The Life of Caius Martius Coriolanus
-
1. Family of the MARTIANS, and character of CAIUS MARTIUS.
-
2. He goes to the wars and is crowned with a garland of oaken boughs.
-
3. The Roman populace complain of the extremity of usury, and encamp on the holy hill.
-
4. MENENIUS AGRIPPA, by his fable of the belly and the members, pacifies the populace; tribunes of the people are chosen for the first time.
-
5. Siege of CORIOLI, and successful valour
of CAIUS MARTIUS.
-
6. The people offer him the tenth part of the enemies' goods, which he refuses.
-
7. He is surnamed CORIOLANUS.
-
8. Seditions at Rome, by reason of famine.
-
9. CORIOLANUS offends the people.
-
10. Much corn brought to ROME; Speech of CORIOLANUS.
-
11. SICINIUS, the tribune, pronounces sentence of death upon CORIOLANUS, who defends himself.
-
12. He is sentenced to perpetual banishment.
-
13. Ge goes in disguise to ANTIUM, a city of the Volsces.
-
14. Vision of TITUS LATINUS. Origins of the word furcifer.
-
15. CORIOLANUS chosen general of the Volsces, jointly with TULLUS AUFIDIUS, against the Romans.
-
16. Successes of MARTIUS.
-
17. The Romans send to him to treat of peace.
-
18. Second embassy of the ROMANS to CORIOLANUS.
-
19. VOLUMNIA, his mother expostulates with CORIOLANUS, who withdraws his army from ROME.
-
20. Building of the temple of FORTUNA.
-
21. TULLUS AUFIDIUS seeks to kill CORIOLANUS, who is murdered in the city of ANTIUM.
-
22. TULLUS AUFIDIUS is slain in battle.
1.
The Family of the Martians. |
The house of the Martians at Rome was of the number
of the Patricians, out of the which have sprung many noble personages,
whereof Ancus Martius was one, King Numa's daughter's
son, who was King of Rome after Tullus Hostilius.
Publius and Quintius Martius brought the water by conduits to Rome. |
Of
the same house were Publius and Quintus, who brought to Rome
their best water they had, by conduits. Censorinus also came
of that family, that was so surnamed, because the people had
chosen him Censor twice.
Through whose persuasion they made
a law, that no man from thenceforth might
require
1
or enjoy
the Censorship twice. Caius Martius, whose life we intend now
to write, being left an orphan by his father, was brought up
under his mother a widow; who taught us by experience, that
orphanage bringeth many
discommodities
2
to a child, but doth
not hinder him to become an honest man, and to excel in virtue
above the common sort: as they that are meanly born wrongfully
do complain, that it is the occasion of their casting away,
for that no man in their youth taketh any care of them to see
them well brought up, and taught that were
meet
3. This man
also is a good proof to confirm some men's opinions: That a
rare and excellent wit, untaught, cloth bring forth many good and
evil things together: as a fat soil that lieth unmanured bringeth
forth both herbs and weeds. For this Martius' natural
wit and great heart did marvellously stir up his courage to do
and attempt notable acts. But on the other side, for lack of
education, he was so choleric and impatient, that he would
yield to no living creature: which made him churlish, uncivil,
and altogether unfit for any man's
conversation
4. Yet men marvelling
much at his constancy, that he was never overcome
with pleasure nor money, and how he would endure easily all
manner of pains and
travails
5:
thereupon they well liked and
commended his stoutness and
temperancy
6
But for all that
they could not be acquainted with him, as one citizen useth to
be with another in the city: his behaviour was so unpleasant
to them by reason of a certain insolent and stern manner he
had, which, because he was too lordly, was disliked.
And to
say truly, the greatest benefit that learning bringeth unto men
is this: that it teacheth men that be rude and rough of nature,
by
compass
7
and rule of reason, to be civil and courteous, and
to like better the mean state than the higher. Now in those
days, valiantness was honoured in Rome above all other virtues.
which they call
virtus, by the name of virtue itself, as including
in that general name all other special virtues besides.
What this word Virtus signifieth. |
So
that
virtus in the Latin was as much as valiantness.
But Martius
being more inclined to the wars than any other gentleman
of his time, began from his childhood to give himself to
handle weapons, and daily did exercise himself therein: and he
esteemed outward armour to no purpose, unless one were
naturally armed within. Moreover he did so exercise his body
to
hardness
8
and all kind of activity, that he was very swift
in running, strong in wrestling' and mighty in
griping
9,
so that
no man could ever
cast
10
him. insomuch as those that would
try
masteries
11
with him for strength and nimbleness, would say
when they were overcome: that all was by reason of his natural
strength and hardness of ward
12,
that never yielded to any pain
or toil he took upon him.
2.
Coriolanus' first going to wars. |
The first time he went to the wars, being but a stripling,
was when Tarquin surnamed the proud (that had been king of
Rome, and was driven out for his pride, after many attempts
made by sundry battles to come in again, wherein he was ever
overcome) did come to Rome with all the aid of the Latins,
and many other people of Italy: even as it were
to set up his
whole rest
13
upon a battle by them, who with a great and mighty
army had undertaken to put him into his kingdom again, not
so much to pleasure him, as to overthrow the power of the
Romans, whose greatness they both feared and envied. In
this battle, wherein were many hot and sharp encounters of
either
party
14,
Martius valiantly fought in the sight of the Dictator:
and a Roman soldier being thrown to the ground even
hard
by
15
him, Martius straight bestrid him, and slew the enemy,
with his own hands, that had before overthrown the Roman.
Coriolanus crowned with a garland of oaken boughs. |
Hereupon, after the battle was won, the Dictator did not forget
so noble an act, and therefore first of all he crowned Martius
with a garland of oaken boughs. For whosoever saveth the life
of a Roman, it is a
manner
16
among them, to honour him with
such a garland. This was, either because the law did this
honour to the oak, in favour of the Arcadians, who by the oracle
of Apollo were in old time called eaters of acorns: or else because
the soldiers might easily in every place come
by
17
oaken
boughs: or lastly, because they thought it very necessary, to
give him that had saved a citizen's life, a crown of this tree to
honour him, being properly dedicated unto Jupiter, the patron
and protector of cities, and thought amongst other wild trees to
bring forth a profitable fruit, and of plants to be the strongest.
Moreover, men at the first beginning did use acorns for their
bread, and honey for their drink: and further, the oak did feed
their beasts, and give them birds, by taking glue from the oaks,
with the which they made bird-lime to catch silly birds. They
say that Castor and Pollux appeared in this battle, and that
incontinently
18
after the battle, men saw them in the marketplace
at Rome, all their horses being on a white foam: and
they were the first that brought news of the victory, even in the
same place where remaineth at this present a temple built in
the honour of them, near unto the fountain. And this is the
cause why the day of this victory (which was the fifteenth of
July) is consecrated yet to this day unto Castor and Pollux.
Too sudden honour in youth killeth further desire of fame. |
Moreover it is daily seen, that honour and reputation lighting
on young men before their time, and before they have any great
courage by nature, the desire to win more dieth
straight
19
in
them, which easily happeneth, the same having no deep root
in them before. Where contrariwise, the first honour that
valiant minds do come unto, cloth quicken up their appetite,
hasting them forward as with force of wind, to
enterprise
20
things of high-deserving praise. For they
esteem
21
not to receive
reward for service done, but rather take it for a remembrance
and encouragement, to make them do better in time to come:
and be ashamed also to cast their honour. at their heels, not
seeking to increase it still by like desert of worthy valiant
deeds.
Coriolanus' noble endeavor to continue well deserving. |
This desire being bred in Martius, he
strained
22
still
to
pass
23
himself in manliness: and being desirous to shew a
daily increase of his valiantness, his noble service did still
advance his fame, bringing in spoils upon spoils from the enemies.
Whereupon, the captains that came afterwards (for envy
of them that went before) did contend who should most honour
him, and who should bear most honourable testimony of his
valiantness. Insomuch as the Romans having many wars and
battles in those days, Coriolanus was at them all: and there
was not a battle fought, from whence he returned not with
some reward of honour. And as for
other
24,
the only
respect
25
that made them valiant, was that they hoped to have honour:
but touching Martius, the only thing that made him to love
honour was the joy he saw his mother did take of him. For
he thought nothing made him so happy and honourable, as that
his mother might hear every body praise and commend him,
that she might always see him return with a crown upon his
head, and that she might
still
26
embrace him with tears running
down her cheeks for joy: which desire they say Epaminondas
did avow and confess to have been in him, as to think himself
a most happy and blessed man, that his father and mother
in their life time had seen the victory he
wan
27
in the plain of
Leuctres.
Coriolanus and Epaminondas did both place their desire for honour alike. |
Now as for Epaminondas, he had this good hap, to
have his father and mother living, to be partakers of his joy
and prosperity: but Martius thinking all due to his mother,
that had
been
28
also due to his father if he had lived, did not
only content himself to
rejoice
29
and honour her, but at her desire
took a wife also, by whom he had two children, and yet
never left his mother's house
therefore
30.
3.
The obedience of Coriolanus to his mother. |
Now he being grown to great credit and authority in
Rome for his valiantness, it fortuned there grew sedition in the
city, because the Senate did favour the rich against the people,
who did complain of the sore oppression of usurers, of whom
they borrowed money.
Extremity of usary complained of at Rome by the people. |
For those that had little, were yet
spoiled of that little they had by their creditors, for lack of
ability to pay the usury: who offered their goods to be sold
to them that would give most. And such as had nothing left,
their bodies were laid hold on, and they were made their bondmen,
notwithstanding all the wounds and cuts they shewed,
which they had received in many battles, fighting for defence of
their country and commonwealth: of the which, the last war
they made was against the Sabines, wherein they fought upon
the promise the rich men had made them, that from thenceforth
they would
intreat
31
them more gently, and also upon the word of
Marcus Valerius chief of the Senate, who, by authority of the
council, and in the behalf of the rich, said they should perform
that they had promised. But after that they had faithfully served
in this last battle of all, where they overcame their enemies,
seeing they were never a whit the better, nor more gently intreated,
and that the Senate would give no ear to them, but
made as though they had forgotten the former promise, and
suffered them to be made slaves and bondmen to their creditors,
and besides, to be turned out of all that ever they had: they
fell then even to flat rebellion and mutiny, and to stir up dangerous
tumults within the city. The Romans' enemies hearing
of this rebellion, did straight enter the territories of Rome with
a marvellous great
power
32,
spoiling and burning all as they
came. Whereupon the Senate immediately made open proclamation
by sound of trumpet, that all those that were of lawful
age to carry weapon, should come and enter their names into
the muster-master's book, to go to the wars: but no man obeyed
their commandment. Whereupon their chief magistrates and
many of the Senate began to be of divers opinions among
themselves. For some thought it was
reason
33,
they should somewhat
yield to the poor people's request, and that they should
a little qualify the severity of the law. Other held hard against
that opinion, and that was Martius for one.
Martius Coriolanus against the people. |
For he alleged,
that the creditors' losing their money they had lent was not the
worst thing that was herein: but that the lenity that was favoured
was a beginning of disobedience, and that the proud attempt
of the communally was, to abolish law, and to bring all to
confusion. Therefore he said, if the Senate were wise, they
should betimes
prevent
34
and quench this ill-favoured and worse
meant beginning.
The Senate met many days in consultation
about it: but in the end they
concluded
35
nothing.
The people leave the city and do go to the Holy Hill. |
The poor
common people, seeing no redress, gathered themselves one day
together; and one encouraging another, they all forsook the city,
and encamped themselves upon a hill, called at that day the
Holy Hill, along the river of Tiber, offering no creature any hurt
or violence, or making any shew of actual rebellion, saving that
they cried as they went up and down, that the rich men had
driven them out of the city, and that throughout all Italy they
might find air, water, and ground to bury
them
36
in. Moreover,
they said, to dwell at Rome was nothing else but to be slain,
or hurt with continual wars and fighting, for defence of the rich
men's goods.
4. The Senate, being afraid of their departure, did send
unto them certain of the pleasantest old men, and the most
acceptable to the people among them. Of those Menenius
Agrippa was he, who was sent for chief man of the message
from the Senate. He, after many good persuasions and gentle
requests made to the people, on the behalf of the Senate, knit
up his oration in the end with a notable tale, in this manner:
An excellent tale told by Menenius Agrippa to pacify the people. |
That "on a time all the members of man's body did rebel against
the belly, complaining of it, that it
only
37
remained in the midst
of the body without doing any thing, neither did bear any
labour to the maintenance of the rest: whereas all other parts and
members did labour
painfully
38,
and were very
careful
39,
to satisfy
the appetites and desires of the body. And so the belly, all
this notwithstanding, laughed at their folly, and said: It is true,
I first receive all meats that nourish man's body: but afterwards
I send it again to the nourishment of other parts of the same.
Even so (quoth he) O you, my masters, and citizens of Rome,
the reason is alike between the Senate and you. For matters
being well digested, and their counsels
throughly
40
examined,
touching the benefit of the commonwealth, the Senators are
cause of the common
commodity
41
that cometh unto every one of
you."
The first beginning of Tribuni plebis. |
These persuasions pacified the people conditionally, that
the Senate would grant there should be yearly chosen five Magistrates,
which they now call Tribuni plebis, whose office should
be to defend the poor people from violence and oppression. So
Junius Brutus and Sicinius Vellutus were the first tribunes of
the people that were chosen, who
had only been
42
the causers and
procurers
43
of this sedition. Hereupon, the city being grown again
to good quiet and unity, the people immediately went to the
wars, strewing that they had a good will to do better than ever
they did, and to be very willing to obey the Magistrates in that
they would command concerning the wars.
5. Martius also, though it
liked him nothing
44
to see the
greatness of the people thus increased, considering it was to the
prejudice and
imbasing
45
of the Nobility, and also saw that other
noble Patricians were troubled as well as himself: he did persuade
the Patricians, to shew themselves no less forward and
willing to fight for their country than the common people were:
and to let them know by their deeds and acts, that they did not
so much
pass
46
the people in power and riches, as they did exceed
them in true nobility and valiantness.
The city of Corioles beseiged by Consul Cominius. |
In the country of the
Volsces, against whom the Romans made war at that time,
there was a principal city and of most fame, that was called
Corioles, before the which the Consul Cominius did lay siege.
Wherefore all the other Volsces, fearing lest that city should be
taken by assault, they came from all parts of the country to
save it, intending to give the Romans battle before the city,
and to give an onset on them in two
several
47
places. The Consul
Cominius understanding this, divided his army also into
two parts; and taking the one part with himself, he marched towards
them that were drawing to the city out of the country:
Titus Latius, a valiant Roman. |
and the other part of his army he left in the camp with Titus
Latius
48
(one of the valiantest men the Romans had at that time)
to resist those that would make any sally out of the city upon
them. So the Coriolanus, making small account of them that lay
in camp before the city, made a sally out upon them, in the
which at the first the Coriolans had the better, and
drave
49
the
Romans back again into the trenches of their camp. But Martius
being there at that time, running out of the camp with a
few men with him, he slew the first enemies he met withal, and
made the rest of them
stay
50
upon the sudden, crying out to the
Romans that had turned their backs, and calling them again to
fight with a loud voice.
The property of a soldier. |
For he was even such another, as Cato
would have a soldier and a captain to be, not only terrible and
fierce to lay about him, but to make the enemy
afeard
51
with the
sound of his voice, and grimness of his countenance. Then
there flocked about him immediately a great number of Romans:
whereat the enemies were so
afeard
52,
that they
gave back presently
53.
But Martius, not staying so, did chase and follow
them to their own gates, that fled for life. And there perceiving
that the Romans retired back, for the great number of darts
and arrows which flew about their ears from the walls of the
city, and that there was not one man amongst them that durst
venture himself to follow the flying enemies into their city, for
that it was full of men of war very well armed and appointed,
he did encourage his fellows with words and deeds, crying out
to them, "that fortune had opened the gates of the city, more for
the followers than the fliers." But all this notwithstanding, few
had the hearts to follow him. Howbeit Martius, being in the
throng amongst the enemies, thrust himself into the gates of
the city, and entered the same among them that fled, without
that any one of them durst at the first turn their face upon him,
or
offer
54
to
stay
55
him. But he, looking about him, and seeing he
was entered the city with very few men to help him, and perceiving
he was environed by his enemies that gathered round
about to set upon him, did things, as it is written, wonderful
and incredible, as well for the force of his hand, as also for the
agility of his body; and with a wonderful courage and valiantness
he made a lane through the midst of them, and overthrew
also those he
laid at
56:
that some he made run to the furthest
part of the city, and other for fear he made yield themselves,
and to let fall their weapons before him. By this means Martius,
that was gotten out, had some leisure to bring the Romans
with more safety into the city.
The city of Corioles taken. |
The city being taken in this
sort, the most part of the soldiers began
incontinently
57
to spoil, to carry away, and to
look up
58
the booty they had won. But
Martius was marvellous angry with them, and cried out on
them, that it was no time now to look after spoil, and to run
straggling here and there to enrich themselves, whilst the other
Consul and their fellow-citizens peradventure were fighting with
their enemies: and how that, leaving the spoil, they should seek
to wind themselves out of danger and peril. Howbeit, cry and
say to them what he could, very few of them would hearken to
him. Wherefore taking those that willingly offered themselves
to follow him, he went out of the city, and took his way toward
that part where he understood the rest of the army was, exhorting
and intreating them by the way that followed him, not
to be fainthearted; and oft holding up his hands to heaven, he
besought the gods to be gracious and favourable unto him, that
he might come in time to the battle, and
in a good hour
59
to hazard his life in defence of his countrymen.
Now the Romans
when they were put in battle
ray
60,
and ready to take their
targets
61
on their arms, and to gird them upon their
arming-coats
62,
had a custom to make their wills at that very instant, without
any manner of writing, naming him only whom they would
make their heir in the presence of three or four witnesses.
Martius came just to that reckoning, whilst the soldiers were
doing after that sort, and that the enemies were approached so
near, as one stood in view of the other. When they saw him at
his first coming all bloody, and in a sweat, and but with a few
men following him, some thereupon began to be
afeard
63.
But
soon after, when they saw him run with a lively cheer to the
Consul, and to take him by the hand, declaring how he had
taken the city of Corioles, and that they saw the Consul Cominius
also kiss and
imbrace
64
him, then there was not a man but
took heart again to him, and began to be of good courage; some
hearing him report, from point to point, the happy success of
this exploit, and other also conjecturing it by seeing their gestures
afar off. Then they all began to call upon the Consul to
march forward, and to delay no longer, but to give charge upon
the enemy. Martius asked him how the order of their enemy's
battle was, and on which side they had placed their best fighting
men. The Consul made him answer, that he thought the
bands which were in the
vaward
65
of their battle were those of
the Antiates, whom they esteemed to be the
warlikest
66
men, and
which, for valiant courage, would
give no place
67
to any of the
host of their enemies. Then prayed Martius to be set directly
against them. The Consul granted him, greatly praising his
courage.
By Coriolanus' means, the Volsci were overcome in battle. |
Then Martius, when both armies came almost to join,
advanced himself a good space before his company, and went
so fiercely to give charge on the
vaward
68
that came right
against him, that they could stand no longer in his hands: he
made such a lane through them, and opened a passage into the
battle
69
of the enemies. But the two wings of either side turned
one to the other, to compass him in between them: which the
Consul Cominius perceiving, he sent thither
straight of
70
the best
soldiers he had about him. So the battle was marvellous bloody
about Martius, and in a very short space many were slain in the
place. But in the end the Romans were so strong, that they
distressed the enemies, and brake their array: and scattering
them, made them fly. Then they prayed Martius that he would
retire to the camp, because they saw he was able to do no more,
he was already so wearied with the great
pain he had taken
71
and so faint with the great wounds he had upon him. But Martius
answered them, that it was not for conquerors to yield, nor
to be fainthearted: and thereupon began afresh to chase those
that fled, until such time as the army of the enemies was utterly
overthrown, and numbers of them slain and taken prisoners
6. The next morning betimes, Martius went to the Consul,
and the other Romans with him. There the Consul Cominius
going up to his chair of state, in the presence of the whole army,
gave thanks to the gods for so great, glorious, and prosperous a
victory: then he spake to Martius, whose valiantness he commended
beyond the moon, both for that he himself saw him do
with his eyes, as also for that Martius had reported unto him.
The tenth part of the enemies' goods offered Martius for reward of his service by Cominius the Consul. |
So in the end he
willed
72
willed Martius, that he should choose out of
all the horses they had taken of their enemies, and of all their
goods they had won (whereof there was great store) ten of every
sort which he liked best, before any distribution should be made
to other.
Valiancy rewarded with honour in the field. |
Besides this great honourable offer he had made him,
he gave him, in
testimony
73
testimony that he had won that day the
price
74
of
prowess above all other, a goodly horse with a
caparison
75,
and
all
furniture
76
to him: which the whole army beholding, did marvellously
praise and commend.
Martius' noble answer and refusal. |
But Martius, stepping forth, told
the Consul he most thankfully accepted the gift of his horse,
and was a glad man besides, that his service had deserved his
general's commendation: and as for his other offer, which was
rather a mercenary reward than a honourable recompence, he
would have none of it, but was contented to have his equal
part with the other soldiers. " Only, this
grace
77
(said he) I crave
and beseech you to grant me. Among the Volsces there is an
old friend and host of mine, an honest wealthy man, and now a
prisoner; who, living before in great wealth in his own country,
liveth now a poor prisoner, in the hands of his enemies: and
yet notwithstanding all this his misery and misfortune, it would
do me great pleasure if I could save him from this one danger,
to keep him from being sold as a slave." The soldiers hearing
Martius' words, made a marvellous great shout among them,
and there were more that wondered at his great
contentation
78
and abstinence, when they saw so little covetousness in him,
than they were that highly praised and extolled his valiantness.
For even they themselves that did somewhat
malice
79
and envy his glory, to see him thus honoured and
passingly
80
praised, did
think him so much the more worthy of an honourable recompence
for his valiant service, as the more carelessly he refused
the great offer made unto him for his profit; and they esteemed
more the virtue that was in him, that made him refuse such rewards,
than that which made them to be offered to him, as unto
a worthy person. For it is far more commendable, to use riches
well, than to be valiant: and yet it is better not to desire them
than to use them welt
7. After this shout and noise of the assembly was somewhat
appeased, the Consul Cominius began to speak in this
sort: "we cannot compel Martius to take these gifts we offer
him if he will not receive them, but we will give him such a
reward for the noble service he hath done, as he cannot refuse.
Martius surnamed Coriolanus by the Consul. |
Therefore we do order and decree, that henceforth he be called
Coriolanus, unless his valiant acts have won him that name before
our nomination." And so ever since, he still
bare
81
the third
name of Coriolanus.
How the Romans came to have three names. |
And thereby it appeareth, that the first
name the Romans have, as Caius, was as our Christian name
now. The second, as Martius, was the name of the house and
family they came of. The third was some addition given, either
for some act or notable service, or for some mark on their face,
or of some shape of their body, or else for some special virtue
they had. Even so did the Grecians in old time give
additions
82
to princes, by reason of some notable act
worthy
83
memory. As
when they have called some Soter and Callinicos, as much to
say as saviour and conqueror. Or else of some notable apparent
mark on one's face, or on his body, they have called him
Phiscon and Grypos: as ye would say, gorebelly
84,
and hooknosed;
or else for some virtue, as Euergetes and Philadelphes,
to wit, a benefactor, and lover of his brethren. Orotherwise for
one's great felicity, as Eudaemon: as much to say as fortunate.
For so was the second of the
Battes
85
surnamed. And some
kings have had surnames of jest and mockery. As one of the
Antigones that was called Doson, to say, the Giver: who was
ever promising, and never giving.
Names of mockery among the Romans. |
And one of the Ptolomees was
called Lamyros: to say,
conceitive
86.
The Romans
use
87,
more
than any other nation, to give names of mockery in this sort.
As, there was one Metellus, surnamed Diadematus, the banded,
because he carried a band about his head
of long time
88,
by reason
of a sore he had in his forehead. One other of his own
family was called Celer, the quick-fly, because a few days after
the death of his father, he shewed the people the cruel fight of
fencers at
unrebated
89
swords, which they found wonderful for the
shortness of time. Other had their surnames derived of some
accident at their birth. As to this day they call him Proculeius,
that is born, his father being in some far voyage: and him
Posthumius, that is born after the death of his father. And
when of two brethren twins, the one cloth die, and the other
surviveth, they call the survivor Vopiscus. Sometime also
they give surnames derived of some mark or misfortune of the
body: as Sylla, to say, crook-nosed: Niger, black: Rufus, red:
Caecus, blind: Claudus, lame. They did wisely in this thing to
accustom men to think, that neither the loss of their sight, nor
other such misfortunes as may chance to men, are any shame
or disgrace unto them; but the manner was to answer boldly to
such names, as if they were called by their proper names.
Howbeit these matters would be better amplified in other stories
than this.
8.
Sedition at Rome, by reason of famine. |
Now when this war was ended, the flatterers of the people
began to stir up sedition again, without any new occasion,
or just matter offered of complaint. For they did
ground
90
this
second insurrection against the Nobility and Patricians upon
the people's misery and misfortune, that could not but
fall out
91,
by reason of the former discord and sedition between them and
the Nobility. Because the most part of the arable land, within
the territory of Rome, was become
heathy
92
and barren for lack of
ploughing, for that they had no time nor
mean
93
to cause corn
to be brought them out of other countries to sow, by reason of
their wars; which made the extreme dearth they had among
them. Now those busy prattlers that sought the people's goodwill
by such flattering words, perceiving great scarcity of corn
to be within the city: and though there had been plenty enough,
yet the common people had no money to buy it: they spread
abroad false tales and rumours against the Nobility, that they,
in revenge
of
94
the people, had
practised
95
and
procured
96
the extreme
dearth among them. Furthermore, in the midst of this
stir, there came ambassadors to Rome from the city of Velitres,
that offered up their city to the Romans, and prayed them they
would send new inhabitants to replenish the same: because the
plague had been so extreme among them, and had killed such a
number of them,
as
97
there was not left alive the tenth person of
the people that had been there before. So the wise men of
Rome began to think, that the necessity of the Velitrians
fell out
98
in a most happy hour; and how, by this
occasion
99,
it was very
meet, in so great a scarcity of victuals, to disburden Rome of a
great number of citizens: and by this means as well to take
away this new sedition, and utterly to rid it out of the city, as
also to clear the same of many mutinous and seditious persons,
being the superfluous ill humours that grievously fed this disease.
Velitres made a colony to Rome. |
Hereupon the Consuls
pricked out
100
all those by a
bill
101,
whom they intended to send to Velitres, to go dwell there as in
form of a colony: and they levied out all the rest that remained
in the city of Rome, a great number to go against the Volsces,
hoping, by the
mean
102
of foreign war, to pacify their sedition at
home.
Two practices to remove the sedition at Rome. |
Moreover they imagined, when the poor with the rich.
and the mean sort with the Nobility, should by this device be
abroad in the wars, and in one camp, and in one service, and in
one like danger: that then they would be more quiet and loving
together.
Sicinius and Brutus, Tribunes of the people, against both those devices. |
But Sicinius and Brutus, two seditious Tribunes,
spake against either of these devices, and cried out upon the
noble men, that under the gentle name of a Colony, they would
cloak and colour
103
the most cruel and unnatural
fact
104
as might
be: because they sent their poor citizens into a sore infected
city and pestilent air, full of dead bodies unburied, and there
also to dwell under the
tuition
105
of a strange god, that had so
cruelly persecuted his people. " This were (said they) even as
much, as if the Senate should headlong cast down the people
into a most bottomless pit; and are not yet contented to have
famished some of the poor citizens heretofore to death, and to
put other of them even to the mercy of the plague: but afresh
they have
procured
106
a voluntary war, to the end they would
leave behind no kind of misery and ill, wherewith the poor silly
people should not be plagued, and only because they are weary
to serve the rich." The common people, being set on a broil and
bravery
107
with these words, would not appear when the Consuls
called their names by a
bill
108,
to
prest
109
them for the wars, neither
would they be sent out to this new colony: insomuch as the
Senate knew not well what to say or to do in the matter.
9. Martius then, who was now grown to great credit, and a
stout man besides, and of great reputation with the noblest men
of Rome, rose up, and openly spake against these flattering Tribunes.
Coriolanus offendeth the people. |
And for the replenishing of the city of Velitres, he did
compel those that were chosen, to go thither and to
depart
110
the
city, upon great penalties to him that should disobey: but to the
wars the people by no means would be brought or constrained.
Coriolanus invadeth the Antiates and bringeth rich spoils home. |
So Martius, taking his friends and followers with him, and such
as he could by fair words intreat to go with him, did run certain
forays into the dominion of the Antiates, where he met with
great plenty of corn, and had a marvellous great spoil, as well
of cattle as of men he had taken prisoners, whom he brought
away with him, and reserved nothing for himself. Afterwards,
having brought back again all his men that went out with him,
safe and sound to Rome, and every man rich and
loaden
111
with
spoil: then the home-tarriers and
house-doves
112
that
kept
113
Rome
still, began to repent them that it was not their
hap
114
to go with
him, and so envied both them that had sped so well in this
journey; and also, of malice to Martius, they
spited
115
to see his
credit and estimation increase still more and more, because
they accounted him to be a great hinderer of the people.
Shortly after this, Martius stood for the Consulship: and the
common people favoured his suit, thinking it would be a shame
to them to deny and refuse the chiefest noble man of blood,
and most worthy person of Rome, and specially him that had
done so great service and good to the commonwealth.
The manner of suing at Rome. |
For the
custom of Rome was at that time, that such as did sue for any
office, should for certain days before be in the market-place,
only with
116
a poor gown on their backs, and without any coat underneath,
to pray the citizens to remember them at the day of
election:
Whereupon this means of suing was devised. |
which was thus devised, either to move the people the
more, by requesting them in such mean apparel, or else because
they might shew them their wounds they had gotten in the wars
in the service of the commonwealth, as manifest marks and
testimonies of their valiantness.
Officers given then by desert, without favour or corruption. |
Now it is not to be thought
that the suitors went thus loose in a simple gown in the marketplace,
without any coat under it, for fear and suspicion of the
common people: for offices of dignity in the city were not then
given by favour or corruption. It was but of late time, and long
after this, that buying and selling
fell out
117
in election of officers,
and that the voices of the electors were bought for money. But
after corruption had once gotten way into the election of offices,
it hath run from man to man, even to the very sentence of
judges, and also among captains in the wars: so as in the end,
that only
118
fumed commonwealths into kingdoms, by making
arms subject to money. Therefore me thinks he
had reason
119
that said:
Banquets and money given, only destroyers of commonwealths. |
"he that first made banquets and gave money to the
common people, was the first that took away authority, and destroyed
commonwealth." But this pestilence crept in by little
and little, and did secretly win ground
still
120,
continuing a long
time in Rome, before it was openly known and discovered. For
no man can tell who was the first man that bought the people's
voices for money, nor that corrupted the sentence of the Judges.
Anytus then Athenian the first that with money corrupted the sentence of the judge, and voices of the people. |
Howbeit at Athens some hold opinion, that Anytus, the son of
Anthemion, was the first that fed the judges with money, about
the end of the wars of Peloponnesus, being accused of treason
for yielding up the fort of Pyle at that time, when the golden
and
unfoiled
121
age remained yet whole in judgment at Rome.
Now Martius, following this custom, shewed many wounds and
cuts upon his body, which he had received in seventeen years'
service at the wars, and in many sundry battles, being ever the
foremost man that did set out
feet
122
to fight. So that there was
not a man among the people but was ashamed of himself, to
refuse so valiant a man: and one of them said to another, "we
must needs choose him Consul, there is no remedy." But when
the day of election was come, and that Martius came to the
market-place with great pomp, accompanied with all the Senate
and the whole Nobility of the city about him, who sought to
make him Consul with the greatest
instance
123
and intreaty they
could, or ever attempted for any man or matter: then the love
and goodwill of the common people turned straight to an hate
and envy toward him, fearing to put this office of sovereign authority
into his hands, being a man somewhat partial towards
the Nobility, and of great credit and authority amongst the
Patricians, and as one they might
doubt
124
would take away altogether
the liberty from the people. Whereupon, for these considerations,
they refused Martius in the end, and made two
other that were suitors, Consuls. The Senate, being marvellously
offended with the people, did account the shame of this
refusal rather to redound to themselves than to Martius but
Martius took it in far worse part than the Senate, and was out
of all patience. For he was a man too full of passion and
choler, and too much given over to self-will and
opinion
125,
as one
of a high mind and great courage, that lacked the gravity and
affability that is gotten with judgment of learning and reason,
which only is to be
looked for
126
in a governor of State: and that
remembered not how wilfulness is the thing
the thing of
127
the world, which
a governor of a commonwealth,
for pleasing
128,
should shun, being
that which Plato called 'solitariness';
The fruit of selfwill and obstinacy. |
as in the end, all men
that are wilfully given to a self-opinion and obstinate mind, and
who will never yield to other's reason but to their own. remain
without company, and forsaken of all men. For a man that
will
129
live in the world must needs have patience, which lusty bloods
make but a mock at. So Martius, being a stout man of nature,
that never yielded in any respect, as one thinking that to overcome
always and to have the upper hand in all matters, was a
token of magnanimity and of no base and faint
courage
130,
which
spitteth out anger from the most weak and
passioned
131
part of
the heart, much like the
matter
132
of an
impostume
133:
went home
to his house, full freighted with spite and malice against, the people,
being accompanied with all the
lustiest
134
young gentlemen, whose
minds were nobly bent, as those that came of noble race, and
commonly
used
135
for to follow and honour him. But then specially
they flocked about him, and kept him company to his
much
136
harm, for they did but kindle and inflame his choler more
and more, being sorry with him for the injury the people offered
him; because he was their captain and leader to the wars, that
taught them all martial discipline, and stirred up in them a
noble emulation of honour and valiantness, and yet, without
envy, praising them that deserved best.
10.
Great store of corn brought to Rome. |
In the mean season there came great plenty of corn to
Rome, that had been bought, part in Italy, and part was sent
out of Sicily, as given by Gelon the tyrant of Syracusa: so that
many stood in great hope, that the dearth of victuals being
holpen
137,
the civil dissension would also cease. The Senate sat
in council upon it immediately; the common people stood also
about the palace where the council was kept,
gaping
138
what
resolution
139
would
fall out
140:
persuading themselves that the corn they
had bought should be sold good
cheap
141,
and that which was
given should be divided by the
poll
142,
without paying any penny;
and the rather, because certain of the Senators amongst them
did so wish and persuade the same. But Martius, standing
upon his feet, did somewhat sharply
take up
143
those who
went about
144
to gratify the people therein: and called them people-pleasers,
and traitors to the Nobility.
Coriolanus' oration against the insolency of the people. |
" Moreover," he said,
"they nourished against themselves the
naughty
145
seed and
cockle
146
of insolence and sedition, which had been sowed and
scattered abroad amongst the people, which they should have
cut off, if they had been wise, in their growth: and not (to
their own destruction) have suffered the people to establish a
magistrate for themselves, of so great power and authority as
that man had to whom they had granted it. Who was also
to be feared, because he obtained what he
would
147,
and did
nothing but what he
listed
148,
neither
passed for
149
any obedience
to the Consuls, but lived in all liberty; acknowledging no superior
to command him,
saving the only
150
heads and authors of
their faction, whom he called his magistrates. Therefore," said
he, "they that gave counsel and persuaded, that the corn
should be given out to the common people gratis, as they
used to do in the cities of Greece, where the people had more
absolute power, did but only nourish their disobedience, which
would break out in the end, to the utter ruin and overthrow
of the whole state. For they will not think it is done in recompence
of their service past,
sithence
151
they know well enough
they have so oft refused to go to the wars when they were
commanded: neither for their mutinies when they went with
us, whereby they have rebelled and forsaken their country:
neither for their accusations which their flatterers have preferred
unto them, and they have received, and made good
against the Senate: but they will rather judge, we give and
grant them this as abasing ourselves, and standing in fear of
them, and glad to flatter them every way. By this means
their disobedience will still grow worse and worse: and they
will never
leave
152
to practice new sedition and uproars. Therefore
it were a great folly for us, methinks, to do it: yea, shall
I say more? we should, if we were wise, take from them their
Tribuneship, which most manifestly is the embasing of the
Consulship, and the cause of the division of the city. The
state whereof, as it standeth, is not now as it was wont to be,
but becometh dismembered in two factions, which maintains
always civil dissension and discord between us, and will never
suffer us again to be united into one body."
Martius dilating
the matter with many such like reasons, won all the young
men, and almost all the rich men to his opinion: insomuch as
they
out
153,
that he was the only man, and alone in the
city, who stood out against the people, and never flattered
them. There were only a few old men that spake against him,
fearing lest some mischief
fall out upon it
154,
as indeed
there followed no great good afterward. For the Tribunes of
the people, being present at this consultation of the Senate,
when they saw that the opinion of Martius was confirmed with
the
more
155
voices, they left the Senate, and went down to the
people, crying out for help, and that they would assemble to
save their Tribunes.
Sedition at Rome for Coriolanus. |
Hereupon the people
ran on head
156
in tumult
together, before whom the words that Martius spake in the
Senate were openly reported: which the people so
stomached
157,
that even in that fury they were ready to fly upon the whole
Senate. But the Tribunes laid all the fault and
burthen
158
wholly
upon Martius, and sent their sergeants forthwith to arrest him,
presently
159
to appear in person before the people, to answer the
words he had spoken in the Senate. Martius stoutly withstood
these officers that came to arrest him. Then the Tribunes in
their own persons, accompanied with the Aediles, went to fetch
him by force, and so laid violent hands upon him. Howbeit the
noble Patricians gathering together about him, made the Tribunes
give back
160,
and laid sore upon the Aediles: so for that
time the night parted them, and the tumult appeased. The
next morning betimes, the Consuls seeing the people in an uproar,
running to the market-place out of all parts of the city,
they were afraid lest all the city
would
161
together by the ears:
wherefore assembling the Senate in all haste, they declared how
it
stood them upon
162,
to appease the fury of the people with some
gentle words or grateful decrees in their favour: and moreover,
like wise men they should consider, it was now no time to stand
at defence and in contention, nor yet to fight for honour against
the commonalty, they being fallen to so great an extremity, and
offering such imminent danger. Wherefore they were to consider
temperately of things, and to deliver some present and
gentle pacification. The most part of the Senators that were
present at this council, thought this opinion best, and gave
their consents unto it. Whereupon the Consuls rising out of
council, went to speak unto the people as gently as they could,
and they did pacify their fury and anger,
purging
163
the Senate of
all the unjust accusations laid upon them, and used great
modesty
164
in persuading them, and also in reproving the faults they
had committed. And as for the rest, that touched the sale of
corn, they promised there should be no
disliking
165
offered them
in the price.
So the most part of the people being pacified,
and appearing so plainly by the great silence that was among
them, as yielding to the Consuls and
liking well of
166
their words:
the Tribunes then of the people rose out of their seats, and
said: " Forasmuch as the Senate yielded unto reason, the people
also for their part, as became them, did likewise give place unto
them: but notwithstanding, they
would
167
that Martius should
come in person to answer to the articles they had devised.
Articles against Coriolanus. |
First, whether he had not solicited and
procured
168
the Senate to
change the present state of the commonweal, and to take the
sovereign authority out of the people's hands? Next, when he
was sent for by authority of their officers, why he did contemptuously
resist and disobey? Lastly, seeing he had driven and
beaten the Aediles into the market-place before all the world: if,
in doing this, he had not done as much as in him lay, to raise
civil wars, and to set one citizen against another?" All this was
spoken to one of these two ends, either that Martius, against his
nature, should be constrained to humble himself and to abase
his haughty and fierce mind: or else, if he continued still in his
stoutness
169,
he should incur the people's displeasure and ill-will
so far, that he should never possibly win them again. Which
they hoped would rather
fall out
170
so, than otherwise: as indeed
they guessed unhappily, considering Martius' nature and disposition.
11. So Martius came and presented himself to answer their
accusations against him, and the people held their peace, and
gave attentive ear, to hear what he would say.
Coriolanus' stoutness in defense of himself. |
But where they
thought to have heard very humble and lowly words come from
him, he began not only to use his wonted boldness of speaking
(which of itself was very rough and unpleasant, and did more
aggravate his accusation, than
purge
171
his
innocency
172
) but also
gave himself in his words to thunder, and look therewithal so
grimly, as though he made no reckoning of the matter. This
stirred coals among the people, who were in wonderful fury at
it, and their hate and malice grew so toward him, that they
could hold no longer, bear, nor endure his
bravery
173
and careless
boldness.
Sicinius the Tribune pronounceth sentence of death upon Martius. |
Whereupon Sicinius, the cruellest and stoutest of the
Tribunes, after he had whispered a little with his companions,
did openly pronounce, in the face of all the people, Martius as
condemned by the Tribunes to die. Then presently he commanded
the Aediles to apprehend him, and carry him straight
to the rock Tarpeian, and to cast him headlong down the same.
When the Aediles came to lay hands upon Martius to do
that
174
they were commanded, divers of the people themselves thought
it too cruel and violent a deed. The noblemen, being much
troubled to see so much force and rigour used, began to cry
aloud 'help Martius': so those that laid hands on him being
repulsed, they compassed him
in round
175
among themselves, and
some of them, holding up their hands to the people, besought
them not to handle him thus cruelly. But neither their words
nor crying out could aught prevail, the tumult and
hurlyburly
176
was so great, until such time as the Tribunes' own friends and
kinsmen, weighing with themselves the
impossibleness
177
to convey
Martius to execution without great slaughter and murder of the
nobility, did persuade and advise not to proceed in so violent
and extraordinary a sort, as to put such a man to death without
lawful process in law, but that they should refer the sentence of
his death to the free voice of the people. Then Sicinius, bethinking
himself a little, did ask the Patricians, for what cause
they took Martius out of the officers' hands that went to do execution?
The Patricians asked him again, why they would of
themselves so cruelly and wickedly put to death so noble and
valiant a Roman as Martius was, and that without law and justice?
"Well then," said Sicinius, "if that be the matter, let there
be no quarrel or dissension against the people: for they do
grant your demand, that his cause shall be heard according to
the law.
Coriolanus hath day given him to answer the people. |
Therefore," said he to Martius, "we do
will
178
and charge
you to appear before the people, the third day of our next sitting
and assembly here, to make your purgation for such articles as
shall be objected against you, that by free voice the people may
give sentence upon you as shall please them. The noblemen
were glad then of the adjournment, and were much pleased they
had gotten Martius out of this danger.
In the mean space
before the third day of their next session
came about
179,
the same
being kept every ninth day continually at Rome,
whereupon
180
they call it now in Latin Nundinae: there
fell out
181
war against
the Antiates, which gave some hope to the nobility that this
adjournment would come to little effect, thinking that this war
would hold them so long, as that the fury of the people against
him would be well
suaged
182,
or utterly forgotten, by reason of
the trouble of the wars. But contrary to expectation, the peace
was concluded
presently
183
with the Antiates, and the people returned
again to Rome. Then the Patricians assembled oftentimes
together, to consult how they might
stand to
184
Martius, and
keep the Tribunes from
occasion
185
to cause the people to
mutine
186
again, and rise against the Nobility. And there Appius Claudius
(one that was
taken
187
ever as an heavy enemy to the people)
did avow and protest, that they would utterly abase the authority
of the Senate, and destroy the commonweal, if they would
suffer the common people to have authority by voices to give
judgment against the Nobility. On the other side again, the
most ancient Senators, and such as were given to favour the
common people, said: " that when the people should see they had
authority of life and death in their hands, they would not be so
cruel and fierce, but gentle and
civil
188.
More also, that it was not
for contempt of Nobility or the Senate that they sought to have
the authority of justice in their hands, as a pre-eminence and
prerogative of honour: but because they feared, that themselves
should be contemned and hated of the Nobility. So
as
189
they
were persuaded, that so soon as they gave them authority to
judge by voices, they would
leave
190
all envy and malice to condemn
any."
Martius, seeing the Senate in great doubt how to
resolve
191,
partly for the love and goodwill the nobility did bear
him, and partly for the fear they stood in of the people: asked
aloud of the Tribunes, 'what matter they would
burden
192
him
with?'
Coriolanus accused that he sought to be king. |
The Tribunes answered him, 'that they would shew how
he did aspire to be King, and would prove that all his actions
tended to usurp tyrannical power over Rome.' Martius with
that, rising upon his feet, said: 'that
thereupon
193
he did willingly
offer himself to the people, to be tried upon that accusation:
and that if it were
proved by
194
him, he had so much as once
thought of any such matter, that he would then refuse no kind
of punishment they would offer him: conditionally (quoth he)
that you charge me with nothing else beside, and that ye do not
also abuse the Senate.' They promised they would not. Under
these conditions the judgment was agreed upon, and the people
assembled.
12. And first of all the Tribunes
would
195
in any case (whatsoever
became
196
of it) that the people should proceed to give
their voices by Tribes, and not by hundreds: for by this means
the multitude of the poor needy people (and all such rabble as
had nothing to lose, and had less regard of honesty before their
eyes) came to be of greater force (because their voices were
numbered by the
poll
197
) than the noble honest citizens, whose
persons and purse did dutifully serve the commonwealth in
their wars. And then, when the Tribunes saw they could not
prove he
went about
198
to make himself King, they began to
broach afresh the former words that Martius had spoken in the
Senate, in hindering the distribution of the corn at
mean
199
price
unto the common people, and persuading also to take the office
of Tribuneship from them. And for the third, they charged
him anew, that he had not made the common distribution of
the spoil he had gotten in the invading the territories of the
Antiates: but had of his own authority divided it among them
who were with him in that journey. But this matter was most
strange of all to Martius,
looking
200
least to have been
burdened
201
with that as with any matter of offence. Whereupon being
burdened on the sudden, and having no ready excuse to make
even at that instant: he began to fall a praising of the soldiers
that had served with him in that journey. But those that were
not with him, being the greater number, cried out so loud, and
made such a noise, that he could not be heard.
Coriolanus banished forever. |
To conclude,
when they came to
tell
202
the voices of the Tribes, there were
three voices odd, which condemned him to be banished for
ever. After declaration of the sentence, the people made such
joy,
as
203
they never rejoiced more for any battle they had won
upon their enemies, they were so brave and lively, and went
home so jocundIy from the assembly, for triumph of this sentence.
The Senate again,
in contrary manner
204,
were as sad and
heavy, repenting themselves beyond measure, that they had not
rather determined to have done and suffered anything whatsoever,
before the common people should so arrogantly and outrageously
have
abused
205
their authority. There needed no difference
of garments, I warrant you, nor outward shows, to know a
Plebeian from a Patrician, for they were easily discerned by their
looks. For he that was on the people's side looked cheerfully
on the matter: but he that was sad and hung down his head,
he was
sure
206
of the noblemen's side:
saving Martius alone,
Coriolanus' constant mind in adversity. |
who
neither in his countenance nor in his gait did ever shew himself
abashed, or once let fall his great courage: but he only, of
all other gentlemen that were angry at his fortune, did outwardly
shew no manner of passion, nor care at all of himself.
Not that he did patiently bear and
temper
207
his
evil hap
208
in respect
of any reason he had, or by his quiet condition: but because
he was so carried away with the vehemency of anger and
desire of revenge, that he had no sense nor feeling of the hard
state he was in: which the common people judge not to be sorrow,
although indeed it be the very same. For when sorrow (as
you would say) is set on fire, then it is converted into spite and
malice, and driveth away for that time all faintness of heart and
natural fear. And this is the cause why the choleric man is so
altered and mad in his actions, as a man set on fire with a
burning ague: for when a man's heart is troubled within, his
pulse will beat marvellous strongly. Now that Martius was
even in that
taking
209
it appeared true soon after by his doings.
For when he was come home to his house again, and had taken
his leave of his mother and wife, finding them weeping and
shrieking out for sorrow, and had also comforted and persuaded
them to be content with his chance: he went immediately to
the gate of the city, accompanied with a great number of Patricians,
that brought him thither, from whence he went on his
way with three or four of his friends only, taking nothing with
him, nor requesting anything of any man. So he remained a
few days in the country at his houses,
turmoiled
210
with sundry
sorts and kinds of thoughts, such as the fire of his choler did
stir up.
13. In the end, seeing he could
resolve
211
no way to take a
profitable or honourable course, but only was pricked forward
still to be revenged of the Romans: he thought to raise up
some great wars against them, by their nearest neighbours.
Whereupon he thought it his best way, first to stir up the Volsces
against them, knowing they were yet able enough in
strength and riches to encounter them, notwithstanding their
former losses they had received not long before, and that their
power was not so much impaired, as their malice and desire
was increased to be revenged of the Romans.
Tullus Aufidius, a great person among the Volsces. |
Now in the city
of Antium there was one called Tullus Aufidius, who for his
riches, as also for his nobility and valiantness, was honoured
among the Volsces as a king. Martius knew very well that
Tullus did more
malice
212
and envy him than he did all the Romans
besides: because that many times, in battles where they
met, they were ever at the encounter one against another, like
lusty courageous youths striving in all emulation of honour, and
had encountered many times together. Insomuch as, besides
the common quarrel between them, there was bred a marvellous
private hate one against another. Yet notwithstanding, considering
that Tullus Aufidius was a man of a great mind, and
that he above all other of the Volsces most desired revenge of
the Romans, for the injuries they had done unto them: he did
an act that confirmed the words of an ancient poet to be true,
who said:
It is a thing full hard, man's anger to withstand,
If it be stiffly bent to take an enterprise in hand.
For then most men will have the thing that they desire,
Although it cost their lives therefore, such force hath wicked ire.
And so did he. For he disguised himself in such array and
attire, as he thought no man could ever have known him for the
person he was, seeing him in that apparel he had upon his
back: and as Homer said of Ulysses:
So did he enter into the enemies' town.
Coriolanus disguised goes to Antium, a city of the Volsces. |
It was even twilight when he entered the city of Antium, and
many people met him in the streets, but no man knew him. So
he went directly to Tullus Aufidius' house, and when he came
thither, he
him
213
up straight to the chimney-hearth, and sat
him down, and spake not a word to any man, his face all muffled
over. They of the house spying him, wondered what he
should be, and yet they durst not bid him rise. For ill-favouredly
muffled and disguised as he was, yet there appeared a
certain majesty in his countenance and in his silence: whereupon
they went to Tullus, who was at supper, to tell him of the
strange disguising of this man. Tullus rose
presently
214
from the
board, and coming towards him, asked him what he was, and
wherefore he came. Then Martius unmuffled himself, and after
he had paused awhile, making no answer, he said unto him:
Coriolanus' oration to Tullus Aufidius. |
"If
thou knowest me not yet, Tullus, and, seeing me, cost not perhaps
believe me to be the man I am indeed, I must of necessity
bewray
215
myself to be that I am. I am Caius Martius, who hath
done to thyself particularly, and to all the Volsces generally,
great hurt and mischief, which I cannot deny
for
216
my surname
of Coriolanus that I hear. For I never had other benefit nor
recompence of the true and
painful
217
service I have done, and
the extreme dangers I have been in, but this only surname: a
good memory and witness of the malice and displeasure thou
shouldest bear me. Indeed the name only remaineth with
me: for the rest the envy and cruelty of the people of Rome
have taken from me, by the sufferance of the dastardly nobility
and magistrates, who have forsaken me, and let me be
banished by the people. This extremity hath now driven me
to come as a poor suitor, to take thy chimney-hearth, not of
any hope I have to save my life thereby for if I had feared
death, I would not have come hither to have put myself in
hazard: but
pricked forward
218
with desire to be revenged of
them that thus have banished me; which now I do begin, in
putting my person into the hands of their enemies. Wherefore,
if thou hast any heart to be
wrecked
219
of the injuries thy
enemies have done thee,
speed thee
220
now, and let my misery
serve thy turn, and so use it as my service may be a benefit
to the Volsces: promising thee, that I will fight with better
good will for all you than I did when I w as against you,
knowing that they fight more valiantly who know the force of
the enemy, than such as have never proved it. And if it be
so that thou dare not, and that thou art weary to
prove
221
fortune
any more, then am I also weary to live any longer. And it
were no wisdom in thee, to save the life of him, who hath
been heretofore thy mortal enemy, and whose service now can
nothing help nor
pleasure
222
thee." Tullus, hearing what he said,
was a marvellous glad man, and taking him by the hand, he
said unto him: " Stand up, O Martius, and be of good cheer, for
in proffering thyself unto us thou doest us great honour: and
by this means thou mayest hope also of greater things at all the
Volsces' hands. So he feasted him for that time, and entertained
him in the honourablest manner he could, talking with
him of no other matter at that present: but within few days
after they fell to consultation together, in what sort they should
begin their wars.
14.
Great Dissension at Rome about Martius' banishment. |
Now on the other side, the city of Rome was in marvellous
uproar and discord, the nobility against the commonalty,
and chiefly for Martius' condemnation and banishment. Moreover
the priests, the soothsayers, and private men also, came
and declared to the Senate certain sights and wonders in the
air, which they had seen, and were to be considered of: amongst
the which such a vision happened: There was a citizen of Rome
called Titus Latinus, a man of mean quality and condition, but
otherwise an honest sober man, given to a quiet life, without
superstition, and much less to vanity or lying. This man had
a vision in his dream, in the which he thought that Jupiter appeared
unto him, and commanded him to signify to the Senate,
that they had caused a very vile lewd dancer to go before the
procession: and said, the first time this vision had appeared
unto him, he made no reckoning of it: and coming again another
time into his mind, he made not much more account of the
matter than before. In the end, he saw one of his sons die,
who had the best nature and condition of all his brethren: and
suddenly he himself was so taken in all his limbs, that he became
lame and impotent. Hereupon he told the whole circumstance
of this vision before the Senate, sitting upon his little
couch or bed, whereon he was carried on men's arms: and he
had no sooner reported this vision to the Senate, but he
presently
223
felt his body and limbs restored again to their former
strength and use. So raising up himself upon his couch, he
got up on his feet at that instant, and walked home to his
house, without help of any man. The Senate being amazed at
this matter, made diligent enquiry to understand the truth:
and in the end they found there was such a thing: There was
one that had delivered a bondman of his that had offended him
into the hands of other slaves and bondmen, and had commanded
them to whip him up and down the market-place, and
afterwards to kill him: and as they had him in
execution
224,
whipping him cruelly, they did so
martyr
225
the poor wretch, that,
for the cruel smart and pain he felt, he turned and writhed his
body in strange and pitiful sort. The procession by chance
came by even at the same time, and many that followed it
were heartily moved and offended with the sight, saying: that
this was no good sight to behold, nor meet to be met in procession
time. But for all this, there was nothing done: saving
they blamed and rebuked him that punished his slave so cruelly.
For the Romans at that time did use their bondmen very
gently, because they themselves did labour with their own
hands, and lived with them and among them: and therefore
they did use them the more gently and familiarly. For the
greatest punishment they gave a slave that had offended, was
this.
The Romans' manner of punishing their slaves. |
They made him carry a
limmer
226
on his shoulders that is
fastened to the axletree of a coach, and compelled him to go
up and down in that sort amongst all their neighbours. He
that had once
abidden
227
this punishment, and was seen in that
manner, was proclaimed and cried in every market-town: so
that no man would ever trust him after, and they called him
Furcifer, because the Latins call the wood that runneth into the
axletree of the coach Furca, as much to say as a fork.
Now
when Latinus had made report to the Senate of the vision that
had happened to him, they were devising whom this unpleasant
dancer should be, that went before the procession. Thereupon
certain that stood by remembered the poor slave that was so
cruelly whipped through the market-place, whom they afterwards
put to death: and the thing that made him remember it;
was the strange and rare manner of h s punishment. The
priests hereupon were repaired unto for their advice: they were
wholly of opinion, that it was the whipping of the slave. So
they caused the slave's master to be punished, and began again
a new procession, and all other shows and sights in honour of
Jupiter. But hereby appeareth plainly,
A ceremony instituted by king Numa touching religion. |
how king Numa did
wisely ordain all other ceremonies concerning devotion to the
gods, and specially this custom which he established, to bring
the people to religion. For when the magistrates, bishops,
priests, or other religious ministers go about any divine service
or matter of religion, an herald ever goeth before them, crying
out aloud
hoc age: as to say, do this, or mind this. Hereby
they are specially commanded, wholly to dispose themselves to
serve God, leaving all other business and matters aside: knowing
well enough, that whatsoever most men do, they do it as
in a manner constrained unto it.
The superstition of the Romans. |
But the Romans did ever use
to begin again their sacrifices, processions, plays, and such like
shows done in honour of the gods, not only upon such an occasion,
but upon lighter causes than that. As, when they went
on procession through the city, and did carry the images of
their gods and such other like holy relics upon open hallowed
coaches or chariots, called in Latin
Thensa, one of the coachhorses
that drew them stood still and would draw no more,
and because also the coach-man took the reins of his bridle
with the left hand, they ordained that the procession should be
begun again anew. Of late time also, they did renew and begin
a sacrifice thirty times one after another, because they
thought
still
228
there
fell out
229
one fault or other in the same: so
holy and devout were they to the gods.
15. Now Tullus and Martius had secret conference with
the greatest personages of the city of Antium, declaring unto
them that now they had good time offered them to make war
with the Romans, while they were in dissension one with another.
They answered them, they were ashamed to break the
league, considering that they were sworn to keep peace for two
years.
The Romans gave the Volsces occasion of was. |
Howbeit, shortly after, the Romans gave them great
occasion
230
to make war with them. For on a holy day, common
plays being kept in Rome, upon some suspicion or [else report,
they made proclamation by sound of trumpet, that all the Volsces
should
avoid
231
out of Rome before sunset. Some think this
was a craft and deceit of Martius, who
Martius Coriolanus' crafty accusation of the Volsces. |
sent one to Rome to the
Consuls to accuse the Volsces falsely, advertising them how
they had made a conspiracy to set upon them while they were
busy in seeing these games, and also to set their city on fire.
This open proclamation made all the Volsces more offended
with the Romans than ever they were before: and Tullus, aggravating
the matter, did so inflame the Volsces against them,
that in the end they sent their ambassadors to Rome, to summon
them to deliver their lands and towns again, which they
had taken from them in times past, or to
look for
232
present
233
wars.
The Romans, hearing this, were marvellously nettled: and made
no other answer but this: " If the Volsces be the first that begin
war, the Romans will be the last that will end it."
Incontinently
234
upon return of the Volsces' ambassadors and delivery of the
Romans' answer, Tullus caused an assembly general to be made
of the Volsces, and
concluded
235
to make war upon the Romans.
This done, Tullus did counsel them to take Martius into their
service, and not to mistrust him for the remembrance of anything
past, but boldly to trust him in any matter to come: for
he would do them more service in fighting for them than ever
he did them displeasure in fighting against them.
Coriolanus chosen general of the Volsces with Tullus Aufidius against the Romans. |
So Martius
was called forth, who spake so excellently in the presence of
them all, that he was thought no less eloquent in tongue than
warlike in show: and
declared
236
himself both expert in wars, and
wise with valiantness. Thus he was joined in commission with
Tullus as general of the Volsces, having absolute authority between
them to follow and pursue the wars. But Martius, fearing
lest
tract
237
of time to bring this army together with all the munition
and
furniture
238
of the Volsces would rob him of the
mean
239
he had to execute his purpose and intent, left order with the
rulers and chief of the city to assemble the rest of their power,
and to prepare all necessary provision for the camp.
Coriolanus invadeth the territories of the Romans. |
Then he,
with the lightest soldiers he had, and that were willing to follow
him, stole away upon the sudden, and marched with all speed,
and entered the territories of Rome before the Romans heard
any news of his coming. Insomuch as the Volsces found such
spoil in the fields,
as
240
they had more than they could spend in
their camp, and were weary to drive and carry away that they
had. Howbeit, the gain of the spoil and the hurt they did to
the Romans in this invasion was the least part of his intent:
for his
A fine device to make the commonalty suspect the nobility. |
chiefest purpose was, to increase still the malice and
dissension between the nobility and the commonalty: and to
draw that on, he was very careful to keep the noblemen's lands
and goods safe from harm and burning, but spoiled all the
whole country besides, and would suffer no man to take or hurt
anything of the noblemen's. This made greater stir and broil
between the nobility and the people than was before.
Great heart-burning betwixt the nobility and the people. |
For the
noblemen
fell out
241
with the people because they had so unjustly
banished a man of so great velour and power. The people, on
the other side, accused the nobility, how they had procured
Martius to make these wars to be revenged of them: because it
pleased them to see their goods burnt and spoiled before their
eyes, whilst themselves were well at ease, and did behold the
people's losses and misfortunes, knowing their own goods safe
and out of danger: and how the war was not made against the
noblemen, that had the enemy abroad to keep that they had in
safety. Now Martius, having done his first exploit (which made
the Volsces bolder, and less fearful of the Romans), brought
home all the army again without loss of any man.
After their
whole army (which was marvellous great, and very forward to
service) was assembled in one camp, they agreed to leave part
of it for garrison in the country about, and the other part
should go on and make the war upon the Romans. So Martius
bade Tullus choose, and take which of the two charges he
liked best. Tullus made him answer, he knew by experience
that Martius was no less valiant than himself, and how he ever
had better fortune and good hap in all battles than himself
had. Therefore he thought it best for him to have the leading
of those that would make the wars abroad, and himself would
keep
242
home, to provide for the safety of the cities of his country,
and to furnish the camp also
of
243
all necessary provision abroad.
16. So Martius, being stronger than before, went first of all
unto the city of
Cercees
244,
inhabited by the Romans, who willingly
yielded themselves, and therefore had no hurt. From thence
he entered the country of the Latins, imagining the Romans
would fight with him there to defend the Latins, who were their
confederates, and had many times sent unto the Romans for
their aid. But on the one side, the people of Rome were very
ill willing
245
to go: and on the other side, the Consuls being upon
going out
246
of their office, would not hazard themselves for so
small a time: so that the ambassadors of the Latins returned
home again, and did no good. Then Martius did besiege their
cities, and having taken by force the town of the Tolerinians,
Vicanians, Pedanians, and the Bolanians, who made resistance,
he sacked all their goods and took them prisoners. Such as
did yield themselves willingly unto him, he was as careful as
possible might be to defend them from hurt: and because they
should receive no damage
by his will
247,
he removed his camp as
far from their confines as he could.
Afterwards, he took the
city of
Boles
248
by assault, being about an hundred furlong from
Rome, where he had a marvellous great spoil, and put every
man to the sword that was able to carry weapon. The other
Volsces that were appointed to remain in garrison for defence
of their country, hearing this good news, would tarry no longer
at home, but armed themselves and ran to Martius' camp,
saying they did acknowledge no other captain but him. Hereupon
his fame ran through all Italy, and every one praised him
for a valiant captain, for that, by change of one man for another,
such and so strange events fell out in the state.
In this while
249,
all went still to wrack at Rome. For, to come into the field to
fight with the enemy, they could not abide to hear of it, they
were one so much against another, and full of seditious words,
the nobility against the people, and the people against the
nobility. Until they had intelligence
at the length
250,
that the
enemies had laid siege to the city of Lavinium,
Lavinium built by Aeneas. |
in the which
were all the temples and images of their gods their protectors,
and from whence came first their ancient original, for that
Aeneas at his first arrival into Italy did build that city. Then
fell there out a marvellous sudden change of mind among the
people, and far more strange and contrary in the nobility.
For the people thought it good to repeal the condemnation and
exile of Martius. The Senate, assembled upon it, would in no
case yield to that: who either did it of a selfwill to be contrary
to the people's desire: or because Martius should not return
thorough
251
the grace and favour of the people. Or else, because
they were throughly angry and offended with him, that he
would set upon the whole, being offended but by a few, and in
his doings would shew himself an open enemy besides unto his
country: notwithstanding the most part of them took the wrong
they had done him in marvellous ill part, and as if the injury
had been done unto themselves. Report being made of the
Senate's resolution, the people found themselves in a
straight
252:
for they could authorise and confirm nothing by their voices,
unless it had been first propounded and ordained by the Senate.
But Martius, hearing this stir about him, was in a greater rage
with them than before: inasmuch as he raised his siege
incontinently
253
before the city of Lavinium, and going towards Rome,
lodged his camp within forty furlong of the city, at the ditches
called Cluiliae. His incamping so near Rome did put all the
whole city in a wonderful fear: howbeit for the present time it
appeased the sedition and dissension betwixt the nobility and
the people. For there was no consul, senator, nor magistrate,
that durst once
contrary
254
the opinion of the people for the calling
home again of Martius.
17. When they saw the women in a marvellous fear, running
up and down the city: the temples of the gods full of old
people, weeping bitterly in their prayers to the gods: and finally,
not a man either wise or hardy to provide for their safety: then
they were ale of opinion, that the people had reason to call
home Martius again, to reconcile themselves to him, and that
the Senate, on the contrary part, were in marvellous great fault
to be angry and in choler with him, when it
stood them upon
255
rather to have gone out and intreated him.
Romans send ambassadors to Coriolanus to treat of peace. |
So they all agreed
together to send ambassadors unto him, to let him understand
how his countrymen did call him home again, and restored him
to all his goods, and besought him to deliver them from this
war. The ambassadors that were sent were Martius' familiar
friends and acquaintance, who looked at the least for a courteous
welcome
of
256
him, as of their familiar friend and kinsman.
Howbeit they found nothing less: for at their coming they were
brought through the camp to the place where he was set in his
chair of state, with a marvellous and an unspeakable majesty,
having the chiefest men of the Volsces about him: so he commanded
them to declare openly the cause of their coming.
Which they delivered in the most humble and lowly words they
possibly could devise, and with all modest countenance and
behaviour agreeable to the same. When they had done their
message,
for
257
the injury they had done him, he answered them
very hotly and in great choler: but as general of the Volsces
he
willed
258
them to restore unto the Volsces all their lands and
cities they had taken from them in former wars: and moreover,
that they should give them the like honour and freedom of
Rome as they had before given to the Latins. For otherwise
they had no other
mean
259
to end this war, if they did not grant
these honest and just conditions of peace. Thereupon he gave
them thirty days respite to make him answer. So the ambassadors
returned straight to Rome, and Martius forthwith departed
with his army out of the territories of the Romans.
The first occasion of the Volsces' envy to Coriolanus. |
This
was the first matter wherewith the Volsces (that most envied
Martius' glory and authority) did
charge
260
Martius with. Among
those, Tullus was chief: who though he had received no private
injury or displeasure
of
261
Martius, yet the common fault and imperfection
of man's nature wrought in him, and it grieved him
to see his own reputation blemished through Martius' great
fame and honour, and so himself to be less esteemed of the
Volsces than he was before. This
fell out
262
the more, because
every man honoured Martius, and thought he only could do all,
and that all other governors and captains must be content with
such credit and authority as he would please to countenance
them with. From hence they derived all their first accusations
and secret murmurings against Martius. For private captains,
conspiring against him, were very angry with him: and gave it
out, that the removing of the camp was a manifest
treason
263,
not
of the towns, nor forts, nor of arms, but of time and
occasion
264,
which was a loss of great importance, because it was that
which in reason might both loose and bind all, and preserve
the whole. Now Martius having given the Romans thirty days
respite for their answer, and specially because the wars have
not accustomed to make any great changes in less space of
time than that, he thought it good
yet
265,
not to lie asleep and
idle all the while, but went and destroyed the lands of the
enemies' allies, and took seven great cities of theirs well inhabited,
and the Romans durst not once put themselves into
the field to come to their aid and help, they were so fainthearted,
so mistrustful, and loth besides to make wars. Insomuch
as they properly resembled the bodies paralytic and
loosed of their limbs and members, as those which through the
palsy have lost all their sense and feeling.
18. Wherefore, the time of peace expired, Martius being
returned into the dominions of the Romans again with all his
army, they
Another ambassade sent to Coriolanus. |
sent another
ambassade
266
unto him, to pray peace,
and the
remove
267
of the Volsces out of their country: that afterwards
they might with better leisure fall to such agreements
together as should be thought most meet and necessary. For
the Romans were no men that would ever yield for fear. But
if he thought the Volsces had any ground to demand reasonable
articles and conditions, all that they would reasonably ask
should be granted unto by the Romans, who of themselves
would willingly yield to reason, conditionally, that they did lay
down arms. Martius to that answered: 'that, as general of the
Volsces, he would reply nothing unto it: but yet, as a Roman
citizen, he would counsel them to let fall their pride, and to be
conformable to reason, if they were wise: and that they should
return again within three days, delivering up the articles agreed
upon, which he had first delivered them. Otherwise, that he
would no more give them assurance or safe conduct to return
again into his camp with such vain and frivolous messages.'
When the ambassadors were returned to Rome, and had reported
Martius' answer to the Senate: their city being in
extreme danger, and as it were in a terrible storm or tempest,
they threw out (as the common proverb saith) their holy anchor.
The priests and soothsayers sent to Coriolanus. |
For then they appointed all the bishops, priests, ministers of
the gods, and keepers of holy things, and all the augurs or
soothsayers, which foreshew things to come by observation of
the flying of birds (which is an old ancient kind of prophesying
and divination amongst the Romans) to go to Martius, apparelled
as when they do their sacrifices: and first to intreat him
to leave off war, and then that he would speak to his countrymen,
and conclude peace with the Volsces. Martius suffered
them to come into his camp, but yet he granted them
nothing the more
268,
neither did he entertain them or speak more courteously
to them, than he did the first time that they came unto
him, saving only that he willed them to take the one of the
two: either to accept peace under the first conditions offered,
or else to receive war. When all this goodly rabble of superstitious
priests were returned, it was determined in council that
none should go out of the gates of the city, and that they should
watch and ward upon the walls to repulse their enemies if they
came to assault them: referring themselves and all their hope
to time, and fortune's uncertain favour, not knowing otherwise
how to remedy the danger. Now all the city was full of tumult,
fear, and marvellous doubt what would happen, until at the
length there fell out such a like matter, as Homer ofttimes said
they would least have thought of. For in great matters, that
happen seldom, Homer saith, and crieth out in this sort:
The goddess Pallas she, with her fair glistering eyes,
Did put into his mind such thoughts, and made him so devise.
And in another place:
But sure some god hath
tane
269
out of the people's mind
Both wit and understanding eke, and have therewith assigned
Some other simple spirit, instead thereof to bide,
That so they might their doings all, for lack of wit, misguide.
And in another place:
The people of themselves did either it consider,
Or else some god instructed them, and so they join'd together.
Many reckon not of Homer, as referring matters
unpossible
270,
and fables of no likelihood or troth, unto man's reason, freewill,
or judgment, which indeed is not his meaning. But things
true and likely, he maketh to depend of our own freewill and
reason. For he oft speaketh these words:
I have thought it in my noble heart.
And in another place:
Achilles angry was, and sorry for to hear
Him so to say, his heavy breast was fraught with pensive fear.
And in another place:
Bellerophon (she) could not move with her fair tongue,
So honest and so virtuous he was, the rest among.
But in wondrous and extraordinary things, which are done by
secret inspirations and motions, he cloth not say that God
taketh away from man his choice and freedom of will, but that
he cloth move it: neither that he cloth work desire in us, but
objecteth
271
to our minds certain imaginations whereby we are led
to desire, and thereby cloth not make this our action forced, but
openeth the way to our will, and addeth thereto courage and
hope of success. For either we must say, that the gods meddle
not with the causes and beginnings of our actions: or else what
other means have they to help and further men? It is apparent
that they handle not our bodies, nor move not our feet and
hands, when there is occasion to use them: but that part of our
mind from which these motions proceed, is induced thereto, or
carried away by such objects and reasons, as God offereth
unto it.
19. Now the Roman ladies and gentlewomen did visit all
the temples and gods of the same, to make their prayers unto
them: but the greatest ladies (and more part of them) were
continually about the a]tar of Jupiter Capitolin, among which
troup
272
by name, was Valeria, Publicola's own sister; the selfsame
Publicola, who did such notable service to the Romans,
Valeria Publicola's sister. |
both in peace and wars, and was dead also certain years before,
as we have declared in his life. His sister Valeria was greatly
honoured and reverenced among all the Romans: and did so
modestly and wisely behave herself, that she did not shame nor
dishonour the house she came of. So she suddenly fell into
such a fancy, as we have rehearsed before, and had (by some
god, as I think) taken hold of a noble device. Whereupon she
rose and the other ladies with her, and they all together went
straight to the house of
Volumnia, Martius' mother. |
Volumnia, Martius' mother: and coming
in to her, found her, and Martius' wife her daughter-in-law,
set together, and having her husband Martius' young children
in her lap. Now all the train of these ladies sitting in a ring
round about her, Valeria first began to speak in this sort unto
her:
The words of Valeria unto Volumnia and Virgilia. |
"We ladies are come to visit you ladies (my lady Volumnia
and Virgilia) by no direction from the Senate, nor commandment
of other magistrate, but through the inspiration (as
I take it) of some god above: who, having taken compassion
and pity of our prayers, hath moved us to come unto you, to
intreat you in a matter, as well beneficial for us as also for
the whole citizens in general, but to yourselves in special (if
it please you to credit me), and shall redound to your
more
273
fame and glory, than the daughters of the Sabines obtained
in former age, when they procured loving peace, instead of
hateful war, between their fathers and their husbands. Come
on, good ladies, and let us go all together unto Martius, to
intreat him to take pity upon us, and also to report the truth
unto him, how much you are bound unto the citizens: who
notwithstanding they have sustained great hurt and losses by
him, yet they have not hitherto sought revenge upon your persons
by any discourteous usage, neither ever conceived any
such thought or intent against you, but to deliver you safe
into his hands, though thereby they look for no better grace
or clemency from him." When Valeria had spoken this unto
them, all the other ladies together, with one voice, confirmed
that she had said. Then Volumnia in this sort did answer
her:
The answer of Volumnia to the Roman ladies. |
"My good ladies, we are partakers with you of the common
misery and calamity of our country, and yet our grief
exceedeth yours the more, by reason of our particular misfortune,
to feel the loss of my son Martius' former
valiancy
274
and glory, and to see his person environed now with our
enemies in arms, rather to see him forthcoming and safe kept
than of any love to defend his person. But yet the greatest
grief of our heaped mishaps is to see our poor country brought
to such extremity, that all the hope of the safety and preservation
thereof is now unfortunately cast upon us simple
women: because we know not what account he will make of
us, since he hath cast from him all care of his natural country
and commonweal, which heretofore he hath holden more dear
and precious than either his mother, wife, or children. Notwithstanding,
if ye think we can do good, we will willingly do
w hat you will have us; bring us to him, I pray you. For if we
cannot prevail, we may yet die at his feet, as humble suitors
for the safety of our country."
Her answer ended, she took
her daughter-in-law and Martius' children with her, and being
accompanied with all the other Roman ladies, they went in
troup
275 together unto the Volsces' camp: whom when they saw,
they of themselves did both pity and reverence her, and there
was not a man among them that once durst say a word unto
hen Now was Martius set then in his chair of state, with all
the honours of a general, and when he had spied the women
coming afar off, he marvelled what the matter meant: but
afterwards knowing his wife which came foremost, he determined
at the first to persist in his obstinate and inflexible rancour.
But overcome in the end with natural affection, and
being altogether
altered
276 to see them, his heart would not serve
him to tarry their coming to his chair, but coming down in
haste he went to meet them, and first he kissed his mother,
and embraced her a pretty while, then his wife and little children.
And nature so wrought with him that the tears fell
from his eyes, and he could not keep himself from making much
of them, but yielded to the affection of his blood, as if he had
been violently carried with the fury of a most swift running
stream.
After he had thus lovingly received them, and perceiving
that his mother Volumnia would begin to speak to him,
he called the chiefest of the council of the Volsces to hear
what she would say. Then she spake in this sort:
The oration of Volumnia unto her son Coriolanus. |
"If we
held our peace, my son, and determined not to speak, the
state of our poor bodies, and present sight of our raiment,
would easily
bewray
277
to thee what life we have led at home,
since thy exile and abode abroad; but think now with thyself,
how much more
unfortunate
278 than all the women living, we are
come hither, considering that the sight which should be most
pleasant to all other to behold, spiteful fortune had made most
fearful
279
to us: making myself to see my son, and my daughter
here her husband, besieging the walls of his native country:
so as that which is the only comfort to all other in their adversity
and misery, to pray unto the gods and to call to them
for aid, is the only thing which plungeth us into most deep
perplexity. For we cannot, alas! together pray both for victory
to our country and for safety of thy life also: but a world
of grievous curses, yea, more than any mortal enemy can heap
upon us, are forcibly wrapt up in our prayers. For the bitter
sop of most hard choice is offered thy wife and children, to
forego one of the two: either to lose the person of thyself, or
the nurse of their native country. For myself, my son, I am
determined not to tarry till fortune, in my lifetime, do make an
end of this war. For if I cannot persuade thee, rather to do
good unto both parties than to overthrow and destroy the one,
preferring love and nature before the malice and calamity of
wars, thou shalt see, my son, and trust unto it, thou shalt no
sooner march forward to assault thy country, but thy foot shall
tread upon thy mother's womb, that brought thee first into this
world. And I may not
defer
280
to see the day, either that my son
be led prisoner in triumph by his natural countrymen, or that
he himself do triumph
of
281
them, and of his natural country. For
if it were so, that my request tended to save thy country, in
destroying the Volsces, I must confess, thou wouldest hardly
and doubtfully resolve on that. For as, to destroy thy natural
country, it is altogether unmeet and unlawful, so were it not
just, and less honourable, to betray those that put their trust
in thee. But my
only
282
demand consisteth, to make a gaol-delivery
of all evils, which delivereth equal benefit and safety
both to the one and the other, but most honourable for the
Volsces. For it shall appear, that, having victory in their
hands, they have of special favour granted us singular graces,
peace, and amity, albeit themselves have no less part of both
than we. Of which good, if so it came to pass, thyself is the
only
283
author, and so hast thou the
only
284
honour. But if it fail
and fall out contrary, thyself alone deservedly shalt carry the
shameful reproach and burthen of either party. So, though the
end of war be uncertain, yet this notwithstanding is most certain,
that, if it be thy chance to conquer, this benefit shalt thou
reap of thy goodly conquest, to be
chronicled
285
the plague and
destroyer of thy country. And if fortune overthrow thee, then
the world will say, that, through desire to revenge thy private
injuries, thou hast for ever undone thy good friends, who did
most lovingly and courteously receive thee."
Martius gave
good ear unto his mother's words, without interrupting her
speech at all, and after she had said what she would, he held
his peace a pretty while, and answered not a word. Hereupon
she began again to speak unto him, and said: " My son, why
cost thou not answer me? Dost thou think it good altogether
to give place unto thy choler and desire of revenge, and thinkest
thou it not
honesty
286
for thee to grant thy mother's request,
in so weighty a cause? Dost thou take it honourable for a
noble man to remember the wrongs and injuries done him,
and cost not in like case think it an
honest
287
noble man's part,
to be thankful for the goodness that parents do shew to their
children, acknowledging the duty and reverence they ought to
bear unto them? No man living is more bound to shew himself
thankful in all parts and respects than thyself: who so
unnaturally
288
shewest all ingratitude. Moreover (my son) thou hast
sorely taken
of
289
thy country, exacting grievous payments
upon
290
them, in revenge of the injuries offered thee; besides, thou hast
not hitherto shewed thy poor mother any courtesy. And therefore
it is not only
honest
291,
but due unto me, that without compulsion
I should obtain my so just and reasonable request of
thee. But since by reason I cannot persuade thee to it, to what
purpose do I defer my last hope?" And with these words, herself,
his wife, and children fell down upon their knees before
him.
Coriolanus' compassion of his mother. |
Martius, seeing that, could refrain no longer, but went
straight and
lift
292
her up, crying out, " Oh mother, what have you
done to me?" And holding her hard by the right hand, "Oh
mother," said he, " you have won a happy victory for your country,
but mortal and unhappy for your son: for I see myself vanquished
by you alone." These words being spokes openly, he
spake a little apart with his mother and wife, and then let them
return again to Rome, for so they did request him; and so remaining
in camp that night, the next morning he
dislodged
293,
and
Coriolanus withdraweth his army from Rome. |
marched homeward into the Volsces' country again, who
were not all of one mind, nor all alike contented. For some
misliked
294
him and that he had done: other), being well pleased
that peace should be made, said that neither the one nor the
other deserved blame nor reproach.
other
295,
though they
misliked
296
that was done, did not think him an ill man for that he
did, but said he was not to be blamed, though he yielded to
such a forcible extremity. Howbeit no man
contraried
297
his departure,
but all obeyed his commandment, more for respect of
his worthiness and
valiancy
298
than for fear of his authority.
20. Now the citizens of Rome plainly shewed in what fear
and danger their city stood of this war, when they were delivered.
For so soon as the watch upon the walls of the city perceived
the Volsces' camp to remove, there was not a temple in the city
but was
presently
299
set open, and full of men wearing garlands of
flowers upon their heads, sacrificing to the gods, as they were
wont to do upon the news of some great obtained victory. And
this common joy was yet more manifestly shewed by the honourable
courtesies the whole Senate and people did bestow on
their ladies. For they were all
throughly
300
persuaded, and did
certainly believe, that the ladies only were cause of the saving of
the city and delivering themselves from the
instant
301
danger of
the war. Whereupon the Senate ordained that the magistrates,
to gratify and honour these ladies, should grant them all that
they would require.
The temple of Fortune built for the women. |
And they only requested that they would
build a temple of Fortune for the women, unto the building
whereof they offered themselves to defray the whole charge of
the sacrifices and other ceremonies belonging to the service of
the gods. Nevertheless the Senate, commending their goodwill
and forwardness, ordained that the temple and image should be
made at the common charge of the city. Notwithstanding that,
the ladies gathered money among them, and made with the
same a second image of Fortune, which the Romans say did
speak as they offered her up in the temple and did set her in
her place: and they affirm, that she spake these words:
The image of Fortune spake to the ladies at Romen. |
"Ladies,
ye have devoutly offered me up."
Moreover, that she spake that
twice together: making us to believe things that never were, and
are not to be credited. For to see images that seem to sweat or
weep, or to put forth any humour red or bloody, it is not a thing
unpossible
302.
For wood and stone do commonly receive certain
moisture, whereof are ingendered humours, which do yield of
themselves, or do take of the air, many sorts and kinds of spots
and colours: by which signs and tokens it is not amiss, me think,
that the gods sometimes do warn men of things to come. And
it is possible also, that these images and statues do sometimes
put forth sounds like unto sighs or mourning, when in the midst
or bottom of the same there is made some violent separation or
breaking asunder of things blown or devised therein: but that
a body which hath neither life nor soul should have any direct
or
exquisite
303
words formed in it by express voice, that is altogether
unpossible
304.
For the soul nor God himself can distinctly speak
without a body, having necessary organs and instruments meet
for the parts of the same, to form and utter distinct words. But
where stories many times do force us to believe a thing reported
to be true, by many grave testimonies: there we must say, that
it is some passion contrary to our five natural senses, which being
begotten in the imaginative part or understanding draweth
an opinion unto itself, even as we do in our sleeping. For many
times we think we hear that we do not hear, and we imagine we
see that we see not. Yet notwithstanding, such as are godly
bent and zealously given to think on heavenly things, so as they
can no way be drawn from believing that which is spoken of
them, they have this reason to ground the foundation of their
belief upon;
Of the omnipotency of God. |
that is, the
omnipotency
305
of God, which is wonderful,
and hath no manner of resemblance or likeness of proportion
unto ours, but is altogether contrary, as touching our nature, our
moving, our art, and our force: and therefore, if he do any thing
unpossible
306
to us, or do bring forth and devise things above man's
common reach and understanding, we must not therefore think
it
unpossible
307
at all. For if in other things he is far contrary to
us, much more in his works and secret operations he far passeth
all the rest: but the most part of God's doings, as Heraclitus
saith, for lack of faith, are hidden and unknown unto us.
21.
Tullus Aufidius seeketh to kill Coriolanus. |
Now when Martius was returned again into the city of
Antium from his voyage, Tullus, that hated and could no longer
abide him for the fear he had of his authority, sought diverse
means to make him away; thinking, if he let slip that present
time, he should never recover the like and fit occasion again.
Wherefore Tullus, having procured many other of his confederacy,
required
308
Martius might be deposed from his estate, to render up
account to the Volsces of his charge and government. Martius,
fearing to become a private man again under Tullus being
general (whose authority was greater otherwise than any other
among all the Volsces), answered: he was willing to give up his
charge, and would resign it into the hands of the lords of the
Volsces, if they did all command him, as by all their commandment
he received it. And moreover, that he would not refuse
even at that present to give up an account unto the people, if
they would tarry the hearing of it The people hereupon called
a common council, in which assembly there were certain orators
appointed that stirred up the common people against him: and
when they had told their tales, Martius rose up to make them
answer. Now, notwithstanding the mutinous people made a
marvellous great noise, yet when they saw him, for the reverence
they bare unto his valiantness, they quieted themselves, and
gave him audience to allege with leisure what he could for his
purgation
309.
Moreover, the
honestest
310
men of the Antiates, and
who most rejoiced in peace, shewed by their countenance that
they would hear him willingly and judge also according to
their conscience. Whereupon Tullus, fearing that, if he did let
him speak, he would prove his
innocency
311
to the people, because
amongst other things he had an eloquent tongue; besides that
the first good service he had done to the people of the Volsces
did win him more favour than these last accusations could
purchase
312
him displeasure: and furthermore, the offence they laid to
his charge was a testimony of the goodwill they
ought
313
him; for
they would never have thought he had done them wrong for that
they took not the city of Rome, if they had not been very near
taking of it by means of his approach and
conduction
314.
For
these causes Tullus thought he might no longer delay his
pretence
315
and enterprise, neither to tarry for the
mutining
316
and rising of
the common people against him: wherefore those that were of
the conspiracy began to cry out that he was not to be heard,
and that they would not suffer a traitor to usurp tyrannical power
over the tribe of the Volsces, who would not yield up his state
and authority.
Coriolanus murdered in the city of Antium. |
And in saying these words, they all fell upon
him, and killed him in the market-place, none of the people once
offering to rescue him.
22.
Howbeit it is a clear case, that this murder was not
generally consented unto
of
317
the most part of the Volsces: for
men came out of all parts to honour his body, and did honourably
bury him; setting out his tomb with great store of armour
and spoils, as the tomb of a worthy person and great captain.
The Romans, understanding of his death, shewed no other
honour or malice, saving that they granted the ladies their
request they made, that they might mourn ten months for him:
and that was the full time they used to wear
blacks
318
for the death
of their fathers, brethren, or husbands,
The time of mourning appointed by Numa. |
according to Numa
Pompilius' order who stablished the same, as we have enlarged
more amply in the description of his life. Now Martius being
dead, the whole state of the Volsces heartily wished him alive
again. For, first of all, they fell out with the Aeques (who were
their friends and confederates) touching
preheminence
319
and
place: and this quarrel grew on so far between them, that frays
and murders fell out upon it one with another.
Tullus Aufidius slain in battle. |
After that, the
Romans overcame them in battle, in which Tullus was slain in
the field, and the flower of all their force was put to the sword:
so that they were compelled to accept most shameful conditions
of peace, in yielding themselves subject unto the conquerors, and
promising to be obedient at their commandment.