:[2251] 135

If beauty have a soul, this is not she;

If souls guide vows, if vows be sanctimonies,[2252]

If sanctimony be the gods' delight,

If there be rule in unity itself,[2253]

This is not she. O madness of discourse,[2254] 140

That cause sets up with and against itself![2255]

Bi-fold authority! where reason can revolt[2256][2257]

Without perdition, and loss assume all reason[2257][2258]

Without revolt: this is, and is not, Cressid!

Within my soul there doth conduce a fight[2259] 145

Of this strange nature, that a thing inseparate

Divides more wider than the sky and earth;[2260]

And yet the spacious breadth of this division

Admits no orifex for a point as subtle[2261][2262]

As Ariachne's broken woof to enter.[2261][2263] 150

Instance, O instance! strong as Pluto's gates;

Cressid is mine, tied with the bonds of heaven:

Instance, O instance! strong as heaven itself;

The bonds of heaven are slipp'd, dissolved and loosed;

And with another knot, five-finger-tied,[2264] 155

The fractions of her faith, orts of her love,

The fragments, scraps, the bits and greasy relics

Of her o'er-eaten faith, are bound to Diomed.[2265]

Ulyss. May worthy Troilus be half attach'd[2266]

With that which here his passion doth express? 160

Tro. Ay, Greek; and that shall be divulged well

In characters as red as Mars his heart

Inflamed with Venus: never did young man fancy[2267]

With so eternal and so fix'd a soul.

Hark, Greek: as much as I do Cressid love,[2268] 165

So much by weight hate I her Diomed:

That sleeve is mine that he'll bear on his helm:[2269]

Were it a casque composed by Vulcan's skill,

My sword should bite it: not the dreadful spout

Which shipmen do the hurricano call, 170

Constringed in mass by the almighty sun,[2270]

Shall dizzy with more clamour Neptune's ear[2271]

In his descent, than shall my prompted sword[2271]

Falling on Diomed.[2271]

Ther. He'll tickle it for his concupy.[2272] 175

Tro. O Cressid! O false Cressid! false, false, false!

Let all untruths stand by thy stained name,

And they'll seem glorious.

Ulyss. O, contain yourself;

Your passion draws ears hither.

Enter ÆNEAS.

Æne. I have been seeking you this hour, my lord: 180

Hector by this is arming him in Troy;

Ajax your guard stays to conduct you home.[2273]

Tro. Have with you, prince. My courteous lord, adieu.

Farewell, revolted fair! and, Diomed,

Stand fast, and wear a castle on thy head! 185

Ulyss. I'll bring you to the gates.

Tro. Accept distracted thanks.

[Exeunt Troilus, Æneas, and Ulysses.

Ther. Would I could meet that rogue Diomed! I would

croak like a raven; I would bode, I would bode. Patroclus

will give me any thing for the intelligence of this whore: the 190

parrot will not do more for an almond than he for a commodious

drab. Lechery, lechery! still wars and lechery! nothing

else holds fashion. A burning devil take them!      [Exit.

SCENE III. Troy. Before Priam's palace.[2274]

Enter HECTOR and ANDROMACHE.

And. When was my lord so much ungently temper'd,

To stop his ears against admonishment?

Unarm, unarm, and do not fight to-day.

Hect. You train me to offend you; get you in:[2275]

By all the everlasting gods, I'll go![2276] 5

And. My dreams will, sure, prove ominous to the day.[2277]

Hect. No more, I say.

Enter CASSANDRA.

Cas. Where is my brother Hector?

And. Here, sister; arm'd, and bloody in intent.

Consort with me in loud and dear petition;[2278]

Pursue we him on knees; for I have dream'd 10

Of bloody turbulence, and this whole night

Hath nothing been but shapes and forms of slaughter.[2279]

Cas. O, 'tis true.

Hect. Ho! bid my trumpet sound!

Cas. No notes of sally, for the heavens, sweet brother.[2280]

Hect. Be gone, I say: the gods have heard me swear. 15

Cas. The gods are deaf to hot and peevish vows:

They are polluted offerings, more abhorr'd

Than spotted livers in the sacrifice.

And. O, be persuaded! do not count it holy[2281][2282][2283]

To hurt by being just: it is as lawful,[2281][2283][2284][2285][2286] 20

For we would give much, to use violent thefts[2281][2283][2284][2286]

And rob in the behalf of charity.[2283][2284]

Cas. It is the purpose that makes strong the vow;[2287]

But vows to every purpose must not hold:

Unarm, sweet Hector.[2288]

Hect. Hold you still, I say; 25

Mine honour keeps the weather of my fate:[2289]

Life every man holds dear; but the dear man[2290]

Holds honour far more precious-dear than life.[2291]

Enter TROILUS.

How now, young man! mean'st thou to fight to-day?[2292]

And. Cassandra, call my father to persuade. 30

[Exit Cassandra.

Hect. No, faith, young Troilus; doff thy harness, youth:

I am to-day i' the vein of chivalry:

Let grow thy sinews till their knots be strong,[2293]

And tempt not yet the brushes of the war.[2294]

Unarm thee, go; and doubt thou not, brave boy, 35

I'll stand to-day for thee and me and Troy.

Tro. Brother, you have a vice of mercy in you,

Which better fits a lion than a man.

Hect. What vice is that, good Troilus? chide me for it.[2295]

Tro. When many times the captive Grecian falls,[2296] 40

Even in the fan and wind of your fair sword,[2297]

You bid them rise and live.[2298]

Hect. O, 'tis fair play.

Tro. Fool's play, by heaven, Hector.

Hect. How now! how now!

Tro. For the love of all the gods,[2299]

Let's leave the hermit pity with our mother;[2300] 45

And when we have our armours buckled on,

The venom'd vengeance ride upon our swords,[2301]

Spur them to ruthful work, rein them from ruth![2302]

Hect. Fie, savage, fie!

Tro. Hector, then 'tis wars.[2303]

Hect. Troilus, I would not have you fight to-day. 50

Tro. Who should withhold me?[2304]

Not fate, obedience, nor the hand of Mars

Beckoning with fiery truncheon my retire;

Not Priamus and Hecuba on knees,

Their eyes o'ergalled with recourse of tears; 55

Nor you, my brother, with your true sword drawn,

Opposed to hinder me, should stop my way,

But by my ruin.

Re-enter CASSANDRA, with PRIAM.[2305]

Cas. Lay hold upon him, Priam, hold him fast:[2306]

He is thy crutch; now if thou lose thy stay, 60

Thou on him leaning, and all Troy on thee,

Fall all together.

Pri. Come, Hector, come, go back:[2307]

Thy wife hath dream'd; thy mother hath had visions;

Cassandra doth foresee; and I myself

Am like a prophet suddenly enrapt, 65

To tell thee that this day is ominous:

Therefore, come back.

Hect. Æneas is afield;[2308]

And I do stand engaged to many Greeks,

Even in the faith of valour, to appear

This morning to them.

Pri. Ay, but thou shalt not go.[2309] 70

Hect. I must not break my faith.

You know me dutiful; therefore, dear sir,

Let me not shame respect; but give me leave

To take that course by your consent and voice,

Which you do here forbid me, royal Priam. 75

Cas. O Priam, yield not to him!

And. Do not, dear father.

Hect. Andromache, I am offended with you:

Upon the love you bear me, get you in.      [Exit Andromache.

Tro. This foolish, dreaming, superstitious girl

Makes all these bodements.

Cas. O, farewell, dear Hector! 80

Look, how thou diest! look, how thy eye turns pale![2310]

Look, how thy wounds do bleed at many vents![2311]

Hark, how Troy roars! how Hecuba cries out![2312]

How poor Andromache shrills her dolours forth![2313]

Behold, distraction, frenzy and amazement,[2314] 85

Like witless antics, one another meet,

And all cry 'Hector! Hector's dead! O Hector!'

Tro. Away! away![2315]

Cas. Farewell: yet, soft! Hector, I take my leave:[2316]

Thou dost thyself and all our Troy deceive.      [Exit. 90

Hect. You are amazed, my liege, at her exclaim:

Go in and cheer the town: we'll forth and fight,[2317]

Do deeds worth praise and tell you them at night.[2318]

Pri. Farewell: the gods with safety stand about thee!

[Exeunt severally Priam and Hector. Alarum.[2319]

Tro. They are at it, hark! Proud Diomed, believe,[2320] 95

I come to lose my arm, or win my sleeve.

Enter PANDARUS.[2321]

Pan. Do you hear, my lord? do you hear?[2322][2323]

Tro. What now?[2322]

Pan. Here's a letter come from yond poor girl.[2322]

Tro. Let me read.[2322][2324] 100

Pan. A whoreson tisick, a whoreson rascally tisick so[2322][2325]

troubles me, and the foolish fortune of this girl; and what[2322]

one thing, what another, that I shall leave you one o' these[2322][2326]

days: and I have a rheum in mine eyes too, and such an[2322]

ache in my bones that, unless a man were cursed, I cannot[2322] 105

tell what to think on't. What says she there?[2322]

Tro. Words, words, mere words, no matter from the heart;[2322]

The effect doth operate another way.      [Tearing the letter.[2322][2327]

Go, wind, to wind, there turn and change together.[2322]

My love with words and errors still she feeds,[2322][2328] 110

But edifies another with her deeds.      [Exeunt severally.[2322][2329]

SCENE IV. The field between Troy and the Grecian camp.

Alarums. Excursions. Enter THERSITES.[2330]

Ther. Now they are clapper-clawing one another; I'll go

look on. That dissembling abominable varlet, Diomed, has

got that same scurvy doting foolish young knave's sleeve of[2331][2332]

Troy there in his helm: I would fain see them meet; that[2332]

that same young Trojan ass, that loves the whore there, 5

might send that Greekish whoremasterly villain, with the

sleeve, back to the dissembling luxurious drab, of a sleeveless

errand. O' the t'other side, the policy of those crafty[2333]

swearing rascals, that stale old mouse-eaten dry cheese,[2334]

Nestor, and that same dog-fox, Ulysses, is not proved worth[2335] 10

a blackberry. They set me up in policy that mongrel

cur, Ajax, against that dog of as bad a kind, Achilles: and

now is the cur Ajax prouder than the cur Achilles, and will

not arm to-day; whereupon the Grecians begin to proclaim[2336]

barbarism, and policy grows into an ill opinion. 15

Enter DIOMEDES and TROILUS.[2337]

Soft! here comes sleeve, and t'other.[2338]

Tro. Fly not; for shouldst thou take the river Styx,[2339]

I would swim after.[2339]

Dio. Thou dost miscall retire:

I do not fly; but advantageous care

Withdrew me from the odds of multitude:[2340] 20

Have at thee![2340]

Ther. Hold thy whore, Grecian! Now for thy whore,

Trojan! Now the sleeve, now the sleeve!

[Exeunt Troilus and Diomedes, fighting.[2341]

Enter HECTOR.

Hect. What art thou, Greek? art thou for Hector's match?[2342]

Art thou of blood and honour? 25

Ther. No, no: I am a rascal; a scurvy railing knave;[2343]

a very filthy rogue.[2343]

Hect. I do believe thee. Live.      [Exit.[2344]

Ther. God-a-mercy, that thou wilt believe me; but a

plague break thy neck for frighting me! What's become of[2345] 30

the wenching rogues? I think they have swallowed one

another: I would laugh at that miracle: yet in a sort

lechery eats itself. I'll seek them.      [Exit.

SCENE V. Another part of the field.

Enter DIOMEDES and Servant.[2346]

Dio. Go, go, my servant, take thou Troilus' horse;[2347]

Present the fair steed to my lady Cressid:

Fellow, commend my service to her beauty;

Tell her I have chastised the amorous Trojan,

And am her knight by proof.

Ser. I go, my lord.      [Exit. 5

Enter AGAMEMNON.[2348]

Agam. Renew, renew! The fierce Polydamas[2349]

Hath beat down Menon: bastard Margarelon

Hath Doreus prisoner,[2350]

And stands colossus-wise, waving his beam,

Upon the pashed corses of the kings[2351] 10

Epistrophus and Cedius: Polyxenes is slain;[2352]

Amphimachus and Thoas deadly hurt;[2353]

Patroclus ta'en or slain; and Palamedes

Sore hurt and bruised: the dreadful sagittary[2354]

Appals our numbers: haste we, Diomed, 15

To reinforcement, or we perish all.

Enter NESTOR.

Nest. Go, bear Patroclus' body to Achilles,[2355]

And bid the snail-paced Ajax arm for shame.

There is a thousand Hectors in the field:[2356]

Now here he fights on Galathe his horse, 20

And there lacks work; anon he's there afoot,

And there they fly or die, like scaled sculls[2357]

Before the belching whale; then is he yonder,

And there the strawy Greeks, ripe for his edge,[2358]

Fall down before him, like the mower's swath:[2359] 25

Here, there and every where he leaves and takes,[2360]

Dexterity so obeying appetite

That what he will he does, and does so much[2361]

That proof is call'd impossibility.

Enter ULYSSES.

Ulyss. O, courage, courage, princes! great Achilles 30

Is arming, weeping, cursing, vowing vengeance:

Patroclus' wounds have roused his drowsy blood,[2355]

Together with his mangled Myrmidons,

That noseless, handless, hack'd and chipp'd, come to him,

Crying on Hector. Ajax hath lost a friend, 35

And foams at mouth, and he is arm'd, and at it,

Roaring for Troilus; who hath done to-day

Mad and fantastic execution,

Engaging and redeeming of himself,

With such a careless force and forceless care, 40

As if that luck, in very spite of cunning,[2362][2363]

Bade him win all.[2362]

Enter AJAX.

Ajax. Troilus! thou coward Troilus!      [Exit.[2364]

Dio. Ay, there, there.

Nest. So, so, we draw together.[2365]

Enter ACHILLES.

Achil. Where is this Hector?

Come, come, thou boy-queller, show thy face;[2366] 45

Know what it is to meet Achilles angry:

Hector! where's Hector? I will none but Hector.      [Exeunt.[2367]

SCENE VI. Another part of the field.[2368]

Enter AJAX.

Ajax. Troilus, thou coward Troilus, show thy head![2369]

Enter DIOMEDES.

Dio. Troilus, I say! where's Troilus?[2370]

Ajax. What wouldst thou?

Dio. I would correct him.

Ajax. Were I the general, thou shouldst have my office[2371]

Ere that correction. Troilus, I say! what, Troilus! 5

Enter TROILUS.

Tro. O traitor Diomed! Turn thy false face, thou traitor.

And pay thy life thou owest me for my horse.[2372]

Dio. Ha, art thou there?

Ajax. I'll fight with him alone: stand, Diomed.

Dio. He is my prize; I will not look upon.[2373] 10

Tro. Come both, you cogging Greeks; have at you both!      [Exeunt, fighting.

Enter HECTOR.[2374]

Hect. Yea, Troilus? O, well fought, my youngest brother!

Enter ACHILLES.

Achil. Now do I see thee; ha! have at thee, Hector![2375]

Hect. Pause, if thou wilt.[2376]

Achil. I do disdain thy courtesy, proud Trojan: 15

Be happy that my arms are out of use:

My rest and negligence befriends thee now,[2377]

But thou anon shalt hear of me again;[2378]

Till when, go seek thy fortune.      [Exit.[2379]

Hect. Fare thee well:

I would have been much more a fresher man,[2380] 20

Had I expected thee.

Re-enter TROILUS.[2381]

How now, my brother!

Tro. Ajax hath ta'en Æneas: shall it be?

No, by the flame of yonder glorious heaven,

He shall not carry him; I'll be ta'en too,[2382]

Or bring him off. Fate, hear me what I say![2378] 25

I reck not though I end my life to-day.      [Exit.

Enter one in sumptuous armour.[2383]

Hect. Stand, stand, thou Greek; thou art a goodly mark.[2384]

No? wilt thou not? I like thy armour well;[2385]

I'll frush it, and unlock the rivets all,[2386]

But I'll be master of it. Wilt thou not, beast, abide? 30

Why then, fly on, I'll hunt thee for thy hide.      [Exeunt.[2387]

SCENE VII. Another part of the field.[2388]

Enter ACHILLES, with Myrmidons.

Achil. Come here about me, you my Myrmidons;

Mark what I say. Attend me where I wheel:

Strike not a stroke, but keep yourselves in breath:

And when I have the bloody Hector found,

Empale him with your weapons round about; 5

In fellest manner execute your aims.[2389]

Follow me, sirs, and my proceedings eye:[2390]

It is decreed Hector the great must die.      [Exeunt.

Enter MENELAUS and PARIS, fighting: then THERSITES.[2391]

Ther. The cuckold and the cuckold-maker are at it.[2392]

Now, bull! now, dog! 'Loo, Paris, 'loo! now my double-henned[2393][2394] 10

sparrow! 'loo, Paris, 'loo! The bull has the game:[2393][2395]

ware horns, ho!      [Exeunt Paris and Menelaus.

Enter MARGARELON.[2396]

Mar. Turn, slave, and fight.[2397]

Ther. What art thou?

Mar. A bastard son of Priam's.[2397] 15

Ther. I am a bastard too; I love bastards: I am a bastard[2398]

begot, bastard instructed, bastard in mind, bastard in[2398]

valour, in every thing illegitimate. One bear will not bite

another, and wherefore should one bastard? Take heed,

the quarrel's most ominous to us: if the son of a whore fight[2399] 20

for a whore, he tempts judgement: farewell, bastard.      [Exit.[2400]

Mar. The devil take thee, coward!      [Exit.[2397][2401]

SCENE VIII. Another part of the field.[2402]

Enter HECTOR.

Hect. Most putrefied core, so fair without,

Thy goodly armour thus hath cost thy life.

Now is my day's work done; I'll take good breath:[2403]

Rest, sword; thou hast thy fill of blood and death.

[Puts off his helmet and hangs his shield behind him.

Enter ACHILLES and Myrmidons.[2404]

Achil. Look, Hector, how the sun begins to set;[2405] 5

How ugly night comes breathing at his heels:

Even with the vail and darking of the sun,[2406]

To close the day up, Hector's life is done.[2407]

Hect. I am unarm'd; forego this vantage, Greek.

Achil. Strike, fellows, strike; this is the man I seek.10

[Hector falls.[2408]

So, Ilion, fall thou next! now, Troy, sink down![2409]

Here lies thy heart, thy sinews, and thy bone.

On, Myrmidons; and cry you all amain,[2410]

'Achilles hath the mighty Hector slain.'      [A retreat sounded.[2411]

Hark! a retire upon our Grecian part.[2412] 15

Myr. The Trojan trumpets sound the like, my lord.[2413]

Achil. The dragon wing of night o'erspreads the earth,

And stickler-like the armies separates.[2414]

My half-supp'd sword that frankly would have fed,[2415]

Pleased with this dainty bait, thus goes to bed. 20

[Sheathes his sword.[2415][2416]

Come, tie his body to my horse's tail;

Along the field I will the Trojan trail.

[Exeunt. A retreat sounded.[2417]

SCENE IX. Another part of the field.

Enter AGAMEMNON, AJAX, MENELAUS, NESTOR, DIOMEDES, and the rest, marching. Shouts within.[2418]

Agam. Hark! hark! what shout is that?[2419][2420]

Nest. Peace, drums![2419]

[Within] 'Achilles! Achilles! Hector's slain! Achilles!'[2419][2421]

Dio. The bruit is, Hector's slain, and by Achilles.[2422]

Ajax. If it be so, yet bragless let it be; 5

Great Hector was a man as good as he.[2423]

Agam. March patiently along: let one be sent[2424]

To pray Achilles see us at our tent.

If in his death the gods have us befriended,

Great Troy is ours, and our sharp wars are ended. 10

[Exeunt, marching.[2425]

SCENE X. Another part of the field.

Enter ÆNEAS, PARIS, ANTENOR, and DEIPHOBUS.[2426]

Æne. Stand, ho! yet are we masters of the field:

Never go home; here starve we out the night.[2427]

Enter TROILUS.

Tro. Hector is slain.[2427]

All. Hector! The gods forbid!

Tro. He's dead; and at the murderer's horse's tail

In beastly sort dragg'd through the shameful field. 5

Frown on, you heavens, effect your rage with speed!

Sit, gods, upon your thrones, and smile at Troy![2428]

I say, at once let your brief plagues be mercy,[2428]

And linger not our sure destructions on!

Æne. My lord, you do discomfort all the host. 10

Tro. You understand me not that tell me so:

I do not speak of flight, of fear, of death,[2429]

But dare all imminence that gods and men

Address their dangers in. Hector is gone:

Who shall tell Priam so, or Hecuba? 15

Let him that will a screech-owl aye be call'd,[2430]

Go in to Troy, and say there 'Hector's dead:'[2431]

There is a word will Priam turn to stone,

Make wells and Niobes of the maids and wives,[2432]

Cold statues of the youth, and, in a word,[2433] 20

Scare Troy out of itself. But march away:[2434][2435]

Hector is dead; there is no more to say.[2435]

Stay yet. You vile abominable tents,[2436]

Thus proudly pight upon our Phrygian plains,[2437]

Let Titan rise as early as he dare, 25

I'll through and through you! and, thou great-sized coward,

No space of earth shall sunder our two hates:

I'll haunt thee like a wicked conscience still,

That mouldeth goblins swift as frenzy's thoughts.[2438]

Strike a free march to Troy! with comfort go:[2439] 30

Hope of revenge shall hide our inward woe.

[Exeunt Æneas and Trojans.

As TROILUS is going out, enter, from the other side, PANDARUS.[2440]

Pan. But hear you, hear you![2441]

Tro. Hence, broker-lackey! ignomy and shame[2442]

Pursue thy life, and live aye with thy name!      [Exit.[2443]

Pan. A goodly medicine for my aching bones![2444] 35

O world! world! world! thus is the poor agent despised! O[2445]

traitors and bawds, how earnestly are you set a-work, and[2446]

how ill requited! why should our endeavour be so loved[2447]

and the performance so loathed? what verse for it? what

instance for it? Let me see: 40

Full merrily the humble-bee doth sing,

Till he hath lost his honey and his sting;

And being once subdued in armed tail,[2448]

Sweet honey and sweet notes together fail.

Good traders in the flesh, set this in your painted cloths:[2449] 45

As many as be here of Pandar's hall,

Your eyes, half out, weep out at Pandar's fall;[2450]

Or if you cannot weep, yet give some groans,

Though not for me, yet for your aching bones.[2451]

Brethren and sisters of the hold-door trade,[2452] 50

Some two months hence my will shall here be made:

It should be now, but that my fear is this,

Some galled goose of Winchester would hiss:

Till then I'll sweat and seek about for eases,[2453]

And at that time bequeath you my diseases.      [Exit.[2454] 55

FOOTNOTES:

[2120] ACT V. SCENE I.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

The ... tent.] Rowe, substantially.

[2121] I'll ... tonight] With Greekish wine to-night I'll heat his blood Steevens conj.

[2122] Which ... to-morrow.] Omitted in F_4 and Rowe (ed. 1).

scimitar] Rowe (ed. 2). cemitar Q F_1. semitar F_2 F_3.

[2123] core] Ff. curre Q.

[2124] batch] botch Theobald. patch Becket conj.

[2125] idol] thou idol Keightley.

[2126] adversity] perversity Collier conj.

need these] Ff. needs this Q.

[2127] boy] Ff. box Q.

[2128] thought] Ff. said Q.

Achilles'] Achilles Q Ff. Achilles's F_4.

[2129] varlet] F_4. varlot Q F_1 F_2 F_3. harlot Theobald (Thirlby conj.)

[2130] rotten] rotted Rowe (ed. 2).

[2131] the guts-griping, ruptures] Capell. the guts griping ruptures Q. guts-griping Ruptures F_1 F_2 F_3. Guts-griping, Ruptures F_4.

catarrhs] F_4. catarres F_1 F_2 F_3. om. Q.

[2132] o'] F_4. a Q F_1 F_2 F_3. of Capell.

i' the] i' th' Ff. in the Q.

back] Q. backe F_1. backs F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2133] raw eyes ... tetter,] Q. and the like, Ff.

[2134] wheezing] whissing Q.

[2135] limekilns] lime-kills Q.

[2136] discoveries] debaucheries Hanmer. discoverers Singer. discolourers Collier (Collier MS.)

[2137] mean'st] Ff. meanes Q.

[2138] butt] F_3 F_4. but Q F_1 F_2. burr. Long MS. bott Becket conj.

[2139] no.] Q. om. Ff.

[2140] sleave] sleive Q. sleyd Ff. sley'd Rowe.

sarcenet] sacenet Q.

[2141] tassel] F_1. tossell Q F_2 F_3. tossel F_4.

[2142] Out, gall!] Out gall. Q Ff. Nut-gall! Hanmer.

[2143] thwarted] th'warted F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2144] Greeks] Greekes Q F_1. Greeke F_2. Greek F_3 F_4.

[2145] This ... Patroclus!] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[2146] [Exeunt ...] Hanmer. Exit. Ff. Ex. Theobald.

[2147] quails] quarrels or squalls Warburton conj.

[2148] goodly] Q F_1 F_2. good F_3 F_4.

[2149] his brother, the] Ff. his be the Q.

[2150] oblique] antique Hanmer. obelisque Warburton. Job-like Becket conj.

[2151] shoeing-horn] shooting-horn Rowe.

hanging at his brother's] Ff. at his bare Q.

[2152] is] is of Hanmer.

[2153] forced] Ff. faced Q. farced Pope.

to?] F_3 F_4. to: Q F_2. too: F_1.

[2154] he is both ox] her's both Oxe Q.

[2155] a dog ... a fitchew] Ff. a day, a Moyle, a Cat, a Fichooke Q.

[2156] lizard] Ff. lezard Q.

roe] Ff. rowe Q.

[2157] Menelaus] a Menelaus Johnson.

[2158] not what] Ff. what Q.

[2159] Hoy-day] Ff. Hey-day Q. Holy-day Rowe (ed. 2).

spirits] Ff. sprites Q.

Hector, Troilus, Ajax,] Theobald. Hector, Ajax, Ff. om. Q.

Menelaus,] Capell om. Q Ff.

[2160] SCENE II. Pope.

[2161] We ... 'tis; ... There ... you.] As in Capell. As three lines, ending wrong, ... lights ... you. in Q Ff.

[2162] lights] Q. light Ff.

[2163] Re-enter....] Dyce (at the end of the line). Enter ... Ff. om. Q.

[2164] good night] God night Q.

[2165] to tend] who tend Anon, conj.

[2166] Greeks'] Greek's F_4.

[2167] sweet Lord] sweet Capell.

[2168] draught] draff Hanmer. drought Johnson.

[2169] sewer] Rowe. sure Q Ff.

[2170] Good ... tarry.] Verse first by Theobald. Prose in Q Ff.

[2171] at once] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[2172] or tarry] and tarry Pope (ed. 2).

[2173] [Exeunt ...] Exeunt Agam: Menelaus. Q. om. Ff.

[2174] and you too] Ff. and you to Q. you too Pope.

[2175] [Aside to Troilus] To Troilus. Rowe. Marked as 'aside' by Capell.

[2176] Follow ... company.] As in Ff. Prose in Q. Steevens ends the lines goes ... company, ... night.

[2177] Calchas'] Calchas's F_4.

[2178] [Exit ...] Capell. om. Q Ff.

[2179] [Exeunt ... Nestor.] Capell. Exeunt. Q Ff. Exeunt severally, all but Thersites. Hanmer.

[2180] it; it is] it, it is Q. it, that it is Ff.

[2181] sun] F_3 F_4. Sonne Q. Sunne F_1 F_2.

[2182] Calchas'] Capell. Calcas Q. Chalcas his F_1 F_2 F_3. Calchas his F_4.

after.] after— Q Ff.

[2183] varlets] Ff. varlots Q.

[2184] SCENE II.] Rowe. SCENE III. Pope.

The same ...] Capell. Calchas Tent. Rowe.

Enter Diomedes.] Enter Diomed. Q Ff.

[2185] What, are] Hanmer. What are Q Ff.

[2186] [Within] Capell. om. Q Ff.

[2187] I think] om. Capell.

Where's] Where is Capell.

your] Q F_3 F_4. you F_1 F_2.

[2188] Enter Troilus ...] Capell. Enter Troylus and Ulisses. Ff. Omitted in Q. Enter Troilus and Ulysses, after them Thersites. Rowe. Enter Tr. & U., [undiscover'd by Diomede,] after them Th., [unseen by Tr. & U.] Johnson.

[2189] Enter Cressida.] Enter Cressid. Ff. After him, line 6, in Q.

[2190] comes ... him.] Q F_1. come ... him. F_2 F_3 F_4. come ... him! Rowe.

[2191] [Whispers.] Rowe. om. Q F.

[2192] any] to any Rowe.

[2193] may ... noted] As one line by Capell.

sing her ... cliff] Q. finde her ... life Ff. sing to her ... cliff Pope. find her key ... cleft Collier MS.

[2194] See note (XIV).

[2195] Cres.] F_2 F_3 F_4. Cal. Q F_1.

[2196] Nay] om. Steevens conj.

[2197] And ... words] As verse first by Capell.

[2198] should] Ff. shall Q.

[2199] forsworn.] forsworne. Q. a forsworne.— F_1. a forsworne— F_2. a forsworn— F_3 F_4.

[2200] cannot] can't Pope.

[2201] any] not any F_1.

[2202] Hold, patience] F_4. Hold patience Q F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2203] one] Ff. a Q.

[2204] pray you] Ff. pray Q.

[2205] Nay, good] Ff. Now good Q. Good Pope.

[2206] flow to] show too Johnson conj.

distraction] distruction Q.

[2207] pray thee] Ff. prethee Q. pr'ythee Pope.

[2208] all hell's] all hells Q F_2 F_3 F_4. hell F_1. by hell's Pope.

[2209] I] om. Pope (ed. 1).

[2210] Doth ... truth!] As in Capell. One line in Q Ff.

[2211] wither'd] Rowe. withered Q Ff.

Why ... lord] Ff. How now my Lord Q.

[2212] By ... patient] As in Capell. One line in Q Ff.

[2213] adieu] F_3 F_4. adew F_1 F_2. om. Q.

[2214] You shake ... break out] Verse in F_2 F_3 F_4. Prose in Q F_1.

[2215] these] om. Q.

[2216] But] om. Q.

[2217] I will, la] Theobald. I will lo Q F_1. I will goe F_2. I will go F_3 F_4. I will come Rowe. I will, lord Collier MS.

[2218] sweet lord] Ff. my Lord Q.

[2219] Re-enter ...] Enter ... Q Ff.

[2220] SCENE IV. Pope.

[2221] Tro. I will ... will.] Omitted in Q.

[2222] Cres] Ff. Troy. Q.

[2223] It is] om. Steevens (1793).

have't] Ff. ha't Q.

[2224] have it] have it again Capell.

[2225] in] Ff. on Q.

[2226] And gives ... thee] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[2227] [Diomedes snatches the sleeve. Warburton.

As ... thee. Nay] Dio. As I kiss thee. [Diomede kissing her, offers to snatch it.] Cress. Nay Theobald conj.

Nay ... me] Continued to Cressida by Theobald (Thirlby conj.) In Q Ff it is given to 'Dio.'

[2228] doth take] Q. rakes F_1. takes F_2 F_3 F_4. must take Pope.

[2229] Cres.] Omitted in Q.

[2230] It is] 'Tis Pope.

[2231] one's] on's Q. one Ff].

[2232] Whose] But, whose Capell.

[2233] By] Ff. And by Q.

yond] Q F_1. yonder F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2234] Why then ... starts you] As in Ff. Prose in Q.

[2235] shall] shalt F_2.

[2236] Nor ... best] As verse by Hanmer. Prose in Q Ff.

[2237] Ther.] Troi. Hanmer.

not you] Q. not me Ff.

[2238] [Exit Diomedes.] Capell. Exit. Ff (after then). Omitted in Q.

[2239] with ... eye] my heart with the other eye Johnson conj. with the other eye my heart Tyrwhitt conj.

[2240] SCENE V. Pope.

[2241] said] Q. say Ff.

[2242] co-act] coact Ff. Court Q.

[2243] the attest] th' attest Q. that test F_1 F_4. that rest F_2 F_3.

[2244] had deceptious] Ff. were deceptions Q.

[2245] Created ... here?] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[2246] Most] It is most Steevens conj.

[2247] madness.] Q F_3 F_4. madnesse? F_1 F_2.

[2248] the general] all the Pope.

[2249] soil] soyle Ff. spoile Q.

[2250] a'] a Q. he Ff.

on's] of his Pope.

[2251] Diomed's Cressida] Diomedes' Cressid Hanmer.

[2252] be sanctimonies] Q. are sanctimonie Ff. be sanctimony Johnson.

[2253] unity] purity or verity Johnson conj.

[2254] This is] Ff. This was Q.

[2255] sets] set'st Hanmer.

with] Q. with, F_1 F_3 F_4. with; F_2.

itself!] it selfe, Q. thy selfe F_1. thy selfe, F_2 F_3 F_4. thy self! Pope.

[2256] Bi-fold] By-fould Q. By foule F_1 F_2. By foul F_3 F_4.

authority!] Pope. authority: Q F_2 F_3 F_4. authoritie: F_1.

[2257] can ... reason] can Revolt without perdition, loss assume Reason Hanmer.

[2258] and] om. Pope.

[2259] conduce] commence Rowe.

[2260] more] far Pope.

[2261] Admits ... enter] Subtile as Arachne's unbroken woof, Admits no orifice for a point to enter Becket conj. As subtle as Arachne's broken woof, Admits no orifice for a point to enter Keightley.

[2262] orifex] Q F_1. orifece F_2. orifice F_3 F_4.

[2263] Ariachne's] Ariachnes Ff. Ariachna's Q. Ariathna's Q (Steevens's copy in Brit. Mus.) slight Arachne's Pope. is Arachne's Capell. Ariadne's or Arachnea's Steevens conj. was Arachne's Anon. conj.

[2264] five-finger-tied,] fine finger tied, F_1 F_2 F_3. finde singer tied, Q. five finger'd tied, F_4. five finger'd tied: Rowe (ed. 1). five finger tied: Rowe (ed. 2). five-finger-tied: Pope.

[2265] faith] truth or troth S. Walker conj.

bound] Ff. given Q.

[2266] half] but half S. Walker conj.

attach'd] Rowe. attached Q Ff.

[2267] never] ne'er Pope.

[2268] as I] F_2 F_3 F_4. I Q F_1.

Cressid] Q. Cressida Ff.

[2269] on] Q. in Ff.

[2270] sun] sunne Q. Fenne F_1 F_2. Fenn F_3 F_4. finger Rowe.

[2271] Shall ... Diomed] As in Ff. Two lines in Q, ending discent ... Diomed.

[2272] it] him Delius conj.

[2273] stays] stales F_2.

[2274] SCENE III.] Rowe. SCENE VI. Pope.

Troy.] Rowe.

Before Priam's palace.] Capell. The Palace in Troy. Theobald.

[2275] in] Q. gone Ff.

[2276] all] Q. om Ff.

[2277] to the day] to day Rowe (ed. 2).

[2278] Consort] Comsort F_2.

[2279] Hath nothing been] Have nothing seen Anon. apud Rann conj.

[2280] Cas.] Cres. Q.

[2281] O, be ... thefts] O, be ... holy: To hurt ... just, count it unlawful: For we would give as much to violent thefts Anon. conj.

[2282] holy] holy, Q Ff.

[2283] holy To hurt ... And rob] holy: To hurt, by being just, count it unlawful: For we would give, as much, to violent thefts, And rob Taylor conj. holy To hurt ... lawful, To use violent thefts, and count it much To rob Halliwell conj.

[2284] To hurt ... charity] Omitted in Q.

it is ... charity] Erased in Collier MS.

[2285] is] were Rowe.

[2286] as lawful, For ... thefts] Malone (Tyrwhitt conj.) as lawfull: For we would count giue much to as violent thefts Ff. as lawful For us to count we give what's gain'd by thefts Rowe. as lawful, For we would give much, to count violent thefts Knight. as lawful, For us to give much count to violent thefts Collier, ed. 1 (Amyot conj.) as lawful, For we would countenance give to violent thefts Collier conj. as lawful as (For we would give much) to commit violent thefts Anon. conj. as lawful (For we would give much) to commit violent thefts Singer. as lawful [a line omitted] For we would give as much to violent thefts Delius. as lawful, For we would give much, to count as virtues thefts Hudson conj. as lawful, For ... threats Jervis conj. as lawful, For much to give, to compass violent thefts Anon. ap. Fras. Mag. conj. as lawful, For we would give much, to so count violent thefts Verplanck. as lawful For we would give much, to compass violent thefts Nicholson conj. unlawful: For we'd give much count so to violent thefts Keightley.

[2287] Cas.] om. Q, continuing the speech to Andromache.

[2288] Unarm] Vnatme[F_1.

[2289] of] off Steevens conj.

[2290] dear man] F_3 F_4. deere man Q F_1 F_2. brave man Pope. dere man Becket conj. true man Anon. conj.

[2291] precious-dear] F_3 F_4. precious-deere F_2. precious deere Q. precious, deere F_1.

[2292] mean'st] Ff. meanest Q.

[2293] grow] go Pope (ed. 2).

[2294] brushes] bruises Collier (Collier MS.)

[2295] that, good Troilus?] Capell. that? good Troylus Q Ff.

[2296] captive Grecian falls] captive Grecians fall Rowe. caitiff Grecians fall Warburton (Theobald conj.)

[2297] fair] fear'd Anon. conj.

[2298] them] him Anon. conj.

[2299] For the love] For th' love Q Ff. For love Pope.

[2300] mother] Q. mothers Ff.

[2301] The] Then Anon. conj.

[2302] ruthful] ruthfull Q F_1. ruefull F_2 F_3 F_4. wrathful Anon. conj.

[2303] fie!] fye, fye! Keightley.

Hector, then 'tis] Hector, thus 'tis in Pope. Why, Hector, then 'tis Steevens conj.

[2304] Who should] Who is there, brother, tell me, should Seymour conj.

[2305] But ... ruin.] Ff. Omitted in Q.

Re-enter ...] Capell. Enter Priam and Cassandra. Q Ff.

[2306] SCENE VII. Pope.

[2307] Come, Hector] Hector Pope.

[2308] afield] a-field F_3 F_4. a field Q F_1 F_2.

[2309] Ay, but] But Pope.

[2310] eye turns] eyes turn Rowe.

[2311] do] doth F_1.

[2312] how] ho F_2.

[2313] dolours] Q. dolour Ff.

[2314] distraction] Ff. destruction Q.

[2315] Away! away!] Away, away. Q F_1. Away. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2316] yet] Q F_3 F_4. yes F_1 F_2.

[2317] Go in ... fight] As in Ff. Two lines in Q.

[2318] worth] Q. of Ff.

[2319] [Exeunt ... Hector.] Malone. Exit Priam. Capell. Omitted in Q Ff.

Alarum.] Q Ff. Alarums. Capell. Alarm. Johnson.

[2320] They are] They're Pope.

[2321] Enter Pandarus.] Enter Pandar. Q Ff. As Troilus is going out, enter, from the other side, Pandarus. Malone.

[2322] Pan. Do you ... deeds.] Transferred by Capell to follow inward woe, line 31, of the last scene of the play.

[2323] SCENE VIII. Pope.

Pan.] Pad. F_2.

[2324] [taking it. Capell.

[2325] tisick] ptisick Rowe.

[2326] o' these] Rowe. ath's Q. o' th's F_1 F_2. o' th' F_3 F_4.

[2327] [Tearing the letter.] Rowe. Omitted in Q Ff.

[2328] errors] air Collier MS.

[2329] See note (XV).

[Exeunt severally.] Malone. Exeunt. Q. A Larum. Exeunt. F_1. Alarum. Exeunt. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2330] SCENE IV.]Rowe. SCENE IX. Pope.

The field ...] Rowe.

Alarums.] Capell. Alarum. Rowe (from Ff). om. Q.

Excursions. Enter Thersites.] Enter Thersites: excursions. Q. Enter Thersites in excursion. Ff.

[2331] young] Ff. om. Q.

[2332] knave's ... Troy] knave of Troy's sleeve Anon. conj.

[2333] errand] Hanmer. arrant Q. errant Ff.

O' the t'other] Ath' tother Q. O' th' tother Ff. O' th' other Theobald.

[2334] swearing] sneering Theobald. swerving Becket conj. fleering Collier conj. sneaking Anon. conj.

stale] Q F_3 F_4. stole F_1 F_2.

cheese] cheefe F_2.

[2335] not proved] proved not Anon. conj.

[2336] begin] Rowe (ed. 2). began Q Ff.

[2337] Enter....] om. Q.

[2338] and t'other] and tother Q. and th' other Ff. and sleeveless Collier (Collier MS.)

[2339] Fly ... after.] As in Ff. Prose in Q.

[2340] Withdrew ... thee!] As in Ff. One line in Q.

[2341] sleeve, ... sleeve!] sleeve, ... sleeve, now the sleeve. Rowe (ed. 2). sleeve! ... sleeveless! Collier (Collier MS.)

[Exeunt....] Capell. They go off fighting. Rowe (after line 21). Omitted in Q Ff.

[2342] SCENE X. Pope.

thou] om. Q.

[2343] No ... rogue.] As verse in Capell.

[2344] [Exit.] Rowe. om. Q Ff.

[2345] neck for] neck—for Q Ff.

[2346] SCENE V.] Capell. The earlier editions continue the scene.

Another ...] Another ... plain. Dyce. The same. Capell.

Enter ...] Alarums. Enter ... Capell.

Servant.] Q F_2 F_3 F_4. Servants. F_1.

[2347] Troilus'] Troilus's F_4.

[2348] Ser.] Ff. Man. Q.

[Exit.] Hanmer. om. Q Ff.

Enter A.] Ff. Enter A. Q, after proof.

[2349] SCENE XI. Pope.

Polydamas] Pope. Polidamas Q. Polidamus F_1 F_2 F_3. Polydamus F_4.

[2350] Marked by Keightley as an imperfect line.

[2351] kings] kings, F_3 F_4. kings: Q F_1 F_2.

[2352] Epistrophus] Steevens. Epistropus Q Ff.

Cedius:] Capell. Cedus, Q Ff. Cedus: Rowe. Odius. Pope.

Polyxenes] Dyce. Polixines Q F_1 F_2 F_3. Polyxines F_4. Polyxenus Pope.

[2353] Thoas] Pope. Thous Q Ff.

[2354] bruised] Q Ff. bruis'd Pope.

[2355] Patroclus'] Patroclus's F_4.

[2356] is] are Rowe.

[2357] scaled] Ff. scaling Q (for scaly Collier conj.)

sculls] Q. sculs Ff. shoals Pope. schools Anon. conj.

[2358] strawy] Q. straying Ff.

[2359] the] Ff. a Q.

[2360] leaves] cleaves Staunton conj.

[2361] will] wills Capell conj.

[2362] As ... all.] As in Rowe (ed. 2). One line in Q Ff.

[2363] luck] Ff. lust Q.

[2364] SCENE XII. Pope.

Ajax.] om. Q.

[2365] together.] Capell. together. Exit. Q Ff. together. Exeunt. Rowe.

[2366] boy-queller] boy-quiller F_3. boy-killer F_4.

show] shew me Pope. now show Anon. conj.

[2367] [Exeunt.] Capell. Exit. Q Ff.

[2368] SCENE VI.] Capell. Earlier eds. continue the scene.

Another....] Capell.

[2369] Ajax.] om. Q.

[2370] Dio.] om. Q.

[2371] Were ... office] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

[2372] thy] the Capell.

owest] ow'st Capell.

[2373] He ... look upon.] No, he ... look on. Hanmer.

[2374] Come both,] Theobald. Come both Q Ff. Come, both Rowe.

[Exeunt, fighting.] Rowe. Exit Troylus. Ff. om. Q.

Enter Hector.] om. Q.

[2375] Achil.] om. Q.

ha] Q. om. Ff. now Hanmer.

[2376] [Fight. Rowe.

[2377] befriends] Q F_1. befriend F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2378] hear] here Q.

[2379] [Exit.] Q F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2380] much more a] a much more S. Walker conj.

[2381] Re-enter....] Re-enter Troilus, hastily. Capell. Enter Troylus. Q Ff.

[2382] carry] carray F_2.

ta'en] taken Rowe.

[2383] reck] Pope. wreake Q F_1 F_2. wreak F_3 F_4.

I end] Q. thou end Ff.

Enter one in sumptuous armour.] Malone. Enter one in Armour. Q Ff. Alarums. Enter Grecians, and pass over; amongst them, one in goodly Armour. Capell.

[2384] Stand ... mark.] One line in Q. Two in Ff.

[2385] No?] Now? Johnson.

[2386] rivets] rivers Rowe (ed. 2)

[2387] [Exeunt.] Malone. Exit. Q Ff.

[2388] SCENE VII.] Capell. Earlier eds. continue the scene.

Another....] Another ... plains. Dyce. The same. Capell.

[2389] aims.] Capell. armes Q F_2. arme. F_1. arms. F_3. arms, F_4. See note (XVI).

[2390] proceedings] Q F_1. proceeding F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2391] decreed] Q. decreed, Ff. decreed— Rowe.

[Exeunt.] Pope. Exit. Q Ff.

Enter....] Malone. Alarums. Enter Paris, and Menelaus, fighting; Thersites after them. Capell. Enter Thersites, Menelaus and Paris. Q Ff (substantially).

[2392] SCENE XIII. Pope. SCENE VIII. Capell. Dyce first continued the scene.

[2393] 'Loo,] Rowe. lowe, or low, Q Ff.

[2394] now my] My Johnson.

[2395] sparrow] Ff. spartan Q.

[2396] [Exeunt....] Hanmer. Exit.... Q Ff. Ex.... Pope.

Enter Margarelon.] Capell. Enter Bastard. Q Ff.

[2397] Mar.] Capell. Bast. Q Ff.

[2398] a bastard begot] Ff. bastard begot Q.

[2399] quarrel's] Ff. quarrells Q.

[2400] [Exit.] Capell. om. Q Ff.

[2401] thee, coward] thee coward Q F_1. the coward F_2 F_3 F_4.

[Exit.] Q. Exeunt. Ff.

[2402] SCENE VIII.] Dyce. SCENE XIV. Pope. SCENE IX. Capell.

Another....] Capell.

[2403] day's] dares F_2.

good breath] Ff. my breth Q.

[2404] [Puts ... him.] Malone. Putting off his Helmet. Capell (after line 3).

and ... him.] and lays his sword aside. Collier.

Enter....] Q. Enter ... and his Myrmidons. Ff. Shouts within. Enter.... Capell.

[2405] how] now Rowe (ed. 2).

[2406] vail] vaile Q F_1 F_2. veil F_3 F_4.

darking] Ff. darkning Q.

[2407] [They fall upon Hector and kill him. Rowe. Assaulting him. Capell.

[2408] [Hector falls.] Capell. om. Q Ff.

[2409] Ilion] F_3 F_4. Illion Q F_1 F_2.

thou next! now] Pope. thou next, come Q. thou: now Ff. thou! now great Collier MS.

[2410] and cry] Q. cry Ff.

[2411] [A retreat sounded.] Malone. Retreat. Q Ff. Retreat heard. Capell. Exeunt. Rowe (ed. 2) and Pope. Omitted by Theobald.

[2412] retire] Q. retreat Ff.

part] prat Q.

[2413] Myr.] Rowe. One: Q. Grec. Ff.

Trojan trumpets sound] Rowe. Troyans trumpet sound Q. Troian trumpets sounds Ff.

[2414] separates] separate Pope.

[2415] My ... bed.] Put in the margin by Pope.

[2416] bait] baite Q. bed F_1. bitt F_2. bit F_3 F_4.

[Sheathes....] Malone. Putting up.... Capell. om. Q Ff.

[2417] A retreat sounded.] Sound retreat. Shout. Ff. Omitted in Q.

[2418] SCENE IX.] Dyce. SCENE X. Capell. Earlier eds. continue the scene.

Another....] Another ... plains. Dyce. The same. Capell.

Shouts within.] Capell.

[2419] As two lines, the first ending Achilles, in Steevens.

[2420] what shout is that?] Ff. what is this? Q.

[2421] [Within] Capell. Sould: within. Q. Sold. Ff.

[2422] Hector's] F_1 F_2. Hectors Q. Hector F_3 F_4.

[2423] a man as good] Ff. as good a man Q.

[2424] patiently] hastily Warburton.

[2425] [Exeunt, marching.] Capell. Exeunt. Q Ff.

[2426] SCENE X.] Dyce. SCENE XV. Pope. SCENE XI. Capell.

Another....] Another ... Field; under Troy. Capell.

Enter....] Q Ff. Enter Trojans, confusedly; to them, Æneas. Capell. (and, om. Q).

Deiphobus] Diephobus. Q. Deiphœbus. F_1.

[2427] Never ... slain.] Ff. Enter Troylus. Troy. Never ... night, Hector is slaine. Q.

[2428] smile at Troy! I say, at once] Malone (Theobald, substantially). smile at Troy. I say at once, Q Ff. smite all Troy I say at once; Hanmer. smite at Troy, I say, at once. Warburton. smite all Troy; Ay, slay at once; Lettsom conj.

[2429] of fear, of] of feare, of Ff. of feare of Q. or fear of Anon. conj.

[2430] screech-owl] scrich-ould Q.

[2431] in to] Ff. into Q.

there] Ff. their Q.

[2432] wells and Niobes] wells and Niobe's Q. wels, and Niobes F_1 F_2. wells, and Niobes F_3. wells, and Niob's F_4. wells and rivers Hanmer. welling Niobes Warburton. welland Niobes Anon. apud Whalley conj.

[2433] Cold] Could Q. Coole F_1 F_2. Cool F_3 F_4.

[2434] Scare] F_3 F_4. Scarre Q F_1 F_2.

[2435] But ... dead] Ff. Omitted in Q.

[2436] yet. You] yet: you Ff. yet you Q. yet, you Rowe.

vile] Ff. proud Q.

[2437] pight] Ff. pitcht Q.

[2438] goblins] goblings Rowe (ed. 2).

frenzy's] frienzes Q. frensies Ff. frenzy Capell.

[2439] march to Troy! with] march to Troy, with Ff. march, to Troy with Q.

[2440] [Exeunt ... Pandarus.] As they are going out, and Troilus last, Enter Pandarus. Capell. Enter Pandarus. Q Ff. See note (XVII).

[2441] hear ... hear] here ... here Q.

[2442] broker-lackey] Dyce. broker lacquey Johnson. broker, lacky Q. broker, lackie F_1. brother, lacky F_2. brothel, lacky F_3 F_4. brothel-lacquy Theobald.

ignomy and shame] ignomy, and shame F_1 F_2. ignomyny, shame Q. ignominy, and shame F_3. ignominy and shame F_4.

[Strikes him. Rowe.

[2443] [Exit.] Capell. Exeunt all but Pandarus Q. Exeunt. Ff.

[2444] my aching bones] my aking bones Q. mine akingbones F_1 F_3. mine a kingbones F_2. mine aking bones F_4.

[2445] world! world! world!] world, world, world! Ff. world, world— Q.

[2446] a-work] aworke F_1 F_2. a worke Q. a work F_3 F_4. at work Rowe.

[2447] loved] lov'd Q. desir'd Ff.

[2448] And] But Rowe.

[2449] cloths] Rowe (ed. 2). cloathes Q F_1 F_2. cloaths F_3 F_4.

[2450] Pandar's] Pindar's Rowe (ed. 1).

[2451] your] Ff. my Q.

[2452] hold-door] hold-dore Ff. Hold-ore Q.

[2453] sweat] sweate Q F_1. sweare F_2. swear F_3 F_4.

[2454] [Exit.] Rowe (ed. 2). Exeunt. Ff. om. Q.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

The Folios have 'The Tragedy of Troylus and Cressida' as title of the play. In the first three the prologue precedes the title. In the fourth the order is reversed. In the third and fourth 'Troylus' is spelt 'Troilus,' both here and in the body of the play. Some copies of the Quarto have 'The Famous Historie of Troylus and Cresseid,' others 'The Historie of Troylus and Cresseida,' as first title, while the running title in all is, 'The History of Troylus and Cresseida.' The play is not divided into Acts and Scenes either in the Quarto or the Folios, excepting that the latter have Actus Primus, Scæna Prima, at the beginning.

In the spelling of 'Trojan' we have conformed to modern usage. In the Quarto it is uniformly 'Troyan' and usually 'Troian' in the first Folio.

NOTE II.

I. 3. 238. The reading of the Quarto given in the note at the foot of the page is that of Capell's copy, in which the final 's' of 'swords' has failed to take the ink. In the Duke of Devonshire's copy the 's' is visible but imperfect.

NOTE III.

I. 3. 357-365. The Quarto reads as follows:

'Giue pardon to my speech? therefore tis meete,

Achilles meete not Hector, let vs like Marchants

First shew foule wares, and thinke perchance theile sell;

If not; the luster of the better shall exceed,

By shewing the worse first: do not consent,

That euer Hector and Achilles meet,

For both our honour and our shame in this, are dog'd with two strange followers.'

Capell adopts the Quarto reading, putting 'If not' in a line by itself.

NOTE IV.

II. 2. 22. This misprint of Theobald's was repeated in every edition, except those of Hanmer and Capell, down to that of Harness, 1825, inclusive. Mr Knight made the necessary correction. We have left unnoticed many similar instances.

NOTE V.

II. 3. 74. Mr Dyce suggests that the reading 'sate' of the Quarto was a mistake for 'rates.'

NOTE VI.

II. 3. 130-133. Both the Quarto and the Folios put a full stop at report, a colon at war, and a full stop or colon at giant: a punctuation which was followed substantially by Rowe and Pope. Theobald first put a comma at report and inverted commas before Bring, forgetting, however, to mark the end of the quotation. Hanmer printed the line Bring ... war in italics, and Johnson put the whole passage Bring ... giant in inverted commas. Subsequent editors have followed him in marking the quotation thus. We have done the like, though with some doubt as to whether Hanmer's view be not preferable.

NOTE VII.

II. 3. 187, sqq. Rowe, in this passage, followed the Folios. Pope, too, left the preposterously long line '(As amply titled, as Achilles is,) by going to Achilles:' but in the following, altered 'fat already, pride' to 'pride, already fat.' Theobald followed Pope.

Hanmer reads:

'As amply titled as Achilles' is,

By going to Achilles: for that were

But to inlard his pride, already fat.'

Johnson first adopted the reading and arrangement given in the text, followed by Capell, except that the latter gave, like Hanmer, Achilles' (with an apostrophe) in the first line.

NOTE VIII.

III. 2. 21. Capell's copy of the Quarto has distinctly 'repured,' though Capell, usually so accurate in his collation, omitted to notice that it differed from the Folio. The same is the reading of the copy in the Duke of Devonshire's Library, and of two copies in the British Museum, one of which formerly belonged to Steevens.

Steevens's reprint has 'reputed'—an error which seems to have been the source of the statement that some copies of the Quarto have that reading.

NOTE IX.

III. 3. 120. In Capell's copy of the Quarto there are traces of what appeared to us at first to be an imperfect letter at the end of the word 'reuerb'rate.' On referring, however, to the Duke of Devonshire's copy, and to the two in the British Museum, we are inclined to believe that the apparently imperfect letter is in reality a lead.

NOTE X.

III. 3. 123-128. The Quarto has,

'I was much rap't in this,

And apprehended here immediately,

Th' vnknowne Aiax, heauens what a man is there?

A very horse, that has he knowes not what

Nature what things there are.

Most obiect in regard, and deere in vse,' &c.

The first Folio gives,

'I was much rapt in this,

And apprehended here immediately:

The vnknowne Aiax;

Heauens what a man is there? a very Horse,

That has he knowes not what. Nature, what things there are.

Most abiect in regard, and deare in vse.'

The later Folios omitted the stop between 'what' and 'Nature,' which misled Rowe, who in his first edition read:

'That as he knows not Nature, what things are' &c.

Pope read,

'I was much rapt in this,

And apprehended here immediately

The unknown Ajax——

Heav'ns! what a man is there? a very horse,

He knows not his own nature: what things are

Most abject in regard, and dear in use?'

Hanmer reconstructed the whole passage, thus:

'I was much rapt

In this I read, and apprehended here

Immediately the unknown Ajax: heavens!

What a man's there? a very horse, that has

He knows not what: in nature what things there are

Most abject in regard, and dear in use.'

NOTE XI.

IV. 4. 74-77. The Quarto here reads:

'Here why I speake it loue,

The Grecian youths are full of quality,

And swelling ore with arts and exercise:'

The first Folio has:

'Heare why I speake it; Loue:

The Grecian youths are full of qualitie,

Their louing well compos'd, with guift of nature,

Flawing and swelling ore with Arts and exercise:'

The second Folio has the same except that it substitutes 'Flowing' for 'Flawing.' The third and fourth have substantially the same reading as the second.

Rowe edited it thus:

'Hear while I speak it, Love:

The Grecian Youths are full of subtle Qualities,

They're loving, well compos'd, with gift of Nature,

Flowing and swelling o'er with Arts and Exercise;'

Pope followed Rowe, with a difference of punctuation:

' ... with gift of Nature

Flowing,' &c.

Theobald followed Pope, except that he restored 'why' for 'while' in the first line, and Warburton Theobald, reading 'gifts' for 'gift.'

Johnson followed Warburton, except that in place of 'qualities' he restored 'quality.'

Hanmer has:

'Hear why I speak it, love: the Grecian youths

Are full of subtle qualities, they're loving,

They're well compos'd, with gifts of nature flowing,

And swelling o'er with arts and exercise.'

Capell thus:

'Hear why I speak it, love: The Grecian youths

Are well compos'd, with gifts of nature flowing,

And swelling o'er with arts and exercise:'

Malone reads:

'Hear why I speak it, love;

The Grecian youths are full of quality;

They're loving, well compos'd, with gifts of nature flowing,

And swelling o'er with arts and exercise;'

Mr Knight and Mr Collier give the reading of the second and following Folios, only striking out the comma after 'compos'd.'

Mr Grant White:

'They're loving, well compos'd with gifts of nature,

Flowing and swelling o'er with arts and exercise.'

The reading which we have adopted in the text is that of Mr Staunton. The word 'Flowing' was in all probability a marginal correction for 'swelling,' which the printer of the Folio by mistake added to the line.

NOTE XII.

IV. 5. 96. The Quarto reads:

'Vlis. The yongest sonne of Priam, a true knight.'

The first Folio has:

'Vlis. The youngest Sonne of Priam;

A true Knight; they call him Troylus.'

The second Folio amended the metre of the second line by reading,

'And a true Knight; they call him Troylus;'

which was followed in the later Folios and Rowe. Pope restored the reading of the Quarto, which is probably the true one, as the words 'they call him Troilus' occur lower down in the speech, at line 108. If they are retained at all, we should read,

'Ulys. They call him Troilus:

The youngest son of Priam, a true knight;'

but most likely they are the insertion of a hasty corrector.

NOTE XIII.

IV. 5. 103. Although we have not been able to find any other instance of 'impair' as an adjective, we have retained it; for editors should be careful not to obliterate ἅπαξ λεγόμενα, and etymologically 'impair' may have the sense of 'unsuitable, unequal to the theme.' Johnson's conjecture of 'impure,' though plausible, is not entirely satisfactory, as it is Troilus's ripeness of judgement and not his modesty which is the subject of praise.

NOTE XIV.

V. 2. 12. The short speeches throughout this scene are printed as verse first by Steevens (1793). This arrangement has been generally adopted by later editors. From the manner in which the short lines are arranged in the earlier editions it is impossible to say whether they were intended to be read as verse or not. An alteration made by Pope in line 40 for the sake of the metre shows that he read some of the lines at least as verse.

NOTE XV.

V. 3. III. The Folio here inserts the following lines:

'Pand. Why, but heare you?

Troy. Hence brother lackie; ignomie and shame

Pursue thy life, and liue aye with thy name.'

As they occur again, with a slight variation in the first line, in the last scene, we have followed the Quarto in omitting them. This is an indication that the play has been tampered with by another hand than Shakespeare's.

NOTE XVI.

V. 7. 6. Mr Collier quotes the Duke of Devonshire's copy of the Quarto as authority for the reading 'aims,' 'the letter i being a little indistinct.' This is a mistake. The indistinct letter is, beyond all question, an imperfect r. Capell's copy and the two copies in the British Museum all have 'armes.' In the same note Mr Collier quotes the Folio as reading 'arm,' not 'arme,' and attributes Capell's correction to Steevens.

NOTE XVII.

V. 10. 31. Here Capell inserts the passage 'Pan. Do you hear ... deeds,' V. 3. 97-111, and after Troilus's speech, 'What now?' gives the stage direction 'Exeunt Æneas, and Trojans.'

CORIOLANUS.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[F].

CAIUS MARCIUS, afterwards CAIUS MARCIUS CORIOLANUS.

TITUS LARTIUS,

generals against the Volscians.

COMINIUS,

MENENIUS AGRIPPA, friend to Coriolanus.

SICINIUS VELUTUS,

tribunes of the people.

JUNIUS BRUTUS,

YOUNG MARCIUS, son to Coriolanus.

A Roman Herald.

TULLUS AUFIDIUS, general of the Volscians.

Lieutenant to Aufidius.

Conspirators with Aufidius.

A Citizen of Antium.

Two Volscian Guards.

VOLUMNIA, mother to Coriolanus.

VIRGILIA, wife to Coriolanus.

VALERIA, friend to Virgilia.

Gentlewoman attending on Virgilia.

Roman and Volscian Senators, Patricians, Ædiles, Lictors, Soldiers, Citizens, Messengers, Servants to Aufidius, and other Attendants.

SCENE: Rome and the neighbourhood; Corioli and the neighbourhood; Antium[G].

[F] First given imperfectly by Rowe.

[G] Rome....] Edd. The Scene is partly in Rome and partly in the Territory of the Volscians. Rowe. The Scene.... Territories of the Volscians and Antiates. Theobald.

THE TRAGEDY OF

CORIOLANUS.

ACT I.

SCENE I. Rome. A street.[2455]

Enter a company of mutinous Citizens, with staves, clubs, and other weapons.

First Cit. Before we proceed any further, hear me speak.

All. Speak, speak.[2456]

First Cit. You are all resolved rather to die than to

famish?

All. Resolved, resolved. 5

First Cit. First, you know Caius Marcius is chief enemy[2457]

to the people.

All. We know't, we know't.[2458]

First Cit. Let us kill him, and we'll have corn at our

own price. Is't a verdict? 10

All. No more talking on't; let it be done: away,[2459]

away!

Sec. Cit. One word, good citizens.

First Cit. We are accounted poor citizens; the patricians,

good. What authority surfeits on would relieve us: if they[2460] 15

would yield us but the superfluity while it were wholesome,

we might guess they relieved us humanely; but they think[2461]

we are too dear: the leanness that afflicts us, the object of[2462]

our misery, is as an inventory to particularize their abundance;

our sufferance is a gain to them. Let us revenge this[2463] 20

with our pikes, ere we become rakes: for the gods know I[2464]

speak this in hunger for bread, not in thirst for revenge.

Sec. Cit. Would you proceed especially against Caius

Marcius?[2465]

All. Against him first: he's a very dog to the[2466] 25

commonalty.

Sec. Cit. Consider you what services he has done for

his country?

First Cit. Very well; and could be content to give him

good report for't, but that he pays himself with being proud. 30

Sec. Cit. Nay, but speak not maliciously.[2467]

First Cit. I say unto you, what he hath done famously,

he did it to that end: though soft-conscienced men can be

content to say it was for his country, he did it to please his[2468]

mother and to be partly proud; which he is, even to the[2469] 35

altitude of his virtue.

Sec. Cit. What he cannot help in his nature, you account

a vice in him. You must in no way say he is covetous.

First Cit. If I must not, I need not be barren of accusations;

he hath faults, with surplus, to tire in repetition. 40

[Shouts within.] What shouts are these? The other side o'[2470][2471]

the city is risen: why stay we prating here? to the Capitol!

All. Come, come.

First Cit. Soft! who comes here?

Enter MENENIUS AGRIPPA.[2472]

Sec. Cit. Worthy Menenius Agrippa; one that hath always[2473] 45

loved the people.

First Cit. He's one honest enough: would all the rest

were so!

Men. What work's, my countrymen, in hand? where go you[2474][2475]

With bats and clubs? the matter? speak, I pray you.[2474][2476] 50

First Cit. Our business is not unknown to the senate;[2477]

they have had inkling, this fortnight, what we intend to do,[2478]

which now we'll show 'em in deeds. They say poor suitors

have strong breaths: they shall know we have strong arms

too. 55

Men. Why, masters, my good friends, mine honest neighbours,[2479]

Will you undo yourselves?[2479]

First Cit. We cannot, sir, we are undone already.

Men. I tell you, friends, most charitable care

Have the patricians of you. For your wants,[2480] 60

Your suffering in this dearth, you may as well[2481]

Strike at the heaven with your staves as lift them[2482]

Against the Roman state; whose course will on

The way it takes, cracking ten thousand curbs

Of more strong link asunder than can ever[2483] 65

Appear in your impediment. For the dearth,

The gods, not the patricians, make it, and

Your knees to them, not arms, must help. Alack,

You are transported by calamity

Thither where more attends you, and you slander 70

The helms o' the state, who care for you like fathers,

When you curse them as enemies.

First Cit. Care for us! True, indeed! They ne'er[2484]

cared for us yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses

crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to support 75

usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act established against

the rich, and provide more piercing statutes daily, to chain

up and restrain the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they

will; and there's all the love they bear us.

Men. Either you must 80

Confess yourselves wondrous malicious,

Or be accused of folly. I shall tell you

A pretty tale: it may be you have heard it;

But, since it serves my purpose, I will venture

To stale't a little more.[2485] 85

First Cit. Well, I'll hear it, sir: yet you must not[2486][2487]

think to fob off our disgrace with a tale: but, an't please[2486][2488]

you, deliver.[2486]

Men. There was a time when all the body's members

Rebell'd against the belly; thus accused it: 90

That only like a gulf it did remain

I' the midst o' the body, idle and unactive,[2489]

Still cupboarding the viand, never bearing

Like labour with the rest; where the other instruments

Did see and hear, devise, instruct, walk, feel, 95

And, mutually participate, did minister[2490]

Unto the appetite and affection common

Of the whole body. The belly answer'd—[2491][2492]

First Cit. Well, sir, what answer made the belly?[2491]

Men. Sir, I shall tell you. With a kind of smile,[2493] 100

Which ne'er came from the lungs, but even thus—

For, look you, I may make the belly smile

As well as speak—it tauntingly replied[2494]

To the discontented members, the mutinous parts

That envied his receipt; even so most fitly 105

As you malign our senators for that

They are not such as you.

First Cit. Your belly's answer? What![2495]

The kingly-crowned head, the vigilant eye,[2496][2497]

The counsellor heart, the arm our soldier,[2496]

Our steed the leg, the tongue our trumpeter,[2496] 110

With other muniments and petty helps[2496]

In this our fabric, if that they—[2496]

Men. What then?[2496][2498]

'Fore me, this fellow speaks! what then? what then?[2496][2498][2499]

First Cit. Should by the cormorant belly be restrain'd,[2496]

Who is the sink o' the body,—[2496][2500]

Men. Well, what then?[2496] 115

First Cit. The former agents, if they did complain,[2496][2501]

What could the belly answer?[2496]

Men. I will tell you;

If you'll bestow a small—of what you have little—[2502]

Patience awhile, you'll hear the belly's answer.[2503]

First Cit. You're long about it.[2504]

Men. Note me this, good friend: 120

Your most grave belly was deliberate,

Not rash like his accusers, and thus answer'd:

'True is it, my incorporate friends,' quoth he,

'That I receive the general food at first,

Which you do live upon; and fit it is, 125

Because I am the store-house and the shop

Of the whole body: but, if you do remember,

I send it through the rivers of your blood,

Even to the court, the heart, to the seat o' the brain;[2505][2506]

And, through the cranks and offices of man,[2506][2507] 130

The strongest nerves and small inferior veins

From me receive that natural competency

Whereby they live: and though that all at once,

You, my good friends,'—this says the belly, mark me,—[2508]

First Cit. Ay, sir; well, well.

Men. 'Though all at once cannot 135

See what I do deliver out to each,

Yet I can make my audit up, that all

From me do back receive the flour of all,[2509]

And leave me but the bran.' What say you to't?

First Cit. It was an answer: how apply you this?[2510] 140

Men. The senators of Rome are this good belly,

And you the mutinous members: for examine[2511]

Their counsels and their cares, digest things rightly[2511]

Touching the weal o' the common, you shall find

No public benefit which you receive 145

But it proceeds or comes from them to you

And no way from yourselves. What do you think,

You, the great toe of this assembly?

First Cit. I the great toe! why the great toe?

Men. For that, being one o' the lowest, basest, poorest, 150

Of this most wise rebellion, thou go'st foremost:[2512]

Thou rascal, that art worst in blood to run,[2513][2514]

Lead'st first to win some vantage.[2513]

But make you ready your stiff bats and clubs:

Rome and her rats are at the point of battle; 155

The one side must have bale.[2515]

Enter CAIUS MARCIUS.

Hail, noble Marcius!

Mar. Thanks. What's the matter, you dissentious rogues,

That, rubbing the poor itch of your opinion,

Make yourselves scabs?

First Cit. We have ever your good word.

Mar. He that will give good words to thee will flatter[2516] 160

Beneath abhorring. What would you have, you curs,[2517]

That like nor peace nor war? the one affrights you,[2518]

The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you,[2519]

Where he should find you lions, finds you hares,[2520]

Where foxes, geese: you are no surer, no,[2521] 165

Than is the coal of fire upon the ice,

Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is

To make him worthy whose offence subdues him

And curse that justice did it. Who deserves greatness[2522]

Deserves your hate; and your affections are 170

A sick man's appetite, who desires most that

Which would increase his evil. He that depends

Upon your favours swims with fins of lead

And hews down oaks with rushes. Hang ye! Trust ye?[2523]

With every minute you do change a mind,[2524] 175

And call him noble that was now your hate,

Him vile that was your garland. What's the matter,[2525]

That in these several places of the city[2526]

You cry against the noble senate, who,

Under the gods, keep you in awe, which else 180

Would feed on one another? What's their seeking?

Men. For corn at their own rates; whereof, they say.[2527]

The city is well stored.

Mar. Hang 'em! They say!

They'll sit by the fire, and presume to know

What's done i' the Capitol; who's like to rise, 185

Who thrives and who declines; side factions and give out[2528]

Conjectural marriages; making parties strong,

And feebling such as stand not in their liking

Below their cobbled shoes. They say there's grain enough![2529][2530]

Would the nobility lay aside their ruth,[2529] 190

And let me use my sword, I'ld make a quarry[2529]

With thousands of these quarter'd slaves, as high[2529]

As I could pick my lance.[2529][2531]

Men. Nay, these are almost thoroughly persuaded;[2529][2532]

For though abundantly they lack discretion,[2529] 195

Yet are they passing cowardly. But, I beseech you,[2533]

What says the other troop?

Mar. They are dissolved: hang 'em![2534]

They said they were an-hungry; sigh'd forth proverbs,

That hunger broke stone walls, that dogs must eat,

That meat was made for mouths, that the gods sent not 200

Corn for the rich men only: with these shreds

They vented their complainings; which being answer'd,

And a petition granted them, a strange one—

To break the heart of generosity

And make bold power look pale—they threw their caps 205

As they would hang them on the horns o' the moon,

Shouting their emulation.[2535]

Men. What is granted them?

Mar. Five tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms,[2536]

Of their own choice: one's Junius Brutus,[2537]

Sicinius Velutus, and I know not—'Sdeath![2538] 210

The rabble should have first unroof'd the city,[2539]

Ere so prevail'd with me: it will in time

Win upon power and throw forth greater themes[2540]

For insurrection's arguing.[2541]

Men. This is strange.

Mar. Go, get you home, you fragments! 215

Enter a Messenger, hastily.[2542]

Mess. Where's Caius Marcius?

Mar. Here: what's the matter?[2543]

Mess. The news is, sir, the Volsces are in arms.[2544]

Mar. I am glad on't: then we shall ha' means to vent[2545]

Our musty superfluity. See, our best elders.[2546]

Enter COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators; JUNIUS BRUTUS and SICINIUS VELUTUS.[2547]

First Sen. Marcius, 'tis true that you have lately told us;[2548] 220

The Volsces are in arms.

Mar. They have a leader,

Tullus Aufidius, that will put you to't.

I sin in envying his nobility;

And were I any thing but what I am,

I would wish me only he.

Com. You have fought together.[2549] 225

Mar. Were half to half the world by the ears, and he

Upon my party, I'ld revolt, to make

Only my wars with him: he is a lion[2550]

That I am proud to hunt.

First Sen. Then, worthy Marcius,

Attend upon Cominius to these wars. 230

Com. It is your former promise.

Mar. Sir, it is;

And I am constant. Titus Lartius, thou[2551]

Shalt see me once more strike at Tullus' face.[2552]

What, art thou stiff? stand'st out?

Tit. No, Caius Marcius;

I'll lean upon one crutch, and fight with t'other, 235

Ere stay behind this business.

Men. O, true-bred!

First Sen. Your company to the Capitol; where, I know,[2553]

Our greatest friends attend us.

Tit. [To Com.] Lead you on.[2554][2555]

[To Mar.] Follow Cominius; we must follow you;[2554][2555]

Right worthy you priority.[2555]

Com. Noble Marcius![2555][2556] 240

First Sen. [To the Citizens] Hence to your homes; be gone![2553]

Mar. Nay, let them follow:[2557]

The Volsces have much corn; take these rats thither

To gnaw their garners. Worshipful mutiners,[2558]

Your valour puts well forth: pray, follow.

[Citizens steal away. Exeunt all but Sicinius and Brutus.[2559]

Sic. Was ever man so proud as is this Marcius? 245

Bru. He has no equal.

Sic. When we were chosen tribunes for the people,—

Bru. Mark'd you his lip and eyes?

Sic. Nay, but his taunts.

Bru. Being moved, he will not spare to gird the gods.[2560]

Sic. Bemock the modest moon. 250

Bru. The present wars devour him: he is grown[2561]

Too proud to be so valiant.[2562]

Sic. Such a nature,[2563]

Tickled with good success, disdains the shadow[2563]

Which he treads on at noon: but I do wonder[2563]

His insolence can brook to be commanded[2563] 255

Under Cominius.[2563]

Bru. Fame, at the which he aims,[2564]

In whom already he's well graced, can not[2565]

Better be held, nor more attain'd, than by[2566]

A place below the first: for what miscarries

Shall be the general's fault, though he perform 260

To the utmost of a man; and giddy censure

Will then cry out of Marcius 'O, if he[2567]

Had borne the business!'

Sic. Besides, if things go well,

Opinion, that so sticks on Marcius, shall

Of his demerits rob Cominius.[2568]

Bru. Come:[2569] 265

Half all Cominius' honours are to Marcius,[2569][2570]

Though Marcius earn'd them not; and all his faults[2571]

To Marcius shall be honours, though indeed

In aught he merit not.

Sic. Let's hence, and hear

How the dispatch is made; and in what fashion, 270

More than his singularity, he goes[2572]

Upon this present action.

Bru. Let's along.      [Exeunt.

SCENE II. Corioli. The Senate-House.

Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, with Senators of Corioli.[2573]

First Sen. So, your opinion is, Aufidius,

That they of Rome are enter'd in our counsels,

And know how we proceed.

Auf. Is it not yours?

What ever have been thought on in this state,[2574]

That could be brought to bodily act ere Rome 5

Had circumvention? 'Tis not four days gone

Since I heard thence: these are the words: I think

I have the letter here: yes, here it is:

[Reads] 'They have press'd a power, but it is not known[2575]

Whether for east or west: the dearth is great;[2576] 10

The people mutinous: and it is rumour'd,

Cominius, Marcius your old enemy,

Who is of Rome worse hated than of you,

And Titus Lartius, a most valiant Roman,

These three lead on this preparation 15

Whither 'tis bent: most likely 'tis for you:[2577]

Consider of it.'

First 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[2578] 20

They needs must show themselves; which in the hatching,

It seem'd, appear'd to Rome. By the discovery[2579]

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

To take in many towns ere almost Rome

Should know we were afoot.

Sec. Sen. Noble Aufidius, 25

Take your commission; hie you to your bands:

Let us alone to guard Corioli:[2580][2581]

If they set down before 's, for the remove[2581][2582]

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

They've not prepared for us.[2583]

Auf. O, doubt not that; 30

I speak from certainties. Nay, more,[2584]

Some parcels of their power are forth already,[2585]

And only hitherward. I leave your honours.

If we and Caius Marcius chance to meet,

'Tis sworn between us, we shall ever strike[2586] 35

Till one can do no more.

All. The gods assist you!

Auf. And keep your honours safe!

First Sen. Farewell.

Sec. Sen. Farewell.

All. Farewell.      [Exeunt.[2587]

SCENE III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house.

Enter VOLUMNIA and VIRGILIA: they set them down on two low stools, and sew.[2588]

Vol. I pray you, daughter, sing, or express yourself in a

more comfortable sort: if my son were my husband, I should[2589]

freelier rejoice in that absence wherein he won honour than[2590]

in the embracements of his bed where he would show most[2591]

love. When yet he was but tender-bodied, and the only son 5

of my womb; when youth with comeliness plucked all gaze

his way; when, for a day of kings' entreaties, a mother[2592]

should not sell him an hour from her beholding; I, considering[2593]

how honour would become such a person; that it

was no better than picture-like to hang by the wall, if renown 10

made it not stir, was pleased to let him seek danger where

he was like to find fame. To a cruel war I sent him; from

whence he returned, his brows bound with oak. I tell thee,

daughter, I sprang not more in joy at first hearing he was[2594]

a man-child than now in first seeing he had proved himself 15

a man.

Vir. But had he died in the business, madam: how then?

Vol. Then his good report should have been my son; I

therein would have found issue. Hear me profess sincerely:

had I a dozen sons, each in my love alike, and none less 20

dear than thine and my good Marcius, I had rather had[2595]

eleven die nobly for their country than one voluptuously

surfeit out of action.

Enter a Gentlewoman.

Gent. Madam, the Lady Valeria is come to visit you.

Vir. Beseech you, give me leave to retire myself. 25

Vol. Indeed, you shall not.[2596]

Methinks I hear hither your husband's drum;[2597]

See him pluck Aufidius down by the hair;[2598]

As children from a bear, the Volsces shunning him:[2599]

Methinks I see him stamp thus, and call thus:[2600] 30

'Come on, you cowards! you were got in fear,[2601]

Though you were born in Rome:' his bloody brow

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

Like to a harvest-man that's task'd to mow[2602]

Or all, or lose his hire.[2603] 35

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,[2604]

When she did suckle Hector, look'd not lovelier

Than Hector's forehead when it spit forth blood 40

At Grecian sword, contemning. Tell Valeria[2605]

We are fit to bid her welcome.      [Exit Gent.[2606]

Vir. Heavens bless my lord from fell Aufidius!

Vol. He'll beat Aufidius' head below his knee,[2607]

And tread upon his neck. 45

Enter VALERIA, with an Usher and Gentlewoman.[2608]

Val. My ladies both, good day to you.[2609]

Vol. Sweet madam.

Vir. I am glad to see your ladyship.

Val. How do you both? you are manifest house-keepers.

What are you sewing here? A fine spot, in good faith.[2610] 50

How does your little son?

Vir. I thank your ladyship; well, good madam.

Vol. He had rather see the swords and hear a drum[2611]

than look upon his schoolmaster.

Val. O' my word, the father's son: I'll swear, 'tis a very[2612] 55

pretty boy. O' my troth, I looked upon him o' Wednesday[2612][2613]

half an hour together: has such a confirmed countenance.[2614]

I saw him run after a gilded butterfly; and when he caught

it, he let it go again; and after it again; and over and over

he comes, and up again; catched it again: or whether his[2615] 60

fall enraged him, or how 'twas, he did so set his teeth, and

tear it; O, I warrant, how he mammocked it!

Vol. One on 's father's moods.[2616]

Val. Indeed, la, 'tis a noble child.

Vir. A crack, madam. 65

Val. Come, lay aside your stitchery; I must have you

play the idle huswife with me this afternoon.

Vir. No, good madam; I will not out of doors.[2617]

Val. Not out of doors!

Vol. She shall, she shall. 70

Vir. Indeed, no, by your patience; I'll not over the

threshold till my lord return from the wars.

Val. Fie, you confine yourself most unreasonably:[2618]

come, you must go visit the good lady that lies in.

Vir. I will wish her speedy strength, and visit her with 75

my prayers; but I cannot go thither.

Vol. Why, I pray you?

Vir. 'Tis not to save labour, nor that I want love.

Val. You would be another Penelope: yet, they say, all

the yarn she spun in Ulysses' absence did but fill Ithaca[2619] 80

full of moths. Come; I would your cambric were sensible

as your finger, that you might leave pricking it for pity.

Come, you shall go with us.

Vir. No, good madam, pardon me; indeed, I will not

forth. 85

Val. In truth, la, go with me, and I'll tell you excellent

news of your husband.

Vir. O, good madam, there can be none yet.

Val. Verily, I do not jest with you; there came news

from him last night. 90

Vir. Indeed, madam?[2620]

Val. In earnest, it's true; I heard a senator speak it.

Thus it is: the Volsces have an army forth; against whom

Cominius the general is gone, with one part of our Roman

power: your lord and Titus Lartius are set down before 95

their city Corioli; they nothing doubt prevailing, and to[2621]

make it brief wars. This is true, on mine honour; and so,[2622]

I pray, go with us.

Vir. Give me excuse, good madam; I will obey you

in every thing hereafter. 100

Vol. Let her alone, lady; as she is now, she will but[2623][2624]

disease our better mirth.[2623]

Val. In troth, I think she would. Fare you well,[2623]

then. Come, good sweet lady. Prithee, Virgilia, turn thy[2623]

solemness out o' door, and go along with us.[2623][2625] 105

Vir. No, at a word, madam; indeed, I must not. I[2623]

wish you much mirth.[2623]

Val. Well then, farewell.      [Exeunt.[2626]

SCENE IV. Before Corioli.

Enter, with drum and colours, MARCIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, Captains and Soldiers. To them a Messenger.[2627]

Mar. Yonder comes news: a wager they have met.[2628]

Lart. My horse to yours, no.[2629]

Mar. 'Tis done.

Lart. Agreed.

Mar. Say, has our general met the enemy?

Mess. They lie in view; but have not spoke as yet.

Lart. So, the good horse is mine.

Mar. I'll buy him of you. 5

Lart. No, I'll nor sell nor give him: lend you him I will[2630][2631]

For half a hundred years. Summon the town.[2631]

Mar. How far off lie these armies?

Mess. Within this mile and half.[2632]

Mar. Then shall we hear their 'larum, and they ours.

Now, Mars, I prithee, make us quick in work, 10

That we with smoking swords may march from hence,

To help our fielded friends! Come, blow thy blast.

They sound a parley. Enter two Senators with others, on the walls.[2633]

Tullus Aufidius, is he within your walls?[2634][2635]

First Sen. No, nor a man that fears you less than he,[2636]

That's lesser than a little. Hark, our drums[2637] 15

[Drum afar off.

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

Rather than they shall pound us up: our gates,[2638]

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

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

[Alarum far off.

There is Aufidius; list, what work he makes[2634] 20

Amongst your cloven army.

Mar. O, they are at it!

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

Enter the army of the Volsces.[2639]

Mar. They fear us not, but issue forth their city.[2640]

Now put your shields before your hearts, and fight

With hearts more proof than shields. Advance, brave Titus:[2641] 25

They do disdain us much beyond our thoughts,

Which makes me sweat with wrath. Come on, my fellows:[2642]

He that retires, I'll take him for a Volsce,[2643]

And he shall feel mine edge.

Alarum. The Romans are beat back to their trenches. Re-enter MARCIUS, cursing.[2644]

Mar. All the contagion of the south light on you,[2645] 30

You shames of Rome! you herd of—Boils and plagues[2646]

Plaster you o'er; that you may be abhorr'd

Farther than seen, and one infect another

Against the wind a mile! You souls of geese,

That bear the shapes of men, how have you run 35

From slaves that apes would beat! Pluto and hell!

All hurt behind; backs red, and faces pale

With flight and agued fear! Mend, and charge home,

Or, by the fires of heaven, I'll leave the foe,

And make my wars on you: look to 't: come on; 40

If you'll stand fast, we'll beat them to their wives,[2647]

As they us to our trenches followed.[2647][2648]

Another alarum. The Volsces fly, and MARCIUS follows them to the gates.[2649]

So, now the gates are ope: now prove good seconds:

'Tis for the followers fortune widens them,

Not for the fliers: mark me, and do the like. 45

[Enters the gates.[2650]

First Sol. Fool-hardiness; not I.

Sec. Sol. Nor I.      [Marcius is shut in.[2651]

First Sol. See, they have shut him in.

All. To the pot, I warrant him.

[Alarum continues.

Re-enter TITUS LARTIUS.[2652]

Lart. What is become of Marcius?

All. Slain, sir, doubtless.

First Sol. Following the fliers at the very heels, 50

With them he enters; who, upon the sudden,

Clapp'd to their gates: he is himself alone,[2653]

To answer all the city.

Lart. O noble fellow!

Who sensibly outdares his senseless sword,[2654]

And, when it bows, stands up! Thou art left, Marcius:[2655] 55

A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,

Were not so rich a jewel. Thou wast a soldier[2656]

Even to Cato's wish, not fierce and terrible[2657]

Only in strokes; but, with thy grim looks and

The thunder-like percussion of thy sounds,[2658] 60

Thou madest thine enemies shake, as if the world

Were feverous and did tremble.

Re-enter MARCIUS, bleeding, assaulted by the enemy.[2659]

First Sol. Look, sir.

Lart. O, 'tis Marcius!

Let's fetch him off, or make remain alike.

[They fight, and all enter the city.

SCENE V. Within Corioli. A street.[2660]

Enter certain Romans, with spoils.

First Rom. This will I carry to Rome.

Sec. Rom. And I this.

Third Rom. A murrain on't! I took this for silver.

[Alarum continues still afar off.

Enter MARCIUS and TITUS LARTIUS with a trumpet.[2661]

Mar. See here these movers that do prize their hours[2662]

At a crack'd drachma! Cushions, leaden spoons,[2663] 5

Irons of a doit, doublets that hangmen would

Bury with those that wore them, these base slaves,

Ere yet the fight be done, pack up: down with them!

And hark, what noise the general makes! To him![2664]

There is the man of my soul's hate, Aufidius, 10

Piercing our Romans: then, valiant Titus, take

Convenient numbers to make good the city;

Whilst I, with those that have the spirit, will haste[2665]

To help Cominius.

Lart. Worthy sir, thou bleed'st;

Thy exercise hath been too violent[2666] 15

For a second course of fight.[2666]

Mar. Sir, praise me not;

My work hath yet not warm'd me: fare you well:

The blood I drop is rather physical

Than dangerous to me: to Aufidius thus[2667][2668]

I will appear, and fight.[2667]

Lart. Now the fair goddess, Fortune, 20

Fall deep in love with thee; and her great charms

Misguide thy opposers' swords! Bold gentleman,[2669]

Prosperity be thy page!

Mar. Thy friend no less

Than those she placeth highest! So farewell.[2670]

Lart. Thou worthiest Marcius!      [Exit Marcius.[2671] 25

Go, sound thy trumpet in the market-place;[2672]

Call thither all the officers o' the town,[2673]

Where they shall know our mind. Away!      [Exeunt.

SCENE VI. Near the camp of Cominius.[2674]

Enter COMINIUS, as it were in retire, with Soldiers.

Com. Breathe you, my friends: well fought; we are come off

Like Romans, neither foolish in our stands

Nor cowardly in retire: believe me, sirs,

We shall be charged again. Whiles we have struck,[2675]

By interims and conveying gusts we have heard 5

The charges of our friends. Ye Roman gods,[2676]

Lead their successes as we wish our own,

That both our powers, with smiling fronts encountering,

May give you thankful sacrifice!

Enter a Messenger.[2677]

Thy news?

Mess. The citizens of Corioli have issued, 10

And given to Lartius and to Marcius battle:

I saw our party to their trenches driven,[2678]

And then I came away.

Com. Though thou speak'st truth,[2679]

Methinks thou speak'st not well. How long is't since?

Mess. Above an hour, my lord. 15

Com. 'Tis not a mile; briefly we heard their drums:[2680]

How couldst thou in a mile confound an hour,

And bring thy news so late?[2681]

Mess. Spies of the Volsces

Held me in chase, that I was forced to wheel

Three or four miles about; else had I, sir, 20

Half an hour since brought my report.

Enter MARCIUS.[2682]

Com. Who's yonder,

That does appear as he were flay'd? O gods!

He has the stamp of Marcius; and I have

Before-time seen him thus.

Mar. Come I too late?[2683]

Com. The shepherd knows not thunder from a tabor 25

More than I know the sound of Marcius' tongue[2684]

From every meaner man.[2685]

Mar. Come I too late?

Com. Ay, if you come not in the blood of others,

But mantled in your own.

Mar. O, let me clip ye[2686]

In arms as sound as when I woo'd; in heart[2687][2688] 30

As merry as when our nuptial day was done,[2688]

And tapers burn'd to bedward!

Com. Flower of warriors,[2689]

How is't with Titus Lartius?[2689][2690]

Mar. As with a man busied about decrees:

Condemning some to death, and some to exile; 35

Ransoming him or pitying, threatening the other;

Holding Corioli in the name of Rome,

Even like a fawning greyhound in the leash,

To let him slip at will.[2691]

Com. Where is that slave

Which told me they had beat you to your trenches? 40

Where is he? call him hither.

Mar. Let him alone;

He did inform the truth: but for our gentlemen,[2692]

The common file—a plague! tribunes for them!—[2693]

The mouse ne'er shunn'd the cat as they did budge

From rascals worse than they.

Com. But how prevail'd you? 45

Mar. Will the time serve to tell? I do not think.[2694]

Where is the enemy? are you lords o' the field?[2695]

If not, why cease you till you are so?

Com. Marcius,[2696]

We have at disadvantage fought and did[2696]

Retire to win our purpose.[2696][2697] 50

Mar. How lies their battle? know you on which side[2698][2699]

They have placed their men of trust?[2698]

Com. As I guess, Marcius,

Their bands i' the vaward are the Antiates,[2700]

Of their best trust; o'er them Aufidius,

Their very heart of hope.

Mar. I do beseech you, 55

By all the battles wherein we have fought,

By the blood we have shed together, by the vows[2701][2702]

We have made to endure friends, that you directly[2701][2702]

Set me against Aufidius and his Antiates;[2701]

And that you not delay the present, but, 60

Filling the air with swords advanced and darts,

We prove this very hour.[2703]

Com. Though I could wish

You were conducted to a gentle bath,

And balms applied to you, yet dare I never

Deny your asking: take your choice of those 65

That best can aid your action.

Mar. Those are they

That most are willing. If any such be here—[2704]

As it were sin to doubt—that love this painting

Wherein you see me smear'd; if any fear

Lesser his person than an ill report;[2705] 70

If any think brave death outweighs bad life,

And that his country's dearer than himself;

Let him alone, or so many so minded,[2706]

Wave thus, to express his disposition,

And follow Marcius. 75

[They all shout, and wave their swords; take him up in their arms, and cast up their caps.

O, me alone! make you a sword of me?[2707]

If these shows be not outward, which of you

But is four Volsces? none of you but is

Able to bear against the great Aufidius

A shield as hard as his. A certain number,[2708] 80

Though thanks to all, must I select from all: the rest[2709]

Shall bear the business in some other fight,

As cause will be obey'd. Please you to march;[2710]

And four shall quickly draw out my command,[2710][2711][2712]

Which men are best inclined.[2712]

Com. March on, my fellows: 85

Make good this ostentation, and you shall

Divide in all with us.      [Exeunt.

SCENE VII. The gates of Corioli.[2713]

TITUS LARTIUS, having set a guard upon Corioli, going with drum and trumpet toward COMINIUS and CAIUS MARCIUS, enters with a Lieutenant, other Soldiers, and a Scout.

Lart. So, let the ports be guarded: keep your duties,

As I have set them down. If I do send, dispatch[2714]

Those centuries to our aid; the rest will serve[2715]

For a short holding: if we lose the field,

We cannot keep the town.[2716]

Lieu. Fear not our care, sir.[2716] 5

Lart. Hence, and shut your gates upon 's.[2716][2717]

Our guider, come; to the Roman camp conduct us.      [Exeunt.[2716][2718]

SCENE VIII. A field of battle between the Roman and the Volscian camps.

Alarum as in battle. Enter, from opposite sides, MARCIUS and AUFIDIUS.[2719]

Mar. I'll fight with none but thee; for I do hate thee

Worse than a promise-breaker.

Auf. We hate alike:

Not Afric owns a serpent I abhor[2720]

More than thy fame and envy. Fix thy foot.[2721][2722]

Mar. Let the first budger die the other's slave,[2722] 5

And the gods doom him after!

Auf. If I fly, Marcius,[2723]

Holloa me like a hare.[2723][2724]

Mar. Within these three hours, Tullus,

Alone I fought in your Corioli walls,

And made what work I pleased: 'tis not my blood

Wherein thou seest me mask'd; for thy revenge 10

Wrench up thy power to the highest.

Auf. Wert thou the Hector[2725]

That was the whip of your bragg'd progeny,

Thou shouldst not 'scape me here.

[They fight, and certain Volsces come in the aid of Aufidius. Marcius fights till they be driven in breathless.[2726]

Officious, and not valiant, you have shamed me

In your condemned seconds.      [Exeunt.[2727] 15

SCENE IX. The Roman camp.

Flourish. Alarum. A retreat is sounded. Enter, from one side, COMINIUS with the Romans; from the other side, MARCIUS, with his arm in a scarf.[2728]

Com. If I should tell thee o'er this thy day's work,

Thou'ldst not believe thy deeds: but I'll report it,[2729]

Where senators shall mingle tears with smiles;

Where great patricians shall attend, and shrug,[2730]

I' the end admire; where ladies shall be frighted, 5

And, gladly quaked, hear more; where the dull tribunes,

That, with the fusty plebeians, hate thine honours,[2731]

Shall say against their hearts 'We thank the gods

Our Rome hath such a soldier.'

Yet camest thou to a morsel of this feast, 10

Having fully dined before.

Enter TITUS LARTIUS, with his power, from the pursuit.[2732]

Lart. O general,

Here is the steed, we the caparison:[2733]

Hadst thou beheld—[2734]

Mar. Pray now, no more: my mother,[2735]

Who has a charter to extol her blood,[2735]

When she does praise me grieves me. I have done[2736] 15

As you have done; that's what I can: induced[2736]

As you have been; that's for my country:[2736]

He that has but effected his good will

Hath overta'en mine act.

Com. You shall not be[2737]

The grave of your deserving; Rome must know[2737] 20

The value of her own: 'twere a concealment[2737]

Worse than a theft, no less than a traducement,[2737]

To hide your doings; and to silence that,

Which, to the spire and top of praises vouch'd,

Would seem but modest: therefore, I beseech you— 25

In sign of what you are, not to reward

What you have done—before our army hear me.

Mar. I have some wounds upon me, and they smart

To hear themselves remember'd.

Com. Should they not,

Well might they fester 'gainst ingratitude, 30

And tent themselves with death. Of all the horses,

Whereof we have ta'en good, and good store, of all[2738]

The treasure in this field achieved and city,[2739]

We render you the tenth; to be ta'en forth,

Before the common distribution, at[2740][2741] 35

Your only choice.[2741]

Mar. I thank you, general;

But cannot make my heart consent to take

A bribe to pay my sword: I do refuse it,

And stand upon my common part with those

That have beheld the doing.[2742] 40

[A long flourish. They all cry 'Marcius! Marcius!' cast up their caps and lances: Cominius and Lartius stand bare.

Mar. May these same instruments, which you profane,[2743]

Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall[2743]

I' the field prove flatterers, let courts and cities be[2743][2744][2745]

Made all of false-faced soothing![2743][2745][2746]

When steel grows soft as the parasite's silk,[2743][2747] 45

Let him be made a coverture for the wars![2743][2748][2749]

No more, I say! For that I have not wash'd[2743][2749][2750]

My nose that bled, or foil'd some debile wretch,[2743]

Which without note here's many else have done,[2743]

You shout me forth[2743][2751][2752] 50

In acclamations hyperbolical;[2743][2751]

As if I loved my little should be dieted[2743]

In praises sauced with lies.[2743]

Com. Too modest are you;

More cruel to your good report than grateful

To us that give you truly: by your patience,[2753] 55

If 'gainst yourself you be incensed, we'll put you,[2754]

Like one that means his proper harm, in manacles,

Then reason safely with you. Therefore, be it known,

As to us, to all the world, that Caius Marcius

Wears this war's garland: in token of the which, 60

My noble steed, known to the camp, I give him,[2755]

With all his trim belonging; and from this time,

For what he did before Corioli, call him,

With all the applause and clamour of the host,

CAIUS MARCIUS CORIOLANUS. Bear[2756][2757] 65

The addition nobly ever!      [Flourish. Trumpets sound, and drums.[2756]

All. Caius Marcius Coriolanus![2757][2758]

Cor. I will go wash;[2759]

And when my face is fair, you shall perceive

Whether I blush, or no: howbeit, I thank you: 70

I mean to stride your steed; and at all times

To undercrest your good addition

To the fairness of my power.[2760]

Com. So, to our tent;

Where, ere we do repose us, we will write[2761]

To Rome of our success. You, Titus Lartius, 75

Must to Corioli back: send us to Rome

The best, with whom we may articulate

For their own good and ours.

Lart. I shall, my lord.

Cor. The gods begin to mock me. I, that now[2759][2762][2763]

Refused most princely gifts, am bound to beg[2762] 80

Of my lord general.[2762][2764]

Com. Take 't; 'tis yours. What is't?[2764][2765]

Cor. I sometime lay here in Corioli[2759][2764]

At a poor man's house; he used me kindly:[2764][2766]

He cried to me; I saw him prisoner;

But then Aufidius was within my view, 85

And wrath o'erwhelm'd my pity: I request you

To give my poor host freedom.

Com. O, well begg'd!

Were he the butcher of my son, he should

Be free as is the wind. Deliver him, Titus.

Lart. Marcius, his name?

Cor. By Jupiter, forgot:[2759] 90

I am weary; yea, my memory is tired.[2767]

Have we no wine here?

Com. Go we to our tent:

The blood upon your visage dries; 'tis time

It should be look'd to: come.      [Exeunt.

SCENE X. The camp of the Volsces.[2768]

A flourish. Cornets. Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, bloody, with two or three Soldiers.

Auf. The town is ta'en![2769]

First Sol. 'Twill be deliver'd back on good condition.[2770][2769]

Auf. Condition!

I would I were a Roman; for I cannot,

Being a Volsce, be that I am. Condition![2771] 5

What good condition can a treaty find

I' the part that is at mercy? Five times, Marcius,

I have fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me;

And wouldst do so, I think, should we encounter

As often as we eat. By the elements,[2772] 10

If e'er again I meet him beard to beard,

He's mine, or I am his: mine emulation

Hath not that honour in 't it had; for where

I thought to crush him in an equal force,

True sword to sword, I'll potch at him some way,[2773] 15

Or wrath or craft may get him.

First Sol. He's the devil.[2770]

Auf. Bolder, though not so subtle. My valour's poison'd[2774][2775]

With only suffering stain by him; for him[2775][2776]

Shall fly out of itself: nor sleep nor sanctuary,[2777]

Being naked, sick, nor fane nor Capitol,[2778] 20

The prayers of priests nor times of sacrifice,

Embarquements all of fury, shall lift up[2779]

Their rotten privilege and custom 'gainst

My hate to Marcius: where I find him, were it

At home, upon my brother's guard, even there,[2780] 25

Against the hospitable canon, would I

Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to the city;

Learn how 'tis held, and what they are that must

Be hostages for Rome.

First Sol. Will not you go?[2770]

Auf. I am attended at the cypress grove: I pray you—[2781] 30

'Tis south the city mills—bring me word thither[2782]

How the world goes, that to the pace of it

I may spur on my journey.

First Sol. I shall, sir.      [Exeunt.[2770][2783]

FOOTNOTES:

[2455] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff.

Rome. A street.] A street in Rome. Pope.

[2456] All.] Ff. Cit. [Several speaking at once. Malone.

[2457] chief] the chief Pope.

[2458] We know't, we know't] F_1. We know't F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2459] let it] let't Rowe (ed 2).

[2460] on] F_3 F_4. one F_1 F_2.

[2461] humanely] humanly F_4.

[2462] object] abjectness Collier MS.

[2463] a gain] againe F_2.

[2464] pikes] pitchforks Hanmer.

rakes] F_1. raks F_2. racks F_3 F_4.

[2465] Marcius?] Martius? F_3 F_4. Martius. F_1 F_2.

[2466] All.] 1 Cit. Malone conj.

[2467] Sec. Cit.] Malone. All. Ff.

[2468] to please....] partly to please Capell.

[2469] to be partly] partly to be Hanmer. to be Capell. to be portly Staunton conj.

[2470] these] F_1. those F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2471] o' the] o' th' F_4. a'th F_1 F_2. a' th' F_3.

[2472] Enter....] Ff. Dyce transfers it to follow line 48.

[2473] SCENE II. Pope.

[2474] What ... pray you] Arranged as by Theobald. Three lines, ending hand?... matter ... you in Ff. Prose in Pope.

[2475] work's] F_1. workes F_2. works F_3 F_4.

[2476] With] F_1. with your F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2477] First Cit.] 1 Cit. Capell (and throughout the scene). 2 Cit. Ff.

[2478] intend] intended Rowe (ed. 2).

[2479] Why ... yourselves?] Arranged as by Theobald. In Ff the first line ends at honest. As prose in Pope.

[2480] you. For your wants,] Johnson. you: for your wants, Rowe. you for your wants. F_1 F_2. you for your wants, F_3. you, for your wants. F_4.

[2481] suffering] sufferings Rowe (ed. 2).

[2482] heaven] heavens Mason conj.

[2483] link] linke F_1. link'd F_2 F_3 F_4. links Pope.

[2484] True, indeed! They] true, indeed!—they Theobald. True indeed, they Ff.

[2485] stale] Theobald. scale Ff.

[2486] Well ... deliver] As prose first by Capell. As four lines, ending Well ... thinke ... tale: ... deliver in Ff.

[2487] I'll] We'll Hanmer.

yet] but yet Hanmer.

[2488] disgrace] disgraces Theobald.

an't] Hanmer. and't Theobald.

[2489] o' the] o' th' F_4. a th' F_1 F_2. a' th' F_3.

[2490] And, mutually participate,] Malone. And mutually participate, Ff. And mutually participate; Knight.

[2491] Of the ... Well, sir] As one line, S. Walker conj.

[2492] body.] Rowe. body; F_3. body, F_1 F_2 F_4.

answer'd—] Rowe. answer'd. F_1 F_4. answer. F_2 answers. F_3.

[2493] you. With] you.—With Theobald. you with Ff.

[2494] tauntingly] F_4. taintingly F_1. tantingly F_2 F_3.

[2495] such as you.] such as you— Rowe. as you Steevens conj.

What! Theobald. What Ff. om. Seymour conj.

[2496] See note (I).

[2497] kingly-crowned] Warburton. kingly crowned Pope. kingly crown'd Ff.

[2498] What then?... then?] Arranged as by Capell. The lines end speakes ... then? in Ff.

[2499] 'Fore me, this] Theobald. Foreme, this F_1 F_2 F_3. For me, this F_4.

[2500] o' the] o' th' F_4. a th' F_1 F_2. a' th' F_3 (and passim).

[2501] agents] agent F_2.

[2502] a small] a little Seymour conj. us all Jackson conj.

[2503] you'll] Rowe (ed. 2). you'st Ff.

[2504] You're] Capell. Y'are Ff. You are Steevens (1773).

[2505] heart, to] Ff. heart,—to Malone.

the seat o' the] the seat, the Rann (Tyrwhitt conj.) the senate Collier MS. the state, the Anon. conj.

[2506] brain; ... man,] Theobald. braine, ... man, Ff. brain, ... man; Pope.

[2507] cranks] ranks Collier MS.

[2508] You ... belly, mark me,—] Rowe (substantially). (You ... belly) mark me. Ff.

[2509] flour] Knight. flowre F_1 F_2. flowr F_3 F_4. flow'r Rowe. flower Capell.

[2510] answer: how] answer;—how Theobald. answer, how Ff. answer—how Rowe.

[2511] examine Their ... cares, digest] examine Their ... cares; disgest F_1. examine Their ... care; disgest F_2 F_3 F_4. examine, Their ... care; digest Rowe. examine.—Their ... cares digest Ingleby conj.

[2512] go'st] Hanmer. goest Ff.

[2513] Thou ... vantage] Erased in Collier MS.

worst ... first] worst, in blood, to ruin, Lead'st first, Steevens, 1773 (Johnson conj.) worst in blood, to run Lead'st first Steevens (1778).

[2514] art] are Rowe (ed. 2).

worst in blood] first from blows Hanmer. first in blood Capell. last in blood Staunton conj.

[2515] bale] Theobald. baile F_1 F_2. bail F_3 F_4. bane Hanmer.

SCENE III. Pope.

[2516] thee] Ff. ye Dyce.

[2517] you have] have Steevens (1778). you Seymour conj.

you curs] ye curs Rowe.

[2518] like nor peace] F_1 F_2. like not peace F_3 F_4. likes not peace Warburton.

[2519] you proud] yon proud F_2.

trusts to you] trusts you Reed (1803).

[2520] you ... you] your ... your Rowe (ed. 2).

[2521] geese: you are no] Theobald. geese you are: No Ff.

[2522] did it] did Badham conj.

[2523] Hang ye! Trust ye?] Hang ye trust ye? Ff. Hang ye! Trust you? Seymour conj. Trust ye? Hang ye! Coleridge conj.

[2524] a mind] your mind Collier MS.

[2525] vile] F_4. vilde F_1 F_2 F_3.

was] wore Anon. MS. (in Capell's copy of F_3).

[2526] these] the Rowe.

[2527] I or corn ... they say] Corn ... they do say Seymour conj.

[2528] Who thrives] Omitted by Hanmer.

and who] om. Seymour conj.

[2529] Below ... discretion] Hanmer ends the lines grain ... aside ... make ... slaves ... these ... for ... discretion, reading Although for though in line 195.

[2530] enough] om. Seymour conj.

[2531] pick] pitch Rowe.

lance.] lance. Away, ye knaves! Seymour conj.

[2532] almost] all most Singer (Collier MS.)

[2533] cowardly. But, I] cowardly. I Hanmer. coward. I Seymour conj.

But, I beseech] But, 'beseech S. Walker conj.

[2534] hang 'em!] om. Hanmer.

[2535] Shouting] Pope. Shooting Ff. Suiting Rowe (ed. 2).

their emulation] their exultation Collier MS. the innovation Leo conj.

[2536] tribunes] tributes F_2.

[2537] one's] one on 'em 's Anon. conj.

Brutus,] Brutus, one S. Walker conj.

[2538] and I] and—I S. Walker conj., putting 'Sdeath in a separate line.

not—'Sdeath] Rowe (ed. 2). not. Sdeath Ff.

[2539] unroof'd] Theobald. unroo'st Ff.

[2540] upon] open Grant White conj.

[2541] insurrection's] Theobald. insurrections Ff.

[2542] fragments] fragments, hence, begone Seymour conj.

hastily] Ff. om. Rowe.

[2543] what's] what is or now, what's Seymour conj.

[2544] Volsces] Collier. Volcies F_1 F_2 F_3. Volscies F_4. Volscians Pope. Volcians Capell. Volces Steevens (1778).

[2545] ha'] ha F_1 F_2 F_3. have F_4.

[2546] See, our] Rowe. See our Ff.

[2547] Enter ...] Malone and Capell substantially. Enter Sicinius Velutus, Annius Brutus Cominius, Titus Lartius, with other Senatours. Ff (Cominisn F_1). Enter ... Junius Brutus, Cominius, ... Rowe.

[2548] SCENE IV. Pope.

[2549] I would] I could F_4. I'd Pope.

he] him Hanmer.

together.] Capell. together? Ff.

[2550] Only my wars] My wars only Seymour conj.

[2551] Lartius] Rowe. Lucius Ff.

[2552] Tullus'] Pope (ed. 2). Tullus F_1 F_2 F_3. Tullus's F_4. Tulliu' Pope (ed. 1), a misprint.

[2553] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Sen. Ff.

[2554] [To Com.] ... [To Mar.] Follow Cominius;] Edd. (Malone conj.) Lead you on: Follow Cominius, Ff. Lead you on; Follow, Cominius; Theobald.

[2555] Lead ... priority. Arranged as in Pope. As prose in Ff.

[2556] you] your F_4.

Marcius] Lartius Theobald.

[2557] [To the Citizens] Rowe.

Nay] om. Rowe.

[2558] Worshipful] Worthy Seymour conj.

mutiners] mutineers Rowe.

[2559] pray] I pray you Seymour conj.]

[Citizens ...] Exeunt. Citizens steale away. Manent Sicin. and Brutus. Ff (Manet F_1).

[2560] gird the] gird at th’ Badham conj.

[2561] him:] him, Ff. him! Hanmer.

[2562] to be] of being Hanmer.

[2563] Such ... Cominius.] As verse first by Pope. As prose in Ff.

[2564] the which] which Hanmer.

[2565] whom] which Hanmer.

he's] F_1. he is F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2566] be] F_1 F_4. he F_2 F_3.

[2567] of] on Capell.

[2568] demerits] merits Roderick conj., reading Shall ... Cominius as one line. due merits Leo conj.

[2569] Come: Half ... Marcius,] As in Theobald. One line in Ff.

[2570] Cominius'] Pope. Cominius F_1 F_2 F_3. Cominius's F_4.

[2571] earn'd] earn Hanmer.

[2572] his] this Hanmer. in Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[2573] SCENE II.] Rowe. SCENE V. Pope. om. Ff.

Corioli.] Pope. Coriolus. Rowe.

The Senate-House.] Capell. Enter ... Corioli.] Pope. Enter ... Coriolus. Ff.

[2574] have] F_1. hath F_2 F_3 F_4.

on] F_3 F_4. one F_1 F_2.

[2575] [Reads] Reading. Theobald. om. Ff.

press’d] Capell. prest Ff.

[2576] dearth] death F_2.

[2577] Whither] F_3 F_4. Whether F_1 F_2.

[2578] veil'd] F_3 F_4. vayl’d F_1 F_2.

[2579] seem’d] seems Hanmer.

[2580] Corioli] Pope. Corioles F_1. Coriolus F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2581] Corioli: If ... before 's,] Coriolus: If ... before 's, F_4. Corioles If ... before 's: F_1. Coriolus If ... before 's. F_2 F_3.

[2582] before 's] before us Capell.

for the remove] 'fore they remove Warburton. for their remove Johnson conj. further remove Jackson conj.

[2583] They've] Rowe. Th' have Ff.

[2584] certainties] very certainties Hanmer.

more,] more, I hear, Badham conj.

[2585] power] powers Steevens (1793).

[2586] ever] never Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[2587] All. Farewell.] om. Seymour conj.

[Exeunt.] Exeunt omnes. Ff.

[2588] SCENE III.] Rowe. SCENE VI. Pope. om. Ff.

Rome.] Rowe.

A room....] Capell. Scene changes to Caius Marcius's House in Rome. Theobald.

Enter ... they set them....] Rowe. Enter Volumnia and Virgilia, mother and wife to Martius: They set them.... Ff. Enter ... they sit.... Pope.

[2589] should] would F_4.

[2590] wherein] where Johnson (1771).

[2591] would] F_1 F_2. should F_3 F_4.

[2592] kings'] Theobald. kings Ff. king's Johnson.

[2593] sell] F_3 F_4. sel F_1 F_2. let Anon. conj.

[2594] not more] no more F_4.

[2595] had rather had] had rather Rowe. would rather have Seymour conj.

[2596] you shall] thou shalt F_4.

[2597] I hear hither] I hither hear Pope. e'en now I hear Seymour conj.

[2598] See] I see Rowe.

Aufidius down] down Aufidius Steevens (1773).

[2599] from ... shunning] fly ... shunning or shun ... flying Seymour conj.

[2600] [stamping. Johnson.

call thus] thus call Seymour conj.

[2601] you cowards] F_1 F_2. ye cowards F_3 F_4.

you were] ye were Rowe (ed. 2).

[2602] that's] thats F_2. that F_1. what's F_3 F_4.

[2603] Or] O'er Singer.

[2604] trophy] trophe F_1.

breasts] brest F_4.

[2605] At ... sword, contemning.] See note (II).

[2606] We are fit] That we are waiting here Seymour conj.

[2607] Aufidius'] Aufidius's F_4.

[2608] Gentlewoman.] a Gentlewoman. Ff.

[2609] My ladies both] om. Seymour conj.

[2610] What are] What, are Capell (corrected in Errata).

sewing] F_4. sowing F_1 F_2 F_3.

spot, in] spotte in F_1 F_2. spot in F_3 F_4. sport, in Jackson conj. pattern, Leo conj.

[2611] the swords] swords Collier MS.

[2612] O'] Theobald. A Ff.

[2613] upon] on Rowe.

o'] Rowe (ed. 2). a Ff.

[2614] has] ha's F_1 F_2 F_3. Has F_4. he has Steevens (1773).

[2615] catched] catcht F_1 F_2 F_3. and caught F_4.

or whether] and whether Hanmer.

[2616] on 's] o' s F_4. of's Theobald. of his Steevens (1778).

[2617] No ... doors.] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[2618] most] om. Rowe (ed. 2).

[2619] Ulysses'] Capell. Ulysses F_1. F_2 F_3. Ulysses's F_4.

Ithaca] F_3 F_4. Athica F_1 F_2.

[2620] madam?] F_3 F_4. madam. F_1 F_2. madam— Rowe.

[2621] Corioli] Pope. Carioles F_1. Cariolus F_2. Coriolus F_3 F_4.

[2622] mine] my Rowe.

[2623] Let ... much mirth.] As prose in Pope. Irregular lines in Ff.

[2624] lady; ... now,] Pope. ladie, ... now: F_1. lady, ... now: F_2 F_3. lady, ... now, F_4.

[2625] o'] Theobald. a Ff.

[2626] [Exeunt.] Exeunt Ladies. Ff.

[2627] SCENE IV.] Rowe. SCENE VII. Pope. om. Ff.

Before Corioli.] Trenches before Corioli. Capell. The walls of Coriolus. Rowe.

Soldiers.] Souldiers, as before the city Coriolus: Ff (Corialus: F_1).

[2628] Yonder ... met] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[2629] no] not so Seymour conj.

[2630] nor ... nor] F_1. not ... nor F_2 F_3 F_4.

you him] F_1 F_2. him you F_3 F_4.

[2631] you him ... years] him you I will for half an hundred years or so Hanmer, ending the lines you ... so.

[2632] this mile] a mile Rowe.

and half] om. Steevens conj. and a half Campbell.

[2633] thy] the Rowe.

two] some Capell.

walls.] walles of Coriolus. Ff. (Corialus F_1 F_2).

[2634] Aufidius] F_4. Auffidious F_1. Auffidius F_2 F_3.

[2635] walls] wall Rowe (ed. 2).

[2636] nor] but Keightley.

that fears you less] but fears you less Rann (Johnson conj.) that fears you more Johnson and Capell conj.

[2637] That's ... drums] one line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[2638] up: our] up, our F_3. up; our F_4. up our F_1 F_2.

[2639] Enter ...] Enter the Volscies. Rowe. The Volscians enter and pass over. Capell.

[2640] forth] for'h F_2.

[2641] With ... Titus] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[2642] fellows] follows F_2.

[2643] Volsce] Collier. Volce F_1 F_2. Volcie F_3. Volscie F_4. Volscian Pope.

[2644] Alarum ... Re-enter ...] Alarum ... Enter ... Ff. Exeunt, as to the Fight. Alarums ... Re-enter Marcius. Capell.

cursing.] om. Rowe. enraged. Collier.

[2645] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[2646] Rome! you herd of—Boils] Johnson. Rome: you Heard of Byles F_1 F_2. Rome: you Herd of Biles F_3 F_4. Rome; you herds of biles Rowe (ed. 2). Rome; you herds; of boils Pope (ed. 1.) Rome, you! herds of boils Pope, ed 2 (Theobald). Rome, you herds, you! boils Hanmer. Rome! Unheard of boils Collier (Collier MS.) See note (III).

[2647] If you'll ... As they] As one line, S. Walker conj., reading follow'd in line 42.

[2648] trenches followed.] F_2 F_3 F_4. trenches followes. F_1. trenches follow. Collier (ed. 1). trenches. Follow! Collier (ed. 2). trenches: follow me. Lettsom conj. trenches. [Follows.] Anon. conj.

[2649] Another ... gates.] Edd. Another Alarum, and Martius ... gates, and is shut in. Ff. Alarums. The Fight renew'd. Enter, in Retire towards their city, the Volcians; Marcius, and the Romans, pressing them. Capell.

[2650] [Enters....] Enter the Gati. F_1. Enter the Gates. F_2 F_3 F_4. Charges the flying enemy: Enters the Gates with them; and is shut in. Capell.

[2651] Marcius ... in.] Dyce. The Gates are closed. Staunton.

[2652] the pot] pot Seymour conj. the port Collier (Collier MS.)

Re-enter....] Dyce. Enter.... Ff.

[2653] Clapp'd] Clapt Ff. Clap Anon. conj.

[2654] sensibly outdares] sensible, outdoes Theobald (Thirlby conj.) sensible, out-dares Johnson.

[2655] stands] Rowe. stand'st Ff.

art left,] art lost, Singer (Collier). price-less Badham conj. art reft, Nicholson conj.

[2656] Were] F_3 F_4. Weare F_1 F_2.

[2657] Cato's] Theobald (from Plutarch). Calues (ital.) F_1. Calves (ital.) F_2 F_3 F_4. Calvus Rowe. Calvus' Pope.

[2658] percussion] percussions Pope. thy] the Rowe (ed. 1).

[2659] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff.

[2660] SCENE V.] Capell. Scene continued in Ff, Rowe, Pope, &c.

Within Corioli. A street] Within the Town. A Street. Capell.

[2661] [Exeunt. Ff. Omitted by Theobald.

Titus Lartius] Titus Ff. Titus, officers &c. Capell.

[2662] hours] honours Rowe (ed. 2).

[2663] drachma] Singer. drachme F_1 F_2. drachm F_3 F_4.

[2664] To him!] To him; Pope. To him, F_3 F_4. To him F_1 F_2.

[2665] haste] haffe F_2.

[2666] violent For a] violent for A Capell.

[2667] Than ... I will appear] Than dangerous: to Aufidius thus will I Appear Steevens conj. (misquoting Hanmer).

Than ... fight] Arranged as by Capell. As one line in Ff. Two lines, the first ending me, in Pope.

[2668] to me] om. Hanmer, reading Than ... I will as one line.

[2669] thy] the S. Walker conj.

[2670] those] to those Hanmer.

[2671] Marcius!] Capell. Martius, Ff. Marius, Pope (ed. 2). Martius,— Hanmer. Martius. Johnson.

[Exit Marcius] Capell. om. Ff.

[2672] [To the Trumpet. Hanmer.

[2673] o' the] o' th' F_4. a' th' F_1 F_2 F_3. of the Capell.

[2674] SCENE VI.] Capell. SCENE IX. Pope. Rowe continues the Scene.

Near the camp....] Capell. The Roman Camp. Pope.

[2675] struck] F_4. strooke F_1 F_2. strook F_3.

[2676] Ye] Hanmer. The Ff.

[2677] Enter....] Ff, after news?

[2678] trenches] trenbhes F_2.

[2679] speak’st] Rowe (ed. 2). speakest Ff.

truth] true Capell.

[2680] briefly we] briefly, we Theobald.

[2681] thy] the Rowe.

[2682] Enter Marcius.] Ff. Transferred by Dyce to follow man, line 27.

[2683] Before-time] Hanmer. Before time Ff.

Mar.] Mar. [within.] Dyce.

[2684] Marcius'] Marcius's F_4.

[2685] man] man's Hanmer.

[2686] ye] Ff. you Capell.

[2687] In arms] I armes F_2. I am Long MS.

[2688] woo'd; in heart As] Theobald (Thirlby conj.) woo'd in heart; As Ff.

[2689] Flower ... Lartius?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2690] is't] i't F_2.

[2691] slip] ship F_2.

[2692] truth: but for our gentlemen,] truth but for our gentlemen. Anon. conj.

[2693] plague] plague on't Hanmer.

[2694] think.] thinke: Ff. think— Rowe. think it. Collier (Collier MS.)

[2695] o' the] o' th' F_4. a' th' F_3. a' th F_1. a th' F_2.

[2696] Marcius ... purpose.] As by Capell. Two lines, the first ending fought, in Ff.

[2697] purpose] propose F_2. purposes Collier (Collier MS.), arranging as in Ff.

[2698] How.... They have] How.... they Have Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Rowe (ed. 1).

[2699] which] Malone. w F_1. what F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2700] Antiates] Pope. Ancients Ff.

[2701] By the blood ... Antiates] Arranged as by Pope. As four lines in Ff, ending together, ... made ... set me ... Antiats.

[2702] we have ... We have] w’ave ... W'ave Pope.

[2703] hour.] hour.— Rowe.

[2704] most are] Ff. are most Capell.

[2705] Lesser] F_3 F_4. Lessen F_1 F_2. Less for Rowe. Less in Jackson conj.

than] that Rowe (ed. 2).

[2706] so many so] many if so Pope.

[2707] O, me alone!] Oh me alone, Ff. Let me alone Heath conj. Come! along! Singer. O, come along! Id. conj. Of me alone? Collier (ed. 2). O, me aloft! Leo conj. O, me alone? Lloyd conj.

of me?] Capell. of me: Ff.

[2708] Shield] Shiels F_2.

[2709] Though ... the rest] Arranged as by Boswell. The line ends at from all: in Ff.

from all] om. Hanmer, reading as one line Though ... rest.

[2710] to march And four] march before; And I Collier (Collier MS.)

[2711] And four shall] F_3 F_4. And foure shall F_1 F_2. And I shall Capell conj. And so I shall Heath conj. And foes shall Jackson conj. An hour shall Mitford conj. And some shall Singer. Before, shall Leo conj. And forth shall Keightley. Ardour shall Anon. conj.

And ... quickly] And forestal quickly; Bullock conj.

[2712] four ... my ... best] fear ... of my ... least Johnson conj.

[2713] SCENE VII.] Capell. SCENE X. Pope.

The gates of Corioli.] Capell. Corioli. Pope.

[2714] I have set them] they’re set Seymour conj.

[2715] centuries] centries Theobald. sentries Johnson.

[2716] We cannot ... come] As two lines, the first ending Hence, S. Walker conj.

[2717] Hence] Hence then Keightley.

upon 's] upon us Capell.

[2718] [Exeunt.] Pope (ed. 2). Exit. Ff.

[2719] SCENE VIII.] Capell. SCENE XI. Pope.

A field....] Capell. The Roman camp. Pope.

Enter....] Capell. Enter Martius and Auffidius at several doores. Ff.

[2720] owns] owes Seymour conj.

[2721] fame and envy] Ff. fame, and envy Theobald. fame I envy Collier (Collier MS.) fame I hate and envy Staunton conj.

[2722] Fix thy foot. Mar. Let] Mar. Fix thy foot. Let Nicholson conj.

[2723] If ... hare] Arranged as by Theobald. One line in Ff.

[2724] Holloa] hollow Ff. Halloo Warburton.

Tullus] om. Steevens conj.

[2725] Wert ... Hector] Wilt thou hector? Jackson conj.

[2726] [They fight....] Here they fight.... Ff.

... in the aid....] Ff.... to the aid.... Rowe.

[2727] condemned] contemned Johnson conj.

seconds] seconding Hanmer. second Mason conj.

[Exeunt] om. Ff. Exeunt fighting, driven in by Marcius. Alarum. Retreat. Capell.

[2728] SCENE IX.] Capell. Pope continues the Scene.

Enter, from one side ... from the other side....] Enter at one Doore.... At another Doore.... Ff.

scarf.] scarf, and other Romans. Capell.

[2729] Thou'ldst] Grant White (Capell conj.) Thou't F_1 F_2 F_3. Thou'lt F_4.

[2730] Where] Were Rowe (ed. 2).

[2731] plebeians] F_4. Plebeans F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2732] Enter Titus Lartius.] Enter Titus.... Ff.

[2733] caparison] caparisons Capell.

[2734] beheld] behold F_2.

[2735] my mother, Who ... blood] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[2736] When ... country] Arranged as by Hanmer, who reads have also been for have been in line 17. In Ff the lines end grieves me: ... I can, ... countrey.

[2737] You ... traducement] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the lines end deserving, ... owne: ... theft, ... traducement.

[2738] we have] we've Hanmer.

good, and good store] store, and good Seymour conj.

store, of all] Rowe, store of all, Ff.

[2739] this field] Ff. the field Rowe.

[2740] Before ... at] As in Theobald. In Ff the line ends at distribution.

[2741] at Your only] At your own Hanmer.

[2742] beheld] upheld Capell.

[2743] See note (IV)

[2744] let] om. Seymour conj.

courts and] F_1 F_3 F_4. cours and F_2. camps, as Theobald (Warburton).

[2745] be Made ... soothing] As in Ff. One line in Pope.

[2746] all of] F_1 F_2. of all F_3 F_4.

[2747] When] Where Knight.

as the] as is the Anon. conj.

silk] silks Collier conj.

for Collier conj. read Singer conj.

[2748] him ... a coverture Steevens (1778), partly following Tyrwhitt. him ... an overture Ff. hymns ... An overture Theobald (Warburton). this ... a coverture Tyrwhitt conj. them ... an overture Knight. it ... a coverture Collier, ed. 2 (Collier MS.) him ... an ovation Staunton conj. pipes ... An overture Keightley. him ... a vesture Nicholson conj. his ... a nurture Anon. conj.

[2749] Let him ... I say] let him, I say, Be made a coverture for the wars no more Badham conj.

[2750] more, I] F_4. more I F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2751] You ... hyperbolical] As in Knight. One line in Ff.

[2752] shout] F_4. shoot F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2753] give] give't Heath conj.

[2754] 'gainst] F_1. against F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2755] give him] Ff. give to him Rowe.

[2756] Caius ... ever] As by Steevens (1793). One line in Ff. Johnson reads Bear ... ever as a separate line.

[2757] Caius Marcius] Caius Martius Rowe. Marcus Caius F_1 F_2. Martius Caius F_3 F_4.

[2758] All.] Omnes. Ff.

[2759] Cor.] Steevens. Mar. Ff.

[2760] fairness] fulness Seymour conj. farness Becket conj. fairest Anon. conj.

[2761] Where, ere] Where, e're F_4. Where ere F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2762] The gods ... general] Arranged as by Hanmer. In Ff the first two lines end me: ... gifts.

[2763] now] but now Rowe.

[2764] Of my ... kindly] As four lines, ending What is't? ... lay ... house ... kindly, S. Walker conj., or general ... lay ... house ... kindly, Id. conj., reading Take it.

[2765] Take 't] Take it Johnson.

[2766] At a poor] And at a poor Hanmer. At a most poor Capell.

man's] Volce's Seymour conj.

kindly] very kindly Keightley.

[2767] I am] I'm Hanmer.

[2768] SCENE X.] Capell. SCENE XII. Pope.

The camp....] The Camp of the Volsci. Pope.

[2769] The town ... back] As one line, S. Walker conj.

[2770] First Sol.] 1. S. Capell. Soul. or Sol. Ff.

[2771] Volsce] Volce F_1 F_2. Volcie F_3. Volscie F_4. Volscian Pope.

[2772] As] F_1 F_4. And F_2 F_3.

[2773] sword, ... way,] sword, ... way; Pope. sword: ... way, Ff.

potch] F_3 F_4. potche F_1 F_2. poach Grant White (Heath conj.)

[2774] valour's] valor's F_3 F_4. valors F_1 F_2.

[2775] valour's ... him; for] valour (poison'd ... him) for him Pope.

[2776] With ... by him;] Which ... by him, Mason conj.

[2777] Shall] 'T shall Collier MS.

nor] not Rowe (ed. 2).

[2778] sick] seek Long MS.

[2779] Embarquements] Ff. Embarkments Rowe. Embankments Hanmer. Embarrments Warburton. Embargments Heath conj.

[2780] brother's guard] household hearth Keightley conj.

[2781] cypress] Rowe. cyprus Ff.

[2782] mills] mils F_1 F_2. mill F_3 F_4. a mile Tyrwhitt conj.

[2783] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

ACT II.

SCENE I. Rome. A public place.

Enter MENENIUS, with the two Tribunes of the people, SICINIUS, and BRUTUS.[2784]

Men. The augurer tells me we shall have news to-night.[2785]

Bru. Good or bad?

Men. Not according to the prayer of the people, for

they love not Marcius.

Sic. Nature teaches beasts to know their friends. 5

Men. Pray you, who does the wolf love?[2786]

Sic. The lamb.

Men. Ay, to devour him; as the hungry plebeians would

the noble Marcius.

Bru. He's a lamb indeed, that baes like a bear. 10

Men. He's a bear indeed, that lives like a lamb. You

two are old men: tell me one thing that I shall ask you.

Both. Well, sir.

Men. In what enormity is Marcius poor in, that you[2787]

two have not in abundance? 15

Bru. He's poor in no one fault, but stored with all.[2788]

Sic. Especially in pride.[2789]

Bru. And topping all others in boasting.[2790]

Men. This is strange now: do you two know how you

are censured here in the city, I mean of us o' the right-hand[2791] 20

file? do you?

Both. Why, how are we censured?[2792]

Men. Because you talk of pride now,—will you not be

angry?

Both. Well, well, sir, well. 25

Men. Why, 'tis no great matter; for a very little thief of

occasion will rob you of a great deal of patience: give your

dispositions the reins, and be angry at your pleasures; at[2793]

the least, if you take it as a pleasure to you in being so.

You blame Marcius for being proud?[2794] 30

Bru. We do it not alone, sir.

Men. I know you can do very little alone; for your helps

are many, or else your actions would grow wondrous single:

your abilities are too infant-like for doing much alone. You

talk of pride: O that you could turn your eyes toward the[2795] 35

napes of your necks, and make but an interior survey of

your good selves! O that you could!

Both. What then, sir?[2796]

Men. Why, then you should discover a brace of unmeriting,[2797]

proud, violent, testy magistrates, alias fools, as 40

any in Rome.

Sic. Menenius, you are known well enough too.

Men. I am known to be a humorous patrician, and one

that loves a cup of hot wine with not a drop of allaying Tiber[2798]

in't; said to be something imperfect in favouring the first[2799][2800] 45

complaint, hasty and tinder-like upon too trivial motion;[2799][2801]

one that converses more with the buttock of the night than

with the forehead of the morning: what I think I utter, and

spend my malice in my breath. Meeting two such wealsmen

as you are,—I cannot call you Lycurguses—if the drink[2802] 50

you give me touch my palate adversely, I make a crooked

face at it. I can't say your worships have delivered the[2803]

matter well, when I find the ass in compound with the major

part of your syllables: and though I must be content to bear

with those that say you are reverend grave men, yet they[2804] 55

lie deadly that tell you you have good faces. If you see this[2805]

in the map of my microcosm, follows it that I am known

well enough too? what harm can your bisson conspectuities[2806]

glean out of this character, if I be known well enough too?

Bru. Come, sir, come, we know you well enough. 60

Men. You know neither me, yourselves, nor any thing.

You are ambitious for poor knaves' caps and legs: you wear

out a good wholesome forenoon in hearing a cause between

an orange-wife and a fosset-seller, and then rejourn the controversy[2807]

of three-pence to a second day of audience. When 65

you are hearing a matter between party and party, if you[2808]

chance to be pinched with the colic, you make faces like

mummers; set up the bloody flag against all patience; and,

in roaring for a chamber-pot, dismiss the controversy bleeding,[2809]

the more entangled by your hearing: all the peace you 70

make in their cause is, calling both the parties knaves. You

are a pair of strange ones.

Bru. Come, come, you are well understood to be a perfecter

giber for the table than a necessary bencher in the

Capitol. 75

Men. Our very priests must become mockers, if they

shall encounter such ridiculous subjects as you are. When[2810]

you speak best unto the purpose, it is not worth the wagging[2810]

of your beards; and your beards deserve not so honourable

a grave as to stuff a botcher's cushion, or to be entombed 80

in an ass's pack-saddle. Yet you must be saying, Marcius is[2811]

proud; who, in a cheap estimation, is worth all your predecessors

since Deucalion; though peradventure some of the

best of 'em were hereditary hangmen. God-den to your[2812]

worships: more of your conversation would infect my brain, 85

being the herdsmen of the beastly plebeians: I will be bold[2813]

to take my leave of you.      [Brutus and Sicinius go aside.

Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and VALERIA.[2814]

How now, my as fair as noble ladies,—and the moon, were[2815]

she earthly, no nobler—whither do you follow your eyes so

fast? 90

Vol. Honourable Menenius, my boy Marcius approaches;

for the love of Juno, let's go.

Men. Ha! Marcius coming home!

Vol. Ay, worthy Menenius; and with most prosperous

approbation. 95

Men. Take my cap, Jupiter, and I thank thee. Hoo![2816]

Marcius coming home![2817]

Vir.} Nay, 'tis true.[2818]

Val.}

Vol. Look, here's a letter from him: the state hath

another, his wife another; and, I think, there's one at home 100

for you.

Men. I will make my very house reel to-night: a letter

for me!

Vir. Yes, certain, there's a letter for you; I saw 't.

Men. A letter for me! it gives me an estate of seven 105

years' health; in which time I will make a lip at the physician:

the most sovereign prescription in Galen is but empiricutic,[2819]

and, to this preservative, of no better report than a

horse-drench. Is he not wounded? he was wont to come

home wounded. 110

Vir. O, no, no, no.

Vol. O, he is wounded; I thank the gods for't.

Men. So do I too, if it be not too much: brings a' victory[2820]

in his pocket? the wounds become him.[2821]

Vol. On's brows: Menenius, he comes the third time[2822] 115

home with the oaken garland.

Men. Has he disciplined Aufidius soundly?[2823]

Vol. Titus Lartius writes, they fought together, but

Aufidius got off.

Men. And 'twas time for him too, I'll warrant him that: 120

an he had stayed by him, I would not have been so fidiused[2824]

for all the chests in Corioli, and the gold that's in them. Is

the senate possessed of this?

Vol. Good ladies, let's go. Yes, yes, yes; the senate has

letters from the general, wherein he gives my son the whole 125

name of the war: he hath in this action outdone his former

deeds doubly.

Val. In troth, there's wondrous things spoke of him.

Men. Wondrous! ay, I warrant you, and not without

his true purchasing. 130

Vir. The gods grant them true!

Vol. True! pow, wow.[2825]

Men. True! I'll be sworn they are true. Where is he

wounded? [To the Tribunes] God save your good worships![2826][2827]

Marcius is coming home: he has more cause to be[2826] 135

proud. Where is he wounded?

Vol. I' the shoulder and i' the left arm: there will be[2828]

large cicatrices to show the people, when he shall stand for

his place. He received in the repulse of Tarquin seven

hurts i' the body. 140

Men. One i' the neck, and two i' the thigh; there's nine[2829]

that I know.

Vol. He had, before this last expedition, twenty five[2830]

wounds upon him.

Men. Now it's twenty seven: every gash was an enemy's[2831] 145

grave. [A shout and flourish.] Hark! the trumpets.[2832]

Vol. These are the ushers of Marcius: before him he[2833]

carries noise, and behind him he leaves tears:[2833]

Death, that dark spirit, in's nervy arm doth lie;[2834]

Which, being advanced, declines, and then men die.[2834] 150

A sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter COMINIUS and TITUS LARTIUS; between them, CORIOLANUS, crowned with an oaken garland; with Captains and Soldiers, and a Herald.[2835]

Her. Know, Rome, that all alone Marcius did fight[2836]

Within Corioli gates: where he hath won,[2837]

With fame, a name to Caius Marcius; these[2838][2839]

In honour follows Coriolanus.[2839][2840]

Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus!      [Flourish.[2841][2842] 155

All. Welcome to Rome, renowned Coriolanus![2841]

Cor. No more of this, it does offend my heart;[2843]

Pray now, no more.[2843]

Com. Look, sir, your mother![2843]

Cor. O,[2843]

You have, I know, petition'd all the gods[2843]

For my prosperity!      [Kneels.[2843]

Vol. Nay, my good soldier, up;[2844] 160

My gentle Marcius, worthy Caius, and[2845]

By deed-achieving honour newly named,—[2845][2846]

What is it?—Coriolanus must I call thee?—

But, O, thy wife!

Cor. My gracious silence, hail![2847]

Wouldst thou have laugh'd had I come coffin'd home, 165

That weep'st to see me triumph? Ah, my dear,

Such eyes the widows in Corioli wear,[2848]

And mothers that lack sons.

Men. Now, the gods crown thee!

Cor. And live you yet? [To Valeria] O my sweet lady, pardon.[2849]

Vol. I know not where to turn: O, welcome home:[2850] 170

And welcome, general: and ye're welcome all.[2850][2851]

Men. A hundred thousand welcomes. I could weep[2852]

And I could laugh, I am light and heavy. Welcome:[2852][2853]

A curse begin at very root on's heart,[2852][2854]

That is not glad to see thee! You are three[2852] 175

That Rome should dote on: yet, by the faith of men,[2852]

We have some old crab-trees here at home that will not[2852][2855]

Be grafted to your relish. Yet welcome, warriors:[2852][2856]

We call a nettle but a nettle, and[2852]

The faults of fools but folly.[2852]

Com. Ever right.[2857] 180

Cor. Menenius, ever, ever.[2857][2858]

Her. Give way there, and go on.

Cor. [To Volumnia and Virgilia] Your hand, and yours:[2859]

Ere in our own house I do shade my head,

The good patricians must be visited;

From whom I have received not only greetings, 185

But with them change of honours.[2860]

Vol. I have lived

To see inherited my very wishes

And the buildings of my fancy: only[2861][2862]

There's one thing wanting, which I doubt not but[2861][2863]

Our Rome will cast upon thee.[2861]

Cor. Know, good mother,[2864] 190

I had rather be their servant in my way

Than sway with them in theirs.

Com. On, to the Capitol!

[Flourish. Cornets. Exeunt in state, as before. Brutus and Sicinius come forward.[2865]

Bru. All tongues speak of him, and the bleared sights[2866]

Are spectacled to see him: your prattling nurse

Into a rapture lets her baby cry[2867] 195

While she chats him: the kitchen malkin pins[2868]

Her richest lockram 'bout her reechy neck,

Clambering the walls to eye him: stalls, bulks, windows,[2869][2870]

Are smother'd up, leads fill'd and ridges horsed[2869]

With variable complexions, all agreeing 200

In earnestness to see him: seld-shown flamens[2871]

Do press among the popular throngs, and puff

To win a vulgar station: our veil'd dames

Commit the war of white and damask in[2872][2873]

Their nicely-gawded cheeks to the wanton spoil[2873] 205

Of Phœbus' burning kisses: such a pother,[2874]

As if that whatsoever god who leads him

Were slily crept into his human powers,[2875]

And gave him graceful posture.[2876]

Sic. On the sudden,[2877]

I warrant him consul.[2877]

Bru. Then our office may,[2877] 210

During his power, go sleep.[2877]

Sic. He cannot temperately transport his honours

From where he should begin and end, but will[2878]

Lose those he hath won.[2879]

Bru. In that there's comfort.

Sic. Doubt not

The commoners, for whom we stand, but they 215

Upon their ancient malice will forget

With the least cause these his new honours; which[2880]

That he will give them make I as little question[2881]

As he is proud to do 't.[2882]

Bru. I heard him swear,

Were he to stand for consul, never would he 220

Appear i' the market-place, nor on him put

The napless vesture of humility,[2883]

Nor showing, as the manner is, his wounds

To the people, beg their stinking breaths.

Sic. 'Tis right.

Bru. It was his word: O, he would miss it rather[2884] 225

Than carry it but by the suit of the gentry to him[2884]

And the desire of the nobles.[2884][2885]

Sic. I wish no better[2886]

Than have him hold that purpose and to put it[2886]

In execution.[2886]

Bru. 'Tis most like he will.

Sic. It shall be to him then, as our good wills,[2887][2888] 230

A sure destruction.[2887]

Bru. So it must fall out

To him or our authorities. For an end,[2889]

We must suggest the people in what hatred

He still hath held them; that to's power he would[2890]

Have made them mules, silenced their pleaders and[2891] 235

Dispropertied their freedoms; holding them,[2892]

In human action and capacity,[2892]

Of no more soul nor fitness for the world

Than camels in the war, who have their provand[2893]

Only for bearing burthens, and sore blows 240

For sinking under them.

Sic. This, as you say, suggested

At some time when his soaring insolence[2894]

Shall touch the people—which time shall not want,[2895][2896]

If he be put upon 't; and that's as easy

As to set dogs on sheep—will be his fire[2897] 245

To kindle their dry stubble; and their blaze

Shall darken him for ever.

Enter a Messenger.

Bru. What's the matter?

Mess. You are sent for to the Capitol. 'Tis thought[2898][2899]

That Marcius shall be consul:[2898]

I have seen the dumb men throng to see him and[2898] 250

The blind to hear him speak: matrons flung gloves,[2898][2900]

Ladies and maids their scarfs and handkerchers,[2901]

Upon him as he pass'd: the nobles bended,

As to Jove's statue, and the commons made

A shower and thunder with their caps and shouts: 255

I never saw the like.

Bru. Let's to the Capitol,

And carry with us ears and eyes for the time,

But hearts for the event.

Sic. Have with you.      [Exeunt.

SCENE II. The same. The Capitol.

Enter two Officers, to lay cushions.[2902]

First Off. Come, come, they are almost here. How

many stand for consulships?

Sec. Off. Three, they say: but 'tis thought of every

one Coriolanus will carry it.

First Off. That's a brave fellow; but he's vengeance 5

proud, and loves not the common people.

Sec. Off. Faith, there have been many great men that

have flattered the people, who ne'er loved them; and there

be many that they have loved, they know not wherefore: so

that, if they love they know not why, they hate upon no 10

better a ground: therefore, for Coriolanus neither to care

whether they love or hate him manifests the true knowledge

he has in their disposition; and out of his noble carelessness

lets them plainly see 't.[2903]

First Off. If he did not care whether he had their love 15

or no, he waved indifferently 'twixt doing them neither good[2904]

nor harm: but he seeks their hate with greater devotion

than they can render it him, and leaves nothing undone

that may fully discover him their opposite. Now, to seem

to affect the malice and displeasure of the people is as bad 20

as that which he dislikes, to flatter them for their love.

Sec. Off. He hath deserved worthily of his country: and

his ascent is not by such easy degrees as those who, having[2905]

been supple and courteous to the people, bonneted, without[2906]

any further deed to have them at all into their estimation[2906][2907] 25

and report: but he hath so planted his honours in their

eyes and his actions in their hearts, that for their tongues

to be silent and not confess so much, were a kind of ingrateful

injury; to report otherwise were a malice that,

giving itself the lie, would pluck reproof and rebuke from 30

every ear that heard it.

First Off. No more of him; he's a worthy man: make[2908]

way, they are coming.

A sennet. Enter, with Lictors before them, COMINIUS the Consul, MENENIUS, CORIOLANUS, Senators, SICINIUS and BRUTUS. The Senators take their places; the Tribunes take their place by themselves. CORIOLANUS stands.[2909]

Men. Having determined of the Volsces and[2910][2911]

To send for Titus Lartius, it remains,[2911] 35

As the main point of this our after-meeting,

To gratify his noble service that[2912]

Hath thus stood for his country: therefore, please you,[2912]

Most reverend and grave elders, to desire

The present consul, and last general[2913] 40

In our well-found successes, to report[2913]

A little of that worthy work perform'd

By Caius Marcius Coriolanus; whom[2914]

We met here, both to thank and to remember[2915]

With honours like himself.

First Sen. Speak, good Cominius: 45

Leave nothing out for length, and make us think

Rather our state's defective for requital[2916]

Than we to stretch it out. [To the Tribunes] Masters o' the people,[2917]

We do request your kindest ears, and after,[2918]

Your loving motion toward the common body, 50

To yield what passes here.[2919][2920]

Sic. We are convented[2920]

Upon a pleasing treaty, and have hearts[2920][2921]

Inclinable to honour and advance[2920]

The theme of our assembly.[2920][2922]

Bru. Which the rather[2920]

We shall be bless'd to do, if he remember[2920][2923] 55

A kinder value of the people than[2920]

He hath hereto prized them at.[2920][2924]

Men. That's off, that's off;[2920]

I would you rather had been silent. Please you[2920]

To hear Cominius speak?[2920]

Bru. Most willingly:[2920]

But yet my caution was more pertinent[2920] 60

Than the rebuke you give it.[2920][2925]

Men. He loves your people;[2920]

But tie him not to be their bedfellow.[2920]

Worthy Cominius, speak. [Coriolanus offers to go away.][2920][2926]

Nay, keep your place.[2920]

First Sen. Sit, Coriolanus; never shame to hear[2927]

What you have nobly done.

Cor. Your honours' pardon:[2928] 65

I had rather have my wounds to heal again

Than hear say how I got them.

Bru. Sir, I hope[2929]

My words disbench'd you not.[2929]

Cor. No, sir: yet oft,[2930]

When blows have made me stay, I fled from words.

You sooth'd not, therefore hurt not: but your people,[2931] 70

I love them as they weigh.[2932]

Men. Pray now, sit down.

Cor. I had rather have one scratch my head i' the sun

When the alarum were struck than idly sit[2933]

To hear my nothings monster'd.      [Exit.[2934]

Men. Masters of the people,

Your multiplying spawn how can he flatter—[2935] 75

That's thousand to one good one—when you now see[2936]

He had rather venture all his limbs for honour

Than one on's ears to hear it? Proceed, Cominius.[2937]

Com. I shall lack voice: the deeds of Coriolanus

Should not be utter'd feebly. It is held[2938] 80

That valour is the chiefest virtue and[2939]

Most dignifies the haver: if it be,

The man I speak of cannot in the world

Be singly counterpoised. At sixteen years,

When Tarquin made a head for Rome, he fought 85

Beyond the mark of others: our then dictator,

Whom with all praise I point at, saw him fight,

When with his Amazonian chin he drove[2940]

The bristled lips before him: he bestrid[2941]

An o'er-press'd Roman, and i' the consul's view 90

Slew three opposers: Tarquin's self he met,

And struck him on his knee: in that day's feats,

When he might act the woman in the scene,

He proved best man i' the field, and for his meed

Was brow-bound with the oak. His pupil age[2942] 95

Man-enter'd thus, he waxed like a sea;[2943]

And, in the brunt of seventeen battles since,

He lurch'd all swords of the garland. For this last,[2944]

Before and in Corioli, let me say,

I cannot speak him home: he stopp'd the fliers; 100

And by his rare example made the coward

Turn terror into sport: as weeds before[2945]

A vessel under sail, so men obey'd,

And fell below his stem: his sword, death's stamp,[2946]

Where it did mark, it took; from face to foot[2947] 105

He was a thing of blood, whose every motion[2947]

Was timed with dying cries: alone he enter'd[2948]

The mortal gate of the city, which he painted[2949]

With shunless destiny; aidless came off,[2950]

And with a sudden re-enforcement struck 110

Corioli like a planet: now all's his:[2951]

When, by and by, the din of war gan pierce[2952]

His ready sense; then straight his doubled spirit[2953]

Re-quicken'd what in flesh was fatigate,

And to the battle came he; where he did 115

Run reeking o'er the lives of men, as if[2954][2955]

'Twere a perpetual spoil: and till we call'd[2954]

Both field and city ours, he never stood

To ease his breast with panting.[2956]

Men. Worthy man!

First Sen. He cannot but with measure fit the honours[2957][2958][2959] 120

Which we devise him.[2958]

Com. Our spoils he kick'd at,

And look'd upon things precious, as they were

The common muck of the world: he covets less[2960]

Than misery itself would give; rewards[2961][2962]

His deeds with doing them, and is content[2961] 125

To spend the time to end it.[2963]

Men. He's right noble:[2964]

Let him be call'd for.[2964]

First Sen. Call Coriolanus.[2965]

Off. He doth appear.

Re-enter CORIOLANUS.[2966]

Men. The senate, Coriolanus, are well pleased[2967]

To make thee consul.[2967]

Cor. I do owe them still[2967] 130

My life and services.[2967]

Men. It then remains[2967]

That you do speak to the people.[2967]

Cor. I do beseech you,[2968]

Let me o'erleap that custom, for I cannot

Put on the gown, stand naked, and entreat them,

For my wounds' sake, to give their suffrage: please you[2969][2970] 135

That I may pass this doing.[2969]

Sic. Sir, the people[2969][2971]

Must have their voices; neither will they bate[2969][2972]

One jot of ceremony.[2969]

Men. Put them not to't:[2969]

Pray you, go fit you to the custom, and[2969][2973]

Take to you, as your predecessors have,[2969][2974] 140

Your honour with your form.[2975]

Cor. It is a part[2976]

That I shall blush in acting, and might well[2976]

Be taken from the people.[2976][2977]

Bru. Mark you that?

Cor. To brag unto them, thus I did, and thus;[2978]

Show them the unaching scars which I should hide,[2978][2979] 145

As if I had received them for the hire

Of their breath only!

Men. Do not stand upon't.

We recommend to you, tribunes of the people,[2980]

Our purpose to them: and to our noble consul[2981]

Wish we all joy and honour. 150

Senators. To Coriolanus come all joy and honour!

[Flourish of cornets. Exeunt all but Sicinius and Brutus.[2982]

Bru. You see how he intends to use the people.

Sic. May they perceive's intent! He will require them,[2983]

As if he did contemn what he requested

Should be in them to give.

Bru. Come, we'll inform them 155

Of our proceedings here: on the market-place,[2984]

I know, they do attend us.      [Exeunt.[2985]

SCENE III. The same. The Forum.

Enter seven or eight Citizens.[2986]

First Cit. Once, if he do require our voices, we ought[2987]

not to deny him.

Sec. Cit. We may, sir, if we will.

Third Cit. We have power in ourselves to do it, but it

is a power that we have no power to do: for if he show us 5

his wounds and tell us his deeds, we are to put our tongues[2988]

into those wounds and speak for them; so, if he tell us his[2989]

noble deeds, we must also tell him our noble acceptance of

them. Ingratitude is monstrous: and for the multitude to

be ingrateful, were to make a monster of the multitude; of 10

the which we being members, should bring ourselves to be

monstrous members.

First Cit. And to make us no better thought of, a little

help will serve; for once we stood up about the corn, he[2990]

himself stuck not to call us the many-headed multitude.[2991] 15

Third Cit. We have been called so of many; not that

our heads are some brown, some black, some auburn, some[2992]

bald, but that our wits are so diversely coloured: and truly

I think, if all our wits were to issue out of one skull, they[2993]

would fly east, west, north, south, and their consent of one 20

direct way should be at once to all the points o' the compass.[2994]

Sec. Cit. Think you so? Which way do you judge my

wit would fly?

Third Cit. Nay, your wit will not so soon out as another

man's will; 'tis strongly wedged up in a block-head; but if[2995] 25

it were at liberty, 'twould, sure, southward.[2996]

Sec. Cit. Why that way?

Third Cit. To lose itself in a fog; where being three

parts melted away with rotten dews, the fourth would return[2997]

for conscience sake, to help to get thee a wife. 30

Sec. Cit. You are never without your tricks: you may,

you may.[2998]

Third Cit. Are you all resolved to give your voices? But

that's no matter, the greater part carries it. I say, if he would[2999]

incline to the people, there was never a worthier man. 35

Enter CORIOLANUS in a gown of humility, with MENENIUS.[3000]

Here he comes, and in the gown of humility: mark his behaviour.

We are not to stay all together, but to come by him[3001]

where he stands, by ones, by twos, and by threes. He's to[3002]

make his requests by particulars; wherein every one of us[3003]

has a single honour, in giving him our own voices with our 40

own tongues: therefore follow me, and I'll direct you how

you shall go by him.

All. Content, content.      [Exeunt Citizens.[3004]

Men. O sir, you are not right: have you not known

The worthiest men have done 't?

Cor. What must I say?—[3005] 45

'I pray, sir,'—Plague upon 't! I cannot bring[3005]

My tongue to such a pace. 'Look, sir, my wounds!

I got them in my country's service, when

Some certain of your brethren roar'd and ran

From the noise of our own drums.'[3006]

Men. O me, the gods![3007] 50

You must not speak of that: you must desire them[3007]

To think upon you.[3007]

Cor. Think upon me! hang 'em!

I would they would forget me, like the virtues[3008]

Which our divines lose by 'em.[3008][3009]

Men. You'll mar all:

I'll leave you: pray you, speak to 'em, I pray you, 55

In wholesome manner.      [Exit.[3010]

Cor. Bid them wash their faces,

And keep their teeth clean. [Re-enter two of the Citizens.]

So, here comes a brace.

Re-enter a third Citizen.[3011]

You know the cause, sir, of my standing here.[3012]

Third Cit. We do, sir; tell us what hath brought you[3013]

to 't. 60

Cor. Mine own desert.[3014]

Sec. Cit. Your own desert![3014]

Cor. Ay, but not mine own desire.[3014][3015]

First Cit. How! not your own desire![3014]

Cor. No, sir, 'twas never my desire yet to trouble the[3014] 65

poor with begging.[3014]

Third Cit. You must think, if we give you any thing,[3013][3014]

we hope to gain by you.[3014]

Cor. Well then, I pray, your price o' the consulship?[3014][3016]

First Cit. The price is, to ask it kindly.[3014][3017] 70

Cor. Kindly! Sir, I pray, let me ha 't: I have wounds[3014][3018]

to show you, which shall be yours in private. Your good[3014][3019]

voice, sir; what say you?[3014]

Sec. Cit. You shall ha' it, worthy sir.[3014]

Cor. A match, sir. There's in all two worthy voices[3014] 75

begged. I have your alms: adieu.[3014]

Third Cit. But this is something odd.[3013][3014][3020]

Sec. Cit. An 'twere to give again,—but 'tis no matter.[3014]

[Exeunt the three Citizens.

Re-enter two other Citizens.[3021]

Cor. Pray you now, if it may stand with the tune of

your voices that I may be consul, I have here the customary 80

gown.

Fourth Cit. You have deserved nobly of your country,[3022]

and you have not deserved nobly.

Cor. Your enigma?[3023]

Fourth Cit. You have been a scourge to her enemies,[3022] 85

you have been a rod to her friends; you have not indeed

loved 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[3024]

sworn brother, the people, to earn a dearer estimation of[3025] 90

them; 'tis a condition they account gentle: and since the

wisdom of their choice is rather to have my hat than my[3026]

heart, I will practise the insinuating nod and be off to[3027]

them most counterfeitly; that is, sir, I will counterfeit the

bewitchment of some popular man, and give it bountiful to[3028] 95

the desirers. Therefore, beseech you, I may be consul.[3029]

Fifth Cit. We hope to find you our friend; and therefore[3030]

give you our voices heartily.

Fourth Cit. You have received many wounds for your[3022]

country. 100

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.[3031]

Cor. Most sweet voices! 105

Better it is to die, better to starve,[3032]

Than crave the hire which first we do deserve.[3033]

Why in this woolvish toge should I stand here,[3034][3035]

To beg of Hob and Dick that do appear,[3034][3036][3037]

Their needless vouches? Custom calls me to 't:[3034][3036][3038] 110

What custom wills, in all things should we do 't,[3034][3039]

The dust on antique time would lie unswept,[3034]

And mountainous error be too highly heap'd[3034]

For truth to o'er-peer. Rather than fool it so,[3034][3040]

Let the high office and the honour go[3034] 115

To one that would do thus. I am half through:[3034]

The one part suffer'd, the other will I do.[3034]

Re-enter three Citizens more.[3041]

Here come moe voices.[3042]

Your voices: for your voices I have fought;

Watch'd for your voices; for your voices bear 120

Of wounds two dozen odd; battles thrice six[3043]

I have seen, and heard of; for your voices have[3044][3045]

Done many things, some less, some more: your voices:[3045]

Indeed, I would be consul.[3045][3046]

Sixth Cit. He has done nobly, and cannot go without[3047] 125

any honest man's voice.

Seventh Cit. Therefore let him be consul: the gods give[3048]

him joy, and make him good friend to the people![3049]

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

[Exeunt

Cor. Worthy voices! 130

Re-enter MENENIUS, with BRUTUS and SICINIUS.[3050]

Men. You have stood your limitation; and the tribunes[3051][3052]

Endue you with the people's voice: remains[3051]

That in the official marks invested in you[3051]

Anon do meet the senate.[3051]

Cor. Is this done?

Sic. The custom of request you have discharged: 135

The people do admit you, and are summon'd

To meet anon upon you approbation.

Cor. Where? at the senate-house?

Sic. There, Coriolanus.

Cor. May I change these garments?

Sic. You may, sir.[3053]

Cor. That I'll straight do, and, knowing myself again, 140

Repair to the senate-house.

Men. I'll keep you company. Will you along?

Bru. We stay here for the people.

Sic. Fare you well.

[Exeunt Coriolanus and Menenius.

He has it now; and, by his looks, methinks[3054]

'Tis warm at's heart.[3055]

Bru. With a proud heart he wore[3056] 145

His humble weeds. Will you dismiss the people?[3056]

Re-enter Citizens.[3057]

Sic. How now, my masters! have you chose this man?

First Cit. He has our voices, sir.

Bru. We pray the gods he may deserve your loves.

Sec. Cit. Amen, sir: to my poor unworthy notice,[3058] 150

He mock'd us when he begg'd our voices.

Third Cit. Certainly[3059]

He flouted us downright.[3059]

First Cit. No, 'tis his kind of speech; he did not mock us.

Sec. Cit. Not one amongst us, save yourself, but says[3060]

He used us scornfully: he should have show'd us[3060] 155

His marks of merit, wounds received for's country.[3061]

Sic. Why, so he did, I am sure.[3062]

Citizens. No, no; no man saw 'em.[3063]

Third Cit. He said he had wounds which he could show in private;[3064]

And with his hat, thus waving it in scorn,[3065] 160

'I would be consul,' says he: 'aged custom,

But by your voices, will not so permit me;

Your voices therefore.' When we granted that,

Here was 'I thank you for your voices: thank you:

Your most sweet voices: now you have left your voices, 165

I have no further with you.' Was not this mockery?[3066]

Sic. Why, either were you ignorant to see't,[3067]

Or, seeing it, of such childish friendliness

To yield your voices?

Bru. Could you not have told him,

As you were lesson'd, when he had no power, 170

But was a petty servant to the state,

He was your enemy; ever spake against[3068]

Your liberties and the charters that you bear[3069]

I' the body of the weal: and now, arriving

A place of potency and sway o' the state,[3070] 175

If he should still malignantly remain

Fast foe to the plebeii, your voices might[3071]

Be curses to yourselves? You should have said,

That as his worthy deeds did claim no less

Than what he stood for, so his gracious nature 180

Would think upon you for your voices and[3072][3073]

Translate his malice towards you into love,[3073]

Standing your friendly lord.

Sic. Thus to have said,

As you were fore-advised, had touch'd his spirit

And tried his inclination; from him pluck'd 185

Either his gracious promise, which you might,

As cause had call'd you up, have held him to;

Or else it would have gall'd his surly nature,

Which easily endures not article[3074]

Tying him to aught: so, putting him to rage,[3074] 190

You should have ta'en the advantage of his choler,

And pass'd him unelected.

Bru. Did you perceive

He did solicit you in free contempt[3075]

When he did need your loves; and do you think[3075]

That his contempt shall not be bruising to you 195

When he hath power to crush? Why, had your bodies[3076]

No heart among you? or had you tongues to cry

Against the rectorship of judgement?

Sic. Have you,[3077]

Ere now, denied the asker? and now again,[3077]

Of him that did not ask but mock, bestow[3077][3078] 200

Your sued-for tongues?[3077][3079]

Third Cit. He's not confirm'd; we may deny him yet.[3079]

Sec. Cit. And will deny him:[3080]

I'll have five hundred voices of that sound.[3081]

First Cit. I twice five hundred, and their friends to piece 'em.[3082]205

Bru. Get you hence instantly, and tell those friends,

They have chose a consul that will from them take[3083]

Their liberties, make them of no more voice

Than dogs that are as often beat for barking

As therefore kept to do so.[3084]

Sic. Let them assemble;[3085] 210

And, on a safer judgement, all revoke[3085][3086]

Your ignorant election: enforce his pride[3085][3086]

And his old hate unto you: besides, forget not[3086][3087]

With what contempt he wore the humble weed,

How in his suit he scorn'd you: but your loves, 215

Thinking upon his services, took from you

The apprehension of his present portance,

Which most gibingly, ungravely, he did fashion[3088]

After the inveterate hate he bears you.[3089]

Bru. Lay[3090][3091][3092]

A fault on us, your tribunes; that we labour'd,[3090] 220

No impediment between, but that you must[3090]

Cast your election on him.[3090]

Sic. Say, you chose him[3090]

More after our commandment than as guided[3090][3092]

By your own true affections; and that your minds,[3090][3092]

Pre-occupied with what you rather must do[3090] 225

Than what you should, made you against the grain[3090][3092][3093]

To voice him consul: lay the fault on us.[3090]

Bru. Ay, spare us not. Say we read lectures to you,

How youngly he began to serve his country,

How long continued; and what stock he springs of, 230

The noble house o' the Marcians, from whence came[3094]

That Ancus Marcius, Numa's daughter's son,

Who, after great Hostilius, here was king;

Of the same house Publius and Quintus were,

That our best water brought by conduits hither;[3095] 235

And [Censorinus] nobly named so,[3095]

Twice being [by the people chosen] censor,[3095]

Was his great ancestor.[3095]

Sic. One thus descended,

That hath beside well in his person wrought[3096]

To be set high in place, we did commend 240

To your remembrances: but you have found,

Scaling his present bearing with his past,[3097]

That he's your fixed enemy, and revoke

Your sudden approbation.

Bru. Say, you ne'er had done't—[3098]

Harp on that still—but by our putting on: 245

And presently, when you have drawn your number,

Repair to the Capitol.

Citizens. We will so: almost all[3099][3100]

Repent in their election.      [Exeunt Citizens.[3099]

Bru. Let them go on;[3101]

This mutiny were better put in hazard,

Than stay, past doubt, for greater: 250

If, as his nature is, he fall in rage

With their refusal, both observe and answer

The vantage of his anger.

Sic. To the Capitol, come:[3102]

We will be there before the stream o' the people;

And this shall seem, as partly 'tis, their own, 255

Which we have goaded onward.      [Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[2784] ACT II. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Secundus. Ff.

Enter....] Ff. Enter Menenius with Sicinius. Rowe (ed. 1).

[2785] augurer] Agurer F_1. augur Pope.

[2786] who] whom Pope.

[2787] In what] What Capell conj.

poor in] poor Pope.

[2788] with all] F_3 F_4. withall F_1 F_2.

[2789] in pride] pride Rowe.

[2790] boasting] F_1. boast F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2791] o'] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

right-hand] right Rowe (ed. 2).

[2792] Both.] F_1 F_2. Bru. F_3 F_4.

how are] ho ware F_1.

[2793] dispositions] disposition Reed (1803).

[2794] proud?] Capell. proud. Ff.

[2795] toward] towards Rowe.

[2796] Both.] F_1 F_2 F_3. Men. F_4. Bru. Rowe.

[2797] unmeriting] as unmeriting Rowe.

[2798] with not] without Collier (Collier MS.)

[2799] favouring ... complaint] savouring the feast of lent or savouring the fish of lent Leo conj.

[2800] imperfect] impatient Anon. conj.

first] thirst Collier (Collier MS.)

[2801] upon too] Rowe (ed. 2). uppon, to F_1. upon, to F_2 F_3 F_4. upon to Rowe (ed. 1). too, upon Anon. conj.

[2802] call you] F_1 F_4. call your F_2 F_3.

[2803] can't] Theobald. can Ff. cannot Capell.

[2804] men] F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2805] tell you you] tell you, you Pope. tell you Ff.

[2806] bisson] Theobald. beesome F_1 F_2. beesom F_3. Besom F_4.

[2807] orange] F_4. orendge F_1 F_2 F_3.

fosset] Rowe (ed. 2). forset F_1 F_2 F_3. fauset F_4.

rejourn the] adjourn a Pope.

[2808] between party] between a party F_4.

[2809] bleeding] pleading Collier (Collier MS.)

[2810] are. When ... purpose, it] are; when ... purpose, it Rowe. are, when ... purpose. It F_1 F_2 F_3. are; when ... purpose, It F_4.

[2811] ass's] Asses Ff.

[2812] 'em] them Pope.

God-den] Good-e'en F_4.

[2813] herdsmen] herdsman Collier (ed. 1).

plebeians] F_2 F_3 F_4. Plebeans F_1.

[2814] [Brutus....] Brutus and Sicinius stand aside. Theobald. Bru. and Scic. Aside. F_1. Brutus and Sicinius. Aside. F_2 F_3 F_4. Exeunt Brutus and Sicinius. Rowe.

Enter....] F_1. Enter Volumnia and Valeria. F_2 F_3 F_4. As Menenius is going out, enter.... Theobald. Enter, hastily, Volumnia, Virgilia, Valeria, and a great Crowd of People: Tribunes join the Crowd. Capell. Enter ... Valeria, &c. Steevens (1793).

[2815] SCENE II. Pope.

[2816] cap] cup Warburton.

[2817] [Throwing it up. Keightley (Johnson conj.)

[2818] Vir. Val.] Capell. 2 Ladies. Ff. Both. Rowe. Vol. Vir. Dyce.

[2819] empiricutic] Emperickqutique F_1 F_2. Empericktique F_3 F_4. emperic Pope. empiric physic Collier (Collier MS.)

[2820] a'] Theobald. a Ff. he a Pope.

[2821] pocket?] Ff. pocket, Hanmer.

[2822] brows: Menenius,] Ff. brows, Menenius; Theobald. brows, Menenius, Mason conj.

[2823] Has] Hath Rowe (ed. 2).

[2824] an] an' Capell. and Ff. if Pope.

[2825] pow, wow.] Capell. pow waw. Ff.

[2826] wounded?... worships!] wounded?... worships; Theobald. wounded, ... worships? Ff.

[2827] [To the Tribunes] Theobald. To the Tribunes, who come forward. Reed (1803).

your] their Hanmer.

[2828] Vol.] Volum. Ff. Val. Hanmer.

[2829] two] one too Theobald (Warburton).

thigh;] Rowe. thigh,— Capell. thigh, Ff.

[2830] this] his F_4.

[2831] it's] 'tis Rowe (ed. 2).

[2832] [A ... flourish.] Ff (after trumpets).

[2833] These ... tears.] As prose first by Pope. As three lines, ending Martius ... noise ... tears, in Ff. As two lines, the first ending before him, in Hanmer.

[2834] Death ... die.] Spurious, according to Grant White.

[2835] sennet.] F_1. sonet. F_2 F_3 F_4. sonnet. Rowe.

Lartius] Latius F_1.

[2836] SCENE III. Pope.

[2837] Corioli] Corioli's Johnson.

[2838] Caius Marcius] Caius Martius Rowe. Martius Caius Ff.

[2839] these In ... Coriolanus] Steevens. these In honour follows now, Coriolanus Capell. These in honor followes Martius Caius Coriolanus Ff (as one line). These in honour follows, Caius Martius, Coriolanus Rowe (ed. 1). This ... Caius Martius Coriolanus Rowe (ed. 2). Omitted by Pope. In honour follows Coriolanus these Seymour conj. In honour ... Coriolanus: welcome, S. Walker conj. For these in ... Coriolanus Keightley (as one line).

[2840] honour] sign of honour Anon. conj.

follows] followeth Anon. conj.

[2841] renowned] Ff. renown'd Hanmer.

[2842] [Flourish.] Malone. Sound. Flourish. Ff. Shout. Flourish. Capell.

[2843] No ... prosperity] As verse first by Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2844] good] om. Pope.

[2845] and By] Theobald. And by Ff. By Pope.

[2846] deed-achieving] deed-atchieved Hanmer. deed, achieving Anon. conj.

[2847] [Rises. Collier (ed. 2).

[2848] wear] F_3 F_4. weare F_2. were F_1.

[2849] [To Valeria] Theobald.

[2850] I ... all] Arranged as by Pope. As three lines, ending turne ... Generall, ... all, in Ff.

[2851] and ye're] and y'are Johnson. And y'are Ff. Y'are Rowe (ed. 2). y'are Pope. and your Capell (corrected in Errata).

[2852] A ... folly.] Arranged as by Pope. As twelve lines, ending welcomes: ... laugh, ... welcome: ... heart, ... thee ... on: ... have ... home, ... rallish ... warriors ... nettle; ... folly, in Ff.

[2853] I am] I'm Pope.

[2854] very root on's] the very root on's Rowe. very root of's Capell. very root of his Malone.

[2855] We have] We've Pope.

[2856] relish] F_4. rallish F_1. rellish F_2 F_3.

Yet] om. Pope.

[2857] Com. Ever ... ever.] Com. Ever right, Menenius. Cor. Ever, ever. Tyrwhitt conj. Com. Ever right. Cor. Menenius? ever, ever. Ritson conj. Com. Ever right Menenius. Cor. Ever, ever. Rann.

[2858] Cor. Menenius, ever, ever.] om. Seymour conj.

[2859] [To ... Virgilia] to his Wife and Mother. Capell.

[2860] change] charge Theobald.

honours] honour Hanmer.

[2861] And ... thee.] As by Malone. Four lines, ending fancie: ... wanting, ... Rome, ... thee, in Ff. And buildings of my fancy; only one thing Is wanting, which I doubt not but our Rome Will ... thee. Pope. Three lines, ending fancy: ... doubt not ... thee, in Capell.

[2862] And] Ay, and or And all Anon. conj.

buildings] beguilings Anon. conj.

fancy: only There's] fancy [some words omitted] Only there is Keightley.

[2863] There's] there Is Steevens (1793), ending line 188 at there.

[2864] Pope ends the line at I.

[2865] Than] F_3 F_4. Then F_1. Ten F_2.

[Brutus ... forward.] Theobald. Enter Brutus and Sicinius. Ff.

[2866] SCENE IV. Pope.

[2867] Into] Too, in Becket conj.

rapture] rupture P. W. ap. Long MS., and Anon. ap. Weston, conj.

[2868] chats] chats to Seymour conj. cheers Collier (Collier MS.) claps Singer conj. shouts Staunton conj. chats of Keightley.

malkin] Malkin (ital.) Ff. Maukin Rowe.

[2869] Clambering ... horsed] As in Pope. Three lines, ending him: ... up, ... hors'd, in Ff.

[2870] stalls] stalks Capell (corrected in Errata).

[2871] seld-shown] fell-shown or pile-shown Grey conj.

[2872] war] ware Warburton.

[2873] damask in Their] Pope. damaske In their Ff.

[2874] pother] Rowe. poother Ff.

[2875] human] Rowe. humane Ff.

[2876] posture] action Capell.

[2877] On ... sleep.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2878] From] Form Becket conj.

and end] t' an end Johnson conj. to the end Seymour conj.

[2879] those he] those that he Steevens (1793).

he hath] he 'ath Pope.

[2880] honours; which] As in Pope. The line ends at honors, in Ff.

[2881] he will] he'll Steevens (1793), ending lines 214-218 at comfort ... stand, ... will ... honours ... question.

them] om. Pope.

I] om. Reed (1803).

[2882] As] As that Capell conj.

proud] prone Warburton conj.

[2883] napless] Rowe. Naples Ff.

[2884] It ... nobles.] Arranged as in Steevens (1778). Four lines, ending word: ... carry it, ... him, ... nobles, in Ff. Three, ending rather ... gentry ... nobles, in Pope, omitting to him.

[2885] of the] o' th' Pope.

[2886] I ... execution.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2887] It ... destruction.] As in Rowe. Prose in Ff.

[2888] as] at Collier (Collier MS.)

wills] will's Johnson. wills it Keightley.

[2889] authorities. For an end,] Pope. authorities, for an end. Ff.

an end] our end Hanmer. that end Heath conj.

[2890] to's] to his Capell.

[2891] pleaders and] As in Pope. The line ends at pleaders, in Ff.

[2892] Dispropertied] dispropertied F_1. disproportioned F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2893] the war] Hanmer. their Warre Ff. their way Mason conj. their wane Jackson conj. their wars Keightley.

provand] provender Pope.

[2894] soaring] searing Anon. conj.

[2895] touch] Hanmer. teach Ff. reach Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). tech Seymour conj. stench Jackson conj.

[2896] people—which time....] people, which time.... Ff. people which (time.... Pope (ed. 1).

[2897] his] the Pope. as Capell.

[2898] You ... gloves,] Arranged as in Dyce. The lines end Capitoll: ... Consull ... see him ... gloves, in Ff. They end thought ... seen ... blind ... gloves, in Steevens.

[2899] You are] You're Pope.

Capitol] F_3 F_4. Capitoll F_1. Capitall F_2.

[2900] matrons flung] the matrons flung their Pope, ending the lines thought ... seen ... blind ... gloves. matrons flung their Keightley, ending the lines Capitol ... I ... and ... gloves. matrons flung down their Lloyd conj.

[2901] handkerchers] handkerchiefs F_4.

[2902] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope.

The same. The Capitol. Enter....] Enter two Officers, to lay Cushions, as it were, in the Capitoll. Ff (Capitall. F_2. Capitol. F_3 F_4).

[2903] lets] Ff. he lets Hanmer.

[2904] he waved] he'd wave Blackstone conj.

[2905] ascent] assent F_1.

those] theirs Hanmer.

having] Ff. have Rowe.

[2906] people, bonneted ... all into] People, Bonnetted ... all into Ff. people bonneted, ... all into Hanmer. people, unbonnetted ... all into Johnson conj. people, bonneted ... all, into Delius.

[2907] deed ... at all] deed at all to have them Anon. conj.

have] heave Pope.

[2908] he's] he is Rowe.

[2909] A sennet.] F_1. A Sonnet. F_2 F_3. A Sonet. F_4. om. Pope.

Enter....] Enter the Patricians, and the Tribunes of the People, Lictors before them: Coriolanus, Menenius, Cominius the Consul: Scicinius and Brutus take their places by themselves: Coriolanus stands. Ff.

Coriolanus stands.] Omitted by Rowe.

[2910] SCENE VI. Pope.

[2911] Having ... remains] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at Volces.

[2912] To gratify ... please you] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at hath.

[2913] last ... well-found] late ... well-fought Capell conj.

[2914] Caius Marcius] Caius Martius Rowe. Martius Caius Ff.

[2915] We met] Ff. We meet Hanmer. We are met Capell. We’ve met Anon. conj.

[2916] state's] F_4. states F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2917] we to] Ff. that we Hanmer.

[To the Tribunes] Edd. Omitted in Ff.

o’] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2918] ears] eares F_1. eare F_2. ear F_3 F_4.

and after,] F_3 F_4. and after F_1 F_2.

[2919] what] to what Hanmer.

[2920] We are ... place] Arranged as by Pope. Prose in Ff.

[2921] treaty] treatise Collier MS.

[2922] our] your Warburton conj.

[2923] bless’d] biass'd Badham conj. prest Singer (Collier MS. and Singer MS.) pleased Nicholson conj.

[2924] hereto] hitherto Rowe.

[2925] it] om. Pope.

[2926] [Coriolanus offers ...] Edd. Coriolanus rises, and offers ... Ff.

[2927] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Senat. Ff.

Sit,] Sit F_1. Sir F_2. Sir, F_3 F_4.

[2928] honours'] Theobald. honors F_1 F_2 F_3. honours F_4. honour's Rowe.

[2929] Sir, I hope ... not] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[2930] yet] yes F_2.

[2931] sooth'd] sooth Pope.

[2932] weigh.] Hanmer. weigh— Ff.

[2933] struck] F_3 F_4. strucke F_2. strooke F_1.

[2934] [Exit.] Exit Coriolanus. Ff.

[2935] flatter—] flatter, Rowe. flatter? Ff.

[2936] now] om. Pope

[2937] one on's] F_3. on ones F_1 F_2. one o's F_4. one of's Rowe.

hear it] hear't Pope.

[2938] Should] Sould F_2.

[2939] That ... and] Arranged as in F_2 F_3 F_4. In F_1 the first line ends at vertue.

[2940] chin] F_3 F_4. shinne F_1 F_2.

[2941] bristled] Rowe. brisled Ff.

[2942] pupil age] pupill age F_1. pupilage F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2943] waxed] F_1. wated F_2. waited F_3 F_4.

[2944] of the] F_1. o'th F_2. o'th' F_3 F_4.

[2945] weeds] F_1 waves F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2946] below] before Becket conj.

stem] stern Pope.

[2947] took; from face to foot He] Steevens (Tyrwhitt conj.) tooke from face to foot: He Ff.

[2948] timed]tim'd F_1. trim'd F_2. trimm'd F_3 F_4. tun'd Collier MS.

[2949] The mortal gate ... he painted] The gate ... he mortal painted Hanmer.

of the] of th' F_1. o' th F_2 F_3 F_4.

painted] gained Becket conj. kick'd or keck'd at Badham conj. parted Keightley.

[2950] destiny] destinie F_1. defamy F_2 F_3 F_4.

[2951] now all's his] F_1. now all's this F_2 F_3 F_4. nor all's this Rowe. nor's this all Hanmer.

[2952] When] For Rowe.

[2953] then] when Rowe.

[2954] Run ... as if 'Twere] As in F_2 F_3 F_4. One line in F_1.

[2955] reeking] recking F_2.

[2956] panting] F_1 F_4. painting F_2 F_3.

[2957] First Sen.] 1 Sen. Rowe. Senat. Ff.

[2958] He ... him] As in Rowe. Prose in Ff.

[2959] fit] fill Hanmer.

[2960] of the] F_1. o'th F_2. o'th' F_3 F_4.

[2961] Than ... deeds] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2962] rewards] he rewards Johnson conj.

[2963] the time ... end] his time ... end Rowe. his time ... spend Johnson conj.

time to end it. Men. He's] time— Men. To end it, he's Warburton conj.

[2964] He's ... for] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[2965] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Senat. Ff.

Call] Call for Steevens (1793).

[2966] Re-enter....] Capell. Enter.... Ff.

[2967] The senate ... people] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Ff.

[2968] do beseech] beseech Pope.

[2969] For my ... have] Arranged as in Capell. In Ff the lines end sufferage: ... doing ... voyces: ... ceremony ... too't ... custome, ... have.

[2970] suffrage] F_4. sufferage F_1 F_3. fufferage F_2. suffrages Rowe.

[2971] pass] over-pass Hanmer.

the people] but the people too Hanmer.

[2972] neither] Ff. Nor Pope.

[2973] Pray you, go fit] pray fit Pope (reading Put ... custom as one line).

[2974] to you] t' ye Pope.

[2975] your form] the form Hanmer.

[2976] It is ... people] Arranged as in Pope. Two lines, the first ending acting, in Ff.

[2977] that?] Rowe (ed. 2). that. Ff.

[2978] thus; Show] thus, Shew F_3 F_4. thus Shew F_1 F_2.

[2979] should] would Rowe.

[2980] to you] t' ye Pope.

[2981] purpose to them: and to] purpose to them, and to Ff. purpose, and to them: to Hanmer. purpose:—to them, and to Collier (Mason conj.)

[2982] Senators.] Senat. Ff. Sic. Rowe (ed. 2).

[Flourish of cornets.] Flourish cornets. Ff.

Exeunt....] Then Exeunt. Manet Sicinius and Brutus. Ff (Manent F_4).

[2983] perceive's intent! He] perceive his intent. He Capell. perceive it. He that Seymour conj.

[2984] here: on] Theobald, heere on F_1 F_2. here on F_3 F_4.

[2985] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[2986] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE VII. Pope.

The same. The Forum.] Capell. Scene changes to the Forum. Theobald.

seven or eight....] Ff. a number of ... Capell. several ... Malone.

[2987] Once, if] Theobald. Once if Ff. Oons! if Pope. If once Seymour conj. When if Collier MS.

[2988] and ... deeds,] om. Anon. conj.

[2989] if he tell] if he tells Rowe.

[2990] once] once when Rowe.

[2991] multitude] monster Hanmer.

[2992] auburn] F_4. Abram F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2993] one skull] our sculls Hanmer.

[2994] should be] would be Rowe.

all the] all Rowe.

o'] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

[2995] wedged] wadg'd F_1.

[2996] 'twould, sure,] 'twould soar Grey conj.

[2997] fourth] forth F_2.

[2998] may.] may.— Rowe.

[2999] carries it. I say,] Theobald. carries it, I say. Ff.

[3000] Enter Coriolanus....] Ff. Enter Coriolanus and Menenius. Dyce (after line 43).

in ... humility,] in a gown, Pope. om. Capell.

[3001] all together] F_3 F_4. al together F_2. altogether F_1.

[3002] and by threes] by & threes F_2.

[3003] wherein] where F_4.

[3004] [Exeunt citizens.] Capell. om. Ff. Exeunt Rowe.

[3005] What ... bring] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending Sir?, in Ff.

[3006] the noise] noise Pope.

[3007] O me, ... you] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending that, in Ff.

[3008] virtues ... lose by 'em] advices ... lose on 'em Hanmer. vultures ... divines lose sight of or vultures ... diviners lease by Badham conj.

[3009] divines] diviners Becket conj.

'em] them Capell.

[3010] [Exit.] Ff. Exit Menenius. Dyce (after clean, line 57).

[3011] [Re-enter two of the Citizens.] Edd. Enter three of the citizens. Ff (after manner, line 56). Enter two of the citizens. Rowe (after manner, line 56). Citizens approach. Pope. Two citizens approach. Hanmer. Re-enter two Citizens. Dyce (after brace, line 57).

brace] leash Anon. conj.

Re-enter a third Citizen.] Edd.

[3012] sir] sirs Rowe.

[3013] Third Cit.] 3 Cit. Ff. 1 Cit. Rowe.

[3014] Mine ... matter.] Prose in Ff. As thirteen lines of verse by Capell, ending not ... desire?... yet ... think, ... you ... consulship?... Kindly? ... you, ... sir; ... sir ... beg'd: ... odd ... matter.

[3015] Ay, but not] Edd. I, but F_1. I, no F_2. I, not F_3 F_4. Ay, not Rowe.

[3016] pray, your] Ff. pray your Pope.

consulship?] F_4. consulship. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3017] is] is, sir, Capell. of it is Keightley.

[3018] Kindly! Sir,] Kindly? Sir, Capell. Kindly sir, F_1 F_2 F_3. Kindly, sir, F_4. Kindly, Sir? Johnson.

[3019] Your] You Rowe (ed. 2).

[3020] But this] This Steevens conj.

[3021] An] Pope. And Ff.

again,—] again:— Rowe. againe: Ff.

[Exeunt ...] Edd. Exeunt. Ff. Exeunt these: Capell.

Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

[3022] Fourth Cit.] Edd. 1. Ff. 1 Cit. Rowe. Third Cit. Reed (1803).

[3023] enigma?] Ænigma? Rowe. Ænigma. Ff.

[3024] I will] but I will Hanmer. I will not Collier MS.

[3025] brother] brothers Collier MS.

[3026] hat] cap Pope.

[3027] be off] doff Badham conj.

[3028] bountiful] bountifully Rowe (ed. 2).

[3029] desirers] F_1. desires F_2 F_3 F_4.

consul] confull F_2.

[3030] Fifth Citizen.] Edd. 2. Ff. Fourth Cit. Reed (1803).

[3031] [Exeunt.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3032] starve] F_4. sterve F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3033] hire] higher F_1.

[3034] Why ... do.] Put in the margin by Pope.

[3035] in this woolvish toge] Malone (Steevens conj.) in this Wooluish tongue F_1. in this Woolvish gowne F_2 F_3 F_4. in this wolfish gown Capell. in this woollen gown or in this foolish gown Mason conj. in this woolish gown Becket conj. in this whorish gown Jackson conj. with this woolvish tongue Steevens conj. in this foolish togue Grant White conj. in this woolless toge Collier (Collier MS.) in this wolfish throng Staunton conj. in this foolish toge Leo.

[3036] that do appear, Their] which do appear Their Badham conj.

[3037] do] F_4. does F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3038] vouches] voucher Rowe. voices Capell.

[3039] wills, ... things] wills in all things, Ff.

do't,] Theobald, doo't? F_1 F_2. do't? F_3 F_4.

[3040] to o'er-peer] to over-peer Capell. t' o'er-peer S. Walker conj.

[3041] Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

[3042] moe] F_1 F_2. more F_3 F_4.

[3043] odd] and odd Rowe.

[3044] I have] I've Pope.

and heard] and you have heard Farmer conj. or heard Seymour conj.

voices have] voices, Farmer conj.

[3045] voices have ... consul] As in Pope. Lines 122, 123 end voyces, ... more, in Ff.

[3046] Indeed] for indeed Rowe.

[3047] Sixth Cit.] Edd. 1 Cit. Ff. 5 Cit. Reed (1803).

[3048] Seventh Cit.] Edd. 2 Cit. Ff. 6 Cit. Reed. (1803).

[3049] good] a good Rowe.

[3050] Re-enter ...] Malone. Enter ... Ff.

[3051] You ... senate.] Arranged as in Pope. Lines 130, 132, 133 end limitation: ... voyce, ... invested, in Ff.

[3052] You have] You've Pope.

[3053] May I] May I then Hanmer.

You may, sir] Sir, you may Hanmer.

[3054] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[3055] at's] at his Capell.

[3056] With ... people?] As in Pope. The first line ends at weeds: in Ff.

[3057] Re-enter Citizens.] Capell. Enter the Plebeians. Ff. Enter Citizens. Hanmer.

[3058] notice] notion S. Walker conj.

[3059] Certainly ... downright.] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3060] says He] sayes. He F_2.

[3061] for's] for his Capell.

[3062] Sic.] First Cit. Anon. conj.

[3063] Citizens.] Cit. Malone. All. Ff.

No, no;] No, Pope.

'em] them Capell. them [several speak. Malone.

[3064] He ... private;] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

he had] he'd Pope.

[3065] hat] cap Pope.

[3066] no] nothing Rowe.

Was not] Wa' n't Pope.

[3067] ignorant] impotent Hanmer.

[3068] ever] still Pope.

[3069] the] om. Pope.

[3070] A place] At place F_4.

[3071] plebeii] plebeians Rowe.

[3072] Would] Should Keightley.

[3073] voices and Translate] As in F_2 F_3 F_4. Line 181 ends at voyces, in F_1.

[3074] article ... aught:] article, ... ought, Ff. article, ... ought; Rowe.

[3075] contempt When] contempt, When F_1 F_3 F_4. contempt. When F_2.

[3076] Why, had] Why had F_4.

[3077] Have you, ... tongues?] Arranged as in Pope. Three lines, ending asker: ... mock, ... tongues?, in Ff.

[3078] Of] On Theobald.

bestow] bestow'd Hanmer.

[3079] sued-for tongues.... He's] tongues unsu'd-for.... He is Capell, reading Your ... will deny him as two lines.

[3080] And] Ay and we Hanmer, ending line 202 at may.

[3081] I'll] I Will S. Walker conj., reading lines 201-204 as three lines of verse, ending may ... him; I ... sound.

[3082] First Cit.] Third Cit. Anon. conj.

I twice] F_1 F_2 F_3. I, twice F_4. Ay, twice Rowe.

[3083] They have] They've Pope.

[3084] therefore ... so] therefore kept or kept to do so Seymour conj.

[3085] Let ... pride] As in Theobald. Two lines, the first ending judgement, in Ff.

[3086] a safer ... all revoke ... unto] safer ... Revoke ... to Pope, ending the lines judgement, ... election: ... you.

[3087] besides, forget not] As a separate line in Pope.

[3088] most] om. Pope.

[3089] you] to you Pope.

[3090] Lay ... us.] Arranged as in Capell. Six lines, ending Tribunes, ... betweene) ... on him ... commandment, ... that ... do, in Ff.

[3091] Lay] Nay, lay Pope.

[3092] Lay ... as guided ... true affections ... should] Nay, lay ... guided ... affections, ... should do, Pope, ending the lines that ... between) ... on him ... commandment ... affections, ... what ... should do ... consul ... on us.

[3093] what you should] with what you should do Hanmer, following Pope's arrangement.

[3094] o’ the Marcians] of Marcius Pope. o' the Marcii Capell.

[3095] hither ... ancestor.] See note (V).

[3096] hath] had Hanmer.

[3097] present bearing] present, bearing F_2.

[3098] Say, you ne'er had] You'd ne'er Seymour conj.

[3099] We will ... election] Arranged as by Hanmer. One line in Ff.

[3100] so] om. Hanmer.

[3101] [Exeunt Citizens.] Hanmer. Exeunt Plebeians. Ff.

them] 'em Hanmer.

[3102] To ... come:] come; to th’ Capitol. Pope.

ACT III.

SCENE I. Rome. A street.

Cornets. Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, all the Gentry, COMINIUS, TITUS LARTIUS, and other Senators.[3103]

Cor. Tullus Aufidius then had made new head?

Lart. He had, my lord; and that it was which caused

Our swifter composition.

Cor. So then the Volsces stand but as at first;

Ready, when time shall prompt them, to make road[3104] 5

Upon's again.

Com. They are worn, lord consul, so,[3105]

That we shall hardly in our ages see

Their banners wave again.

Cor. Saw you Aufidius?

Lart. On safe-guard he came to me; and did curse

Against the Volsces, for they had so vilely 10

Yielded the town: he is retired to Antium.

Cor. Spoke he of me?

Lart. He did, my lord.

Cor. How? what?

Lart. How often he had met you, sword to sword;

That of all things upon the earth he hated

Your person most; that he would pawn his fortunes 15

To hopeless restitution, so he might

Be call'd your vanquisher.

Cor. At Antium lives he?

Lart. At Antium.

Cor. I wish I had a cause to seek him there,

To oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home.[3106] 20

Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS.

Behold, these are the tribunes of the people,

The tongues o' the common mouth: I do despise them;

For they do prank them in authority,

Against all noble sufferance.

Sic. Pass no further.

Cor. Ha! what is that? 25

Bru. It will be dangerous to go on: no further.

Cor. What makes this change?

Men. The matter?

Com. Hath he not pass'd the noble and the common?[3107]

Bru. Cominius, no.

Cor. Have I had children's voices? 30

First Sen. Tribunes, give way; he shall to the market-place.[3108]

Bru. The people are incensed against him.

Sic. Stop,[3109]

Or all will fall in broil.[3109]

Cor. Are these your herd?[3110]

Must these have voices, that can yield them now,

And straight disclaim their tongues? What are your offices?[3111] 35

You being their mouths, why rule you not their teeth?

Have you not set them on?

Men. Be calm, be calm.

Cor. It is a purposed thing, and grows by plot,

To curb the will of the nobility:

Suffer 't, and live with such as cannot rule, 40

Nor ever will be ruled.

Bru. Call't not a plot:

The people cry you mock'd them; and of late,

When corn was given them gratis, you repined,

Scandal'd the suppliants for the people, call'd them[3112]

Time-pleasers, flatterers, foes to nobleness. 45

Cor. Why, this was known before.

Bru. Not to them all.

Cor. Have you inform'd them sithence?[3113]

Bru. How! I inform them!

Com. You are like to do such business.[3114]

Bru. Not unlike,[3115]

Each way, to better yours.[3115][3116]

Cor. Why then should I be consul? By yond clouds, 50

Let me deserve so ill as you, and make me

Your fellow tribune.

Sic. You show too much of that

For which the people stir: if you will pass

To where you are bound, you must inquire your way,[3117]

Which you are out of, with a gentler spirit; 55

Or never be so noble as a consul,[3118]

Nor yoke with him for tribune.

Men. Let's be calm.

Com. The people are abused; set on. This paltering[3119]

Becomes not Rome; nor has Coriolanus[3120]

Deserved this so dishonour'd rub, laid falsely 60

I' the plain way of his merit.

Cor. Tell me of corn![3121]

This was my speech, and I will speak 't again—[3121]

Men. Not now, not now.

First Sen. Not in this heat, sir, now.

Cor. Now, as I live, I will. My nobler friends,[3122][3123]

I crave their pardons:[3122] 65

For the mutable, rank-scented many, let them[3122][3124]

Regard me as I do not flatter, and[3122]

Therein behold themselves: I say again,[3122][3125]

In soothing them, we nourish 'gainst our senate

The cockle of rebellion, insolence, sedition, 70

Which we ourselves have plough'd for, sow'd and scatter'd,[3126]

By mingling them with us, the honour'd number;

Who lack not virtue, no, nor power, but that

Which they have given to beggars.[3127]

Men. Well, no more.

First Sen. No more words, we beseech you.

Cor. How! no more! 75

As for my country I have shed my blood,

Not fearing outward force, so shall my lungs

Coin words till their decay against those measles,

Which we disdain should tetter us, yet sought[3128]

The very way to catch them.

Bru. You speak o' the people,[3129][3130] 80

As if you were a god to punish, not[3129][3131]

A man of their infirmity.[3129][3132]

Sic. 'Twere well[3129]

We let the people know't.[3129]

Men. What, what? his choler?[3129]

Cor. Choler![3129]

Were I as patient as the midnight sleep,[3129] 85

By Jove, 'twould be my mind![3133]

Sic. It is a mind[3133]

That shall remain a poison where it is,[3133]

Not poison any further.[3133]

Cor. Shall remain![3133]

Hear you this Triton of the minnows? mark you[3134]

His absolute 'shall'?

Com. 'Twas from the canon.[3135]

Cor. 'Shall'![3136] 90

O good, but most unwise patricians! why,[3136][3137]

You grave but reckless senators, have you thus[3138]

Given Hydra here to choose an officer,[3139]

That with his peremptory 'shall,' being but

The horn and noise o' the monster's, wants not spirit[3140] 95

To say he'll turn your current in a ditch,

And make your channel his? If he have power,[3141]

Then vail your ignorance; if none, awake[3141][3142][3143][3144]

Your dangerous lenity. If you are learn'd,[3141][3143][3145]

Be not as common fools; if you are not,[3141][3146] 100

Let them have cushions by you. You are plebeians,[3141][3147]

If they be senators: and they are no less,

When, both your voices blended, the great'st taste[3148]

Most palates theirs. They choose their magistrate;[3149]

And such a one as he, who puts his 'shall,' 105

His popular 'shall,' against a graver bench

Than ever frown'd in Greece. By Jove himself,

It makes the consuls base! and my soul aches

To know, when two authorities are up,

Neither supreme, how soon confusion 110

May enter 'twixt the gap of both and take

The one by the other.

Com. Well, on to the market-place.

Cor. Whoever gave that counsel, to give forth[3150]

The corn o' the storehouse gratis, as 'twas used[3151]

Sometime in Greece,—[3152]

Men. Well, well, no more of that. 115

Cor. Though there the people had more absolute power,

I say, they nourish'd disobedience, fed[3153][3154]

The ruin of the state.[3153]

Bru. Why, shall the people give[3155]

One that speaks thus their voice?

Cor. I'll give my reasons,

More worthier than their voices. They know the corn[3156] 120

Was not our recompense, resting well assured[3157]

They ne'er did service for't: being press'd to the war,

Even when the navel of the state was touch'd,

They would not thread the gates. This kind of service

Did not deserve corn gratis: being i' the war, 125

Their mutinies and revolts, wherein they show'd[3158]

Most valour, spoke not for them: the accusation

Which they have often made against the senate,

All cause unborn, could never be the native[3159]

Of our so frank donation. Well, what then?[3160] 130

How shall this bisson multitude digest[3161]

The senate's courtesy? Let deeds express

What's like to be their words: 'We did request it;

We are the greater poll, and in true fear[3162]

They gave us our demands.' Thus we debase[3163] 135

The nature of our seats, and make the rabble

Call our cares fears; which will in time[3164][3165]

Break ope the locks o' the senate, and bring in[3164][3166]

The crows to peck the eagles.[3164]

Men. Come, enough.[3167]

Bru. Enough, with over measure.

Cor. No, take more: 140

What may be sworn by, both divine and human,[3168]

Seal what I end withal! This double worship,

Where one part does disdain with cause, the other[3169]

Insult without all reason; where gentry, title, wisdom,[3170]

Cannot conclude but by the yea and no 145

Of general ignorance,—it must omit[3171]

Real necessities, and give way the while

To unstable slightness: purpose so barr'd, it follows,[3172][3173]

Nothing is done to purpose. Therefore, beseech you,—[3173]

You that will be less fearful than discreet; 150

That love the fundamental part of state

More than you doubt the change on 't; that prefer[3174]

A noble life before a long, and wish

To jump a body with a dangerous physic[3175]

That's sure of death without it,—at once pluck out[3176] 155

The multitudinous tongue; let them not lick

The sweet which is their poison. Your dishonour

Mangles true judgement and bereaves the state

Of that integrity which should become 't;[3177]

Not having the power to do the good it would, 160

For the ill which doth control 't.

Bru. Has said enough.[3178]

Sic. Has spoken like a traitor, and shall answer[3179]

As traitors do.

Cor. Thou wretch, despite o'erwhelm thee!

What should the people do with these bald tribunes? 165

On whom depending, their obedience fails

To the greater bench: in a rebellion,[3180]

When what's not meet, but what must be, was law,[3181]

Then were they chosen: in a better hour,

Let what is meet be said it must be meet,[3182] 170

And throw their power i' the dust.

Bru. Manifest treason!

Sic. This a consul? no.

Bru. The ædiles, ho!

Enter an Ædile.[3183]

Let him be apprehended.

Sic. Go, call the people: [Exit Ædile] in whose name myself[3184]

Attach thee as a traitorous innovator, 175

A foe to the public weal: obey, I charge thee,

And follow to thine answer.

Cor. Hence, old goat!

Senators, &c. We'll surety him.

Com. Aged sir, hands off.[3185]

Cor. Hence, rotten thing! or I shall shake thy bones

Out of thy garments.

Sic. Help, ye citizens! 180

Enter a rabble of Citizens, with the Ædiles.[3186]

Men. On both sides more respect.[3187]

Sic. Here's he that would take from you all your power.

Bru. Seize him, ædiles!

Citizens. Down with him! down with him![3188]

Senators, &c. Weapons, weapons, weapons! 185

[They all bustle about Coriolanus, crying,[3189]

'Tribunes!' 'Patricians!' 'Citizens!' 'What, ho!'

'Sicinius!' 'Brutus!' 'Coriolanus!' 'Citizens!'

'Peace, peace, peace!' 'Stay! hold! peace!'[3190]

Men. What is about to be? I am out of breath.

Confusion's near. I cannot speak. You, tribunes[3191] 190

To the people! Coriolanus, patience![3192][3193]

Speak, good Sicinius.[3193][3194]

Sic. Hear me, people; peace!

Citizens. Let's hear our tribune: peace!—Speak, speak, speak.[3195]

Sic. You are at point to lose your liberties:

Marcius would have all from you; Marcius, 195

Whom late you have named for consul.[3196]

Men. Fie, fie, fie![3197]

This is the way to kindle, not to quench.[3197]

First Sen. To unbuild the city, and to lay all flat.[3198]

Sic. What is the city but the people?

Citizens. True,[3199]

The people are the city.[3199] 200

Bru. By the consent of all, we were establish'd[3200]

The people's magistrates.[3200]

Citizens. You so remain.

Men. And so are like to do.

Com. That is the way to lay the city flat,[3201]

To bring the roof to the foundation, 205

And bury all which yet distinctly ranges,

In heaps and piles of ruin.

Sic. This deserves death.

Bru. Or let us stand to our authority,

Or let us lose it. We do here pronounce,

Upon the part o' the people, in whose power 210

We were elected theirs, Marcius is worthy

Of present death.

Sic. Therefore lay hold of him;[3202]

Bear him to the rock Tarpeian, and from thence

Into destruction cast him.

Bru. Ædiles, seize him!

Citizens. Yield, Marcius, yield![3203]

Men. Hear me one word;[3204] 215

Beseech you, tribunes, hear me but a word.[3204][3205]

Ædiles. Peace, peace!

Men. [To Brutus] Be that you seem, truly your country's friend,[3206]

And temperately proceed to what you would

Thus violently redress.

Bru. Sir, those cold ways, 220

That seem like prudent helps, are very poisonous[3207]

Where the disease is violent. Lay hands upon him,[3208]

And bear him to the rock.

Cor. No, I'll die here.      [Drawing his sword.[3209]

There's some among you have beheld me fighting:

Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.[3210] 225

Men. Down with that sword! Tribunes, withdraw awhile.

Bru. Lay hands upon him.

Men. Help Marcius, help,[3211][3212]

You that be noble; help him, young and old![3212]

Citizens. Down with him, down with him!

[In this mutiny, the Tribunes, the Ædiles, and the People, are beat in.[3213]

Men. Go, get you to your house; be gone, away![3214] 230

All will be naught else.

Sec. Sen. Get you gone.

Com. Stand fast;[3215][3216]

We have as many friends as enemies.[3216]

Men. Shall it be put to that?

First Sen. The gods forbid![3217]

I prithee, noble friend, home to thy house;

Leave us to cure this cause.

Men. For 'tis a sore upon us[3218] 235

You cannot tent yourself: be gone, beseech you.

Com. Come, sir, along with us.[3219]

Cor. I would they were barbarians—as they are,[3220]

Though in Rome litter'd—not Romans—as they are not,[3220]

Though calved i' the porch o' the Capitol,—[3220]

Men. Be gone:[3220][3221][3222] 240

Put not your worthy rage into your tongue:[3220][3222]

One time will owe another.[3220][3223]

Cor. On fair ground[3224]

I could beat forty of them.[3224]

Men. I could myself[3225]

Take up a brace o' the best of them; yea, the two tribunes.[3225][3226]

Com. But now 'tis odds beyond arithmetic; 245

And manhood is call'd foolery, when it stands

Against a falling fabric. Will you hence

Before the tag return? whose rage doth rend

Like interrupted waters, and o'erbear

What they are used to bear.

Men. Pray you, be gone: 250

I'll try whether my old wit be in request[3227]

With those that have but little: this must be patch'd

With cloth of any colour.

Com. Nay, come away.

[Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, and others.[3228]

First Patrician. This man has marr'd his fortune.[3229]

Men. His nature is too noble for the world: 255

He would not flatter Neptune for his trident,

Or Jove for 's power to thunder. His heart's his mouth:[3230]

What his breast forges, that his tongue must vent;

And, being angry, does forget that ever

He heard the name of death.      [A noise within. 260

Here's goodly work!

Sec. Pat. I would they were a-bed![3231]

Men. I would they were in Tiber! What, the vengeance,[3232]

Could he not speak 'em fair?[3232]

Re-enter BRUTUS and SICINIUS, with the rabble.[3233]

Sic. Where is this viper,

That would depopulate the city, and[3234][3235]

Be every man himself?[3234]

Men. You worthy tribunes—[3236] 265

Sic. He shall be thrown down the Tarpeian rock

With rigorous hands: he hath resisted law,

And therefore law shall scorn him further trial

Than the severity of the public power,[3237]

Which he so sets at nought.

First Cit. He shall well know[3238] 270

The noble tribunes are the people's mouths,[3238]

And we their hands.[3238]

Citizens. He shall, sure on't.[3239]

Men. Sir, sir,—[3240]

Sic. Peace!

Men. Do not cry havoc, where you should but hunt[3241] 275

With modest warrant.

Sic. Sir, how comes 't that you[3242][3243]

Have holp to make this rescue?[3242]

Men. Hear me speak:[3244]

As I do know the consul's worthiness,[3244]

So can I name his faults,—[3244]

Sic. Consul! what consul?

Men. The consul Coriolanus.

Bru. He consul![3245] 280

Citizens. No, no, no, no, no.[3239]

Men. If, by the tribunes' leave, and yours, good people,[3246]

I may be heard, I would crave a word or two;[3247]

The which shall turn you to no further harm

Than so much loss of time.

Sic. Speak briefly then; 285

For we are peremptory to dispatch

This viperous traitor: to eject him hence[3248]

Were but one danger, and to keep him here[3249]

Our certain death: therefore it is decreed

He dies to-night.

Men. Now the good gods forbid 290

That our renowned Rome, whose gratitude

Towards her deserved children is enroll'd[3250]

In Jove's own book, like an unnatural dam

Should now eat up her own!

Sic. He's a disease that must be cut away. 295

Men. O, he's a limb that has but a disease;

Mortal, to cut it off; to cure it, easy.

What has he done to Rome that's worthy death?

Killing our enemies, the blood he hath lost—[3251]

Which, I dare vouch, is more than that he hath 300

By many an ounce—he dropp'd it for his country;

And what is left, to lose it by his country

Were to us all that do 't and suffer it[3252]

A brand to the end o' the world.

Sic. This is clean kam.[3253]

Bru. Merely awry: when he did love his country,[3254] 305

It honour'd him.[3254]

Men. The service of the foot[3255][3256]

Being once gangrened, is not then respected[3256][3257]

For what before it was.[3258]

Bru. We'll hear no more.

Pursue him to his house, and pluck him thence;

Lest his infection, being of catching nature,[3259] 310

Spread further.

Men. One word more, one word.[3260]

This tiger-footed rage, when it shall find

The harm of unscann'd swiftness, will, too late,

Tie leaden pounds to 's heels. Proceed by process;[3261]

Lest parties, as he is beloved, break out, 315

And sack great Rome with Romans.

Bru. If it were so—[3262]

Sic. What do ye talk?

Have we not had a taste of his obedience?

Our ædiles smote? ourselves resisted? Come.[3263]

Men. Consider this: he has been bred i' the wars[3264] 320

Since he could draw a sword, and is ill school'd[3265]

In bolted language; meal and bran together

He throws without distinction. Give me leave,

I'll go to him, and undertake to bring him[3266][3267]

Where he shall answer, by a lawful form,[3267] 325

In peace, to his utmost peril.[3267]

First Sen. Noble tribunes,

It is the humane way: the other course[3268]

Will prove too bloody; and the end of it

Unknown to the beginning.

Sic. Noble Menenius,[3269]

Be you then as the people's officer.[3269] 330

Masters, lay down your weapons.

Bru. Go not home.

Sic. Meet on the market-place. We'll attend you there:[3270]

Where, if you bring not Marcius, we'll proceed

In our first way.

Men. I'll bring him to you.[3271][3272]

[To the Senators] Let me desire your company: he must come,[3272][3273] 335

Or what is worst will follow.

First Sen. Pray you, let's to him.      [Exeunt.[3274]

SCENE II. A room in Coriolanus's house.

Enter CORIOLANUS with Patricians.[3275]

Cor. Let them pull all about mine ears; present me

Death on the wheel, or at wild horses' heels;

Or pile ten hills on the Tarpeian rock,

That the precipitation might down stretch

Below the beam of sight; yet will I still 5

Be thus to them.

A Patrician. You do the nobler.[3276]

Cor. I muse my mother[3277]

Does not approve me further, who was wont[3278]

To call them woollen vassals, things created[3279]

To buy and sell with groats, to show bare heads 10

In congregations, to yawn, be still and wonder,[3280]

When one but of my ordinance stood up

To speak of peace or war.

Enter VOLUMNIA.

I talk of you:[3281]

Why did you wish me milder? would you have me

False to my nature? Rather say, I play[3282] 15

The man I am.[3282]

Vol. O, sir, sir, sir,[3283]

I would have had you put your power well on,

Before you had worn it out.

Cor. Let go.[3284]

Vol. You might have been enough the man you are,

With striving less to be so: lesser had been[3285] 20

The thwartings of your dispositions, if[3286]

You had not show'd them how ye were disposed[3287]

Ere they lack'd power to cross you.

Cor. Let them hang.

Vol. Ay, and burn too.

Enter MENENIUS with the Senators.

Men. Come, come, you have been too rough, something too rough;[3288][3289]25

You must return and mend it.[3288]

First Sen. There's no remedy;[3290]

Unless, by not so doing, our good city

Cleave in the midst, and perish.

Vol. Pray, be counsell'd:

I have a heart as little apt as yours,[3291]

But yet a brain that leads my use of anger 30

To better vantage.

Men. Well said, noble woman!

Before he should thus stoop to the herd, but that[3292]

The violent fit o' the time craves it as physic[3293]

For the whole state, I would put mine armour on,[3294]

Which I can scarcely bear.

Cor. What must I do?[3295] 35

Men. Return to the tribunes.[3295]

Cor. Well, what then? what then?[3295]

Men. Repent what you have spoke.[3295]

Cor. For them! I cannot do it to the gods;[3296]

Must I then do't to them?

Vol. You are too absolute;

Though therein you can never be too noble, 40

But when extremities speak. I have heard you say,[3297]

Honour and policy, like unsever'd friends,

I' the war do grow together: grant that, and tell me,

In peace what each of them by the other lose,[3298]

That they combine not there.

Cor. Tush, tush!

Men. A good demand. 45

Vol. If it be honour in your wars to seem

The same you are not, which, for your best ends,

You adopt your policy, how is it less or worse,[3299]

That it shall hold companionship in peace

With honour, as in war, since that to both[3300] 50

It stands in like request?

Cor. Why force you this?

Vol. Because that now it lies you on to speak[3301][3302]

To the people; not by your own instruction,[3301]

Nor by the matter which your heart prompts you,[3301][3303]

But with such words that are but roted in[3301][3304] 55

Your tongue, though but bastards and syllables[3301][3305]

Of no allowance to your bosom's truth.[3306]

Now, this no more dishonours you at all

Than to take in a town with gentle words,

Which else would put you to your fortune and 60

The hazard of much blood.

I would dissemble with my nature, where

My fortunes and my friends at stake required

I should do so in honour. I am in this,[3307]

Your wife, your son, these senators, the nobles;[3308] 65

And you will rather show our general louts

How you can frown than spend a fawn upon 'em,

For the inheritance of their loves and safeguard

Of what that want might ruin.

Men. Noble lady![3309]

Come, go with us; speak fair: you may salve so, 70

Not what is dangerous present, but the loss[3310]

Of what is past.

Vol. I prithee now, my son,

Go to them, with this bonnet in thy hand;[3311]

And thus far having stretch'd it—here be with them—[3312][3313]

Thy knee bussing the stones—for in such business[3312] 75

Action is eloquence, and the eyes of the ignorant

More learned than the ears—waving thy head,[3314][3315][3316]

Which often, thus, correcting thy stout heart,[3314][3316][3317][3318][3319]

Now humble as the ripest mulberry[3318][3320]

That will not hold the handling: or say to them,[3320][3321] 80

Thou art their soldier, and being bred in broils

Hast not the soft way which, thou dost confess,

Were fit for thee to use, as they to claim,[3322]

In asking their good loves; but thou wilt frame

Thyself, forsooth, hereafter theirs, so far 85

As thou hast power and person.

Men. This but done,

Even as she speaks, why, their hearts were yours;[3323]

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

As words to little purpose.

Vol. Prithee now,

Go, and be ruled: although I know thou hadst rather[3324] 90

Follow thine enemy in a fiery gulf

Than flatter him in a bower.

Enter COMINIUS.

Here is Cominius.

Com. I have been i' the market-place; and, sir, 'tis fit[3325]

You make strong party, or defend yourself[3326]

By calmness or by absence: all's in anger. 95

Men. Only fair speech.

Com. I think 'twill serve, if he[3327]

Can thereto frame his spirit.[3327]

Vol. He must, and will.

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

Cor. Must I go show them my unbarb'd sconce? must I,[3328][3329]

With my base tongue, give to my noble heart[3329] 100

A lie, that it must bear? Well, I will do't:[3330]

Yet, were there but this single plot to lose,[3331]

This mould of Marcius, they to dust should grind it,[3332]

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

You have put me now to such a part, which never[3333] 105

I shall discharge to the life.

Com. Come, come, we'll prompt you.

Vol. I prithee now, sweet son, as thou hast said[3334]

My praises made thee first a soldier, so,

To have my praise for this, perform a part

Thou hast not done before.

Cor. Well, I must do't: 110

Away, my disposition, and possess me

Some harlot's spirit! my throat of war be turn'd,

Which quired with my drum, into a pipe[3335]

Small as an eunuch, or the virgin voice[3336]

That babies lulls asleep! the smiles of knaves[3337] 115

Tent in my cheeks, and schoolboys' tears take up

The glasses of my sight! a beggar's tongue[3338]

Make motion through my lips, and my arm'd knees,

Who bow'd but in my stirrup, bend like his[3339]

That hath received an alms! I will not do't; 120

Lest I surcease to honour mine own truth,

And by my body's action teach my mind

A most inherent baseness.

Vol. At thy choice then:

To beg of thee, it is my more dishonour

Than thou of them. Come all to ruin: let 125

Thy mother rather feel thy pride than fear

Thy dangerous stoutness, for I mock at death

With as big heart as thou. Do as thou list.

Thy valiantness was mine, thou suck'dst it from me,[3340]

But owe thy pride thyself.[3341]

Cor. Pray, be content: 130

Mother, I am going to the market-place;[3342]

Chide me no more. I'll mountebank their loves,

Cog their hearts from them and come home beloved

Of all the trades in Rome. Look, I am going:

Commend me to my wife. I'll return consul; 135

Or never trust to what my tongue can do

I' the way of flattery further.

Vol. Do your will.      [Exit.[3343]

Com. Away! the tribunes do attend you: arm yourself

To answer mildly; for they are prepared[3344]

With accusations, as I hear, more strong 140

Than are upon you yet.

Cor. The word is 'mildly.' Pray you, let us go:

Let them accuse me by invention, I

Will answer in mine honour.

Men. Ay, but mildly.

Cor. Well, mildly be it then. Mildly!      [Exeunt.[3345] 145

SCENE III. The same. The Forum.[3346]

Enter SICINIUS and BRUTUS.

Bru. In this point charge him home, that he affects

Tyrannical power: if he evade us there,[3347]

Enforce him with his envy to the people;

And that the spoil got on the Antiates

Was ne'er distributed.[3348] 5

Enter an Ædile.[3349]

What, will he come?[3348]

Æd. He's coming.

Bru. How accompanied?

Æd. With old Menenius and those senators

That always favour'd him.

Sic. Have you a catalogue

Of all the voices that we have procured,[3350]

Set down by the poll?[3350][3351]

Æd. I have; 'tis ready. 10

Sic. Have you collected them by tribes?

Æd. I have.[3352]

Sic. Assemble presently the people hither:

And when they hear me say 'It shall be so

I' the right and strength o' the commons,' be it either[3353]

For death, for fine, or banishment, then let them, 15

If I say fine, cry 'Fine,' if death, cry 'Death,'

Insisting on the old prerogative[3354]

And power i' the truth o' the cause.

Æd. I shall inform them.[3355]

Bru. And when such time they have begun to cry,

Let them not cease, but with a din confused 20

Enforce the present execution

Of what we chance to sentence.

Æd. Very well.

Sic. Make them be strong, and ready for this hint,

When we shall hap to give't them.

Bru. Go about it.      [Exit Ædile.[3356]

Put him to choler straight: he hath been used 25

Ever to conquer and to have his worth[3357][3358][3359]

Of contradiction: being once chafed, he cannot[3358]

Be rein'd again to temperance; then he speaks

What's in his heart; and that is there which looks[3360]

With us to break his neck.

Sic. Well, here he comes. 30

Enter CORIOLANUS, MENENIUS, and COMINIUS, with Senators and Patricians.[3361]

Men. Calmly, I do beseech you.

Cor. Ay, as an ostler, that for the poorest piece[3362]

Will bear the knave by the volume. The honour'd gods[3363][3364]

Keep Rome in safety, and the chairs of justice[3364]

Supplied with worthy men! plant love among's![3364][3365] 35

Throng our large temples with the shows of peace,[3364][3366]

And not our streets with war![3364]

First Sen. Amen, amen.

Men. A noble wish.

Re-enter Ædile, with Citizens.[3367]

Sic. Draw near, ye people.

Æd. List to your tribunes; audience: peace, I say![3368] 40

Cor. First, hear me speak.

Both Tri. Well, say. Peace, ho![3369]

Cor. Shall I be charged no further than this present?

Must all determine here?

Sic. I do demand,

If you submit you to the people's voices,

Allow their officers, and are content 45

To suffer lawful censure for such faults

As shall be proved upon you?

Cor. I am content.

Men. Lo, citizens, he says he is content:

The warlike service he has done, consider; think[3370]

Upon the wounds his body bears, which show[3370] 50

Like graves i' the holy churchyard.[3371]

Cor. Scratches with briers,[3372]

Scars to move laughter only.[3372]

Men. Consider further,

That when he speaks not like a citizen,

You find him like a soldier: do not take

His rougher accents for malicious sounds,[3373] 55

But, as I say, such as become a soldier

Rather than envy you.

Com. Well, well, no more.[3374]

Cor. What is the matter[3375]

That being pass'd for consul with full voice,

I am so dishonour'd that the very hour[3376] 60

You take it off again?

Sic. Answer to us.

Cor. Say, then: 'tis true, I ought so.

Sic. We charge you, that you have contrived to take

From Rome all season'd office and to wind

Yourself into a power tyrannical;[3377] 65

For which you are a traitor to the people.

Cor. How! traitor!

Men. Nay, temperately; your promise.

Cor. The fires i' the lowest hell fold-in the people![3378]

Call me their traitor! Thou injurious tribune!

Within thine eyes sat twenty thousand deaths,[3379] 70

In thy hands clutch'd as many millions, in[3379]

Thy lying tongue both numbers, I would say[3380]

'Thou liest' unto thee with a voice as free

As I do pray the gods.

Sic. Mark you this, people?[3381]

Citizens. To the rock, to the rock with him![3382][3383]

Sic. Peace! 75

We need not put new matter to his charge:

What you have seen him do and heard him speak,

Beating your officers, cursing yourselves,

Opposing laws with strokes, and here defying

Those whose great power must try him; even this,[3384] 80

So criminal and in such capital kind,[3384]

Deserves the extremest death.

Bru. But since he hath[3385]

Served well for Rome—[3385][3386]

Cor. What do you prate of service?

Bru. I talk of that, that know it.[3387]

Cor. You?[3387] 85

Men. Is this the promise that you made your mother?[3387][3388]

Com. Know, I pray you,—[3387]

Cor. I'll know no further:[3389]

Let them pronounce the steep Tarpeian death,

Vagabond exile, flaying, pent to linger[3390]

But with a grain a day, I would not buy 90

Their mercy at the price of one fair word,

Nor check my courage for what they can give,[3391]

To have't with saying 'Good morrow.'

Sic. For that he has,

As much as in him lies, from time to time

Envied against the people, seeking means[3392] 95

To pluck away their power, as now at last[3393]

Given hostile strokes, and that not in the presence[3394]

Of dreaded justice, but on the ministers[3395]

That do distribute it; in the name o' the people,[3353][3396]

And in the power of us the tribunes, we, 100

Even from this instant, banish him our city,

In peril of precipitation

From off the rock Tarpeian, never more

To enter our Rome gates: i' the people's name,[3397]

I say it shall be so. 105

Citizens. It shall be so, it shall be so; let him away:[3382]

He's banish'd, and it shall be so.[3398]

Com. Hear me, my masters, and my common friends,—[3399]

Sic. He's sentenced; no more hearing.

Com. Let me speak:

I have been consul, and can show for Rome[3400] 110

Her enemies' marks upon me. I do love

My country's good with a respect more tender,[3401]

More holy and profound, than mine own life,

My dear wife's estimate, her womb's increase[3402]

And treasure of my loins; then if I would 115

Speak that—[3403]

Sic. We know your drift:—speak what?

Bru. There's no more to be said, but he is banish'd,

As enemy to the people and his country:

It shall be so.

Citizens. It shall be so, it shall be so.[3382] 120

Cor. You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate[3404]

As reek o' the rotten fens, whose loves I prize

As the dead carcasses of unburied men

That do corrupt my air, I banish you;

And here remain with your uncertainty! 125

Let every feeble rumour shake your hearts!

Your enemies, with nodding of their plumes,

Fan you into despair! Have the power still

To banish your defenders; till at length

Your ignorance, which finds not till it feels, 130

Making not reservation of yourselves,[3405]

Still your own foes, deliver you as most[3406][3407]

Abated captives to some nation[3407]

That won you without blows! Despising,[3408]

For you, the city, thus I turn my back:[3408][3409] 135

There is a world elsewhere.

[Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, Menenius, Senators and Patricians.[3410]

Æd. The people's enemy is gone, is gone!

Citizens. Our enemy is banish'd! he is gone! Hoo! hoo!

[They all shout, and throw up their caps.[3411]

Sic. Go, see him out at gates, and follow him,

As he hath follow'd you, with all despite;[3412] 140

Give him deserved vexation. Let a guard[3412]

Attend us through the city.

Citizens. Come, come, let's see him out at gates; come.[3382][3413]

The gods preserve our noble tribunes! Come.      [Exeunt.

FOOTNOTES:

[3103] ACT III. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Tertius. Ff.

Rome.] Rowe.

A street.] A publick Street. Theobald.

all the Gentry,] om. Rowe.

Lartius,] F_2 F_3. Latius, F_1. Lucius, F_4 (and throughout the scene).

[3104] road] inroad Pope.

[3105] They are] They're Pope.

[3106] [To Lartius. Theobald.

[3107] noble ... common] F_1. noble ... commons F_2 F_3 F_4. nobles ... commons Rowe.

[3108] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Senat. Ff.

[3109] Stop ... broil] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[3110] herd] F_3 F_4. heard F_1 F_2.

[3111] tongues] F_4. toungs F_1. tongs F_2 F_3.

offices?] offices F_2.

[3112] suppliants for] F_4. suppliants: for F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3113] sithence] since Pope.

[3114] Com.] Ff. Cor. Theobald.

You are like] Yes, you are like enough Hanmer.

[3115] Not ... yours] Arranged as by Johnson. One line in Ff.

[3116] Each ... yours] either ... you Hanmer.

[3117] you are] you're Pope.

[3118] never be] never to be Rowe (ed. 2). ne'er to be Pope.

[3119] abused; set on.] abus'd, set on; Rowe. abus'd: set on, Ff.

[3120] Rome] Romans Steevens conj.

[3121] Tell ... again] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the first line ends at speech.

[3122] Now ... again] Arranged as by Capell. In Ff the lines end will ... pardons: ... Meynie, ... flatter, ... againe.

[3123] My] As for my Pope, ending the lines as Ff.

[3124] For] But for Pope.

many] F_4. Meynie F_1. Meyny F_2 F_3.

[3125] Therein] there Pope.

[3126] plough'd] plow'd Rowe. plowed Ff.

[3127] they] we Pope.

[3128] disdain] disdain'd Keightley.

sought] seek Rowe.

[3129] You ... sleep,] Arranged as by Capell. In Ff the lines end God ... infirmity ... know't ... his choller?... sleep. Hanmer ends the lines were ... man ... let ... Choler!... sleep.

[3130] people] people, sir Hanmer.

[3131] if] om. Pope, ending the lines as Ff.

[3132] A man] as being a man Hanmer.

of] of of F_2.

[3133] By Jove ... remain!] Arranged as by Pope. In Ff the lines end my minde ... poison ... further ... remaine?

[3134] Hear ... Triton] Heare you this Triton F_1. Here you this Triton F_2 F_3. Hear you this, Triton F_4.

[3135] canon] Rowe. cannon Ff.

[3136] 'Shall'!... why] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff.

[3137] O good,] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). O God! Ff. O Gods! Heath conj.

[3138] reckless] Hanmer. wreaklesse F_1 F_2. wreakless F_3 F_4.

[3139] here] F_3 F_4. heere F_1 F_2. leave Collier (Collier MS. and Long MS.) heart Leo conj.

[3140] monster's] Edd. monsters Ff. monster Capell.

[3141] If he ... by you] See note (VI).

[3142] vail] F_4. vale F_1 F_2 F_3.

ignorance] impotence Collier (Collier MS.) signorie or signories Staunton conj.

[3143] awake ... lenity] revoke ... bounty Collier (Collier MS.) revoke ... lenity Grant White.

[3144] awake] abate Jervis conj. awake from Bailey conj. away Leo conj.

[3145] learn'd] Ff. learned Rowe.

[3146] common] commons' Staunton conj.

[3147] You are] You're Pope.

[3148] blended, the] Ff. blended; the Rowe.

great'st] Ff. greatest Rowe. general Mason conj. gross Anon. conj.

taste] state Hudson (Singer conj.)

[3149] Most palates] Must palate Johnson conj.

[3150] Cor.] Com. F_2.

[3151] o'] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3152] Greece,—] Greece— F_3 F_4. Greece. F_1 F_2.

[3153] I say ... state] Arranged as by Pope. One line in Ff. Prose in Rowe.

[3154] they] the F_2.

[3155] Why,] Why Ff. om. Hanmer.

[3156] worthier] F_1. worthie F_2. worthy F_3 F_4.

voices] voice Theobald.

[3157] our] their Hanmer and Southern conj. MS. for Ingleby conj.

well] om. Theobald.

[3158] Their] F_3 F_4. There F_1. Thare F_2.

[3159] native] Ff. motive Singer (Johnson and Heath conj.)

[3160] donation] denotion F_3.

[3161] bisson multitude] Dyce (Collier MS.) bissom multitude Singer. bosome-multiplied Ff.

[3162] poll] Rowe. pole Ff.

[3163] They] Thy F_3.

[3164] Call ... eagles] Arranged as in Ff. In Pope the first two lines end ope ... crows.

[3165] cares] caresses Anon. conj.

time] time to come or after time Anon. conj.

[3166] ope] open F_4.

[3167] enough] enough, enough Hanmer.

[3168] by, both] Ff. by. Both Warburton.

[3169] Where one] Rowe. Whereon Ff.

[3170] reason] F_1. season F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3171] ignorance,—it must omit] Capell. ignorance, it must omit F_1 F_3 F_4. ignorance, it must omit: F_2.

[3172] slightness] sleights Badham conj.

[3173] purpose ... purpose] Put in brackets as spurious by Warburton.

[3174] doubt] do Hanmer.

on 't] F_1. oft F_2. of't F_3 F_4.

[3175] jump] F_3 F_4. iumpe F_1. jumpe F_2. vamp Pope. imp Singer. purge Staunton conj.

[3176] it] om. Pope.

[3177] become 't] become it Rowe.

[3178] control 't] controul it Rowe.]

Has] F_1 F_2. Ha's F_3. H'as F_4. He has Capell.

[3179] Has] Dyce. Ha's F_1 F_2 F_3. H'as F_4. He has Capell.

[3180] bench: in a rebellion,] bench. In a rebellion, Pope. bench, in a rebellion: Ff.

[3181] what's not] not what's Anon. conj.

[3182] it must be meet] that must be law Hanmer. it must be law Warburton.

[3183] Enter an Ædile.] Ff (after line 172). Omitted by Pope. Ædiles enter. Theobald.

[3184] [Exit Ædile] Collier. Exit Brutus. Capell. om. Ff.

myself] I myself Keightley.

[Laying hold on Coriolanus. Rowe.

[3185] Senators, &c.] All. Ff. Sen. and Pat. Malone.

Aged sir] Rowe. Ag'd sir Ff. Hold, aged sir Hanmer. My aged sir Capell.

[3186] Help, ye] Malone. Helpe ye F_1 F_2. Help me F_3 F_4.

Enter....] Enter a rabble of Plebeians with the Ædiles. Ff. Re-enter Brutus, with Ædiles, and a whole rabble of Citizens. Capell.

[3187] SCENE II. Pope.

[3188] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff (and elsewhere).

[3189] Senators, &c.] Edd. 2. Sen. Ff.

They ... crying, 'Tribunes!' ...] Edd. They ... Coriolanus. Tribunes,.... Ff. They ... Coriolanus. 1. S. Tribunes,.... Capell. See note (VII).

[3190] 'Peace....] Edd. All. Peace.... Ff.

[3191] Confusion's near] F_3 F_4. Confusions neere F_1. Confusions ne're F_2.

cannot speak. You] cannot.—Speak you, Rann (Mason conj.)

[3192] To the people!] Omitted by Pope. Speak to the people. Tyrwhitt conj.

[3193] To ... Sicinius] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3194] good] om. Pope, reading Coriolanus ... Sicinius, as one line.

[3195] hear] here F_1.

peace!] peace, ho! Hanmer.

Speak] Four times in Keightley.

[3196] have named] nam'd Pope. chose Capell.

[3197] Fie ... quench.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3198] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sena. Ff.

[3199] True, ... city.] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3200] By ... magistrates.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3201] Com.] Ff. Cor. Pope.

[3202] of] on Rowe.

[3203] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All Ple. Ff.

[3204] Hear ... a word.] As in Johnson. Prose in Ff.

[3205] tribunes] Ye tribunes Hanmer (ending line 215 at beseech you). Good tribunes Capell.

[3206] [To Brutus] Edd.

friend] Ff. friends Rowe.

[3207] poisonous] poisons Rann (Johnson conj.)

[3208] upon] on Pope.

[3209] [Drawing his sword.] Capell. Corio. drawes his Sword. Ff, after rock.

[3210] seen me] seen me do Keightley.

[3211] Help Marcius, help,] Help, help Marcius, help, Hanmer. Help Marcius! help, help, Keightley.

[3212] Help ... old!] As verse, first by Hanmer. Prose in Ff.

[3213] [In....] Exeunt. In.... Ff.

A great Mutiny: Tribunes, Ædiles, and People are beat in. Capell.

[3214] SCENE III. Pope.

your] Rowe. our Ff.

[3215] Sec. Sen.] Com. Capell.

gone.] gone, away! Hanmer.

Com.] Cor. Warburton. 2. S. Capell.

[3216] Stand ... enemies.] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3217] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sena. Ff.

[3218] upon us] om. Pope.

us] us, F_1 F_4. us. F_2 F_3.

[3219] Com.] F_2 F_3 F_4. Corio. F_1.

[3220] Cor. I ... Capitol,— Men. Be gone: ... another. Steevens, 1773 (Tyrwhitt conj.) Men. I ... Capitoll: Be gone ... another. Ff. Cor. I ... Capitol.—Be gone. Men. Put ... another. Steevens (1778).

[3221] Be gone] Be gone, be gone Hanmer, ending the line at rage.

[3222] Be gone: ... tongue:] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3223] will] we'll Becket conj.

owe] own Jackson conj.

Cor.] Corio. F_1. Com. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3224] On ... them.] As in Capell. Prose in Ff.

[3225] I ... tribunes.] Arranged as by Capell, who omits of them. Prose in Ff.

myself ... yea] myself, I think, ... yea, even Hanmer, ending the line at brace.

[3226] o' the] of the Steevens.

of them] om. Capell.

[3227] whether] if Pope.

[3228] Nay,] om. Pope.

Cominius, and others.] Capell. and Cominius. Ff.

[3229] SCENE IV. Pope.

First Patrician.] 1. P. Capell. Patri. Ff. 1. Sen. Rowe.

[3230] Or ... mouth] Or Jove for's thunder; 's heart is in his mouth Badham conj.

for 's] for his Capell.

his mouth] in his mouth Keightley.

[3231] Sec. Pat] 2. Pat. Malone. Patri. Ff. 1. P. Capell.

a-bed] in bed Farmer conj. MS.

[3232] What ... fair?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3233] Re-enter ... rabble.] Malone. Enter ... rabble againe. Ff.

[3234] That ... himself?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3235] would] will Steevens (1773, 1778, 1785).

[3236] tribunes—] Rowe. Tribunes. Ff.

[3237] of the] of Pope.

[3238] He ... hands.] As in Johnson. Two lines, the first ending are, in Ff.

[3239] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff. Cit. [Several speak together. Malone.

[3240] shall, sure on't] shall sure ont F_1. shall sure out F_2 F_3 F_4. shall be sure on't Pope. shall, be sure on't Theobald. shall, Be sure on't Hanmer, reading The people's ... shall as one line. shall, sure, out Capell. shall sore on't, Malone conj., meaning perhaps, shall sore rue't.

Sir, sir,—] Sir, Sir. Ff. Sirs,— Capell, ending the line at Peace! Sir,— Steevens (1793).

[3241] not] nor F_2.

[3242] Sir ... rescue?] Arranged as in Pope. Line 276 ends at holpe in Ff.

[3243] comes 't that] Capell. com'st that Ff. comes it that Rowe. comes it Pope.

[3244] Hear ... faults,—] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending know, in Ff.

[3245] He consul!] He the consul!— Hanmer. Keightley ends the line at No.

[3246] If ... people,] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

[3247] I would] I'd Pope.

[3248] viperous] F_4. Viporous F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3249] one] our Theobald. moe Edd. conj.

[3250] deserved] deserving Pope.

[3251] enemies,] Ff. enemies? Hanmer.

[3252] do't] F_3 F_4. doo't F_1. doo' F_2.

[3253] kam] F_4. kamme F_1 F_2. kamm F_3. wrong Pope.

[3254] when ... him] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3255] Men.] Sicin. Hanmer (Warburton).

[3256] foot Being] foot— Sic. Being Seymour conj.

[3257] is] it is Pope.

[3258] was.] was— Rowe. was? Steevens.

[3259] catching] a catching F_4.

[3260] one word.] hear me one word: Hanmer. one word, I say. Seymour conj.

[3261] to's] t' its Johnson.

[3262] If it were so—] F_3 F_4. If it were so? F_1 F_2. If 'twere so— Pope. If it were so, That he would yield obedience— or If it were so, And he would prove obedient— Badham conj.

[3263] smote] F_4. smot F_1 F_2 F_3.

resisted? Come] resisted? come— Hanmer. resisted: come. F_1. resisted come. F_2. resisted, come. F_3 F_4. resisted, come— Rowe.

[3264] has] hath Rowe.

[3265] he] Rowe. a Ff.

[3266] bring him] Pope. bring him in peace. Ff.

[3267] bring him ... In peace, to] bring him in peace Where ... lawful Form to Keightley.

[3268] humane] human Rowe.

[3269] Noble ... officer.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3270] market-place] forum Pope.

attend] tend Badham conj.

[3271] to you] to you strait Seymour conj. to you there Keightley.

[3272] Capell ends the lines Let me ... what.

[3273] [To the Senators] Hanmer.

[3274] worst] worse Warburton.

you] om. Pope.

let's] let us Capell.

First Sen.] Rowe. Sena. Ff.

[Exeunt.] Rowe. Exeunt Omnes. Ff.

[3275] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope. om. Ff.

A room....] Malone. A Hall.... Capell. The House of Coriolanus. Pope.

Patricians.] Capell. Nobles. Ff.

[3276] to them] om. Seymour conj.

them.] them. Enter Volumnia. Ff.

A Patrician.] Pat. Capell. Noble. Ff.

You ... nobler] You do the noble lady Volumnia wrong herein. or You do ... in this. Badham conj. You do the nobler part. Keightley.

[3277] my] om. Seymour conj.

[3278] me further] my father Badham conj.

[3279] woollen] Rowe. Wollen Ff. wooden Capell conj. (withdrawn).

[3280] to yawn] yawn Pope.

[3281] Enter Volumnia.] Transferred from line 6 by Dyce (Collier MS.)

[To his mother. Hanmer.

[3282] I play ... I am] I play Truly the man I am Hanmer. I play Nobly the man I am Capell. you are glad I play the man I am Badham conj.

[3283] sir, sir, sir,] son, son, son, Collier (Collier MS.)

[3284] Let go.] F_1. Let goe. F_2. Lets go. F_3. Let's go. F_4 Let it go. Theobald. Why, let it go— Hanmer. Let it go all. Ritson conj. Let go, let go Anon. conj.

[3285] lesser] less Anon. conj.

[3286] thwartings of] Theobald. things of Ff. things that thwart Rowe.

dispositions] disposition Hanmer.

[3287] ye] you Hanmer.

[3288] come ... it.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3289] You have] you've Pope.

[3290] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sen. Ff.

[3291] as little apt] as little soft Singer conj. of mettle apt Staunton conj. as lightly rapt Leo conj. as little warp’d Bullock conj.

as yours,] as yours To brook control without the use of anger, Collier MS. as yours To brook reproof without the use of anger, Collier (ed. 2). as yours to yield, Keightley.

[3292] to the herd] Theobald (Warburton). to' th' heart Ff. o' the heart Collier (Collier MS.)

[3293] o'] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

time] times Rowe (ed. 2).

[3294] I would] I’d Pope.

[3295] What ... spoke] Two lines, the first ending Well, in Capell.

[3296] to the gods] for the gods Rowe.

[3297] I have] I've Pope.

[3298] lose] F_3 F_4. loose F_1 F_2. loses Pope.

[3299] adopt] F_1 F_2 F_3. adapt F_4. call Pope.

is it] Ff. is't Pope.

[3300] honour] policy Seymour conj.

[3301] Because ... syllables] As in Malone. As six lines in Ff, ending that ... people ... matter ... words ... tongue; ... syllables. Capell ends the lines Because, ... people ... matter ... words, ... bastards, reading with F_2 in line 54.

[3302] that now] om. Pope, reading Because ... people as one line.

you on] on you Pope.

[3303] which your ... you] F_1. which your ... you to F_2 F_3 F_4. your ... you to Seymour conj. which your ... you with Keightley. which your own ... you Anon. conj.

[3304] that are] om. Pope.

roted in] Malone. roated in Ff. roated on Hanmer. rooted in Johnson.

[3305] though but] om. Pope. though nought but Jervis conj.]

though ... syllables] but bastards Capell. though but bastards, syllables Seymour conj. thought's bastards and but syllables Badham conj. thought's bastards, and persuading syllables or thought's bastards, and glib syllables Staunton conj.

[3306] allowance] alliance Capell (Johnson conj.)

to] from Mason conj.

[3307] I am] I'm Pope.

this,] Capell (Johnson conj.) this Ff.

[3308] son, these ... nobles;] son, these ... nobles.— Theobald (Warburton). sonne: these ... nobles, Ff.

[3309] lady!] Rowe. lady, Ff.

[3310] Not] Not only Keightley.

[3311] this] thy Malone conj.

[3312] stretch'd it ... bussing] stretch'd it, with thy knee [here bends] Bussing Badham conj.

[3313] be with] bow to Anon. conj.

them] After this S. Walker conjectures that part of a line, ending thy knee, is lost.

[3314] waving ... often, thus,] baring ... softens: thus, Jackson conj.

[3315] waving] vailing Badham conj.

head] hand Hanmer (Warburton).

[3316] head, Which ... thus,] head—Which, often; thus Grant White. head Often thus, which Keightley.

[3317] Which often] With often Johnson conj. And often Capell. While often Staunton conj. Whiles-often Nicholson conj.

[3318] Which often, thus, ... humble] (Which humble thus;) ... soften'd Tyrwhitt conj. Which ... caractering, the stout hearts Now tumble Becket conj. Now humble—thus ... Which soften Badham conj.

[3319] often] soften Hanmer (Warburton).

[3320] Now ... That] Bow ... That Mason conj. Now's ... That Collier MS. That ... Now Reed (1803).

[3321] or] om. Hanmer.

[3322] they] them Hanmer.

[3323] speaks] speaks it Capell. why, their] why, all their Pope.

[3324] thou hadst] thou'dst Pope. thou would'st Seymour conj.

[3325] I have] I've Theobald.

[3326] make] have Rowe.

[3327] I think ... spirit] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Prose in Ff.

[3328] unbarb'd] Ff. unbarbed Rowe. imbared Becket conj. embarbed Nicholson conj.

[3329] must I, With ... heart] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

must I, With my] Must my Pope.

[3330] bear? Well,] Pope. beare well? Ff.

[3331] plot to lose,] Theobald. plot, to loose F_1 F_2. plot, to lose F_3 F_4. pelt to lose, Hanmer.

[3332] grind] bring Rowe.

[3333] You have] You've Pope.

which] See note (VIII).

[3334] I prithee] Ay, prithee Rowe.

[3335] quired] quier'd Ff.

drum, into a pipe] Pope. drum, into a pipe, Rowe. drumme into a pipe, Ff.

[3336] eunuch] eunuch's Hanmer.

[3337] lulls] Rowe. lull Ff.

[3338] sight] fight F_2.

[3339] Who] Which Pope.

[3340] suck'dst] Rowe (ed. 2). suck'st Ff.

[3341] owe] F_1. owne F_2. own F_3 F_4. ow'st Collier MS.

[3342] I am] I'm Pope.

[3343] [Exit.] Exit Volumnia. Ff.

[3344] they are] they're Pope, ending line 138 at arm.

[3345] Mildly!] (as you say,) mildly! Seymour conj. mildly be it then! Keightley.

[3346] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE VI. Pope.

The same. The Forum.] The Forum. Pope.

[3347] Tyrannical] Tyrannic Pope.

[3348] Was ... come?] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3349] Enter an Ædile.] As in Capell. In Ff it is placed after come?

[3350] Of all ... poll?] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3351] poll?] Rowe. pole? Ff.

ready] ready, here Pope.

[3352] I have] F_1. I have: 'tis ready F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3353] o'] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3354] the old] their old Collier MS.

[3355] And ... them] And power. Æd. In the ... them. Mason conj.

i' the truth] o'er the truth Johnson conj. i' the teeth Badham conj.

shall] will Rowe.

[3356] Go about] Go, about Capell.

[Exit Ædile.] Pope. om. Ff.

[3357] conquer] canker Bullock conj.

[3358] and ... being] and (to have his worth) Of contradiction being Badham conj.

his worth Of] no word Of Hanmer. his word, Off Warburton.

[3359] worth] Ff. word Rowe. 'worth Capell. wroth Becket conj. mouth Collier (Collier MS.) wreak Keightley.

[3360] looks] works Hanmer.

[3361] Enter ... Senators and Patricians.] Enter ... others. Ff (after neck).

Senators and Patricians] Capell.

[3362] ostler] Hanmer. hostler Ff.

for the] F_3 F_4. for th' F_2. fourth F_1.

[3363] Will ... gods] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

the knave] 'thou knave' Anon. conj.

[3364] The ... war!] Com. The ... war! Anon. conj.

[3365] Supplied] Ff. Supply Pope.

among's!] Dyce. amongs F_1. amongst you, F_2 F_3 F_4. amongst you Pope. among us! Capell.

[3366] Throng] Theobald and Warburton. Through Ff.

[3367] Re-enter ...] Capell. Enter the Edile with the Plebeians. Ff.

[3368] List ... I say] As in Steevens. Two lines in Ff.

[3369] say.] Sir, say on.—Steevens conj.

ho!] ho! say on Seymour conj.

[3370] think Upon] Ff. Think on Pope, reading Think ... shew as one line.

[3371] churchyard] yard Badham conj.

[3372] Scratches ... only] As in Capell. Two lines, the first ending move, in Ff. One line in Theobald.

[3373] accents] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). actions Ff.

[3374] envy you.] envy, you— Pope. envy to you. Keightley.

more.] more. [To Cor. Capell.

[3375] What] I will:—What Capell.

[3376] I am] I'm Pope.

so] om. Rowe (ed. 2).

the] i' the Keightley.

[3377] into] unto F_4.

[3378] fires] fire's Warburton (a misprint).

hell fold-in] hell fold in Pope. hell. Fould in F_1. hell, Fould in F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3379] deaths, In ... clutch'd as ... millions, in] deaths, In ... clucht as ... millions, in F_3 F_4 (clutcht F_4). deaths In ... clutcht: as ... millions in F_1 F_2.

[3380] lying] brutal or tribune Seymour conj.

numbers, I] F_3 F_4. numbers. I F_1 F_2.

[3381] As I do] As when I Seymour conj.

this, people] F_4. this people F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3382] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff.

[3383] To the rock, to the rock with him] To 'th' Rocke, to 'th' Rocke with him F_1. To 'th' Rocke with him F_2 F_3 F_4. To the rock with him, to the rock with him Capell.

[3384] even this ... kind] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3385] But ... Rome] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3386] Rome—] F_3 F_4. Rome. F_1 F_2.

[3387] I talk ... know] Two lines, the first ending Is this, in Capell.

[3388] mother?] F_2 F_3 F_4. mother F_1.

[3389] you,—] you.— Rowe. you. Ff. you, yet to— Seymour conj.

further] F_1 F_2. farther F_3 F_4.

[3390] flaying, pent] fleaing, pent Ff. fleaing. Pent Johnson.

[3391] courage] carriage Collier (Collier MS. and Singer MS.)

[3392] Envied] Inveigh'd Becket conj.

[3393] as now] has now Hanmer. and now Hudson conj.

[3394] not in the] not only in Hanmer.

presence] presence only Keightley.

[3395] justice] justice only Mason conj.

[3396] do] F_3 F_4. doe F_2. doth F_1.

it; in] Theobald. it, In Rowe (ed. 2). it. In Ff.

[3397] Rome] Rome's Rowe.

[3398] it shall be so] so it shall be Steevens (1793), reading it shall be so; let him away: he's banish'd, as one line.

[3399] friends,—] friends— Rowe. friends. Ff.

[3400] for] Theobald. from Ff. 'fore Anon. conj.

[3401] country's] Rowe. countries Ff.

[3402] wife's] Rowe. wives Ff.

[3403] that—] Rowe. that. Ff. that I know,— Capell.

[3404] hate] rate Badham conj.

[3405] not] Capell. but Ff.

[3406] foes] enemies Pope.

[3407] as most ... nation] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3408] blows!... city, thus] Capell. blows. Despising then For you, the city, thus Pope. blowes, despising For you the City. Thus Ff. blows! Despising, therefore For ... thus Steevens conj. blows! Despising you, For you, the city, thus Jackson conj. blows! Despising, for you, The city, thus Keightley.

[3409] back] back upon it Keightley.

[3410] elsewhere.] elsewhere— Pope.

[Exeunt ...] Exit Coriolanus: Menenius, Cominius, Sen. and Pat. follow. Capell. Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, with Cumalijs. F_1 F_2. Exeunt Coriolanus, Cominius, cum aliis. F_3 F_4.

[3411] enemy is] enemy's Singer.

Hoo! hoo!] Hoo, hoo. F_3 F_4. Hoo, oo. F_1 F_2. Omitted by Capell.

[They all ...] Ff (after Exeunt, &c.)

[3412] you, with all despite; Give] Capell. you, with all despight Give F_1 F_2. you, with all despight, Give F_3 F_4.

[3413] let's] lets Ff. let us Steevens.

gates] F_1. the gates F_2 F_3 F_4.

gates; come.] gates; come, come. Keightley (Capell conj.)

ACT IV.

SCENE I. Rome. Before a gate of the city.

Enter CORIOLANUS, VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, MENENIUS, COMINIUS, with the young Nobility of Rome.[3414]

Cor. Come, leave your tears; a brief farewell: the beast

With many heads butts me away. Nay, mother,

Where is your ancient courage? you were used

To say extremity was the trier of spirits;[3415]

That common chances common men could bear;[3416] 5

That when the sea was calm all boats alike

Show'd mastership in floating; fortune's blows,[3417]

When most struck home, being gentle wounded, craves[3417][3418][3419]

A noble cunning: you were used to load me[3419][3420]

With precepts that would make invincible 10

The heart that conn'd them.

Vir. O heavens! O heavens!

Cor. Nay, I prithee, woman,—[3421]

Vol. Now the red pestilence strike all trades in Rome,

And occupations perish!

Cor. What, what, what!

I shall be loved when I am lack'd. Nay, mother, 15

Resume that spirit, when you were wont to say,

If you had been the wife of Hercules,

Six of his labours you'ld have done, and saved

Your husband so much sweat. Cominius,

Droop not; adieu. Farewell, my wife, my mother: 20

I'll do well yet. Thou old and true Menenius,

Thy tears are salter than a younger man's,

And venomous to thine eyes. My sometime general,

I have seen thee stern, and thou hast oft beheld[3422]

Heart-hardening spectacles; tell these sad women, 25

'Tis fond to wail inevitable strokes,

As 'tis to laugh at 'em. My mother, you wot well[3423]

My hazards still have been your solace: and

Believe 't not lightly—though I go alone,

Like to a lonely dragon, that his fen[3424] 30

Makes fear'd and talk'd of more than seen—your son

Will or exceed the common, or be caught[3425]

With cautelous baits and practice.

Vol. My first son,[3426]

Whither wilt thou go? Take good Cominius[3427]

With thee awhile: determine on some course,[3428] 35

More than a wild exposture to each chance[3429]

That starts i' the way before thee.

Cor. O the gods![3430]

Com. I'll follow thee a month, devise with thee

Where thou shalt rest, that thou mayst hear of us

And we of thee: so, if the time thrust forth 40

A cause for thy repeal, we shall not send

O'er the vast world to seek a single man,

And lose advantage, which doth ever cool

I' the absence of the needer.[3431]

Cor. Fare ye well:

Thou hast years upon thee; and thou art too full[3432] 45

Of the wars' surfeits, to go rove with one[3433]

That's yet unbruised: bring me but out at gate.

Come, my sweet wife, my dearest mother, and

My friends of noble touch, when I am forth,

Bid me farewell, and smile. I pray you, come. 50

While I remain above the ground, you shall

Hear from me still, and never of me aught

But what is like me formerly.

Men. That's worthily

As any ear can hear. Come, let's not weep.

If I could shake off but one seven years 55

From these old arms and legs, by the good gods,

I'ld with thee every foot.

Cor. Give me thy hand:

Come.      [Exeunt.[3434]

SCENE II. The same. A street near the gate.[3435]

Enter the two Tribunes, SICINIUS and BRUTUS, with the Ædile.

Sic. Bid them all home; he's gone, and we'll no further.

The nobility are vex'd, whom we see have sided[3436]

In his behalf.

Bru. Now we have shown our power,

Let us seem humbler after it is done

Than when it was a-doing.

Sic. Bid them home: 5

Say their great enemy is gone and they

Stand in their ancient strength.

Bru. Dismiss them home.      [Exit Ædile.[3437][3438]

Here comes his mother.[3437]

Enter VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, and MENENIUS.[3439]

Sic. Let's not meet her.

Bru. Why?

Sic. They say she's mad.[3440]

Bru. They have ta'en note of us: keep on your way.[3440] 10

Vol. O, ye're well met: the hoarded plague o' the gods[3441][3442]

Requite your love![3442][3443]

Men. Peace, peace; be not so loud.

Vol. If that I could for weeping, you should hear,—

Nay, and you shall hear some. [To Brutus] Will you be gone?[3444]

Vir. [To Sicinius] You shall stay too: I would I had the power[3445][3446]15

To say so to my husband.[3446][3447]

Sic. Are you mankind?

Vol. Ay, fool; is that a shame? Note but this fool.

Was not a man my father? Hadst thou foxship

To banish him that struck more blows for Rome[3448]

Than thou hast spoken words?[3449]

Sic. O blessed heavens! 20

Vol. Moe noble blows than ever thou wise words;[3450]

And for Rome's good. I'll tell thee what; yet go:[3451]

Nay, but thou shalt stay too: I would my son

Were in Arabia, and thy tribe before him,

His good sword in his hand.

Sic. What then?

Vir. What then![3452][3453] 25

He'ld make an end of thy posterity.[3452][3453]

Vol. Bastards and all.[3452]

Good man, the wounds that he does bear for Rome![3452]

Men. Come, come, peace.

Sic. I would he had continued to his country 30

As he began, and not unknit himself

The noble knot he made.[3454]

Bru. I would he had.

Vol. 'I would he had!' 'Twas you incensed the rabble;

Cats, that can judge as fitly of his worth[3455]

As I can of those mysteries which heaven 35

Will not have earth to know.

Bru. Pray, let us go.[3456]

Vol. Now, pray, sir, get you gone:

You have done a brave deed. Ere you go, hear this:[3457]

As far as doth the Capitol exceed

The meanest house in Rome, so far my son— 40

This lady's husband here, this, do you see?—

Whom you have banish'd, does exceed you all.

Bru. Well, well, we'll leave you.

Sic. Why stay we to be baited[3458]

With one that wants her wits?

Vol. Take my prayers with you.

[Exeunt Tribunes.[3459]

I would the gods had nothing else to do[3460] 45

But to confirm my curses! Could I meet 'em[3461]

But once a-day, it would unclog my heart

Of what lies heavy to 't.

Men. You have told them home;[3462][3463]

And, by my troth, you have cause. You'll sup with me?[3462][3464]

Vol. Anger's my meat; I sup upon myself, 50

And so shall starve with feeding. Come, let's go:[3465]

Leave this faint puling, and lament as I do,[3466]

In anger, Juno-like. Come, come, come.[3467]

[Exeunt Vol. and Vir.[3468]

Men. Fie, fie, fie!      [Exit.[3467][3469]

SCENE III. A highway between Rome and Antium.

Enter a Roman and a Volsce, meeting.[3470]

Rom. I know you well, sir, and you know me: your

name, I think, is Adrian.

Vols. It is so, sir: truly, I have forgot you.

Rom. I am a Roman; and my services are, as you are,[3471]

against 'em: know you me yet?[3472] 5

Vols. Nicanor? no.[3473]

Rom. The same, sir.

Vols. You had more beard when I last saw you; but

your favour is well appeared by your tongue. What's the[3474]

news in Rome? I have a note from the Volscian state, to 10

find you out there: you have well saved me a day's journey.[3475]

Rom. There hath been in Rome strange insurrections;[3476]

the people against the senators, patricians and nobles.

Vols. Hath been! is it ended then? Our state thinks[3477]

not so: they are in a most warlike preparation, and hope 15

to come upon them in the heat of their division.

Rom. The main blaze of it is past, but a small thing

would make it flame again: for the nobles receive so to

heart the banishment of that worthy Coriolanus, that they

are in a ripe aptness to take all power from the people and 20

to pluck from them their tribunes for ever. This lies glowing,

I can tell you, and is almost mature for the violent

breaking out.

Vols. Coriolanus banished!

Rom. Banished, sir. 25

Vols. You will be welcome with this intelligence,

Nicanor.

Rom. The day serves well for them now. I have heard

it said, the fittest time to corrupt a man's wife is when she's

fallen out with her husband. Your noble Tullus Aufidius 30

will appear well in these wars, his great opposer, Coriolanus,[3478]

being now in no request of his country.

Vols. He cannot choose. I am most fortunate, thus

accidentally to encounter you: you have ended my business,

and I will merrily accompany you home. 35

Rom. I shall, between this and supper, tell you most

strange things from Rome; all tending to the good of their

adversaries. Have you an army ready, say you?

Vols. A most royal one; the centurions and their

charges, distinctly billeted, already in the entertainment, 40

and to be on foot at an hour's warning.

Rom. I am joyful to hear of their readiness, and am

the man, I think, that shall set them in present action. So,

sir, heartily well met, and most glad of your company.

Vols. You take my part from me, sir; I have the most[3479] 45

cause to be glad of yours.

Rom. Well, let us go together.      [Exeunt.

SCENE IV. Antium. Before Aufidius's house.[3480]

Enter CORIOLANUS in mean apparel, disguised and muffled.

Cor. A goodly city is this Antium. City,

'Tis I that made thy widows: many an heir

Of these fair edifices 'fore my wars[3481]

Have I heard groan and drop: then know me not;

Lest that thy wives with spits, and boys with stones,[3482] 5

In puny battle slay me.

Enter a Citizen.[3483]

Save you, sir.

Cit. And you.

Cor. Direct me, if it be your will,[3484]

Where great Aufidius lies: is he in Antium?[3484]

Cit. He is, and feasts the nobles of the state[3484]

At his house this night.[3484]

Cor. Which is his house, beseech you?[3485] 10

Cit. This, here, before you.

Cor. Thank you, sir: farewell.

[Exit Citizen.

O world, thy slippery turns! Friends now fast sworn,

Whose double bosoms seem to wear one heart,[3486]

Whose hours, whose bed, whose meal and exercise[3487]

Are still together, who twin, as 'twere, in love[3488] 15

Unseparable, shall within this hour,

On a dissension of a doit, break out

To bitterest enmity: so, fellest foes,

Whose passions and whose plots have broke their sleep

To take the one the other, by some chance, 20

Some trick not worth an egg, shall grow dear friends

And interjoin their issues. So with me:

My birth-place hate I, and my love's upon[3489]

This enemy town. I'll enter: if he slay me,[3490]

He does fair justice; if he give me way, 25

I'll do his country service.      [Exit.

SCENE V. The same. A hall in Aufidius's house.[3491]

Music within. Enter a Servingman.

First Serv. Wine, wine, wine!—What service is here!

I think our fellows are asleep.      [Exit.[3492]

Enter another Servingman.

Sec. Serv. Where's Cotus? my master calls for him.[3493]

Cotus!      [Exit.

Enter CORIOLANUS.

Cor. A goodly house: the feast smells well; but I[3494][3495] 5

Appear not like a guest.[3494][3496]

Re-enter the first Servingman.[3497]

First Serv. What would you have, friend? whence are

you? Here's no place for you: pray, go to the door.      [Exit.[3498]

Cor. I have deserved no better entertainment,[3499]

In being Coriolanus.[3499] 10

Re-enter second Servingman.[3500]

Sec. Serv. Whence are you, sir? Has the porter his

eyes in his head, that he gives entrance to such companions?

Pray, get you out.

Cor. Away!

Sec. Serv. 'Away!' get you away. 15

Cor. Now thou'rt troublesome.[3501]

Sec. Serv. Are you so brave? I'll have you talked

with anon.[3502]

Enter a third Servingman. The first meets him.[3503]

Third Serv. What fellow's this?

First Serv. A strange one as ever I looked on: I cannot[3504] 20

get him out o' the house: prithee, call my master to him.

[Retires.[3505]

Third Serv. What have you to do here, fellow? Pray

you, avoid the house.

Cor. Let me but stand; I will not hurt your hearth.

Third Serv. What are you? 25

Cor. A gentleman.

Third Serv. A marvellous poor one.

Cor. True, so I am.

Third Serv. Pray you, poor gentleman, take up some

other station; here's no place for you; pray you, avoid: 30

come.[3506]

Cor. Follow your function, go, and batten on cold bits.[3507]

[Pushes him away from him.

Third Serv. What, you will not? Prithee, tell my[3508]

master what a strange guest he has here.

Sec. Serv. And I shall.      [Exit.[3509] 35

Third Serv. Where dwell'st thou?[3510]

Cor. Under the canopy.

Third Serv. Under the canopy!

Cor. Ay.

Third Serv. Where's that? 40

Cor. I' the city of kites and crows.

Third Serv. I' the city of kites and crows! What an[3511]

ass it is! Then thou dwell'st with daws too?[3510]

Cor. No, I serve not thy master.

Third Serv. How, sir! do you meddle with my master? 45

Cor. Ay; 'tis an honester service than to meddle with[3512]

thy mistress:[3512]

Thou pratest, and pratest; serve with thy trencher, hence!

[Beats him away. Exit third Servingman.

Enter AUFIDIUS with the second Servingman.[3513]

Auf. Where is this fellow?

Sec. Serv. Here, sir: I'ld have beaten him like a dog, 50

but for disturbing the lords within.      [Retires.[3514]

Auf. Whence comest thou? what wouldst thou? thy name?[3515]

Why speak'st not? speak, man: what's thy name?[3516]

Cor. [Unmuffling] If, Tullus,[3517][3518]

Not yet thou knowest me, and, seeing me, dost not[3518]

Think me for the man I am, necessity[3518][3519] 55

Commands me name myself.[3518][3520]

Auf. What is thy name?

Cor. A name unmusical to the Volscians' ears,[3521]

And harsh in sound to thine.

Auf. Say, what's thy name?

Thou hast a grim appearance, and thy face

Bears a command in 't; though thy tackle's torn,[3522] 60

Thou show'st a noble vessel: what's thy name?

Cor. Prepare thy brow to frown:—know'st thou me yet?

Auf. I know thee not:—thy name?[3523]

Cor. My name is Caius Marcius, who hath done[3524]

To thee particularly, and to all the Volsces, 65

Great hurt and mischief; thereto witness may

My surname, Coriolanus: the painful service,

The extreme dangers, and the drops of blood

Shed for my thankless country, are requited[3525]

But with that surname; a good memory,[3526] 70

And witness of the malice and displeasure

Which thou shouldst bear me: only that name remains:[3527]

The cruelty and envy of the people,[3528]

Permitted by our dastard nobles, who

Have all forsook me, hath devour'd the rest; 75

And suffer'd me by the voice of slaves to be

Whoop'd out of Rome. Now, this extremity[3529]

Hath brought me to thy hearth: not out of hope—

Mistake me not—to save my life, for if

I had fear'd death, of all the men i' the world 80

I would have 'voided thee; but in mere spite,[3530]

To be full quit of those my banishers,

Stand I before thee here. Then if thou hast

A heart of wreak in thee, that wilt revenge[3531]

Thine own particular wrongs and stop those maims[3532] 85

Of shame seen through thy country, speed thee straight,[3532]

And make my misery serve thy turn: so use it

That my revengeful services may prove

As benefits to thee; for I will fight

Against my canker'd country with the spleen 90

Of all the under fiends. But if so be

Thou darest not this and that to prove more fortunes

Thou'rt tired, then, in a word, I also am[3533]

Longer to live most weary, and present

My throat to thee and to thy ancient malice; 95

Which not to cut would show thee but a fool,[3534]

Since I have ever follow'd thee with hate,

Drawn tuns of blood out of thy country's breast,

And cannot live but to thy shame, unless

It be to do thee service.

Auf. O Marcius, Marcius![3535] 100

Each word thou hast spoke hath weeded from my heart[3536]

A root of ancient envy. If Jupiter[3537]

Should from yond cloud speak divine things,[3538]

And say 'Tis true,' I'ld not believe them more[3539]

Than thee, all noble Marcius. Let me twine[3540] 105

Mine arms about that body, where against[3541]

My grained ash an hundred times hath broke,

And scarr'd the moon with splinters: here I clip[3542]

The anvil of my sword, and do contest

As hotly and as nobly with thy love 110

As ever in ambitious strength I did

Contend against thy valour. Know thou first,[3543]

I loved the maid I married; never man[3543]

Sigh'd truer breath; but that I see thee here,

Thou noble thing! more dances my rapt heart 115

Than when I first my wedded mistress saw

Bestride my threshold. Why, thou Mars! I tell thee,[3544]

We have a power on foot; and I had purpose

Once more to hew thy target from thy brawn,

Or lose mine arm for't: thou hast beat me out[3545] 120

Twelve several times, and I have nightly since

Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thyself and me;

We have been down together in my sleep,

Unbuckling helms, fisting each other's throat;

And waked half dead with nothing. Worthy Marcius, 125

Had we no quarrel else to Rome but that[3546]

Thou art thence banish'd, we would muster all

From twelve to seventy, and pouring war

Into the bowels of ungrateful Rome,

Like a bold flood o'er-beat. O, come, go in,[3547] 130

And take our friendly senators by the hands,

Who now are here, taking their leaves of me,

Who am prepared against your territories,

Though not for Rome itself.

Cor. You bless me, gods!

Auf. Therefore, most absolute sir, if thou wilt have 135

The leading of thine own revenges, take

The one half of my commission, and set down—[3548]

As best thou art experienced, since thou know'st

Thy country's strength and weakness—thine own ways;

Whether to knock against the gates of Rome, 140

Or rudely visit them in parts remote,

To fright them, ere destroy. But come in:[3549]

Let me commend thee first to those that shall[3550]

Say yea to thy desires. A thousand welcomes!

And more a friend than e'er an enemy; 145

Yet, Marcius, that was much. Your hand: most welcome!

[Exeunt Coriolanus and Aufidius. The two Servingmen come forward.[3551]

First Serv. Here's a strange alteration![3552]

Sec. Serv. By my hand, I had thought to have strucken[3553]

him with a cudgel; and yet my mind gave me his clothes[3554]

made a false report of him. 150

First Serv. What an arm he has! he turned me about

with his finger and his thumb, as one would set up a top.

Sec. Serv. Nay, I knew by his face that there was

something in him: he had, sir, a kind of face, methought,—I[3555]

cannot tell how to term it. 155

First Serv. He had so; looking as it were—Would I[3556]

were hanged, but I thought there was more in him than I

could think.

Sec. Serv. So did I, I'll be sworn: he is simply the

rarest man i' the world. 160

First Serv. I think he is: but a greater soldier than

he, you wot one.[3557]

Sec. Serv. Who? my master?[3558]

First Serv. Nay, it's no matter for that.

Sec. Serv. Worth six on him. 165

First Serv. Nay, not so neither: but I take him to be

the greater soldier.

Sec. Serv. Faith, look you, one cannot tell how to say

that: for the defence of a town, our general is excellent.

First Serv. Ay, and for an assault too. 170

Re-enter third Servingman.[3559]

Third Serv. O slaves, I can tell you news; news, you[3560]

rascals!

First and Sec. Serv. What, what, what? let's partake.[3561]

Third Serv. I would not be a Roman, of all nations;

I had as lieve be a condemned man.[3562] 175

First and Sec. Serv. Wherefore? wherefore?[3561]

Third Serv. Why, here's he that was wont to thwack

our general, Caius Marcius.

First Serv. Why do you say, thwack our general?

Third Serv. I do not say, thwack our general; but he 180

was always good enough for him.

Sec. Serv. Come, we are fellows and friends: he was

ever too hard for him; I have heard him say so himself.

First Serv. He was too hard for him directly, to say

the troth on 't: before Corioli he scotched him and notched[3563] 185

him like a carbonado.[3564]

Sec. Serv. An he had been cannibally given, he might[3565]

have broiled and eaten him too.[3566]

First Serv. But, more of thy news?[3567]

Third Serv. Why, he is so made on here within as if 190

he were son and heir to Mars; set at upper end o' the

table; no question asked him by any of the senators, but

they stand bald before him. Our general himself makes a

mistress of him; sanctifies himself with 's hand, and turns[3568]

up the white o' the eye to his discourse. But the bottom of 195

the news is, our general is cut i' the middle, and but one

half of what he was yesterday; for the other has half, by

the entreaty and grant of the whole table. He'll go, he

says, and sowl the porter of Rome gates by the ears: he will[3569]

mow all down before him, and leave his passage poll'd.[3570] 200

Sec. Serv. And he's as like to do't as any man I can

imagine.

Third Serv. Do't! he will do't; for, look you, sir, he

has as many friends as enemies; which friends, sir, as it

were, durst not, look you, sir, show themselves, as we term 205

it, his friends whilst he's in directitude.[3571][3572]

First Serv. Directitude! what's that?[3572]

Third Serv. But when they shall see, sir, his crest up

again and the man in blood, they will out of their burrows,

like conies after rain, and revel all with him.[3573] 210

First Serv. But when goes this forward?

Third Serv. To-morrow; to-day; presently: you shall

have the drum struck up this afternoon: 'tis, as it were, a

parcel of their feast, and to be executed ere they wipe their

lips. 215

Sec. Serv. Why, then we shall have a stirring world

again. This peace is nothing, but to rust iron, increase[3574]

tailors and breed ballad-makers.

First Serv. Let me have war, say I; it exceeds peace

as far as day does night; it's spritely, waking, audible, and[3575] 220

full of vent. Peace is a very apoplexy, lethargy, mull'd,[3576]

deaf, sleepy, insensible; a getter of more bastard children[3577]

than war's a destroyer of men.[3578]

Sec. Serv. 'Tis so: and as war, in some sort, may be[3579]

said to be a ravisher, so it cannot be denied but peace is a 225

great maker of cuckolds.

First Serv. Ay, and it makes men hate one another.

Third Serv. Reason; because they then less need one

another. The wars for my money. I hope to see Romans

as cheap as Volscians. They are rising, they are rising. 230

First and Sec. Serv. In, in, in, in!      [Exeunt.[3580]

SCENE VI. Rome. A public place.[3581]

Enter the two Tribunes, SICINIUS and BRUTUS.

Sic. We hear not of him, neither need we fear him;

His remedies are tame i' the present peace[3582]

And quietness of the people, which before

Were in wild hurry. Here do we make his friends[3583]

Blush that the world goes well; who rather had, 5

Though they themselves did suffer by't, behold[3584]

Dissentious numbers pestering streets than see

Our tradesmen singing in their shops and going

About their functions friendly.

Bru. We stood to 't in good time.

Enter MENENIUS.

Is this Menenius?[3585] 10

Sic. 'Tis he, 'tis he: O, he is grown most kind[3586]

Of late. Hail, sir![3586][3587]

Men. Hail to you both!

Sic. Your Coriolanus is not much miss'd,[3588]

But with his friends: the commonwealth doth stand;[3588]

And so would do, were he more angry at it.[3588] 15

Men. All's well; and might have been much better, if[3588]

He could have temporized.[3588]

Sic. Where is he, hear you?

Men. Nay, I hear nothing: his mother and his wife[3589]

Hear nothing from him.[3589]

Enter three or four Citizens.

Citizens. The gods preserve you both![3590]

Sic. God-den, our neighbours.[3591][3592]20

Bru. God-den to you all, god-den to you all.[3591]

First Cit. Ourselves, our wives, and children, on our knees,

Are bound to pray for you both.

Sic. Live, and thrive![3593]

Bru. Farewell, kind neighbours: we wish'd Coriolanus[3594]

Had loved you as we did.[3594]

Citizens. Now the gods keep you![3590] 25

Both Tri. Farewell, farewell.      [Exeunt Citizens.

Sic. This is a happier and more comely time

Than when these fellows ran about the streets,

Crying confusion.

Bru. Caius Marcius was

A worthy officer i' the war, but insolent, 30

O'ercome with pride, ambitious past all thinking,[3595]

Self-loving,—[3596]

Sic. And affecting one sole throne,[3597][3598]

Without assistance.[3597]

Men. I think not so.[3599]

Sic. We should by this, to all our lamentation,[3600]

If he had gone forth consul, found it so.[3601] 35

Bru. The gods have well prevented it, and Rome

Sits safe and still without him.

Enter an Ædile.

Æd. Worthy tribunes,

There is a slave, whom we have put in prison,

Reports, the Volsces with two several powers

Are enter'd in the Roman territories, 40

And with the deepest malice of the war

Destroy what lies before 'em.[3602]

Men. 'Tis Aufidius,

Who, hearing of our Marcius' banishment,

Thrusts forth his horns again into the world;

Which were inshell'd when Marcius stood for Rome, 45

And durst not once peep out.

Sic. Come, what talk you[3603]

Of Marcius?[3603]

Bru. Go see this rumourer whipp'd. It cannot be[3604]

The Volsces dare break with us.

Men. Cannot be!

We have record that very well it can, 50

And three examples of the like have been[3605]

Within my age. But reason with the fellow,

Before you punish him, where he heard this,

Lest you shall chance to whip your information

And beat the messenger who bids beware 55

Of what is to be dreaded.

Sic. Tell not me:[3606]

I know this cannot be.[3606]

Bru. Not possible.

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. The nobles in great earnestness are going

All to the senate-house: some news is come[3607]

That turns their countenances.

Sic. 'Tis this slave; 60

Go whip him 'fore the people's eyes: his raising;

Nothing but his report.

Mess. Yes, worthy sir,

The slave's report is seconded; and more,

More fearful, is deliver'd.[3608]

Sic. What more fearful?

Mess. It is spoke freely out of many mouths— 65

How probable I do not know—that Marcius,

Join'd with Aufidius, leads a power 'gainst Rome,

And vows revenge as spacious as between

The young'st and oldest thing.[3609]

Sic. This is most likely![3610]

Bru. Raised only, that the weaker sort may wish[3610] 70

Good Marcius home again.[3610][3611]

Sic. The very trick on't.

Men. This is unlikely:

He and Aufidius can no more atone[3612]

Than violentest contrariety.

Enter a second Messenger.[3613]

Sec. Mess. You are sent for to the senate:[3614] 75

A fearful army, led by Caius Marcius

Associated with Aufidius, rages

Upon our territories; and have already[3615]

O'erborne their way, consumed with fire, and took

What lay before them. 80

Enter COMINIUS.

Com. O, you have made good work!

Men. What news? what news?

Com. You have holp to ravish your own daughters, and

To melt the city leads upon your pates;

To see your wives dishonour'd to your noses,—[3616]

Men. What's the news? what's the news? 85

Com. Your temples burned in their cement, and[3617]

Your franchises, whereon you stood, confined

Into an auger's bore.[3618]

Men. Pray now, your news?—

You have made fair work, I fear me.—Pray, your news?—

If Marcius should be join'd with Volscians,—[3619]

Com. If![3620] 90

He is their god: he leads them like a thing[3620]

Made by some other deity than nature,

That shapes man better; and they follow him,

Against us brats, with no less confidence

Than boys pursuing summer butterflies, 95

Or butchers killing flies.

Men. You have made good work,[3621]

You and your apron-men; you that stood so much[3622]

Upon the voice of occupation and

The breath of garlic-eaters!

Com. He'll shake your Rome about your ears.[3623]

Men. As Hercules[3624] 100

Did shake down mellow fruit. You have made fair work![3624]

Bru. But is this true, sir?

Com. Ay; and you'll look pale

Before you find it other. All the regions[3625]

Do smilingly revolt; and who resist[3626]

Are mock'd for valiant ignorance,[3627] 105

And perish constant fools. Who is't can blame him?[3628]

Your enemies and his find something in him.[3628]

Men. We are all undone, unless[3628][3629]

The noble man have mercy.

Com. Who shall ask it?

The tribunes cannot do't for shame; the people 110

Deserve such pity of him as the wolf

Does of the shepherds: for his best friends, if they[3630]

Should say 'Be good to Rome,' they charged him even[3631]

As those should do that had deserved his hate,[3631]

And therein show'd like enemies.[3631]

Men. 'Tis true:[3632] 115

If he were putting to my house the brand[3632]

That should consume it, I have not the face[3633]

To say 'Beseech you, cease.' You have made fair hands,[3634]

You and your crafts! you have crafted fair![3635][3634]

Com. You have brought

A trembling upon Rome, such as was never 120

So incapable of help.

Both Tri. Say not, we brought it.[3636]

Men. How! was it we? we loved him; but, like beasts[3637][3638]

And cowardly nobles, gave way unto your clusters,[3637][3639]

Who did hoot him out o' the city.[3637][3640]

Com. But I fear

They'll roar him in again. Tullus Aufidius, 125

The second name of men, obeys his points

As if he were his officer: desperation

Is all the policy, strength and defence,

That Rome can make against them.

Enter a troop of Citizens.

Men. Here come the clusters[3641]

And is Aufidius with him? You are they 130

That made the air unwholesome, when you cast[3642]

Your stinking greasy caps in hooting at[3643]

Coriolanus' exile. Now he's coming;[3643][3644]

And not a hair upon a soldier's head

Which will not prove a whip: as many coxcombs 135

As you threw caps up will he tumble down,

And pay you for your voices. 'Tis no matter;

If he could burn us all into one coal,[3645]

We have deserved it.

Citizens. Faith, we hear fearful news.[3646]

First Cit. For mine own part, 140

When I said, banish him, I said, 'twas pity.

Sec. Cit. And so did I.

Third Cit. And so did I; and, to say the truth, so did[3647]

very many of us: that we did, we did for the best; and

though we willingly consented to his banishment, yet it was 145

against our will.

Com. Ye're goodly things, you voices![3648]

Men. You have made[3649][3650]

Good work, you and your cry! Shall 's to the Capitol?[3649]

Com. O, ay, what else?      [Exeunt Cominius and Menenius.[3651]

Sic. Go, masters, get you home; be not dismay'd: 150

These are a side that would be glad to have

This true which they so seem to fear. Go home,

And show no sign of fear.

First Cit. The gods be good to us! Come, masters,

let's home. I ever said we were i' the wrong when we 155

banished him.

Sec. Cit. So did we all. But, come, let's home.

[Exeunt Citizens.[3652]

Bru. I do not like this news.

Sic. Nor I.

Bru. Let's to the Capitol: would half my wealth 160

Would buy this for a lie!

Sic. Pray, let us go.      [Exeunt.[3653]

SCENE VII. A camp, at a small distance from Rome.

Enter AUFIDIUS with his Lieutenant.[3654]

Auf. Do they still fly to the Roman?

Lieu. I do not know what witchcraft's in him, but[3655]

Your soldiers use him as the grace 'fore meat,

Their talk at table and their thanks at end;

And you are darken'd in this action, sir, 5

Even by your own.

Auf. I cannot help it now,[3656]

Unless, by using means, I lame the foot[3656]

Of our design. He bears himself more proudlier,[3657]

Even to my person, than I thought he would

When first I did embrace him: yet his nature 10

In that's no changeling; and I must excuse

What cannot be amended.

Lieu. Yet I wish, sir—

I mean for your particular—you had not

Join'd in commission with him; but either[3658][3659]

Had borne the action of yourself, or else[3658][3659] 15

To him had left it solely.[3658]

Auf. I understand thee well; and be thou sure,

When he shall come to his account, he knows not

What I can urge against him. Although it seems,[3660]

And so he thinks, and is no less apparent 20

To the vulgar eye, that he bears all things fairly,

And shows good husbandry for the Volscian state,

Fights dragon-like, and does achieve as soon

As draw his sword, yet he hath left undone

That which shall break his neck or hazard mine, 25

Whene'er we come to our account.[3661]

Lieu. Sir, I beseech you, think you he'll carry Rome?[3661][3662]

Auf. All places yield to him ere he sits down;[3663]

And the nobility of Rome are his:

The senators and patricians love him too:[3664] 30

The tribunes are no soldiers; and their people

Will be as rash in the repeal, as hasty

To expel him thence. I think he'll be to Rome

As is the osprey to the fish, who takes it[3665]

By sovereignty of nature. First he was 35

A noble servant to them; but he could not

Carry his honours even: whether 'twas pride,[3666]

Which out of daily fortune ever taints

The happy man; whether defect of judgement,[3667]

To fail in the disposing of those chances 40

Which he was lord of; or whether nature,[3668][3669]

Not to be other than one thing, not moving[3669]

From the casque to the cushion, but commanding peace[3670]

Even with the same austerity and garb

As he controll'd the war; but one of these— 45

As he hath spices of them all, not all,[3671][3672]

For I dare so far free him—made him fear'd,[3671]

So hated, and so banish'd: but he has a merit,[3673]

To choke it in the utterance. So our virtues[3674]

Lie in the interpretation of the time;[3675] 50

And power, unto itself most commendable,

Hath not a tomb so evident as a chair[3676]

To extol what it hath done.

One fire drives out one fire; one nail, one nail;

Rights by rights fouler, strengths by strengths do fail.[3677] 55

Come, let's away. When, Caius, Rome is thine,

Thou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine.      [Exeunt.[3678]

FOOTNOTES:

[3414] ACT IV. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Quartus. Ff.

Rome. Before ...] Malone. Without the walls of Rome. Rowe. The Gates of Rome. Pope. Before the gates of Rome. Theobald.

Enter ... with the young Nobility of Rome.] Ff. Enter ... Senators and Patricians. Capell.

[3415] extremity was] F_3 F_4. extreamity was F_2. extreamities was F_1. extremities were Malone.

[3416] chances common] F_4. chances, common F_2 F_3. chances. Common F_1.

[3417] fortune's blows ... craves] fortune bows When most struck home; being gentle, wounded, craves Staunton conj. (withdrawn). that fortune's blows ... craves Keightley.

[3418] struck] F_4. strooke F_1 F_2. strook F_3.

being ... craves] beget in wounded cravens or bring gentle wounded cravens Bullock conj.

gentle wounded, craves] Ff. gently warded, craves Pope. greatly warded, crave Hanmer. gently wounded craves Capell. gentle-minded craves Collier (Collier MS.)

[3419] home ... noble] home, then most demand a patient And a skilful healer, being gentle-wounded craves No noble or home, demand a patient and A skilful healer, being ... No noble Nicholson conj.]

gentle ... cunning:] gentle, the wounded braves: A noble cunning! Becket conj.

[3420] cunning] calling Leo conj.

[3421] woman,—] woman— Rowe. woman. Ff.

[3422] I have] I've Pope.

[3423] As 'tis] Easy Anon. conj.

My ... well] Ff. My ... not well Rowe. Mother, you wot Pope.

[3424] fen] den Grey conj.

[3425] or] or not Keightley.

[3426] My first son] First, my son Hanmer. My fierce son Heath conj. My fairest son Keightley.

[3427] Whither wilt thou] Capell. Whether will thou F_1. Whither will you F_2 F_3 F_4. Where will you Pope.

[3428] awhile] F_1. a while F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3429] exposture] exposure Rowe.

[3430] Cor.] Vir. Keightley. Com. Anon. conj.

[3431] I' the] I h' F_2.

[3432] Thou hast] Thou'st Pope.

[3433] wars'] Steevens (1793). warres F_1 F_2. warrs F_3. wars F_4. war's Rowe.

[3434] every] evere F_2.

Give ... Come] As in Steevens. One line in Ff.

Come] om. Pope.

[3435] SCENE II. Pope.

The same. A street ...] The same. Street leading from the Gate. Capell.

[3436] The ... vex'd] Capell. The ... vexed Ff. Vex'd are the nobles Pope.

whom] Ff. who Rowe (ed. 2).

[3437] Dismiss ... mother] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3438] [Exit Ædile.] Capell. om. Ff.

[3439] Enter ...] Ff. Transferred to follow line 10 by Dyce.

[3440] They say ... us] As in Ff. One line in Capell.

[3441] ye're] y'are Ff. you're Capell.

[3442] the hoarded ... love] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3443] Requite] F_3 F_4. requit F_1 F_2.

[3444] [To Brutus] Johnson. om. Ff.

To Virgilia. Hanmer.

[3445] [To Sicinius] Johnson. om. Ff.

[3446] You ... husband.] Continued to Volumnia. Hanmer.

[3447] my] thy Hanmer.

[3448] struck] F_4. strooke F_1 F_2. strook F_3.

[3449] words?] Hanmer. words. Ff. words— Rowe.

[3450] Moe] F_1 F_2. More F_3 F_4.

[3451] good. I'll] good. Ile F_1. good Ile F_2 F_3. good, I'le F_4.

[3452] Vir. What then ... posterity. Vol. Bastards ... Rome.] Vol. What then ... Rome. Hanmer.

[3453] What then!... posterity] As in Hanmer. One line in Ff.

[3454] he made] is made Rowe (ed. 2).

[3455] Cats] Curs Collier MS. Bats Staunton conj.

[3456] let us] Pope. let's Ff.

[3457] You have] You've Pope.

[3458] stay we] F_1. stay you F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3459] [Exeunt Tribunes.] F_4 (after wits?). Exit Tribunes. F_1 F_2 F_3 (after wits?).

[3460] would] wish Rowe.

[3461] 'em] them Malone.

[3462] You have ... you have] You've ... have Pope.

[3463] told] toll'd Malone conj.

[3464] me?] F_3 F_4. me. F_1 F_2.

[3465] starve] F_3 F_4. sterve F_1 F_2.

[3466] [To Virgilia. Hanmer.

[3467] Come, come, come. Men. Fie, fie, fie!] Come, come, fie, fie. Pope. Come, come. Men. Fie, fie! Seymour conj.

[3468] [Exeunt Vol. and Vir.] Exeunt. Ff. om. Rowe.

[3469] Men.] F_3 F_4. Mene. F_1 F_2. om. Rowe.

[Exit.] Ff. Exeunt. Rowe.

[3470] SCENE III.] Pope. SCENE II. Rowe.

A highway ...] Malone. Antium. Rowe. Volcian Territories. A Highway. Capell. Between Rome and Antium. Steevens.

meeting] Capell. om. Ff.

[3471] and] but Pope.

[3472] 'em] them Malone.

[3473] Nicanor?] F_3 F_4. Nicanor: F_1 F_2.

[3474] is] has Malone conj.

appeared] appear'd F_1 F_3 F_4. appeard F_2. affeer'd Hanmer. appeal'd Warburton. apparel'd Jackson conj. approved Collier, ed. 2 (Steevens conj.) appayed Singer.

[3475] there] F_1. here F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3476] insurrections] insurrection Steevens (1778).

[3477] been!] Rowe. bin; F_1 F_2. been; F_3 F_4.

[3478] will] well F_1.

[3479] from] for Warburton.

[3480] SCENE IV.] Capell. Pope continues the scene.

Antium ...] Capell.

[3481] 'fore] Johnson. fore F_1. for F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3482] and] an F_2.

[3483] Enter ...] Ff, after sir.

[3484] Direct ... night.] As in Capell. Prose in Ff. Verse first by Johnson, ending line 7 at great.

[3485] beseech] I beseech Rowe.

[3486] seem to wear one] F_4. seemes to weare one F_1. seene weare on F_2. seen wear on F_3.

[3487] hours] Houres F_1 F_2. Hours F_3 F_4. house Dyce (Collier MS.)

[3488] twin] Twine F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3489] birth-place hate ... love's upon] Capell. birth-place haue I, and my loues vpon F_1. birth-lace have I, and my lover upon F_2 F_3. birth-place have I, and my Lover left; upon F_4. birth-place have I, and my lovers left; upon Rowe. birth-place have I and my lovers left; Pope. Johnson conjectures that a line is lost here. country have I and my lovers lost Becket conj.

birth-place] country misquoted in Johnson's note.

[3490] This ... enter] This enemy's house I'll enter Hanmer. The enemy's town I've entered Becket conj.

enemy] Enemie F_1 F_2 F_3 Enemy's F_4. enemies' Steevens conj. (from North's Plutarch).

town.] Towne: F_1. Towne F_2. Town F_3 F_4.

[3491] SCENE V.] Capell. SCENE II. Rowe. SCENE IV. Pope.

A hall ...] Rowe. within.] Capell. playes. Ff.

[3492] [Exit.] Rowe. om. Ff.

[3493] master] F_4. M. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3494] A ... guest.] As in Pope. The first line ends at house: in Ff. Prose in Warburton.

[3495] well] F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3496] [goes toward the Hearth. Capell.

[3497] Re-enter ...] Enter ... Ff. Re-enter the first Servant, with Wine. Capell.

[3498] door.] F_4. doore? F_1 F_2. dore F_3.

[3499] I ... Coriolanus.] As in Capell. Prose in Ff.

[3500] Re-enter ...] Enter second Servant. Ff. Re-enter second servant. Capell.

[3501] thou'rt] th'art F_1 F_4. th' F_2. th' F_3. thou art Steevens.

[3502] anon.] anon. [going. Capell.

[3503] Enter ... him.] Enter 3 Servingmen, the 1 meets him. F_1 F_2. Enter 3 Servingmen, the first meets him. F_3. Enter three Servingmen.... F_4. Enter a third Servant.... Rowe.

The first meets him.] Omitted by Capell.

[3504] First Serv.] 1. Ff. 2. S. Capell.

[3505] [Retires.] Edd.

[3506] come] om. Capell conj., reading 25-32 as four lines, ending one ... gentleman, ... place ... go.

[3507] As two half lines, the first ending go, in Capell.

[3508] you will not?] will you not? Pope.

[3509] [Exit.] Capell. Exit second Servingman. Ff.

[3510] dwell'st] dwellest Reed (1803).

[3511] crows!] crowes? F_1. crowes. F_2. crows. F_3 F_4.

[3512] Ay ... mistress:] As a verse in Singer.

[3513] Thou ... hence!] Verse in Capell. Prose in Ff.

[Beats ... Exit ...] Beats him away. Ff.

Enter ...] Enter A., and second Servant. Capell. Enter Auffidius with the Servingman. F_1 F_2. Enter ... with a Servingman. F_3 F_4.

[3514] [Retires.] Edd.

[3515] what wouldst] and what wouldest Capell. what wouldest Steevens.

thou] F_3 F_4. yͧ F_1 F_2.

[3516] speak'st ... what's] speakest ... what is Keightley.

[3517] If ... myself.] As in Steevens. Prose in Ff. As three lines in Pope, reading yet thou know'st me not, and seeing me, Dost not yet take me, and ending the lines seeing me ... am ... myself. Staunton ends the lines know'st me, ... I am ... myself. Keightley ends the first lines seeing me ... necessity.

[3518] [Unmuffling] Capell.

[3519] Think me for] take me To be Capell, ending the lines Tullus, ... take me ... necessity ... myself.

[3520] [Servants retire. Capell.

[3521] the Volscians'] the Volcians' Capell. the Volcians F_1 F_2. the Volceans F_3. the Volscians F_4. Volscians Rowe. Volscian Pope. the Volces' Rann. the Volscian's Knight (ed. 1).

[3522] command] Commanne F_2.

[3523] not:—] not; F_3 F_4. not? F_1 F_2.

[3524] Marcius] Matius F_2.

[3525] my] F_1. thy F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3526] memory] F_3 F_4. memorie F_1 F_2. memorial Hanmer.

[3527] shouldst] F_1. could'st F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3528] people,] people. F_2.

[3529] Whoop'd] Hanmer. Hoop'd Ff.

out of] out Steevens (1778).

[3530] I would have 'voided] Steevens. I would have voided Ff. I would have avoided Rowe (ed. 2). I'd have avoided Pope.

[3531] that wilt] Ff. that will Hanmer. and wilt Capell conj.

[3532] maims Of shame] maims, Of shame, Becket conj.

[3533] Thou'rt] Rowe. Th' art Ff. Thou art Capell.

[3534] fool] Fooole F_2.

[3535] O Marcius] Marcius Seymour conj.

[3536] thou hast] thou'st Pope.

[3537] If] O, if Seymour conj. (withdrawn).

[3538] cloud] cleaving cloud Lettsom conj.

speak divine things] speak to me things divine Pope.

[3539] them] him S. Walker conj.

[3540] Let me twine] O, let me twine Capell, ending lines 103, 104 at say ... thee. Let me entwine Keightley, ending lines as Capell.

[3541] where against] where-against Pope.

[3542] scarr'd] Ff. scar'd Rowe (ed. 2).

clip] Pope. cleep Ff.

[3543] Know thou first, I] Know thou, first I Rowe.

[3544] Bestride] F_1. Bestrid F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3545] mine] my Rowe (ed. 2).

[3546] no quarrel else] F_3 F_4. no other quarrel else F_1 F_2.

[3547] o'er-beat] o're-beate F_1 F_2. o're-beat F_3 F_4. o'er-bear Rowe. o'er-bear't Grant White (Becket conj.) o'er-bear her Keightley. See note (IX).

[3548] The one] One Pope.

[3549] destroy] destroy them Keightley. destroying Anon. conj.

But come] But come, come Rowe (ed. 2). But come we Seymour conj.

[3550] commend] F_1 F_4. comment F_2 F_3.

[3551] [Exeunt....] Capell. Exeunt. Ff.]

The two ... forward.] Enter two of the Servingmen. Ff.

[3552] SCENE V. Pope.

First Serv.] 1. Ff. 3. S. [advancing. Capell (and throughout the scene).

[3553] strucken] F_3 F_4. stroken F_1 F_2. strooken Capell.

[3554] gave] misgave Anon. conj.

[3555] methought,—] methought— Rowe. methought, F_1. methought F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3556] were—] Rowe. were, Ff.

[3557] one] Ff, reading You wot one as a separate line. on Dyce.

[3558] Who? my] Who, my F_4. Who my F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3559] Re-enter....] Enter the third Servingman. Ff. Re-enter first Servant. Capell.

[3560] Third Serv.] 3. Ff. 1. S. Capell (and throughout the scene).

[3561] First and Sec. Serv.] 2. 3. Capell. Both. Ff.

[3562] lieve] F_4. live F_1 F_2 F_3. lief Capell.

[3563] troth] truth Steevens (1793).

on't: before] on't; before Rowe. on't before Ff.

[3564] carbonado] F_4. carbinado F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3565] An he had] Capell. And hee had Ff. And, had he Rowe.

[3566] broiled] Pope. boyld Ff.

[3567] news?] Capell. news. Ff. news:— Theobald.

[3568] hand] hands Rowe.

[3569] sowl] sowle Rowe. sole Ff.

[3570] all down] down all Rowe.

poll'd] Rowe. poul'd Ff.

[3571] he's] he's not Becket conj.

[3572] directitude] discreditude Malone conj. dejectitude Collier (Collier MS.)

[3573] revel] reveal Rowe (ed. 2).

[3574] nothing] worth nothing F_4. good for nothing Capell.

[3575] spritely, waking] sprightly, waking Pope. sprightly walking Ff.

[3576] vent] vaunt Becket conj.

lethargy] a lethargy S. Walker conj.

mull'd] mute S. Walker conj.

[3577] sleepy] F_3 F_4. sleepe F_1 F_2. asleep Capell.

[3578] war's] Rowe (ed. 2). warres F_1 F_2. Warrs F_3. Wars F_4.

[3579] war] Rowe (ed. 2). warres F_1 F_2. Warrs F_3. Wars F_4.

[3580] First and Sec. Serv.] 2. 3. Capell. Both. Ff. All. Steevens (1778).

[3581] SCENE VI.] Pope. SCENE IV. Rowe.

Rome.] Rowe.

A public place.] Theobald.

[3582] tame i' the] Theobald. tame, the Ff. tame: the Rowe. ta'en, the Johnson conj. lame i' the Mason conj. tamed by the Collier MS.

[3583] hurry. Here do we make] Ff. hurry. Here we make Pope. hurry here, do make Hanmer. hurry. Here he makes Warburton. hurry, here do make Grant White.

[3584] behold] beheld Pope.

[3585] Enter Menenius.] Ff (after friendly, line 9).

[3586] 'Tis he ... late] As in Capell. One line in Ff. Prose in Rowe.

[3587] Hail, sir!] Hail, sir! Bru. Hail sir! Capell. Hail to you, sir! Seymour conj.

[3588] Your ... temporized] As verse first by Capell, who reads Coriolanus, sir. Prose in Ff.

[3589] his ... him] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3590] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. All. Ff.

[3591] God-den] Dyce. Gooden F_1 F_2 F_3. Good-e'en F_4. Good den Collier.

[3592] our] F_1 F_2. om. F_3 F_4.

[3593] Live] Live, live Capell.

[3594] we wish'd ... did] As in Hanmer. One line in Ff.

[3595] ambitious ... thinking,] F_4. ambitious, past all thinking F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3596] Self-loving,—–] Capell. Selfe-loving. Ff.

[3597] And affecting ... assistance] As in Theobald. One line in Ff.

[3598] sole] whose Rowe (ed. 2).

[3599] assistance] assistants Hanmer. assistance in't Steevens conj. assistancy S. Walker conj.

I think] Nay, I think Pope. I do think Seymour conj.

[3600] should] had Pope. should have Malone conj.

lamentation] lamention F_1.

[3601] consul] counsell F_2.

found] have found Keightley (Malone conj.)

[3602] Destroy] Destroys Rowe (ed. 2).

[3603] Come ... Marcius] As in Steevens (1793). One line in Ff.

[3604] whipp'd. It] whipt. It Pope. whipt, it Ff.

[3605] have] F_4. hath F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3606] Tell ... be] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3607] some] sour Seymour conj.

come] Rowe. comming F_1 F_2 F_3. coming F_4. come in Malone.

[3608] deliver'd] delivered Rowe.

[3609] young'st] youngest Rowe.

[3610] Likely! Bru. Raised ... again. Sic. The....] likely Raised ... again. Bru. The.... Badham conj.

[3611] Good] Ff. God Collier (Collier MS.)

[3612] atone] F_4. attone F_1 F_2 F_3. be one Pope. attune Becket conj.

[3613] violentest] Pope. violent'st Ff.

contrariety] contrarieties Hanmer. contraries Capell, ending the previous line at can.

Enter....] Enter another Messenger. Hanmer. Enter Messenger. Ff.

[3614] Sec. Mess.] 2 Mes. Hanmer. Mes. Ff.

[3615] and have] they've Hanmer.

[3616] noses,—] Capell. noses. Ff.

[3617] cement] F_4. ciment F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3618] auger's bore] augers bore F_4. augors boare F_1 F_2. augors boar F_3.

your] F_1. the F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3619] join'd with] joyned with the Rowe.

Volscians,—] Theobald. Volscians, Rowe. Volceans. F_1 F_2 F_3. Volscians. F_4. the Volscians Rowe.

[3620] If!... thing] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3621] flies] sheep Capell conj. pigs Leo conj.

You have] You've Pope.

[3622] you that] that Pope.

[3623] He'll] He will Steevens, ending line 99 at shake.

[3624] He'll ... work] As in Capell. Three lines, ending cares ... fruite: ... worke, in Ff.

[3625] regions] legions Grant White (Becket conj.) region cities Badham conj.

[3626] smilingly] seemingly Warburton. smitingly Becket conj.

resist] Hanmer. resists Ff.

[3627] mock'd for] only mock'd for Hanmer. mocked for their Keightley. merely mock'd for Anon. conj.

[3628] Who is't ... unless] As two lines, the first ending his, S. Walker conj.

[3629] We are] We're Pope.

[3630] for his] his Pope.

[3631] they charged ... show'd] they charge ... shew'd Pope. they charge ... shew Johnson conj. they'd charge ... shew Malone conj.

[3632] 'Tis true ... brand] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3633] should] would Rowe.

[3634] You have] You've Pope.

[3635] crafts! you] crafts, you Ff. handy-crafts Collier (Collier MS.)

[3636] Both Tri.] Dyce. Tri. Ff.

So] Rowe. S' Ff.

[3637] How ... city] As in Pope. Four lines, ending him, ... nobles, ... hoote ... citty, in Ff.

[3638] was it] Pope. was't Ff.

[3639] cowardly] coward Pope.

unto] to Pope.

[3640] did hoot] hooted Hanmer.

[3641] SCENE VII. Pope.

[3642] cast] cast-up Keightley.

[3643] at ... coming] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3644] Coriolanus'] Coriolanus Ff. Coriolanus's Rowe.

Now] F_1 F_4. How F_2 F_3.

[3645] could] shou'd Rowe.

[3646] Citizens.] Cit. Capell. Omnes. Ff.

[3647] Third Cit.] 2. F_2.

[3648] Ye're] Dyce. Y'are Ff. You're Capell. You are Steevens.

things, you] Ff. things; you Rowe. things. You Johnson.

voices] Volsces Becket conj.

[3649] You ... Capitol] Arranged as in Capell, who reads made you. In Ff the first line ends at worke.

[3650] made] F_1. made you F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3651] [Exeunt....] Exeunt Com. and Men. Capell. Exeunt both. Ff. Exeunt. Rowe.

[3652] [Exeunt Citizens.] Ex. Cit. F_4. Exit Cit. F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3653] Would buy] Could buy Leo conj.

buy] by F_2.

let us] Pope. let's F_1 F_2 F_3. lets F_4.

[Exeunt.] Exeunt Tribunes. Ff.

[3654] SCENE VII.] Capell. SCENE V. Rowe. SCENE VIII. Pope.

A camp....] Theobald. A camp. Pope.

Enter....] Ff. Enter, marching, Aufidius, and a Volcian Officer: Forces at a Distance. Capell.

[3655] Lieu.] Off. Capell (and throughout the scene).

[3656] now, Unless] now. Unless Rowe (ed. 2).

[3657] proudlier] F_1. proudly F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3658] Join’d ... solely] As in Malone. Two lines, ending borne ... soly, in Ff. Three lines, ending born ... him ... solely, in Pope.

[3659] either Had borne] Malone. either have borne Ff. had born Pope. either born Capell.

[3660] Although] though Pope.

[3661] Whene'er ... beseech you] As in Ff. As one line, S. Walker conj., reading When for Whene'er, or 'Beseech for Sir, I beseech.

[3662] Sir, I beseech you] Sir, I beseech Pope. But, Sir, 'Beseech you Capell.

[3663] yield] yeelds F_1.

[3664] senators] senator F_2.

[3665] osprey] Theobald. aspray Ff.

[3666] 'twas] om. Pope.

[3667] defect] detect F_1.

[3668] Which ... of] Whereof he was the lord Pope.

nature] nature in him Keightley.

[3669] Badham would end the lines at not ... from.

[3670] casque] Steevens. caske F_1 F_2. cask F_3 F_4.

[3671] As ... him] Put in parentheses by Hanmer. In Ff the words As he ... them all only are put in parentheses.

[3672] not all] not gall Heath conj.

[3673] banish'd] After this Staunton conjectures that there is a chasm.

a merit] merit Pope.

[3674] To choke it] Tho' choaks it Hanmer. Though he choak it Capell. To choak him Mason conj.

our virtues] our vertue, F_1. doth virtue Brae conj.

[3675] Lie] Live Collier (Collier MS.)

[3676] unto] in Hanmer.

commendable] condemnable] Jackson conj.

not ... chair] but a tomb for envy as a sharer Bullock conj.

tomb ... a chair] Tombe ... a Chaire F_1 F_2. Tomb ... a Chair F_3 F_4. tomb ... a hair Singer. tomb ... a cheer Collier (Collier MS.) tomb ... care Mitford conj. tomb so eloquent as a cheer Grant White conj. (withdrawn). tongue so eloquent as a chair Id. conj. trump so evident as a child's Bailey conj. tomb as eloquent as a tear Hudson conj. tomb so evident as a claim Leo conj. tongue so evident as a charmer's Keightley.

[3677] Rights ... fouler] Ff. Right's by right fouler Pope. Right's by right foiled Hanmer. Right's by right fouled Warburton. Rights by rights founder Malone (Johnson conj.) Rights by rights foul are Ritson conj. Rights by rights foil'd are Singer. Rights by rights suffer Collier (Collier MS.) Rights by rights falter Dyce. Rights by rights sunder Anon conj.

[3678] Thou art] Thou'rt Pope.

ACT V.

SCENE I. Rome. A public place.

Enter MENENIUS, COMINIUS, SICINIUS and BRUTUS, the two Tribunes, and others.[3679]

Men. No, I'll not go: you hear what he hath said

Which was sometime his general, who loved him[3680]

In a most dear particular. He call'd me father:

But what o' that? Go, you that banish'd him;[3681]

A mile before his tent fall down, and knee[3681][3682] 5

The way into his mercy: nay, if he coy'd

To hear Cominius speak, I'll keep at home.

Com. He would not seem to know me.

Men. Do you hear?

Com. Yet one time he did call me by my name:

I urged our old acquaintance, and the drops 10

That we have bled together. Coriolanus

He would not answer to: forbad all names;

He was a kind of nothing, titleless,

Till he had forged himself a name o' the fire[3683]

Of burning Rome.

Men. Why, so: you have made good work![3684] 15

A pair of tribunes that have rack'd for Rome,[3685]

To make coals cheap: a noble memory![3686]

Com. I minded him how royal 'twas to pardon

When it was less expected: he replied,[3687]

It was a bare petition of a state[3688] 20

To one whom they had punish'd.

Men. Very well:[3689]

Could he say less?[3689]

Com. I offer'd to awaken his regard

For 's private friends: his answer to me was,[3690]

He could not stay to pick them in a pile 25

Of noisome musty chaff, he said 'twas folly,

For one poor grain or two, to leave unburnt,

And still to nose the offence.

Men. For one poor grain or two!

I am one of those; his mother, wife, his child,[3691]

And this brave fellow too, we are the grains:[3692] 30

You are the musty chaff, and you are smelt

Above the moon: we must be burnt for you.

Sic. Nay, pray, be patient: if you refuse your aid

In this so never-needed help, yet do not[3693]

Upbraid's with our distress. But, sure, if you[3694] 35

Would be your country's pleader, your good tongue,

More than the instant army we can make,

Might stop our countryman.

Men. No, I'll not meddle.

Sic. Pray you, go to him.

Men. What should I do?[3695]

Bru. Only make trial what your love can do 40

For Rome, towards Marcius.

Men. Well, and say that Marcius[3696]

Return me, as Cominius is return'd,[3697][3696]

Unheard; what then?[3696][3698][3699]

But as a discontented friend, grief-shot[3699][3700]

With his unkindness? say 't be so?[3701]

Sic. Yet your good will 45

Must have that thanks from Rome, after the measure[3702]

As you intended well.

Men. I'll undertake 't:[3703]

I think he'll hear me. Yet, to bite his lip

And hum at good Cominius, much unhearts me.

He was not taken well; he had not dined: 50

The veins unfill'd, our blood is cold, and then

We pout upon the morning, are unapt

To give or to forgive; but when we have stuff'd[3704]

These pipes and these conveyances of our blood[3705]

With wine and feeding, we have suppler souls 55

Than in our priest-like fasts: therefore I'll watch him

Till he be dieted to my request,

And then I'll set upon him.

Bru. You know the very road into his kindness,

And cannot lose your way.

Men. Good faith, I'll prove him,[3706] 60

Speed how it will. I shall ere long have knowledge[3706]

Of my success.      [Exit.

Com. He'll never hear him.

Sec. Not?[3707]

Com. I tell you, he does sit in gold, his eye[3708]

Red as 'twould burn Rome; and his injury

The gaoler to his pity. I kneel'd before him; 65

'Twas very faintly he said 'Rise;' dismiss'd me

Thus, with his speechless hand: what he would do,

He sent in writing after me; what he would not,[3709][3710]

Bound with an oath to yield to his conditions:[3710][3711][3712]

So that all hope is vain,[3710][3711][3713] 70

Unless his noble mother, and his wife;[3713][3714]

Who, as I hear, mean to solicit him[3713][3715]

For mercy to his country. Therefore, let's hence,[3716]

And with our fair entreaties haste them on.      [Exeunt.

SCENE II. Entrance of the Volscian camp before Rome. Two Sentinels on guard.

Enter to them, MENENIUS.[3717]

First Sen. Stay: whence are you?[3718]

Sec. Sen. Stand, and go back.[3719]

Men. You guard like men; 'tis well: but, by your leave,

I am an officer of state, and come[3720]

To speak with Coriolanus.[3720]

First Sen. From whence?[3721]

Men. From Rome.

First Sen. You may not pass, you must return: our general[3722] 5

Will no more hear from thence.[3722][3723]

Sec. Sen. You'll see your Rome embraced with fire, before

You'll speak with Coriolanus.

Men. Good my friends,

If you have heard your general talk of Rome

And of his friends there, it is lots to blanks[3724] 10

My name hath touch'd your ears: it is Menenius.

First Sen. Be it so; go back: the virtue of your name

Is not here passable.

Men. I tell thee, fellow,[3725]

Thy general is my lover: I have been

The book of his good acts, whence men have read 15

His fame unparallel'd haply amplified;[3726]

For I have ever verified my friends,[3727]

Of whom he's chief, with all the size that verity[3728]

Would without lapsing suffer: nay, sometimes,

Like to a bowl upon a subtle ground, 20

I have tumbled past the throw, and in his praise[3729]

Have almost stamp'd the leasing: therefore, fellow,

I must have leave to pass.

First Sen. Faith, sir, if you had told as many lies in

his behalf as you have uttered words in your own, you 25

should not pass here; no, though it were as virtuous to lie

as to live chastely. Therefore go back.

Men. Prithee, fellow, remember my name is Menenius,

always factionary on the party of your general.[3730]

Sec. Sen. Howsoever you have been his liar, as you say 30

you have, I am one that, telling true under him, must say,

you cannot pass. Therefore go back.

Men. Has he dined, canst thou tell? for I would not

speak with him till after dinner.

First Sen. You are a Roman, are you? 35

Men. I am, as thy general is.[3731]

First Sen. Then you should hate Rome, as he does. Can

you, when you have pushed out your gates the very defender[3732]

of them, and, in a violent popular ignorance, given your

enemy your shield, think to front his revenges with the easy[3733] 40

groans of old women, the virginal palms of your daughters,[3734]

or with the palsied intercession of such a decayed dotant as[3735]

you seem to be? Can you think to blow out the intended

fire your city is ready to flame in, with such weak breath as

this? No, you are deceived; therefore, back to Rome, 45

and prepare for your execution: you are condemned; our

general has sworn you out of reprieve and pardon.

Men. Sirrah, if thy captain knew I were here, he would[3736][3737]

use me with estimation.[3736]

Sec. Sen. Come, my captain knows you not.[3738] 50

Men. I mean, thy general.

First Sen. My general cares not for you. Back, I say,

go; lest I let forth your half-pint of blood;—back,—that's[3739]

the utmost of your having:—back.[3739]

Men. Nay, but, fellow, fellow,— 55

Enter CORIOLANUS and AUFIDIUS.[3740]

Cor. What's the matter?

Men. Now, you companion, I'll say an errand for you:[3741]

you shall know now that I am in estimation; you shall perceive

that a Jack guardant cannot office me from my son

Coriolanus: guess, but by my entertainment with him, if[3742] 60

thou standest not i' the state of hanging, or of some death

more long in spectatorship and crueller in suffering; behold

now presently, and swoon for what's to come upon thee.[3743]

The glorious gods sit in hourly synod about thy particular

prosperity, and love thee no worse than thy old father 65

Menenius does! O my son, my son! thou art preparing

fire for us; look thee, here's water to quench it. I was

hardly moved to come to thee; but being assured none

but myself could move thee, I have been blown out of

your gates with sighs; and conjure thee to pardon Rome[3744] 70

and thy petitionary countrymen. The good gods assuage

thy wrath, and turn the dregs of it upon this varlet here,—this,[3745]

who, like a block, hath denied my access to thee.

Cor. Away!

Men. How! away! 75

Cor. Wife, mother, child, I know not. My affairs

Are servanted to others: though I owe

My revenge properly, my remission lies[3746]

In Volscian breasts. That we have been familiar,

Ingrate forgetfulness shall poison rather[3747] 80

Than pity note how much. Therefore be gone.[3748]

Mine ears against your suits are stronger than

Your gates against my force. Yet, for I loved thee,

Take this along; I writ it for thy sake,

And would have sent it. [Gives him a letter.] Another word, Menenius,[3749]85

I will not hear thee speak. This man, Aufidius,

Was my beloved in Rome: yet thou behold'st.[3750]

Auf. You keep a constant temper.

[Exeunt Coriolanus and Aufidius.[3751]

First Sen. Now, sir, is your name Menenius?

Sec. Sen. 'Tis a spell, you see, of much power: you[3752] 90

know the way home again.[3752]

First Sen. Do you hear how we are shent for keeping

your greatness back?

Sec. Sen. What cause, do you think, I have to swoon?[3743]

Men. I neither care for the world nor your general: for 95

such things as you, I can scarce think there's any, ye're so[3753]

slight. He that hath a will to die by himself fears it not

from another: let your general do his worst. For you, be

that you are, long; and your misery increase with your

age! I say to you, as I was said to, Away!      [Exit. 100

First Sen. A noble fellow, I warrant him.

Sec. Sen. The worthy fellow is our general: he's the[3754][3755]

rock, the oak not to be wind-shaken.      [Exeunt.[3754][3756]

SCENE III. The tent of Coriolanus.

Enter CORIOLANUS, AUFIDIUS, and others.[3757]

Cor. We will before the walls of Rome to-morrow

Set down our host. My partner in this action,

You must report to the Volscian lords how plainly

I have borne this business.[3758]

Auf. Only their ends[3759][3760]

You have respected; stopp'd your ears against[3759] 5

The general suit of Rome; never admitted[3759]

A private whisper, no, not with such friends[3759][3761]

That thought them sure of you.

Cor. This last old man,[3762]

Whom with a crack'd heart I have sent to Rome,

Loved me above the measure of a father, 10

Nay, godded me indeed. Their latest refuge

Was to send him; for whose old love I have,

Though I show'd sourly to him, once more offer'd

The first conditions, which they did refuse[3763]

And cannot now accept; to grace him only[3764] 15

That thought he could do more, a very little[3764]

I have yielded to: fresh embassies and suits,[3765]

Nor from the state nor private friends, hereafter[3766]

Will I lend ear to. [Shout within.] Ha! what shout is this?[3767]

Shall I be tempted to infringe my vow 20

In the same time 'tis made? I will not.

Enter, in mourning habits, VIRGILIA, VOLUMNIA, leading young MARCIUS, VALERIA, and Attendants.[3768]

My wife comes foremost; then the honour'd mould

Wherein this trunk was framed, and in her hand

The grandchild to her blood. But out, affection!

All bond and privilege of nature, break![3769] 25

Let it be virtuous to be obstinate.

What is that curtsy worth? or those doves' eyes,[3770]

Which can make gods forsworn? I melt, and am not

Of stronger earth than others. My mother bows;

As if Olympus to a molehill should 30

In supplication nod: and my young boy

Hath an aspect of intercession, which

Great nature cries 'Deny not.' Let the Volsces

Plough Rome, and harrow Italy: I'll never

Be such a gosling to obey instinct; but stand, 35

As if a man were author of himself[3771][3772]

And knew no other kin.[3772]

Vir. My lord and husband!

Cor. These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome.

Vir. The sorrow that delivers us thus changed

Makes you think so.

Cor. Like a dull actor now[3773] 40

I have forgot my part and I am out,[3773]

Even to a full disgrace. Best of my flesh,[3773]

Forgive my tyranny; but do not say,

For that 'Forgive our Romans.' O, a kiss

Long as my exile, sweet as my revenge! 45

Now, by the jealous queen of heaven, that kiss

I carried from thee, dear, and my true lip

Hath virgin'd it e'er since. You gods! I prate,[3774]

And the most noble mother of the world

Leave unsaluted: sink, my knee, i' the earth;      [Kneels. 50

Of thy deep duty more impression show[3775]

Than that of common sons.

Vol. O, stand up blest!

Whilst, with no softer cushion than the flint,

I kneel before thee, and unproperly

Show duty, as mistaken all this while[3776] 55

Between the child and parent.      [Kneels.

Cor. What is this?[3777][3778]

Your knees to me? to your corrected son?[3778]

Then let the pebbles on the hungry beach[3779]

Fillip the stars; then let the mutinous winds[3780]

Strike the proud cedars 'gainst the fiery sun, 60

Murdering impossibility, to make

What cannot be, slight work.

Vol. Thou art my warrior;[3781]

I holp to frame thee. Do you know this lady?[3781][3782]

Cor. The noble sister of Publicola,[3783]

The moon of Rome; chaste as the icicle 65

That's curdied by the frost from purest snow[3784]

And hangs on Dian's temple: dear Valeria!

Vol. This is a poor epitome of yours,[3785]

Which by the interpretation of full time

May show like all yourself.

Cor. The god of soldiers,[3786] 70

With the consent of supreme Jove, inform

Thy thoughts with nobleness, that thou mayst prove

To shame unvulnerable, and stick i' the wars[3787]

Like a great sea-mark, standing every flaw

And saving those that eye thee!

Vol. Your knee, sirrah.[3788] 75

Cor. That's my brave boy!

Vol. Even he, your wife, this lady and myself

Are suitors to you.

Cor. I beseech you, peace:

Or, if you'ld ask, remember this before:

The thing I have forsworn to grant may never[3789] 80

Be held by you denials. Do not bid me[3789]

Dismiss my soldiers, or capitulate

Again with Rome's mechanics: tell me not

Wherein I seem unnatural: desire not[3790]

To allay my rages and revenges with[3790] 85

Your colder reasons.[3790]

Vol. O, no more, no more!

You have said you will not grant us any thing;[3791]

For we have nothing else to ask, but that

Which you deny already: yet we will ask;

That, if you fail in our request, the blame[3792] 90

May hang upon your hardness: therefore hear us.

Cor. Aufidius, and you Volsces, mark; for we'll

Hear nought from Rome in private. Your request?

Vol. Should we be silent and not speak, our raiment

And state of bodies would bewray what life 95

We have led since thy exile. Think with thyself[3793]

How more unfortunate than all living women[3794]

Are we come hither: since that thy sight, which should[3795]

Make our eyes flow with joy, hearts dance with comforts,[3796]

Constrains them weep and shake with fear and sorrow; 100

Making the mother, wife and child, to see

The son, the husband and the father, tearing

His country's bowels out. And to poor we[3797][3798]

Thine enmity's most capital: thou barr'st us[3798][3799]

Our prayers to the gods, which is a comfort 105

That all but we enjoy; for how can we,

Alas, how can we for our country pray,

Whereto we are bound, together with thy victory,[3800]

Whereto we are bound? alack, or we must lose[3800]

The country, our dear nurse, or else thy person, 110

Our comfort in the country. We must find

An evident calamity, though we had[3801]

Our wish, which side should win; for either thou

Must, as a foreign recreant, be led

With manacles thorough our streets, or else[3802] 115

Triumphantly tread on thy country's ruin

And bear the palm for having bravely shed

Thy wife and children's blood. For myself, son,

I purpose not to wait on fortune till

These wars determine: if I cannot persuade thee[3803] 120

Rather to show a noble grace to both parts[3804]

Than seek the end of one, thou shalt no sooner[3805]

March to assault thy country than to tread—

Trust to 't, thou shalt not—on thy mother's womb,

That brought thee to this world.

Vir. Ay, and mine,[3806][3807] 125

That brought you forth this boy, to keep your name[3806]

Living to time.[3806]

Boy. A' shall not tread on me;[3806][3808]

I'll run away till I am bigger, but then I'll fight.[3806]

Cor. Not of a woman's tenderness to be,

Requires nor child nor woman's face to see.[3809] 130

I have sat too long.      [Rising.[3810]

Vol. Nay, go not from us thus.

If it were so that our request did tend

To save the Romans, thereby to destroy[3811]

The Volsces whom you serve, you might condemn us,

As poisonous of your honour: no; our suit[3812] 135

Is, that you reconcile them: while the Volsces

May say 'This mercy we have show'd,' the Romans,

'This we received;' and each in either side

Give the all-hail to thee and cry 'Be blest

For making up this peace!' Thou know'st, great son, 140

The end of war's uncertain, but this certain,[3813]

That if thou conquer Rome, the benefit

Which thou shalt thereby reap is such a name

Whose repetition will be dogg'd with curses;

Whose chronicle thus writ: 'The man was noble, 145

But with his last attempt he wiped it out,

Destroy'd his country, and his name remains

To the ensuing age abhorr'd.' Speak to me, son:

Thou hast affected the fine strains of honour,[3814]

To imitate the graces of the gods; 150

To tear with thunder the wide cheeks o' the air,

And yet to charge thy sulphur with a bolt[3815]

That should but rive an oak. Why dost not speak?[3816]

Think'st thou it honourable for a noble man[3817]

Still to remember wrongs? Daughter, speak you: 155

He cares not for your weeping. Speak thou, boy:

Perhaps thy childishness will move him more

Than can our reasons. There's no man in the world[3818]

More bound to 's mother, yet here he lets me prate[3819]

Like one i' the stocks. Thou hast never in thy life[3820] 160

Show'd thy dear mother any courtesy;

When she, poor hen, fond of no second brood,

Has cluck'd thee to the wars, and safely home,[3821]

Loaden with honour. Say my request's unjust,

And spurn me back: but if it be not so, 165

Thou art not honest, and the gods will plague thee,

That thou restrain'st from me the duty which

To a mother's part belongs. He turns away:

Down, ladies; let us shame him with our knees.[3822]

To his surname Coriolanus 'longs more pride[3823] 170

Than pity to our prayers. Down: an end;[3824]

This is the last: so we will home to Rome,

And die among our neighbours. Nay, behold's:[3825]

This boy, that cannot tell what he would have,

But kneels and holds up hands for fellowship, 175

Does reason our petition with more strength

Than thou hast to deny 't. Come, let us go:

This fellow had a Volscian to his mother;

His wife is in Corioli, and his child[3826]

Like him by chance. Yet give us our dispatch: 180

I am hush'd until our city be a-fire,[3827][3828]

And then I'll speak a little.[3827]

Cor. [After holding her by the hand, silent] O Mother, mother![3829]

What have you done? Behold, the heavens do ope,

The gods look down, and this unnatural scene

They laugh at. O my mother, mother! O! 185

You have won a happy victory to Rome;[3791]

But, for your son, believe it, O, believe it,

Most dangerously you have with him prevail'd,[3830]

If not most mortal to him. But let it come.[3831]

Aufidius, though I cannot make true wars, 190

I'll frame convenient peace. Now, good Aufidius,[3832]

Were you in my stead, would you have heard[3833]

A mother less? or granted less, Aufidius?[3834]

Auf. I was moved withal.[3835]

Cor. I dare be sworn you were:

And, sir, it is no little thing to make 195

Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But, good sir,

What peace you'll make, advise me: for my part,

I'll not to Rome, I'll back with you; and pray you,

Stand to me in this cause. O mother! wife!

Auf. [Aside] I am glad thou hast set thy mercy and thy honour[3836]200

At difference in thee: out of that I'll work

Myself a former fortune.      [The Ladies make signs to Coriolanus.

Cor. [To Volumnia, Virgilia, &c.] Ay, by and by:—[3837][3838]

But we will drink together; and you shall bear[3838][3839]

A better witness back than words, which we

On like conditions will have counter-seal'd. 205

Come, enter with us. Ladies, you deserve[3840]

To have a temple built you: all the swords[3840]

In Italy, and her confederate arms,[3840]

Could not have made this peace.      [Exeunt.[3840]

SCENE IV. Rome. A public place.[3841]

Enter MENENIUS and SICINIUS.

Men. See you yond coign o' the Capitol, yond

cornerstone?

Sic. Why, what of that?

Men. If it be possible for you to displace it with your

little finger, there is some hope the ladies of Rome, especially 5

his mother, may prevail with him. But I say there

is no hope in 't: our throats are sentenced, and stay upon

execution.

Sic. Is't possible that so short a time can alter the

condition of a man? 10

Men. There is differency between a grub and a butterfly;[3842]

yet your butterfly was a grub. This Marcius is grown

from man to dragon: he has wings; he's more than a

creeping thing.

Sic. He loved his mother dearly. 15

Men. So did he me: and he no more remembers his

mother now than an eight-year-old horse. The tartness of[3843]

his face sours ripe grapes: when he walks, he moves like

an engine, and the ground shrinks before his treading: he

is able to pierce a corslet with his eye; talks like a knell, 20

and his hum is a battery. He sits in his state, as a thing[3844][3845]

made for Alexander. What he bids be done, is finished[3845]

with his bidding. He wants nothing of a god but eternity

and a heaven to throne in.

Sic. Yes, mercy, if you report him truly. 25

Men. I paint him in the character. Mark what mercy

his mother shall bring from him: there is no more mercy

in him than there is milk in a male tiger; that shall our

poor city find: and all this is long of you.[3846]

Sic. The gods be good unto us! 30

Men. No, in such a case the gods will not be good

unto us. When we banished him, we respected not them;

and, he returning to break our necks, they respect not us.

Enter a Messenger.

Mess. Sir, if you'ld save your life, fly to your house:

The plebeians have got your fellow-tribune, 35

And hale him up and down, all swearing, if

The Roman ladies bring not comfort home,

They'll give him death by inches.

Enter another Messenger.

Sic. What's the news?

Sec. Mess. Good news, good news; the ladies have prevail'd,[3847]

The Volscians are dislodged, and Marcius gone: 40

A merrier day did never yet greet Rome,

No, not the expulsion of the Tarquins.

Sic. Friend,[3848]

Art thou certain this is true? is it most certain?[3848][3849]

Sec. Mess. As certain as I know the sun is fire:[3847]

Where have you lurk'd, that you make doubt of it? 45

Ne'er through an arch so hurried the blown tide,

As the recomforted through the gates. Why, hark you!

[Trumpets; hautboys; drums beat; all together.[3850]

The trumpets, sackbuts, psalteries and fifes,

Tabors and cymbals and the shouting Romans,[3851]

Make the sun dance. Hark you!      [A shout within.[3852]

Men. This is good news: 50

I will go meet the ladies. This Volumnia[3853]

Is worth of consuls, senators, patricians,

A city full; of tribunes, such as you,

A sea and land full. You have pray'd well to-day:[3854]

This morning for ten thousand of your throats 55

I'ld not have given a doit. Hark, how they joy!

[Music still, with shouts.[3855]

Sic. First, the gods bless you for your tidings; next,[3856]

Accept my thankfulness.[3856]

Sec. Mess. Sir, we have all[3857]

Great cause to give great thanks.[3857]

Sic. They are near the city?[3857][3858]

Sec. Mess. Almost at point to enter.[3857]

Sic. We will meet them,[3857][3859][3860] 60

And help the joy.      [Exeunt.[3857][3860][3861]

SCENE V. The same. A street near the gate.

Enter two Senators with VOLUMNIA, VIRGILIA, VALERIA, &c. passing over the stage, followed by Patricians and others.[3862]

First Sen. Behold our patroness, the life of Rome![3863]

Call all your tribes together, praise the gods,[3864]

And make triumphant fires; strew flowers before them:[3865]

Unshout the noise that banish'd Marcius,[3866]

Repeal him with the welcome of his mother; 5

Cry 'Welcome, ladies, welcome!'

All. Welcome, ladies,[3867]

Welcome!      [A flourish with drums and trumpets. Exeunt.[3867][3868]

SCENE VI. Antium. A public place.[3869]

Enter TULLUS AUFIDIUS, with Attendants.

Auf. Go tell the lords o' the city I am here:[3870]

Deliver them this paper: having read it,

Bid them repair to the market-place, where I,

Even in theirs and in the commons' ears,

Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accuse[3871] 5

The city ports by this hath enter'd, and

Intends to appear before the people, hoping

To purge himself with words: dispatch.      [Exeunt Attendants.[3872]

Enter three or four Conspirators of AUFIDIUS' faction.

Most welcome!

First Con. How is it with our general?

Auf. Even so[3873] 10

As with a man by his own alms empoison'd,[3873]

And with his charity slain.[3873]

Sec. Con. Most noble sir,[3874]

If you do hold the same intent wherein[3874]

You wish'd us parties, we'll deliver you[3874]

Of your great danger.

Auf. Sir, I cannot tell: 15

We must proceed as we do find the people.

Third Con. The people will remain uncertain whilst

'Twixt you there's difference; but the fall of either

Makes the survivor heir of all.

Auf. I know it,

And my pretext to strike at him admits 20

A good construction. I raised him, and I pawn'd[3875]

Mine honour for his truth: who being so heighten'd,

He water'd his new plants with dews of flattery,[3876]

Seducing so my friends; and, to this end,

He bow'd his nature, never known before 25

But to be rough, unswayable and free.[3877]

Third Con. Sir, his stoutness[3878]

When he did stand for consul, which he lost

By lack of stooping,—[3879]

Auf. That I would have spoke of:

Being banish'd for't, he came unto my hearth; 30

Presented to my knife his throat: I took him,

Made him joint-servant with me, gave him way

In all his own desires, nay, let him choose

Out of my files, his projects to accomplish,[3880]

My best and freshest men, served his designments 35

In mine own person, holp to reap the fame[3881][3882]

Which he did end all his; and took some pride[3882][3883]

To do myself this wrong: till at the last

I seem'd his follower, not partner, and

He waged me with his countenance, as if[3884] 40

I had been mercenary.

First Con. So he did, my lord:

The army marvell'd at it, and in the last,[3885]

When he had carried Rome and that we look'd

For no less spoil than glory—[3886]

Auf. There was it:

For which my sinews shall be stretch'd upon him.[3887] 45

At a few drops of women's rheum, which are

As cheap as lies, he sold the blood and labour

Of our great action: therefore shall he die,

And I'll renew me in his fall. But hark!

[Drums and trumpets sound, with great shouts of the people.[3888]

First Con. Your native town you enter'd like a post, 50

And had no welcomes home; but he returns,

Splitting the air with noise.

Sec. Con. And patient fools,

Whose children he hath slain, their base throats tear

With giving him glory.[3889]

Third Con. Therefore, at your vantage,

Ere he express himself, or move the people 55

With what he would say, let him feel your sword,

Which we will second. When he lies along,[3890][3891]

After your way his tale pronounced shall bury[3891]

His reasons with his body.

Auf. Say no more:[3892]

Here come the lords.[3892] 60

Enter the Lords of the city.

All the Lords. You are most welcome home.[3893]

Auf. I have not deserved it.

But, worthy lords, have you with heed perused

What I have written to you?

Lords. We have.

First Lord. And grieve to hear 't.[3894]

What faults he made before the last, I think

Might have found easy fines: but there to end 65

Where he was to begin, and give away

The benefit of our levies, answering us

With our own charge, making a treaty where

There was a yielding,—this admits no excuse.[3895]

Auf. He approaches: you shall hear him. 70

Enter CORIOLANUS, marching with drum and colours; the commoners being with him.

Cor. Hail, lords! I am return'd your soldier;[3896]

No more infected with my country's love

Than when I parted hence, but still subsisting

Under your great command. You are to know,

That prosperously I have attempted and 75

With bloody passage led your wars even to

The gates of Rome. Our spoils we have brought home[3897]

Do more than counterpoise a full third part[3897]

The charges of the action. We have made peace,[3898]

With no less honour to the Antiates 80

Than shame to the Romans: and we here deliver,[3899]

Subscribed by the consuls and patricians,[3900]

Together with the seal o' the senate, what[3901]

We have compounded on.

Auf. Read it not, noble lords;

But tell the traitor, in the highest degree 85

He hath abused your powers.

Cor. Traitor! how now!

Auf. Ay, traitor, Marcius!

Cor. Marcius!

Auf. Ay, Marcius, Caius Marcius: dost thou think

I'll grace thee with that robbery, thy stol'n name

Coriolanus, in Corioli? 90

You lords and heads o' the state, perfidiously[3901][3902]

He has betray'd your business, and given up,

For certain drops of salt, your city Rome,

I say 'your city,' to his wife and mother;

Breaking his oath and resolution, like 95

A twist of rotten silk; never admitting

Counsel o' the war; but at his nurse's tears[3901]

He whined and roar'd away your victory;

That pages blush'd at him and men of heart

Look'd wondering each at other.[3903]

Cor. Hear'st thou, Mars? 100

Auf. Name not the god, thou boy of tears!

Cor. Ha!

Auf. No more.[3904]

Cor. Measureless liar, thou hast made my heart

Too great for what contains it. 'Boy!' O slave!

Pardon me, lords, 'tis the first time that ever[3905] 105

I was forced to scold. Your judgements, my grave lords,[3905][3906]

Must give this cur the lie: and his own notion—

Who wears my stripes impress'd upon him; that

Must bear my beating to his grave—shall join

To thrust the lie unto him. 110

First Lord. Peace, both, and hear me speak.

Cor. Cut me to pieces, Volsces; men and lads,[3907]

Stain all your edges on me. 'Boy!' false hound![3908]

If you have writ your annals true, 'tis there,

That, like an eagle in a dove-cote, I 115

Flutter'd your Volscians in Corioli;[3909]

Alone I did it. 'Boy!'[3910]

Auf. Why, noble lords,

Will you be put in mind of his blind fortune,

Which was your shame, by this unholy braggart,

'Fore your own eyes and ears?

All Consp. Let him die for't. 120

All the People. 'Tear him to pieces.' 'Do it presently.'[3911][3912]

'He killed my son.' 'My daughter.' 'He killed my cousin[3912][3913]

Marcus.' 'He killed my father.'[3912][3913]

Sec. Lord. Peace, ho! no outrage: peace![3914]

The man is noble, and his fame folds-in 125

This orb o' the earth. His last offences to us

Shall have judicious hearing. Stand, Aufidius,

And trouble not the peace.

Cor. O that I had him,[3915]

With six Aufidiuses, or more, his tribe,[3915]

To use my lawful sword![3915]

Auf. Insolent villain! 130

All Consp. Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill him!

[The Conspirators draw, and kill Coriolanus: Aufidius stands on his body.[3916]

Lords. Hold, hold, hold, hold!

Auf. My noble masters, hear me speak.

First Lord. O Tullus,—[3917]

Sec. Lord. Thou hast done a deed whereat valour will weep.[3918]

Third Lord. Tread not upon him. Masters all, be quiet;[3919]

Put up your swords. 135

Auf. My lords, when you shall know—as in this rage[3920]

Provoked by him, you cannot—the great danger[3921]

Which this man's life did owe you, you'll rejoice

That he is thus cut off. Please it your honours

To call me to your senate, I'll deliver 140

Myself your loyal servant, or endure

Your heaviest censure.

First Lord. Bear from hence his body;

And mourn you for him: let him be regarded

As the most noble corse that ever herald

Did follow to his urn.

Sec. Lord. His own impatience 145

Takes from Aufidius a great part of blame.

Let's make the best of it.

Auf. My rage is gone,

And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up:

Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one.[3901]

Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully: 150

Trail your steel pikes. Though in this city he

Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one,

Which to this hour bewail the injury,

Yet he shall have a noble memory.[3922]

Assist.      [Exeunt, bearing the body of Coriolanus.[3922][3923] A dead march sounded.155

FOOTNOTES:

[3679] ACT V. SCENE 1.] Rowe. Actus Quintus. Ff.

Rome.] Rowe.

A public place.] Theobald.

Enter ... Sicinius and Brutus....] Enter ... Sicinius, Brutus,.... Ff.

[3680] Which was] To one Collier MS.

[3681] him; A mile ... tent] him, A mile ... tent Hanmer. him, A mile ... tent, Rowe. him A mile ... tent, Ff.

[3682] knee] F_1. kneele F_2. kneel F_3 F_4.

[3683] o' the] o' th F_4. a' th' F_1 F_2 F_3. i' the Malone.

[3684] you have] you've Pope.

[3685] rack'd for] Pope. wrack'd for Ff sack'd fair Hanmer. reck'd for Warburton. wrack'd poor Long MS. wreck'd for Collier. wreck'd fair Williams conj. work'd for Leo conj.

for Rome,] Rome, for Badham conj.

[3686] cheap:] cheape: Ff. cheap, Collier. cheap,— Dyce. See note (X).

[3687] it was less] it was least Pope. least it was Steevens.

[3688] bare] Ff. base Blackstone and Mason conj. rare Williams conj.

bare ... state] rebaptizing of estate Bullock conj.

[3689] Very well ... less?] As in Johnson. One line in Ff.

[3690] For's] For his Capell.

[3691] I am] I'm Pope.

[3692] too, we are] we're Hanmer, ending the previous lines at grain ... wife.

[3693] never-needed] never-heeded Steevens (1793).

[3694] Upbraid's] Upbraid us Rowe.

[3695] Pray you] I pray you Capell.

What] Why, what Hanmer.

do?] do there? Keightley.

[3696] Well ... what then?] As in Pope. Two lines, ending returne me ... then?, in Ff.

[3697] is return'd] return'd F_4.

[3698] Unheard] Unheard, or not unheard Badham conj., ending lines 43, 44 but as ... with his.

what then?] om. Hanmer. what then? How should I then appear? Seymour conj. what then? how then should I return? Keightley.

[3699] what then? But ... friend] what then? not as a joyful herald, But ... friend or what then? As a discountenanc'd friend (reading As ... his as one line) Badham conj.

[3700] But as] om. Capell, reading Unheard ... friend, as one line.

[3701] unkindness ... so? Sic. Yet ... will] unkindness: and what then? Sic. Say it be so; yet ... will, Menenius Hanmer (ending the lines at friend ... then?... Menenius). unkindness? Say't be so? Sic. Say it be so; yet ... will, Menenius Capell, following Hanmer's arrangement. unkindness? Sic. But yet ... will Seymour conj.

[3702] that thanks from] the thanks of Hanmer.

[3703] undertake't] undertake it Rowe.

[3704] we have] we've Pope.

[3705] our] om. Pope.

[3706] him, ... will. I] him, ... will. You Hanmer. him: ... will, you Mason conj. him, ... will. They Becket conj. him: ... will, I Staunton.

[3707] Not?] F_3 F_4. Not. F_1 F_2. No? Capell.

[3708] sit] set Farmer conj. MS.

in gold] engoal'd Heath conj. engall'd Blackstone conj.

[3709] He ... not,] What he would not, he sent in writing after me, Jervis conj.

me] om. Pope.

[3710] what ... So that all] and what not, bound with an oath. To yield to his conditions, All Farmer conj. MS.

[3711] Bound ... So that] Except we yield to his conditions, Bound with an oath. So that Capell conj.

[3712] oath to ... conditions:] Ff. oath, not yield to new conditions: Hanmer. oath to yield no new conditions: or oath. To yield to his conditions [some words omitted] Johnson conj. oath, if you yield to his conditions: Heath conj. After oath Malone supposes two half lines to have been lost. oath, to yield in his conditions: Mason conj. oath: so yield to his conditions: Jackson conj. oath, to yield to no conditions: Singer conj. oath to hold to his conditions: Solly conj. Keightley (Grant White conj.) marks a line lost after would not.

[3713] So that ... him] As in Johnson. Two lines in Ff, ending mother ... him.

[3714] his noble ... wife] his mother And wife Pope, reading So that ... mother as one line. from's mother And wife Hanmer. in his mother And wife Heath conj. from his noble mother, and his wife Capell. in his noble mother and his wife Anon. conj. apud Steevens. in's noble ... wife Grant White.

[3715] Who, as I hear,] Do, as I hear, Mitford conj. (Who, as I hear) Leo.

[3716] For] Force Warburton.

country] Keightley (Steevens conj.) marks here an interruption in the sense.

let's] om. Pope.

[3717] SCENE II.] Rowe.

Entrance ... Rome.] A camp. Rowe. The Volscian camp. Theobald. An advanced post of the Volscian Camp before Rome. Capell.

Two ... guard.] Certain of the guard on Duty. Capell. om. Ff.

Enter....] Enter Menenius to the Watch or Guard. Ff.

[3718] First Sen.] 1. Wat. Ff.

you?] you? Speak. Seymour conj.

[3719] Sec. Sen.] 2. Wat. Ff.

Stand, and go] Stand there, or get you Seymour conj.

back] back again Steevens conj.

[3720] I ... Coriolanus.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3721] From whence?] Whence? Pope.

[3722] You ... thence.] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3723] Will ... thence] Will hear no more from Rome; so get you back Seymour conj.

[3724] lots to blanks] blanks to lots Seymour conj.

[3725] thee, fellow] the fellow F_3.

[3726] haply] Hanmer. happely F_1 F_2. happily F_3 F_4.

[3727] verified] magnified Hanmer. narrified Warburton. varnished Edwards conj. rarefied Staunton conj. certified Jervis conj. glorified Leo conj. vivified Bullock conj.

[3728] with] to Hanmer.

[3729] I have] I've Pope.

[3730] on] of Rowe. (ed. 2).

[3731] am, as] F_4. am as F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3732] out] out of Rowe.

[3733] easy] queasy Collier (Collier MS.) wheezy Staunton conj.

[3734] palms] pasmes or pames Warburton conj. qualms Becket conj.

[3735] dotant] dotard F_4.

[3736] Sirrah ... estimation] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3737] thy] F_1. the F_2 F_3 F_4.

knew] knew that Keightley, reading as verse.

[3738] Sec. Sen.] 2. Watch. Steevens (1773). 1. Ff.

[3739] blood;—back, ... back.] blood, that's ... having; back, back. Hanmer.

[3740] and] with Ff.

[3741] companion] champion Rowe.

errand] Pope. arrant F_1 F_2 F_3. errant F_4.

[3742] Coriolanus: guess, but by my ... him,] Malone. Coriolanus, guesse but my ... him: Ff. Coriolanus; guess but my ... him; Pope. Coriolanus; guess by my ... him, Hanmer (Thirlby conj.)

[3743] swoon] F_4. swoond F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3744] your] F_1 F_2 F_3. our F_4. their Ritson conj. yond Leo conj. the Anon. conj.

[3745] thee.] thee— Rowe.

[3746] my remission] remission Rowe (ed. 2).

[3747] poison] prison Theobald.

[3748] pity note how much.] Theobald (Thirlby conj.) pitty: Note how much, Ff.

[3749] [Gives ... letter.] Pope. om. Ff.

[3750] behold'st.] F_1 F_2. behold'st— F_3 F_4.

[3751] [Exeunt....] Capell. Exeunt. Manent the Guard and Menenius. Ff. (Manet F_1).

[3752] 'Tis ... again.] Prose in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3753] ye're] y'are Ff. you're Capell. you are Steevens.

[3754] The worthy ... wind-shaken.] Prose in F_4. Two lines, the first ending rock, in F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3755] he's] He is Capell, ending line 102 at general.

[3756] [Exeunt.] Exit Watch. Ff.

[3757] SCENE III.] Pope.

The tent....] Tent of Coriolanus. Capell.

Enter....] Re-enter ... Pope.

Aufidius, and others.] Capell. and Auffidius. Ff (Aufidius. F_4).

[3758] I have] I've Pope. I still have Capell.

[3759] Only ... friends] As in Capell. Three lines, ending respected ... Rome: ... friends, in Ff. Three ending stopt ... Rome: ... friends, in Rowe.

[3760] ends] end Rann.

[3761] A private] private Pope, ending lines 5-8 stopt ... Rome: ... no ... you.

[3762] last old] last, old Rowe.

[3763] refuse] refuge F_2.

[3764] accept; ... more,] Singer (Heath conj.) accept, ... more, Johnson. accept, ... more: Ff.

[3765] I have] I've Pope.

to] F_2 F_3 F_4. too F_1.

embassies] F_4. embasses F_1 F_2 F_3. embassie Rowe.

[3766] from] for Rowe.

[3767] [Shout within.] Ff. Omitted by Hanmer.

shout] sight Hanmer.

[3768] not.] not— Pope. not do't. Anon. conj.

Enter....] Malone. Enter Virgilia, Volumnia, Valeria, young Martius, with Attendants. Ff. Enter, in neglected and mourning Habits, Virgilia, Volumnia leading in her hands young Marcius, Valeria, and other Ladies. Capell.

[3769] nature, break] Capell. nature breake Ff.

[3770] doves'] Steevens (1793). doves Ff. dove's Rowe.

[3771] As if] And if Rowe (ed. 2).

[3772] As ... kin] As in Rowe (ed. 2). Two lines in Ff.

[3773] Like ... flesh,] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending part, in Ff.

[3774] prate] Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). pray Ff.

[3775] thy] the Rowe.

[3776] mistaken] mistaking Collier MS.

this] the Rowe.

[3777] [Kneels.] Rowe. om. Ff.

What is] Pope. What's Ff.

[3778] What ... son?] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending me? in Ff.

[3779] hungry] angry Malone conj. (withdrawn).

[3780] Fillip] Steevens (1793). Fillop Ff.

[3781] Thou ... lady?] As in Rowe. Two lines, the first ending thee, in Ff.

[3782] holp] Pope. hope Ff.

[3783] Publicola] Poplicola Rowe.

[3784] curdied] curdled Rowe (ed. 2).

[3785] Vol.] Volum. Ff. Val. Rann (Steevens conj.)

yours] you Johnson conj.

[shewing young Martius. Pope.

[3786] soldiers,] souldiers, F_3 F_4. souldiers: F_1 F_2.

[3787] stick] sticke F_1. strike F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3788] See note (XI).

[3789] thing ... denials] F_1 F_2 F_3. thing ... denial F_4. things ... denials Capell.

[3790] desire not ... reasons.] As in Pope. The lines end t' allay ... reasons in Ff.

[3791] You have] You've Pope.

[3792] you] we Rowe (ed. 2).

[3793] We have] We've Pope.

[3794] all] F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3795] that] om. Pope.

[3796] eyes] hearts Rowe.

[3797] country's] Rowe. countries Ff.

[3798] to poor we Thine enmity's] to poor us Thine enmity's Hanmer. so poor we Thine enemies Collier (Collier MS.)

[3799] enmity's] F_4. enmities F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3800] we are] we're Pope.

[3801] evident] eminent Rowe.

[3802] thorough] Johnson, through Ff. along Pope.

streets] street Warburton.

[3803] cannot] can't Pope.

[3804] both parts] both Seymour conj.

[3805] no sooner] not sooner Hanmer.

[3806] Ay, ... fight.] Arranged as in Pope, who reads mine too. Four lines, ending boy, ... time ... away ... fight, in Ff.

[3807] to] into Anon. conj.

mine] mine too Rowe. on mine Capell.

[3808] A'] A Ff. He Pope.

[3809] nor child] no child Rowe.

[3810] I have] I've Pope.

[Rising.] Capell. om. Ff.

[3811] to] do Pope (ed. 1).

[3812] poisonous] poysoners Hanmer.

[3813] war's] F_4. Warr's F_3. Warres F_1 F_2.

[3814] fine] Johnson. fiue F_1. five F_2 F_3 F_4. first Rowe (ed. 2).

[3815] to charge thy] Theobald (Warburton). to change thy Ff. do charge their Hanmer.

[3816] should] shall Hanmer.

[3817] noble man] Noble man F_2 F_3 F_4. Nobleman F_1.

[3818] There's] F_1. There is F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3819] to 's] to his Capell.

[3820] Thou hast] Thou'st Pope.

[3821] cluck'd] clock'd F_1.

[3822] him with] F_2 F_3 F_4. him with him with F_1.

[3823] To his] To 's Theobald.

'longs] F_4. longs F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3824] Down: an end;] Downe: an end, F_1 F_2. Down: an end, F_3. Down: and end, F_4. Down; down; and end; Johnson.

[3825] behold's] behold us Rowe (ed. 2).

[3826] his child] this child Theobald.

[3827] I ... little.] Arranged as in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3828] I am] I'm Pope.

[3829] Cor. [After ... silent] Holds her by the hand silent. Corio. Ff.

silent] silent, long and self-struggling. Collier MS.

O] om. Pope.

[3830] dangerously] dongerously F_2.

[3831] But] om. Pope.

[3832] Now] Tell me now Badham conj., ending the lines 191-193 at good ... would you ... less.

[3833] were you] If you were Capell. An were you S. Walker conj.

stead] F_4. stead F_1 F_2 F_3.

would] say, would Pope.

[3834] Aufidius] om. Badham conj.

[3835] I ... withal.] I too was mov'd. Pope. I was mov'd with 't. Capell.

[3836] [Aside] Rowe. om. Ff.

I am ... thou hast] I'm ... thou'st Pope.

[3837] a former] my former Hanmer. a firmer Collier MS.

[The Ladies....] Johnson. om. Ff.

[To Volumnia....] Rowe.

[3838] Ay ... bear] Arranged as in Hanmer. In Ff the first line ends at together.

[3839] drink] think Farmer conj. swink Becket conj.

[3840] Ladies ... peace.] Auf. Ladies ... peace. Hanmer.

[3841] SCENE IV.] Pope. SCENE III. Rowe.

Rome. A public place.] Capell. Rome. Pope. The Forum in Rome. Theobald.

[3842] differency] F_1. difference F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3843] eight-year-old] eight yeare old F_1 F_2. eight years old F_3 F_4.

[3844] in his state] in state Johnson.

[3845] as a thing made for] as a king, great as Leo conj.

[3846] long] 'long Capell.

[3847] Sec. Mess.] Mes. Ff.

[3848] Friend ... certain?] Arranged as by Pope, who reads Art certain. In Ff the first line ends at true?

[3849] is it ...] Pope. Is't ... Ff. Sec. Mess. Ay, sir, ... S. Walker conj.

certain?] F_3 F_4. certaine. F_1 F_2.

[3850] [Trumpets....] Noise within, of Shoutings, and loud Musick. Capell.

all together] Rowe. altogether Ff.

[3851] cymbals] F_4. Symboles F_1 F_2. Cymbole F_3.

[3852] you] yon F_2.

[A shout within.] Ff. Shout again. Capell.

[3853] Volumnia] Volumna F_2.

[3854] You have] You've Pope.

[3855] [Music....] Sound still with the Shouts. Ff.

[3856] First ... thankfulness] As in Pope. In Ff the first line ends at tydings.

[3857] Sir ... joy] As in Capell. Prose in Ff.

[3858] They are] They're Pope.

city?] F_3 F_4. city. F_1 F_2.

[3859] We will] Capell. Wee'l F_1 F_2 F_3. We'll F_4.

[3860] We ... joy] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3861] [Exeunt] Ff. Going. Capell.

[3862] SCENE V. The same ... gate.] Dyce. Scene continued in earlier editions.

Enter....] Enter two Senators, with Ladies, passing over the Stage, with other Lords. Ff.

[3863] First Sen.] 1. S. Capell. Sena. Ff.

[3864] your] our Warburton.

[3865] strew] F_1 F_4. strow F_2 F_3.

[3866] Unshout] Rowe. Unshoot Ff.

[3867] Welcome ... Welcome] As in Steevens (1793). One line in Ff.

[3868] [A flourish ... trumpets. Exeunt.] Exeunt. A flourish ... trumpets. F_2 F_3 F_4. A flourish ... trumpets. F_1.

[3869] SCENE VI.] Dyce. SCENE IV. Rowe. SCENE V. Pope.

Antium.] Rowe. Corioli. Singer.

A public place.] Theobald.

[3870] o'] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3871] Him I accuse] F_4. Him I accuse: F_1 F_2 F_3. He I accuse Pope. He, I accuse, Theobald.

[3872] [Exeunt Attendants.] Exeunt Att. Malone. Exit Att. Capell. om. Ff.

[3873] Even so ... slain] As in Pope. Prose in Ff.

[3874] Most ... deliver you] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending intent, in Ff.

[3875] and I pawn'd] and pawn'd Pope. pawn'd Capell.

[3876] water'd] Rowe. watered Ff.

[3877] and free] om. Capell. and fierce Hanmer. and free, To an enforc'd observance S. Walker conj.

[3878] Sir, his stoutness] His stoutness, sir, Hanmer. Witness, sir, his stoutness Staunton conj.

[3879] stooping,—] Capell. stooping, F_2. stooping. F_1 F_3 F_4. stooping— Rowe.

[3880] projects to] F_3 F_4. projects, to F_1 F_2.

[3881] holp] holpe F_1. hope F_2 F_3. hop'd F_4.

[3882] reap ... end] F_3. reape ... end F_1 F_2. reap ... make F_4. reap ... ear Collier MS. ear ... reap Singer (Lettsom conj.) reap ... bind Staunton conj. reap ... inn Keightley (Collier conj.)

[3883] did end] divined Bullock conj.

[3884] waged] wag'd F_3 F_4. wadg'd F_1 F_2. wagg'd Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag.)

[3885] in the last] at last Pope.

[3886] glory—] F_3 F_4. glory. F_1 F_2.

[3887] him.] him: F_4. him, F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3888] sound,] F_3 F_4. sounds, F_1 F_2.

[3889] With giving] Giving Pope.

[3890] we will] F_1 F_4. he will F_2 F_3.

[3891] second. When ... way his] Theobald. second, when ... way. His Ff. second, when ... way, his Rowe.

[3892] Say ... lords.] As in Pope. One line in Ff.

[3893] All the Lords.] All Lords. Ff.

You are] Yon are F_2. You're Pope.

[3894] to you] om. Hanmer.

hear't] Ff. hear it Rowe.

[3895] this] om. Pope.

excuse] scuse Seymour conj.

[3896] SCENE VI. Pope.

return'd your] F_1. return'd, your F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3897] spoils ... Do] Pope. spoiles ... Doth Ff. spoil ... Doth Capell.

[3898] The] Thee F_2.

We have] We've Pope.

[3899] here] F_3 F_4. heere F_1. heare F_2.

[3900] Subscribed] Pope. Subscrib'd Ff.

[3901] o'] F_4. a' F_1 F_2 F_3.

[3902] heads] F_1 F_2. head F_3 F_4.

[3903] other] Rowe. others Ff.

[3904] Auf.] Ff. First Lord. Tyrwhitt conj.

[3905] that ever I was] Ff. that ever I'm Pope. I ever Was Hanmer.

[3906] scold] Rowe. scoul'd F_1 F_2. scould F_3 F_4.

[3907] to] too F_2.

[3908] on] in Rowe.

[3909] Flutter'd] F_3 F_4. Flatter'd F_1 F_2.

Volscians] Volscies Rowe.

[3910] it.] Rowe. it, Ff.

[3911] All the People.] All People. Ff. The Croud speak promiscuously. Theobald. Cit. [confusedly] Capell.

[3912] 'Tear ... father'] First as prose by Capell. Three lines, ending presently ... cosine ... father, in Ff. See note (VII).

[3913] 'He ... Marcus'] kill'd my cousin Pope, reading as verse.

[3914] ho] om. Pope.

[3915] O that ... sword] As in Pope. Two lines, the first ending more, in Ff.

[3916] [The Conspirators....] Draw both the Conspirators, and kils Martius, who falles, Auffidius stands on him. Ff. (and kills.... F_3. and kill ... and Aufidius.... F_4).

[3917] masters] lords Rowe.

Tullus,—] Tullus— Rowe. Tullus. Ff.

[3918] Thou ... weep] As in Steevens (1793). Two lines, the first ending whereat, in Ff.

[3919] him. Masters all,] him—Masters all, Rowe. him Masters, all F_1 F_2 F_3. him, Masters, all F_4.

[3920] My ... rage] As in Pope. Two lines in Ff.

[3921] you] I Hanmer.

[3922] Yet ... Assist] As in Capell. One line in Ff.

[3923] Assist] om. Pope.

[Exeunt ... Coriolanus....] Malone. Exeunt ... Martius.... Ff.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

I. 1. 108-117. In Singer's edition of 1826 these speeches were distributed in the following manner:

'Men. The kingly-crowned ...

... if that they—

1 Cit. What then?

Men. 'Fore me ...

... body,—

1 Cit. Well, what then?

The former ...

... answer?

In his edition of 1856 the ordinary arrangement is silently given.

NOTE II.

I. 3. 41. The first Folio reads:

'At Grecian sword. Contenning, tell Valeria' &c.

as if 'Contenning' were the name of the gentlewoman in attendance.

The second has:

'At Grecian swordes Contending: tell Valeria' &c.

The third:

'At Grecian swords Contending: tell Valeria' &c.

The fourth:

'At Grecian swords contending: tell Valeria' &c.

which is followed substantially by all editors before Capell.

Capell reads:

'At Grecian swords' contending.—Tell Valeria' &c.

which is adopted in subsequent editions down to that of Mr Knight, inclusive.

Mr Collier, in his first edition, gave:

'At Grecian sword's contending.—Tell Valeria' &c.

at the same time offering as a conjecture:

'At Grecian swords, contemning.'

This was afterwards found among the MS. corrections of his second Folio and adopted by Mr Singer, as well as by Mr Collier himself in his second edition.

The reading we have given in the text was first adopted by Dr Leo. He, however, puts no comma after 'sword.'

Mr Keightley gives the same reading, marking, however, a break in the sense, thus:

'At Grecian sword, contemning.... Tell Valeria' &c.

Mr Lettsom conjectures:

'As Grecian swords contemning.'

Perhaps we might read:

'At Grecian sword, contemning 't.'

It has also been suggested to us that 'Contenning' is the remnant of a stage-direction [containing herself]. But we know of no similar instance in any old edition.

NOTE III.

I. 4. 31. A copy of the second Folio, which was in the possession of Mr Singer, is said to have 'a Heard,' not 'you Heard.'

Malone, in his Supplement to Steevens's edition of 1778, proposed to read:

'You shames of Rome, you! hoards of boils and plagues

Plaister you o'er.'

NOTE IV.

I. 9. 41-53. Theobald, at Warburton's suggestion, read the whole speech as follows:

'Mar. May these same Instruments, which you profane,

Never sound more! when drums and trumpets shall

I' th' field prove flatterers, let camps, as cities,

Be made of false-fac'd soothing! When Steel grows

Soft, as the parasite's silk, let Hymns be made

An overture for th' wars!—No more, I say;

For that I have not wash'd my Nose that bled,

Or foil'd some debile wretch, which, without note

Here's many else have done; you shout me forth

In acclamations hyperbolical;

As if I lov'd, my little should be dieted

In praises, sauc'd with lies.'

Subsequent editors partly followed Theobald's arrangement, without adopting his readings.

Mr Knight printed as follows:

'May these same instruments which you profane,

Never sound more, when drums and trumpets shall

I' the field prove flatterers! Let courts and cities be

Made all of false-fac'd soothing, where steel grows soft

As the parasite's silk!

Let them be made an overture for the wars!' &c.

Hudson follows Knight, but reads where steel ... silk as one line. Singer proposed to read and print thus:

'May these same instruments, which you profane,

Never sound more! shall drums and trumpets, when

I' the field, prove flatterers? (Let courts and cities be

Made all of false-faced soothing,

When steel grows soft as the Parasite's silk)—

Let them be made an overture for the wars!—

No more! I say,' &c.

In his Text of Shakespeare Vindicated, &c. (1853) he arranged the first four lines as in our text, and in the two following read silks ... them.

NOTE V.

II. 3. 236-238. The Folios here read:

'hither,

And Nobly nam'd, so twice being Censor,

Was his great Ancestor.'

Rowe, in his first edition, reads:

'hither,

And, nobly nam'd Martius, so, twice being Censor,

Was his great Ancestor.'

In his second edition he reads:

'hither

And nobly nam'd; so, twice being Censor,

Was his great Ancestor.'

Pope reads:

'hither.

†And Censorinus, darling of the people

(And nobly nam'd so for twice being censor)

Was his great ancestor.'

In his note on the passage he says, "This verse I have supply'd. A line having been certainly left out in this place, as will appear to any one who consults the beginning of Plutarch's life of Coriolanus, from whence this passage is directly translated."

Notwithstanding that the words 'darling of the people' are not in the passage referred to, the line inserted by Pope was accepted by all subsequent editors down to Singer.

Steevens, in his edition of 1773, omitted 'for' in the second line; and in his edition of 1793, instead of 'twice being censor' read 'being censor twice.'

Singer (ed. 1856) reads:

'hither;

[One of that family nam'd Censorinus]

And nobly nam'd so, twice being chosen Censor,

Was his great ancestor.'

Mr Grant White adopts Pope's insertion, and follows Singer in reading 'chosen' in the next line.

Dr Delius reads:

'hither;

[And Censorinus, that was so surnam'd,]

And nobly named so, twice being censor,

Was his great ancestor.'

He remarks that 'darling of the people' does not sound like Shakespeare.

Dr Leo reads:

'hither;

[And Censorinus, nam'd so by the people,]

And nobly named so, twice being censor,

Was his great ancestor.'

Mr Keightley reads:

'hither;

And Censorinus, he that was so nam'd,

—And nobly nam'd so, twice being Censor—

Was his great ancestor.'

Dr Nicholson conjectures that the line omitted was:

'And he that was surnamed Censorinus.'

The passage from Plutarch, to which Pope refers, stands as follows in North's translation of the Lives, p. 235, (ed. 1595): 'Of the same house were Publius, & Quintus, who brought to ROME their best water they had by conduites. Censorinus also came of that familie, that was so surnamed, because the people had chosen him Censor twise.'

The reading we have given in the text was first adopted by us in the Globe Edition. It leaves the words of the Folios still in their order, and introduces what must have been the significant fact that Censorinus was chosen 'by the people.' A stain or rent in the copy might have rendered parts of two lines illegible, the remainder being unskilfully pieced together by transcriber or printer.

NOTE VI.

III. 1. 97-101. Hanmer, followed by Capell, reads:

'If they have power,

Let them have cushions by you: if none, awake

Your dang'rous lenity: if you are learned,

Be not as common fools: if you are not,

Then vail your ignorance.'

In line 98, where Mr Collier, from his MS. corrector, reads 'impotence' for 'ignorance', Warburton interprets 'ignorance' as 'impotence; because it makes impotent.'

NOTE VII.

III. 1. 185-188. All editors follow the Folios in assigning the words 'Weapons, weapons, weapons!' to the second senator, and all, except Capell, continue the words 'Tribunes ... citizens!' to the same speaker. Capell assigned them to the First Senator. But surely the words are intended to express the tumultuous cries of the partisans on both sides, who are bustling about Coriolanus. The following words 'Peace, peace, peace' ... attributed to 'All' in the Folios, are spoken by some of the elder Senators endeavouring to calm the tumult.

Compare also Act V. Sc. 6. 121-123. There is a similar stage direction of the Folio, which was similarly misinterpreted, in The Tempest, I. 1. 57-59.

NOTE VIII.

III. 2. 105. Malone (1790) says 'The word as has been substituted for which by the modern editors in the passage before us.' We have been unable to find it in Rowe, Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton, Johnson, Capell, or Steevens. It is probably a printer's emendation in some of the numerous reprints of the play.

NOTE IX.

IV. 5. 130. Mr Collier, in a note to this passage, says that the Earl of Ellesmere's copy of the first Folio has 'o'er-beare.' Mr Staunton, to whom the volume has been lent, has kindly consulted it for us, and says that the reading there is 'o're beate' or 'o're beare.' He adds 'It is difficult to say which. There are other cases in the Folio where the t and r so nearly resemble each other that I can hardly decide between them.'

NOTE X.

V. 1. 17. Mr Collier explains his reading by the following note: 'Menenius intends to say that the tribunes have wrecked a noble memory for Rome by occasioning its destruction.'

NOTE XI.

V. 3. 75. Dr Nicholson writes to us: 'The stage action here to which Coriolanus replies is this: the boy refuses to kneel, but interposes between the kneeling ladies and Coriolanus. See his after speech 'A' shall not tread on me,' &c. This, if not introduced as a stage direction, ought to be explained in a note.' To us Coriolanus seems rather to commend the boy for doing as he was bid. To refuse to kneel would suit ill with his 'aspect of intercession' (line 32). Besides, he kneels, without being specially told to do so, afterwards (line 175).

TITUS ANDRONICUS.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[H].

SATURNINUS, son to the late Emperor of Rome, afterwards emperor.

BASSIANUS, brother to Saturninus.

TITUS ANDRONICUS, a noble Roman.

MARCUS ANDRONICUS, tribune of the people, and brother to Titus.

LUCIUS,

sons to Titus Andronicus.

QUINTUS,

MARTIUS,

MUTIUS,

YOUNG LUCIUS, a boy, son to Lucius.

PUBLIUS, son to Marcus Andronicus.

ÆMILIUS, a noble Roman.

ALARBUS,

sons to Tamora.

DEMETRIUS,

CHIRON,

AARON, a Moor, beloved by Tamora.

A Captain, Tribune, Messenger, and Clown; Romans and Goths.

TAMORA, Queen of the Goths.

LAVINIA, daughter to Titus Andronicus.

A Nurse, and a black Child.

Kinsmen of Titus, Senators, Tribunes, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants.

SCENE: Rome, and the country near it.

[H] First given imperfectly by Rowe.

THE TRAGEDY OF

TITUS ANDRONICUS.

ACT I.

SCENE I. Rome. Before the Capitol. The Tomb of the Andronici appearing.

Flourish. Enter the Tribunes and Senators aloft. And then enter below, SATURNINUS and his Followers from one side, and BASSIANUS and his Followers from the other side, with drum and colours.[3924]

Sat. Noble patricians, patrons of my right,

Defend the justice of my cause with arms;

And, countrymen, my loving followers,[3925]

Plead my successive title with your swords:

I am his first-born son, that was the last[3926] 5

That ware the imperial diadem of Rome;[3926]

Then let my father's honours live in me,

Nor wrong mine age with this indignity.

Bas. Romans, friends, followers, favourers of my right,[3927]

If ever Bassianus, Cæsar's son, 10

Were gracious in the eyes of royal Rome,

Keep then this passage to the Capitol;

And suffer not dishonour to approach

The imperial seat, to virtue consecrate,[3928]

To justice, continence and nobility:[3929] 15

But let desert in pure election shine;

And, Romans, fight for freedom in your choice.

Enter MARCUS ANDRONICUS, aloft, with the crown.[3930]

Marc. Princes, that strive by factions and by friends[3931]

Ambitiously for rule and empery,

Know that the people of Rome, for whom we stand 20

A special party, have by common voice,

In election for the Roman empery,[3932]

Chosen Andronicus, surnamed Pius[3933]

For many good and great deserts to Rome:

A nobler man, a braver warrior, 25

Lives not this day within the city walls:[3934]

He by the senate is accited home

From weary wars against the barbarous Goths;

That, with his sons, a terror to our foes,

Hath yoked a nation strong, train'd up in arms. 30

Ten years are spent since first he undertook

This cause of Rome, and chastised with arms

Our enemies' pride: five times he hath return'd

Bleeding to Rome, bearing his valiant sons

In coffins from the field.[3935] 35

And now at last, laden with honour's spoils,

Returns the good Andronicus to Rome,

Renowned Titus, flourishing in arms.

Let us entreat, by honour of his name,

Whom worthily you would have now succeed,[3936] 40

And in the Capitol and senate's right,

Whom you pretend to honour and adore,

That you withdraw you and abate your strength,

Dismiss your followers and, as suitors should,

Plead your deserts in peace and humbleness. 45

Sat. How fair the tribune speaks to calm my thoughts![3937]

Bas. Marcus Andronicus, so I do affy

In thy uprightness and integrity,

And so I love and honour thee and thine,

Thy noble Titus and his sons, 50

And her to whom my thoughts are humbled all,[3938]

Gracious Lavinia, Rome's rich ornament,

That I will here dismiss my loving friends,

And to my fortunes and the people's favour[3939]

Commit my cause in balance to be weigh'd.

[Exeunt the Followers of Bassianus.[3940] 55

Sat. Friends, that have been thus forward in my right,[3941]

I thank you all, and here dismiss you all,

And to the love and favour of my country

Commit myself, my person and the cause.

[Exeunt the Followers of Saturninus.[3942]

Rome, be as just and gracious unto me 60

As I am confident and kind to thee.

Open the gates, and let me in.[3943]

Bas. Tribunes, and me, a poor competitor.

[Flourish. Saturninus and Bassianus go up into the Capitol.[3944]

Enter a Captain.

Cap. Romans, make way: the good Andronicus,[3945]

Patron of virtue, Rome's best champion, 65

Successful in the battles that he fights,

With honour and with fortune is return'd

From where he circumscribed with his sword,[3946]

And brought to yoke, the enemies of Rome.

Drums and trumpets sounded. Enter MARTIUS and MUTIUS; after them, two Men bearing a coffin covered with black; then LUCIUS and QUINTUS. After them, TITUS ANDRONICUS; and then TAMORA Queen of Goths, with ALARBUS, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, AARON, and other Goths, prisoners; Soldiers and People following. The Bearers set down the coffin, and TITUS speaks.[3947]

Tit. Hail, Rome, victorious in thy mourning weeds![3948] 70

Lo, as the bark that hath discharged her fraught[3949]

Returns with precious lading to the bay

From whence at first she weigh'd her anchorage,

Cometh Andronicus, bound with laurel boughs,[3950]

To re-salute his country with his tears, 75

Tears of true joy for his return to Rome.

Thou great defender of this Capitol,

Stand gracious to the rites that we intend![3951]

Romans, of five and twenty valiant sons,

Half of the number that King Priam had, 80

Behold the poor remains, alive and dead!

These that survive let Rome reward with love;

These that I bring unto their latest home,

With burial amongst their ancestors:[3952]

Here Goths have given me leave to sheathe my sword. 85

Titus, unkind, and careless of thine own,

Why suffer'st thou thy sons, unburied yet,

To hover on the dreadful shore of Styx?

Make way to lay them by their brethren.[3953]

[They open the tomb.

There greet in silence, as the dead are wont,[3954] 90

And sleep in peace, slain in your country's wars!

O sacred receptacle of my joys,[3955]

Sweet cell of virtue and nobility,

How many sons hast thou of mine in store,[3956]

That thou wilt never render to me more! 95

Luc. Give us the proudest prisoner of the Goths,

That we may hew his limbs and on a pile

'Ad manes fratrum' sacrifice his flesh,[3957]

Before this earthy prison of their bones,[3958]

That so the shadows be not unappeased,[3959] 100

Nor we disturb'd with prodigies on earth.

Tit. I give him you, the noblest that survives,

The eldest son of this distressed queen.[3960]

Tam. Stay, Roman brethren! Gracious conqueror,[3961]

Victorious Titus, rue the tears I shed,[3962] 105

A mother's tears in passion for her son:

And if thy sons were ever dear to thee,

O, think my son to be as dear to me![3963]

Sufficeth not, that we are brought to Rome,

To beautify thy triumphs and return,[3964] 110

Captive to thee and to thy Roman yoke;

But must my sons be slaughter'd in the streets,[3965]

For valiant doings in their country's cause?

O, if to fight for king and commonweal

Were piety in thine, it is in these. 115

Andronicus, stain not thy tomb with blood.

Wilt thou draw near the nature of the gods?

Draw near them then in being merciful:

Sweet mercy is nobility's true badge:

Thrice-noble Titus, spare my first-born son. 120

Tit. Patient yourself, madam, and pardon me.

These are their brethren, whom you Goths beheld[3966]

Alive and dead; and for their brethren slain[3953]

Religiously they ask a sacrifice:

To this your son is mark'd, and die he must, 125

To appease their groaning shadows that are gone.[3967]

Luc. Away with him! and make a fire straight;

And with our swords, upon a pile of wood,

Let's hew his limbs till they be clean consumed.

[Exeunt the sons of Andronicus with Alarbus[3968]

Tam. O cruel, irreligious piety! 130

Chi. Was ever Scythia half so barbarous?

Tam. Oppose not Scythia to ambitious Rome.[3969]

Alarbus goes to rest, and we survive[3970]

To tremble under Titus' threatening look.[3971]

Then, madam, stand resolved; but hope withal, 135

The self-same gods that arm'd the Queen of Troy

With opportunity of sharp revenge

Upon the Thracian tyrant in his tent,[3972]

May favour Tamora, the queen of Goths,

When Goths were Goths and Tamora was queen, 140

To quit the bloody wrongs upon her foes.[3973]

Re-enter the sons of ANDRONICUS, with their swords bloody.[3974]

Luc. See, lord and father, how we have perform'd

Our Roman rites: Alarbus' limbs are lopp'd,[3975]

And entrails feed the sacrificing fire,[3976]

Whose smoke, like incense, doth perfume the sky. 145

Remaineth nought but to inter our brethren

And with loud 'larums welcome them to Rome.

Tit. Let it be so; and let Andronicus

Make this his latest farewell to their souls.

[Trumpets sounded, and the coffin laid in the tomb.[3977]

In peace and honour rest you here, my sons;[3978] 150

Rome's readiest champions, repose you here in rest,[3979]

Secure from worldly chances and mishaps!

Here lurks no treason, here no envy swells,

Here grow no damned drugs; here are no storms,[3980]

No noise, but silence and eternal sleep: 155

In peace and honour rest you here, my sons!

Enter LAVINIA.[3981]

Lav. In peace and honour live Lord Titus long;[3982]

My noble lord and father, live in fame!

Lo, at this tomb my tributary tears

I render, for my brethren's obsequies;[3953] 160

And at thy feet I kneel, with tears of joy

Shed on the earth, for thy return to Rome:

O, bless me here with thy victorious hand,

Whose fortunes Rome's best citizens applaud![3983]

Tit. Kind Rome, that hast thus lovingly reserved[3984] 165

The cordial of mine age to glad my heart![3985]

Lavinia, live; outlive thy father's days,

And fame's eternal date, for virtue's praise!

Enter, below, MARCUS ANDRONICUS and Tribunes; re-enter SATURNINUS and BASSIANUS, attended.[3986]

Marc. Long live Lord Titus, my beloved brother,

Gracious triumpher in the eyes of Rome! 170

Tit. Thanks, gentle tribune, noble brother Marcus.[3987]

Marc. And welcome, nephews, from successful wars,

You that survive, and you that sleep in fame!

Fair lords, your fortunes are alike in all,

That in your country's service drew your swords: 175

But safer triumph is this funeral pomp,

That hath aspired to Solon's happiness,

And triumphs over chance in honour's bed.

Titus Andronicus, the people of Rome,

Whose friend in justice thou hast ever been, 180

Send thee by me, their tribune and their trust,[3988]

This palliament of white and spotless hue;

And name thee in election for the empire,

With these our late-deceased emperor's sons:[3989]

Be candidatus then, and put it on, 185

And help to set a head on headless Rome.

Tit. A better head her glorious body fits

Than his that shakes for age and feebleness:

What should I don this robe, and trouble you?[3990]

Be chosen with proclamations to-day,[3991] 190

To-morrow yield up rule, resign my life,

And set abroad new business for you all?[3992]

Rome, I have been thy soldier forty years,

And led my country's strength successfully,

And buried one and twenty valiant sons, 195

Knighted in field, slain manfully in arms,

In right and service of their noble country:

Give me a staff of honour for mine age,

But not a sceptre to control the world:

Upright he held it, lords, that held it last. 200

Marc. Titus, thou shalt obtain and ask the empery.[3993]

Sat. Proud and ambitious tribune, canst thou tell?

Tit. Patience, Prince Saturninus.[3994]

Sat. Romans, do me right;

Patricians, draw your swords, and sheathe them not

Till Saturninus be Rome's emperor. 205

Andronicus, would thou wert shipp'd to hell,

Rather than rob me of the people's hearts!

Luc. Proud Saturnine, interrupter of the good

That noble-minded Titus means to thee!

Tit. Content thee, prince; I will restore to thee 210

The people's hearts, and wean them from themselves.

Bas. Andronicus, I do not flatter thee,

But honour thee, and will do till I die:

My faction if thou strengthen with thy friends,[3995]

I will most thankful be; and thanks to men 215

Of noble minds is honourable meed.

Tit. People of Rome, and people's tribunes here,[3996]

I ask your voices and your suffrages:

Will you bestow them friendly on Andronicus?

Tribunes. To gratify the good Andronicus,[3997] 220

And gratulate his safe return to Rome,

The people will accept whom he admits.

Tit. Tribunes, I thank you: and this suit I make,[3998]

That you create your emperor's eldest son,

Lord Saturnine; whose virtues will, I hope, 225

Reflect on Rome as Titan's rays on earth,

And ripen justice in this commonweal:

Then, if you will elect by my advice,[3999]

Crown him, and say 'Long live our emperor!'

Marc. With voices and applause of every sort,[4000] 230

Patricians and plebeians, we create[4001]

Lord Saturninus Rome's great emperor,

And say 'Long live our Emperor Saturnine!'

[A long flourish till they come down.[4002]

Sat. Titus Andronicus, for thy favours done

To us in our election this day, 235

I give thee thanks in part of thy deserts,

And will with deeds requite thy gentleness:

And, for an onset, Titus, to advance

Thy name and honourable family,

Lavinia will I make my empress,[4003] 240

Rome's royal mistress, mistress of my heart,

And in the sacred Pantheon her espouse:[4004]

Tell me, Andronicus, doth this motion please thee?

Tit. It doth, my worthy lord; and in this match

I hold me highly honour'd of your grace:[4005] 245

And here, in sight of Rome, to Saturnine,[4006]

King and commander of our commonweal,

The wide world's emperor, do I consecrate

My sword, my chariot and my prisoners;

Presents well worthy Rome's imperious lord:[4007] 250

Receive them then, the tribute that I owe,

Mine honour's ensigns humbled at thy feet.[4008]

Sat. Thanks, noble Titus, father of my life!

How proud I am of thee and of thy gifts,

Rome shall record; and when I do forget 255

The least of these unspeakable deserts,

Romans, forget your fealty to me.

Tit. [To Tamora] Now, madam, are you prisoner to an emperor;[4009]

To him that, for your honour and your state,[4010]

Will use you nobly and your followers. 260

Sat. A goodly lady, trust me; of the hue[4011][4012]

That I would choose, were I to choose anew.[4011][4013]

Clear up, fair queen, that cloudy countenance:

Though chance of war hath wrought this change of cheer,[4014]

Thou comest not to be made a scorn in Rome: 265

Princely shall be thy usage every way.

Rest on my word, and let not discontent

Daunt all your hopes: madam, he comforts you[4015]

Can make you greater than the Queen of Goths.[4016]

Lavinia, you are not displeased with this?[4017] 270

Lav. Not I, my lord; sith true nobility

Warrants these words in princely courtesy.[4018]

Sat. Thanks, sweet Lavinia. Romans, let us go:

Ransomless here we set our prisoners free:

Proclaim our honours, lords, with trump and drum. 275

[Flourish. Saturninus courts Tamora in dumb show.[4019]

Bas. [Seizing Lavinia] Lord Titus, by your leave, this maid is mine.[4020]

Tit. How, sir! are you in earnest then my lord?

Bas. Ay, noble Titus, and resolved withal

To do myself this reason and this right.

Marc. 'Suum cuique' is our Roman justice:[4021] 280

This prince in justice seizeth but his own.

Luc. And that he will, and shall, if Lucius live.

Tit. Traitors, avaunt! Where is the emperor's guard?

Treason, my lord! Lavinia is surprised!

Sat. Surprised! by whom?

Bas. By him that justly may 285

Bear his betroth'd from all the world away.

[Exeunt Bassianus and Marcus with Lavinia.[4022]

Mut. Brothers, help to convey her hence away,[4023]

And with my sword I'll keep this door safe.

[Exeunt Lucius, Quintus, and Martius.[4024]

Tit. Follow, my lord, and I'll soon bring her back.

Mut. My lord, you pass not here.[4025]

Tit. What, villain boy![4026] 290

Barr'st me my way in Rome?      [Stabbing Mutius.[4026]

Mut. Help, Lucius, help!      [Dies.

[During the fray, Saturninus, Tamora, Demetrius, Chiron and Aaron go out, and re-enter above.

Re-enter LUCIUS.[4027]

Luc. My lord, you are unjust; and, more than so,

In wrongful quarrel you have slain your son.

Tit. Nor thou, nor he, are any sons of mine;

My sons would never so dishonour me: 295

Traitor, restore Lavinia to the emperor.

Luc. Dead, if you will; but not to be his wife,

That is another's lawful promised love.      [Exit.[4028]

Sat. No, Titus, no; the emperor needs her not,

Nor her, nor thee, nor any of thy stock:[4029] 300

I'll trust by leisure him that mocks me once;

Thee never, nor thy traitorous haughty sons,

Confederates all thus to dishonour me.

Was none in Rome to make a stale[4030][4031]

But Saturnine? Full well, Andronicus,[4031] 305

Agree these deeds with that proud brag of thine,

That saidst, I begg'd the empire at thy hands.

Tit. O monstrous! what reproachful words are these?

Sat. But go thy ways; go, give that changing piece

To him that flourish'd for her with his sword: 310

A valiant son-in-law thou shalt enjoy;

One fit to bandy with thy lawless sons,

To ruffle in the commonwealth of Rome.

Tit. These words are razors to my wounded heart.

Sat. And therefore, lovely Tamora, queen of Goths, 315

That, like the stately Phœbe 'mongst her nymphs,[4032]

Dost overshine the gallant'st dames of Rome,

If thou be pleased with this my sudden choice,

Behold, I choose thee, Tamora, for my bride,

And will create thee empress of Rome.[4033] 320

Speak, Queen of Goths, dost thou applaud my choice?

And here I swear by all the Roman gods,

Sith priest and holy water are so near

And tapers burn so bright and every thing

In readiness for Hymenæus stand,[4034] 325

I will not re-salute the streets of Rome,

Or climb my palace, till from forth this place

I lead espoused my bride along with me.

Tam. And here, in sight of heaven, to Rome I swear,

If Saturnine advance the Queen of Goths, 330

She will a handmaid be to his desires,

A loving nurse, a mother to his youth.

Sat. Ascend, fair queen, Pantheon. Lords, accompany[4035]

Your noble emperor and his lovely bride,

Sent by the heavens for Prince Saturnine, 335

Whose wisdom hath her fortune conquered:

There shall we consummate our spousal rites.

[Exeunt all but Titus.[4036]

Tit. I am not bid to wait upon this bride.[4037]

Titus, when wert thou wont to walk alone,

Dishonour'd thus and challenged of wrongs? 340

Re-enter MARCUS, LUCIUS, QUINTUS, and MARTIUS.[4038]

Marc. O Titus, see, O, see what thou hast done!

In a bad quarrel slain a virtuous son.

Tit. No, foolish tribune, no; no son of mine,

Nor thou, nor these, confederates in the deed

That hath dishonour'd all our family;[4039] 345

Unworthy brother, and unworthy sons!

Luc. But let us give him burial, as becomes;

Give Mutius burial with our brethren.

Tit. Traitors, away! he rests not in this tomb:

This monument five hundred years hath stood,[4040] 350

Which I have sumptuously re-edified:

Here none but soldiers and Rome's servitors

Repose in fame; none basely slain in brawls:

Bury him where you can, he comes not here.

Marc. My lord, this is impiety in you: 355

My nephew Mutius' deeds do plead for him;[4041]

He must be buried with his brethren.

Quin.} And shall, or him we will accompany.[4042]

Mart.}

Tit. And shall! what villain was it spake that word?

Quin. He that would vouch it in any place but here.[4043] 360

Tit. What, would you bury him in my despite?

Marc. No, noble Titus; but entreat of thee

To pardon Mutius and to bury him.

Tit. Marcus, even thou hast struck upon my crest[4044]

And with these boys mine honour thou hast wounded: 365

My foes I do repute you every one;

So trouble me no more, but get you gone.

Mart. He is not with himself; let us withdraw.[4045]

Quin. Not I, till Mutius' bones be buried.[4046]

[Marcus and the sons of Titus kneel.[4047]

Marc. Brother, for in that name doth nature plead,— 370

Quin. Father, and in that name doth nature speak,—[4046]

Tit. Speak thou no more, if all the rest will speed.[4048]

Marc. Renowned Titus, more than half my soul,—[4049]

Luc. Dear father, soul and substance of us all,—

Marc. Suffer thy brother Marcus to inter 375

His noble nephew here in virtue's nest,

That died in honour and Lavinia's cause.

Thou art a Roman; be not barbarous:

The Greeks upon advice did bury Ajax[4050]

That slew himself; and wise Laertes' son[4051] 380

Did graciously plead for his funerals:

Let not young Mutius then, that was thy joy,

Be barr'd his entrance here.

Tit. Rise, Marcus, rise:

The dismall'st day is this that e'er I saw,

To be dishonour'd by my sons in Rome![4039] 385

Well, bury him, and bury me the next.

[Mutius is put into the tomb.[4052]

Luc. There lie thy bones, sweet Mutius, with thy friends,

Till we with trophies do adorn thy tomb.

All. [Kneeling] No man shed tears for noble Mutius;[4053][4054]

He lives in fame that died in virtue's cause.[4054][4055] 390

Marc. My lord, to step out of these dreary dumps,[4056]

How comes it that the subtle Queen of Goths

Is of a sudden thus advanced in Rome?

Tit. I know not, Marcus; but I know it is,

Whether by device or no, the heavens can tell:[4057] 395

Is she not then beholding to the man[4058]

That brought her for this high good turn so far?

Yes, and will nobly him remunerate.[4059]

Flourish. Re-enter, from one side, SATURNINUS attended, TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, and AARON; from the other, BASSIANUS, LAVINIA, with others.[4060]

Sat. So, Bassianus, you have play'd your prize:[4061]

God give you joy, sir, of your gallant bride! 400

Bas. And you of yours, my lord! I say no more,

Nor wish no less; and so I take my leave.

Sat. Traitor, if Rome have law, or we have power,

Thou and thy faction shall repent this rape.

Bas. Rape, call you it, my lord, to seize my own, 405

My true-betrothed love, and now my wife?[4062]

But let the laws of Rome determine all;

Meanwhile I am possess'd of that is mine.

Sat. 'Tis good, sir: you are very short with us;

But, if we live, we'll be as sharp with you. 410

Bas. My lord, what I have done, as best I may,

Answer I must, and shall do with my life.

Only thus much I give your grace to know:

By all the duties that I owe to Rome,[4063]

This noble gentleman, Lord Titus here, 415

Is in opinion and in honour wrong'd;

That, in the rescue of Lavinia,

With his own hand did slay his youngest son,

In zeal to you and highly moved to wrath

To be controll'd in that he frankly gave: 420

Receive him then to favour, Saturnine,

That hath express'd himself in all his deeds

A father and a friend to thee and Rome.

Tit. Prince Bassianus, leave to plead my deeds:

'Tis thou and those that have dishonour'd me.[4064] 425

Rome and the righteous heavens be my judge,

How I have loved and honour'd Saturnine![4065]

Tam. My worthy lord, if ever Tamora

Were gracious in those princely eyes of thine,

Then hear me speak indifferently for all; 430

And at my suit, sweet, pardon what is past.

Sat. What, madam! be dishonour'd openly,[4039]

And basely put it up without revenge?[4066]

Tam. Not so, my lord; the gods of Rome forfend[4067]

I should be author to dishonour you! 435

But on mine honour dare I undertake[4068]

For good Lord Titus' innocence in all;[4069]

Whose fury not dissembled speaks his griefs:

Then, at my suit, look graciously on him;

Lose not so noble a friend on vain suppose, 440

Nor with sour looks afflict his gentle heart.

[Aside to Sat.] My lord, be ruled by me, be won at last;[4070]

Dissemble all your griefs and discontents:

You are but newly planted in your throne;

Lest then the people, and patricians too, 445

Upon a just survey, take Titus' part,

And so supplant you for ingratitude,[4071]

Which Rome reputes to be a heinous sin,[4072]

Yield at entreats, and then let me alone:

I'll find a day to massacre them all, 450

And raze their faction and their family,[4073]

The cruel father and his traitorous sons,

To whom I sued for my dear son's life;

And make them know what 'tis to let a queen

Kneel in the streets and beg for grace in vain.— 455

Come, come, sweet emperor; come, Andronicus;[4074]

Take up this good old man, and cheer the heart

That dies in tempest of thy angry frown.

Sat. Rise, Titus, rise; my empress hath prevail'd.[4075][4076]

Tit. I thank your majesty, and her, my lord:[4076] 460

These words, these looks, infuse new life in me.[4076]

Tam. Titus, I am incorporate in Rome,

A Roman now adopted happily,

And must advise the emperor for his good.

This day all quarrels die, Andronicus. 465

And let it be mine honour, good my lord,[4077]

That I have reconciled your friends and you.

For you, Prince Bassianus, I have pass'd

My word and promise to the emperor,

That you will be more mild and tractable. 470

And fear not, lords, and you, Lavinia;[4078]

By my advice, all humbled on your knees,[4079]

You shall ask pardon of his majesty.

Luc. We do; and vow to heaven, and to his highness,[4080]

That what we did was mildly as we might, 475

Tendering our sister's honour and our own.

Marc. That, on mine honour, here I do protest.

Sat. Away, and talk not; trouble us no more.[4075]

Tam. Nay, nay, sweet emperor, we must all be friends:[4081]

The tribune and his nephews kneel for grace; 480

I will not be denied: sweet heart, look back.

Sat. Marcus, for thy sake and thy brother's here,[4075][4082]

And at my lovely Tamora's entreats,

I do remit these young men's heinous faults:

Stand up.[4083] 485

Lavinia, though you left me like a churl,

I found a friend; and sure as death I swore[4084]

I would not part a bachelor from the priest.

Come, if the emperor's court can feast two brides,

You are my guest, Lavinia, and your friends. 490

This day shall be a love-day, Tamora.

Tit. To-morrow, an it please your majesty[4085]

To hunt the panther and the hart with me,[4086]

With horn and hound we'll give your grace bonjour.[4087]

Sat. Be it so, Titus, and gramercy too. 495

[Flourish. Exeunt.[4088]

FOOTNOTES:

[3924] ACT I. SCENE I.] Actus Primus. Scæna Prima. Ff. om. Qq.

Rome.] Rowe.

Before the Capitol.] Theobald.

The Tomb of the Andronici appearing.] In it the tomb of the Andronici. Capell.

Flourish.] F_1. om. Qq. F_2 F_3 F_4.

Enter ... enter, below ... from one side ... from the other side ...] Enter ... enter ... at one doore ... at the other ... Ff.

aloft.] aloft, as in the Senate. Rowe.

from the other side] om. Qq.

colours] Ff. Trumpets. Qq.

[3925] my] Ff. and Rowe.

[3926] I am his ... That ware] Qq. I was the ... That wore F_1 F_2 F_3. I was the first-born son of him that last Wore F_4. I am the firstborn son of him that last Wore Pope. I am his ... That wore Collier. I am the first-born son of him, the last That wore Collier MS.

[3927] Romans, friends] Friends, Romans Anon. conj.

Romans ... right] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[3928] virtue consecrate,] Rowe (ed. 2). vertue, consecrate Qq. vertue: consecrate F_1 F_2 F_3. virtue, consecrate F_4.

[3929] continence] conscience Collier MS.

[3930] Enter ... aloft] Ff. Marcus Andronicus Qq.

[3931] by friends] Qq F_1. my friends F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3932] election] free election Hanmer. fair election Capell.

Roman] om. Capell.

[3933] Pius] Pious F_1.

[3934] the city] our city Rowe (ed. 2).

[3935] Keightley marks this as an imperfect line.

[3936] worthily] Qq. (worthily) Ff.

succeed] succeeded Capell.

[3937] How ... thoughts] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[3938] my] our Rowe.

[3939] fortunes] fortune's Delius.

[3940] Exeunt....] Capell. Exit Souldiers. Qq. Exit Souldiours. F_1. Ex. Souldiers. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3941] Friends ... right] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

Friends] Eriends Q_1.

[3942] the cause] my cause Collier MS.

[Exeunt....] Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[3943] gates,] gates, tribunes, Capell. brazen gates, Collier (Collier MS.)

[3944] [Flourish.] F_1 om. Qq F_2 F_3 F_4.

Saturninus....] Sat. and Bas. with a few, ascend the Capitol; and Exeunt, with Senators, and Marcus. Capell. They goe vp into the Senate house. Qq Ff.

[3945] SCENE II. Pope. SCENE II. The same. Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[3946] where] Qq. whence Ff.

[3947] Drums....] Sound Drummes and Trumpets, and then enter two of Titus sonnes, and then two men bearing a Coffin couered with blacke, then two other sonnes, then Titus Andronicus, and then Tamora the Queene of Gothes and her two sonnes, Chiron and Demetrius, with Aron the More, and others, as many as can be, then set downe the coffin, and Titus speakes. Qq, and so substantially Ff.

Alarbus] added by Rowe.

[3948] Hail ... weeds] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

thy] my Warburton.

mourning] mournining Q_2.

[3949] her] F_4. his Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

fraught] freight Rowe.

[3950] bound] om. Rowe.

[3951] rites] rights Q_1.

[3952] amongst] among Rowe.

[3953] brethren] Q_1 F_3 F_4. bretheren Q_2 F_1 F_2.

[3954] the dead] dead Q_1.

[3955] sacred] sacret F_2.

[3956] hast thou of mine] Q_1. of mine hast thou Q_2 Ff.

[3957] manes] F_3 F_4. manus Qq F_1 F_2.

[3958] earthy] Qq. earthly Ff.

[3959] the] their Collier MS.

unappeased] vnappeaxd Q_1.

[3960] this] Q_1 Ff. his Q_2.

[giving them Alarbus. Capell.

[3961] brethren] Qq F_3 F_4. bretheren F_1 F_2.

[3962] rue] Qq F_1. true F_2 F_3. true, F_4.

[3963] son] sonne Qq. sonnes F_1 F_2. sons F_3 F_4.

[3964] triumphs and return,] Theobald. triumphs, and returne Qq Ff.

[3965] slaughter'd] Rowe. slaughtered Qq. slaughtred Ff.

[3966] their] Qq. the Ff.

beheld] Qq F_1 behold F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3967] gone] dust Collier MS.

[3968] [Exeunt ...] Exit Titus sonnes with Alarbus. Qq. Exit Sonnes with Alarbus. Ff. Exeunt Mutius, Marcus, Quintus and Lucius with Alarbus. Rowe.

[3969] not] Qq. me F_1 F_2 F_3. me, F_4.

[3970] goes] Qq F_1. goe F_2. go F_3 F_4.

[3971] Titus'] Titus's F_4.

look] looke Qq. lookes F_1 F_2. looks F_3 F_4.

[3972] his] her Theobald.

[3973] the] her Rowe. these Capell conj.]

wrongs] wrong Anon. conj.

[3974] Re-enter ... Andronicus,] Enter the sonnes of Andronicus againe. Qq Ff. Enter Mutius, Marcus, Quintus and Lucius. Rowe.

with their swords bloody] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[3975] rites] F_2 F_3 F_4. rights Q_1. rightes Q_2 F_1.

Alarbus'] Alarbus's F_4.

[3976] And] And's or His Anon. conj.]

entrails] intrals Qq Ff.

[3977] [Trumpets ...] Sound trumpets, and lay the Coffin in the Tombe. Qq. Flourish. Then sound Trumpets, and lay the Coffins in the Tombe. Ff (Flourish. om. F_2 F_3 F_4).

[3978] [kneeling. Collier (Collier MS.)

[3979] in rest] om. Pope.

[3980] drugs] drugges Q_1. grudgges Q_2. grudges Ff. grudge' S. Walker conj.

are] Qq F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[3981] [Rising.] Collier (Collier MS.)

SCENE III. Johnson.

Enter Lavinia] Qq Ff. Placed by Johnson after line 155. Enter Lavinia, Attendants. Ravenscroft's Version. Enter Lavinia, attended. Capell.

[3982] SCENE III. Pope.

Lav.] om. Q_1.

[3983] fortunes] Qq. fortune Ff.

[3984] Kind ... reserved] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

reserved] preserv'd Hanmer.

[3985] my] mine F_4.

[3986] And] In Theobald (Warburton).

Enter ...] Dyce. Enter, from the Capitol, Marcus Andronicus, Saturninus, Bassianus, and Others. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[3987] Thanks ... Marcus] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[3988] and their] in their Hanmer.

[3989] late-deceased] Theobald. late deceased Qq Ff.

[3990] What should] What! should Theobald.

[3991] chosen] chose Rowe.

proclamations] acclamations Collier MS.

[3992] abroad] Qq F_1 F_2. abroach F_3 F_4.

[3993] Titus] in a separate line, S. Walker conj.]

Titus ... empery] Ask, Titus, and thou shalt obtain the empery Staunton conj.

and ask] om. Hanmer. then ask Capell conj.

[3994] Saturninus] Saturnine Hanmer.

[3995] friends,] F_4. friends F_3. friend, Qq. friend? F_1 F_2.

[3996] people's] peoples Qq. noble Ff.

[3997] Tribunes.] Mar. Rowe.

[3998] suit] sute Qq F_3. sure F_1 F_2. snit F_4.

[3999] advice] advise Qq Ff.

[4000] Marc.] Marcus. An. Qq. Mar. An. Ff.

[4001] plebeians] plebeans Qq F_1.

[4002] [A long....] Ff. Omitted in Qq.

[4003] empress] emperess F_4.

[4004] Pantheon] F_4. Panthæon F_2 F_3. Pathan Qq F_1.

[4005] honour'd] F_4. honoured Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4006] Saturnine] Saturninus Rowe.

[4007] imperious] Q_1. imperiall Q_2 Ff.

[4008] thy] Qq. my Ff. your Capell conj.

[4009] [To Tamora] Johnson.

are you] are your F_1. y'are S. Walker conj.

[4010] your honour] you honour F_1.

[4011] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[4012] [To Tamora. Rowe (ed. 2).

[4013] anew] a-new Rowe. a newe Qq Ff.

[4014] Though ... cheer] One line in Qq F_3 F_4. Two, the first ending warre, in F_1 F_2.

[4015] he] who Pope.

[4016] Can make you] Qq F_3 F_4. Can make your F_1. Can you make you F_2.

[4017] this?] Ff. this. Qq.

[4018] Warrants] Warrant Rowe (ed. 2).

[4019] trump] trumpet F_3 F_4.

[Flourish.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

Saturninus....] Dyce. The emperor.... Rowe (after line 279). Saturninus addresses Tamora. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4020] [Seizing Lavinia] Rowe.

[4021] cuique] F_2 F_3 F_4. cuiqum Q_1. cuiquam Q_2 F_1.

[4022] [Exeunt....] Malone (substantially). Exit, bearing off Lavinia; Marcus, and Titus' Sons, guarding them; Mutius last. Capell. Exit Bassianus with Lavinia. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

[4023] SCENE IV. Pope.

Brothers, help] Help, brothers, Anon. conj.

[4024] safe] secure Pope.

[Exeunt....] Malone. om. Qq Ff.

[4025] [Assailing him.] Capell.

[4026] What ... Rome?] As in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.

[4027] [Stabbing Mutius.... Dies.] He kills him. Qq Ff. Falls and dies. Capell. Titus kills Mutius. Malone.

[During ... above.] Edd. Enter aloft the Emperour with Tamora and her two sonnes, and Aron the Moore. Qq Ff (Aaron Ff.), after line 295.

Re-enter Lucius.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[4028] lawful promised] lawful-promis'd S. Walker conj.

[Exit.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[4029] Nor her] Not her Malone (1790).

[4030] Was ... stale] Qq F_1. Was there none els in Rome to make a stale of F_2 F_3 F_4. Was there none else ... stale Boswell. What, was there none in Rome to make a stale S. Walker conj. Was none in all Rome thus to make a stale Anon. conj.

[4031] Knight ends the lines Saturnine?... Andronicus.

[4032] Phœbe] F_2 F_3 F_4. Thebe Qq F_1.

'mongst] 'mong Pope.

[4033] empress] Empresse Q_1 F_1 F_2. Emperesse Q_2. Emperess F_3 F_4.

[4034] stand] stands Pope.

[4035] Ascend ... accompany] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending Queene, in Ff.

Pantheon] the Pantheon S. Walker conj.

Pantheon. Lords,] Pantheon; lords Pope. Panthean Lords Q_1. Panthean Lords, Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3. Pantheon Lords, F_4.

[4036] [Exeunt....] Exeunt. Manet Titus Andronicus. Theobald. Exeunt omnes. Qq Ff.

[4037] SCENE V. Pope.

[4038] Dishonour'd] Pope. Dishonoured Qq Ff.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Marcus and Titus sonnes. Qq Ff.

[4039] dishonour'd] Pope. dishonoured Qq Ff.

[4040] hundred] F_3 F_4. hundreth Qq F_1. hunreth F_2.

[4041] Mutius'] Mutius's F_4.

[4042] Quin. Mart.] Capell. Titus two sonnes speakes. Qq F_1 F_2. Titus two sons speak. F_3 F_4.

[4043] Quin.] Rowe. Titus sonne speakes. Qq Ff. (son speaks. F_3 F_4.) Mart. Capell.

vouch it] Qq F_4. vouch'd it F_1 F_2 F_3. vouch Rowe (ed. 1). vouch't Rowe (ed. 2).

[4044] struck] F_3 F_4. stroke Qq F_1 F_2.

[4045] Mart.] Malone. 3. Sonne Qq. 1. Sonne. Ff. Luc. Rowe. Qui. Capell.

with] Qq. om. Ff. well Hanmer. now Ritson conj.

with himself ... withdraw] himself ... withdraw awhile Collier MS.

[4046] Quin.] Rowe. 2. Sonne. Qq Ff. Mart. Capell.

[4047] [Marcus ...] The brother and the sonnes kneele. Qq Ff.

[4048] speed] speak Delius conj.

[4049] Renowned] Renowmed Q_1.

[4050] advice] F_4. advise Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4051] wise] Qq. om. Ff. ev'n Rowe.

[4052] [Mutius ...] They put him in the tombe. Qq Ff.

[4053] All. [Kneeling]. They all kneele and say, Qq Ff.

[4054] No ... cause.] Continued to Lucius by Capell, who inserts (after line 390) All. No man &c.

[4055] Exit all but Marcus and Titus. Qq. Exit. Ff. Omitted first by Rowe.

[4056] dreary] Pope. dririe Qq. sudden Ff. sullen Dyce conj. (withdrawn).

[4057] Whether] If Pope.

device] Rowe (ed. 2). devise Qq Ff.

[4058] beholding] beholden Pope.

[4059] Yes ... remunerate] Ff. Omitted in Qq. Given to Marcus by Dyce (Malone conj.)

[4060] [Flourish.] Ff. om. Qq.

Re-enter....] Enter the Emperour, Tamora and her two sonnes, with the Moore at one doore. Enter at the other doore Bascianus and Lauinia, with others. Qq Ff.

[4061] SCENE VI. Pope.

prize] prise Grant White conj.

[4062] true-betrothed] Theobald. true betrothed Qq Ff.

[4063] that] which Rowe.

[4064] dishonour'd] F_4. dishonoured Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4065] I have] have I Rowe (ed. 2).

[4066] revenge?] revenge. Q_1.

[4067] Not ... forfend] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4068] dare I] dare, I F_1 F_2.

[4069] Titus'] Rowe (ed. 2). Titus Qq Ff. Titus's Rowe (ed. 1).

[4070] [Aside....] First marked by Rowe.

[4071] you] Q_1. us Q_2 Ff.

ingratitude] ingratude Q_2.

[4072] sin,] Rowe. sinne. Qq F_1 F_2. sin. F_3 F_4.

[4073] raze] F_3 F_4. race Qq F_1 F_2. rase Pope.

[4074] [aloud. Hanmer.

[4075] Sat.] King. Q_2.

[4076] Rise ... me.] Three lines in Qq. Six in Ff.

[4077] mine] Qq F_1 F_2. my F_3 F_4.

[4078] And fear ... Lavinia] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4079] advice] Rowe. advise Qq Ff.

all humbled] all-humbled Theobald.

[4080] Luc.] Rowe. om. Q_1. All. Q_2. Son. Ff.

We do;] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.

[Kneel. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4081] Nay, nay,] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.

[4082] Marcus,] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.

[4083] Stand up.] Pope omitted these words, supposing them to have been a stage direction. Placed in a separate line by Capell. In Qq Ff they begin line 486. They stand up. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4084] swore] Qq. sware Ff.

[4085] an] Theobald. and Qq Ff.

[4086] hart] Heart F_2.

[4087] With ... bonjour.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4088] [Flourish. Exeunt.] Capell. Exeunt. Qq Ff.

ACT II.

SCENE I. Rome. Before the palace.

Enter AARON.[4089]

Aar. Now climbeth Tamora Olympus' top,

Safe out of fortune's shot, and sits aloft,

Secure of thunder's crack or lightning flash,

Advanced above pale envy's threatening reach.[4090]

As when the golden sun salutes the morn, 5

And, having gilt the ocean with his beams,

Gallops the zodiac in his glistering coach,

And overlooks the highest-peering hills;[4091]

So Tamora:[4092]

Upon her wit doth earthly honour wait,[4093] 10

And virtue stoops and trembles at her frown.

Then, Aaron, arm thy heart, and fit thy thoughts,[4094]

To mount aloft with thy imperial mistress,[4095]

And mount her pitch, whom thou in triumph long

Hast prisoner held, fetter'd in amorous chains, 15

And faster bound to Aaron's charming eyes

Than is Prometheus tied to Caucasus.[4096]

Away with slavish weeds and servile thoughts![4097]

I will be bright, and shine in pearl and gold,

To wait upon this new-made empress.[4098] 20

To wait, said I? to wanton with this queen,[4099]

This goddess, this Semiramis, this nymph,[4100]

This siren, that will charm Rome's Saturnine,

And see his shipwreck and his commonweal's.

Holloa! what storm is this? 25

Enter DEMETRIUS and CHIRON, braving.[4101]

Dem. Chiron, thy years want wit, thy wit wants edge,[4102]

And manners, to intrude where I am graced,

And may, for aught thou know'st, affected be.[4103]

Chi. Demetrius, thou dost over-ween in all,

And so in this, to bear me down with braves. 30

'Tis not the difference of a year or two

Makes me less gracious, or thee more fortunate:[4104]

I am as able and as fit as thou

To serve, and to deserve my mistress' grace;

And that my sword upon thee shall approve, 35

And plead my passions for Lavinia's love.[4105]

Aar. [Aside] Clubs, clubs! these lovers will not keep the peace.[4106][4107]

Dem. Why, boy, although our mother, unadvised,

Gave you a dancing-rapier by your side,[4108]

Are you so desperate grown, to threat your friends?[4109] 40

Go to; have your lath glued within your sheath

Till you know better how to handle it.

Chi. Meanwhile, sir, with the little skill I have,

Full well shalt thou perceive how much I dare.

Dem. Ay, boy, grow ye so brave?      [They draw.

Aar. [Coming forward] Why, how now, lords![4110]

45

So near the emperor's palace dare you draw,

And maintain such a quarrel openly?

Full well I wot the ground of all this grudge:[4111]

I would not for a million of gold

The cause were known to them it most concerns; 50

Nor would your noble mother for much more

Be so dishonour'd in the court of Rome.[4112]

For shame, put up.

Dem. Not I, till I have sheathed[4113]

My rapier in his bosom, and withal

Thrust those reproachful speeches down his throat[4114] 55

That he hath breathed in my dishonour here.

Chi. For that I am prepared and full resolved.[4115]

Foul-spoken coward! that thunder'st with thy tongue[4116]

And with thy weapon nothing darest perform.[4117]

Aar. Away, I say![4106] 60

Now, by the gods that warlike Goths adore,[4118]

This petty brabble will undo us all.[4119]

Why, lords, and think you not how dangerous[4120]

It is to jet upon a prince's right?[4121]

What, is Lavinia then become so loose, 65

Or Bassianus so degenerate,

That for her love such quarrels may be broach'd

Without controlment, justice, or revenge?[4122]

Young lords, beware! an should the empress know[4123]

This discord's ground, the music would not please.[4124] 70

Chi. I care not, I, knew she and all the world:

I love Lavinia more than all the world.

Dem. Youngling, learn thou to make some meaner choice:[4125]

Lavinia is thine elder brother's hope.

Aar. Why, are ye mad? or know ye not, in Rome[4106][4126] 75

How furious and impatient they be,

And cannot brook competitors in love?

I tell you, lords, you do but plot your deaths

By this device.[4127]

Chi. Aaron, a thousand deaths[4128]

Would I propose to achieve her whom I love.[4128][4129] 80

Aar. To achieve her! how?

Dem. Why makest thou it so strange?[4130]

She is a woman, therefore may be woo'd;

She is a woman, therefore may be won;

She is Lavinia, therefore must be loved.

What, man! more water glideth by the mill 85

Than wots the miller of; and easy it is

Of a cut loaf to steal a shive, we know:

Though Bassianus be the emperor's brother,

Better than he have worn Vulcan's badge.[4131]

Aar. [Aside] Ay, and as good as Saturninus may.[4106][4132] 90

Dem. Then why should he despair that knows to court it

With words, fair looks, and liberality?

What, hast not thou full often struck a doe,[4133]

And borne her cleanly by the keeper's nose?

Aar. Why, then, it seems, some certain snatch or so[4106] 95

Would serve your turns.

Chi. Ay, so the turn were served.

Dem. Aaron, thou hast hit it.

Aar. Would you had hit it too![4106]

Then should not we be tired with this ado.

Why, hark ye, hark ye! and are you such fools

To square for this? would it offend you, then,[4134] 100

That both should speed?[4135]

Chi. Faith, not me.

Dem. Nor me, so I were one.[4136]

Aar. For shame, be friends, and join for that you jar:

'Tis policy and stratagem must do

That you affect; and so must you resolve, 105

That what you cannot as you would achieve,

You must perforce accomplish as you may.

Take this of me: Lucrece was not more chaste

Than this Lavinia, Bassianus' love.[4137]

A speedier course than lingering languishment[4138] 110

Must we pursue, and I have found the path.[4139]

My lords, a solemn hunting is in hand;

There will the lovely Roman ladies troop:

The forest walks are wide and spacious;

And many unfrequented plots there are 115

Fitted by kind for rape and villany:

Single you thither then this dainty doe,

And strike her home by force, if not by words:

This way, or not at all, stand you in hope.

Come, come, our empress, with her sacred wit[4140] 120

To villany and vengeance consecrate,

Will we acquaint with all that we intend;[4141]

And she shall file our engines with advice,[4142]

That will not suffer you to square yourselves,

But to your wishes' height advance you both. 125

The emperor's court is like the house of Fame,

The palace full of tongues, of eyes and ears:[4143]

The woods are ruthless, dreadful, deaf and dull;[4144]

There speak, and strike, brave boys, and take your turns;

There serve your lust, shadow'd from heaven's eye,[4145] 130

And revel in Lavinia's treasury.

Chi. Thy counsel, lad, smells of no cowardice.

Dem. Sit fas aut nefas, till I find the stream[4146]

To cool this heat, a charm to calm these fits,[4147]

Per Styga, per manes vehor.      [Exeunt.[4148] 135

SCENE II. A forest near Rome. Horns and cry of hounds heard.

Enter TITUS ANDRONICUS, with Hunters, &c., MARCUS, LUCIUS, QUINTUS, and MARTIUS.[4149]

Tit. The hunt is up, the morn is bright and grey,[4150]

The fields are fragrant, and the woods are green:[4151]

Uncouple here, and let us make a bay,

And wake the emperor and his lovely bride,

And rouse the prince, and ring a hunter's peal,[4152] 5

That all the court may echo with the noise.[4153]

Sons, let it be your charge, as it is ours,[4154]

To attend the emperor's person carefully.[4155]

I have been troubled in my sleep this night,

But dawning day new comfort hath inspired. 10

A cry of hounds, and horns winded in a peal. Enter SATURNINUS, TAMORA, BASSIANUS, LAVINIA, DEMETRIUS, CHIRON, and their Attendants.[4156]

Many good morrows to your majesty;

Madam, to you as many and as good:

I promised your grace a hunter's peal.

Sat. And you have rung it lustily, my lords;[4157]

Somewhat too early for new-married ladies. 15

Bas. Lavinia, how say you?

Lav. I say, no;[4158][4159]

I have been broad awake two hours and more.[4159][4160]

Sat. Come on then; horse and chariots let us have,

And to our sport. [To Tamora] Madam, now shall ye see[4161]

Our Roman hunting.

Marc. I have dogs, my lord, 20

Will rouse the proudest panther in the chase,

And climb the highest promontory top.[4162]

Tit. And I have horse will follow where the game

Makes way, and run like swallows o'er the plain.[4163]

Dem. Chiron, we hunt not, we, with horse nor hound,[4164] 25

But hope to pluck a dainty doe to ground.      [Exeunt.[4164]

SCENE III. A lonely part of the forest.

Enter AARON, with a bag of gold.[4165]

Aar. He that had wit would think that I had none,[4166]

To bury so much gold under a tree,

And never after to inherit it.

Let him that thinks of me so abjectly

Know that this gold must coin a stratagem, 5

Which, cunningly effected, will beget[4167]

A very excellent piece of villany:

And so repose, sweet gold, for their unrest      [Hides the gold.[4168]

That have their alms out of the empress' chest.

Enter TAMORA.[4169]

Tam. My lovely Aaron, wherefore look'st thou sad,[4170] 10

When every thing doth make a gleeful boast?

The birds chant melody on every bush;

The snake lies rolled in the cheerful sun;[4171]

The green leaves quiver with the cooling wind,

And make a chequer'd shadow on the ground: 15

Under their sweet shade, Aaron, let us sit,

And, whilst the babbling echo mocks the hounds,

Replying shrilly to the well-tuned horns,

As if a double hunt were heard at once,[4172]

Let us sit down and mark their yellowing noise;[4173] 20

And, after conflict such as was supposed

The wandering prince and Dido once enjoy'd,[4174]

When with a happy storm they were surprised,

And curtain'd with a counsel-keeping cave,

We may, each wreathed in the other's arms, 25

Our pastimes done, possess a golden slumber;

Whiles hounds and horns and sweet melodious birds[4175]

Be unto us as is a nurse's song

Of lullaby to bring her babe asleep.

Aar. Madam, though Venus govern your desires,[4176] 30

Saturn is dominator over mine:

What signifies my deadly-standing eye,[4177]

My silence and my cloudy melancholy,

My fleece of woolly hair that now uncurls

Even as an adder when she doth unroll 35

To do some fatal execution?[4178]

No, madam, these are no venereal signs:

Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand,

Blood and revenge are hammering in my head.

Hark, Tamora, the empress of my soul, 40

Which never hopes more heaven than rests in thee,

This is the day of doom for Bassianus:

His Philomel must lose her tongue to-day,[4179]

Thy sons make pillage of her chastity,

And wash their hands in Bassianus' blood. 45

Seest thou this letter? take it up, I pray thee,[4180]

And give the king this fatal-plotted scroll.[4181]

Now question me no more; we are espied;

Here comes a parcel of our hopeful booty,

Which dreads not yet their lives' destruction.[4182] 50

Tam. Ah, my sweet Moor, sweeter to me than life![4183]

Aar. No more, great empress; Bassianus comes:[4166]

Be cross with him, and I'll go fetch thy sons

To back thy quarrels, whatsoe'er they be.      [Exit.

Enter BASSIANUS and LAVINIA.[4184]

Bas. Who have we here? Rome's royal empress,[4185][4186] 55

Unfurnish'd of her well-beseeming troop?[4187]

Or is it Dian, habited like her,

Who hath abandoned her holy groves

To see the general hunting in this forest?

Tam. Saucy controller of my private steps![4188] 60

Had I the power that some say Dian had,

Thy temples should be planted presently[4189]

With horns, as was Actæon's, and the hounds[4190]

Should drive upon thy new-transformed limbs,[4191]

Unmannerly intruder as thou art! 65

Lav. Under your patience, gentle empress,[4186]

'Tis thought you have a goodly gift in horning;

And to be doubted that your Moor and you

Are singled forth to try experiments:

Jove shield your husband from his hounds to-day! 70

'Tis pity they should take him for a stag.

Bas. Believe me, queen, your swarth Cimmerian[4192]

Doth make your honour of his body's hue,

Spotted, detested, and abominable.

Why are you sequester'd from all your train, 75

Dismounted from your snow-white goodly steed,

And wander'd hither to an obscure plot,

Accompanied but with a barbarous Moor,[4193]

If foul desire had not conducted you?

Lav. And, being intercepted in your sport,[4194] 80

Great reason that my noble lord be rated

For sauciness. I pray you, let us hence,

And let her joy her raven-colour'd love;[4195]

This valley fits the purpose passing well.

Bas. The king my brother shall have note of this.[4196] 85

Lav. Ay, for these slips have made him noted long:[4197]

Good king, to be so mightily abused!

Tam. Why have I patience to endure all this?[4198]

Enter DEMETRIUS and CHIRON.

Dem. How now, dear sovereign, and our gracious mother![4199]

Why doth your highness look so pale and wan?[4200] 90

Tam. Have I not reason, think you, to look pale?

These two have ticed me hither to this place:

A barren detested vale, you see it is;[4201]

The trees, though summer, yet forlorn and lean,

O'ercome with moss and baleful mistletoe:[4202] 95

Here never shines the sun; here nothing breeds,

Unless the nightly owl or fatal raven:

And when they show'd me this abhorred pit,

They told me, here, at dead time of the night,

A thousand fiends, a thousand hissing snakes, 100

Ten thousand swelling toads, as many urchins,

Would make such fearful and confused cries,

As any mortal body hearing it[4203]

Should straight fall mad, or else die suddenly.

No sooner had they told this hellish tale, 105

But straight they told me they would bind me here

Unto the body of a dismal yew,[4204]

And leave me to this miserable death:

And then they call'd me foul adulteress,

Lascivious Goth, and all the bitterest terms 110

That ever ear did hear to such effect:[4205]

And, had you not by wondrous fortune come,

This vengeance on me had they executed.

Revenge it, as you love your mother's life,

Or be ye not henceforth call'd my children.[4206] 115

Dem. This is a witness that I am thy son.      [Stabs Bassianus.[4207]

Chi. And this for me, struck home to show my strength.[4208]

[Also stabs Bassianus, who dies.

Lav. Ay, come, Semiramis, nay, barbarous Tamora,[4209]

For no name fits thy nature but thy own!

Tam. Give me the poniard; you shall know, my boys,[4210] 120

Your mother's hand shall right your mother's wrong.

Dem. Stay, madam; here is more belongs to her;

First thrash the corn, then after burn the straw:

This minion stood upon her chastity,

Upon her nuptial vow, her loyalty, 125

And with that painted hope braves your mightiness:[4211][4212]

And shall she carry this unto her grave?[4212][4213]

Chi. An if she do, I would I were an eunuch.[4214]

Drag hence her husband to some secret hole,

And make his dead trunk pillow to our lust.[4215] 130

Tam. But when ye have the honey ye desire,[4216]

Let not this wasp outlive, us both to sting.[4217]

Chi. I warrant you, madam, we will make that sure.[4218]

Come, mistress, now perforce we will enjoy

That nice-preserved honesty of yours.[4219] 135

Lav. O Tamora! thou bear'st a woman's face—[4220]

Tam. I will not hear her speak; away with her!

Lav. Sweet lords, entreat her hear me but a word.

Dem. Listen, fair madam: let it be your glory

To see her tears, but be your heart to them 140

As unrelenting flint to drops of rain.[4221]

Lav. When did the tiger's young ones teach the dam?[4222]

O, do not learn her wrath; she taught it thee;[4223]

The milk thou suck'dst from her did turn to marble;[4224]

Even at thy teat thou hadst thy tyranny.[4225] 145

Yet every mother breeds not sons alike:

[To Chiron] Do thou entreat her show a woman pity.[4226]

Chi. What, wouldst thou have me prove myself a bastard?[4227]

Lav. 'Tis true; the raven doth not hatch a lark:[4227][4228]

Yet have I heard,—O, could I find it now!— 150

The lion, moved with pity, did endure

To have his princely paws pared all away:[4229]

Some say that ravens foster forlorn children,

The whilst their own birds famish in their nests:

O, be to me, though thy hard heart say no, 155

Nothing so kind, but something pitiful!

Tam. I know not what it means: away with her!

Lav. O, let me teach thee! for my father's sake,

That gave thee life, when well he might have slain thee,

Be not obdurate, open thy deaf ears.[4230] 160

Tam. Hadst thou in person ne'er offended me,

Even for his sake am I pitiless.[4231]

Remember, boys, I pour'd forth tears in vain,

To save your brother from the sacrifice;

But fierce Andronicus would not relent: 165

Therefore, away with her, and use her as you will;[4232]

The worse to her, the better loved of me.

Lav. O Tamora, be call'd a gentle queen,[4233]

And with thine own hands kill me in this place!

For 'tis not life that I have begg'd so long; 170

Poor I was slain when Bassianus died.[4234]

Tam. What begg'st thou then? fond woman, let me go.[4235]

Lav. Tis present death I beg; and one thing more

That womanhood denies my tongue to tell:

O, keep me from their worse than killing lust, 175

And tumble me into some loathsome pit,

Where never man's eye may behold my body:

Do this, and be a charitable murderer.

Tam. So should I rob my sweet sons of their fee:

No, let them satisfy their lust on thee. 180

Dem. Away! for thou hast stay'd us here too long.[4236]

Lav. No grace? no womanhood? Ah, beastly creature![4236][4237]

The blot and enemy to our general name![4238]

Confusion fall—[4239]

Chi. Nay, then I'll stop your mouth. Bring thou her husband:[4240]185

This is the hole where Aaron bid us hide him.

[Demetrius throws the body of Bassianus into the pit; then exeunt Demetrius and Chiron, dragging off Lavinia.[4241]

Tam. Farewell, my sons: see that you make her sure.

Ne'er let my heart know merry cheer indeed,

Till all the Andronici be made away.[4242]

Now will I hence to seek my lovely Moor, 190

And let my spleenful sons this trull deflower.      [Exit.

Re-enter AARON, with QUINTUS and MARTIUS.[4243]

Aar. Come on, my lords, the better foot before:[4244]

Straight will I bring you to the loathsome pit[4245]

Where I espied the panther fast asleep.

Quin. My sight is very dull, whate'er it bodes. 195

Mart. And mine, I promise you; were it not for shame,[4246]

Well could I leave our sport to sleep awhile.

[Falls into the pit.[4247]

Quin. What, art thou fall'n? What subtle hole is this,[4248]

Whose mouth is cover'd with rude-growing briers,[4249]

Upon whose leaves are drops of new-shed blood 200

As fresh as morning dew distill'd on flowers?[4250]

A very fatal place it seems to me.

Speak, brother, hast thou hurt thee with the fall?

Mart. O brother, with the dismal'st object hurt[4251]

That ever eye with sight made heart lament! 205

Aar. [Aside] Now will I fetch the king to find them here,[4252]

That he thereby may have a likely guess[4253]

How these were they that made away his brother.      [Exit.[4254]

Mart. Why dost not comfort me, and help me out[4255]

From this unhallow'd and blood-stained hole?[4256] 210

Quin. I am surprised with an uncouth fear;[4257]

A chilling sweat o'er-runs my trembling joints;[4258]

My heart suspects more than mine eye can see.

Mart. To prove thou hast a true-divining heart,[4259]

Aaron and thou look down into this den,[4260] 215

And see a fearful sight of blood and death.

Quin. Aaron is gone; and my compassionate heart[4261]

Will not permit mine eyes once to behold

The thing whereat it trembles by surmise:

O, tell me how it is; for ne'er till now[4262] 220

Was I a child to fear I know not what.

Mart. Lord Bassianus lies embrewed here,

All on a heap, like to a slaughter'd lamb,[4263]

In this detested, dark, blood-drinking pit.

Quin. If it be dark, how dost thou know 'tis he?[4264] 225

Mart. Upon his bloody finger he doth wear

A precious ring, that lightens all the hole,[4265]

Which, like a taper in some monument,

Doth shine upon the dead man's earthy cheeks,[4266]

And shows the ragged entrails of the pit:[4267] 230

So pale did shine the moon on Pyramus

When he by night lay bathed in maiden blood.

0 brother, help me with thy fainting hand—

If fear hath made thee faint, as me it hath—[4268]

Out of this fell devouring receptacle,[4269] 235

As hateful as Cocytus' misty mouth.[4270]

Quin. Reach me thy hand, that I may help thee out;

Or, wanting strength to do thee so much good,

I may be pluck'd into the swallowing womb

Of this deep pit, poor Bassianus' grave. 240

I have no strength to pluck thee to the brink.

Mart. Nor I no strength to climb without thy help.[4271]

Quin. Thy hand once more; I will not loose again,[4272]

Till thou art here aloft, or I below:

Thou canst not come to me: I come to thee.      [Falls in. 245

Enter SATURNINUS with AARON.[4273]

Sat. Along with me: I'll see what hole is here,[4274]

And what he is that now is leap'd into it.[4275]

Say, who art thou that lately didst descend

Into this gaping hollow of the earth?[4276]

Mart. The unhappy son of old Andronicus; 250

Brought hither in a most unlucky hour,

To find thy brother Bassianus dead.

Sat. My brother dead! I know thou dost but jest:

He and his lady both are at the lodge

Upon the north side of this pleasant chase; 255

'Tis not an hour since I left them there.[4277]

Mart. We know not where you left them all alive;[4278]

But, out, alas! here have we found him dead.

Re-enter TAMORA, with Attendants; TITUS ANDRONICUS, and LUCIUS.[4279]

Tam. Where is my lord the king?

Sat. Here, Tamora; though grieved with killing grief.[4280] 260

Tam. Where is thy brother Bassianus?

Sat. Now to the bottom dost thou search my wound:

Poor Bassianus here lies murdered.

Tam. [Giving a letter] Then all too late I bring this fatal writ,[4281]

The complot of this timeless tragedy; 265

And wonder greatly that man's face can fold

In pleasing smiles such murderous tyranny.

Sat. [Reads] 'An if we miss to meet him handsomely—[4282]

Sweet huntsman, Bassianus 'tis we mean—

Do thou so much as dig the grave for him: 270

Thou know'st our meaning. Look for thy reward[4283]

Among the nettles at the elder-tree

Which overshades the mouth of that same pit

Where we decreed to bury Bassianus.

Do this and purchase us thy lasting friends.' 275

O Tamora! was ever heard the like?[4284]

This is the pit, and this the elder-tree.

Look, sirs, if you can find the huntsman out

That should have murder'd Bassianus here.[4285]

Aar. My gracious lord, here is the bag of gold.[4286] 280

Sat. [To Titus] Two of thy whelps, fell curs of bloody kind,[4287]

Have here bereft my brother of his life.

Sirs, drag them from the pit unto the prison:

There let them bide until we have devised

Some never-heard-of torturing pain for them.[4288] 285

Tam. What, are they in this pit? O wondrous thing![4289]

How easily murder is discovered!

Tit. High emperor, upon my feeble knee

I beg this boon, with tears not lightly shed,

That this fell fault of my accursed sons, 290

Accursed, if the fault be proved in them—[4290]

Sat. If it be proved! you see it is apparent.

Who found this letter? Tamora, was it you?

Tam. Andronicus himself did take it up.

Tit. I did, my lord: yet let me be their bail;[4291] 295

For, by my fathers' reverend tomb, I vow[4292]

They shall be ready at your highness' will

To answer their suspicion with their lives.[4293]

Sat. Thou shalt not bail them: see thou follow me.

Some bring the murder'd body, some the murderers:[4294] 300

Let them not speak a word; the guilt is plain;[4295]

For, by my soul, were there worse end than death,

That end upon them should be executed.[4296]

Tam. Andronicus, I will entreat the king:

Fear not thy sons; they shall do well enough.[4297] 305

Tit. Come, Lucius, come; stay not to talk with them.

[Exeunt.[4298]

SCENE IV. Another part of the forest.

Enter DEMETRIUS and CHIRON, with LAVINIA, ravished; her hands cut off, and her tongue cut out.[4299]

Dem. So, now go tell, an if thy tongue can speak,[4300]

Who 'twas that cut thy tongue and ravish'd thee.[4301]

Chi. Write down thy mind, bewray thy meaning so,

An if thy stumps will let thee play the scribe.[4302]

Dem. See, how with signs and tokens she can scrowl.[4303] 5

Chi. Go home, call for sweet water, wash thy hands.[4304]

Dem. She hath no tongue to call, nor hands to wash;

And so let's leave her to her silent walks.

Chi. An 'twere my case, I should go hang myself.[4305]

Dem. If thou hadst hands to help thee knit the cord. 10

[Exeunt Demetrius and Chiron.

Horns winded, within. Enter MARCUS, from hunting.[4306]

Mar. Who is this? my niece, that flies away so fast![4307]

Cousin, a word; where is your husband?[4308]

If I do dream, would all my wealth would wake me!

If I do wake, some planet strike me down,

That I may slumber in eternal sleep! 15

Speak, gentle niece, what stern ungentle hands[4309]

Have lopp'd and hew'd and made thy body bare[4309]

Of her two branches, those sweet ornaments,

Whose circling shadows kings have sought to sleep in,

And might not gain so great a happiness 20

As have thy love? Why dost not speak to me?[4310]

Alas, a crimson river of warm blood,

Like to a bubbling fountain stirr'd with wind,

Doth rise and fall between thy rosed lips,[4311]

Coming and going with thy honey breath. 25

But, sure, some Tereus hath deflowered thee,

And, lest thou shouldst detect him, cut thy tongue.[4312]

Ah, now thou turn'st away thy face for shame!

And, notwithstanding all this loss of blood,

As from a conduit with three issuing spouts,[4313] 30

Yet do thy cheeks look red as Titan's face

Blushing to be encounter'd with a cloud.

Shall I speak for thee? shall I say 'tis so?[4314]

O, that I knew thy heart; and knew the beast,[4315]

That I might rail at him, to ease my mind! 35

Sorrow concealed, like an oven stopp'd,

Doth burn the heart to cinders where it is.

Fair Philomel, why she but lost her tongue,[4316]

And in a tedious sampler sew'd her mind:[4317]

But, lovely niece, that mean is cut from thee; 40

A craftier Tereus, cousin, hast thou met,[4318]

And he hath cut those pretty fingers off,

That could have better sew'd than Philomel.[4319]

O, had the monster seen those lily hands

Tremble, like aspen-leaves, upon a lute, 45

And make the silken strings delight to kiss them,

He would not then have touch'd them for his life!

Or, had he heard the heavenly harmony

Which that sweet tongue hath made,[4320]

He would have dropp'd his knife, and fell asleep[4321] 50

As Cerberus at the Thracian poet's feet.

Come, let us go and make thy father blind;

For such a sight will blind a father's eye:

One hour's storm will drown the fragrant meads;

What will whole months of tears thy father's eyes? 55

Do not draw back, for we will mourn with thee:

O, could our mourning ease thy misery!      [Exeunt.[4322]

FOOTNOTES:

[4089] ACT II. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus secunda. F_1. Actus secundus. F_2 F_3 F_4. om. Qq. See note (I).

Rome.] Rowe.

Before the palace] Theobald.

Enter Aaron.] sound trumpets, Manet Moore. Qq. Enter Aaron alone. Ff.

[4090] above] about F_1.

[4091] highest-peering] Theobald. highest piering Qq F_1 F_2. highest piring F_3 F_4.

[4092] So Tamora] Marked by Keightley as an imperfect line.

[4093] wit] will Hanmer (Warburton).

earthly] Qq F_1 F_2. early F_3 F_4.

[4094] thy heart] the heart F_2.

[4095] mount aloft] soar aloft S. Walker conj.

[4096] is] was Collier (Collier MS.)

[4097] servile] Q_1. idle Q_2 Ff.

[4098] empress] empresse F_1 F_2. emperesse Qq. emperess F_3 F_4.

[4099] wait] wait upon Hanmer.

[4100] Semiramis] F_3 F_4. Semerimis Qq F_1. Samiramis F_2.

this nymph] Q_1. this Queene Q_2 Ff. om. Hanmer, reading This queen ... Semiramis as one line. this quean Jackson conj.

[4101] Holloa] Hollo Qq. Holla Ff.

braving] om. Rowe.

[4102] SCENE II. Pope.

want] F_2 F_3 F_4. wants Qq F_1.

[4103] know'st] Ff. knowest Qq.

[4104] or] om. Hanmer.

[4105] passions] passion Rowe.

[4106] Aar.] Moore. Qq.

[4107] [Aside] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.

[4108] dancing-rapier] Steevens. daunsing rapier Qq F_1 F_2. dancing rapier F_3 F_4. dangling rapier Long MS.

[4109] friends?] friends: Q_1.

[4110] [Coming forward] Dyce. Interposing. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

how now] Qq F_1. now F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4111] wot the ... grudge:] wote, the ... grudge. Ff. wote, the ... grudge, Qq.

[4112] dishonour'd] Pope. dishonoured or dishonored Qq Ff.

[4113] Dem.] Chi. Theobald (Warburton).

[4114] those] Q_1. these Q_2 Ff.

[4115] Chi.] Dem. Theobald (Warburton).

[4116] Foul-spoken ... tongue] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

that] Thou Rowe.

[4117] darest] darst Q_1. durst Q_2. dar'st Ff.

[4118] [beating down their Swords. Capell.

[4119] petty] Qq F_4. pretty F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4120] lords,] lords— Rowe.

[4121] jet] iet Qq. set Ff. jut Malone.

[4122] revenge?] Q_2 Ff. revenge. Q_1.

[4123] an] Capell. and Qq Ff.

[4124] discord's] F_4. discords Qq. discord F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4125] Youngling ... choice] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

meaner] Qq F_1 F_2. better F_3 F_4.

[4126] Why, are] Theobald. Why are Qq Ff.

not, in Rome] Theobald. not in Rome, Qq F_1 F_2. not in Rome F_3 F_4.

[4127] device] Theobald. devise Qq Ff.

[4128] Aaron ... love] Arranged as by Hanmer. Two lines, the first ending propose, in Qq Ff.

[4129] propose] oppose Anon. conj. (Gent. Mag. Vol. LX.).

love.] Q_1. do love. Q_2 Ff. do love? Rowe.

[4130] makest] mak'st Ff. makes Qq.

[4131] have] Qq F_1. have yet F_2 F_3 F_4.

Vulcan's] Vulcanus' or old Vulcan's Anon. conj.

[4132] [Aside] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.

Saturninus] Q_1 F_2 F_3 F_4. Saturnius F_1. Saturnine Q_2.

[4133] not thou] Qq F_1 F_2. thou not F_3 F_4.

struck] F_3 F_4. strooke Q_1. strucke Q_2 F_1 F_2.

[4134] this?] Q_2 Ff. this: Q_1.

then] then? Ff.

[4135] That ... speed] Qq. Omitted in Ff.

speed?] speede? Q_2. speede. Q_1.

[4136] Faith] I' faith Capell.

Nor ... one] No, nor me Hanmer.

[4137] Bassianus'] Pope. Bassianus Qq F_1 F_2 F_3. Bassianus's F_4.

[4138] than] Rowe. this Qq Ff.

[4139] we] ye Hanmer.

[4140] sacred] secret Anon. conj.

[4141] Will we] We will Rowe (ed. 2).

[4142] advice] F_4. advise Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4143] and] Q_1. of Q_2 Ff.

[4144] dreadful] dreadless Collier MS.

dull] dumb Anon. conj.

[4145] lust] Qq. lusts Ff.

shadow'd] Ff. shadowed Qq.

[4146] Sit] Qq. Sẏ F_1. Si F_2 F_3 F_4.

stream] streame Qq. streames F_1 F_2. streams F_3 F_4.

[4147] these] Q_1. their Q_2 Ff. See note (II).

[4148] Styga] F_4. Stygia F_3. Stigia Qq F_1 F_2.

[4149] SCENE II.] Rowe. SCENE III. Pope. ACT II. SCENE I. Johnson conj.

A forest near Rome.] A forest. Rowe. A Chace near Rome. Court before a Lodge. Capell.

Horns ... heard.] Capell.

Enter ...] Capell, substantially. Enter Titus Andronicus and his three sonnes, making a noyse with hounds & hornes. Qq. Enter ... hornes, and Marcus. Ff.

[4150] morn] Moone Q_1.

grey] gay Hanmer.

[4151] green] wide Collier MS.

[4152] ring ... peal] sing ... round Collier MS. ring ... round Collier MS. (as quoted in Collier, ed. 2).

[4153] noise] sound Collier MS.

[4154] as it is ours] and so will I Collier MS.

[4155] attend] tend Pope.

[4156] new ... inspired] brought comfort and delight Collier MS.

A cry ... peal. Enter....] Heere a cry of Houndes, and winde hornes in a peale, then enter.... Qq. Winde Hornes. Heere a cry.... peale, then Enter.... Ff.

[4157] lords] lord Dyce. lads Anon. conj.

[4158] I say] Why, I say Hanmer.

[4159] I say ... more] As in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4160] broad] Qq. om. Ff.

[4161] [To Tamora] Steevens.

[4162] promontory] Promontary F_1. promontory's Collier MS.

[4163] way] Qq F_1. away F_2 F_3 F_4.

run] F_3 F_4. runne F_2. runnes Qq F_1.

[4164] Marked as 'Aside' by Capell.

[4165] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE IV. Pope. om. Ff.

A lonely ... forest.] A desart part of the Forest. Theobald.

Enter Aaron....] Enter Aaron, with a Bag of Gold, which he hides. Capell. Enter Aron alone. Qq Ff (Aaron F_1 F_4).

[4166] Aar.] Moore. Qq.

[4167] effected] affected Rowe (ed. 2).

[4168] [Hides the gold.] Malone.

[4169] Enter Tamora.] Enter Tamora alone to the Moore. Qq. Enter Tamora to the Moore. Ff.

[4170] My ... sad] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

sad] so sad Rowe (ed. 1).

[4171] rolled] coiled Collier (Collier MS.)

[4172] if] om. F_2.

[4173] yellowing] Qq. yelping Ff. yelling Pope.

[4174] and Dido] of Dido Reed (1803, 1813, 1821).

[4175] Whiles] Whilst Rowe.

[4176] Madam ... desires] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4177] deadly-standing] Theobald. deadly standing Qq Ff.

[4178] execution?] Q_2 Ff. execution. Q_1.

[4179] lose] F_3 F_4. loose Qq F_1 F_2.

[4180] letter?] Q_1. letter, Q_2 Ff.

[4181] fatal-plotted] Theobald. fatall plotted Qq Ff.

[4182] dreads] dread Pope.

[4183] Ah ... life] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4184] quarrels] Q_1 F_3 F_4. quarrell Q_2 F_1 F_2.

[Exit.] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

Enter....] Pope. Enter.... Qq Ff, after line 50.

[4185] SCENE V. Pope.

Who] Qq. Whom Ff.

Who ... empress] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4186] empress] emperess Rowe (ed. 2).

[4187] her] Q_1. our Q_2 Ff.

troop] troops Rowe (ed. 2).

[4188] my] Q_1. our Q_2 Ff.

[4189] presently] F_3 F_4. presently, Qq. presently. F_1 F_2.

[4190] was] were Capell.

[4191] drive] thrive Heath conj. dine Collier (Collier MS.)

thy] Q_1. his Q_2 Ff.

[4192] swarth] Ff. swartie Q_1. swarty Q_2. swart Capell.

Cimmerian] Theobald. Cymmerian F_2 F_3 F_4. Cymerion Qq F_1.

[4193] but with a] Q_1. with a Q_2 Ff. with him, a Capell conj.

[4194] intercepted] interrupted Rowe.

[4195] raven-colour'd] Pope. raven culloured Qq. raven coloured Ff.

[4196] note] Pope. notice Qq Ff.

[4197] him] her Steevens conj.

[4198] have I] F_2 F_3 F_4. I have Qq F_1.

this?] Ff. this. Qq.

[4199] How ... mother] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4200] doth] does Rowe.

[4201] barren detested] barren and detested Rowe. bare, detested Capell.

[4202] baleful] hailful Grey conj.

[4203] body] barely Collier (Collier MS.)

[4204] yew] Ff. ewgh Q_1. ewe Q_2.

[4205] ear] eare Qq F_1. ease F_2. ears F_3 F_4.

[4206] ye not henceforth] Qq Ff. ye not from henceforth Pope. not henceforth Capell.

[4207] [Stabs Bassianus.] Stab him. Qq F_1 F_3. Sab him. F_2. Stabs him. F_4.

[4208] And ... strength] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

struck] Q_1 F_4. strook Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3.

[Also stabs....] Stabbing him likewise. Theobald. Stabing suddenly Bassianus; who falls. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4209] Ay, come] Hanmer. I come Qq Ff. I, come Theobald.

Semiramis] F_2 F_3 F_4. Semeramis Qq F_1.

[4210] the] Q_1. thy Q_2 Ff.

[4211] painted hope ... mightiness] Qq F_1. painted hope, she ... mightinesse F_2 F_3 F_4. painted cope she ... mightiness Theobald (Warburton). paint now braves your mightiness Capell. painted, braves your mightiness Steevens conj. painted shape, she braves your might Collier (Collier MS.) faint hope braves your mightiness Grant White conj. painted upbraids your mightiness or prankt, outbraves your mightiness Anon. conj.

hope] robe Heath conj.

[4212] painted hope ... this] painted, ... this hope Anon. conj.

[4213] grave?] Q_2 Ff. grave. Q_1.

[4214] An if ... eunuch] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

An] Hanmer. And Qq Ff.

eunuch] Euenuke Qq.

[4215] trunk pillow] Trunke-Pillow F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4216] ye ... ye] F_2 F_3 F_4. ye ... we Qq F_1. you ... you Rowe.

[4217] outlive, us] Theobald. outlive us Qq Ff.

[4218] you] om. Pope.

[4219] nice-preserved] Ff. nice preserved Qq.

[4220] bear'st] Ff. bearest Qq.

woman's] womans Qq F_3 F_4. woman F_1 F_2.

face—] Rowe. face. Qq Ff.

[4221] flint] Qq F_1 F_2. flints F_3 F_4.

[4222] dam?] Q_2 Ff. dam. Q_1.

[4223] learn] teach Pope.

[4224] suck'dst] Rowe (ed. 2). suckst Qq. suck'st Ff.

[4225] thy teat] her teat Collier (Collier MS.) the teat Collier conj.

[4226] [To Chiron] Warburton. om. Qq Ff.

[4227] Two lines in Qq. Four lines, ending What, ... bastard?... true, ... larke, in Ff.

[4228] After this line S. Walker would insert Nor the fell lioness bring forth a lamb.

[4229] paws] claws Singer (Collier MS.)

[4230] ears] yeares Q_1.

[4231] am I] am I now F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4232] with her] om. Hanmer.

and] om. Capell.

[4233] O ... queen] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[Kneeling. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4234] Bassianus] Bascianus Q_1. Bussianus Q_2.

[4235] Tam.] om. F_2.

then? fond ... go] F_3 F_4. then fond ... goe? Qq. then? fond ... go? F_1 F_2.

[4236] Two lines in Qq. Four, ending Away, ... long ... grace ... creature, in Ff.

[4237] [Rising. Collier (Collier MS.)

[4238] to] of Rowe.

[4239] fall—] Q_2 F_1. fall. Q_1. all— F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4240] Nay ... husband:] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[Dragging off Lavinia. Pope.

[4241] [Demetrius....] Capell. Exeunt. F_2 F_3 F_4. om. Qq F_1.

[4242] Andronici] Ff. Adronicie Q_1. Andronicie Q_2.

[4243] Re-enter....] Dyce. Enter Aron, with two of Titus sonnes. Qq Ff.

Martius.] Capell. Marcus. Rowe.

[4244] SCENE VI. Pope. SCENE IV. The same. Capell. Dyce continues the scene.

Aar.] om. Qq.

[4245] loathsome] lonesome Collier MS.

[4246] were it] were't Pope.

[4247] [Falls....] Marcus falls.... Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

[4248] What ... this,] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4249] cover'd] Pope. covered Qq Ff.

rude-growing] Pope. rude growing Qq Ff.

[4250] morning] Q_1 F_4. mornings Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4251] Mart.] Mart. [under the stage. Collier MS.

O ... object] Two lines in Ff.

dismal'st] dismallest, Pope, omitting hurt.

hurt] Q_1. Omitted in Q_2 Ff.

[4252] [Aside] Johnson.

[4253] have] give Steevens (1793).

[4254] [Exit.] Qq. Exit Aaron. F_1 F_4. Exit Aron. F_2 F_3.

[4255] SCENE VII. Pope.

[4256] unhallow'd] Ff. unhollow Qq.

[4257] uncouth] uncouch F_2 F_3.

[4258] chilling] killing Rowe.

[4259] true-divining] Theobald. true divining Qq Ff.

[4260] this den] the den Rowe.

[4261] Aaron ... heart] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4262] how] Q_2 Ff. who Q_1.

[4263] like to a] Qq. like to the Ff.

[4264] he?] Q_2 Ff. hee. Q_1.

[4265] the] Q_2 Ff. this Q_1.

[4266] earthy] Q_1. earthly Q_2 Ff.

[4267] the] Ff. this Qq.

[4268] thee] the F_2.

[4269] fell devouring] fell-devouring S. Walker conj.

[4270] Cocytus'] Cocytus F_4. Ocitus Qq F_1. Cocitus F_2 F_3.

[4271] Nor] And Pope.

[4272] more; I] Theobald. more, I Qq Ff. more I Pope.

loose] lose Rowe. loose't Capell conj.

[4273] [Falls in.] Pope. Boths fall in. F_1 F_2. Both fall in. F_3 F_4. om. Qq.

Enter....] Enter the Emperour, and Aron the Moore. Qq Ff (and om. Q_2 Ff)(Aaron F_1 F_4).

[4274] SCENE VIII. Pope.

[4275] into it] into't Pope.

[4276] earth? Q_2 Ff. earth. Q_1.

[4277] them] Q_1. him Q_2 Ff.

[4278] them] Qq. him Ff.

[4279] Re-enter ...] Dyce. Enter ... Ff.

with Attendants;] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.

Titus Andronicus,] Andronicus, Qq Ff.

[4280] Sat.] F_2 F_3 F_4. King. Qq F_1 (and throughout the scene).

grieved] gnaw'd S. Walker conj.

[4281] [Giving a letter] She giveth Saturnine a Letter. Qq Ff, after line 267.

[4282] Sat. [Reads] Saturninus reades the Letter. Qq Ff.

An] Hanmer. And Qq Ff.

[4283] meaning. Lock ... reward meaning: ... reward Pope. meaning, ... reward, Q_1. meaning, ... reward. Q_2. meaning, ... reward Ff.

[4284] O ...] Theobald. King. Oh ... Qq F_1. Sat. Oh ... F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4285] murder'd] murther'd Pope. murthered Qq Ff.

[4286] [Shewing it. Johnson.

[4287] [To Titus] Rowe.

[4288] torturing] F_3 F_4. tortering Qq F_1 F_2.

[4289] What ... thing!] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4290] fault] Theobald. faultes Q_1. faults Q_2 Ff.

them—] F_3 F_4. them. Qq F_1 F_2.

[4291] I ... bail;] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4292] fathers'] Delius. fathers Qq Ff. father's Rowe.

reverend] F_4. reverent Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4293] their suspicion] this suspicion Collier (Collier MS.)

[4294] murder'd] Rowe (ed. 2). murther'd Rowe (ed. 1). murthered Qq Ff.

[4295] the] their Collier (Collier MS.)

[4296] [Attendants draw Quintus, and Martius, out of the Pit, and the Body of Bassianus; and Exeunt, bearing them off. Capell.

[4297] Exeunt Sat. Tam. Aar. and Train. Capell.

[4298] Come ... them.] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[Exeunt.] Ff. om. Qq. Exeunt severally. Theobald. Exeunt Titus, and Lucius. Capell.

[4299] SCENE IV.] Dyce. SCENE IX. Pope. SCENE V. Capell.

Another ...] Dyce. The same ... Capell.

Enter ...] Enter the Empresse sonnes, with Lavinia, her handes cut off, and her tongue cut out, and ravisht. Qq Ff.

[4300] an] Theobald. and Qq Ff.

[4301] that cut] cut out Collier (Collier MS.)

[4302] An if ... thee play] Capell. And if ... thee play Qq Ff. And, if ... thee, play Rowe.

[4303] scrowl] scrowle Qq. scowle F_1 F_2. scowl F_3 F_4. scrawl Delius.

[4304] Go ... hands.] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending home, in Ff.

[4305] An] Capell. And Ff. If Pope.

case] Pope. cause Qq Ff.

[4306] [Exeunt ...] Theobald. Exeunt. Ff. om. Qq.

Horns winded within.] Wind Hornes. Ff. om. Qq. Horns within: Lavinia starts, and is making from them; Enter Marcus. Capell.

Enter ... hunting.] Qq. Enter ... hunting, to Lavinia. Ff.

[4307] Who is] Who's Pope.

this? my ... fast!] this, my ... fast, Q_1. this my ... fast? Q_2. this, my ... fast? Ff.

[4308] a word] a word with you Keightley.

husband?] Q_2 Ff. husband. Q_1.

[4309] hands Have] Rowe (ed. 2). hands, Hath Qq. hands Hath Ff. hand Hath Capell.

[4310] have] Theobald. halfe Qq F_1 F_2. half F_3 F_4.

[4311] rosed] rosy Rowe. roseate or roseat Collier MS.

[4312] him] Rowe. them Qq Ff.

[4313] three] Hanmer. theyr Q_1. their Q_2 Ff.

[4314] thee?... so?] Ff. thee, ... so. Q_1. thee, ... so? Q_2.

[4315] heart] F_3 F_4. hart Qq F_1 F_2. hurt S. Walker conj.

[4316] Philomel, why she] Edd. Philomela, why she Q_1. Philomella she Q_2. Philomela she Ff.

[4317] sew'd] Pope. sowed Qq F_1 F_2 F_3. sewed F_4.

[4318] cousin, hast thou met,] cosen hast thou met, Q_1. hast thou met, Q_2. hast thou met withall Ff.

[4319] sew'd] Pope. sowed Qq F_1 F_2. sewed F_3 F_4.

[4320] tongue hath made] Qq Ff. charming instrument has made Ravenscroft's version. tongue of thine hath often made Hanmer. tongue hath made in minstrelsy Collier (Collier MS.) Printed as an imperfect line by Keightley.

[4321] fell] fall'n Hanmer.

[4322] mourning] morning F_2.

ACT III.

SCENE I. Rome. A street.

Enter Judges, Senators, and Tribunes, with MARTIUS and QUINTUS, bound, passing on to the place of execution; TITUS going before, pleading.[4323]

Tit. Hear me, grave fathers! noble tribunes, stay!

For pity of mine age, whose youth was spent

In dangerous wars, whilst you securely slept;

For all my blood in Rome's great quarrel shed;

For all the frosty nights that I have watch'd; 5

And for these bitter tears, which now you see[4324]

Filling the aged wrinkles in my cheeks;

Be pitiful to my condemned sons,

Whose souls are not corrupted as 'tis thought.[4325]

For two and twenty sons I never wept, 10

Because they died in honour's lofty bed.

[Lieth down; the Judges, &c. pass by him, and Exeunt.[4326]

For these, tribunes, in the dust I write[4327]

My heart's deep languor and my soul's sad tears:[4328]

Let my tears stanch the earth's dry appetite;[4329]

My sons' sweet blood will make it shame and blush. 15

O earth, I will befriend thee more with rain,[4330]

That shall distil from these two ancient urns,[4331]

Than youthful April shall with all his showers:[4332][4333]

In summer's drought I'll drop upon thee still;[4333]

In winter with warm tears I'll melt the snow, 20

And keep eternal spring-time on thy face,

So thou refuse to drink my dear sons' blood.

Enter LUCIUS, with his weapon drawn.[4334]

O reverend tribunes! O gentle, aged men![4335]

Unbind my sons, reverse the doom of death;

And let me say, that never wept before, 25

My tears are now prevailing orators.

Luc. O noble father, you lament in vain:

The tribunes hear you not; no man is by;[4336]

And you recount your sorrows to a stone.

Tit. Ah, Lucius, for thy brothers let me plead. 30

Grave tribunes, once more I entreat of you,—[4337]

Luc. My gracious lord, no tribune hears you speak.

Tit. Why, 'tis no matter, man: if they did hear,[4338]

They would not mark me; or if they did mark,[4339]

They would not pity me; yet plead I must,[4339] 35

And bootless unto them....[4339]

Therefore I tell my sorrows to the stones;[4340]

Who, though they cannot answer my distress,

Yet in some sort they are better than the tribunes,[4341]

For that they will not intercept my tale:[4342] 40

When I do weep, they humbly at my feet

Receive my tears, and seem to weep with me;

And, were they but attired in grave weeds,

Rome could afford no tribune like to these.

A stone is soft as wax, tribunes more hard than stones;[4343] 45

A stone is silent and offendeth not,

And tribunes with their tongues doom men to death.      [Rises.[4344]

But wherefore stand'st thou with thy weapon drawn?[4345]

Luc. To rescue my two brothers from their death:

For which attempt the judges have pronounced[4346] 50

My everlasting doom of banishment.

Tit. O happy man! they have befriended thee.

Why, foolish Lucius, dost thou not perceive

That Rome is but a wilderness of tigers?

Tigers must prey, and Rome affords no prey[4347] 55

But me and mine: how happy art thou then,

From these devourers to be banished!

But who comes with our brother Marcus here?

Enter MARCUS and LAVINIA.

Marc. Titus, prepare thy aged eyes to weep;[4348]

Or, if not so, thy noble heart to break: 60

I bring consuming sorrow to thine age.

Tit. Will it consume me? let me see it then.

Marc. This was thy daughter.

Tit. Why, Marcus, so she is.

Luc. Ay me, this object kills me![4349]

Tit. Faint-hearted boy, arise, and look upon her. 65

Speak, Lavinia, what accursed hand[4350]

Hath made thee handless in thy father's sight?[4351]

What fool hath added water to the sea,

Or brought a faggot to bright-burning Troy?

My grief was at the height before thou camest;[4352] 70

And now, like Nilus, it disdaineth bounds.

Give me a sword, I'll chop off my hands too;[4353]

For they have fought for Rome, and all in vain;

And they have nursed this woe, in feeding life;[4354]

In bootless prayer have they been held up, 75

And they have served me to effectless use:

Now all the service I require of them

Is, that the one will help to cut the other.

'Tis well, Lavinia, that thou hast no hands;

For hands to do Rome service is but vain.[4355] 80

Luc. Speak, gentle sister, who hath martyr'd thee?

Marc. O, that delightful engine of her thoughts,

That blabb'd them with such pleasing eloquence,

Is torn from forth that pretty hollow cage,

Where, like a sweet melodious bird, it sung 85

Sweet varied notes, enchanting every ear![4356]

Luc. O, say thou for her, who hath done this deed?[4357]

Marc. O, thus I found her, straying in the park,

Seeking to hide herself, as doth the deer

That hath received some unrecuring wound. 90

Tit. It was my dear; and he that wounded her[4358]

Hath hurt me more than had he kill'd me dead:

For now I stand as one upon a rock,

Environ'd with a wilderness of sea;

Who marks the waxing tide grow wave by wave,[4359] 95

Expecting ever when some envious surge

Will in his brinish bowels swallow him.

This way to death my wretched sons are gone;

Here stands my other son, a banish'd man;

And here my brother, weeping at my woes: 100

But that which gives my soul the greatest spurn,

Is dear Lavinia, dearer than my soul.

Had I but seen thy picture in this plight,

It would have madded me: what shall I do

Now I behold thy lively body so?[4360] 105

Thou hast no hands, to wipe away thy tears;

Nor tongue, to tell me who hath martyr'd thee:

Thy husband he is dead; and for his death

Thy brothers are condemn'd, and dead by this.

Look, Marcus! ah, son Lucius, look on her! 110

When I did name her brothers, then fresh tears

Stood on her cheeks, as doth the honey-dew

Upon a gather'd lily almost wither'd.[4361]

Marc. Perchance she weeps because they kill'd her husband;

Perchance because she knows them innocent.[4362] 115

Tit. If they did kill thy husband, then be joyful,

Because the law hath ta'en revenge on them.

No, no, they would not do so foul a deed;

Witness the sorrow that their sister makes.

Gentle Lavinia, let me kiss thy lips; 120

Or make some sign how I may do thee ease:[4363]

Shall thy good uncle, and thy brother Lucius,

And thou, and I, sit round about some fountain,

Looking all downwards, to behold our cheeks

How they are stain'd, as meadows yet not dry[4364] 125

With miry slime left on them by a flood?

And in the fountain shall we gaze so long

Till the fresh taste be taken from that clearness,

And made a brine-pit with our bitter tears?

Or shall we cut away our hands, like thine? 130

Or shall we bite our tongues, and in dumb shows

Pass the remainder of our hateful days?

What shall we do? let us, that have our tongues,

Plot some device of further misery,[4365]

To make us wonder'd at in time to come. 135

Luc. Sweet father, cease your tears; for, at your grief,

See how my wretched sister sobs and weeps.

Marc. Patience, dear niece. Good Titus, dry thine eyes.

Tit. Ah, Marcus, Marcus! brother, well I wot

Thy napkin cannot drink a tear of mine, 140

For thou, poor man, hast drown'd it with thine own.

Luc. Ah, my Lavinia, I will wipe thy cheeks.

Tit. Mark, Marcus, mark! I understand her signs:

Had she a tongue to speak, now would she say

That to her brother which I said to thee: 145

His napkin, with his true tears all bewet,[4366]

Can do no service on her sorrowful cheeks.

O, what a sympathy of woe is this,

As far from help as Limbo is from bliss!

Enter AARON.[4367]

Aar. Titus Andronicus, my lord the emperor[4368][4369] 150

Sends thee this word, that, if thou love thy sons,

Let Marcus, Lucius, or thyself, old Titus,

Or any one of you, chop off your hand,

And send it to the king: he for the same

Will send thee hither both thy sons alive;

And that shall be the ransom for their fault.

Tit. O gracious emperor! O gentle Aaron!

Did ever raven sing so like a lark,

That gives sweet tidings of the sun's uprise?

With all my heart, I'll send the emperor[4370] 160

My hand:[4370]

Good Aaron, wilt thou help to chop it off?

Luc. Stay, father! for that noble hand of thine,

That hath thrown down so many enemies,

Shall not be sent: my hand will serve the turn: 165

My youth can better spare my blood than you;

And therefore mine shall save my brothers' lives.

Marc. Which of your hands hath not defended Rome,

And rear'd aloft the bloody battle-axe,

Writing destruction on the enemy's castle?[4371] 170

O, none of both but are of high desert:

My hand hath been but idle; let it serve

To ransom my two nephews from their death;

Then have I kept it to a worthy end.

Aar. Nay, come, agree whose hand shall go along,[4369] 175

For fear they die before their pardon come.

Marc. My hand shall go.

Luc. By heaven, it shall not go!

Tit. Sirs, strive no more: such wither'd herbs as these[4372]

Are meet for plucking up, and therefore mine.

Luc. Sweet father, if I shall be thought thy son, 180

Let me redeem my brothers both from death.

Marc. And, for our father's sake and mother's care,

Now let me show a brother's love to thee.

Tit. Agree between you; I will spare my hand.

Luc. Then I'll go fetch an axe. 185

Marc. But I will use the axe.      [Exeunt Lucius and Marcus.[4373]

Tit. Come hither, Aaron; I'll deceive them both:

Lend me thy hand, and I will give thee mine.

Aar. [Aside] If that be call'd deceit, I will be honest,[4374]

And never, whilst I live, deceive men so: 190

But I'll deceive you in another sort,

And that you'll say, ere half an hour pass.      [Cuts off Titus's hand.

Re-enter LUCIUS and MARCUS.[4375]

Tit. Now stay your strife: what shall be is dispatch'd.[4376]

Good Aaron, give his majesty my hand:[4377]

Tell him it was a hand that warded him 195

From thousand dangers; bid him bury it;

More hath it merited; that let it have.[4378]

As for my sons, say I account of them[4379]

As jewels purchased at an easy price;

And yet dear too, because I bought mine own. 200

Aar. I go, Andronicus: and for thy hand

Look by and by to have thy sons with thee.

[Aside] Their heads, I mean. O, how this villany[4380]

Doth fat me with the very thoughts of it![4381]

Let fools do good, and fair men call for grace, 205

Aaron will have his soul black like his face.      [Exit.

Tit. O, here I lift this one hand up to heaven,[4382]

And bow this feeble ruin to the earth:

If any power pities wretched tears,[4383]

To that I call! [To Lav.] What, would thou kneel with me?[4384] 210

Do, then, dear heart; for heaven shall hear our prayers;

Or with our sighs we'll breathe the welkin dim,

And stain the sun with fog, as sometime clouds

When they do hug him in their melting bosoms.

Marc. O brother, speak with possibilities,[4385] 215

And do not break into these deep extremes.[4386]

Tit. Is not my sorrow deep, having no bottom?[4387]

Then be my passions bottomless with them.

Marc. But yet let reason govern thy lament.

Tit. If there were reason for these miseries, 220

Then into limits could I bind my woes:

When heaven doth weep, doth not the earth o'erflow?

If the winds rage, doth not the sea wax mad,

Threatening the welkin with his big-swoln face?

And wilt thou have a reason for this coil? 225

I am the sea; hark, how her sighs do blow![4388]

She is the weeping welkin, I the earth:

Then must my sea be moved with her sighs;

Then must my earth with her continual tears

Become a deluge, overflow'd and drown'd:[4389] 230

For why my bowels cannot hide her woes,[4390]

But like a drunkard must I vomit them.

Then give me leave; for losers will have leave

To ease their stomachs with their bitter tongues.

Enter a Messenger, with two heads and a hand.

Mess. Worthy Andronicus, ill art thou repaid 235

For that good hand thou sent'st the emperor.

Here are the heads of thy two noble sons;

And here's thy hand, in scorn to thee sent back,

Thy griefs their sports, thy resolution mock'd:[4391]

That woe is me to think upon thy woes, 240

More than remembrance of my father's death.      [Exit.

Marc. Now let hot Ætna cool in Sicily,[4392]

And be my heart an ever-burning hell!

These miseries are more than may be borne.

To weep with them that weep doth ease some deal, 245

But sorrow flouted at is double death.

Luc. Ah, that this sight should make so deep a wound,

And yet detested life not shrink thereat!

That ever death should let life bear his name,

Where life hath no more interest but to breathe! 250

[Lavinia kisses Titus.[4393]

Marc. Alas, poor heart, that kiss is comfortless

As frozen water to a starved snake.

Tit. When will this fearful slumber have an end?

Marc. Now, farewell, flattery: die, Andronicus;[4394]

Thou dost not slumber: see, thy two sons' heads, 255

Thy warlike hand, thy mangled daughter here,[4395]

Thy other banish'd son with this dear sight[4396]

Struck pale and bloodless, and thy brother, I,[4397]

Even like a stony image, cold and numb.

Ah, now no more will I control thy griefs:[4398] 260

Rend off thy silver hair, thy other hand[4399]

Gnawing with thy teeth; and be this dismal sight[4400]

The closing up of our most wretched eyes:

Now is a time to storm; why art thou still?

Tit. Ha, ha, ha! 265

Marc. Why dost thou laugh? it fits not with this hour.

Tit. Why, I have not another tear to shed:

Besides, this sorrow is an enemy,

And would usurp upon my watery eyes

And make them blind with tributary tears: 270

Then which way shall I find Revenge's cave?[4401]

For these two heads do seem to speak to me,

And threat me I shall never come to bliss

Till all these mischiefs be return'd again

Even in their throats that have committed them. 275

Come, let me see what task I have to do.

You heavy people, circle me about,

That I may turn me to each one of you,

And swear unto my soul to right your wrongs.

The vow is made. Come, brother, take a head; 280

And in this hand the other will I bear.

Lavinia, thou shalt be employ'd in these things;[4402][4403]

Bear thou my hand, sweet wench, between thy teeth.[4403][4404]

As for thee, boy, go get thee from my sight;

Thou art an exile, and thou must not stay:

Hie to the Goths, and raise an army there: 285

And, if you love me, as I think you do,[4405]

Let's kiss and part, for we have much to do.

[Exeunt all but Lucius.[4406]

Luc. Farewell, Andronicus, my noble father,[4407]

The wofull'st man that ever lived in Rome: 290

Farewell, proud Rome; till Lucius come again,[4408]

He leaves his pledges dearer than his life:[4409]

Farewell, Lavinia, my noble sister;

O, would thou wert as thou tofore hast been!

But now nor Lucius nor Lavinia lives 295

But in oblivion and hateful griefs.

If Lucius live, he will requite your wrongs;[4410]

And make proud Saturnine and his empress[4411]

Beg at the gates, like Tarquin and his queen.[4412]

Now will I to the Goths and raise a power, 300

To be revenged on Rome and Saturnine.      [Exit.[4413]

SCENE II. A room in Titus's house. A banquet set out.

Enter TITUS, MARCUS, LAVINIA, and young LUCIUS, a Boy.[4414]

Tit. So, so; now sit: and look you eat no more

Than will preserve just so much strength in us

As will revenge these bitter woes of ours.

Marcus, unknit that sorrow-wreathen knot:

Thy niece and I, poor creatures, want our hands,[4415] 5

And cannot passionate our tenfold grief

With folded arms. This poor right hand of mine

Is left to tyrannize upon my breast;

Who, when my heart, all mad with misery,[4416]

Beats in this hollow prison of my flesh, 10

Then thus I thump it down.

[To Lavinia] Thou map of woe, that thus dost talk in signs![4417]

When thy poor heart beats with outrageous beating,[4418]

Thou canst not strike it thus to make it still.[4419]

Wound it with sighing, girl, kill it with groans;[4420] 15

Or get some little knife between thy teeth,

And just against thy heart make thou a hole;

That all the tears that thy poor eyes let fall

May run into that sink, and soaking in

Drown the lamenting fool in sea-salt tears.[4421] 20

Marc. Fie, brother, fie! teach her not thus to lay

Such violent hands upon her tender life.

Tit. How now! has sorrow made thee dote already?

Why, Marcus, no man should be mad but I.

What violent hands can she lay on her life? 25

Ah, wherefore dost thou urge the name of hands;

To bid Æneas tell the tale twice o'er,

How Troy was burnt and he made miserable?

O, handle not the theme, to talk of hands,[4422]

Lest we remember still that we have none. 30

Fie, fie, how franticly I square my talk,

As if we should forget we had no hands,

If Marcus did not name the word of hands![4423]

Come, let's fall to; and, gentle girl, eat this:

Here is no drink. Hark, Marcus, what she says; 35

I can interpret all her martyr'd signs;

She says she drinks no other drink but tears,

Brew'd with her sorrow, mesh'd upon her cheeks:[4424]

Speechless complainer, I will learn thy thought;[4425]

In thy dumb action will I be as perfect 40

As begging hermits in their holy prayers:[4426]

Thou shalt not sigh, nor hold thy stumps to heaven,

Nor wink, nor nod, nor kneel, nor make a sign,

But I of these will wrest an alphabet,[4427]

And by still practice learn to know thy meaning. 45

Boy. Good grandsire, leave these bitter deep laments:

Make my aunt merry with some pleasing tale.

Marc. Alas, the tender boy, in passion moved,

Doth weep to see his grandsire's heaviness.

Tit. Peace, tender sapling; thou art made of tears, 50

And tears will quickly melt thy life away.

[Marcus strikes the dish with a knife.

What dost thou strike at, Marcus, with thy knife?[4428][4429]

Marc. At that that I have kill'd, my lord,—a fly.[4428][4430]

Tit. Out on thee, murderer! thou kill'st my heart;[4428][4431]

Mine eyes are cloy'd with view of tyranny:[4428][4432] 55

A deed of death done on the innocent[4428]

Becomes not Titus' brother: get thee gone;[4428]

I see thou art not for my company.[4428]

Marc. Alas, my lord, I have but kill'd a fly.[4428]

Tit. 'But!' How, if that fly had a father and mother?[4428][4433] 60

How would he hang his slender gilded wings,[4428]

And buzz lamenting doings in the air![4428][4434]

Poor harmless fly,[4428]

That, with his pretty buzzing melody,[4428]

Came here to make us merry! and thou hast kill'd him.[4428][4435] 65

Marc. Pardon me, sir; it was a black ill-favour'd fly,[4428][4436]

Like to the empress' Moor; therefore I kill'd him.[4428]

Tit. O, O, O,[4428][4437]

Then pardon me for reprehending thee,[4428]

For thou hast done a charitable deed.[4428] 70

Give me thy knife, I will insult on him;[4428]

Flattering myself, as if it were the Moor[4428][4438]

Come hither purposely to poison me.[4428]

There's for thyself, and that's for Tamora.[4428]

Ah, sirrah![4428][4439] 75

Yet, I think, we are not brought so low,[4428][4440]

But that between us we can kill a fly[4428]

That comes in likeness of a coal-black Moor.[4428]

Marc. Alas, poor man! grief has so wrought on him,

He takes false shadows for true substances. 80

Tit. Come, take away. Lavinia, go with me:[4441]

I'll to thy closet; and go read with thee

Sad stories chanced in the times of old.

Come, boy, and go with me: thy sight is young,

And thou shalt read when mine begin to dazzle.      [Exeunt.[4442] 85

FOOTNOTES:

[4323]

ACT III. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus

Tertius. Ff. Omitted in Qq.

Rome. A street] Capell. A street in Rome. Theobald.

Enter....] Enter the Iudges and Senatours with Titus two sonnes bound, passing on the Stage to the place of execution, and Titus going before pleading. Qq Ff.

[4324] now you] you now Rowe (ed. 2).

[4325] are] F_2 F_3 F_4. is Qq F_1.

[4326] [Lieth down;....] Andronicus lieth downe, and the Iudges passe by him. Qq Ff.

[4327] these, tribunes] Qq F_1. these, these Tribunes F_2 F_3. these, these, Tribunes F_4. these, good tribunes Malone. these two, tribunes Jackson conj. these, O tribunes Keightley (Collier conj.)

[4328] languor and] anguish in Collier (Collier MS.)

[4329] stanch] Qq F_1. stench F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4330] befriend] Qq F_3 F_4. be friend F_1 F_2.

more with] with more Collier (Collier MS.)

[Exeunt. Ff. om. Qq. Tribunes &c. pass Titus, and Exeunt with the Prisoners. Capell (after tears, line 13).

[4331] urns] Hanmer. ruines Qq F_1 F_2 F_3. ruins F_4.

[4332] his] her Rowe.

[4333] showers: In ... drought] showres. In ... drought, Qq. showres In ... drought: F_1 F_2. showers In ... drought: F_3 F_4.

[4334] Enter ... weapon....] Qq Ff. Enter ... sword.... Rowe.

[4335] reverend] F_3 F_4. reverent Qq F_1 F_2.

O gentle] gentle Rowe.

O gentle, aged men] gentle-aged-men Boswell. gentle-aged men S. Walker conj. aged gentlemen Anon. conj.

[4336] you not] Qq F_2 F_3 F_4. not F_1.

[4337] you,—] you— Rowe. you. Qq Ff.

[4338] man:] man: [rises.] Capell.

[4339] or ... them....] Edd. or ... them. Q_1. or if they did marke, All bootlesse unto them. Q_2. oh if they did heare They would not pitty me. Ff. or if they did mark, They would not pity me. Pope. or, if they did mark, All bootless unto them, they would not pity me. Capell. or ... them since I complain. Dyce conj.

[4340] to] Q_1. bootles to Q_2 F_1 F_2. bootless to F_3 F_4.

[4341] they are] they're Pope. are Hanmer.

[4342] [rising. Hudson.

[4343] A stone ... stones] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

A stone is] Stone's Steevens conj.

soft as] Qq. as soft Ff.

[4344] [Rises] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.

[4345] stand'st] standest Rowe (ed. 2).

[4346] pronounced] pronounc'd F_3 F_4. pronounc'st F_1 F_2. pronounst Qq.

[4347] must prey] must pray Q_1 F_1. no prey] no pray Q_1.

[4348] SCENE II. Pope.

aged] Q_1. noble Q_2 Ff.

[4349] Ay] F_4. Aye Qq F_1 F_2 F_3. Ah Rowe.

[4350] Lavinia] Qq F_1. my Lavinia F_2 F_3 F_4. speak, Lavinia Anon. conj.

[4351] sight] spight Theobald.

[4352] height] light F_2.

[4353] I'll] or Steevens conj.

[4354] And ... life] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4355] is] Qq Ff. are Rowe.

[4356] Sweet ... every ear] Rich ... old and young Collier MS.]

Sweet varied] Sweet various F_4. Sweet-varied S. Walker conj.

[4357] O ... deed?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4358] It ... her] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.]

dear] F_3. deare Qq F_1 F_2. deer F_4.

[4359] Who ... wave] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

marks] markes Qq F_1. makes F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4360] lively] lovely Johnson (1771, '73). living Collier MS.

[4361] gather'd] F_4. gathred Qq F_1 F_2. gath'red F_3.

wither'd] Rowe. withered Qq Ff.

[4362] them] Q_1. him Q_2 Ff.

[4363] sign] signe Qq. signes F_1 F_2 F_3. signs F_4.

[4364] as] Collier (Collier MS. and Long MS.) in Qq Ff. like Rowe. e'en Anon. conj.

[4365] device] Theobald. devise Qq Ff.

misery Qq. miseries Ff.

[4366] with his] F_4. with her Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4367] Enter Aaron] Enter Aron the Moore alone. Qq Ff.

[4368] SCENE III. Pope.

[4369] Aar.] Moore. Qq Ff.

[4370] With ... hand] As in Steevens. One line in Qq Ff.

emperor My hand] king my hand Capell. my hand to him Collier (Collier MS.)

[4371] enemy's] Steevens (Capell conj.) enemies Qq Ff. enemies' Warburton.

castle] casque Theobald. cask Hanmer. crest S. Walker conj. castles Keightley. See note (III).

[4372] wither'd] F_4. withred Qq. withered F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4373] use the axe] use it Collier (Capell conj.)

[Exeunt Lucius and Marcus.] Theobald. Exeunt. Qq Ff.

[4374] Aar.] Aron. Q_1. Moore. Q_2 Ff.

[Aside] First marked by Rowe. Capell marks lines 191, 192 only, as spoken aside.

[4375] pass] can pass Steevens (1793).

[Cuts off....] He cuts off Titus hand. Qq. Ff.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Lucius and Marcus againe. Qq Ff.

[4376] your] you F_1.

[4377] my] me F_1.

[4378] merited;] merited? Hanmer.

[4379] for] for for F_1.

[4380] [Aside] First marked by Rowe.

[4381] fat] sat F_2.

thoughts] Qq F_1. thought F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4382] SCENE IV. Pope.

O, here] O here Q_1. O heere Q_2 F_1 F_2. O hear F_3. O hear, F_4.

[4383] wretched] wretches' S. Walker conj.

[4384] [To Lav.] Johnson. om. Qq Ff.

would] Qq. wilt Ff. won't Capell conj.

[4385] possibilities] possibilitie Q_1.

[4386] deep extremes] two extreams Rowe. woe-extremes Warburton.

[4387] Is ... sorrow] Are ... sorrows S. Walker conj.

[4388] blow] F_2 F_3 F_4. flow Qq F_1.

[4389] overflow'd and drown'd] Ff. overflowed and drowned Qq.

[4390] For why] Dyce. For why, Qq Ff. For why? Capell.

[4391] griefs ... sports] griefe ... sports Q_1. grief's ... sport Pope.

[4392] Sicily] F_3 F_4. Cycilie Q_1. Cicilie Q_2 F_1. Cicily F_2.

[4393] breathe] F_4. breath Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[Lavinia....] Lavinia kisses him. Johnson. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4394] flattery] slattery F_2.

[4395] hand] Qq F_4. hands F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4396] son] F_4. sonne Qq. sonnes F_1 F_2. sons F_3.

dear] dire Hanmer.

[4397] our] your Theobald.

[4398] thy] Theobald. my Qq Ff.

[4399] Rend off] Rent off Q_1 Ff. Rent of Q_2.

[4400] Gnawing] Gnaw Capell.

[4401] cave?] Q_2 Ff. cave. Q_1.

[4402] Lavinia] F_2 F_3 F_4. And Lavinia Qq F_1.

Lavinia ... employ'd] Lavinia, (in a line by itself) Thou too shalt be employed Steevens conj. And thou shalt be employed Collier conj.

employed in these things] Ff. imployde in these Armes Q_1. imployd in these Armes Q_2. employed in these aims Grant White (Dyce conj.) employ'd: these arms! Edd. (Globe edition). See note (IV).

[4403] employ'd ... hand,] employed: in these arms Bear thou my hand:— Jackson conj.

[4404] teeth] arms Capell.

[4405] you do] 'tis true Collier MS.

[4406] [Exeunt....] Exeunt. Manet Lucius. Ff. Exeunt. Qq.

[4407] SCENE V. Pope.

[4408] Rome; till] Rome; 'till Rowe (ed. 2). Rome till Qq. Rome, till Ff.

[4409] leaves] Rowe. loves Qq Ff.

[4410] requite] Qq F_3 F_4. requit F_1 F_2.

[4411] Saturnine] Qq F_1. Saturninus F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4412] like] likes F_1.

[4413] [Exit.] Exit Lucius. Qq Ff.

[4414] SCENE II.] Capell. SCENE VI. Pope.

A room....] An apartment.... Theobald.

A banquet....] A Bnaket. F_1. A Banquet. F_2 F_3 F_4.

Enter....] Enter Andronicus, Marcus, Lavinia and the Boy. Ff. The whole of this scene is omitted in the Quartos.

[4415] and] an F_2.

[4416] Who] Ff. And Rowe.

[4417] [To Lavinia] Johnson.

[4418] with outrageous] without ragious F_1.

[4419] still.] still? F_1 F_2. still: F_3 F_4.

[4420] sighing] singing Rowe.

[4421] fool] F_3 F_4. foole F_1 F_2. soul Long MS. (erased).

sea-salt] F_2 F_3 F_4. Sea salt F_1.

[4422] to talk] no talk Rowe.

[4423] hands!] hands? F_3 F_4. hands. F_1 F_2.

[4424] Brew'd] Breu'd F_1.

sorrow] F_1. sorrows F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4425] complainer, I] Capell. complaynet, I F_1. complaint, O I F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4426] hermits] hemits F_2.

[4427] wrest] rest Warburton (a misprint).

[4428] What ... Moor] Erased in Collier MS.

[4429] thy] F_2 F_3 F_4. om F_1.

[4430] fly] flys F_1.

[4431] thee,] F_4. thee F_3. the F_1 F_2.

[4432] are] F_2 F_3 F_4. om. F_1.

[4433] 'But!' How, if] But? How if F_1 F_2. But? How, if F_3. But, how if F_4. But how, if Stevens.

father and mother?] father, sir? Capell. father, brother? Ritson conj. father? Stevens conj.

[4434] lamenting doings] laments and dolings Hanmer.

doings] dolings Theobald. dronings Anon. MS. conj. apud Theobald ('Shakespeare restored' p. 184).

[4435] Came ... him.] One line in Capell. Two in Ff.

[4436] Pardon ... fly,] One line in Pope. Two in Ff.

sir; it was] it was Hanmer. 'twas Capell conj.

[4437] O, O, O,] O, O, Capell, reading O, O, ... thee, as one line.

[4438] myself] my selfes F_1.

[4439] Ah, sirrah!] As a separate line in Capell. Joined to line 74 in Ff. Omitted by Pope. Joined to line 76 in Steevens (1778).

[4440] Yet, I think] Yet still I think Pope. Why, yet, I think Capell. Yet I do think Steevens. But yet I think or Yet do I think Grant White conj.

[4441] Tit. Come, take away.] Capell. See note (V).

[4442] begin] Ff. begins Rowe (ed. 2).

ACT IV.

SCENE I. Rome. Titus's garden.

Enter young LUCIUS and LAVINIA running after him, and the boy flies from her, with his books under his arm. Then enter TITUS and MARCUS.[4443]

Boy. Help, grandsire, help! my aunt Lavinia[4444]

Follows me every where, I know not why:

Good uncle Marcus, see how swift she comes.

Alas, sweet aunt, I know not what you mean.

Marc. Stand by me, Lucius; do not fear thine aunt.[4445] 5

Tit. She loves thee, boy, too well to do thee harm.

Boy. Ay, when my father was in Rome she did.

Marc. What means my niece Lavinia by these signs?

Tit. Fear her not, Lucius: somewhat doth she mean:[4446]

See, Lucius, see how much she makes of thee:[4447] 10

Somewhither would she have thee go with her.[4448]

Ah, boy, Cornelia never with more care[4449]

Read to her sons than she hath read to thee[4450]

Sweet poetry and Tully's Orator.[4451]

Marc. Canst thou not guess wherefore she plies thee thus?[4452] 15

Boy. My lord, I know not, I, nor can I guess,

Unless some fit or frenzy do possess her:[4453]

For I have heard my grandsire say full oft,

Extremity of griefs would make men mad;[4454]

And I have read that Hecuba of Troy 20

Ran mad for sorrow: that made me to fear;[4455]

Although, my lord, I know my noble aunt

Loves me as dear as e'er my mother did,

And would not, but in fury, fright my youth:

Which made me down to throw my books and fly, 25

Causeless perhaps. But pardon me, sweet aunt:

And, madam, if my uncle Marcus go,

I will most willingly attend your ladyship.[4456]

Marc. Lucius, I will. [Lavinia turns over with her stumps the books which Lucius has let fall.[4457]

Tit. How now, Lavinia! Marcus, what means this? 30

Some book there is that she desires to see.

Which is it, girl, of these? Open them, boy.

But thou art deeper read, and better skill'd:

Come, and take choice of all my library,[4458]

And so beguile thy sorrow, till the heavens 35

Reveal the damn'd contriver of this deed.[4459]

Why lifts she up her arms in sequence thus?

Marc. I think she means that there were more than one[4460]

Confederate in the fact; ay, more there was;

Or else to heaven she heaves them for revenge.[4461] 40

Tit. Lucius, what book is that she tosseth so?[4462]

Boy. Grandsire, 'tis Ovid's Metamorphoses:[4463]

My mother gave it me.

Marc. For love of her that's gone,

Perhaps she cull'd it from among the rest.

Tit. Soft! so busily she turns the leaves![4464] 45

Help her:[4465]

What would she find? Lavinia, shall I read?

This is the tragic tale of Philomel,

And treats of Tereus' treason and his rape;

And rape, I fear, was root of thine annoy. 50

Marc. See, brother, see; note how she quotes the leaves.

Tit. Lavinia, wert thou thus surprised, sweet girl,

Ravish'd and wrong'd as Philomela was,

Forced in the ruthless, vast, and gloomy woods?

See, see![4466] 55

Ay, such a place there is, where we did hunt—[4466]

O, had we never, never hunted there!—

Pattern'd by that the poet here describes,

By nature made for murders and for rapes.

Marc. O, why should nature build so foul a den, 60

Unless the gods delight in tragedies?[4467]

Tit. Give signs, sweet girl, for here are none but friends,

What Roman lord it was durst do the deed:

Or slunk not Saturnine, as Tarquin erst,[4468]

That left the camp to sin in Lucrece' bed?[4469] 65

Marc. Sit down, sweet niece: brother, sit down by me.

Apollo, Pallas, Jove, or Mercury,

Inspire me, that I may this treason find!

My lord, look here: look here, Lavinia:

This sandy plot is plain; guide, if thou canst, 70

This after me. [He writes his name with his staff, and guides it with feet and mouth.] I have writ my name[4470]

Without the help of any hand at all.

Cursed be that heart that forced us to this shift![4471]

Write thou, good niece; and here display at last[4472]

What God will have discovered for revenge:[4473] 75

Heaven guide thy pen to print thy sorrows plain,

That we may know the traitors and the truth!

[She takes the staff in her month, and guides it with her stumps, and writes.

Tit. O, do ye read, my lord, what she hath writ?[4474]

'Stuprum. Chiron. Demetrius.'

Marc. What, what! the lustful sons of Tamora 80

Performers of this heinous, bloody deed?[4475]

Tit. Magni Dominator poli,[4476]

Tam lentus audis scelera? tam lentus vides?

Marc. O, calm thee, gentle lord; although I know

There is enough written upon this earth 85

To stir a mutiny in the mildest thoughts

And arm the minds of infants to exclaims.[4477]

My lord, kneel down with me; Lavinia, kneel;

And kneel, sweet boy, the Roman Hector's hope;

And swear with me, as, with the woful fere[4478] 90

And father of that chaste dishonour'd dame,[4479]

Lord Junius Brutus sware for Lucrece' rape,[4480]

That we will prosecute by good advice[4481]

Mortal revenge upon these traitorous Goths,

And see their blood, or die with this reproach.[4482] 95

Tit. 'Tis sure enough, an you knew how.[4483]

But if you hunt these bear-whelps, then beware:[4484][4485]

The dam will wake; and if she wind you once,[4485][4486]

She's with the lion deeply still in league,

And lulls him whilst she playeth on her back,[4487] 100

And when he sleeps will she do what she list.

You are a young huntsman, Marcus; let alone;[4488]

And, come, I will go get a leaf of brass,

And with a gad of steel will write these words,

And lay it by: the angry northern wind 105

Will blow these sands, like Sibyl's leaves, abroad,

And where's your lesson then? Boy, what say you?[4489]

Boy. I say, my lord, that if I were a man,

Their mother's bed-chamber should not be safe

For these bad bondmen to the yoke of Rome. 110

Marc. Ay, that's my boy! thy father hath full oft

For his ungrateful country done the like.[4490]

Boy. And, uncle, so will I, an if I live.[4491]

Tit. Come, go with me into mine armoury;[4492]

Lucius, I'll fit thee, and withal, my boy[4493] 115

Shall carry from me to the empress' sons[4493][4494]

Presents that I intend to send them both:

Come, come; thou'lt do thy message, wilt thou not?[4495]

Boy. Ay, with my dagger in their bosoms, grandsire.[4496]

Tit. No, boy, not so; I'll teach thee another course.[4497] 120

Lavinia, come. Marcus, look to my house:

Lucius and I'll go brave it at the court;

Ay, marry, will we, sir; and we'll be waited on.

[Exeunt Titus, Lavinia, and Young Lucius.[4498]

Marc. O heavens, can you hear a good man groan,

And not relent, or not compassion him? 125

Marcus, attend him in his ecstasy,

That hath more scars of sorrow in his heart

Than foemen's marks upon his batter'd shield,

But yet so just that he will not revenge.[4499]

Revenge, ye heavens, for old Andronicus!      [Exit.[4500] 130

SCENE II. The same. A room in the palace.

Enter AARON, CHIRON, and DEMETRIUS at one door; and at another door, young LUCIUS and an Attendant, with a bundle of weapons, and verses writ upon them.[4501]

Chi. Demetrius, here's the son of Lucius;

He hath some message to deliver us.

Aar. Ay, some mad message from his mad grandfather.

Boy. My lords, with all the humbleness I may,

I greet your honours from Andronicus. 5

[Aside] And pray the Roman gods confound you both![4502]

Dem. Gramercy, lovely Lucius: what's the news?[4503]

Boy. [Aside] That you are both decipher'd, that's the news,[4502][4504]

For villains mark'd with rape.—May it please you,[4505]

My grandsire, well advised, hath sent by me 10

The goodliest weapons of his armoury

To gratify your honourable youth,

The hope of Rome; for so he bid me say;[4506]

And so I do, and with his gifts present

Your lordships, that, whenever you have need,[4507] 15

You may be armed and appointed well:

And so I leave you both, [Aside] like bloody villains.[4502]

[Exeunt Boy and Attendant.[4508]

Dem. What's here? A scroll, and written round about!

Let's see:

[Reads] 'Integer vitæ, scelerisque purus, 20

Non eget Mauri jaculis, nec arcu.'[4509]

Chi. O, 'tis a verse in Horace; I know it well:

I read it in the grammar long ago.

Aar. Ay, just; a verse in Horace; right, you have it.

[Aside] Now, what a thing it is to be an ass![4510] 25

Here's no sound jest: the old man hath found their guilt,[4510][4511]

And sends them weapons wrapp'd about with lines,[4510][4512]

That wound, beyond their feeling, to the quick.[4510]

But were our witty empress well afoot,[4510]

She would applaud Andronicus' conceit:[4510] 30

But let her rest in her unrest awhile.—[4510]

And now, young lords, was't not a happy star

Led us to Rome, strangers, and more than so,

Captives, to be advanced to this height?

It did me good, before the palace gate 35

To brave the tribune in his brother's hearing.[4513]

Dem. But me more good, to see so great a lord

Basely insinuate and send us gifts.

Aar. Had he not reason, Lord Demetrius?

Did you not use his daughter very friendly? 40

Dem. I would we had a thousand Roman dames

At such a bay, by turn to serve our lust.[4514]

Chi. A charitable wish and full of love.[4515]

Aar. Here lacks but your mother for to say amen.[4515][4516]

Chi. And that would she for twenty thousand more. 45

Dem. Come, let us go, and pray to all the gods

For our beloved mother in her pains.

Aar. [Aside] Pray to the devils; the gods have given us over.      [Trumpets sound within.[4517]

Dem. Why do the emperor's trumpets flourish thus?

Chi. Belike, for joy the emperor hath a son. 50

Dem. Soft! who comes here?

Enter Nurse, with a blackamoor Child.

Nur. Good morrow, lords:[4518][4519]

O, tell me, did you see Aaron the Moor?[4519]

Aar. Well, more or less, or ne'er a whit at all,

Here Aaron is; and what with Aaron now?

Nur. O gentle Aaron, we are all undone! 55

Now help, or woe betide thee evermore!

Aar. Why, what a caterwauling dost thou keep![4520]

What dost thou wrap and fumble in thine arms?

Nur. O, that which I would hide from heaven's eye,

Our empress' shame and stately Rome's disgrace! 60

She is deliver'd, lords, she is deliver'd.[4521]

Aar. To whom?[4522][4523]

Nur. I mean, she is brought a-bed.[4522]

Aar. Well, God give her good rest! What hath he sent her?[4522][4524]

Nur. A devil.[4522]

Aar. Why, then she is the devil's dam;[4522][4525]

A joyful issue.[4522][4525] 65

Nur. A joyless, dismal, black and sorrowful issue:

Here is the babe, as loathsome as a toad

Amongst the fairest breeders of our clime:[4526]

The empress sends it thee, thy stamp, thy seal,

And bids thee christen it with thy dagger's point. 70

Aar. 'Zounds, ye whore! is black so base a hue?[4527]

Sweet blowse, you are a beauteous blossom, sure.[4528]

Dem. Villain, what hast thou done?

Aar. That which thou canst not undo.[4529]

Chi. Thou hast undone our mother. 75

Aar. Villain, I have done thy mother.[4530]

Dem. And therein, hellish dog, thou hast undone her.[4531]

Woe to her chance, and damn'd her loathed choice!

Accursed the offspring of so foul a fiend!

Chi. It shall not live. 80

Aar. It shall not die.[4532]

Nur. Aaron, it must; the mother wills it so.

Aar. What, must it, nurse? then let no man but I

Do execution on my flesh and blood.

Dem. I'll broach the tadpole on my rapier's point: 85

Nurse, give it me; my sword shall soon dispatch it.

Aar. Sooner this sword shall plough thy bowels up.

[Takes the Child from the Nurse, and draws.[4533]

Stay, murderous villains! will you kill your brother?

Now, by the burning tapers of the sky,

That shone so brightly when this boy was got, 90

He dies upon my scimitar's sharp point[4534]

That touches this my first-born son and heir!

I tell you, younglings, not Enceladus,

With all his threatening band of Typhon's brood,

Nor great Alcides, nor the god of war, 95

Shall seize this prey out of his father's hands.[4535]

What, what, ye sanguine, shallow-hearted boys![4536]

Ye white-limed walls! ye alehouse painted signs![4537]

Coal-black is better than another hue,

In that it scorns to bear another hue;[4538] 100

For all the water in the ocean

Can never turn the swan's black legs to white,[4539]

Although she lave them hourly in the flood.

Tell the empress from me, I am of age[4540]

To keep mine own, excuse it how she can. 105

Dem. Wilt thou betray thy noble mistress thus?

Aar. My mistress is my mistress, this myself,

The vigour and the picture of my youth:

This before all the world do I prefer;

This maugre all the world will I keep safe, 110

Or some of you shall smoke for it in Rome.

Dem. By this our mother is for ever shamed.

Chi. Rome will despise her for this foul escape.

Nur. The emperor in his rage will doom her death.

Chi. I blush to think upon this ignomy.[4541] 115

Aar. Why, there's the privilege your beauty bears:

Fie, treacherous hue, that will betray with blushing

The close enacts and counsels of the heart![4542]

Here's a young lad framed of another leer:

Look, how the black slave smiles upon the father, 120

As who should say 'Old lad, I am thine own.'

He is your brother, lords, sensibly fed

Of that self-blood that first gave life to you;

And from that womb where you imprison'd were[4543]

He is enfranchised and come to light: 125

Nay, he is your brother by the surer side,[4544]

Although my seal be stamped in his face.

Nur. Aaron, what shall I say unto the empress?[4545]

Dem. Advise thee, Aaron, what is to be done,

And we will all subscribe to thy advice:[4546] 130

Save thou the child, so we may all be safe.[4547]

Aar. Then sit we down, and let us all consult.

My son and I will have the wind of you:

Keep there: now talk at pleasure of your safety.      [They sit.[4548]

Dem. How many women saw this child of his? 135

Aar. Why, so, brave lords! when we join in league,[4549]

I am a lamb: but if you brave the Moor,

The chafed boar, the mountain lioness,

The ocean swells not so as Aaron storms.[4550]

But say, again, how many saw the child?[4551] 140

Nur. Cornelia the midwife and myself;

And no one else but the deliver'd empress.[4552]

Aar. The empress, the midwife, and yourself:

Two may keep counsel when the third's away:[4553]

Go to the empress, tell her this I said.      [He kills the Nurse.[4554] 145

Weke, weke![4555]

So cries a pig prepared to the spit.[4555][4556]

Dem. What mean'st thou, Aaron? wherefore didst thou this?[4557]

Aar. O Lord, sir, 'tis a deed of policy:

Shall she live to betray this guilt of ours, 150

A long-tongued babbling gossip? no, lords, no:

And now be it known to you my full intent.

Not far, one Muliteus, my countryman,[4558]

His wife but yesternight was brought to bed;

His child is like to her, fair as you are: 155

Go pack with him, and give the mother gold,

And tell them both the circumstance of all;

And how by this their child shall be advanced,[4559]

And be received for the emperor's heir,[4560]

And substituted in the place of mine, 160

To calm this tempest whirling in the court;[4561]

And let the emperor dandle him for his own.

Hark ye, lords; you see I have given her physic,

[Pointing to the Nurse.[4562]

And you must needs bestow her funeral;

The fields are near, and you are gallant grooms: 165

This done, see that you take no longer days,[4563]

But send the midwife presently to me.

The midwife and the nurse well made away,

Then let the ladies tattle what they please.[4564]

Chi. Aaron, I see thou wilt not trust the air[4565] 170

With secrets.[4565]

Dem. For this care of Tamora,

Herself and hers are highly bound to thee.

[Exeunt Dem. and Chi. bearing off the Nurse's body.[4566]

Aar. Now to the Goths, as swift as swallow flies;

There to dispose this treasure in mine arms,

And secretly to greet the empress' friends. 175

Come on, you thick-lipp'd slave, I'll bear you hence;

For it is you that puts us to our shifts:[4567]

I'll make you feed on berries and on roots,[4568]

And feed on curds and whey, and suck the goat,[4569]

And cabin in a cave, and bring you up 180

To be a warrior and command a camp.      [Exit.

SCENE III. The same. A public place.

Enter TITUS, bearing arrows with letters at the ends of them; with him, MARCUS, young LUCIUS, and other Gentlemen (PUBLIUS, SEMPRONIUS, and CAIUS), with bows.[4570]

Tit. Come, Marcus, come; kinsmen, this is the way.[4571]

Sir boy, let me see your archery;[4572]

Look ye draw home enough, and 'tis there straight.

Terras Astræa reliquit:[4573]

Be you remember'd, Marcus, she's gone, she's fled.[4573][4574] 5

Sirs, take you to your tools. You, cousins, shall[4573][4575]

Go sound the ocean, and cast your nets;[4573]

Happily you may catch her in the sea;[4573][4576]

Yet there's as little justice as at land:

No; Publius and Sempronius, you must do it; 10

'Tis you must dig with mattock and with spade,

And pierce the inmost centre of the earth:

Then, when you come to Pluto's region,

I pray you, deliver him this petition;[4577]

Tell him, it is for justice and for aid, 15

And that it comes from old Andronicus,

Shaken with sorrows in ungrateful Rome.

Ah, Rome! Well, well; I made thee miserable

What time I threw the people's suffrages

On him that thus doth tyrannize o'er me. 20

Go, get you gone; and pray be careful all,

And leave you not a man-of-war unsearch'd:

This wicked emperor may have shipp'd her hence;

And, kinsmen, then we may go pipe for justice.

Marc. O Publius, is not this a heavy case, 25

To see thy noble uncle thus distract?

Pub. Therefore, my lord, it highly us concerns[4578][4579]

By day and night to attend him carefully,

And feed his humour kindly as we may,

Till time beget some careful remedy. 30

Marc. Kinsmen, his sorrows are past remedy.[4580]

Join with the Goths, and with revengeful war

Take wreak on Rome for this ingratitude

And vengeance on the traitor Saturnine.

Tit. Publius, how now! how now, my masters![4581] 35

What, have you met with her?[4581]

Pub. No, my good lord; but Pluto sends you word,[4578]

If you will have Revenge from hell, you shall:

Marry, for Justice, she is so employ'd,[4582]

He thinks, with Jove in heaven, or somewhere else, 40

So that perforce you must needs stay a time.

Tit. He doth me wrong to feed me with delays.

I'll dive into the burning lake below,

And pull her out of Acheron by the heels.[4583]

Marcus, we are but shrubs, no cedars we, 45

No big-boned men framed of the Cyclops' size;

But metal, Marcus, steel to the very back,

Yet wrung with wrongs more than our backs can bear:[4584]

And sith there's no justice in earth nor hell,[4585]

We will solicit heaven, and move the gods 50

To send down Justice for to wreak our wrongs.

Come, to this gear. You are a good archer, Marcus;[4586]

[He gives them the arrows.

'Ad Jovem,' that's for you: here, 'Ad Apollinem:'[4587]

'Ad Martem,' that's for myself:[4588]

Here, boy, to Pallas: here, to Mercury: 55

To Saturn, Caius, not to Saturnine;[4589]

You were as good to shoot against the wind.

To it, boy! Marcus, loose when I bid.[4590]

Of my word, I have written to effect;[4591]

There's not a god left unsolicited. 60

Marc. Kinsmen, shoot all your shafts into the court:[4592]

We will afflict the emperor in his pride.

Tit. Now, masters, draw. [They shoot.] O, well said, Lucius![4593]

Good boy, in Virgo's lap; give it Pallas.[4594]

Marc. My lord, I aim a mile beyond the moon;[4595] 65

Your letter is with Jupiter by this.

Tit. Ha, ha![4596]

Publius, Publius, what hast thou done?[4596]

See, see, thou hast shot off one of Taurus' horns.[4597]

Marc. This was the sport, my lord: when Publius shot, 70

The Bull, being gall'd, gave Aries such a knock

That down fell both the Ram's horns in the court;

And who should find them but the empress' villain?[4598]

She laugh'd, and told the Moor he should not choose

But give them to his master for a present. 75

Tit. Why, there it goes: God give his lordship joy![4599]

Enter a Clown, with a basket, and two pigeons in it.[4600]

News, news from heaven! Marcus, the post is come.[4601]

Sirrah, what tidings? have you any letters?

Shall I have justice? what says Jupiter?

Clo. O, the gibbet-maker! he says that he hath taken[4602] 80

them down again, for the man must not be hanged till the

next week.

Tit. But what says Jupiter, I ask thee?[4603]

Clo. Alas, sir, I know not Jupiter; I never drank with[4604][4605]

him in all my life.[4604] 85

Tit. Why, villain, art not thou the carrier?

Clo. Ay, of my pigeons, sir; nothing else.[4606]

Tit. Why, didst thou not come from heaven?

Clo. From heaven! alas, sir, I never came there: God[4607]

forbid I should be so bold to press to heaven in my young[4608] 90

days. Why, I am going with my pigeons to the tribunal

plebs, to take up a matter of brawl betwixt my uncle and

one of the emperial's men.

Marc. Why, sir, that is as fit as can be to serve for

your oration; and let him deliver the pigeons to the 95

emperor from you.

Tit. Tell me, can you deliver an oration to the emperor

with a grace?

Clo. Nay, truly, sir, I could never say grace in all my life.

Tit. Sirrah, come hither: make no more ado, 100

But give your pigeons to the emperor:

By me thou shalt have justice at his hands.

Hold, hold; meanwhile here's money for thy charges.[4609]

Give me pen and ink.[4610]

Sirrah, can you with a grace deliver a supplication? 105

Clo. Ay, sir.

Tit. Then here is a supplication for you. And when you

come to him, at the first approach you must kneel; then kiss

his foot; then deliver up your pigeons; and then look for

your reward. I'll be at hand, sir; see you do it bravely. 110

Clo. I warrant you, sir, let me alone.

Tit. Sirrah, hast thou a knife? come, let me see it.

Here, Marcus, fold it in the oration;

For thou hast made it like an humble suppliant:

And when thou hast given it to the emperor,[4611] 115

Knock at my door, and tell me what he says.

Clo. God be with you, sir; I will.      [Exit.[4612]

Tit. Come, Marcus, let us go. Publius, follow me.      [Exeunt.[4613]

SCENE IV. The same. Before the palace.

Enter SATURNINUS, TAMORA, CHIRON, DEMETRIUS, Lords, and others; SATURNINUS with the Arrows in his hand that TITUS shot.[4614]

Sat. Why, lords, what wrongs are these! was ever seen[4615]

An emperor in Rome thus overborne,[4616]

Troubled, confronted thus, and for the extent

Of egal justice used in such contempt?[4617]

My lords, you know, as know the mightful gods,[4618] 5

However these disturbers of our peace[4619]

Buzz in the people's ears, there nought hath pass'd

But even with law against the wilful sons[4620]

Of old Andronicus. And what an if[4621]

His sorrows have so overwhelm'd his wits, 10

Shall we be thus afflicted in his wreaks,[4622]

His fits, his frenzy and his bitterness?

And now he writes to heaven for his redress:

See, here's to Jove, and this to Mercury;

This to Apollo; this to the god of war: 15

Sweet scrolls to fly about the streets of Rome!

What's this but libelling against the senate,[4623]

And blazoning our unjustice every where?[4623][4624]

A goodly humour, is it not, my lords?

As who would say, in Rome no justice were. 20

But if I live, his feigned ecstasies[4625]

Shall be no shelter to these outrages:

But he and his shall know that justice lives

In Saturninus' health; whom, if he sleep,[4626][4627]

He'll so awake, as he in fury shall[4627] 25

Cut off the proud'st conspirator that lives.[4628]

Tam. My gracious lord, my lovely Saturnine,[4629]

Lord of my life, commander of my thoughts,[4630]

Calm thee, and bear the faults of Titus' age,[4631]

The effects of sorrow for his valiant sons, 30

Whose loss hath pierced him deep and scarr'd his heart;

And rather comfort his distressed plight[4632]

Than prosecute the meanest or the best

For these contempts. [Aside] Why, thus it shall become[4633]

High-witted Tamora to gloze with all:[4634] 35

But, Titus, I have touch'd thee to the quick,[4635]

Thy life-blood out: if Aaron now be wise,[4635][4636]

Then is all safe, the anchor in the port.[4637]

Enter Clown.

How now, good fellow! wouldst thou speak with us?

Clo. Yea, forsooth, an your mistership be emperial.[4638] 40

Tam. Empress I am, but yonder sits the emperor.

Clo. 'Tis he. God and Saint Stephen give you god-den:[4639][4640]

I have brought you a letter and a couple of pigeons[4639]

here.      [Saturninus reads the letter.[4639][4641]

Sat. Go, take him away, and hang him presently.[4642] 45

Clo. How much money must I have?[4643]

Tam. Come, sirrah, you must be hanged.[4644]

Clo. Hanged! by'r lady, then I have brought up a neck[4645]

to a fair end.      [Exit, guarded.[4646]

Sat. Despiteful and intolerable wrongs! 50

Shall I endure this monstrous villany?

I know from whence this same device proceeds:[4647]

May this be borne? As if his traitorous sons,[4648]

That died by law for murder of our brother,

Have by my means been butcher'd wrongfully![4649] 55

Go, drag the villain hither by the hair;

Nor age nor honour shall shape privilege:[4650]

For this proud mock I'll be thy slaughter-man;

Sly frantic wretch, that holp'st to make me great,

In hope thyself should govern Rome and me. 60

Enter ÆMILIUS.[4651]

What news with thee, Æmilius?[4652]

Æmil. Arm, my lords; Rome never had more cause.[4653]

The Goths have gather'd head, and with a power[4654]

Of high-resolved men, bent to the spoil,

They hither march amain, under conduct[4655] 65

Of Lucius, son to old Andronicus;

Who threats, in course of this revenge, to do[4656]

As much as ever Coriolanus did.

Sat. Is warlike Lucius general of the Goths?[4657][4658]

These tidings nip me, and I hang the head 70

As flowers with frost or grass beat down with storms:

Ay, now begin our sorrows to approach:[4659]

'Tis he the common people love so much;

Myself hath often heard them say,[4660]

When I have walked like a private man, 75

That Lucius' banishment was wrongfully,

And they have wish'd that Lucius were their emperor.[4661]

Tam. Why should you fear? is not your city strong?[4662]

Sat. Ay, but the citizens favour Lucius,[4657]

And will revolt from me to succour him. 80

Tam. King, be thy thoughts imperious, like thy name.

Is the sun dimm'd, that gnats do fly in it?[4663]

The eagle suffers little birds to sing,

And is not careful what they mean thereby,

Knowing that with the shadow of his wings[4664] 85

He can at pleasure stint their melody:

Even so mayst thou the giddy men of Rome.[4665]

Then cheer thy spirit: for know, thou emperor,

I will enchant the old Andronicus

With words more sweet, and yet more dangerous, 90

Than baits to fish, or honey-stalks to sheep;

Whenas the one is wounded with the bait,

The other rotted with delicious feed.[4666]

Sat. But he will not entreat his son for us.[4657][4667]

Tam. If Tamora entreat him, then he will:[4668] 95

For I can smooth, and fill his aged ears[4669]

With golden promises; that, were his heart

Almost impregnable, his old ears deaf,[4670]

Yet should both ear and heart obey my tongue.

[To Æmilius] Go thou before, be our ambassador:[4671] 100

Say that the emperor requests a parley

Of warlike Lucius, and appoint the meeting

Even at his father's house, the old Andronicus.[4672]

Sat. Æmilius, do this message honourably:[4657][4667]

And if he stand on hostage for his safety,[4673] 105

Bid him demand what pledge will please him best.

Æmil. Your bidding shall I do effectually.      [Exit.

Tam. Now will I to that old Andronicus,

And temper him with all the art I have,[4674]

To pluck proud Lucius from the warlike Goths. 110

And now, sweet emperor, be blithe again,

And bury all thy fear in my devices.[4675]

Sat. Then go successantly, and plead to him.      [Exeunt.[4676]

FOOTNOTES:

[4443] ACT IV. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Quartus. Ff. om. Qq.

Rome. Titus's garden.] Edd. Titus's House. Theobald. Before Titus' House. Capell.

Enter young Lucius....] Ff. Enter Lucius sonne.... Qq.

Then enter....] Enter.... Qq Ff.

[4444] Boy.] Ff. Puer. Qq (and throughout the scene).

[4445] thine] Qq. thy Ff.

[4446] Fear her not] Qq. Feare not Ff. Fear thou not Rowe.

[4447] See] Marc. See S. Walker conj.

[4448] Somewhither] Some whether Qq F_1. Some whither F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4449] Ah,] F_4. A Q_1. Ah Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4450] Read ... read] Ff. Red ... red Qq.

[4451] Orator] Oratory Rowe. oratory Pope.

[4452] Marc.] Capell. Qq Ff continue the line to the preceding speaker.

[4453] or] of Anon. conj.

[4454] griefs] greeves Q_1. grief Rowe.

[4455] for] Q_1. through Q_2 Ff.

[4456] will] F_1 F_2. om. F_3 F_4.

[4457] [Lavinia....] Malone, following Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[4458] take] make Rowe.

[4459] After deed Ff insert, as a separate line, What booke?

[4460] were] Q_1. was Q_2 Ff.

[4461] for] Qq. to Ff.

[4462] tosseth] tosses Rowe.

[4463] Metamorphoses] Pope. Metamorphosis Qq Ff.

[4464] Soft! so] Soft, so Qq Ff. Soft! see how Rowe. Soft, soft; how Capell. Soft! how Knight. Soft, soft! so Keightley.

[4465] Help her:] As a separate line in Capell. Joined to line 47 in Qq Ff. Helping her (as a stage direction) Edd. Globe ed. (Dyce conj.) See note (VI).

[4466] See ... hunt] As in Pope. One line in Qq Ff.

[4467] tragedies?] tragedies, Q_1.

[4468] slunk] F_3 F_4. slunke F_1 F_2. slonke Qq.

erst] ersts F_1.

[4469] sin] finne Q_1.

bed?] F_3 F_4. bed. Qq F_1 F_2.

[4470] me. I] mee, I Q_1. me, I Q_2 F_1. me, when I F_2 F_3 F_4. me. where I Collier MS. me. There I Collier conj. me. See, I Keightley.

[He ... mouth.] Qq Ff, after line 69. Transferred hither by Collier. Placed after line 72 by Capell.

feet] his feet F_4.

mouth.] mouths. F_2.

[4471] be that] be the Collier MS.

heart] F_2 F_3 F_4. hart Qq F_1.

this] Qq F_2 F_3 F_4. that F_1.

[4472] last] least Rowe.

[4473] discovered] discover'd F_3 F_4.

[4474] Tit.] F_2 F_3 F_4. Titus. Q_2. Ti. F_1. Omitted in Q_1. Boy. Capell MS. conj.

ye] you F_3 F_4.

writ] writs F_1.

[4475] heinous] hateful Rowe.

[4476] Magni Dominator] Qq Ff. Magne Dominator Theobald. Magne Regnator Hanmer.

[4477] exclaims] exclaim Keightley. extremes Anon. conj.

[4478] fere] feere Qq F_1 F_2. feer F_3. peer F_4.

[4479] dishonour'd] Capell. dishonoured Qq Ff.

[4480] sware] F_3 F_4. sweare Qq F_1 F_2.

[4481] advice] Q_1 F_3 F_4. advise Q_2 F_1 F_2. device Collier conj.

[4482] or] ere Theobald.

[4483] an] Capell. and Qq Ff. if Pope.

how] how to do it Collier (Collier MS.)

[4484] hunt] hurt Rowe.

[4485] beware: The] Capell. beware, The Qq. beware The Ff. be ware: The Capell conj.

[4486] wake; and if ... once,] Theobald. wake, and if ... once, Qq Ff. wake, an if ... once: Staunton.

[4487] playeth] palyeth F_1.

[4488] You are] You're Pope.

let alone] Q_1. let it alone Q_2 Ff.

[4489] your] you Q_1.

[4490] his] this Rowe (ed. 2).

[4491] an if] Theobald. and if Qq Ff.

[4492] mine] my Pope.

[4493] boy Shall] boy, Shalt Capell.

[4494] from] for Capell.

[4495] thy] my Rowe.

[4496] bosoms] bosomes Qq F_1. bosome F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4497] thee] om. Collier MS.

[4498] [Exeunt....] Exeunt Boy, Titus and Lavinia. Capell. Exeunt. Qq Ff.

[4499] yet] yet's Hanmer.

[4500] Revenge, ye heavens,] Dyce (Johnson conj.) Revenge the heavens Qq Ff. Revenge, oh heav'ns, Hanmer. Revenge thee, heav'ns, Warburton. Revenge then heavens, Tyrwhitt conj. Revenge thee, heaven, Capell. Revenge!—the heavens' Jackson conj. Revenge, the heavens, S. Walker conj.

[4501] SCENE II.] Pope.

The same. A room in the palace.] Capell. The Palace. Theobald.

Enter ... an Attendant....] Enter ... another.... Qq Ff.

[4502] [Aside] First marked by Capell.

[4503] what's] what Q_1.

[4504] Boy. That ... news,] Puer. That ... newes, Qq. Omitted in Ff.

[4505] For villains] For villaines Qq. For villaine's F_1. Boy. For villaines F_2. Boy. For villains F_3 F_4.

[4506] bid] Q_1. bad Q_2 Ff.

[4507] that] Pope. om. Qq Ff.

[4508] like bloody] like-bloody Anon. conj.

[Exeunt....] Capell. Exit. Qq Ff.

[4509] eget] Qq F_3 F_4. egit F_1 F_2.

Mauri] maury Q_2 F_1.

arcu] F_2 F_3 F_4. arcus Qq F_1.

[4510] Now ... awhile] First marked as 'Aside' by Johnson.

[4511] sound] fond Theobald.

[4512] them] Q_1. the Q_2 Ff.

[4513] brother's] Rowe. brothers Q_2 Ff. bothers Q_1.

[4514] our] out F_2.

[4515] Chi. A charitable ... love. Aar. Here] Aar. A charitable ... love: Here S. Walker conj.

[4516] lacks] Qq F_3 F_4. lack's F_1 F_2. lacketh Theobald.

your] Qq F_3 F_4. you F_1 F_2.

for to say] for say F_2. to say Pope.

[4517] [Aside] Johnson.

[Trumpets sound within.] Trumpets sound. Qq. Flourish. Ff. Trumpets within. Capell.

[4518] Enter....] Qq Ff. Enter a Nurse hastily, with a Child in her Arms. Capell.

SCENE III. Pope.

[4519] Good ... Moor?] As in Ff. One line in Qq.

[4520] caterwauling] Theobald. catterwaling Q_1. catterwalling Q_2 Ff.

[4521] deliver'd ... deliver'd] Pope. delivered ... delivered Qq Ff.

[4522] To whom ... issue] Capell ends the lines at God ... devil ... joyful issue.

[4523] whom?] whom. Q_1.

a-bed] a bed Qq F_1 F_2. to bed F_3 F_4.

[4524] Well ... her] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4525] Why ... issue] Arranged as by Hanmer. One line in Qq Ff.

[4526] breeders] burdens Collier MS.

[4527] 'Zounds, ye] Zounds ye Qq. Out you Ff. Out, out, you Theobald. Out on you, Capell. Why, zounds you Keightley. Zounds, you white Lettsom conj.

[4528] blowse] blows Q_2.

[4529] That] Done! that Capell, ending the line at thou.

[4530] Aar. Villain ... mother.] Qq. Omitted in Ff.

I have] I've Theobald.

[4531] undone her.] undone her, Q_1. undone, Q_3 F_1 F_2. undone— F_3 F_4.

[4532] It ... die] I say, it ... die Steevens conj.

[4533] [Takes....] Capell, substantially. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4534] scimitar's] Hanmer. Semitars Qq Ff. Cymitar's Rowe.

[4535] prey] pray Q_1.

[4536] ye sanguine] y'unsanguine Hanmer.

[4537] white-limed] white limed Pope (ed. 2). white-lim'd Theobald, white-limbde Qq. white-limb'd Ff. white-limn'd Malone conj.

[4538] scorns] seems Johnson. See note (VII).

[4539] white] write F_2.

[4540] of age] a man Collier MS.

[4541] ignomy] ignomie Qq. ignominie F_1. ignominy F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4542] the heart] thy heart Q_1.

[4543] that] Q_2 Ff. your Q_1.

imprison'd] Pope. imprisoned Qq Ff.

[4544] he is] he's Pope.

[4545] empress?] empresse. Q_1.

[4546] advice] F_4. advise Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4547] all be] be all Pope.

[4548] [They sit.] They sit on the ground. Rowe. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4549] when] now when or so when Anon. conj.

we] Qq F_1. we all F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4550] as] Qq F_3 F_4. at F_1 F_2.

[4551] child?] child. Q_1.

[4552] no one] Qq. none Ff.

deliver'd] Pope. delivered Qq Ff.

[4553] the] the the F_1.

[4554] [He kills the Nurse.] He kils her. Qq Ff.

[4555] Weke ... spit] Edd. One line in Qq Ff.

[4556] prepared] Qq F_1 F_2. prepar'd F_3 F_4.

[4557] What ... this?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4558] far, one Muliteus] Qq Ff. far, one Muliteus lives Rowe. far, one Muley lives Steevens conj. far, one Muli lives Singer. far hence, Muli lives Collier (Collier MS.), far on, Muli lives Collier conj.

[4559] shall] may Johnson (1771).

[4560] received] receiv'd Warburton.

[4561] whirling] whistling Long MS.

[4562] Hark ye, lords] Hark ye, my lords Theobald. But, hark ye, lords Capell.

you see] Q_1. ye see Q_2 Ff.

I] that I Steevens (1793).

[Pointing to the Nurse.] Johnson. om. Qq Ff.

[4563] take no longer days] make no long delays Collier MS.

[4564] please] may Collier MS.

[4565] Aaron ... secrets] Arranged as by Theobald. One line in Qq. Ff.

[4566] [Exeunt....] Exeunt ... Nurse. Capell. Exeunt. Qq. Ff.

[4567] puts] put Theobald.

[4568] feed] thrive Collier MS. See note (VIII).

[4569] feed] feast Hanmer.

[4570] SCENE III.] Capell. SCENE IV. Pope.

The same. A public place.] Capell. A street near the Palace. Theobald.

Enter....] Enter Titus, old Marcus, young Lucius, and other gentlemen with bowes, and Titus beares the arrowes with Letters on the endes of them. Qq Ff.

young Lucius, and other Gentlemen (Publius ... Caius)] Edd. Publius, young Lucius, and other Gentlemen, Collier, ed. 2 (Williams conj.)

[4571] come; kinsmen,] Theobald. come, kinsemen Q_1. come, kinsmen Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3. come kinsmen, F_4.

[4572] let] Qq F_1. now let F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4573] Terras ... sea] Arranged as by Capell. Four lines, ending Marcus ... tooles, ... Ocean, ... sea, in Qq Ff.

[4574] you] your Rowe (ed. 2).

[4575] Sirs] Sir Johnson (1771).

[4576] Happily] happily Qq. haply Ff.

catch] Q_1. finde Q_2. find Ff.

[4577] deliver him] Qq F_1 F_2. to deliver him F_3 F_4. to deliver Pope.

[4578] Pub.] 1. G. Capell.

[4579] lord] F_2 F_3 F_4. lords Qq F_1.

[4580] Kinsmen] Kinsman S. Walker conj.

[4581] masters! What, have] masters, what? Have Hanmer. masters? well; What, have Capell.

[4582] so] now Hanmer.

[4583] Acheron] F_2 F_3 F_4. Acaron Qq F_1.

[4584] backs] Qq F_4. back F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4585] there's no justice] no justice is Collier (Collier MS.)

nor] or Hanmer.

[4586] Come, to] Theobald. Come to Qq Ff.

You are] you're Pope.

[4587] Apollinem] Rowe (ed. 2). Apollonem Qq F_2 F_3 F_4. Appollonem F_1.

[4588] that's] O, that's Capell.

[4589] To Saturn, Caius] Capell. To Saturnine, to Caius Qq Ff. To Cœlus and to Saturn Rowe (ed. 1). To Saturn and to Cœlus Rowe (ed. 2).

[4590] boy] my boys Capell. my boy Keightley.

loose] loose thou Hanmer. loose you Malone.

[4591] Of my] O' my Hanmer. Sirs, o' my Capell.

[4592] Kinsmen] Kindsmen Q_1.

[4593] [They shoot.] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

[4594] boy, in] Theobald. boy in Qq Ff.

give it] she'll give it Capell. give it to Johnson.

Pallas] to Pallas Hanmer.

[4595] aim] F_4. aime Qq F_1. ayme F_2. aym F_3. am Rowe. aim'd Collier MS.

[4596] Ha! ha! Publius, Publius] As in Dyce. In the same line in Qq Ff. Ha, Publius, Publius, ha! Hanmer. Ha! Publius, Publius Capell.

[4597] thou hast] thou'st Pope.

[4598] empress' villain] empress, villain Rowe.

villain?] Hanmer. villaine: Qq Ff.

[4599] his] Q_1. your Q_2 Ff.

[4600] a Clown] the Clowne Qq Ff.

in it] Qq F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4601] News ... come.] One line in Rowe (ed. 2). Two, the first ending heaven, in Qq Ff.

[4602] O,] Ho Qq Ff. Who? Rowe.

gibbet-maker] F_4. Iiebbetmaker Q_1. Iibbetmaker Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3.

he hath] hath Rowe (ed. 2).

[4603] But] Tut F_3 F_4.

[4604] Alas, ... life.] As prose first by Capell. Two lines, the first ending Jupiter, in Qq Ff.

[4605] Jupiter] Jew Peter Steevens conj.

[4606] nothing] of nothing Keightley.

[4607] From ... there:] As prose in Pope. A separate line in Qq Ff.

[4608] to heaven] into heaven Rowe.

[4609] here's] Qq F_4. her's F_1 F_3. hers F_2.

[4610] pen] Qq F_1. a pen F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4611] to] Q_1. om. Q_2 Ff.

[4612] [Exit.] Qq F_1. om. F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4613] let us] let's Steevens (1793).

[4614] SCENE IV.] Capell. SCENE V. Pope.

The same. Before....] Capell. The Palace. Theobald.

Enter....] Malone, after Capell. Enter Emperour and Empresse, and her two sonnes, the Emperour brings the Arrowes in his hand that Titus shot at him. Qq Ff (shoot F_2).

[4615] Why, lords,] As in Qq. As a separate line in Ff.

[4616] An] Am F_2.

in] of Rowe.

[4617] egal] egall Qq F_1. equall F_2. equal F_3 F_4.

contempt?] contempt. Q_1.

[4618] know, as know ... gods] Edd. know, as do ... gods Rowe. know the mightfull gods Qq Ff. know, the mightfull gods no less Collier (Collier MS.)

[4619] these] the Rowe.

[4620] law] the law Boswell. See note (IX).

[4621] an if] Theobald. and if Qq Ff.

[4622] wreaks] freaks Hanmer.

[4623] the senate, And blazoning] the state, And blazing Capell conj.

[4624] unjustice] Qq. injustice Ff.

[4625] ecstasies] extasy Capell conj.

[4626] health] wealth Capell conj.

whom] who Capell.

[4627] if he ... as he] Qq Ff. if she ... as she Rowe.

[4628] proud'st] proudest Rowe.

[4629] my lovely] most lovely Warburton.

[4630] thoughts] thought Rowe (ed. 2).

[4631] age] rage Capell conj.

[4632] comfort] pity Capell.

[4633] [Aside] F_1, opposite line 35. Omitted in Qq F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4634] with all] withal Pope.

[4635] quick, Thy] quick, And, through the bodies of thy children, drawn Thy S. Walker conj.

[4636] Thy life-blood out] Thy life blood out Qq F_1. Thy life blood ont F_2. Thy life blood on't F_3 F_4. My ... on't Grant White. The ... on't Collier MS. See note (VIII).

out: ... wise,] out, ... wise: Staunton conj.

[4637] anchor] Q_1. anchor's Q_2 Ff.

[4638] Yea] Yes Johnson.

an] Pope. & Q_1. and Q_2 Ff.

mistership] mistresship Johnson.

[4639] 'Tis ... here.] As prose first in Capell. Two lines in Qq Ff. Four rhyming lines in Collier MS.

[4640] god-den] godden Q_1. good den Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3. good-e'en F_4. good-even Theobald.

[4641] here] for want of better Collier MS.

[Saturninus....] The Emperor.... Johnson. Hee.... Qq Ff.

[4642] presently.] presently? Q_1.

[4643] have?] have. Q_1.

[4644] you] thou F_3 F_4.

[4645] by'r] F_4. ber F_1 bir F_2 F_3. be Qq.

then] then, friend, Collier MS., reading as rhymed verse.

up a] my Collier MS.

[4646] [Exit, guarded.] Capell. Exit. Qq Ff.

[4647] device] F_4. devise Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4648] borne? As] Ff. borne, as Qq.

[4649] butcher'd] Ff. butchered Qq.

[4650] shape] share Hanmer. have Collier MS.

[4651] Enter Æmilius.] Theobald. Enter Nuntius Emillius. Qq F_1 F_2. Enter Nuntius Emilius. F_3. Enter Nuntius Æmilius. F_4.

[4652] What....] Capell. Satur. What.... Q_1 F_1 F_2 F_3. Saturn. What.... Q_2. Sat. What.... F_4.

[4653] Arm, my lords] Arme my Lords Qq F_1 F_2. Arm my Lords F_3 F_4. Arm, my lords, arm Hanmer. Arm, arm, my lords Warburton. Arm, arm, my lord Edd., Globe Ed. (Capell conj.) Arm, my lord Dyce. Arm ye, my lords Anon. conj.

[4654] gather'd] Ff. gathered Qq.

[4655] conduct] Qq F_1. the conduct F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4656] this] his Rowe.

[4657] Sat.] King. Qq.

[4658] Goths?] Gothes, Qq.

[4659] Ay, now begin] Rowe. I, now begin F_3 F_4. I now begins Q_1. I, now begins Q_2 F_1. I now begin F_2.

[4660] hath often heard] Qq Ff. hath often over-heard Theobald. have often over-heard Hanmer. hath very often heard Collier (Collier MS.)

say] say aloud Keightley.

[4661] they have] om. Collier MS.

that Lucius] he Anon. conj.

[4662] your] Qq. our Ff.

[4663] in it] in 's flame Collier MS.

in it?] in it; Qq.

[4664] wings] wing Knight, reading lines 83-86 as a quatrain.

[4665] mayst] may'st F_3 F_4. mayest Qq F_1 F_2.

[4666] feed] feede Q_2. seede Q_1. Foode F_1 F_2. Food F_3 F_4.

[4667] Sat.] King. Qq Ff.

[4668] then] than Q_1.

[4669] smooth] sooth Capell conj.

ears] eares Q_1. eare Q_2 F_1 F_2. ear F_3 F_4.

[4670] ears] yeares Qq.

[4671] [To Æmilius] Rowe. before, be] Capell. before to be Qq. before to Ff. before as Rowe.

[4672] Even ... Andronicus.] Q_1. Omitted in Q_2 Ff.

[4673] on] F_4. in Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4674] with all] withall F_2.

[4675] devices] F_3 F_4. devises Qq F_1 F_2.

[4676] successantly] successfully Rowe. incessantly Capell. thou instantly Collier conj.

successantly, and plead] and plead incessantly Collier conj.

to him] Qq. for him Ff. for me Rowe. 'fore him Collier (Collier MS.) See note (VIII).

[Exeunt] Qq. Exit. Ff.

ACT V.

SCENE I. Plains near Rome.

Flourish. Enter LUCIUS and Goths, with drum and colours.[4677]

Luc. Approved warriors, and my faithful friends,

I have received letters from great Rome,

Which signify what hate they bear their emperor,[4678]

And how desirous of our sight they are.

Therefore, great lords, be, as your titles witness, 5

Imperious, and impatient of your wrongs;

And wherein Rome hath done you any scath,

Let him make treble satisfaction.

First Goth. Brave slip, sprung from the great Andronicus,[4679]

Whose name was once our terror, now our comfort; 10

Whose high exploits and honourable deeds

Ingrateful Rome requites with foul contempt,

Be bold in us: we'll follow where thou lead'st,[4680]

Like stinging bees in hottest summer's day,

Led by their master to the flowered fields,[4681] 15

And be avenged on cursed Tamora.[4682]

All the Goths. And as he saith, so say we all with him.[4683]

Luc. I humbly thank him, and I thank you all.

But who comes here, led by a lusty Goth?

Enter a Goth, leading AARON with his Child in his arms.[4684]

Sec. Goth. Renowned Lucius, from our troops I stray'd[4685] 20

To gaze upon a ruinous monastery;

And, as I earnestly did fix mine eye

Upon the wasted building, suddenly[4686]

I heard a child cry underneath a wall.

I made unto the noise; when soon I heard 25

The crying babe controll'd with this discourse:

'Peace, tawny slave, half me and half thy dam!

Did not thy hue bewray whose brat thou art,

Had nature lent thee but thy mother's look,

Villain, thou mightst have been an emperor: 30

But where the bull and cow are both milk-white,

They never do beget a coal-black calf.

Peace, villain, peace!'—even thus he rates the babe—

'For I must bear thee to a trusty Goth;

Who, when he knows thou art the empress' babe, 35

Will hold thee dearly for thy mother's sake.'

With this, my weapon drawn, I rush'd upon him,

Surprised him suddenly, and brought him hither,

To use as you think needful of the man.

Luc. O worthy Goth, this is the incarnate devil 40

That robb'd Andronicus of his good hand;

This is the pearl that pleased your empress' eye;

And here's the base fruit of his burning lust.[4687]

Say, wall-eyed slave, whither wouldst thou convey[4688]

This growing image of thy fiend-like face?[4689] 45

Why dost not speak? what, deaf? not a word?[4690]

A halter, soldiers! hang him on this tree,

And by his side his fruit of bastardy.

Aar. Touch not the boy; he is of royal blood.

Luc. Too like the sire for ever being good. 50

First hang the child, that he may see it sprawl;

A sight to vex the father's soul withal.

Get me a ladder.

[A ladder brought, which Aaron is made to ascend.[4691]

Aar. Lucius, save the child,

And bear it from me to the empress.

If thou do this, I'll show thee wondrous things, 55

That highly may advantage thee to hear:

If thou wilt not, befall what may befall,

I'll speak no more but 'Vengeance rot you all!'[4692]

Luc. Say on: an if it please me which thou speak'st,[4693]

Thy child shall live, and I will see it nourish'd. 60

Aar. An if it please thee! why, assure thee, Lucius,[4694]

'Twill vex thy soul to hear what I shall speak;

For I must talk of murders, rapes and massacres,

Acts of black night, abominable deeds,[4695]

Complots of mischief, treason, villanies[4696] 65

Ruthful to hear, yet piteously perform'd:[4697]

And this shall all be buried in my death,[4698]

Unless thou swear to me my child shall live.

Luc. Tell on thy mind; I say thy child shall live.[4699]

Aar. Swear that he shall, and then I will begin. 70

Luc. Who should I swear by? thou believest no god:[4700]

That granted, how canst thou believe an oath?[4701]

Aar. What if I do not? as, indeed, I do not;[4702]

Yet, for I know thou art religious

And hast a thing within thee called conscience, 75

With twenty popish tricks and ceremonies,

Which I have seen thee careful to observe,

Therefore I urge thy oath; for that I know[4703]

An idiot holds his bauble for a god,[4703]

And keeps the oath which by that god he swears,[4703] 80

To that I'll urge him: therefore thou shalt vow[4703]

By that same god, what god soe'er it be,

That thou adorest and hast in reverence,

To save my boy, to nourish and bring him up;[4704]

Or else I will discover nought to thee.[4705] 85

Luc. Even by my god I swear to thee I will.[4706]

Aar. First know thou, I begot him on the empress.[4707]

Luc. O most insatiate, and luxurious woman![4708]

Aar. Tut, Lucius, this was but a deed of charity

To that which thou shalt hear of me anon. 90

'Twas her two sons that murder'd Bassianus;[4709]

They cut thy sister's tongue, and ravish'd her,

And cut her hands, and trimm'd her as thou saw'st.[4710]

Luc. O detestable villain! call'st thou that trimming?[4711][4712]

Aar. Why, she was wash'd and cut and trimm'd, and 'twas[4711] 95

Trim sport for them that had the doing of it.[4711][4713]

Luc. O barbarous, beastly villains, like thyself!

Aar. Indeed, I was their tutor to instruct them:

That codding spirit had they from their mother,

As sure a card as ever won the set; 100

That bloody mind, I think, they learn'd of me,

As true a dog as ever fought at head.

Well, let my deeds be witness of my worth.

I train'd thy brethren to that guileful hole,

Where the dead corpse of Bassianus lay: 105

I wrote the letter that thy father found,

And hid the gold within the letter mention'd,

Confederate with the queen and her two sons:

And what not done, that thou hast cause to rue,

Wherein I had no stroke of mischief in it?[4714] 110

I play'd the cheater for thy father's hand;

And, when I had it, drew myself apart,[4715]

And almost broke my heart with extreme laughter:

I pried me through the crevice of a wall[4716]

When for his hand he had his two sons' heads; 115

Beheld his tears and laugh'd so heartily,

That both mine eyes were rainy like to his:

And when I told the empress of this sport,

She swounded almost at my pleasing tale,[4717]

And for my tidings gave me twenty kisses. 120

First Goth. What, canst thou say all this, and never blush?[4679]

Aar. Ay, like a black dog, as the saying is.[4718]

Luc. Art thou not sorry for these heinous deeds?

Aar. Ay, that I had not done a thousand more.

Even now I curse the day—and yet, I think, 125

Few come within the compass of my curse—[4719]

Wherein I did not some notorious ill:

As kill a man, or else devise his death;

Ravish a maid, or plot the way to do it;

Accuse some innocent, and forswear myself;[4720] 130

Set deadly enmity between two friends;

Make poor men's cattle break their necks;[4721]

Set fire on barns and hay-stacks in the night

And bid the owners quench them with their tears.[4722]

Oft have I digg'd up dead men from their graves, 135

And set them upright at their dear friends' doors,[4723]

Even when their sorrows almost were forgot;[4724]

And on their skins, as on the bark of trees,

Have with my knife carved in Roman letters

'Let not your sorrow die, though I am dead.' 140

Tut, I have done a thousand dreadful things

As willingly as one would kill a fly;

And nothing grieves me heartily indeed,

But that I cannot do ten thousand more.

Luc. Bring down the devil; for he must not die 145

So sweet a death as hanging presently.

Aar. If there be devils, would I were a devil,

To live and burn in everlasting fire,

So I might have your company in hell,

But to torment you with my bitter tongue! 150

Luc. Sirs, stop his mouth, and let him speak no more.

Enter a Goth.[4725]

Third Goth. My lord, there is a messenger from Rome[4726]

Desires to be admitted to your presence.

Luc. Let him come near.

Enter ÆMILIUS.[4727]

Welcome, Æmilius: what's the news from Rome?[4728] 155

Æmil. Lord Lucius, and you princes of the Goths,

The Roman emperor greets you all by me;

And, for he understands you are in arms,

He craves a parley at your father's house,

Willing you to demand your hostages, 160

And they shall be immediately deliver'd.[4729]

First Goth. What says our general?[4679]

Luc. Æmilius, let the emperor give his pledges

Unto my father and my uncle Marcus,

And we will come. March away.      [Flourish. Exeunt.[4730] 165

SCENE II. Rome. Before Titus's house.

Enter TAMORA, DEMETRIUS, and CHIRON, disguised.[4731]

Tam. Thus, in this strange and sad habiliment,[4732]

I will encounter with Andronicus,

And say I am Revenge, sent from below

To join with him and right his heinous wrongs.

Knock at his study, where, they say, he keeps,[4733] 5

To ruminate strange plots of dire revenge;

Tell him Revenge is come to join with him,

And work confusion on his enemies.      [They knock.[4734]

Enter TITUS, above.

Tit. Who doth molest my contemplation?

Is it your trick to make me ope the door, 10

That so my sad decrees may fly away,

And all my study be to no effect?[4735]

You are deceived: for what I mean to do

See here in bloody lines I have set down;

And what is written shall be executed. 15

Tam. Titus, I am come to talk with thee.[4736]

Tit. No, not a word: how can I grace my talk,

Wanting a hand to give it action?[4737]

Thou hast the odds of me; therefore no more.

Tam. If thou didst know me, thou wouldst talk with me.[4738] 20

Tit. I am not mad; I know thee well enough:

Witness this wretched stump, witness these crimson lines;[4739]

Witness these trenches made by grief and care;

Witness the tiring day and heavy night;

Witness all sorrow, that I know thee well 25

For our proud empress, mighty Tamora:

Is not thy coming for my other hand?[4740]

Tam. Know, thou sad man, I am not Tamora;[4741]

She is thy enemy, and I thy friend:

I am Revenge; sent from the infernal kingdom, 30

To ease the gnawing vulture of thy mind,[4742]

By working wreakful vengeance on thy foes.[4743]

Come down and welcome me to this world's light;

Confer with me of murder and of death:

There's not a hollow cave or lurking-place, 35

No vast obscurity or misty vale,

Where bloody murder or detested rape

Can couch for fear, but I will find them out,

And in their ears tell them my dreadful name,

Revenge, which makes the foul offender quake.[4744] 40

Tit. Art thou Revenge? and art thou sent to me,

To be a torment to mine enemies?[4745]

Tam. I am; therefore come down and welcome me.[4746]

Tit. Do me some service ere I come to thee.

Lo, by thy side where Rape and Murder stands;[4747] 45

Now give some surance that thou art Revenge,[4748]

Stab them, or tear them on thy chariot-wheels;

And then I'll come and be thy waggoner,

And whirl along with thee about the globes.[4749]

Provide thee two proper palfreys, black as jet,[4750] 50

To hale thy vengeful waggon swift away,

And find out murderers in their guilty caves:[4751]

And when thy car is loaden with their heads,

I will dismount, and by the waggon-wheel[4752]

Trot like a servile footman all day long, 55

Even from Hyperion's rising in the east[4753]

Until his very downfall in the sea:

And day by day I'll do this heavy task,

So thou destroy Rapine and Murder there.

Tam. These are my ministers and come with me.[4754] 60

Tit. Are these thy ministers? what are they call'd?

Tam. Rapine and Murder; therefore called so,[4755]

'Cause they take vengeance of such kind of men.[4756]

Tit. Good Lord, how like the empress' sons they are,

And you the empress! but we worldly men 65

Have miserable, mad, mistaking eyes.[4757]

O sweet Revenge, now do I come to thee;

And, if one arm's embracement will content thee,

I will embrace thee in it by and by.      [Exit above.[4758]

Tam. This closing with him fits his lunacy: 70

Whate'er I forge to feed his brain-sick fits,

Do you uphold and maintain in your speeches,[4759]

For now he firmly takes me for Revenge;

And, being credulous in this mad thought,

I'll make him send for Lucius his son; 75

And, whilst I at a banquet hold him sure,

I'll find some cunning practice out of hand,

To scatter and disperse the giddy Goths,

Or at the least make them his enemies.

See, here he comes, and I must ply my theme. 80

Enter TITUS, below.[4760]

Tit. Long have I been forlorn, and all for thee:[4761]

Welcome, dread Fury, to my woful house:

Rapine and Murder, you are welcome too:

How like the empress and her sons you are!

Well are you fitted, had you but a Moor: 85

Could not all hell afford you such a devil?

For well I wot the empress never wags

But in her company there is a Moor;

And, would you represent our queen aright,

It were convenient you had such a devil: 90

But welcome, as you are. What shall we do?

Tam. What wouldst them have us do, Andronicus?

Dem. Show me a murderer, I'll deal with him.

Chi. Show me a villain that hath done a rape,

And I am sent to be revenged on him. 95

Tam. Show me a thousand that have done thee wrong,

And I will be revenged on them all.[4762]

Tit. Look round about the wicked streets of Rome,

And when thou find'st a man that's like thyself,

Good Murder, stab him; he's a murderer. 100

Go thou with him, and when it is thy hap

To find another that is like to thee,

Good Rapine, stab him; he's a ravisher.[4763]

Go thou with them; and in the emperor's court

There is a queen, attended by a Moor; 105

Well mayst thou know her by thine own proportion,[4764]

For up and down she doth resemble thee:

I pray thee, do on them some violent death;

They have been violent to me and mine.

Tam. Well hast thou lesson'd us; this shall we do. 110

But would it please thee, good Andronicus,[4765]

To send for Lucius, thy thrice valiant son,

Who leads towards Rome a band of warlike Goths,

And bid him come and banquet at thy house;

When he is here, even at thy solemn feast, 115

I will bring in the empress and her sons,

The emperor himself, and all thy foes;

And at thy mercy shall they stoop and kneel,

And on them shalt thou ease thy angry heart.

What says Andronicus to this device?[4766] 120

Tit. Marcus, my brother! 'tis sad Titus calls.

Enter MARCUS.[4767]

Go, gentle Marcus, to thy nephew Lucius;

Thou shalt inquire him out among the Goths:

Bid him repair to me and bring with him

Some of the chiefest princes of the Goths: 125

Bid him encamp his soldiers where they are:

Tell him the emperor and the empress too

Feast at my house, and he shall feast with them.[4768]

This do thou for my love, and so let him,

As he regards his aged father's life. 130

Marc. This will I do, and soon return again.      [Exit.[4769]

Tam. Now will I hence about thy business,

And take my ministers along with me.

Tit. Nay, nay, let Rape and Murder stay with me;

Or else I'll call my brother back again, 135

And cleave to no revenge but Lucius.[4770]

Tam. [Aside to her sons] What say you, boys? will you bide with him,[4771]

Whiles I go tell my lord the emperor

How I have govern'd our determined jest?

Yield to his humour, smooth and speak him fair,[4772] 140

And tarry with him till I turn again.[4773]

Tit. [Aside] I know them all, though they suppose me mad;[4774]

And will o'er-reach them in their own devices:[4775]

A pair of cursed hell-hounds and their dam.[4776]

Dem. Madam, depart at pleasure; leave us here. 145

Tam. Farewell, Andronicus: Revenge now goes

To lay a complot to betray thy foes.

Tit. I know thou dost; and, sweet Revenge, farewell.

[Exit Tamora.[4777]

Chi. Tell us, old man, how shall we be employ'd?

Tit. Tut, I have work enough for you to do.[4778] 150

Publius, come hither, Caius, and Valentine!

Enter PUBLIUS and others.[4779]

Pub. What is your will?[4780]

Tit. Know you these two?[4781]

Pub. The empress' sons, I take them, Chiron and[4779][4782][4783]

Demetrius.[4783] 155

Tit. Fie, Publius, fie! thou art too much deceived;

The one is Murder, Rape is the other's name;

And therefore bind them, gentle Publius:

Caius and Valentine, lay hands on them:

Oft have you heard me wish for such an hour, 160

And now I find it; therefore bind them sure;

And stop their mouths, if they begin to cry.      [Exit.

[Publius, &c. lay hold on Chiron and Demetrius.[4784]

Chi. Villains, forbear! we are the empress' sons.

Pub. And therefore do we what we are commanded.[4779]

Stop close their mouths, let them not speak a word. 165

Is he sure bound? look that you bind them fast.

Re-enter TITUS, with LAVINIA; he bearing a knife, and she a basin.[4785]

Tit. Come, come, Lavinia; look, thy foes are bound.[4786]

Sirs, stop their mouths, let them not speak to me;

But let them hear what fearful words I utter.

O villains, Chiron and Demetrius! 170

Here stands the spring whom you have stain'd with mud,

This goodly summer with your winter mix'd.

You kill'd her husband, and for that vile fault[4787]

Two of her brothers were condemn'd to death,

My hand cut off and made a merry jest; 175

Both her sweet hands, her tongue, and that more dear

Than hands or tongue, her spotless chastity,

Inhuman traitors, you constrain'd and forced.

What would you say, if I should let you speak?[4788]

Villains, for shame you could not beg for grace. 180

Hark, wretches! how I mean to martyr you.

This one hand yet is left to cut your throats,[4789]

Whilst that Lavinia 'tween her stumps doth hold[4790]

The basin that receives your guilty blood.

You know your mother means to feast with me,[4791] 185

And calls herself Revenge, and thinks me mad:

Hark, villains! I will grind your bones to dust,

And with your blood and it I'll make a paste;

And of the paste a coffin I will rear,[4792]

And make two pasties of your shameful heads; 190

And bid that strumpet, your unhallow'd dam,[4793]

Like to the earth, swallow her own increase.[4794]

This is the feast that I have bid her to,

And this the banquet she shall surfeit on;

For worse than Philomel you used my daughter, 195

And worse than Progne I will be revenged:[4795]

And now prepare your throats. Lavinia, come,

[He cuts their throats.[4796]

Receive the blood: and when that they are dead,

Let me go grind their bones to powder small,

And with this hateful liquor temper it; 200

And in that paste let their vile heads be baked.[4797]

Come, come, be every one officious[4798]

To make this banquet; which I wish may prove[4799]

More stern and bloody than the Centaurs' feast.[4800]

So, now bring them in, for I'll play the cook,[4801] 205

And see them ready against their mother comes.

[Exeunt, bearing the dead bodies.[4802]

SCENE III. Court of Titus's house. A banquet set out.

Enter LUCIUS, MARCUS, and Goths, with AARON, prisoner.[4803]

Luc. Uncle Marcus, since it is my father's mind[4804]

That I repair to Rome, I am content.

First Goth. And ours with thine, befall what fortune will.[4805]

Luc. Good uncle, take you in this barbarous Moor,

This ravenous tiger, this accursed devil; 5

Let him receive no sustenance, fetter him,[4806]

Till he be brought unto the empress' face,[4807]

For testimony of her foul proceedings:[4808]

And see the ambush of our friends be strong;

I fear the emperor means no good to us.[4809] 10

Aar. Some devil whisper curses in mine ear,[4810]

And prompt me, that my tongue may utter forth

The venomous malice of my swelling heart!

Luc. Away, inhuman dog! unhallow'd slave![4811]

Sirs, help our uncle to convey him in. 15

[Exeunt Goths, with Aaron. Flourish within.[4812]

The trumpets show the emperor is at hand.

Enter SATURNINUS and TAMORA, with ÆMILIUS, Tribunes, Senators, and others.[4813]

Sat. What, hath the firmament moe suns than one?[4814]

Luc. What boots it thee to call thyself a sun?[4815]

Marc. Rome's emperor, and nephew, break the parle;[4816]

These quarrels must be quietly debated. 20

The feast is ready, which the careful Titus

Hath ordain'd to an honourable end,[4817]

For peace, for love, for league and good to Rome:

Please you, therefore, draw nigh, and take your places.

Sat. Marcus, we will. 25

[Hautboys sound. The Company sit down at table.

Enter TITUS, like a Cook, placing the meat on the table, and LAVINIA with a veil over her face, young LUCIUS, and others.[4818]

Tit. Welcome, my gracious lord; welcome, dread queen;[4819]

Welcome, ye warlike Goths; welcome, Lucius;[4820]

And welcome, all: although the cheer be poor,

'Twill fill your stomachs; please you eat of it.

Sat. Why art thou thus attired, Andronicus?[4821] 30

Tit. Because I would be sure to have all well,

To entertain your highness and your empress.

Tam. We are beholding to you, good Andronicus.[4822]

Tit. An if your highness knew my heart, you were.[4823]

My lord the emperor, resolve me this: 35

Was it well done of rash Virginius

To slay his daughter with his own right hand,

Because she was enforced, stain'd, and deflower'd?

Sat. It was, Andronicus.[4821]

Tit. Your reason, mighty lord?[4824] 40

Sat. Because the girl should not survive her shame,[4821]

And by her presence still renew his sorrows.

Tit. A reason mighty, strong and effectual,[4825]

A pattern, precedent, and lively warrant,[4826]

For me, most wretched, to perform the like. 45

Die, die, Lavinia, and thy shame with thee,

And with thy shame thy father's sorrow die!      [Kills Lavinia.[4827]

Sat. What hast thou done, unnatural and unkind?[4821][4828]

Tit. Kill'd her, for whom my tears have made me blind.

I am as woful as Virginius was, 50

And have a thousand times more cause than he

To do this outrage, and it now is done.[4829]

Sat. What, was she ravish'd? tell who did the deed.[4830]

Tit. Will't please you eat? will't please your highness feed?[4831]

Tam. Why hast thou slain thine only daughter thus?[4832] 55

Tit. Not I; 'twas Chiron and Demetrius:

They ravish'd her, and cut away her tongue;

And they, 'twas they, that did her all this wrong.

Sat. Go fetch them hither to us presently.[4821][4833]

Tit. Why, there they are both, baked in that pie; 60

Whereof their mother daintily hath fed,

Eating the flesh that she herself hath bred.

'Tis true, 'tis true; witness my knife's sharp point.

[Kills Tamora.[4834]

Sat. Die, frantic wretch, for this accursed deed!

[Kills Titus.[4835]

Luc. Can the son's eye behold his father bleed? 65

There's meed for meed, death for a deadly deed!

[Kills Saturninus. A great tumult. Lucius, Marcus, and others go up into the balcony.[4836]

Marc. You sad-faced men, people and sons of Rome,

By uproars sever'd, as a flight of fowl[4837]

Scatter'd by winds and high tempestuous gusts,[4838]

O, let me teach you how to knit again[4839] 70

This scatter'd corn into one mutual sheaf,

These broken limbs again into one body;[4840]

Lest Rome herself be bane unto herself,[4840]

And she whom mighty kingdoms court'sy to,[4841]

Like a forlorn and desperate castaway,[4842] 75

Do shameful execution on herself.

But if my frosty signs and chaps of age,[4843]

Grave witnesses of true experience,

Cannot induce you to attend my words,—

[To Lucius] Speak, Rome's dear friend: as erst our ancestor,[4844] 80

When with his solemn tongue he did discourse

To love-sick Dido's sad attending ear

The story of that baleful burning night[4845]

When subtle Greeks surprised King Priam's Troy;

Tell us what Sinon hath bewitch'd our ears, 85

Or who hath brought the fatal engine in

That gives our Troy, our Rome, the civil wound.

My heart is not compact of flint nor steel;

Nor can I utter all our bitter grief,

But floods of tears will drown my oratory, 90

And break my utterance, even in the time[4846]

When it should move you to attend me most,

Lending your kind commiseration.[4847]

Here is a captain, let him tell the tale;[4848]

Your hearts will throb and weep to hear him speak. 95

Luc. Then, noble auditory, be it known to you,[4849]

That cursed Chiron and Demetrius

Were they that murdered our emperor's brother;[4850]

And they it were that ravished our sister:[4851]

For their fell faults our brothers were beheaded, 100

Our father's tears despised, and basely cozen'd

Of that true hand that fought Rome's quarrel out

And sent her enemies unto the grave.[4852]

Lastly, myself unkindly banished,

The gates shut on me, and turn'd weeping out, 105

To beg relief among Rome's enemies;

Who drown'd their enmity in my true tears,

And oped their arms to embrace me as a friend.

I am the turned forth, be it known to you,[4853]

That have preserved her welfare in my blood, 110

And from her bosom took the enemy's point,

Sheathing the steel in my adventurous body.

Alas, you know I am no vaunter, I;

My scars can witness, dumb although they are,

That my report is just and full of truth. 115

But, soft! methinks I do digress too much,

Citing my worthless praise: O, pardon me;

For when no friends are by, men praise themselves.

Marc. Now is my turn to speak. Behold the child:

[Pointing to the Child in the arms of an Attendant.[4854]

Of this was Tamora delivered; 120

The issue of an irreligious Moor,

Chief architect and plotter of these woes:

The villain is alive in Titus' house,

And as he is, to witness this is true.[4855]

Now judge what cause had Titus to revenge[4856] 125

These wrongs, unspeakable, past patience,

Or more than any living man could bear.

Now you have heard the truth, what say you, Romans?

Have we done aught amiss, show us wherein,[4857]

And, from the place where you behold us now, 130

The poor remainder of Andronici[4858]

Will, hand in hand, all headlong cast us down[4859]

And on the ragged stones beat forth our brains[4860]

And make a mutual closure of our house.

Speak, Romans, speak, and if you say we shall, 135

Lo, hand in hand, Lucius and I will fall.

Æmil. Come, come, thou reverend man of Rome,[4861]

And bring our emperor gently in thy hand,

Lucius our emperor; for well I know

The common voice do cry it shall be so.[4862] 140

All. Lucius, all hail, Rome's royal emperor![4863]

Marc. Go, go into old Titus' sorrowful house,      [To Attendants.[4864]

And hither hale that misbelieving Moor,

To be adjudged some direful slaughtering death,[4865]

As punishment for his most wicked life.      [Exeunt Attendants. 145

LUCIUS, MARCUS, and the others descend.[4866]

All. Lucius, all hail, Rome's gracious governor![4867]

Luc. Thanks, gentle Romans: may I govern so,

To heal Rome's harms and wipe away her woe![4868]

But, gentle people, give me aim awhile,[4869]

For nature puts me to a heavy task;[4870] 150

Stand all aloof; but, uncle, draw you near,

To shed obsequious tears upon this trunk.[4871]

O, take this warm kiss on thy pale cold lips,      [Kissing Titus.[4872]

These sorrowful drops upon thy blood-stain'd face,[4873]

The last true duties of thy noble son! 155

Marc. Tear for tear and loving kiss for kiss[4874]

Thy brother Marcus tenders on thy lips:

O, were the sum of these that I should pay

Countless and infinite, yet would I pay them!

Luc. Come hither, boy; come, come, and learn of us 160

To melt in showers: thy grandsire loved thee well:

Many a time he danced thee on his knee,

Sung thee asleep, his loving breast thy pillow;

Many a matter hath he told to thee,

Meet and agreeing with thine infancy;[4875] 165

In that respect then, like a loving child,

Shed yet some small drops from thy tender spring,

Because kind nature doth require it so:

Friends should associate friends in grief and woe:

Bid him farewell; commit him to the grave; 170

Do him that kindness, and take leave of him.[4876]

Boy. O grandsire, grandsire! even with all my heart[4877]

Would I were dead, so you did live again!

O Lord, I cannot speak to him for weeping;

My tears will choke me, if I ope my mouth. 175

Re-enter Attendants with AARON.[4878]

A Roman. You sad Andronici, have done with woes:[4879]

Give sentence on this execrable wretch

That hath been breeder of these dire events.

Luc. Set him breast-deep in earth, and famish him;

There let him stand and rave and cry for food: 180

If any one relieves or pities him,

For the offence he dies. This is our doom:

Some stay to see him fasten'd in the earth.

Aar. O, why should wrath be mute, and fury dumb?[4880]

I am no baby, I, that with base prayers 185

I should repent the evils I have done:[4881]

Ten thousand worse than ever yet I did

Would I perform, if I might have my will:

If one good deed in all my life I did,

I do repent it from my very soul. 190

Luc. Some loving friends convey the emperor hence,[4882]

And give him burial in his father's grave:[4883]

My father and Lavinia shall forthwith

Be closed in our household's monument.

As for that heinous tiger, Tamora,[4884] 195

No funeral rite, nor man in mourning weeds,[4885]

No mournful bell shall ring her burial;[4886]

But throw her forth to beasts and birds of prey:[4887]

Her life was beastly and devoid of pity,[4888]

And, being so, shall have like want of pity.[4889] 200

See justice done on Aaron, that damn'd Moor,[4890]

By whom our heavy haps had their beginning:[4891]

Then, afterwards, to order well the state,[4892]

That like events may ne'er it ruinate.      [Exeunt.[4893]

FOOTNOTES:

[4677] ACT V. SCENE I.] Rowe. Actus Quintus. Ff. om. Qq.

Plains near Rome.] Capell. A camp. Rowe. A Camp, at a small Distance from Rome. Theobald.

Flourish.] F_1. om. Qq F_2 F_3 F_4.

Enter....] Capell (substantially). Enter Lucius with an Armie of Gothes, with Drum and Souldiers. Qq Ff (Drums Q_1).

[4678] signify] Rowe. signifies Qq Ff. signify's Anon. conj.

[4679] First Goth.] 1. G. Capell. Goth. Qq Ff.

[4680] Be bold] Qq F_3 F_4. Behold F_1 F_2.

us:] us; Theobald. us, Q_2 Ff. us Q_1.

[4681] flowered] flowred Qq Ff. flower'd Rowe.

[4682] avenged] aduengd Q_1.

[4683] All the Goths.] Omn. F_2 F_3 F_4. Omitted in Qq F_1.

[4684] Enter ... leading....] F_2 F_3 F_4. Enter ... leading of.... Qq F_1.

[4685] SCENE II. Pope.

Sec. Goth.] 2. G. Capell. Goth. Qq Ff.

Renowned] Renowmed Q_1.

[4686] building, suddenly] building suddainly, Q_1.

[4687] his] her Capell conj.

[4688] whither] Q_1 F_3 F_4. whether Q_2 F_1 F_2.

[4689] face?] face, Q_1.

[4690] not] Qq F_1. no! not F_2 F_3 F_4. what! not Keightley. dumb? not Anon. conj.

[4691] Get me a ladder.] Given to Lucius first by Pope, ed. 2 (Theobald). In Qq Ff it is given to Aaron.

[A ladder....] Ladder brought, Aaron led up it. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4692] more but] Qq. more: but Ff.

'Vengeance ... all!'] Put in inverted commas by Edd.

[4693] an if] Dyce. and if Qq Ff.

[4694] An if] Warburton. And if Qq Ff.

[4695] night] nights Q_2.

[4696] villanies] villaines F_2.

[4697] yet piteously] yet pitilessly Heath conj. yet piteousless Singer. despiteously Collier (Collier MS.)

[4698] in] Q_1. by Q_2 Ff.

[4699] Tell ... live] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4700] Who ... god] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

by?] F_3 F_4. by, Qq F_1. by; F_2.

[4701] oath?] oath. Q_1.

[4702] not?] Hanmer. not, Qq Ff. not! Theobald.

[4703] for that ... urge him] Marked as 'Aside' by Hanmer.

[4704] to nourish] Qq F_1 F_2. nourish F_3 F_4.

[4705] Or] Qq F_4. Ore F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4706] to] to to F_1.

[4707] First ... empress] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

the] Qq F_1. thy F_2 F_3 F_4.

empress] emperess F_3.

[4708] and] Q_1. om. Q_2 Ff.

[4709] murder'd] Pope. murdered Qq Ff.

[4710] And ... hands] Qq. And ... hands off Ff. Cut her hands off Collier MS.

hands, and trimm'd] hands off; trim'd Capell.

saw'st] F_1 F_4. sawest Qq. sawst F_2 F_3.

[4711] O detestable ... of it] Arranged as by Capell. Three lines, ending trimming ... trimd ... it, in Qq. Four lines, ending villaine!... trimming?... trim'd ... it, in Ff.

[4712] detestable] most detestable Hanmer, ending the lines that ... trimm'd ... of't.

trimming?] Ff. trimming. Q_1. trimming Q_2.

[4713] of it] of't Pope.

[4714] in it?] Rowe. in it, Q_1. in it. Q_2 Ff. in't? Pope.

[4715] apart] a part Q_1.

[4716] crevice] Ff. crevie Qq.

[4717] swounded] sounded Qq F_1 F_2. swooned F_3 F_4.

[4718] Ay, like] Rowe. I like Qq. I, like Ff.

[4719] within the] within few F_1.

[4720] forswear] then forswear Hanmer, ending lines 130-132 forswear ... between ... necks.

[4721] break their necks] break their necks and die Malone conj. stray and break their Jackson conj. ofttimes break their necks Collier (Collier MS.) Marked as an imperfect line by Keightley.

[4722] owners] wretched owners Capell, ending lines 132-134 at fire ... bid ... tears.

their] the F_1.

[4723] upright] up right F_2.

doors] F_3 F_4. doores F_2. doore Qq F_1.

[4724] sorrows ... were] Malone. sorrowes ... was Qq F_1. sorrow ... was F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4725] Enter a Goth.] Capell. Enter Emillius. Qq Ff. Enter a Goth with Æmilius. Malone.

[4726] Third Goth.] 3. G. Capell. Goth. Qq Ff.

[4727] [Exit Goth. Capell.

Enter Æmilius.] Capell. After line 151 in Qq Ff.

[4728] what's] Qq F_4. what F_1. whats F_2 F_3.

[4729] deliver'd] Pope. delivered Qq Ff.

[4730] March away. [Flourish. Exeunt] F_1. March away. Q_1. March away. [Exeunt. Q_2 F_2 F_3 F_4. away! march! [Exeunt. Hanmer. Away. [March. Exeunt. Capell. [March away. Exeunt. Steevens conj. March! away! [Exeunt. Collier.

[4731] SCENE II.] Rowe. SCENE III. Pope.

Rome. Before Titus's house.] Malone. Titus's Palace in Rome. Rowe. Court of Titus's house. Capell.

Enter ... Demetrius and Chiron....] Enter Tamora, and her two sonnes disguised. Qq Ff.

[4732] this ... habiliment] this ... habillament Q_1. this ... habilliament Q_2 F_1. this ... habillaments F_2. this ... habiliments F_3 F_4. these ... habiliments Rowe (ed. 2).

[4733] his] the Rowe.

[4734] [They knock. Enter Titus, above.] Capell. They knock, and Titus appears above. Rowe. They knocke and Titus opens his studie doore. Qq Ff.

[4735] effect?] effect. Q_1.

[4736] Titus] Lord Titus Capell. Old Titus Collier MS.

am come] am Revenge, come Jackson conj. am here come Staunton conj.

thee] thee awhile Steevens conj.

[4737] it action?] Ff. that accord, Qq. it that accord? Pope.

[4738] If ... with me] One in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4739] Witness ... lines] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

witness these] Witness the Rowe (ed. 2). these Theobald.

[4740] hand?] hand. Q_1.

[4741] Know, thou sad] Capell. Know thou sad Qq F_1 F_2 F_3. Know thou, sad F_4.

[4742] thy] the F_1.

[4743] thy] my F_1.

[4744] offender] Q_1. offenders Q_2 Ff.

[4745] enemies?] enemies. Q_1.

[4746] me.] me? Q_1.

[4747] stands] stand Hanmer.

[4748] surance] 'surance Hanmer.

[4749] globes] globe Dyce.

[4750] thee two] the two F_2. two Rowe. thee Steevens (1793).

black] as blacke Q_2 F_1.

[4751] murderers] Capell. murder Qq Ff. murders Rowe.

caves] F_2 F_3 F_4. cares Qq F_1.

[4752] the] thy Rowe.

[4753] Hyperion's] F_4. Hiperions F_2. Hiperious F_3. Epeons Qq. Eptons F_1.

[4754] these] Dyce. them Qq F_1. they F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4755] Rapine] F_2 F_3 F_4. Rape Qq F_1.

[4756] 'Cause] Pope. Cause Qq Ff.

of] on Rowe.

[4757] mad, mistaking] mad-mistaking S. Walker conj.

[4758] [Exit above.] Exit Titus from above. Rowe. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4759] speeches] speech Rowe.

[4760] ply] Qq. play Ff.

Enter....] Collier (Collier MS.) Enter Titus. Rowe. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4761] SCENE IV. Pope.

[4762] I will] Ile F_1.

[4763] he's] Hanmer. he is Qq Ff.

[4764] thine] Q_1. thy Q_2 Ff.

[4765] thee, good] F_4. thee good Qq F_1 the good F_2 F_3.

[4766] device] Pope. devise Qq Ff.

[4767] Enter Marcus.] Theobald. After line 120 in Qq Ff.

[4768] Feast] Qq. Feasts Ff.

[4769] [Exit.] om. Qq F_1.

[4770] Lucius] Lucius' S. Walker conj.

[4771] [Aside to her sons] Aside. Hanmer. To her sons. Johnson. Omitted in Qq Ff.

will you] you will Rowe (ed. 2).

bide] abide Rowe. 'bide Collier (ed. 1).

[4772] Yield] Yeede Q_1.

[Aside. Hanmer.

[4773] turn] return Rowe (ed. 2). come Pope.

[4774] [Aside] Rowe. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4775] devices] Rowe (ed. 2). devises Qq Ff. device S. Walker conj.

[4776] dam] Dame Q_1.

[4777] Tit.] Dem. Boswell.

[Exit Tamora.] Capell. In Rowe after line 147. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4778] Tut] But Q_2.

[4779] hither] Ff. hether Qq.

Enter Publius....] Enter Publius and Servants. Rowe. Enter certain Gentlemen, and Domesticks. Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4780] Pub.] 1. G. Capell.

[4781] you] ye Rowe.

[4782] and] Theobald. om. Qq Ff.

[4783] The ... Demetrius] One line in Qq. Two, the first ending sonnes, in Ff.

[4784] And ... cry] Qq. Omitted in Ff, and restored by Capell.

[Exit.] Exit Titus. Rowe, after line 161. om. Qq Ff.

[Publius....] Malone, from Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4785] bound?] F_3 F_4. bound, Qq F_1 F_2.

you] ye F_4.

fast.] Qq. fast. Exeunt. Ff.

Re-enter....] Capell. Enter Titus Andronicus with a knife, and Lavinia with a Bason. Qq Ff.

[4786] SCENE V. Pope.

[4787] vile] F_4. vild Q_1. vilde Q_2. vil'd F_2 F_3 F_4.

[4788] you say] ye say Theobald.

[4789] is] it F_2.

[4790] 'tween] 'twixt Rowe.

[4791] your] you F_2.

[4792] I will] will I F_3 F_4.

[4793] unhallow'd] Pope. unhallowed Qq Ff.

[4794] own] om. F_1.

[4795] Progne] Proene Theobald.

[4796] [He....] Qq Ff (after line 204). He ... throats, and Lavinia receives the blood in a bason. Rowe (after line 197).

[4797] vile] Q_1. vilde Q_2. vil'd F_1. vild'd F_2. wild F_3 F_4.

[4798] every] ever F_2 F_3.

[4799] may] Qq. might Ff.

[4800] Centaurs'] Warburton. Centaurs Q_1 F_4. Centaures Q_2 F_1 F_2 F_3. Centaur's Johnson.

[4801] them] om. Capell.

I'll] I will Staunton (Dyce conj.), reading So, as a separate line.

[4802] against] Qq. gainst F_1 F_2. 'gainst F_3 F_4.

their] the F_2 F_3 F_4.

[Exeunt ... bodies.] Exeunt, bearing in the Bodies. Capell. Exeunt. Qq Ff.

[4803] SCENE III.] Capell. Pope continues the scene.

Court ... out.] The same. Gardens of the same. A magnificcent Pavillion; Tables under it; Domesticks attending. Capell.

Goths, with Aaron, prisoner.] Rowe. The Gothes. Qq Ff.

[4804] Uncle] Good uncle Hanmer. Why, uncle Capell. Since, uncle S. Walker conj.

it is] Warburton. tis Qq. 'tis Ff.

[4805] First Goth.] 1. G. Capell. Goth. Qq Ff.

thine, befall] Q_1 F_4. thine befall Q_2. thine befall, F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4806] sustenance] sustnance Q_1.

[4807] Till] Tell Q_1.

empress'] Empresse Q_1. Emperours Q_2 F_2 F_3 F_4. Emperous F_1.

[4808] her] Qq F_1. his F_2 F_3 F_4. these Rowe.

[4809] I fear] F_4. I feare Qq. If ere F_1 F_2 F_3.

[4810] Aar.] Aron. F_1. Aaron. F_2 F_3 F_4. Moore. Qq.

mine] Qq. my Ff.

[4811] unhallow'd] Rowe (ed. 2). unhallowed Qq Ff.

[4812] [Exeunt ... Aaron.] Rowe, after line 14. Attendants lead in Aaron. Capell. om. Qq Ff.

Flourish within.] Flourish. Ff. om. Qq.

[4813] Enter....] Sound trumpets. Enter Emperour, and Empresse, with Tribunes and others. Qq Ff.

Æmilius,] Dyce. om. Qq Ff.

[4814] SCENE VI. Pope.

Sat.] Ff. King. Qq.

moe] Qq. more Ff.

[4815] thee] the F_2.

[4816] the parle] Qq F_1. the parly F_2 F_3 F_4. your parley Hanmer.

[4817] ordain'd] Pope. ordained Qq Ff.

[4818] Sat.] Empe. Q_1.

[Hautboys ... table.] Malone, after Capell. Hoboyes. A Table brought in. Ff. Omitted in Qq.

Enter ... young Lucius and others.] Malone. Sound trumpets, enter ... face. Qq. Enter ... face. Ff.

[4819] Welcome ... queen;] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4820] welcome, Lucius] thou Lucius, welcome Hanmer. Lucius, welcome Capell. and welcome, Lucius Collier MS.

[4821] Sat.] King. Q_1.

[4822] beholding] beholden Rowe (ed. 2).

[4823] An] Hanmer. And Qq Ff.

[4824] lord?] Q_2 Ff. lord. Q_1.

[4825] reason mighty] mighty reason Capell.

and] om. Hanmer.

[4826] precedent] Pope. president Qq Ff.

[4827] sorrow die] sorrows flee Collier MS.

[Kills Lavinia.] he kills her. Q_2 Ff. om. Q_1.

[4828] thou] om. F_1.

unkind?] unkinde, Q_1.

[4829] To do ... done.] Omitted in Ff.

now is] Q_1. is now Q_2.

[4830] Sat.] King. Qq.

ravish'd] ravisht? Q_2 Ff. ravisht, Q_1.

[4831] Will't] Wil't F_4. Wilt Qq F_1 F_2 F_3, in both cases.

Will't ... feed?] One line in Qq. Two in Ff.

[4832] daughter thus?] Q_1 F_2 F_3 F_4. daughter Q_2. daughter? F_1.

[4833] hither] Ff. hether Qq.

[4834] [Kills Tamora.] He stabs the Empresse. Qq Ff.

[4835] Sat.] Empe. Qq.

[Kills Titus.] He stabs Titus. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

[4836] [Kills Saturninus.] Lucius stabs the Emperor. Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

A great ... balcony.] Edd. Company in Confusion: A great Tumult: the Andronici, and their Friends, gain the Steps of Titus' House: Tumult ceases. Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[4837] uproars] uprores Qq F_1. uproree F_2. uprore F_3 F_4.

as] Q_1. like Q_2 Ff.

[4838] tempestuous] Ff. tempestious Qq.

gusts] guests F_2.

[4839] how to] Qq. how, to Ff.

[4840] body; Lest Rome] Capell. body. Roman Lord. Let Rome Qq. body. Goth. Let Rome Ff (Goth, F_2). body. Sen. Lest Rome Malone. See note (X).

[4841] court'sy to] cursie too Qq F_1. cursie to F_2. curtsie to F_3 F_4.

[4842] castaway] Ff. cast away Qq.

[4843] But if....] Mar. But if.... F_4.

[4844] [To Lucius] Rowe. om. Qq Ff.

[4845] baleful burning] baleful-burning S. Walker conj.

[4846] my] Q_1. my very Q_2 Ff.

in the] i' the Capell, reading my very with Q_2 Ff.

[4847] kind] Qq. kind hand Ff.

[4848] a captain] our captain S. Walker conj.

[4849] Then] Qq. This Ff.

[4850] murdered] Rowe. murdred Qq Ff.

[4851] they it were] they they were Hanmer. they it was Capell.

[4852] unto] into Rowe.

[4853] I am the turned forth] Q_1. And I am the turned forth Q_2. And I am turned forth F_1 F_2 F_3. And I am turn'd forth F_4. And I am the turn'd forth Capell. And I'm thus turned forth S. Walker conj. And I am turn'd forth thus Keightley.

[4854] turn] tongue Rowe, a misprint, corrected first by Capell.

the] Q_1. this Q_2 Ff.

[Pointing....] Shewing it.... Capell. Omitted in Qq Ff.

[4855] And] Qq Ff. Damn'd Theobald.

is, to] Ff. is to Qq.

[4856] cause] F_4. course Qq F_1 F_2 F_3.

revenge] revenge. Q_1.

[4857] amiss,] amisse, Q_1. amisse? Q_2 Ff.

[4858] Andronici] F_1. Andronicie Qq. Andronicus F_2 F_3 F_4. the Andronici Capell.

[4859] Will] We'll Rowe (ed. 2).

[4860] forth] out Rowe.

[4861] Come, come ... Rome] Come down, come down ... Rome Capell. Come, come ... Rome, come down S. Walker conj. Come, come to us, ... Rome Keightley.

reverend] Rowe. reveren'd F_4. reverent Qq F_1 F_2 F_3. reverendest Anon. conj.

[4862] do] doth Hanmer.

[4863] All.] Rom. Capell. Marcus. Qq. Mar. Ff.

[4864] Marc.] Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[To Attendants.] Capell. om. Qq Ff. To an Attendant. Malone. To Attendants, who go into the house. Dyce.

[4865] adjudged] adiudge Q_1.

direful slaughtering] direful lingering Collier MS. direful-slaughtering S. Walker conj.

[4866] [Exeunt Attendants.] Edd. om. Qq Ff.

Lucius....] Lucius, and the rest, come down; with them young Lucius. Capell. om. Qq Ff.

[4867] All.] Rom. Capell. om. Qq Ff, continuing the line to Marcus.

Rome's] Rowe. to Romes Qq Ff.

[4868] harms] harm Rowe.

wipe] drive Rowe.

[4869] aim] room Collier conj. (withdrawn). air Grant White conj.

[4870] task] style Collier MS.

[4871] trunk] bier Collier MS.

[Kneels over Titus' body. Capell.

[4872] thy] they F_2.

pale cold] pale-cold S. Walker conj.

[Kissing Titus.] Kisses Titus. Johnson. om. Qq Ff.

[4873] blood-stain'd] F_3 F_4. blood slaine Q_1. bloud-slaine Q F_1 F_2.

[4874] Tear] Teare Qq F_1. A teare F_2 F_3 F_4. Ay, tear Rowe.

[Kneeling by him. Capell.

[4875] thine] thy Rowe.

[4876] him ... him] Ff. them ... them Qq.

and take leave of him] all that he can have Collier MS.

[4877] Boy.] Ff. Puer. Qq.

heart] hart. Q_1. hart, Q_2.

[4878] Re-enter Attendants....] Dyce. Enter Romans with Aaron. Rowe. Enter Attendant.... Capell.

[4879] SCENE VII. Pope.

A Roman.] Romaine. Qq. Romans. F_1 F_3 F_4. Romanes. F_2. 2. R. Capell. 1 Rom. Malone. Æm. Edd., Globe Ed. (Dyce conj.)

[4880] dumb?] dumb, Q_1.

[4881] evils] evil Rowe.

[4882] emperor] Emp. F_1.

[4883] father's] Rowe. fathers Qq Ff. fathers' Anon. conj.

[4884] heinous] ravenous Collier MS.

tiger] tygress Rowe.

[4885] rite] Q_2 Ff. right Q_1. rites Rowe.

mourning] Q_1. mournefull Q_2. mournfull F_1 F_2. mournful F_3 F_4.

[4886] mournful bell] solemn bell Staunton conj.

[4887] beasts] Qq F_1 F_4. beast F_2 F_3.

of prey] Ff. to pray Q_1. to prey Q_2.

[4888] beastly] Qq. beast-like Ff.

[4889] shall] she shall Hanmer.

[4890] on Aaron] to Aaron Steevens (1793).

[4891] By] Qq. From Ff.

haps] Qq F_3 F_4. happes F_1. happee F_2.

[4892] Then] Than Q_1.

to order] we'll order Rowe (ed. 2).

[4893] [Exeunt.] Exeunt omnes. Ff. om. Qq.

NOTES.

NOTE I.

II. 1. The Quartos have no distinction of act or scene here or elsewhere. After Exeunt comes immediately a stage direction Sound Trumpets, manet Moore. The first Folio, after Actus Secunda, has Flourish. Enter Aaron alone. The Editor of the second Folio seeing the impropriety of introducing Aaron alone with a flourish of trumpets, omitted the word Flourish. Capell was doubtless right in supposing that it had been displaced from the end of the last scene.

Johnson is of opinion that this scene ought to continue the first act.

NOTE II.

II. 1. 134. Mr Collier, reading 'these,' says, 'The Quartos give the text correctly.' The Quarto of 1611 has 'their.'

NOTE III.

III. 1. 170. In the copy of Theobald's edition before us, which belonged to Warburton, the latter has written 'Mr Warburton' opposite Theobald's note in defence of his emendation, thereby claiming for himself the merit of the conjecture. But in his own edition he retains the old reading 'castle,' while in a note he assigns the emendation to Theobald, and ridicules him for adopting it. Theobald first proposed it in a letter to Concanen (Nichols' Illustrations, II. 220).

NOTE IV.

III. 1. 277, 278. Perhaps the original MS. had as follows:

'And thou, Lavinia, shalt be imployd,

Beare thou my hand sweet wench betweene thy teeth.'

The Author, or some other corrector, to soften what must have been ludicrous in representation, wrote 'Armes' above 'teeth' as a substitute for the latter. The printer of the first Quarto took 'Armes' to belong to the first line, and conjecturally filled up the lacuna with 'in these,' making, also, an accidental alteration in the position of 'thou.' Then a corrector of the second Quarto, from which the first folio was printed, made sense of the passage by substituting 'things' for 'Armes.'

NOTE V.

III. 2. 81. The first Folio has: 'An. Come, take away:'

The second: 'And: Come take away:'

The third and fourth: 'And, Come, take away;'

thus continuing the speech to Marcus. Rowe omitted 'And,' and the true reading was not restored before Capell.

Mr Collier, in his second edition, says: 'In the Folio of the Earl of Ellesmere, this speech has no prefix; but the conjunction 'And' for And. was mistakenly put before 'Come.'' Mr Staunton however tells us that there is a full stop after 'And,' and that though not in italics the word is clearly meant for Andronicus.

NOTE VI.

IV. 1. 46. Mr Dyce says that Theobald omitted the words 'Help her:' but this is a mistake. They are retained by Theobald, and by every other editor we know of.

NOTE VII.

IV. 2. 100. 'Seems' is an error of Johnson's own printer. In his note on the passage, he conjectures that 'scorns' is the true reading, without knowing that it was to be found in every edition previous to his own. For an instance of similar carelessness, see Note VI. to The Third Part of King Henry VI.

NOTE VIII.

IV. 2. 178. Mr Collier, in his Appendix to Coleridge's Lectures, states that his MS. corrector substitutes 'thrive' for 'feed' in this line, while, in the note to his second edition of Shakespeare, he says that the substitution is made in the next line, 'thrive on curds, &c.'

In IV. 4. 37, we have assigned a reading to the MS. corrector, because we find it in Mr Collier's one-volume edition, though he has not mentioned it elsewhere.

In IV. 4. 113, he gives, in the Appendix to Coleridge's Lectures, and in his second edition of Shakespeare, 'Then go incessantly, and plead 'fore him,' as the reading of the MS. corrector, while in the one-volume edition, he gives, on the same authority, 'Then go successfully, and plead 'fore him.' We have left unnoticed other discrepancies, where, as is usually the case, they were unimportant to the sense. We mention the fact once for all, in order to defend ourselves from the charge of inaccuracy. Indeed, it is on this ground alone that we ever call attention to those errors of our predecessors, which are, in themselves, venial and unimportant.

NOTE IX.

IV. 4. 8. Steevens says that the first Folio here has 'the law.' It is 'law' in every copy which we have been able to consult.

NOTE X.

V. 3. 72, 73. Mr Collier mentions that the correction 'Lest' for 'Let' was also made by Southerne in his copy of the fourth Folio. The further correction, which is due to Capell, was claimed by Steevens, and is frequently given to him by modern editors. The corruption was perhaps due to a copyist or printer, who, not seeing that 'Let' was miswritten for 'Lest,' yet felt that the words 'Let Rome, &c.' were not suitable to Marcus, and gave them to a Roman lord, at a guess. The Editor of the first Folio, or some corrector of the Quarto from which he printed, thinking the words not suitable to a Roman, gave them to a Goth.

It may be however that the four lines 'Let Rome ... herself' were intended to be spoken by a Roman lord after Marcus had stabbed the Emperor. Perhaps they were an after-thought of the author and written at the foot of the page, and the printer of the first Quarto, thus misled, inserted them in the middle of Marcus's speech.

In so doubtful a case we have acquiesced in what may be considered the received text.

CAMBRIDGE: PRINTED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Transcriber's Notes:

Added p. xiii Erratum corrections to text.

Retained line wrapping in plays to retain prose numbering.

Converted linenotes to footnotes with anchors at line ends.

Retained incorrect line numbers, e.g. there are often more than 5 lines (or occasionally less than 5) between increments of 5.

Assigned anchors to linenotes without line references.

Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors.

Retained anachronistic and non-standard spellings as printed.

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Table of Contents

THE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

CONTENTS.

PREFACE.

ERRATUM.

KING HENRY THE EIGHTH.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[C].

THE PROLOGUE.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT I.

Scene I. London. An ante-chamber in the palace.

Scene II. The same. The council-chamber.

Scene III. An antechamber in the palace.

Scene IV. A Hall in York Place.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT II.

Scene I. Westminster. A street.

Scene II. An ante-chamber in the palace.

Scene III. An ante-chamber of the Queen's apartments.[335]

Scene IV. A hall in Black-Friars.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT III.

Scene I. London. The Queen's apartments.

Scene II. Ante-chamber to the King's apartment.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT IV.

Scene I. A street in Westminster.

Scene II. Kimbolton.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT V.

Scene I. London. A gallery in the palace.[727]

Scene II. Before the council-chamber.

Scene III. The council-chamber.

Scene IV. The palace yard.[853]

Scene V. The palace.[892]

FOOTNOTES:

THE EPILOGUE.

FOOTNOTES:

NOTES.

Note I.

Note II.

Note III.

Note IV.

Note V.

Note VI.

Note VII.

Note VIII.

Note IX.

Note X.

Note XI.

Note XII.

Note XIII.

Note XIV.

TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[D].

FOOTNOTES:

THE PROLOGUE.[925]

FOOTNOTES:

ACT I.

Scene I. Troy. Before Priam's palace.

Scene II. The same. A street.

Scene III. The Grecian camp. Before Agamemnon's tent.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT II.

Scene I. The Grecian camp.[1262]

Scene II. Troy. A room in Priam's palace.[1313]

Scene III. The Grecian camp. Before the tent of Achilles.[1391]

FOOTNOTES:

ACT III.

Scene I. Troy. A room in Priam's palace.

Scene II. An orchard to Pandarus' house.

Scene III. The Grecian camp.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT IV.

Scene I. Troy. A street.

Scene II. Court of Pandarus' house.[1856]

Scene III. Before Pandarus' house.[1918]

Scene IV. A room in Pandarus' house.[1923]

Scene V. The Grecian camp. Lists set out.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT V.

Scene I. The Grecian camp. Before Achilles' tent.[2120]

Scene II. The same. Before Calchas' tent.

Scene III. Troy. Before Priam's palace.[2274]

Scene IV. The field between Troy and the Grecian camp.

Scene V. Another part of the field.

Scene VI. Another part of the field.[2368]

Scene VII. Another part of the field.[2388]

Scene VIII. Another part of the field.[2402]

Scene IX. Another part of the field.

Scene X. Another part of the field.

FOOTNOTES:

NOTES.

Note I.

Note II.

Note III.

Note IV.

Note V.

Note VI.

Note VII.

Note VIII.

Note IX.

Note X.

Note XI.

Note XII.

Note XIII.

Note XIV.

Note XV.

Note XVI.

Note XVII.

CORIOLANUS.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[F].

ACT I.

Scene I. Rome. A street.[2455]

Scene II. Corioli. The Senate-House.

Scene III. Rome. A room in Marcius' house.

Scene IV. Before Corioli.

Scene V. Within Corioli. A street.[2660]

Scene VI. Near the camp of Cominius.[2674]

Scene VII. The gates of Corioli.[2713]

Scene VIII. A field of battle between the Roman and the Volscian camps.

Scene IX. The Roman camp.

Scene X. The camp of the Volsces.[2768]

FOOTNOTES:

ACT II.

Scene I. Rome. A public place.

Scene II. The same. The Capitol.

Scene III. The same. The Forum.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT III.

Scene I. Rome. A street.

Scene II. A room in Coriolanus's house.

Scene III. The same. The Forum.[3346]

FOOTNOTES:

ACT IV.

Scene I. Rome. Before a gate of the city.

Scene II. The same. A street near the gate.[3435]

Scene III. A highway between Rome and Antium.

Scene IV. Antium. Before Aufidius's house.[3480]

Scene V. The same. A hall in Aufidius's house.[3491]

Scene VI. Rome. A public place.[3581]

Scene VII. A camp, at a small distance from Rome.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT V.

Scene I. Rome. A public place.

Scene II. Entrance of the Volscian camp before Rome. Two Sentinels on guard.

Scene III. The tent of Coriolanus.

Scene IV. Rome. A public place.[3841]

Scene V. The same. A street near the gate.

Scene VI. Antium. A public place.[3869]

FOOTNOTES:

NOTES.

Note I.

Note II.

Note III.

Note IV.

Note V.

Note VI.

Note VII.

Note VIII.

Note IX.

Note X.

Note XI.

TITUS ANDRONICUS.

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ[H].

ACT I.

Scene I. Rome. Before the Capitol. The Tomb of the Andronici appearing.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT II.

Scene I. Rome. Before the palace.

Scene II. A forest near Rome. Horns and cry of hounds heard.

Scene III. A lonely part of the forest.

Scene IV. Another part of the forest.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT III.

Scene I. Rome. A street.

Scene II. A room in Titus's house. A banquet set out.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT IV.

Scene I. Rome. Titus's garden.

Scene II. The same. A room in the palace.

Scene III. The same. A public place.

Scene IV. The same. Before the palace.

FOOTNOTES:

ACT V.

Scene I. Plains near Rome.

Scene II. Rome. Before Titus's house.

Scene III. Court of Titus's house. A banquet set out.

FOOTNOTES:

NOTES.

Note I.

Note II.

Note III.

Note IV.

Note V.

Note VI.

Note VII.

Note VIII.

Note IX.

Note X.

Transcriber's Notes:

THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE